The Connection

  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…

By Michelle Post The Douglas County Libraries (DCL) website has a chest full of treasures in its online learning page (www.dcl.org/research/online-learning/) within the “Research” tab of its website.  One of those treasures is a learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals – Lynda.com.  This…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos The Castle Pines Connection is honored to have three Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) intern writers (plus one who is in Malaysia for the entire year), who contribute stories not only about happenings at their high school, but also community topics.  We would like to introduce our interns to our…

By Lynne Marsala Basche No one enters a marriage with the intention of getting divorced, but if that day comes, it is hard to know how to navigate the process.  Friends and family can provide support, but unless they have gone through it, they cannot relate.  When Castle Pines resident Carolyn Blue found herself navigating…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Jimmy’s Photography Sue Lee, one of the co-founders of the Sock It To ‘Em sock campaign (pictured center holding a cellphone) recently organized a special day of spreading love by teaming up with the Denver Peanut Butter Plan for an event called “Socks, Cops and Sandwiches.”   The day…

By Michelle Post I borrowed the title for part two of this series from a great TED Talk by the same name (see related story page 7).  Ask anyone how they make toast, and you will find out that no two people make it the same way.  How do you solve a wicked problem?  You…

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. “A List of Cages” is book that bolsters my existing faith in…

Some of the DCSM National History Day projects included Zoe Huene’s documentary on American track and field athlete and four-time Olympic gold medalist in the 1936 games, James Cleveland ”Jesse” Owens and Drew Gassman’s exhibit on primatologist, ethologist, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace, Dame Jane Morris Goodall DBE (formerly Baroness Jane van Lawick-Goodall). By…

By Patte Smith; courtesy photo For some older adults it is important to be able to stay in their home.  Volunteers from Neighbor Network help make that possible for many seniors. The senior population in Douglas County continues to grow and so does the demand for services.  Neighbor Network is a nonprofit organization that is…

By Lynne Marsala Basche The Castle Pines Connection sends an email at the beginning of each month with a link to the electronic edition of the newspaper, in most cases before the paper copy arrives in mailboxes.  The email highlights a few features that may be of interest to our readers and is also used…

Joy Myers and E.J. Barklage are hosts for free movie and wine nights in Castle Pines.  The events include a showing of a talk from Dr. Brené Brown as well as wine from OneHope.  Myers and Barklage have their own careers helping others and  they work together leading workshops.  By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of…

Information and illustration provided by DCSD Film of any sort is an enormous part of our lives.  From advertising to sports and music videos to documentaries, sometimes it seems inconceivable how these works of art are created.  The desire to make films usually starts at an early age and fortunately, for students attending school in…

Information submitted by the Federal Aviation Administration The airspace surrounding the Denver metropolitan area is among the most complex in the country.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is redesigning this airspace to address inefficiencies and improve how aircraft navigate the area. By introducing new procedures that use satellites and specific onboard equipment for navigation (referred…

The new Lagae Road detour opened last month and will be in effect until October of this year.  The City of Castle Pines requests that drivers use extra caution when navigating the new roundabout at the intersection of Lagae Road and Mira Vista. By Kathy Fallert; illustrations courtesy of the City of Castle Pines Change…

Information provided by DCSD While other school districts in Metro Denver are facing massive budget cuts, Douglas County School District (DCSD) has been able to avoid a similar situation primarily through reductions in central administration.  However, DCSD is facing challenges – albeit much smaller than neighboring districts – because of increasing costs, stagnant funding and…

This photo is taken from the east bank of the reservoir where there will be parking/access, looking west across the water to Castle Pines. By Kathy Fallert; photo by Terri Wiebold For years, the Rueter-Hess Reservoir (RHR) was nothing more than gorgeous scenery.  However, this summer, residents will be able to do more than admire…

