The Connection

By Patte Smith Most of the Castle Pines community shops for groceries at King Soopers, and many residents use the new library. You have the chance to help support local schools and the library by shopping and fueling up your car at King Soopers using a “scrip” card. Buffalo Ridge Elementary, American Academy, DCS Montessori…

The Rosenlund family is a tight unit, as is evidenced in their home life and in their work at Nations Lending in Castle Pines. Pictured from left to right, back row: Pricilla Rosenlund, Pamela Zahner, Joe Zahner, Tammy Anderson and Thurston Rosenlund; front row: Savannah Rosenlund and Truett Rosenlund. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert…

Students enjoy some of the many game-related activities offered at Rock Canyon High School’s After Prom, held on April 8 to provide a safe environment after the prom. By Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photos This past month, many high school students within the Castle Pines community donned tuxedos and flowing dresses and embarked…

By Lisa Crockett It never fails. You have a late-night craving for brownies (or pancakes, or chicken á la King), so you whip out the whisk and mixing bowls and get to work . . . only to discover you’re missing a crucial ingredient. While a midnight King Soopers run isn’t out of the question,…

By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Candy Palazzo Thirteen-year-old Carly Palazzo, resident of Buffalo Ridge Estates, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the young age of 2 due to an unexplained gene mutation. Palazzo, along with 17-year-old Grace Garcia from Parker were chosen to represent Colorado at the annual Teens Speak Up! (TSU) conference in Washington,…

The RCHS basketball team after making the buzzer beater win against Grandview High School in the Great Eight competition, which took them to the Final Four for the first time in school history. The final moments of the game were played on ESPN’s SportsCenter. By Jack Hibbett, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com…

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’s Bibliophiliac’s selection, “Himself”, is a debut novel from author Jess…

Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Douglas County Libraries (DCL) presents an adventurous start to its Summer Reading Program with another season of Page to Stage children’s theater. This year’s entertaining production, presented in partnership with Front Range Theatre Company in Castle Rock, is an originally written adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland.” The traveling production…

Rock Canyon Bands marched in the parade in the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida as part of a spring break trip. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Blake Unger This past spring break, the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Bands spent five magical and educational days at Walt Disney World in Orlando,…

Map of the 1937 Chase Landholdings (in blue). I-25 is highlighted purple, Santa Fe (Hwy 85) is red, Happy Canyon Road is green and Daniels Park Road is yellow. By Joe Gschwendtner Picking up where we left off last month …While John Chase Jr. was clearly the shaker and mover among the three sons who…

By Patte Smith; courtesy photo Spring is here, and many farmers markets open during the month of May. It is time to get out and enjoy the weather and stroll through markets offering fresh produce, home-grown flowers, arts and crafts, local brewed beer and activities for kids. When heading up to the mountains this summer…

Castle View High School Baca, Merissa Beauchamp, Lauren Beaujon, Anthony Besocke, Madelyn Bloom, Braden Brodin, Samuel Cage, Kellie Chavez Islas, Brayan Curry, Anna Curry, Blake Dean, Keaton DeVries, Jack Dudley, Koby Dunbar, Jane Endley, Skylar Finley, Brandon Galligan, Amber Gladstone, Madison Hosmer, Joseph Howland, Andrew Jackson, Joshua Kouri, Haylie Matese, Marissa Negron, Christopher Nouss, Marianna…

Castle Pines Postal Center employee Marie Dudgeon waved goodbye during the final days of operation at the store located in the King Soopers shopping center. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Castle Pines residents were surprised in late April to find a sign taped to the door of the Castle Pines Postal Center which read,…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori School DCS Montessori (DCSM) celebrated its 20th anniversary on Saturday, April 22 with an event that included alumni, parents and staff, as well as current students, families and staff. All of the board of directors and Montessori Educational Foundation members were present, too! DCSM celebrated 20…

By Kathy Fallert Little did I know as I wrote the Day Trippin’ article last month regarding “RTD Southeast Rail Line and R Line Updates,” I have been parking illegally at Lincoln Station for years. I was under the assumption, as are many, that parking there is free. Apparently, I have been lucky that I…

