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Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Share your passion of literacy and lifelong learning by becoming a tutor. Douglas County Libraries (DCL) needs volunteer tutors for its English as a Second Language (ESL) program. The majority of students are adults who are English-language learners with skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced. Tutors work with…
The girls and boys varsity cross country teams at Rock Canyon High School before going to the state meet. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Kira Hartz The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) cross country team had an amazing season. “I feel like we pushed ourselves to the limit, and it paid…
By Kathy Fallert; background photo by Lynn Zahorik While we had an exceptionally warm autumn until November 17, snow is now in the Pines. The Douglas County School District (DCSD) has a website available that lists school closure status as well as delayed start information quickly and accurately. Delay and closure information is also available…
The RHMS yearbook staff responsible for creating the 2016 yearbook celebrate winning the Colorado Student Media Association All Colorado Award in Fort Collins, October. 20. Submitted by RHMS student Zoe Bair; photo courtesy of Tim Ryckman Click! Snap! Last year, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) yearbook staff created a wonderful, interactive yearbook to highlight the…
Claire Preen Shipley has appeared on numerous TV shows and has written two books: “50 Shades of Chocolate!” and “Diva’s Guide to Dinner Parties” which can be purchased through Amazon. By Nancy Koontz; photo courtesy of Claire Preen Shipley Castle Pines Village resident Claire Preen Shipley leads a very active lifestyle. For the last year,…
St. Andrew volunteers handed out goods to the homeless in Civic Center Park last year. By Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Jennifer Kloeppel With the holidays in full swing, many organizations and communities are uniting to help those in need this holiday season. At St. Andrew United Methodist Church, several communities…
The Los Angeles Rams were the big winners of Super Bowl III in the 1st/2nd grade age group. The Seattle Seahawks were the big winners of Super Bowl III in the 3rd/4th grade age group. The Denver Broncos were the big winners of Super Bowl III in the 5th/6th grade age group. By Elean Gersack;…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori The DCS Montessori Mystery History event is a much-loved tradition that now spans 16 years. Mystery History sparks interests in all things historical, and this year, 1900 to present day figures made an appearance. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders selected a character and researched their…
By Patte Smith Little did I know when I attended a meeting about Medicare that I would stumble on a very worthwhile organization – Seniors’ Council Douglas County (SCDC). The council was having its monthly meeting and had organized an educational Medicare meeting. The Medicare presentation was very thorough and the speakers were knowledgeable, but…
Kay Bryant, Staff Writer Paul Masovero, Advertising Account Manager By Elean Gersack; courtesy photos The Castle Pines Connection is excited to announce the addition of two new team members, a writer and an advertising account manager. Kay Bryant joins the staff as a writer. Her background includes a 25-year career in business communications, including…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo The chill of winter is in the air and it is a wonderful time to bundle up and get outside with family and friends and breathe in the beauty of nature. Join bird enthusiasts for the annual Audubon Douglas County Christmas Bird Count at Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Drive. …
Performance driving instructor Ben Waddell gave tips on how to manage the slalom course to Alex Coudeyras. Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik Local used car dealership group EchoPark Automotive (EPA) recognized the challenges of driving in today’s society and wanted to do its part to help teens learn about the dangers of distracted…
Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce; photo by Lynn Zahorik Gangsters and flapper girls turned out in force on October 28 to raise money for Hide in Plain Sight (HIPS), a local nonprofit organization that awards scholarships to homeless high school seniors so that they may attend college or vocational school. The…
By Lynne Marsala Basche The idea is simple; give where you live, and for the past seven years, the Community First Foundation and FirstBank have teamed up to promote philanthropy in Colorado. Colorado Gives Day, which begins at 12 a.m. on December 6, is targeted to increase online giving to local nonprofit organizations. The Community…
It is time for tea at English Tealeaves By Lynne Marsala Basche Whether it is tucked behind baking supplies in a pantry or nestled next to mugs on a shelf, there is a strong possibility that every house has tea of some form in it. There is a tea to suit every mood and moment,…
By Amanda Merriman There is an app on my phone that is guaranteed to keep the whole family occupied during long car trips up to the mountains, while waiting to be seated at a restaurant or between games at my daughter’s volleyball tournaments. It is Mad Libs. Yes, just like the books we all used…
United in their passion for art, Castle Pines area artists of all ages gather for the 10th annual National Arts Program Front Range exhibit. Pictured in group photo in the bottom center, left to right, front row: Ann-Charlotte Denslow, Jacqueline Shuler, Luke Kuenzli, Jeanne Gromley, and Cindy Welch; back row: Mia Cassar, Kathy Erdman, Ellen…
Every year when I compile the list of our business partners (on the previous page), I am reminded of how important the businesses are in this community and how far we have come together. A few of them, in fact, have participated in every issue of The Connection since its inception eight years ago –…
