Read the stories from the latest issue:
Elly Harper, 80108 resident, is a volunteer at the Crisis Center and has volunteered for nonprofits for many years. Harper said, “There’s always a need for volunteers, and it can be whatever you have the time and commitment for. Why not now?” By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Elly Harper Elly Harper of Timber Canyon…
Cutline and photos by Kathy Fallert Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fifth-graders learned some financial planning skills on Wednesday, September 6, as the students took on rolls from mayor to banker to operating their own businesses at Young AmeriTowne in Denver.
Information provided by Douglas County The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is asking drivers to ‘Mind the Gap’ as part of a new safety campaign. The Gap is an 18-mile stretch of I-25 between Monument and C-470 and is known for a higher than average number of accidents. There were 5,537 crashes between C-470 and…
By Michelle Post Performing research on Google used to suck hours out of my life, but that was before I learned about various Google search tricks (proper name is site operators), but tricks sounds easier. Using some or a combination of the below tricks will decrease research time and increase the richness of the information.…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of NASA Traditionally, the Angels Among Us segment features a different local nonprofit each month. With the many recent natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as the wildfires in California, Montana and Oregon and the earthquakes in Mexico, The Connection is featuring national nonprofit…
The four DCSD principals who attended the Tointon Institute for Educational Change in Vail, left to right: Steve Getchell from Copper Mesa Elementary, Erin Carlson from South Ridge Elementary, Jennifer Malouff from Saddle Ranch Elementary and John Veit from Buffalo Ridge Elementary. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Janet Alcorn Principal John Veit of Buffalo…
By Amanda Merriman It has been a while since I downloaded a game app to my phone. Usually, I am reviewing requests to add games to my children’s devices. Yet, when I came across a game called Device 6, I had to get it. Device 6 is a unique and beautifully designed game. In overly…
By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Brad Mahoney Dr. John Vickers cut the celebratory ribbon on September 14 for the Castle Pines Veterinary Hospital’s grand opening of its new location at 363 Village Square Lane, Suite 115 in Castle Pines. The (formerly named) Castle Pines Veterinary Clinic moved from its previous 2,000-square-foot space in Suite…
Sharon Lewis at an IFBB professional bodybuilding competition. By Daniel Williams; photo courtesy of Sharon Lewis In late 2012, Sharon Lewis found herself in a time of transition. She had quit a sales job to become a stay-at-home mom, and, along with her husband and two young sons, was planning a 2013 move from Chicago…
Team Pitch Perfect won the ninth annual TTE mother/son kickball tournament on September 8 at Coyote Ridge Park. By Lynne Marsala Basche; courtesy photos The ninth annual Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) mother/son kickball tournament took place on Friday, September 8 at Coyote Ridge Park and proved that the game is not just for kids at…
Air Force Academy visit provides soaring day trip options Article and photos by John Basche World-renowned Cadet Chapel is an example of the “brutalist” style of architecture. Less than 40 miles south of Castle Pines Parkway lies one of our nation’s most treasured learning institutions, the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). Steeped in…
Article and photos by John Basche; photos courtesy of Zoë Zizzo and Megan Hassler With Party in the Park providing the inspirational backdrop, 100 Castle Pines budding artists crafted their sidewalk chalk interpretations of “What I love about Castle Pines” as part of the Chalk It Up 4 Charity event and contest on Saturday, August…
The Three & Two Warriors, back row from left to right: Khaden Rullo, Kohl Rullo, Julian Terrazas, Dylan Goltl, Isaac Waschmann, Noah Scott and J.T. Shank. Front row from left to right: Chase Jaworsky, Dante Nori, Lathan Van Ausdal, Carson Tinney and Brayden Duman. By Liz Rector; photo courtesy of Jon Shank A group of…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Grill season is winding down. With cooler temperatures and shorter days, cooking tends to move back inside the house. After a summer of burgers, steaks and hot dogs, it’s likely your grill is buried in a heap of carbon that won’t benefit the flavor of your food, and may…
Amara Brueck (left) and Ava Ziehwein (right) are two of the culinary students working with guest Chef Chuck Stober from the Escoffier Culinary School in Boulder. Dishes will include all local and farm-fresh ingredients, and there will be vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Submitted by Kira Zizzo, RHMS student; photos courtesy of Kelsey Brown and…
By Michelle Post Generation Z was the youngest generation until recently when Generation Alpha was named. Generation Z represents 23 million Americans. There are several discussions about the birth years for this generation. Most studies agree this generation started in the late 90s, but disagree when the generation birth year ended. For our purposes, the…
Article and photo by Nancy Koontz From Seattle to Everett, Washington to Whitefish, Montana to Enumclaw, Washington to Castle Pines, to East Bay to Dublin, California to Portland, Oregon – and back to Castle Pines, life has been an exciting adventure for Todd and Debbie Broderick. Todd started as a courtesy clerk for Safeway when…
