Read the stories from the latest issue:
Cutline and photo by Elean Gersack The Rock Canyon orchestras, choirs and guitarists came together for the year-end Arts Festival Concert on Tuesday, May 9, in the Rock Canyon gymnasium. The sound and song spanned from classical to pop hits and energized the families and friends who filled the bleachers. In this photo, directors Benjamin…
Kayla Inman, a Castle Pines resident and recent graduate of Rock Canyon High School, won first place at the America the Beautiful Congressional Art Competition. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Kayla Inman Kayla Inman of Castle Pines took first place at the Fourth District’s Congressional Art Competition, a nation-wide high school arts competition held…
Duke’s Steakhouse owner Neal Minarick showed samples of their new one-of-a-kind dinner rolls, made specifically for Duke’s by Best Buddies Bakery, one of Wellspring Community’s enterprises, a local nonprofit serving special needs adults. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo by Terri Wiebold What do you get when you mix a wonderful nonprofit organization with a popular…
By Kathy Fallert Originally from Eastern Nepal about 20 miles away from India’s border, Ashok Neupane grew up learning a lot about Indian cuisine. Neupane is now the owner and manager of India’s Kitchen on Mainstreet in Parker, with a second location in Centennial near County Line and Holly. The Parker location was opened in…
Yearbook staff members Lauren Dressler, Belen Hebbelinck and Gabby Botero posed for a picture after winning the national Pacemaker Award on April 8 for the RCHS yearbook “U Discover.” By Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Kristi Rathbun As the school year came to a close, high schoolers throughout the country reflected on…
In addition to receiving goodie bags, The Connection intern writers from Rock Canyon High School were treated to lunch at Duke’s Steakhouse. Pictured left to right: Jack Hibbett, Sarah Bermingham and Riley Busch. We love and appreciate our student partnerships! Article and photos by Terri Wiebold The Connection is thrilled to be working again this…
Resident Sue Fraley, participating artist Information and photos provided by the Douglas Land Conservancy Douglas Land Conservancy is pleased to announce the 4th Annual “Capturing the Beauty of Open Land” event will take place on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25 at the White Pavilion in downtown Castle Rock. “Capturing the Beauty of Open…
Ann Marie McDonnell sprucing a room for a family at Joshua Station in Denver, which helps families transition from homelessness to a healthy, stable living environment. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Ann Marie McDonnell and Lady Uhlig Photography For Ann Marie McDonnell, interior designer and HOA #1 resident, designing and staging spaces represents more…
Daisy Troop 65517 with (left to right) TTE principal Michele Radke, and troop leaders Michelle McClarran and Sarah Boeke in front of the new crab apple tree the girls planted in an effort to do something nice for the school. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson The girls in Daisy Scout Troop…
Daniels Park and Daniels Park Road will be on the receiving end of some much-needed TLC in the upcoming months. The graphic shows the new meandering road, parking and trail layouts, as well as the new viewing areas. By Kathy Fallert; illustration provided by Douglas County Douglas County and the City and County of Denver…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo by Lynn Zahorik As of April 22, shoppers have a new King Soopers to frequent. The new market in Promenade at Castle Rock is more in line with larger one-stop shopping stores with products that include home goods, decor, kitchen and small appliances, home office supplies, in addition to the…
Students in front of “Mirador,” which provided a 360-view near Yunguilla. From there, visitors could see multiple volcanoes around the country. By Lynne Marsala Basche; courtesy photos One of the Douglas County School District initiatives is to teach students to become global citizens. While schools approach the topic differently, 23 DCS Montessori (DCSM) eighth-grade students…
A wildfire that was contained in Douglas County last year shows how easily fire spreads in dry conditions. Information provided by South Metro Fire Rescue; photo courtesy of Tim Tonge South Metro Fire Rescue takes every precaution to help protect you and your property from a wildfire, but they cannot do it alone; they need…
By Lisa Crockett Summer is a 90-day party with meals often served outdoors. The fun of a summer cookout, though, can end with a trip to the doctor because of the foodborne illnesses that often accompany barbecues and picnics. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health, roughly 2,500 people got sick after eating contaminated…
By Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines City Council is contemplating the addition of an electronic message board at the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road. According to City Manager Don Van Wormer, the sign is being looked at in the context of the city’s overall sign code, and discussions at this point…