By Patte Smith The Connection readers want to know about our vital over-50 population who is diverse, knowledgeable, skilled, thoughtful and energetic. If you play pickleball, are an artist, volunteer your time, write, play bridge, bungee jump, sing in a choir, sit peacefully reading, have an experience to share, are a gourmet cook, meditate,…
Researching senior resources pays off with the right location, the right care and comfortable surroundings. By Kay Bryant; courtesy photo Many seniors and their families are challenged to find acceptable and desirable homes and services for family members. Some seniors want to downsize out of their home and relocate to a smaller, simpler life. Some…
Sue Lee with 4,700 pairs of socks at the Annual Dolls for Daughters and Toys for Boys Toy Shop. Lee said, “This year we hope to provide 15,000 pairs of socks for children.” By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Sue Lee Castle Pines Village resident Susan Elizabeth Lee started the Sock It To ‘Em Sock…
By Lisa Crockett Each month, The Connection Food & Dining guide insert features a restaurant in the center spread that the editorial staff feels good about recommending to our readers. Sometimes the places are fancy, other times they are strictly jeans and flip-flop kinds of places. Sometimes they are independently owned and other times they…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I love to give a gift from my kitchen this time of year. I think it’s a lovely way to show my affection at a reasonable cost, while not burdening my recipients with an item they’ll have to store or feel compelled to display. It’s a perfect plan, except…
Castle Pines Arts & Cultural Foundation (CPACF) was honored to welcome celebrated photographer John Fielder to the community on October 21. Fielder presented ‘Celebrating 100 years of Colorado’s National Parks & Monuments’ to an overflowing crowd at the Castle Pines Community Center. The CPACF runs purely on donations from the community at events like this…
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. When I searched for this month’s book to feature,…
By Lisa Crockett This time of year is a natural for gathering friends together to celebrate. Giving the gift of yourself and the gift of time together is often better than any other present you might be able to come up with. Sometimes though, the prospect of preparing the house, assembling the food and then…
By Patte Smith Now is the perfect time to offer struggling families and individuals a happy holiday season. The Crisis Center in Castle Rock is asking the community to support Operation Elf, a program that matches families with sponsors who help provide a Christmas to families who are financially and emotionally in need during the…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Thirty-six million years ago a massive volcanic eruption near Mt. Princeton hurled molten rock and gases into Douglas County. Traveling nearly 100 miles per hour and landing in parts of Park and Teller Counties as well, the quick cooling ash created 15-30 foot layers of “Wall Mountain Tuff” classified…
By Lynne Marsala Basche In 1999 Deputy Ronald King was killed by a drunk driver when he and his partner were returning from an assignment. At that time, Douglas County had no benevolence organization that could step in and help his family with expenses. With the notion that we are one incident away from becoming…
Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has received numerous reports of fraud schemes involving Green Dot MoneyPaks (reloadable debit cards). These pre-paid cards have become the money-moving method of choice for scammers and are readily available at many retail outlets, including grocery and drug stores. The scammer convinces…
By Lynne Marsala Basche Starting in January, The Castle Pines Connection will begin sending out an email at the beginning of every month to our electronic subscribers with a link to the online edition of the newspaper. The email may also highlight a few stories and/or events in an effort to keep readers informed about…
Chas and Mary Recine helped collect a whopping 245 pounds of candy for the troops. By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photo Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) students Mary and Chas Recine and their family decided to collect Halloween candy for the troops. BRE assisted by sending out communication and collecting the candy at the front office. It…
Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office provides the following suggestions to protect residents from porch piracy this holiday season: – Enlist the help of your neighbors. If you have a stay-at-home neighbor or friend, ask them to pick up packages you are expecting. – Consider an alternate shipping…
Lorrie Ball, volunteer grant writer for LifeSpark, was joined by Castle Pines friends and family at their “Touching Tomorrow” fundraiser luncheon. Pictured from left to right, front row: Helen Ball, Amy Ball, Donna Riley, and Ellen O’Connor; back row: Susan McPherson, Donna Galloway, Lorrie Ball and Marcia Pinkstaff. Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik…
BRE celebrated its second annual box top competition with a championship kickball game between the two highest collecting teams who were the Front Office Misfits and Jenna DiLoreto’s third grade class. By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) front office staff aka the Front Office Misfits (FOM) were back at it again…
Ansay, #29, takes a shot on goal during the 2016 Rocky Mountain Center Ice Showdown. Article and photos by Elean Gersack On Friday, November 4, Rock Canyon High School alum and current Colorado State University junior Austin Ansay hit the ice at the Pepsi Center for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Center Ice Showdown against The…
