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By Michelle Post I know what you’re thinking, “What the heckfire! I don’t even want to think about being hit by a bus.” Me neither; however, I learned about this concept from a colleague. She told me that everyone in her department was so specialized if anyone were sick it would affect the day’s productivity…
Information courtesy of Tri-County Health Department Tri-County Health Department has opened a new birth and death certificates office in Castle Rock at 410 South Wilcox Street, located one block south of the Wilcox and Plum Creek Parkway. A certified copy of a birth certificate is needed for passport applications, many school activities, and to apply…
By Amanda Merriman My seven-year-old daughter and I were looking for a way to pass the time during my 10-year-old’s soccer practice. An hour can feel like an eternity to a seven-year-old. Luckily, I remembered I downloaded an app called Sandbox to try. Sandbox is a color by numbers game that will entertain people of…
A Western Bluebird. Western Bluebirds perch or flutter among branches to take berries. By Susan Helton; Mountain Bluebird photo by Dick Vogel, courtesy of the Colorado Bluebird Project; Western Bluebird photo courtesy of Barbara Spagnuolo. Returning bluebirds are one sure sign of spring. In the Castle Pines and Castle Rock areas, birders have even spotted…
Information provided by the National Institute on Aging and Douglas County With winter’s return, the colder temperatures in Colorado bring some particular risks for older adults and people with chronic conditions. Older adults can lose body heat faster than when they were younger, and changes in their bodies can make it more difficult to be…
By Daniel Williams; photos by Terri Wiebold and courtesy of John Basche and Hutch Tibbetts In February, the City of Castle Pines celebrated its tenth birthday old school-style with a party hosted by the Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines. Complete with pin the city on the state, an “original businesses” cake walk, a community…
Article by Kathy Fallert with courtesy photos Friday, January 26 was a wild and crazy night at Buffalo Ridge Elementary as the school hosted its annual mother and son Nerf wars at the school. Cardboard barricades, safety goggles and lots of foam bullets were provided for the evening’s entertainment. Numerous participants brought their weapons of…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Lisa Storey Lisa Storey opened Little Italy’s dining room on January 31 to volunteers from the Gameday 14 U Angels Baseball team. The group put together 3,000 goodie bags for the Zackari Parrish 5K Run/Walk #BackTheBlue event. The sold-out February 3 race at the Douglas County Event…
Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of Latvia.eu Sandwiched between Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia accommodates some 2 million people. Like Estonia, her terrain is rich in natural beauty, thickly forested with rolling plains. But for capital Riga with a million inhabitants, Latvia is otherwise a country of small towns and villages. In a…
By Daniel Williams Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in 80108 this year, you are likely to find an interesting dynamic at play – a historically low inventory in the metro Denver area that is impacting housing sales throughout the region. How tight is the housing crunch? Consider in the past…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson On a chilly January evening, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students braved the weather at Rink at the Rock to help raise money to purchase playground items and gym equipment. A portion of all ticket sales and skate rentals were given back to TTE.
