The Connection

Rock Canyon’s three mock trial teams and their attorney coaches pose after completing their fourth and final round, February 9. The sophomore team placed first in the competition, the senior team placed fourth, and the freshman team placed eleventh. By Amanda Brauchler, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of RCHS After four months of preparation, nine…

The “Rock the Night Away” committee, many of whom are members of the 80108 community, made the fundraiser for RCHS the success it was. By Jana Seal, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of RCHS and Jana Seal On February 9, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) held a parent and teacher date night fundraiser for teacher…

The Rock Canyon High School theatre program has grown from one National Qualifier in 2013 to a record 34 individual qualifications this year. 80108 thespians in the program include Lucy Meisel, Kaelyn New, Logan McDonnell, Briana Zappavigna, Brittlyn Stibley, Lily Schmoker, Valerie Thomas, Carson Carnes, Sophia Badia, Cameron Warlow, Tim Merkle and Olivia Critchley. By…

By Terri Wiebold; file photos The City of Castle Pines covers approximately 6,114 acres or 9.55 square miles. Since its incorporation more than a decade ago, many of the areas The Connection reported on as “future areas for potential growth” have since been developed or are underway in the development process. Three significant projects include…

On Tuesday, January 8, Douglas County officials took the oath of office at the Philip S. Miller building in Castle Rock. Witnessed by family, friends, supporters and County employees, newly sworn-in officials included (left to right): Robert Snodgrass, surveyor; Merlin Klotz, clerk and recorder; Lisa Frizell, assessor; David Gill, treasurer; Jill Romann, coroner; Tony Spurlock,…

At top, girls will be girls! Castle Pines Storm swimmers and long-time swimming buddies Shayne Polk and Sophia Lush (pictured with Gabi Dyer) in 2015, circled back in 2018, pictured with Maya Amerlan and Kassidy Harris. Bottom photos, Sam and Claire Isert pictured above in 2010 and again in 2016 (right) are long-time Storm competitors.…

Pictured above, left to right: Joe Roos – Hide In Plain Sight, Greg Anderson – Minuteman Press, Tammy Lopez – Allstate Insurance, Steve and Andrea Peterson – Christian Brothers Automotive Castle Rock, Woody Howarth – Sterling Custom Homes, Inc., Melissa Coudeyras – City of Castle Pines, and Brad Mahoney – Douglas County Living. Article and…

Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Most of us find comfort in the fact that unexpected hardships probably won’t happen to us or our families. Those things happen to others, right? After all, what good comes from worrying about what might or could happen? As an organization, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce…

Information provided by the CPNMD The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) recently announced a vacancy on its board of directors, following the resignation of Director Norman Froman. Residents and/or property owners who wish to be considered for an appointment to the five-member board can email a letter of interest and bio/resume to CPNMD Manager…

By Catalin Varela This past year, Netflix outdid itself with the release of so many great new shows, and it looks like we can expect some great shows in 2019 as well. Here are just a few of the shows released in 2018 that are worth a watch, and the ones to keep an eye…

Fifteen- fourth and fifth-grade students participated in BRE’s annual spelling bee. By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Tim Ryckman Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) held its annual spelling bee on Friday, January 11. Nearly 40 students applied for participation in the bee through a written pre-test, with the top 15 scores advancing to the spelling bee…

Geri deGruy of The Village at Castle Pines, a talented and multi-faceted artist, once believed she could not make art. By Barbara Neff; photos courtesy of Geri deGruy Sometimes the wildly talented walk among us disguised as ordinary neighbors. Local artist, Geri deGruy, a resident of The Village at Castle Pines since 1999, is one…

By Terri Wiebold; file photos Since inception, The Castle Pines Connection has sought to unify homeowners in the 80108 ZIP code. When we sat down 10 years ago and started highlighting areas on the map where residents who shop at the same local grocery stores, and whose children attend the same public schools, were located,…