Douglas County School District Interim Superintendent Erin Kane spoke to residents at the Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines about the school district, its challenges and solutions to these challenges. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Nate Jones On September 6, Douglas County Interim Superintendent Erin Kane shared her thoughts about the school district…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Joseph Kroll and John Schweiger Sr., likely met in the Leadville mines after emigrating from the Austrian Empire around 1870. With modest savings and presumed collaboration, they found their way to our Wildcat Mountains. Through Homestead Act acquisitions and the diligence of Max and John Schweiger Jr., the families…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo On October 14 from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., tour the historic grave sites in Cedar Hill Cemetery with members of the Castle Rock Historical Society (CRHS) who will portray some of the local people in our past history. Cedar Hill was founded in 1875 and contains the remains of…
Captions by Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of CSU Athletics and Castle Pines residents Many Castle Pines families traveled to Fort Collins this fall to enjoy the much anticipated new Colorado State University football stadium. Students, alumni and parents enjoyed watching the Rams in action at the state-of-the-art stadium on campus. The new $220 million stadium…
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. This month, I shifted gears and read an inspiring memoir, “A Dream…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett This is the time of year when all the good things happen: leaves turn, football is in full swing and Halloween is just around the corner. Food is particularly delicious now, too, with the abundance of the harvest gathered and a multitude of choices at every market and produce…
By Michelle Post When you shift your focus from selling to serving, both you and the customer win. ~ Zach Robbins Every day, I receive emails trying to sell me services and products. Do you receive the same emails? A business will not survive without selling; however, there is a shift happening from selling to…
Pino’s Italian Kitchen and Bar owner and September 11 first responder Joe Sabia (left) with Corbin Wagoner (right) at the “Eat for a Cause” fundraiser. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Joseph Sabia On September 11, 2001, current Castle Pines resident Joe Sabia was then a Commack Fire Department firefighter in New York. On…
Will Owen, graduate of Valor Christian High School, is in his fourth season of professional racing, now with United Autosports in Europe. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Will Owen Will Owen, former resident of Castle Pines Village, has been showing his speed in the Le Mans racing series (ELMS). Owen is a member of…
By Daniel Williams If you are currently receiving Social Security, you are about to get a raise. According to the Senior Citizens League, the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2018 is forecasted to be about 2 percent, the biggest increase since 2012. Unfortunately, for many seniors, a significant portion of that increase will be eaten up…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photos Trick or Treat Street(s) will be on October 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the shops and businesses along Castle Pines Parkway and also at The Village at Castle Pines shopping center, 858 West Happy Canyon Road. Kids dress in sassy, sporty or scary Halloween costumes and have…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines The Castle Pines City Council has done extensive outreach to residents over the last several months on the subject of road maintenance and repair. At a special meeting held in early September, Council voted on whether or not to place a question on the November ballot, allowing…
Valley of the Moon, Atacama Desert; inset Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glacieres National Park Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Mature Americans seldom consider South America for independent travel. Currency devaluations, revolutions and erratic creature comforts lead most travelers to tours and cruises. Chile is decidedly different. Discoverable along a 2,700-mile axis, she offers epic…
Pictured above left: 2017 CCCP scholarship recipients included (from left to right): Matt Hoffman, Candace Rawson, Reese Hummel, Kristen Thomlinson, Erika Freisner, Ryan Jackson, Erin Hinderliter, Jared Brack, Randi Couch, Jordan Stevenson, Ben McGraw, Paul Gibson, Averie Rice, Jason DesVeaux, Lucas Goodiel, Isai Leyva-Arcos, Sara Rawson, Alli Lane, Roma Roth, Ryan Simpson. Recipients not in…
By Kathy Fallert If you’re looking for some fall fitness, check out the upcoming September runs in the Denver metro area. For more information visit www.runningintheusa.com. September 2 Wildcat Mountain 10K/10M Trail Race Highlands Ranch September 3 Fall Six Pack Series – Highlands Ranch 5K Highlands Ranch September 3 Platte 5 & 10 Series 10K,…
Casidee Gonzales with some of the students at a small village in the mountains of El Savador. “I asked to take a picture with one of them and the other four ran up to join us, they were so excited,” she laughed. By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Casidee Gonzales Casidee Gonzales had an experience…
These fairy tale characters have almost succeeded in their quest for a happy ending: Little Red Riding Hood and granny played by Rebekah Jacob and Samantha Leeman, Rapunzel (sans her long hair) and her prince played by Victoria Xikes and Tate Murphy, and the “mysterious” baker’s father played by Jared Engerman. By Lynne Marsala Basche;…
