The Connection

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines To more accurately align with the communication efforts of Lennar Homes, information about the Lagae Ranch development on the City of Castle Pines website has been changed to Castle Pines Valley.  The new development, currently under construction, will include 231 single-family homes, 400 multi-family residences, an elementary…

By Elean Gersack Join a host of Denver area running enthusiasts for the annual Cherry Creek Sneak in Cherry Creek North on Sunday, April 23 at 7:30 a.m.  The Cherry Creek Sneak is the Denver must for families and elite runners alike. Runners and walkers participate in the10-mile, 5-mile, and 3.1-mile (5K) There’s even a…

The eight foundations of Sources of Strength. Submitted by RHMS student Isabel Kiefert Sources of Strength (SOS), a group at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) has a mission “To provide the highest quality evidence-based prevention for suicide, violence, bullying and substance abuse by training, supporting, and empowering both peer leaders and caring adults to impact…

RCHS National Merit finalist Megan Pitman (third from right) pictured here with fellow RCHS finalists Sydney Marchando (second from right) and Kate Schaffer (far right). The students are dressed for Hawaiian day in honor of their Wish Week kid, Faith (see related article on page 35). By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo Nine students at Rock…

In an effort to spread happiness and positivity, RHMS students Braden McCollam (left), Alivia Ball (center) and Raegan Synk (right) composed and sent weekly inspirational emails to teachers and staff to brighten their days. By RHMS student Zoe Bair; photo courtesy of Kayla Mash Every Friday, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students Braden McCollam, Alivia…

BRE students battle their way to branch championships   By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photo The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) third and fourth grade team battled their way to victory as the Lone Tree branch champions in this year’s Battle of the Books competition.  The competition is similar to a game show format.  The students all…

By Michelle Post I remember the moment clearly, as if it happened yesterday, but it was 15 years ago.  I was sitting in professional development training with members of my team, and we were learning about the different generations in the workplace.  As the instructor began to detail each generation and their characteristics, one of…

Actors in the RCHS production of “Peter Pan: The Musical,” rehearsed one of the final scenes in the show in preparation for opening night on March 1.  Actors featured (from left to right): Alyssa Marino, Leah Doogan, Ben Watervoort, Molly Lane, Maddie Maynor, Lily Schmoker, Amanda Scholtz, Landon Hogue and Elysa Veta. By Riley Busch,…

By Michelle Post Allow me to take you back into your memories, and I want you to think of the most beautiful place you have been.  As you find your image, I want you to close your eyes and listen to the sounds, smell the aromas in the air, and feel the emotions as you…

By Elean Gersack It is time to roll up your sleeves and get checked at the 9Health Fair.  For 36 years, this volunteer driven nonprofit has impacted more than two million lives with blood chemistry and other health screening programs.  It is easy and convenient to take charge of your health by making plans to…

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…

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…

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…

By Elean Gersack February is heart month, so it is the perfect time to rethink recipes and activities to be sure yours is getting lots of love.  It becomes even more important as we age.   Diets should be infused with plenty of heart healthy ingredients.  According to the American Heart Association (AHA), there are…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of MorningStar Senior Living MorningStar at RidgeGate is a 265,000-square-foot facility with a 4.8-acre campus located in Lone Tree.  Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, or memory care accommodations.  It is located at 10100 Commons Street in Lone Tree, near the Douglas County Library and the Lone…

Jerry Silverhart is new to town but not new to the insurance world where he has worked for the past 23 years. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Amy Franco The new year came in with a bang and so did the new Farmers Insurance office located at 7437 Village Square Drive, Suite 110, in…

Information provided by Douglas County Art Encounters There is still time for area sculptors to submit artwork to be considered for the 2017 Douglas County Art Encounters (DCAE) outdoor public art program.  All applications must be received online no later than February 11.  Selected work will be on display from May 2017 through June 2018.…

Information provided by Rich Nipert Orangetheory Fitness Castle Rock, which is located on Meadows Parkway in the AMC Movie Theatre complex, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce.  The VIP party and ribbon cutting ceremony drew more than 150 Castle Rock residents and excited new members. …

The 2017 Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, pictured left to right: Pamela Herrmann – CREATE Buzz, Stacie Chadwick – chamber marketing director,  Wayne Ruegge – CPA, Carla Kenny – chamber events director, Joe Roos – Hide in Plain Sight, Terry Hostetler – Castle Rock Bank, Greg Segal – Stone Segal Wealth Management…

Information provided by the Douglas County Youth Initiative Please join in and nominate special teens in the Douglas County community between the ages 13 to 19 who have overcome adversity and created positive change in their lives, as well as the lives of others.  The community’s participation is key in making sure these young adults…

Joe and Allison Sabia at their home in Castle Pines Village along with their two children Christina (8) and Joey (9), who attend Buffalo Ridge Elementary school. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of the Sabia family Castle Pines Village resident Joe Sabia came out of retirement (although he was a stay-at-home dad for a while)…

Arapahoe Community College will construct a $40 million “Collaboration Campus” in Castle Rock.  The project will consist of two 54,000-square-foot buildings on a 14-acre site in The Meadows, west of Highway 85 and northeast of Castle Rock Adventist Hospital.  Joined by the Town of Castle Rock and educational partners Colorado State University and Douglas County…

The RMOTHG hiking at the Lair o’ the Bear Park in Idledale in January enjoying friends and braving the cold in Colorado at its wintry best. By Patte Smith; courtesy photo Yep, a gang of compadres can give you courage, promise you thrills and prepare you for situations you never thought you would be a…

Squirt – Dachshund/Rat Terrier mix, 12 weeks old, 3 pounds Information provided by the Dumb Friends League A puppy from the Dumb Friends League will be representing Denver during Puppy Bowl XIII on Sunday, February 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. as the world’s cutest sporting event returns to Animal Planet. The puppy from…

By Lisa Crockett Valentine’s Day is a great day to show your sweetheart how much you care, and sometimes the best way to show your love is by making a fabulous meal.  Even a novice cook can create something fantastic to eat using a few tried-and-true tricks (and sometimes a little sleight of hand).  So,…