By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy American Academy (AA) students got a hands-on lesson in American history. The school chose Boston as the destination for its voluntary eighth-grade trip – not only for its charm, but because the history Boston holds made it the perfect destination for these AA students to really experience…

By Amanda Merriman The science of neuroplasticity is intriguing to me. The brain is an amazing organ. I firmly believe in living my life with a growth mindset, and I actively look for ways to challenge myself. For me, the Peak app is a way to tap into this belief. Peak is free to download…

RHMS debate team Hofmeister-McDonald-Stroud (HMS) came in among the top three teams at the debate tournament in December, winning second place. The team members also captured the top three spots for individual speaking skill. Pictured from left: Maudie Stroud, Carter McDonald and Landon Hofmeister. Submitted by Carter McDonald and Colson Morley, RHMS students; photo courtesy…

Assistant Principal Jen Murdock welcomed students to the celebration assembly on December 20. By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Tim Ryckman In December, Buffalo Ridge Elementary school (BRE) held the second Celebration Assembly of the 2018-2019 school year. The celebration assemblies are an opportunity for the entire school to come together and recognize the amazing…

Easy Cream Biscuits, May 2017, page 29. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Most of life’s big events have food associated with them – cake in particular features heavily in nearly all of life’s milestones. A perfect slice of chocolate birthday cake evokes memories of childhood. The top tier of a wedding cake, tucked carefully…

Pictured left to right: Celeste McNeil (The Village at Castle Pines), Steve Whitlock (Surrey Ridge) and Julie Matuszewski (City of Castle Pines). Check out everyone’s bio at www.castlepinesconnection.com. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Build it and they will come. That was valuable advice I received 10 years ago when contemplating publishing a free community…

The support and generosity of the Castle Pines community brought the library from a small bookmobile to an improved storefront facility to the magnificent state-of-the-art center the community currently enjoys. Along the way, to celebrate the forthcoming structure, a temporary “Little Free Library” for swapping books graced the property where the new library would stand.…

By Barbara Neff Worldwide, approximately 50 million people now struggle with dementia, and approximately 10 million people are newly diagnosed each year, according to the World Health Organization (www.who.int). Dementia has been studied extensively the past decade. Its alarming rise has been tied to fitness levels, diet, heredity, extended use of some medications, environment and…

Information provided by Douglas County The Senior Property Tax Exemption for senior citizens was created for qualifying seniors and the surviving spouses of seniors who previously qualified. Taxpayers 65 years and older as of January 1, who have owned and occupied the property as their primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years, may qualify…

Abby Kochevar (20) is a junior swimming for the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Among her fans, her French bulldog, Sully. By Carin Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of the Kochevar family Ten years ago, Castle Pines resident Abby Kochevar was 10 years old representing her local swim team, the Castle Crocs. She was breaking state swimming records…

Article and photos by Lisa Crockett In this issue, The Connection is taking a look back at its past. As the writer who handles most of the food stories here, of course I have been thinking about how to mark the occasion with food. As in many other facets of my life, I am a…

Neighborhood kids enthusiastically participated in Castle Pines Athletics at one of the Castle Pines community parks. By Steve Whitlock; photo courtesy of Castle Pines Athletics It really is true – time flies when you’re having fun! While The Castle Pines Connection celebrates 10 years, so does another local business, Castle Pines Athletics (CPA). We share…

View of American Academy charter school taken from atop a hill in Elk Ridge Park (in the foreground). By Patte Smith, photo by Tim Gamble The front page story and barren photo from the inaugural issue of The Castle Pines Connection featured the excavation of a parcel of land that would later become American Academy…

Information provided by Douglas County School District Congratulations to Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) and Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE)! Both schools have received the John Irwin Award for 2018 from the Colorado Department of Education. “The John Irwin Awards are given to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement over time. These schools received an ‘Exceeds Expectations’…

By Terri Wiebold While the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) has faced many challenges in the past decade, from paying off legacy bond debt to exploring alternatives to secure renewable water, one thing has remained constant – the District’s commitment to serving the residents in Castle Pines. According to Board President David McEntire, the…

