Read the stories from the latest issue:
BRE’s Dream Team raised $1008.68 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (pictured left to right), back row: Caleb P., Luc B., Ryan C., Ethan S., Ben C., Carter M., Cody J., and Ethan O.; middle row: Kate K., Svea E., Erin M., Emily J. (holding the check), Campbell S., and front row: Molly B., Abby…
Article and photos by Amanda Merriman Castle Pines resident Liz Malody (pictured above) would like to change the way you bring food to your plate. Malody is a customer of the High Plains Food Cooperative (HPFC) and volunteers once a month to distribute orders from her home to other customers in the area. Malody…
By Amanda Merriman; photo courtesy of Theresa McDowell Recently, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band gave a hallmark legendary performance at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Many 80108 residents were in attendance (including the McDowells and the Agsters pictured left) to enjoy the acclaimed performer and to revisit their “Glory Days.” The iconic musician…
Article and photo by Patte Smith Boy Scout Troop 628 worked several hours in the Surrey Ridge neighborhood doing much-needed maintenance on a section of the horse trail in May. Manned with shovels, pickaxes, sledge hammers and of course, work gloves and sun screen, these willing boys ages 11 through 15 dug out sections of…
By Patte Smith; additional information provided by the Highlands Ranch Metro District Highlands Ranch, just a few minutes drive northwest of the Castle Pines area, continually strives to address the needs of adults age 50+ as they become empty nesters or are part of the baby-boomer generation. From outdoor activities to estate planning seminars to…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett My dad loved a good hamburger. When it was my dad’s turn to cook dinner (which happened frequently when I was growing up) he would often step into the kitchen and whip up hamburgers for us all, sometimes cooked outdoors, and sometimes cooked on the stove, but always…
By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos Friday, April 29 was an exciting night as Buffalo Ridge Elementary hosted its annual daddy daughter dance. This year’s theme was “Diamonds & Denim.” Dads and their girls danced the night away, enjoyed a photo booth and got a surprise visit from Cinderella.
The M.B.A. and W.O.M.E.N. networking groups were the brainchild of five very active Chamber members, Dana Hall of Cherry Creek Home Loans, Charmaine Balcerzak of Charmaine’s Bella and Colour Salon, Julie Gibbons of Live Well, Keith Dodd of Realty One, and Jeff Douglas of Mountain Storm Insurance. Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce…
By Amanda Merriman Not to worry, this article is not about how 80108 residents can recreate the 1990s movie “Face/Off,” starring Nicolas Cage and John Travolta in the flesh. It is, however, about an addicting and fun app called Face Swap Live. Face Swap Live is an iOS app (Android version is currently in the…
The AA Legendary LEGO Masters picked batteries as their piece of trash. They wanted to show everyone the importance of recycling batteries and not letting them end up in our landfills. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of American Academy In early April, the American Academy (AA) FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and…
A devoted single father, Lesser has taken a new look at educational expectations with his four-year-old daughter Carstyn, ready for her first day of preschool. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Mica Lesser Thursday, March 17 was the 20th annual 40 under 40 event for the Denver Business Journal held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel…
By Amanda Merriman For the Target addict in all of us, there is a great way to get extra savings on our purchases in an app called “Cartwheel.” This app liberates Target shoppers from paper coupons and makes saving money easy and fun. For the most basic, on-the-fly, and easiest option, all you need…
DCSM teacher Paul Brannberg took his class to the Great Barrier Reef where they saw sea turtles, coral, schools of fish, and even sharks as part of their study of Australia. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of DCSM Would you like to take a trip somewhere you’ve never been before? How about the Great Wall…
By Lynne Marsala Basche The Castle Pines Connection makes every effort to provide relevant news to our readers. We know residents expect information to be accurate and readily available, and they want to be informed of the latest happenings in and around the community. Timely information, however, can be missed in a monthly publication, including…
BRE Science Fair winners enjoying their moment in the sun. Pictured above are Mary R., Charlotte S., Landrey B., Lia P., Kaylee E., Maddie K., Principal John Veit, Morgan B., Chase C., Jenna P., Selah B., Joshua B., Lana C., Kaylee H., Maycee T., Riley C., and Sophia P. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert…
Submitted by DCS Montessori The DCS Montessori Alumni organization, which launched in late 2015, will hold its first annual Field Day on May 26 at the school (311 Castle Pines Pkwy.) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. All student alumni and faculty are invited to attend and enjoy games, races and a barbecue. Currently more…
By Elean Gersack Gear-up for the 2016 Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival planned for Sunday, June 5 in Castle Rock. There are five courses to chose from: 100-mile century; 62-mile metric century; 40-mile; 27-mile gravel; and 8-mile family. Ride day is only part of the fun. Camp out or stay in beautiful downtown Castle…