Fred and Yolanda Saltus pose in front of the sand sculpture of the Super Bowl XXXII logo at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego where the Denver Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers 31-24. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of the Saltus family Forever partners through thick and thin, Yolanda (Yo) and Fred Saltus treat their…

“I was just like any 25-year-old girl who would go out and party with friends.  I had a good job and never thought that I would be the one to get a DUI.  It’s tragic, humiliating and embarrassing that it had to take consequences like this to teach me the dangers of drunk driving.  I…

With a team of 50 (although not everyone participated in the actual plunge), Team DCSO BrrrITE Blue Line was ready to take the Polar Plunge in the Aurora Reservoir on February 11. By Lynne Marsala Basche; courtesy photos On February 11, members of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) took a chilly dip in the…

Riley, a fifth grader at Timber Trail Elementary school, plays her violin during the closing ensemble performance of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin during the Save the Music student performance night on February 10 at the Castle Pines Community Center.  Article and photos by Elean Gersack On Friday, February 10, musical talent was abound at the…

Submitted by Douglas County Libraries The Douglas County Libraries Adventure Pass program is expanding in 2017 with the addition of Denver’s Clyfford Still Museum as a partner.  Through the Adventure Pass program, library patrons can reserve free passes to six local cultural institutions, including Clyfford Still Museum, using their library cards. Douglas County Libraries’ 2017…

By Patte Smith The Castle Pines Library is offering two sessions of Yours, Colorado: Over the Mountain & Through the Woods.  Experienced hikers will host the session and share their knowledge of hiking and climbing a 14er.  Now is your chance to scale one of these beautiful mountains, and brag to your friends that you…

Seven eighth-grade girls were selected to represent RHMS at the National Girls & Women in Sports luncheon.  Pictured from left to right, Gabby Clutter, Audrey Burt, Carley Watterson, Eryn Collins, Karlie Wight, Olivia Gibson and Emily Glynn. By RHMS student Ryan Fincher; photo courtesy of Katie Cranston We have all heard about Rocky Heights Middle…

By Michelle Post Who said asking for help is a sign of weakness?  Oh right!  My dad.  One of my dad’s “life lessons” he taught my siblings and me was asking for help was a sign of weakness. I remember coming to my dad seeking help on a school project, life issue or a work…

Article and photos by Kathy Fallert “I was told by the business lender that most small restaurants don’t survive past the first year,” chuckled Lisa Storey (a.k.a. Mama Lisa) of Mama Lisa’s Little Italy restaurant in Castle Pines, as she addressed the standing room-only crowd at her restaurant’s 15-year anniversary celebration on February 1. Complimentary…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; courtesy photos On February 11, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) daddies and daughters traveled under the sea to attend the much-loved annual Daddy Daughter Dance. More than 1,600 balloons and decorations, including styrofoam jellyfish and coral reef  lamp shades helped bring the “Under the Sea” theme to life.  Guests could dance, snack…

Be ready to take in some breathtaking views of the Front Range and experience some exceptional bird watching when you visit Barr Lake State Park in Adams County.  More than 350 species of birds have been spotted at Barr Lake, which is home to the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory headquarters.  Barr Lake also hosts an…

Photo courtesy of Kristy Buirge Pixie and Emmie Buirge loved participating in the “Cutest Pet in the Pines” contest and being selected among its winners.   “We got so many texts and emails from our friends and neighbors to congratulate them,” said their mom, Kristy.  “Seeing our community’s adorable pets certainly made our holidays even…

By Amanda Merriman Dear Castle Pines community, I’d like you to meet Charity Miles.  Charity Miles is an app that connects active people with worthwhile organizations making a difference in our world.  So many of us already hit the trails as walkers, bikers and runners.  Why not donate these miles to a cause you believe…

Amelia Earhart’s 1923 Kissel “Gold Bug” on display at the Forney Museum of Transportation and (pictured below) an old photo of Denver firefighters rescuing residents from a downtown building that was on fire. By Patte Smith; courtesy photos The warm-up has not yet begun, and we are all getting a bit of cabin fever, but…