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori Courtesy of the Google Expeditions Virtual Reality program, DCS Montessori (DCSM) students had a unique opportunity to have several field trips brought to their classroom as opposed to having to venture outside of Castle Pines. The virtual reality tools took students around the world, including visits…
BRE’s top 15 spellers (pictured from left to right) Palmer W., Joey S., Colton R., Lana C., Katherine S., Mia L., Lila O., winner Emily R., Simon H., Riley C., Kyle D., runner up Gavin R., Milena A., Kasen L. and Isaac H. battled it out in the school’s gym on January 26. Article and…
Troop 91 (left to right) back row: Amelia S., Izze P., Tori G., Morgan M., Sophie A., Natalie X., Lillian F. and Kate S.; front row: Aimee B. and Chloe F. (Not pictured: Sienna D. and Taylor D.) By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Jennifer Greer American Academy (AA) Girl Scout Junior Troop 91 braved…
The map shows the proposed Amendment 5 planned usage areas in the RidgeGate Development District. Amendment 5 has not yet been approved. By Patte Smith Construction of the end-of-line RTD light rail station parking garage and rail tracks continues to move forward with completion planned for early 2019. Currently, new water main lines are being…
Michael Penny Information provided by the City of Castle Pines The City of Castle Pines is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Penny as interim city manager. City council approved a city management agreement with Penny during a special meeting on Friday, February 16 and his first day with the organization was Tuesday, February…
Canyons Community Church 4825 North Crowfoot Valley Road, Castle Rockwww.canyonscc.org Easter services: April 1 at 9:30 a.m. (traditional) and 11:00 a.m. (contemporary), with nursery and Canyons Kidz Sunday School offered during the 11:00 a.m. hour. Castle Oaks Covenant Church 826 Park Street, Castle Rockwww.castleoaks.org Easter Sunday worship services: April 1 at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Amy Shanahan Community residents gathered on January 31 along with Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce members and representatives from Lennar for the official ribbon cutting of the Lennar at Castle Valley development at the southwest corner of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway. Guests toured the new model…
Rock Canyon High School biotech research students Kylie Hutchison (left) and Madison Dittmer (right) study cancer cells using the new EVOS FL microscope, which is a cell imaging system that combines precision optics, high resolution display and a highly sensitive monochrome camera. Article and photo by RCHS intern writer Sarah Bermingham Rock Canyon High School…
By Lynne Marsala Basche If you are a person who does not use glasses or wear contact lenses, you may not think about getting yearly eye exams. However, eyes can begin to experience age-related changes in our early 40s, and as we continue to age, the possibility of developing eye disease increases, which is why…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson The American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart event has become a much-loved tradition at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE), and once again, this past February, students participated in the campaign to raise money and awareness for heart health. February is American Heart Month, and TTE students…
Rock Canyon High School Business students, from left to right, Ann Gibson, Thomas Kerker and Jack Gebhardt outside King Soopers selling their product, Canyon Clothing. The company was created to learn more about owning and managing a small business. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Gisselle Moreno and Kevin Huang Rock Canyon…
Former mayor Jeff Huff took a moment to smile for the camera with his daughter Elena (right) and John Beckwith (left), a board of trustees member with the Douglas County Libraries, at Huff’s farewell gathering at Pino’s Italian Kitchen in Castle Pines last month. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo by Terri Wiebold January 8 saw…
Information provided by Douglas County Are you a sculptor with a desire to have your work on public display? Have you considered submitting your artwork to the Douglas County Art Encounters (www.douglas.co.us/artencounters/) public art program? Founded in 2007, Art Encounters is a year-long, outdoor sculpture exhibit that showcases a number of sculptures, in various media…
By Patte Smith The Village Idiots Cycling Club is holding their Annual Membership Meeting, Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m. For current members and anyone who is interested in learning about the club, meet at MIYO Café at the Village Shops, 858 West Happy Canyon Road. The cycling club organized by John Rehl, president of…