Motivational speaker Tricia Downing (pictured above center with the Douglas family) shared her powerful story of how she went from being a competitive athlete to a paraplegic and then how she learned to find her inner champion. The presentation was held at Sanctuary and hosted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce on May 3…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Imagine the following scenario, if you will: the last of the snow has melted, and it seems safe to finally pack your coats and boots away for the season. The sun is shining, and the East-West Trail (or Daniels Park or Rocky Mountain National Park or Red Rocks or…
For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation’s strength and unity. It has been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens, and we celebrate Flag Day on Wednesday, June 14. Once an American flag becomes faded or torn, it is considered disrespectful to continue flying…
By Lynne Marsala Basche As reported by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Castle Pines has seen a spike in “opportunistic crimes.” As the name indicates, opportunist crimes occur when a criminal sees a chance to commit a crime and acts upon it. One of the best ways to prevent these types of crimes is…
The Evolution of Hip-Hop show included 130 Timber Trail Elementary performers singing and dancing hip-hop songs through the decades. By Lynne Marsala Basche; courtesy photos One hundred and thirty fifth grade Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students ushered in the sixth annual show in early May with the Evolution of Hip-Hop. Students and family were treated…
A group of FBLA students from RCHS who competed and placed at the State Leadership Conference in Vail. At the conference, students from all over Colorado attended leadership workshops and competed in business related events. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Janna Robinett Fifty-six Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students from Rock Canyon High…
Pictured with an enthusiastic group of Soweto Academy students are the school’s founder Chris Okuma (left) with Castle Pines Village residents Armistead Browning and Geil Browning (center). The Brownings raised more than $700,000 to build safe dormitory housing for teenage girls attending the Soweto Academy which will be completed this month in Kibera. By Kathy…
By Patte Smith If you are planning on traveling, a few airlines offer senior discounts for individual age 65 and older. United Airlines offers senior fares to selected travel destinations; visit www.united.com. Southwest offers senior fares for both domestic and international; visit www.southwest.com. The other airlines that fly out of Denver International Airport offer discounted…
Horses find hope and homes By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DDFL Chances are high when people hear about the Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL), their thoughts immediately turn to dogs, cats and possibly rabbits. However, it might be a surprise to learn that the Dumb Friends League has a 168-acre facility dedicated to…
Residents Jim and Linda Day hosted a fundraiser to raise money and awareness for soldiers and veterans who have taken their lives. The event was a way to honor their son, Ryan James Day, SPC US Army, 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Battalion (pictured above), who ended his life at the age of 21. By Lynne…
By Patte Smith Searching the internet for senior discounts produces savings options that are offered to adults 50 and older. Here are a few important things to consider when searching for resources: – Be aware that if you search on the web for discount lists, many have not been updated. Verify that the information is…
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…
Information provided by SMFR The South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) Safety Foundation is offering a five-hour class that allows teens to apply for their driving permit. To participate, your teen must be at least 15 1/2 years old. This class includes information in all areas of the learn-to-drive process and computerized driving simulations with a…
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…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett| Lately, I’ve been binge watching a Netflix show called “The Great British Bake Off.” It’s a familiar reality show format, with a group of contestants assembled to face a weekly baking challenge. After all but three of the amateur bakers are sent home, a grand finale is held…
Information and graphic provided by the City of Castle Pines With summer right around the corner, the City of Castle Pines Public Works Department is gearing up for road maintenance season. This summer, the City will replace concrete panels on Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard, and repave several neighborhood streets. Annual maintenance is carefully…