Retired Army Colonel Larry Caid entertained and educated American Academy students at the Castle Pines campus in April. Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of Brian Caid Castle Pines Village resident Brian Caid is a self-proclaimed “army brat”, as are five other siblings born of career soldier Larry Caid and his wife Linda. …
By Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer Early last month, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) was given the honor of hosting the 2016 Musical Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) Festival. On April 6 and 7, the high school opened its doors to various bands and choirs from every corner of the state. Formal concert bands…
More than 200 scarves decorated the halls of Sage Canyon Elementary school before they were donated to the Douglas County’s Department of Human Services. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Sage Canyon Elementary School With the idea that artwork can be both beautiful and powerful by using it to help others, the Sage Canyon…
Angel Paws handler Linda Tieman and her trusted companion Dillon bring smiles to the hospital staff. Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik Though Nancy and Terry Anderson have only lived in Castle Pines for six months they have already made a significant impact in our community. Thanks to their generous support, a therapy dog…
Owner Thanos Patsiouras chose his restaurant’s unassuming location because he enjoys the neighborhood and catering to families. By Lynne Marsala Basche There are some words that cannot be said quietly. They must be spoken with exuberance and passion as they invoke a celebration of life. These words demand to be shouted to garner enthusiasm and…
“Mulan Jr.” brought together talented middle school performers, including (from left to right) Gideon Groom, Morgan Cruz, Kelsey Buffington, and Jimmy Lam. By RHMS eighth grade student Sarah Bermingham; photo courtesy of RHMS yearbook student Kylie Devin It was time to welcome spring with Rocky Heights Middle School’s (RHMS) production of Disney’s “Mulan Jr!” This…
Becca Beaty enjoys photography among other hobbies. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of the Beaty Family Teens often get a bad rap, but statistics show they are involved in their communities more than ever before. Presenting Castle Pines resident, Rebecca (Becca) Beaty, an extraordinary 17 year old student who understands the full scope of the devastation…
Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of Jen Reising With the arrival of spring comes the kitten season, the time of year when cats give birth, flooding animal shelters and rescue groups with homeless litters. Cats can breed anytime throughout the year, but there is a larger influx April through October due to…
Submitted by the City of Castle Pines The City of Castle Pines is excited to announce the beginning of its Parks and Recreation Comprehensive (PaRC) Plan process with Logan Simpson, the firm contracted to lead the project. Through this process, Logan Simpson will gather information about Castle Pines’ existing recreation facilities and resident preferences to…
By Patte Smith As the weather warms up and summer approaches, it is time to experience the great outdoors. Right in our own backyard, Castle Rock Senior Activity Center Hiking Club organizer Phyliss Tumey has planned five great hikes for the spring and summer season. Get out, get some exercise, and enjoy the fresh air…
Submitted by The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce has spent the past five months working on a re-branding strategy that showcases the value that the Chamber brings to both local businesses and the community. The Chamber is now thrilled to share the changes with the community. In April, the…
Five simple ingredients come together to make this delicious and healthy dessert. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I love to get gifts. Large or small, it’s always a little bit exciting to unwrap something new and novel. I especially love books and jewelry, but this time of year I also treasure the handmade items…
Pictured left to right: Jenna Snyder, Isabella Dempsey and Logan Bakken performing the play “Women of Lockerbie,” which was chosen to be presented on the main stage at the International Thespian Festival June 20-25 at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Cindy Baker The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS)…
By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of the Martinez Family Tuesday, April 19 at the Board of Education meeting held at the Douglas County School District Administration Building in Castle Rock, more than a dozen students were recognized for being elected to the All State Orchestra, Choir and Band. This is the highest level of honors…
Kids, parents, city officials and staff celebrated with happy faces and lots of applause at the grand opening of the new Castle Pines Library. While the closing of the old library is bittersweet, the new building is a dream come true. The jovial atmosphere of the grand opening was contagious as many on-lookers cheered Mayor…
By Lisa Crockett Last month, the Castle Pines City Council held a hearing to determine whether or not the land on the northwest corner of I-25 and Castle Pines Parkway, known as Sage Village Properties, was eligible to be annexed into the City of Castle Pines. The land, comprised of what is currently zoned as…
All very active in athletics, the Myers family has enjoyed living in Castle Pines since 2005. The Myers clan gather around Mike during his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks. By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of Robyn Myers With the baseball season in full swing, many of us are looking forward to heading to Coors Field…