By Michelle Post Everyone has a story inside.  That story could be the one that saves a life or inspires another to make social change or to become a global difference maker.  That is what TED is.  TED is a platform to share stories called TED Talks and to “spread ideas.” TED stands for technology,…

Yummy, simple frittata By Lisa Crockett Leftovers are not exactly the stuff of legend.  What was fantastic last night for dinner, is often just sort of “meh” the next day for lunch.  And more than one encore – that pan of lasagna that was so amazing?  By day four, it’s enough to make you want…

By Terri Wiebold; photo by Paul Masovero The Connection received an inquiry about the large pile of dirt and equipment that is currently located on the northeast corner of N. Daniels Park Road and Santa Fe Drive (see inset).  According to Castle Pines Metropolitan District Manager Jeff Coufal, the equipment and dirt are part of…

By Lynn Zahorik As the last few weeks of winter drift away, many people are starting to plan their summer calendars.  Local swim families are gearing up to register for their summer swim teams.   Castle Crocs, the recreational swim team program within the Castle Pines North community, opens up their online registration for returning…

Information provided by the DCPC One in three girls and one in five boys will face the potential of sexual abuse before they are old enough to vote.  Very young children are at the highest risk.  For parents of children up to 7 years old, the Douglas County Parenting Coalition (DCPC) is offering a My…

Student Timothy Merkle, a Castle Pines resident, trying out the AT&T driving simulator at Rock Canyon High School on February 2 which is designed to show the dangers of distracted driving. By Jack Hibbett, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Suzanne Trantow A virtual reality simulator from AT&T recently came to Rock Canyon High School…

(Pictured from left to right) BRE students Olivia Bruns, Brooke Potter and Grace Bruns helped Dr. Claudia Folska whip up some egg salad on the “Cooking in the Dark” show. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Nancy Potter This winter three Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) students participated on the Rocky Mountain PBS show Cooking in…

On the first Wednesday in February every year, high school student athletes across the country sign letters of intent to play their sport at the next level.  These students are committing to a sport while attending college in the fall.  We commend all the student athletes and celebrate the following who reside in our 80108…

Celebration day!  The Sanchez family poses in front of their new home with the Giveback Homes team.  By Kay Bryant; photos courtesy of Jessica Northrop Seven-year Castle Pines resident Jessica Northrop is a wife, mother and professional real estate agent who was looking for a way to give back.   She recently found it helping to…

Blue Origin, an aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company set up by the founder of Amazon.com, has a passion for space exploration.  DCSM students had the opportunity to participate in an upcoming rocket launch.  “This has been an exciting journey for the students and we are looking forward to the launch!” said Nicole Gassman, DCSM…

Brian Young, fishing manager at Orvis, donated his time to help BRE fifth-grade students Genesis Torres (left) and Evan Scanlon (right) learn about the art of fly tying. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Lisa Recine The Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance (BREA), which is the school’s parent organization, asked each class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary…

Submitted by Melissa Anciaux, Douglas County Libraries The Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock is seeking volunteers age 50-plus who are willing to share their online dating experiences and advice by serving on an online dating panel.  The panel is part of the library’s two-part program “Love Is in the Air: Looking for Love…

By Amanda Merriman Nothing can inspire you more than watching the next generation learn a valuable skill.  After listening to my children talk about learning Spanish at school, I found myself wanting to improve my Spanish skills.  After a quick search in the App store, I found what I was looking for in Duolingo. Duolingo…

By Michelle Post What did you learn today? What mistake did you make that taught you something? What did you try hard at today? ~ Carol S. Dweck A growth mindset is key to personal and professional success.  This has been proven by Dr. Carol S. Dweck in her bestselling book, “Mindset: The New Psychology…

