The Connection

The BRE Green Team recently received a partial grant from DCSD for its environmental efforts. The money will be used to purchase new automatic water sensors for all of BRE’s faucets. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Corin Meibos The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) Green Team was one of a small group of finalists to…

Information provided by Douglas County Note that Colorado Elections are administered by mail only. Instead of casting your vote on equipment at a polling place, you will receive and vote your ballot at your convenience. You may choose to deliver your voted ballot by mail or save on postage and use one of ten convenient…

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. Taking a deep dive into the dark side of Manifest Destiny, I…

Information provided by Douglas County Long-awaited improvements to Daniels Park Road began the week of October 23.  A portion of the existing stretch of gravel within Daniels Park between Grigs Road and Castle Pines Parkway will be closed for the remainder of the year.  Motorists will be redirected to Monarch Boulevard. When the project is…

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…

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…

Residents can take steps to protect their homes and property against the threat of wildfires, including having a Douglas County fire mitigation expert assess specific property’s needs. Information provided by Douglas County Besides Broncos football and the start of a new school year, fall often means two things in Colorado – yard work and the…

Red Rocks Amphitheatre was the perfect backdrop for the Rock Canyon High School Fire Science class participation in the in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on September 11. Article and photos by Lisa Nicklanovich The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Fire Science (FS) class does not just take place in a classroom; students learn about…

Andy Amick proudly displays his newly published memoir “A Dream Worth Living,” which is available on Amazon Prime and will be available shortly from the Douglas County Libraries. By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Andy Amick In 2014, The Connection introduced readers to resident Andy Amick after he conquered the Tour Divide, an ultra-cycling challenge…

Adventure Club International members Shreya Sundaresh (left) and Shreya Naik (right) at the Forced From Home interactive exhibit in Boulder. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Maria Pangalos and Shreya Naik Students at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) are lucky to have hundreds of clubs available to join, and anyone can start…

Benefiting those who suffer from domestic abuse Information submitted by the Crisis Center Abigail G. Manning, Colorado resident and domestic violence survivor, will be the keynote speaker for Crisis Center’s 10th annual Future for Families Gala event. The gala will be held on Friday, November 10 from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Hilton…

Garrett Duman, the new head baseball coach at Rock Canyon High School. By Jack Hibbett, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Makenna Allen Moving from Cherry Creek High School (CCHS) to Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), Garrett Duman was not expecting a warm welcome when he entered his former rival school to start coaching baseball.…

With bagpipe music playing, participants of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks walked nine laps around the amphitheater which is the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. Article and photos by Lisa Nicklanovich The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheatre brought approximately 2,000 firefighters and…

Information provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Each year, there are new health plans and prescription drug coverage choices. For individuals who currently have a Medicare plan, it is important to review your current health and prescription drug coverage each fall, and make sure that your plan is still right for you.…

By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Stephen Bosco Oak Hills resident Stephen Bosco, owner and club director of Panther Volleyball Club, started the club five years ago when his stepdaughter was looking for an alternative to other club volleyball organizations. Panther practices are at American Academy in Castle Pines, and the organization supports multi-sport athletes,…

  Cutline and photos by Kathy Fallert A great time was had by all at the annual Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) back-to-school carnival on Friday, August 25. A dessert walk, jumpy castles, food trucks, a dunk tank and more were on hand for everyone to enjoy.

Mark Edson, MD, Castle Pines resident and winner of this year’s nine-mile Run Wild race, donated his $500 proceeds to the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) to plant trees in Coyote Ridge Park. The race was part of the three-day Party in the Pines event in late August (see pages 14-15) that was hosted…

Almost 50 DCSM students spent five days at the YMCA of the Rockies and learned leadership and team building skills, as well as general outdoor education. Article and photo submitted by Jodi Anderson, DCS Montessori For more than a decade, sixth-graders at DCS Montessori (DCSM) have looked forward to this rite of passage. For five…

When you hold your local newspaper in your hands – whether in print or on a mobile device – you hold a powerful tool to inform and inspire. For centuries in towns and cities across North America, local newspapers have served as the voice for the public good and as a powerful connection between citizens…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The orange line represents Daniels Park Road, and the other colors show the different family properties. By Joe Gschwendtner In examining the checkerboard map of Wildcat Mountain homesteaders, an urge springs within to generalize. Many like to draw conclusions to explain what was seen and experienced. By 1900, most of our geography here had been…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce As of August 1, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce has a new place to call home. The organization relocated from its space near the former Safeway store to another convenient location at the Coldwell Banker Castle Pines building on 482 Happy…

Information provided by Parker Arts An informative discussion on the Rueter-Hess Reservoir will be held on Tuesday, October 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the PACE Center in Parker. Susan Saint Vincent, president of the Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority, will present the history of the Recreation Authority, the regional partnership and how the project has developed until…

Bernie, the Colorado Avalanche mascot, got the under 10-year-old participants ready with stretches and antics before the kid’s fun run. Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche August 20 was a gorgeous morning to welcome runners and walkers of both the human and canine variety to Washington Park in Denver for the Cancer League of…

Information provided by Douglas County More than 67,000 students have returned to school in Douglas County, and whether they walk, bike, skate, or drive to school, it takes everyone, including those driving in the vicinity of schools, to ensure they get there safely. The Douglas County School District encourages students to walk, bike or bus…

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…