Noah Charvat and Emma Herskovits approach the starting line of the trike bike race at the RCHS after prom celebration. By Christian Liley, RCHS writer for The Rock newspaper; photos courtesy of Julia Bartmann After school ended on Friday April 8, students at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) knew that over the next 24 hours,…
Article and photo by Amanda Merriman The Connection writer Amanda Merriman admits she is hopelessly addicted to books. It has been this way nearly all her life. Every month she will share what she has been reading with the hope that others will share in her obsession. This month’s book selection takes a turn to…
By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of BRE The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) staff pulled one over on the students for April Fools Day. The Famous Faces board which displays recent photos of the staff members was altered to show their childhood pictures. Staff, students, parents and visitors spent the day looking over the picture wall,…
By Elean Gersack The Ihme family has hopes of reaching $200,000 in cumulative proceeds for Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHC) with this year’s annual golf tournament. The event is planned for Friday, June 17 with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start at the Highlands Ranch Golf Club. Castle Pines resident Steve Ihme, together with his family, host…
Redemption brought peace and inspiration for baseball legend Darryl Strawberry, who spoke at Foundry Church last month. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Foundry Church Foundry Church in Castle Pines opened its doors to the public on Sunday, April 3 as they hosted baseball legend Darryl Strawberry for both of their morning services. Strawberry presented…
Castle Pines residents (from left) Jean Hawkins, Karen Brown, and Pam Jones assemble a bedtime kit for local charity Sweet Dreams in a Bag. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Corin Meibos In keeping with an annual tradition, women in Castle Pines who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)…
By Elizabeth Wood West Memorial Day, originally referred to as “Decoration Day,” is observed every year on the last Monday of May. This federal holiday was established after the American Civil War in 1868 by the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans founded in Decatur, Illinois. It was designated as a…
Castle Pines resident Charlie Green (right) received a new kidney on behalf of his friend Ron Houchens (left). The two had surgery at University of Colorado Hospital on December 1, 2015, where Charlie received a donated kidney from someone in San Diego and Ron donated his kidney to a woman in Atlanta. By Elean Gersack;…
Information and photo provided by Douglas County Spring is here and it is time to clean up the yard, get the garden area ready for plants, and trim some of the trees and bushes. Luckily you can haul your tree limbs, branches and a few other items to Douglas County slash/mulch sites. Be sure to…
By Kristin Adams, owner of Elements Massage in Castle Rock and The Promenade, and Board of Directors member for the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce We have all been there – you wake up one morning with a stiff neck because you slept wrong, or you over-did it on the weekend because you are a…
Submitted by the Town of Castle Rock The Town clerk last month determined there were enough valid signatures for the recall effort in Castle Rock’s District 1 to move forward. The Town’s Charter allows a petition to be circulated in attempt to recall a Town councilmember within a certain time frame. A group of…
Making a difference in the lives of kids By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Connect Us Imagine a world where all children embrace diversity, and social stigmas do not exist. Connect Us strives to create that type of reality. Connect Us knows that despite differences and abilities, children can thrive and learn from one…
Singer and musician Rascal Martinez has found a home in Colorado and enjoys playing at local bars, clubs and restaurants. By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Rascal Martinez Local musician Rascal Martinez spends most of his time on the road traveling across the United Sates, but is happy to call Castle Pines his home after…
A very animated BRE third grade teacher Mary Carter helped the school celebrate the Colorado Rockies opening day on April 8 by singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” over the school’s intercom. Carter will be retiring from teaching later this month. Also pictured are Ethan Ocasio and Malloree Noufer, members of the fifth grade…
Increased congestion, particularly during the commute hours, will soon be relieved with the construction of several tolled express lanes along C-470. By Patte Smith The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is moving forward with plans for the C-470 tolled express lanes construction, by adding two tolled express lanes westbound on C470 from I-25 to Colorado…
By Lynn Zahorik As you gather with family and friends for your Mother’s Day celebrations, try our Mother’s Day trivia contest. See how much you know about moms in our pop culture as well as present day birth statistics … Good luck! Mother’s Day Trivia TV moms 1) Bart Simpson’s mom? 2) Pebbles Flinstone’s mom?…
Aubrey Bruening and Maxwell Peery constructing and testing the circuit for their moisture sensing robot under the watchful guidance of Amanda Lane-Cline. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of American Academy As the school year is coming to an end, it marks the first year of American Academy’s (AA) new Engineering Academy. The program was…