First grader Thomas Shank used his oil pastel skills to create his shaded owl piece. Thomas is pictured with his art teacher, Wendy Wilson, who was also on the planning committee. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Wendy Wilson This year’s Annual District Art Show, held March 31 through April 3 at the Highlands…
BRE’s Green Team has been busy saving energy at their school. Picture above, left to right, back row: Liam A., Blake C., Casey G., Mrs. Romero, Anya H., Gabe H., Charlotte S., Katie S., Mrs. Robinson and Dylan L.; front row: Taylor M., Christina S., Abbie M., Bryce H., Preston M. and Jackson H. By…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County’s Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) is an evolving document that establishes a common vision for what the County will look like over the next 20 to 30 years. The CMP provides guidance for a variety of issues that directly affect the quality of life of Douglas County residents, including…
Ryan James Day By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Linda Day Ryan James Day loved a challenge. At age 9, for example, he wanted to learn the piano. So he did. Ryan’s parents, Jim and Linda, laugh wondering how he knew to read notes. Whether participating in sports or attending Douglas County High School…
A little piece of France nestled in Parker – La Baguette de Normandy I remember traveling to France in my 20s after college. Strolling down the Champs-Élysées and stopping in at one of many wonderful boulangeries and patisseries along the way. The pastries, the bread, the café au laits, the sandwiches were all absolutely superb.…
Pictured left: BRE’s science fair winners pictured from left to right, back row: Owen M., Miller D., Jake B., Molly B., Liam A., Amelia M. and Ava D.; middle row: Aspen H., Sophia H., Joshua B., Gabrielle C. and Sophia P.; front row: Jenna P., Gavin R., Kiefer D., James W., Maycee T. and Principal…
“The Greatest Generation” valued loyalty to family, country and work; this played an important role in living through two world wars and the Great Depression. “This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.” — Franklin Delano Roosevelt By Michelle Post; courtesy photos I am not sure of the answers I would receive if I…
Deb Santy, assistant director of the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center (right) with Executive Director Debbi Haynie. The Castle Rock Senior Activity Center was instrumental in organizing the past three Senior Expos. An incredible amount of planning and dedication by the staff of the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center (CRSAC), as well as many other…
By RHMS student Kira Zizzo; photos by Amanda Gin and Riley Irwin On March 3, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) was illuminated with ingenuity, originality, aptitude and ambition at Imagination and Innovation night. The halls were lined with iLab projects that students worked on for two quarters. Voices reverberated around the building as students competed…
South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) was recently awarded the Ready Set Go! award for excellence in recognition of the fire mitigation program they established with the PineRidge community in the City of Castle Pines. Left to right are Life Safety Coordinator Einar Jensen, International Association of Fire Chief’s President, John Sinclair, and SMFR Fire Chief…
Be a hero to a hero By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Nick Lucey When the Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation (DCVMF) began, the organization’s mission was to promote the creation, construction and maintenance of a monument to honor all Douglas County veterans, including past, present and future military personnel. After a six-year effort,…
Castle Pines Girl Scout Junior Troop 2687 delivered cookies to the Tennyson Center for Children. Pictured above left to right: Rachelle M., Caroline C., Rachael S., Claire Y. and Madeline L. Not pictured: Campbell D. and Jasmine T. Article and photos submitted by Juli Yeater Community service is important to Castle Pines Girl Scout Junior…
Information provided by the Douglas County School District A new Netflix series that debuted in March has become a popular topic of conversation in the hallways of several Douglas County schools, causing concern for some parents. Based on a 2011 New York Times best selling novel by Jay Asher, “13 Reasons Why” is a fictional…
By Elean Gersack Castle Pines Arts & Cultural Foundation will welcome Missoula Children’s Theatre to town this summer for the fourth straight year. This year’s play, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” will boast two performances on Saturday, July 22 at 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Rocky Heights Middle School. As always, Castle Pines youngsters will…
Information provided by Douglas County On May 6, free guided tours offer area adventure seekers the opportunity to learn about some of Douglas County’s first inhabitants. The tours feature the Lamb Spring Archeological Preserve, as well as one of the oldest standing structures in the Chatfield region, the Miksch-Helmer cabin. Tours begin at 9:30 a.m.…
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…