Read the stories from the latest issue:
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!
By Amanda Merriman It is embarrassing to admit that despite living in Colorado for most of the past 25 years, I still cannot name a majority of the mountains that make up our western skyline. I can point out Pikes Peak, so all is not lost, I suppose. I recently made it my goal to…
The Breakfast Club, which is for single men and woman who are 50 and older, meets monthly at The Ridge at Castle Pines. By John Basche; photo courtesy of Barbara Auty For those of us who grew up in a certain era, “The Breakfast Club” conjures up a cinematic coming-of-age story where seemingly unconnected characters…
The Green Gals, from top left to bottom right Piper Landon, Hailey Van Auken, Sadie Rowe, Charleigh Gibson, Devon Wilkins and Kaitlin Hicks. The team’s Lexus Eco Challenge project focused around the use of reusable versus nonreusable bags. By Kira Zizzo, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Rachel Cook In a nationwide contest sponsored by…
By Lynne Marsala Basche Since 2006, Colorado Life Trak, which is a coordinated program sponsored by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Douglas County Adult Services and TRIAD, has been used to help locate children and adults who have Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, autism and other related conditions. Colorado Life Trak is a tracking system…
By Lynn Zahorak; photo courtesy of The Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation The Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation (CPACF) once again hosted “An Evening with John Fielder” in early December at the Castle Pines Community Center. Residents enjoyed “A Colorado Winter” slideshow, which showcased Fielder’s magnificent winter photography. Thirty percent of book sales…
BRE kindergartners showed off their vocal chords when 7News stopped by the school on December 5 to video the kids for later holiday broadcasts. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Corin Meibos 7News popped into Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) on Tuesday, December 5 to video Sherri Rumminger’s kindergarten class as they sang with the school’s…
Article and cutline by Lisa Nicklanovich Rina Castanon’s (pictured in center in red) annual ornament exchange luncheon is looked forward to by many in the Forest Park neighborhood and surrounding area. One guest purchased her ornament the day after the event last year in anticipation! On December 8, long-time and new neighborhood friends came together…
Heroes in all shapes, sizes and species By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Friends of Douglas County K-9 In 2011, David Swieckowski, Angela Sanders, Terry Barnhart and Kim Vanderholm learned that two of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) working dogs needed to be retired but that the DCSO did not have the funds…
Members of the Green Raptors pose with the Air Force Academy mascot. From Left to right: Sofia Bonnstetter, Luke Armstrong, Maddex McKinzie, Jack Sutherland, Charlie Abner, Alex Huser, Connor Wolff, Davis Moon, Brandon Pillsbury and Luke O’Brien. By Daniel Williams; photo courtesy of Andrea Moon When Air Force played Division II Western State Colorado in…
Information provided by DCS Montessori An experiment by DCSM students ended with success aboard a sub-orbital rocket. DCS Montessori partnered with DreamUp, a leading provider of space-based educational opportunities, to develop a custom curriculum. They used the flight opportunity as a teaching moment and engaged as many students as possible with elements of the payload…
By Michelle Post Do you know the saying, “failing to plan, is planning to fail?” Not writing goals for one’s business each year is planning to fail. Goals produce confidence, focus and increase productivity. Goals can also motivate you and empower you to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles you face. Step-1: Write SMART…
RCHS students Zoë Zizzo, Hannah Stephenson, and Isabella Broome distributed paper pinwheels to the school to raise awareness of child abuse during Kindness Week Article and photo by Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer To celebrate the holiday season and give back to the community, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Random Acts of Positivity club (RAP)…
Brooke Boyles credits her dog Phoebe with helping her manage the day-to-day challenges of Lyme disease. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of the Boyles family When Brooke Boyles was six years old and her family was living in Texas, she noticed a spider bite with a bull’s eye around it on her right knee.…
Information provided by Douglas County A 14 percent increase in Douglas County’s registered voters has triggered the need to adjust voter precinct boundaries. The increase required, by state law, that precinct boundaries be redrawn prior to the 2018 Caucus, Primary and General Election. The precinct changes will be effective February 1, with precinct numbers updated…
On December 16, more than 60 people, including Jim Nikkel, district manager for the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District, Mayor elect Tera Radloff, Timber Trail Elementary students and the community, participated in a ribbon-cutting celebration for several new pieces of playground equipment at Coyote Ridge Park, which were recommended by the students. By Lynne Marsala…
The new RCHS wrestling coach, Reid Heller, who was a wrestler in high school and in college, and also has been a coach for more than 10 years. Article and photo by Jack Hibbett, RCHS intern writer Earlier in the year, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) officially invited its wrestlers to an open mat where…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori School DCS Montessori School (DCSM) continued its annual tradition of hosting a Holiday Gift Shop. Ryoko Futasani’s fourth through sixth grade classrooms ran the Holiday Gift Shop, which featured handmade gifts by the students. Items were available for purchase by other students, DCSM staff and parents.…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A new year has arrived, and that means it is time to get back on track. More than a month of butter, cream, flour and sugar are again on the books. As always, it was a lot of fun. As always, I’m ready for the clean slate that January…