Information provided by the Colorado Press Association Inspiring creativity and a passion for writing is at the heart of journalism. Programs at the elementary, middle and high school levels of education in Douglas County allow students to explore journalism as a career choice for the future. Our very own intern writers at The Connection come…
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in old town Tallinn, Estonia. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner While Europe struggles with politics and copes with a mass influx of not-always-welcomed migrants, three small Baltic States offer fresh adventures: well-preserved cities, idyllic lakes, sand dunes and enchanted forests – what travel guide “Lonely Planet” calls the super-nature experience. Many…
Information provided by the USPS; photo courtesy of Terri Wiebold The U.S. Postal Service implemented new postage rates on January 21. Listed below are the highlights of the 2018 USPS rate increase for customers buying postage: First Class Mail Letters The rate for a first class mail letter (1 oz.) for postage purchased at the…
Information provided by Douglas County Government Taxpayers 65 years and older as of January 1, who have owned and occupied their property as their primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years, may qualify for the Senior Property Tax Exemption. The exemption reduces the actual taxable value of a qualified residential property by 50 percent…
For 15 years, Felicity Thompson of Forest Park has been traveling to Guatemala as a volunteer with Faith in Practice. Pictured with her husband Richard, who has volunteered for the last 11 years, Thompson and a team of medical personnel, including volunteers from the United States and many Guatemalans, work together to provide cancer screenings,…
RCHS’s 2018 Women in Sports honorees are pictured left to right: Keeley Kenton Davis – volleyball, attending Creighton University; NE, Carmen Martinez – poms, CSCA All Colorado spirit team; Makenna Mathieson – swimming, attending San Jose State University, CA; Julia Skibness – cheer, CSCA All Colorado spirit team; and Emily Sloan – cross country and…
By Lisa Crockett Protein is an important part of a healthy diet and is often the centerpiece of plans for losing weight or gaining strength. This is great news for diners looking to amp up the health quotient in their diet because most high protein foods are delicious and satisfying. What’s better than a steak…
BRE’s spirit week was a good time for students who went all out for holiday movie character day. Pictured left to right: Jonas T. (Santa Claus), Sydney A. (Cindy Lou Who from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”), Chase C. (Ralphie from “A Christmas Story”), Lauryn W. (“Elf”), Simon H. (“Napoleon Dynamite”), Brandon W. (Uncle Eddie…
Jack Golden has been a registered therapy dog since 2016. Jack participates in the Bark for Books program at Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines where children have an opportunity to read to Jack (left), as well as at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital with Angel Paws (above). Congratulations to the duo on being chosen Denver…
By Susan Helton; map courtesy of Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority, photo courtesy of Melissa Coudeyras Now that the recreation master plan for Rueter-Hess Reservoir has been approved, the Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority (RHRA) has planned regular meetings throughout 2018 to work on developing recreational amenities for the reservoir. The Authority is taking a phased approach to the…
Rock art rock stars Flannery C., Aubrey D. and Harper F. displayed their fancy painted rock creations to raise money for Children’s Hospital. Jordan G, Ellie K. and Caleb Y. focused on their culinary skills and made fruity rolls and banana chips to sell at the showcase. Article by Kathy Fallert with photos courtesy of…
By Amanda Merriman Over the past few months, if you have been at a large gathering you might have noticed the party coming to a standstill with people suddenly glued to their phones; more so than usual, that is. I recently observed it at my sister’s wedding rehearsal dinner party. It is no coincidence that…
New mayor Tera Radloff accepted flowers while mingling with friends, family and residents during the reception. Article and photos by Liz Rector On Monday, January 8, at the Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines, approximately 120 people gathered to witness the swearing in of the newly-elected mayor and city council members. At 6 p.m., everyone…
Community service for children By Lynne Marsala Basche In 1915, Kiwanis International was founded by a group of businessmen in Detroit, Michigan with a mission to “empower communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children.” The local Kiwanis Club of Castle Rock takes that statement to heart as the…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett My relationship with Valentines Day is complicated. I am always ambivalent about this “Hallmark holiday,” waffling between protesting the naked commercialism it’s based on and embracing an opportunity to treat the people I love with a little something special. Valentine’s Day also lands firmly in my New Year’s “get…