French language students at Rock Canyon High School, along with teachers Alexis Savas and David Sapienza, traveled to Morocco where they rode camels in the Erg Chebbi Dunes of Merzouga in the Sahara Desert. The group also visited the Medersa Ben Youssef, an Islamic school in Marrakech before traveling to the High Atlas Mountains where…

Olivia Voss, a junior at Rock Canyon High School and a Castle Pines Village resident, earned the highest possible composite ACT score of 36, a significant achievement reached by only one-tenth of one percent of high school ACT test takers. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Lisa Voss Nearly 2 million high school students take…

Ready, set, go at the 2016 Memorial Day Run & March. Information and photos provided by the Memorial Day Run & March organization Race, run, ruck, walk or roll at the 2017 Memorial Day Run & March 5K, 10K and 30K runs on Saturday, May 27 starting at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The entire community…

Castle Pines Valley: In April, residents began to see construction on four model homes in the Phase 1 section of Castle Pines Valley (formerly Lagae Ranch). Production homes for prospective buyers are expected to follow starting in late spring. Residents can also expect continued road construction for Lagae Road down to Happy Canyon Road and…

Article and photo by Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Evan Semon Mark and Lisa Voss (pictured top left) know a thing or two about running a successful restaurant. The Castle Pines Village couple has spent the past seven years running The Tilted Kilt in downtown Denver and they have numerous years of hospitality and restaurant…

By Michelle Post This is the year of video marketing. Are you ready? Here are just a few stats to confirm that statement: 500 million people watch Facebook videos every day; 400 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute; online video will account for 74 percent of online traffic; and what took television…

By Patte Smith An Overview of the Colorado Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging with speaker James Riesberg Thursday, May 4, networking at 8:45 a.m., meeting 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, 9203 South University Avenue, Highlands Ranch Older Americans Month Proclamation and Reception Tuesday, May 9, 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.…

By Lynne Marsala Basche All neighborhoods are vulnerable to crime, and the Castle Pines community is no different. Recently, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has seen a spike in opportunistic crimes in Castle Pines, and while residents are fortunate to live in a community where public safety is a priority, precautions must be taken…

More than 100 members of the TTE choir had the honor of singing the national anthem at the April 9 Colorado Rockies game. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Linda Sovich and Cindy Berndt On April 9, spectators at Coors Field enjoyed peanuts, Cracker Jack and the Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) choir singing the…

Bikers enjoy a ride on Spruce Meadows Open Space Trail in Douglas County. Access to exercise opportunities were among the determining factors that led to the County being ranked number one in Colorado for overall health outcomes for the second consecutive year. Information provided by Douglas County Congratulations residents of Douglas County! You live in…

By Amanda Merriman I know I am not going to be the next Lita Ford or Joan Jett. All the same, I would be extremely happy if I could pluck out some songs on an upcoming camping trip. Or, when we settle around the fire pit at our new home, it would be so nice…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines To more accurately align with the communication efforts of Lennar Homes, information about the Lagae Ranch development on the City of Castle Pines website has been changed to Castle Pines Valley.  The new development, currently under construction, will include 231 single-family homes, 400 multi-family residences, an elementary…

By Elean Gersack Join a host of Denver area running enthusiasts for the annual Cherry Creek Sneak in Cherry Creek North on Sunday, April 23 at 7:30 a.m.  The Cherry Creek Sneak is the Denver must for families and elite runners alike. Runners and walkers participate in the10-mile, 5-mile, and 3.1-mile (5K) There’s even a…

The eight foundations of Sources of Strength. Submitted by RHMS student Isabel Kiefert Sources of Strength (SOS), a group at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) has a mission “To provide the highest quality evidence-based prevention for suicide, violence, bullying and substance abuse by training, supporting, and empowering both peer leaders and caring adults to impact…

RCHS National Merit finalist Megan Pitman (third from right) pictured here with fellow RCHS finalists Sydney Marchando (second from right) and Kate Schaffer (far right). The students are dressed for Hawaiian day in honor of their Wish Week kid, Faith (see related article on page 35). By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo Nine students at Rock…