A young man smiles as he picks a book in braille at the Colorado Talking Book Library. By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of the Colorado Talking Book Library For many of us, reading is second nature. We flip through our mail when we get home, shuttle the kids to the library after school and at…
An aerial view of the whole complex looking northeast with the north part of the Inn cut at the left edge of picture. Note the two-bay garage and outbuilding on the south side, both still standing today as is the white clapboard family home. By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of the Hill family collection, Douglas…
Evan (left) and dad Jim (right) after the Play 60 Character Camp pictured in front of the Broncos Super Bowl 50 monument commemorating their win against the Carolina Panthers. Inset: Denver Broncos mascot, Miles, was on hand to sign autographs at the Play 60 camp last month. By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos The Denver Broncos…
The Rock Canyon High School cheer team, coached by Amanda Mundaca, volunteered at the Food Bank of the Rockies to organize and sort food for families in need, and to bond as a team. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of RCHS cheer team The cheer team of Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) came together August…
Neighbors Josh Gonzales (left) and George Botsonis (right) met in the Surrey Ridge park to get started on the neighborhood cleanup. To participate in Surrey Ridge’s next event, email Josh at joshuamiguel@yahoo.com. Treats are always offered for those who volunteer. By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Josh Gonzales A few times every year, several residents…
Dan Wise as a boy, pictured top left, and his family in 1949. Top right, Dan Wise, age 75 By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of Dan Wise Neighbor Dan Wise of Happy Canyon made a career in clinical social work and is on the cusp of a Ph.D. I asked how he came to dedicate…
The RCHS varsity level volleyball team at the University of Northern Colorado Greeley team camp, which took place July 20 through 22. Pictured top row left to right: Sophia Sobota (CP), Abbey Lehigh, Abi Leitner (CP), Madison Wurst, Macy Rushall and Rachel Schutte. Middle row left to right: Laryssa Myers (CP), Keeley Davis (CP), Alex…
The Clark family: Twin boys Asher and Braxton with parents Adam and Sarah are residents of Buffalo Ridge Estates. By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos Adam and Sarah Clark, residents of Buffalo Ridge Estates make a great team. Adam is a developer who builds houses, including their own home in Castle Pines. Sarah recently joined forces…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett It’s harvest time, and after a trip to the farmers market, my kitchen is a veritable vegetable wonderland. Zucchini and eggplant are sliced and roasted, corn is slapped on the grill and given a slather of butter and a sprinkle of salt. Carrots and cucumbers just get sliced…
By Michelle Post The Pew Research Center (PRC) is a leading expert in the tracking, analyzing and reporting of data and how it affects an individual. The PRC has been tracking peoples’ internet use since the early 2000s and has reported a significant rise in its use. Every day at least 9-in-10 adults use…
On August 21, Douglas County students and residents flocked outdoors for the partial eclipse. Events were held at schools and the Castle Pines branch at Douglas County Libraries. With glasses in hand, for close to three hours, skywatchers saw a breathtaking sight of the moon slowly passing between the Earth and the sun, blocking approximately…
Carter Brand competed at the Youth Triathlon National Championships at the Ohio event in early August. Brand finished with an impressive eighth place in the competition, which showcases up-and-coming triathletes. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of William Oliva Castle Pines resident and Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) sophomore Carter Brand competed at the Youth…
“You’re talking about a younger generation, Generation Y, whose interpersonal communication skills are different from Generation X. The younger generation is more comfortable saying something through a digital mechanism than even face to face.” – Erik Qualman By Michelle Post Generation Y surpassed the baby boomers in 2016 as the largest living generation in America…
Focus on student success By Lynne Marsala Basche Arapahoe Community College (ACC) opened its doors in the mid-1960s, and by the early 1970s, a foundation was formed to host events and bring attention to the college. This foundation, the Arapahoe Community College Foundation (ACCF), transitioned to a fundraising organization when it became apparent that certain…
The RCHS mountain biking team became an official club sport last year, allowing players to earn a varsity letter. Along with neighboring high school teams, RCHS is part of the Highlands Ranch Cycling team, which creates a level of camaraderie often not seen in competitive sports. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Deschane) By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy…
We had no idea what awaited behind the mountains Article and photos by Michelle Post The panoramic view of the towering red rock structures at the Colorado National Monument are breathtaking. I have lived in Colorado for 16 years, and I am amazed every time I discover one of its many natural beauties. This…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Created in the 1980s, National Night Out (NNO) is an annual campaign designed to encourage and promote police and community partnerships. The event began as a way to bring neighbors together with each other, as well as with their local police departments. This…