Pictured above standing left to right: Coach Richard Diehl, Aron Bukary, Drew Bright, Kevin Gusdorf, Isaac Abramovitz (CP), Colton Brown (CP), Keaton Carnes, Turner Evans and Coach Reid Heller. Kneeling left to right: Jack Zilligan, Mike Pinkerton, Carson Carnes, Jack Basche (CP), Porter Welch and Bret Mobly. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Richard…
Business Person of the Year recipient Lisa Storey of Mama Lisa’s Little Italy shared the spotlight with Community Member of the Year Joe Sabia of Pino’s Italian Kitchen. Both were recognized for their contributions to the Castle Pines community. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo by Terri Wiebold On January 18, the Castle Pines Chamber of…
By Lynne Marsala Basche There is nothing wrong with running on a treadmill, but when cabin fever sets in, feet may twitch thinking about getting outside, despite the falling temperatures. Winter is no reason to stop an outside running routine; it just needs to be tweaked a bit. Here are a few tips: Dress in…
RCHS student and Castle Pines resident Kira Deal setting up for the movie night for students with disabilities. The event was a senior studies project designed to make a difference in the community. By Jack Hibbett, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Kira Deal In the unique class of senior studies at Rock Canyon High…
Pictured back row, left to right:: Dana Hall (Premier Home Loans), Jeff Douglas (MountainStorm Insurance), Whitney Shank (Chamber events director), Greg Segal (Stone Segal Wealth Management Group), Kerri Morgan (Douglas County Libraries), Steve Peterson (Christian Brothers Automotive), and Joe Roos (Hide in Plain Sight). Front row, left to right: Karin Miller (Chamber finance director), Stacie…
By Michelle Post Reciprocity in business has long been expressed in tangible forms (i.e., hand-written thank you notes, the giving and receiving of business cards at networking events and coupons for customer loyalty, to name a few.). As technology changes, businesses that want a competitive edge must adapt and evolve, and increasing customer engagement in…
Article and photo by Nancy Koontz Blending a family is like blending a fine wine. Both require patience, passion and love, and both have been the focus for Steve and Laura Durie since they met three-and-a-half years ago. It was match.com that brought the singles together for lunch; a lunch that would last seven hours…
Residents lined the interstate on January 5 along with South Metro Rescue firefighters on the Castle Pines overpass to honor and pay their respects to Deputy Parrish. By Lynne Marsala Basche; information provided by the Town of Castle Rock; photos courtesy of Kathy Fallert and Catherine Van Houten On December 31, 2017, the Castle Pines…
By Terri Wiebold A heartfelt thanks goes out to those who have shown your support of The Connection by mailing in your voluntary subscriptions. We are humbled by the response and appreciate your participation. We especially enjoy reading your comments and feedback about how we are doing as your community newspaper. The Castle Pines Arts…
By Daniel Williams Contrary to recent claims being made on social media platforms, the former Safeway location in the city of Castle Pines will NOT become a cannabis grow operation. The Connection received several inquiries about the rumorings, so we reached out to city officials for further explanation of local marijuana laws and to clear…
Information provided by Douglas County As we head into the height of flu season, the health department is reminding residents that it is not too late to get a flu shot. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu spreads through our community. “Flu activity increased sharply recently in Colorado, with more than…
Article and photos by Daniel Williams For many in the 80108 ZIP code, hiking means getting in a car and hopping on I-70 or I-25 and driving an hour or more to a rugged trailhead for a day of gut-busting, adrenaline-pumping exercise. But most people do not have the time nor the inclination to make…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson On January 17, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) opened its doors to family, friends and the community for a showcase to highlight what the students have been doing the first half of the year. The event was a school-wide opportunity for students to display and present their…
Homes in the Cherokee Castle story, from hardscrabble homesteads to castles for society minions. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner In 1879, the Kansas Hansborough clan settled on East Plum Creek near Sedalia. John Blunt, husband of Mary Hansborough, sent his family to await him in Colorado while he drove cattle from Kansas. When reunited…
Information provided by CDOT Car Seats Colorado is reminding parents and caregivers that bulky winter coats pose a danger to children riding in car seats and should not be worn underneath the harness. While it may seem counterintuitive (who wouldn’t bundle their child up when it is freezing outside?), strapping your child into his…