Seventh-grader Sarah Tepsic, who played Anne, received her famed diary from her father Mr. Frank, played by eighth-grader Jared Engerman. By Liz Rector; photos courtesy of American Academy There were moments during the play, “The Diary of Anne Frank,” where it was easy to forget you were sitting in a school in Colorado rather than…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Julie Dean Lamb On Tuesday, November 28, 2017, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) officially welcomed its newly-elected school board members as they were sworn into office at the Board of Education meeting. Pictured left to right are Anthony Graziano, Kevin Leung, Christina Ciancio-Schor, Krista Holtzmann, David Ray,…
Aven A. and Kate H. sold vanilla steamers with the support of big brother Matt H. to earn money for their adopted family’s gifts. Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) second graders took a field trip in December. It was not your typical field trip; the students went to Target to shop for the families their classes…
By Daniel Williams; photo by Terri Wiebold By now you have probably heard that In-N-Out Burger, the California burger joint with the cult following, is expanding to Colorado. But if your mouth begins to water upon hearing that news, you might want to temper your enthusiasm. According to Denny Warnick, vice president of operations for…
By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of DMNS 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, especially when the weather…
Castle Pines Boy Scout Troop 316 recently honored three new Eagle Scouts at a Court of Honor ceremony held at Kirk Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The honorees were Dylan Armstrong of Castle Pines, Joshua Bullock of Castle Pines Village, and William Gray of Highlands Ranch, and they join an elite club. By Daniel…
Photos courtesy of Sierra The Connection staff was thrilled to join Sierra in Lone Tree for its ribbon cutting ceremony and soft opening on December 14. The upscale wood fired kitchen served up amazing cuisine in addition to some stunning views. The interior decor was as beautiful as the exterior architecture, and the much-anticipated opening…
By Patte Smith The holiday festivities are officially over, and now the clean up begins. Whether putting your tree curbside or taking it to recycle, here are some tips to follow: Remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, plastic wrap, tree stands, wire, rope, nails, etc. before disposing of trees. Live trees with artificial snow sprayed…
By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of Katie Abner and Lindsay Matthews Who would have thought entering a pet photo contest could lead to adding a new member to the family? Last December, the Abner family’s 10-year-old son, Andrew, entered his guinea pig Cosmo into The Connection’s Cutest Pet in the Pines photo contest. To their…
CPVGC members Renee Newfield, Beth Hernandez, Liz Lively and Linda Preston. A view of Cherokee Ranch & Castle’s festive dining room from loft during the annual CPVGC’s annual holiday party. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Elizabeth Lively On Friday, December 1, the Castle Pines Village Garden Club (CPVGC) held its annual holiday party…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines The City of Castle Pines cordially invites you to attend the final City Council meeting for outgoing members, and the inauguration of new members, on Monday, January 8, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. at 360 Village Square Lane. Immediately following the 6:00 p.m. meeting, stick around for a…
By Lisa Crockett It is the time of year when a lot of us are thinking about ways to improve our health, save money and decrease the amount of waste we contribute to the world. Planning meals ahead of time is a great way to accomplish all three of these goals. As an added bonus,…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Karin Miller and Whitney Shank Santa may not have brought his reindeer when he visited The Ridge at Castle Pines North on December 9, but he and Mrs. Claus continued the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce annual Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa tradition with an abundance of holiday…
Every year in May, umbrellas appear like butterflies in front of Potocki Palace on Kopernick Street. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner I set off to Lviv (‘Le-view’), Ukraine in May. Friends thought I had finally gone off the reservation. Know this: Ukrainians have a thirst for freedom likely second to none on the planet.…
By Lynne Marsala Basche Whether called a “drifter,” “beggar,” “transient,” or “panhandler,” walking past anyone asking for money can be awkward. People are sympathetic, but they may also be embarrassed by the public request. Regardless of if people look away and ignore the person or if they give money, it is unsettling especially when it…
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. For this month’s book selection, I dove into a classic psychological thriller.…
Elly Harper of Timber Canyon has fully embraced being an adventurous Coloradan! Harper joined the outdoor adventure group Sisters on the Fly and claims the group has “given her a new lease on life.” Harper is pictured horseback riding in Bryce Canyon, fishing on the Colorado river, and with her daughter Anne, who joined the…
Article and photos by Liz Rector; photos courtesy of Jimmy’s Photography The sun was shining and the sound of carolers filled the air in The Village at Castle Pines during the “Santa in the Pines” event on December 2. Smiling residents perused the shops and headed toward the sound of Santa’s jolly greetings. Friends and…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anna Spitzer Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) staff and Castle Pines resident Anna Spitzer believe that children should be introduced to helping others early. Last year, when Spitzer saw an opportunity at TTE to encourage giving throughout the school, she was eager to get started. Since then, TTE has…