By Amanda Merriman Connection writer Amanda Merriman admits she is hopelessly addicted to books. It has been this way nearly all her life. Every month she shares what she has been reading with the hope that others will share in the obsession too. Faithful Connection readers may recognize the author of this month’s book selection,…

From his early beginnings as a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, to sheriff, to county commissioner, to Colorado U.S. Marshal, David Weaver has spent his career in public service. By Catalin Varela; photo by Terri Wiebold In the inaugural issue of The Castle Pines Connection published in February 2009, David Weaver (then Douglas…

By Michelle Post The Golden Rule states, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” And this rule not only works for life and business, but for the internet too. One question I often get from business owners is, “How do I get more reviews?” There are two answers to this question:…

Regis Jesuit High School senior Lauren Winston beamed with joy while volunteering in a classroom of students at Eastridge Community Elementary School. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Lauren Winston Lauren Winston is not your ordinary teenager. She is kind, dedicated and personable with a passion to help those in need of a little lift.…

Many events are sponsored by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, among them Food Truck Frenzy, Run Wild, Vino in the Village and the Holly Jolly Brunch with Santa at The Ridge at Castle Pines North. By Patte Smith; photos by Lynn Zahorik “The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (CPCC), established in 2008, has changed…

By Terri Wiebold; file photos In February 2009, a new neighbor moved into the Castle Pines community. Long-time residents hoped that this new tenant would be friendly, honest and trustworthy; someone who honored their history, respected their privacy, and at the same time, showed interest in their families and their businesses. Someone who celebrated their…

The Village Idiots Cycling Club has grown to more than 75 riders since 2007. By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Village Idiots Cycling Club In the April/May 2009 issue of The Connection, we introduced readers to the Village Idiots Cycling Club (VICC), a group of neighbors from The Village at Castle Pines who started a…

Team captain Matthew Reljanovic (black jersey), along with coach Mike Catalano (top right) and the DCS Montessori Cougars proudly wear their school colors of green and gold when competing in the sport of futsal. By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori Are you ready for some futsal?! Yes, futsal, not to be confused with…

Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner Back in 2010, I stumbled onto Ken Hamblin, iconic former Denver radio personality, lightning rod and self-styled “Black Avenger” – at MiYO Cafe, of course. Seems like he is still living large and for those who know him, with panache. For starters, he looked as if he had not…

Executive Director of Schools Erin Kane and excited AA students presented Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Steve Johnson (left) and Parker Police Chief David King (right) with a donation in honor of the Douglas County Fallen Officer Fund. Information and photos provided by American Academy American Academy (AA) students and staff celebrated National Law Enforcement Appreciation…

With overwhelming possibilities for their futures, incoming high school freshmen could be at a loss for how to start getting involved in their new school. Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) held their Future Jags Night on January 16 to showcase many of the school-sponsored clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities that are available. RCHS has…

A hike along Plum Creek in the Columbine Open Space trail south of Castle Rock, is easy and features an original red barn and an old rock spring house. By Patte Smith; courtesy photos Winter can be chilly, but also invigorating. Coloradans are outdoor folks. It does not matter what the weather is, people love…

Information provided by RTD Changes to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) fares and pass programs will begin on January 2, including the implementation of a youth fare that increases the discount offered to riders between 6 and 19 years old to 70 percent. The new, age-based youth discount – no longer requiring enrollment in elementary,…

By Terri Wiebold The interesting thing about publishing a newspaper is that you have to think a month ahead of where you really are on the calendar … writing deadlines, print production schedules, planning meetings, etc., all happen in advance of the month readers receive the paper. This is especially challenging for me because I…

Information and photos provided by Buffalo Ridge Elementary The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) kindergarten classes of Andrea Gale, Anne Estrada and Sherri Rumminger studied the different ways that other countries and various cultures celebrate the holidays. They did more in-depth studies on India, Mexico, Canada and Sweden. The kids wore wreaths with candles on their…