Doing time in Cañon City Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner A view from the tram over the Arkansas River looking north to the Royal Gorge bridge, suspended 956 feet off the ground. Need a new day trip or weekend venue? How about Cañon City? Some actually spend time there willingly… Cañon City’s charm…
Climb Castle Rock at Rock Park Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski We have all seen it; it cannot be missed as we zoom south on I-25. The huge castle-shaped butte that welcomes us to the town named after it, Castle Rock. If you are looking for a fun outing right here in your own…
Coming together to support the animals By Julie Montoya; photos courtesy of The Wild Animal Sanctuary The Wild Animal Sanctuary is home to seventy tigers, sixty African lions, one hundred bears, and dozens of leopards, mountain lions, and other large carnivores. Just 30 miles northeast of Denver, large carnivores roam the grasslands at The…
A genuine Colorado small town experience Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Hankering for a small town experience? Motor down to Palmer Lake, a hamlet attracting day trippers for a century. Founded because General William Palmer needed water for his Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, her natural beauty, history and gustatory charms attract thousands…
Mountains are great, but the prairie is just as fun By Liz Jurkowski; photos courtesy of the PCC website True enough, the mountains of Colorado are majestic and adventurous. Vacation seekers, locals, and skiers all flock west for the abundant winter fun found in the small towns and resorts scattered through the Rockies. Few, however,…
With much anticipation, Waterton Canyon has reopened Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski The vegetation is lush near the mouth of Waterton Canyon. It is a beautiful place to walk and the below trail map shows the well-marked paths. Part of Colorado’s beauty lies only thirty minutes away from the city of Castle Pines.…
Bluffs Regional Park: Beauty in our backyard Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Like many, I had seen the sign many times on my way home from Target in Lone Tree, or as I passed Cabela’s on RidgeGate Parkway. The nondescript brown sign reads “Bluffs Regional Park” and has an arrow on it pointing…
Take a ride on Pike’s Peak Cog Railway Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Tourists have lots of time at the summit to enjoy the views. There are three cog railways in the United States and only a handful more in the rest of the world. Arguably, the most scenic one is also the…
Lost but not forgotten Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Looking at the landscape, it is difficult to see evidence of the horrific Sand Creek Massacre. Although not an upbeat location, kids, too, can gain an understanding of the event. I had always known that the Sand Creek Massacre was a devastating part of…
By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Sarah Tweed The Castle Pines Arts & Cultural Foundation (CPACF) hosted a young musicians showcase featuring Hank Troy Jazz Trio on February 26 at the Daniels Gate clubhouse. The simple and elegant evening event is one of the many ways the CPACF raises money to help provide…
Spring into the season with this colorful and tasty dish Article and photo by Lisa Crockett When I was a teenager, I made most of my spending money babysitting. One family’s home was particularly fun for me to work at because I knew there would nearly always be something good tucked away in the fridge…
By Amy Shanahan Cancer has touched most of us in some way, and we are all aware of the toll that this disease takes on the bodies of those who are undergoing treatment. LifeSpark Cancer Resources is a local Colorado nonprofit that provides support services for those with cancer, and residents of Castle Pines are…
Article by Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Alan Treibitz In early March, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) opened its 2016 musical production: an amazing adaptation of Broadway’s “Legally Blonde,” the musical. Beginning in early January, a wide variety of actors, singers, tech crew members, directors, musicians, and choreographers worked hard to bring…
Gina Gerken, a raptor enthusiast and bird handler, enjoys the company of a non-releasable red-tailed hawk. By Patte Smith, photos provided by Gina Gerken and Nature’s Educators Castle Pines Village resident Gina Gerken is passionate about birds. Since the fifth grade she has studied, drawn, counted, monitored, fed, and flown birds. “One day my…
By Patte Smith Attention seniors 65 and older: Fitness and fun may be at little-to-no cost to you if you qualify for the award-winning SilverSneakers® Fitness Plan. The program for older adults is an insurance benefit included in more than 65 Medicare health plans. Check to see if you are eligible for the program and…
By Lisa Crockett April is National Garlic Month. In times gone by, people used garlic for everything from warding off vampires to treating the plague. And while both of those uses have mostly fallen out of favor, garlic still looms large on the world stage, with proponents using it for everything from flavoring ice cream…
Information provided by the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center A free event will be held on April 21 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Events Center in Castle Rock to provide older adults and their families with information about services and programs for seniors in Douglas County. Last year the…