The Connection

RCHS senior Keeley Davis and her parents Erin and Chris Lane at the final RCHS home volleyball game celebrating Senior Night. Information provided by Rock Canyon High School; photo by Terri Wiebold Castle Pines Village resident Keeley Davis is a senior on the varsity volleyball team at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), where she has…

The gift of a new bike is helping Brian to journey through life while trying to heal from a disruptive childhood. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Judy Carlson Often, social media platforms are used to complain, shame or spread a whirlwind of negativity. However, since a serendipitous meeting between Castle Pines resident Judy…

Information provided by Douglas County Government Veterans Affairs In 2006, Colorado voters approved an amendment and subsequent legislation that expanded the senior property tax exemption to include “qualifying disabled veterans.” For disabled veterans who qualify, 50 percent of the first $200,000 of actual value of the veteran’s primary residence is exempted. A disabled veteran exemption…

  Pilates in the Pines owners Cathy Bosson (left) and Alana Norman (right) joined in the special invitation-only event. By Terri Wiebold; photos by Laura Gooding The October 16 “soft opening” of the new Trestles restaurant in Castle Pines Village offered a taste of the cuisine that patrons could expect when dining. The restaurant opened…

Castle Pines resident Steven Bullock proudly holds the National Certificate of Merit he was awarded. Article and photo submitted by Kira Zizzo On September 26, an event celebrating perseverance and hard work took place in the Rocky Heights Middle School cafetorium. This event, the Boy Scout Court of Honor for Troop 316, was truly captivating…

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…

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…

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…

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…