Future Financial Planning for a child who has special needs A free educational presentation organized by the Douglas County Special Education Advisory Committee (DCSEAC) for families with children with special needs will be held on Thursday, September 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Rock Canyon High School. Two knowledgeable and professional women who…
The Dream Team at Buffalo Ridge Elementary raised $325 during their “Wear a Hat to School Day for a Dollar” program. The money went toward purchasing an adaptive bike for local resident Kian Lame. Article and photo by Nancy Koontz; photo courtesy of Valerie Miller In April, The Connection shared the story of a 16-year-old…
Church attendance for the grand opening was around 1,100 adults and kids. Going forward Journey Church will offer three Sunday services. By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Journey Church A joyful congregation celebrated Journey Church’s grand opening on Sunday, August 13 with bounce houses for the kids, a dunk tank and plenty of good eats.…
Alberta Development is requesting the Town of Castle Rock annex 21.7 acres of property on the east side of I-25 (across from its mixed-use development Promenade at Castle Rock) for Promenade Center East, a proposed new project that could include 475 multi-family units and/or 300,000 square feet of commercial development. By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy…
A standing-room-only crowd turned out for the 15th annual Taste of Douglas County on August 17. Participants sampled food from more than 40 restaurants and enjoyed live cooking demonstrations. No one left hungry! By Kathy Fallert; photos provided by Ed Wilkes, GearsetMedia The Douglas County Events Center at the Douglas County Fairgrounds was a buzz…
Maddie’s Biergarten is the place to be Maddie’s Biergarten in Castle Rock. I’ve heard the name, I’ve walked by it during the Castle Rock Star Lighting, but I’ve never been in there. Well, I’m glad I finally stopped in. What a fun place! What’s not to like about a beer garden? I planned on going…
Dubbed the “Chalk Talk” event, roughly 35 fifth-grade BRE students came out on Wednesday, August 9 to chalk up the sidewalks with welcome messages and school spirit on the night before the school’s first day. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) parent Katie Abner wanted to come up with a way…
By Lynne Marsala Basche When Dakota Wadsack, a sixth-grade student at Sage Canyon Elementary, noticed her 7-year-old brother Jordan choking on a piece of hard candy and he was unable to breathe, the young girl leaped into action and used the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training she learned while in third grade through an innovative program…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of the DDFL On Saturday, August 19, Castle Pines residents Jana and Fred Bartlit hosted the 16th Annual Lulu’s Barkin’ BBQ and welcomed 530 guests to their home for a good cause. Lulu’s BBQ benefits homeless pets and horses at the Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL). The evening included…
DCSM students got to stand on and move around the National Geographic Traveling Colorado Map while learning mapping skills. The 20’ x 50’ map of Colorado travels the state and is a way to introduce geography and map reading skills to students in an entertaining way. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori…
A bird’s-eye view of San Sebastian, Spain (Donostia, if you are Basque) on the southern coast of Bay of Biscay. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Harry is an old friend. I met him on a ferry in New Zealand in 1990. We got to talking about places and getting to the real marrow of…
Janna Robinett, a business teacher at RCHS, received the Junior Achievement Teacher award in June. By Maria Pangalos; RCHS intern writer;photo courtesy of Janna Robinett Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) business teacher Janna Robinett received the 2017 Junior Achievement (JA) Teacher award at the Denver Country Club on June 22. Stephanie Murphy, senior program manager…
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Jeanne Gormley and JJ Rose Jeanne Gormley, a resident of Surrey Ridge, won first place for her photo in the senior division at the 2017 Douglas County Fair. The photo (pictured above) is of Gormley’s daughter Jeanna Ambrose and Cecilia Fries, Ambrose’s granddaughter. Photographed from behind a curtain, 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. Natasha Pulley’s novel, “The Bedlam Stacks” was released on August 1. It…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Home canning is a throwback to a time when more of us grew our own food and prepared for a season (like winter) when produce might be hard to come by. Like many things from yesteryear, canning is labor intensive and fraught with the possibility of failure. Still, home…
Linda Treibitz Some of the best local and national talent present short stories during “Stories on Stage”. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Linda Treibitz Linda Treibitz and her husband Alan, residents of Castle Pines Village, say one of their key passions in life is enjoying and supporting the theater and the arts. Their enthusiasm…
Participants from the National Sports Center for the Disabled learned golf skills at Sanctuary golf course as part of the 30th Annual Hal O’Leary Golf Classic in July. Information and photo provided by Maria Miller The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) hosted its 30th Annual Hal O’Leary Golf Classic at Sanctuary golf course…
Front row: John and Karla; back row, left to right: Dylan and Morgan (20), Skylar, (18) and Zoe (22). By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of the Tartz family You may know them as your next-door neighbors, or your kids’ friends, or your mortgage broker, or your local post office store owner – the Tartz…