The top 15 spellers at BRE, pictured left to right: Madi, Jade, Sophia, Milena, Riley, Mia, Karlie, Heath, Chance, Kyle, Jaidyn, Taylor, Shwithi, Yeats, and Jon Michael. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Friday, January 20, had 15 Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fourth- and fifth-grade students feeling the jitters as they participated in the school’s…

Preserving American history is a priority for Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).  SAR held a Revolutionary period camp for two days at Cresthill Middle School in Highlands Ranch last fall (pictured above), and they joined DAR last month at the Douglas County Commissioners meeting where they presented…

Article and photo 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. Excellent writing is at times quite a difficult undertaking. …

Information and photo provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is introducing a pilot program to bring Front Range skiers and snowboarders to and from the mountains this winter. SnowStang, part of the CDOT Bustang® interregional bus service, will offer express round-trip service to six resorts on two Saturdays…

By Patte Smith Each month I am amazed by the people and organizations that make a difference to individuals, families and the community where we live.  Behind the scenes so to speak, these groups touch the lives of people who need a little kindness, a spark of caring. The Alzheimer’s Association’s SPARK! cultural programs (SPARK)…

Information provided by CDOT The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) remind carpoolers that as of January 1, CDOT’s high occupancy vehicle (HOV) express lanes is now HOV 3+. The change means a vehicle must have a driver and at least two passengers in order to be in the…

Members of the Castle Pines Run Club rang in the New Year with a destination run at Waterton Canyon on January 1.  The sun was out, and spirits were high as members of the group ran either 14, 10 or 6 miles. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Ashley Oxton While some spent New…

Information provided by Douglas County Commissioner Roger Partridge, who was re-elected to his second term as County Commissioner for District II in November 2016, took the oath of office from District Court Judge Paul King last month.  Partridge’s wife Nadine held the Holy Bible while their young grandchildren stood in witness.   Following the swearing-in…

By Michelle Post Graduation rates in the Douglas County School District continue to climb, making more and more students likely to head off to college.  Recent data released by the Colorado Department of Education shows the on-time, four-year graduation rate in Douglas County is now 90.1 percent. College is not cheap, and it does not…

Seven-year-old Connor Wolff stood proudly displaying the trophy he won last month for riding a sheep for 12 seconds at the National Western Stock Show. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Rachelle Wolff Seven-year-old Castle Pines resident Connor Wolff made his mutton busting debut at this year’s National Western Stock Show.  The Timber Trail…

By Elean Gersack It may be hard to believe, but in a few short months school will be out, and the kids will need something to do.  Sure, it seems great to have a lot of downtime, but after a week or two, the words “I’m bored” may be said too often.  Camps always fill…

Information provided by Douglas County School District Are you watching your kids scroll through life with their rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second attention span?  Douglas County School District is hosting “SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age,” a documentary about the biggest parenting issue of our time. Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston witnessed this with…

By Elean Gersack Did you know that there is a simple, pain-free, low-cost screening that can help detect calcium buildup in the arteries?  Offered through the Medical Center of Aurora, Coronary Calcium Scan Testing can be a useful tool in understanding risk for heart disease. Anyone can schedule a screening, but it is especially recommended…

Brad Parks, senior director of guest experience at the Denver Zoological Foundation, joined some fifth-grade students in front of their “trash-to-treasure” project.  All the fifth-grade projects were auctioned off, and $753 was donated to the Washed Ashore and Stand for Trees organizations. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson On January 9, Timber…

Linda Bulmer’s blend of entrepreneurial skills and her passion for fashion came together at Aspen Blu Boutique. By Kay Bryant; photos courtesy of Linda Bulmer Castle Pines resident Linda Bulmer has lived in 80108 since 2002.  As a wife and mother of four children (three are in college, the youngest at American Academy), Bulmer is…

By Patte Smith What great programs and activities the Douglas County Libraries (DCL) have created for our community in 2017.  Whether you are a romantic or a youngster, the month of February will find you “love” and a lot of laughs.   Love is in the air at the Castle Pines Library throughout the month…