In an effort to spread happiness and positivity, RHMS students Braden McCollam (left), Alivia Ball (center) and Raegan Synk (right) composed and sent weekly inspirational emails to teachers and staff to brighten their days. By RHMS student Zoe Bair; photo courtesy of Kayla Mash Every Friday, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students Braden McCollam, Alivia…

BRE students battle their way to branch championships   By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photo The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) third and fourth grade team battled their way to victory as the Lone Tree branch champions in this year’s Battle of the Books competition.  The competition is similar to a game show format.  The students all…

By Michelle Post I remember the moment clearly, as if it happened yesterday, but it was 15 years ago.  I was sitting in professional development training with members of my team, and we were learning about the different generations in the workplace.  As the instructor began to detail each generation and their characteristics, one of…

Actors in the RCHS production of “Peter Pan: The Musical,” rehearsed one of the final scenes in the show in preparation for opening night on March 1.  Actors featured (from left to right): Alyssa Marino, Leah Doogan, Ben Watervoort, Molly Lane, Maddie Maynor, Lily Schmoker, Amanda Scholtz, Landon Hogue and Elysa Veta. By Riley Busch,…

By Michelle Post Allow me to take you back into your memories, and I want you to think of the most beautiful place you have been.  As you find your image, I want you to close your eyes and listen to the sounds, smell the aromas in the air, and feel the emotions as you…

By Elean Gersack It is time to roll up your sleeves and get checked at the 9Health Fair.  For 36 years, this volunteer driven nonprofit has impacted more than two million lives with blood chemistry and other health screening programs.  It is easy and convenient to take charge of your health by making plans to…

Kian Lame’s smile is as large as his zest for life as he visits his sister Yasmine at her college campus.  Kian’s family is hoping to raise money to purchase an adaptive bike so that he can enjoy the feeling of independence and joy that all kids deserve. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Neda…

Castle Crocs have a lot of long-time returning swimmers, including these boys pictured last year (from left to right): Jack Nelson, Ryan Tierney, Ben Gardner, Caleb Jaramillo and Carter Brand. by Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos CASTLE CROCS Castle Crocs (Crocs) are gearing up for their 11th season. The overall mission for the Castle Crocs is…

In early May, residents will receive their Notice of Value for 2017, which will reflect the market value of a residence as of June 30, 2016.  This year, while home values have increased, residents will not notice an equivalent change in their property taxes due next year. By Lynne Marsala Basche In early May, Douglas…

Location of proposed new development in Castle Rock to be built on previous landfill site. Submitted by the Town of Castle Rock A new development is proposed near the intersection of I-25 and Plum Creek Parkway.  In March, Town Council postponed consideration on second reading of a finance agreement with the proposed developer, which would…

By Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of the Aston Martin Owners Club The mountain area Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) paid a visit to Castle Pines a few months ago.  Looking for a unique restaurant where members could meet halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs, they were attracted by the Italian menu at Pino’s (formerly La…

The loss of life while serving one’s country, either in a military capacity or as a first responder, is something worthy of paying tribute.  Throughout Douglas County, uniformed personnel are proud to participate in rendering honors at various locations as dignified honors motorcades pass through, taking these heroes to their final resting place. Article and…

By Amanda Merriman On a recent Monday afternoon, I scoured through the pantry for something that would inspire that night’s dinner recipe.  Feeling frustrated, I decided it was time once again to get better organized with my meal planning.  I found my solution in a free app called Mealime. I have used other recipe apps…

By Tim Gamble; photos by Lynne Zahorik Each year the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and the community celebrate by saying hello to old friends and by welcoming new ones.  We raise a glass or two to recognize and honor achievements of our peers.  We enjoy a nosh, buy stuff, and dance to the music. …

Mallory Happ, a Forest Park resident and student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), shared the lessons she learned after her first semester in college. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Kelly Happ College is an exciting new experience for students to grow, but this change can also be surprising…

As part of Girl Scout Brownie Troop 844’s “It’s Your World, Change It” Quest Journey, the girls delivered supplies and toys to the Buddy Center.  They are pictured here with leaders Amy Ball (left) and Kristie Peters (right). By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Amy Ball Thanks to Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) Girl Scout…