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. When I read second novels of authors I admire, I often do…
Congratulations once again to Bruce Cochrane for being selected as The Connection’s Cutest Pet in the Pines for 2017. Bruce was happy to receive his gift basket containing treats, toys and gift certificates to Happy Tails, The Pet Stuff Place and As You Wish Pet Sitters. Runners up Carmel Calfee and Abby Maday also each…
Information provided by the Douglas County School District The Douglas County School District (DCSD) is seeking its next permanent superintendent. The DCSD Board of Education has selected Ray and Associates (no relation to DCSD Board Director, David Ray) to conduct the search for the next superintendent, following a thorough vetting of potential search firms. In order to…
Do you know someone who deserves to be included on the Douglas County Fair Foundation’s Wall of Honor? The Wall of Honor is reserved for distinguished citizens of Douglas County who are dedicated to preserving the rural heritage of the County and have demonstrated a high level of service and long-standing commitment to the operation,…
This photo is taken looking east on Happy Canyon Road at the intersection of the newly-constructed Lagae Road, expected to open by the end of February. The inset photo is taken from Lagae Road looking south toward Happy Canyon Road. As of press time, the roadway was not yet open for public traffic. Update and…
By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Amy Shanahan Entrepreneurs, freelancers and remote workers gathered January 8 at Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines for an informal morning of coworking: a gathering of people who are working independently, but with opportunities to collaborate and share ideas. Sponsored by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and The…
The RCHS poms team recently won the Varsity Brands 2018 American Spirit Leader Award with an approximate retail value of $8,000. The program supports RCHS athletic events and programs at all levels. The varsity team has been named as a CHSAA Academic State Champ for three consecutive years, participates in a multitude of community events…
Andrea and Steve Peterson own the Castle Rock Christian Brothers Automotive franchise and just opened their new Lone Tree location in January. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Andrea Peterson When Steve and Andrea Peterson entered their “empty nest” phase of life, they decided to leave their home in Texas and relocate to Colorado,…
RHMS eighth-graders were honored at the National Girls and Women in Sports Luncheon. From left to right: Sarah Kendall, Kaley Nolte, Naomi Hawkins, Sophia McHenry, Campbell Coddington and Samantha Crispe. Not pictured, Rylee Tinney. By Kira Zizzo, RHMS intern writer; photo courtesy of Elizabeth Duffie At Chaparral High School on Friday, January 12, the National…
Get lost in and urban hike Article and photos by Daniel Williams For many in the 80108 ZIP code, hiking means getting in a car and hopping on I-70 or I-25 and driving an hour or more to a rugged trailhead for a day of gut-busting, adrenaline-pumping exercise. But most people do not have the…
Information provided by the Douglas County Youth Initiative Nominations for the 2018 Douglas County Outstanding Youth Awards are now being accepted. This one-of-a-kind award encompasses all youth: youth who have not finished their K-12 education, youth in traditional classroom settings, youth in group homes, youth in alternative schools, and youth in foster homes. Ten award…
By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Denver Museum of Nature and Science Have a passion for nature, culture and science? Indulge that passion with a visit to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS). Whether for just a couple of hours, or for the whole day, the museum is an excellent place to explore,…
The Connection staff enjoyed a festive holiday party at Maggiano’s Little Italy – top row, left to right: Nancy Koontz, writer; Lynne Marsala Basche, managing editor; Joe Gschwendtner, writer; Heidi Lewellyn, proofreader; Terri Wiebold, publisher; Liz Rector, writer; Sandy Gamble, account manager; Kathy Fallert, writer and proofreader, John Basche, writer, Laura Gooding, account manager and…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner The Lawrence C. Phipps Jr. who purchased the Kistler and Welte properties and named it Highlands Ranch was connected and wealthy, the son of a Carnegie steel magnate and U.S. Senator from Colorado. His position in life allowed for many uncommon opportunities, and he seized them often and successfully.…
Photo by Terri Wiebold Castle Rock Bank has officially merged with Guaranty Bank, and the new signage at the Castle Pines branch makes it official! Pictured left to right: Marilyn, Caroline, Jayne, Sara and Terry – one bank, one community!