By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Brenda Young Last month, The Connection E Guide featured a promotion for Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Co. in which we showcased an adorable squirrel asking, “Did someone say nuts?” Little did we know at the time we designed the ad, that the locally-owned franchise actually has an unofficial…

The Stutler family, (from left to right) Bryce, Michelle, Kirk, and Haley helped coordinate the event, provided food and beverages for their team and set the bar for holiday attire. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Lin Giampietro Team Stutler gathered on December 9 in Washington Park for the eighth year in a row for…

Editor Terri Wiebold (not pictured) and Castle Pines Connection intern mentor Lisa Nicklanovich (second from left) joined our three new Rock Canyon High School intern writers for lunch at Via Baci last month. By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos We are thrilled to welcome three new intern writers to The Castle Pines Connection. All three writers…

Sherrill Clark, resident of Castle Pines, makes and keeps New Year’s resolutions. Article and photos by Barbara Neff Anything that causes us to examine our choices and habits cannot be all bad. The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is one of those things. Sure, we all know resolutions are made to be broken. At…

Kristi Stearns By Barbara Neff; photos courtesy of Kristi Stearns Kristi Stearns is a native of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, who has lived in The Village at Castle Pines since 2011. How a woman with a career as an insurance agent, a side gig as a movie promoter, and mother to 15-month-old twin daughters, Mia and…

Pictured left to right: Bill Hodges, Ron Cole, Geoff Blue, Fredrick Lee, Jean Henry, Erik Bowman, Jim Mulvey, Carol Lewis, Dave Brennan, James Coudeyras, Charley Heard, Judge Louis Gresh and Jeffrey Huff; not pictured: Doug Gilbert. Information and photo provided by the City of Castle Pines The 13-member Home Rule Charter Commission was sworn in…

Two lovable deer, who are sisters, were captured snuggling together and grooming each other in the Surrey Ridge neighborhood. The two are seemingly inseparable during the day and they sleep together at night. Bonding in this way is not only a means of survival, it is a show of affection and nurturing. Photos by Patte…

By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Dave DeFore The south metro Denver (SMD) chapter of the American Wine Society (AWS) held its second local gathering for a sold-out crowd at Trestles Coastal Cuisine in The Village at Castle Pines on November 29. The theme was “Bubbles Around the World,” and guests were treated to delicious…

Castle Pines resident Jennifer Alvarado will lead students, faculty and staff of Kingsway Christian Academy into the new year in a new school building. By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Kingsway Christian Academy Kingsway Christian Academy (Kingsway) is an independent Christian school based in Castle Rock that works in partnership with families, students and all…

Jack Koressel, 12, has become an award-winning dancer, often training more than 15 hours each week. By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Christie Koressel To truly be exceptional at something often takes commitment and sacrifice. It can mean investing extra practice time when you would rather be hanging out with your friends; it can mean…

Cutline and photo by Patte Smith Buffalo Ridge, Timber Trail and Wildcat Elementary schools’ beginning and intermediate band students joined the Rocky Heights Middle School orchestras and Rock Canyon’s jazz band, concert band, symphony orchestra and marching band for a concert on December 12. The program was remarkable, and the younger musicians were inspired by…

Article and photo by Catalin Varela The new year brings new beginnings in all areas of life, including the closet. We all have that corner of the closet we have not touched in a while; that corner that we swear every year we are going to either fit into or get rid of. This year,…

The Castle Rock Community Ringers delighted audiences with their holiday musical performances. Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik The sweet and silvery sound of bells entertained many as the Castle Rock Community Ringers (CRCR) rang in the holiday season. The CRCR handbell choir is a nonprofit group that was formed 10 years ago to bring…

Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fifth-grade students spent some time before the holidays making fleece blankets for the Linus Project. This community service project made soft, cozy blankets for children in hospitals. The students worked so hard and did a fantastic job to put a smile on someone’s face – while putting one on theirs too!…