By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) parents reminisced their way Back to Prom at the school’s annual fundraising gala held on Friday, February 24 at Cielo at Castle Pines.  There were 175 people in attendance, many dressed to the nines in tuxedos and gowns in all sorts of fun styles and colors.…

The Rock Canyon High School student council introduced Faith to the entire student body at the opening assembly of Wish Week. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Julia Bartmann Wish Week at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) is an event everyone looks forward to.  “Wish Week is the most magical time of…

By Kay Bryant Canyons Community Church Meets at 4825 N. Crowfoot Valley Road, Castle Rockwww.canyonscc.org Easter Sunday service: April 16 at 10:30 a.m. Chabad Jewish Center Meets at 9950 Lone Tree Parkway, Lone Treewww.denverjewishcenter.com Passover: Community Seder on April 10 at 7 p.m. Cherry Hills Community Church Meets at 3900 Grace Boulevard, Highlands Ranch www.chcc.org…

Rita Coltrane By Patte Smith, photos provided by Rita Coltrane and Orchestrated Light Photography Talent pours out of Rita Coltrane, an award-winning interior designer and an original homeowner in the Hidden Pointe neighborhood.  Recently winning a Best of Houzz 2017 award for a unique and distinctive design, she humbly says that it was “completely unexpected.”…

Article and photo by Terri Wiebold The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) held its second annual breakfast, “Focus Forward” at the Charles Schwab campus in Lone Tree last month.  The foundation is doing amazing things to help Douglas County nonprofits, and The Connection’s Managing Editor Lynne Marsala Basche (second from right) was honored to be…

Union Station has its fair share of history, as well as upscale restaurants and shopping to explore. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Where can you go in Denver that offers Snooze restaurant, Acme Delicatessen, Stoic & Genuine restaurant, The Tattered Cover, Milkbox Ice Creamery, Next Door Eatery, Cooper Lounge, the luxurious Crawford Hotel, artsy…

  Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I like to cook, I like to eat, and I like to feed the people that I love.  So, you might think that dinner at my house is a consistently blissful affair.  Alas, real life has a pesky way of interfering with what should otherwise be a pleasant…

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. “People say if you face your worst fear the rest is easy,…

Eye Level Optical celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last month on Village Square Drive. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of  Paul Masovero Eye Level Optical is the new business in town.  Located right next door to the Bundt Shoppe on Village Square Drive in Castle Pines, co-owners Eileen Barry and Angela Gosling…

Mead, pictured in the back row (center) with her yoga class that includes all ages. “Yoga creates freedom in the body and calm in the mind.  I have yet to hear a student say at the end of class,‘Gee, I wish I hadn’t come to yoga today’!” she laughed. By Patte Smith, photo courtesy of…

Article and photos by Terri Wiebold Last month, we shared with you insight into the creative team of writers who bring the pages of The Connection to life, but the true lifeblood of the paper is our team of account managers.  The Connection is 100 percent funded through advertising dollars, and the relationships and partnerships…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Beverly Coggins The father daughter dance at The Country Club at Castle Pines is an annual event that has become a tradition for many of the club’s members.  This year, the event took place on March 4 and was attended by more than 85 dads and their daughters. Castle…

DCSM student Dylan Tilton with 2017 Iditarod musher Aliy Zirkle at the musher’s banquet.  Tilton’s passion for “The Last Great Race” came out of the classroom and into reality with a March trip to the iconic Alaskan dog sled race. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori DCS Montessori (DCSM) student and Castle…

Information provided by the FAA Several public workshops will be held in April and May on the proposed airspace improvements in the Denver Metro area.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is holding the workshops in an open house format so people can attend any time during the publicized time range to learn about the proposed…

A  fluffy four-legged airline traveler sniffs around one of the new indoor private pet restrooms.  The Pet Relief areas are a welcome amenity where dogs can go on the fly before taking to the skies. Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of DIA Traveling with your trusted furry friends just got easier at…

Brigadier General John Chase, Jr. (left), whose family acquired more land in Douglas County than any other.  Chase commanded troops under Governor Peabody. By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Douglas County History Research Center As Douglas County development accelerated in the late 1800s, no family acquired more land through the Homestead Act in our area…