Cherokee Ranch & Castle Executive Director James Holmes is joined by Douglas County Detective Dan Brite’s wife Christine and daughters as the detective’s brother Steve Brite provides an update on the officer’s injuries. Detective Dan Brite Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West There was a special gathering at Cherokee Ranch & Castle (CRC) in…
Kraig and Suzanna Smiegowski launched their small business CanineKids Outfitters in hopes of making a difference toward canine cancer research and treatment. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Suzanna Smiegowski Castle Pines Village residents Suzanna and Kraig Smiegowski love their dogs. In fact, since the Smiegowskis do not have young humans in their household, their…
Pictured right: The RCHS varsity volleyball team presents its first place regionals plaque to the camera after advancing to state competitions. (Photo courtesy of Chris Zadra.) By Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photos Last month, the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) girls varsity volleyball team closed its season with a successful and record-setting journey…
By Lynne Marsala Basche During the 2016 holiday season, the U.S. Postal Service will deliver billions of cards and packages. While it may seem like shipping is the hard part, consider these suggestions to make the process hassle-free. Shipping early is key to making sure packages arrive at their destination by Christmas. Not only is…
Information provided by Douglas County Senior Resources When searching for information about resources but you don’t know who to ask or what number to call, the First Call Information Referral and Assistance program is your first stop. First Call has trained staff and volunteers to help you access resources throughout Douglas County. Start your search…
From left to right: Jacob Messenger, Jake Roblyer, Christian Butler, Eric Young, Leighton Koldyke, and Nick Caldwell earned a first place finish in the afternoon session of the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of RCHS The Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge took place on November 3 at the University of…
Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Mother Nature provided July-like weather on Wednesday, October 26 as the new Legacy Village of Castle Pines project broke ground at the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard. Community leaders from the city and the chamber joined the developers for the groundbreaking ceremony. Pictured from left…
Phase 1 of construction for the Lagae Ranch 249-acre development is well underway. Information provided by the City of Castle Pines; photo courtesy of Bob Wiebold Phase 1 of construction for the new Lagae Ranch development is now underway. Current work includes grading activity, clearing and grubbing existing vegetation, the first phase of realigning Lagae…
By Kathy Fallert Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) will both be registering incoming kindergarteners who have siblings already enrolled at one of the schools on Wednesday, January 4. New family kindie registration will be held at both schools on Thursday, January 5. Registration hours at BRE will be from 9 a.m.…
Visitors to the Blossoms of Light event at the Denver Botanic Gardens take in the wonder of the season. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens Coloradans are known for their love and celebration of winter. Check out some of the many festivals and events that remind us how great it is to…
Thanks to the Castle Rock Historical Society, people of all ages took in a bit of history recently at Cedar Hill Cemetery. The resting place for many old-time Douglas County families, the cemetery became a Douglas County Historical Landmark in 2005. Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik A spectacular fall day welcomed more than 80…
By Amanda Merriman The latest social media craze has thankfully moved on from the Water Bottle Challenge. Over the past month and a half, it has been all about the Mannequin Challenge. What is the Mannequin Challenge, you ask? It is believed to have been started by high school students in Florida who wanted to…
Tibbles 2011-2016 Article and photo by Terri Wiebold I would like to offer my most heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at Castle Pines Veterinary Clinic for the care and compassion they showed my daughter’s pet guinea pig Tibbles, who died last month from pneumonia. Tibbles’ passing was a surprise to our entire family and…
Collectively, Castle Pines residents Andrew and Lori Peeples have proudly served for 32 years in the United States military. Andrew was a pilot in the United States Air Force, and Lori was a communications officer for the United States Army. We are honored to have such dedicated veterans as our neighbors. By Lynn Zahorik; courtesy…
Turn-of-the-century Douglas County pioneers were tough and uncomplicated. They lived in the moment. Dreams of their future were marred by hostile Indians, locusts, parched lands, dried-up streams and rattlesnakes. Long-term planning didn’t come naturally. Surprisingly, there were two remarkable people, mere miles apart, who envisioned the future of our county and acted in unique ways…
Next summer, residents of all ages will be able to enjoy new outdoor basketball courts at Coyote Ridge Park. As shown in this rendering provided by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District, the courts will be located just south of the skate park and will offer added fun for outdoor enthusiasts who call Castle Pines…
TTE’s fifth grade blue team waiting to start the obstacle course while cheering on fellow classmates at the move-a-thon. Article and photos submitted by Timber Trail Elementary Each year, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) has a fundraising event, and this year students and teachers participated in a move-a-thon on September 22. Students spent an hour outside…
Smiles change lives By Lynne Marsala Basche Can a smile open doors, inspire self-confidence and create a ripple effect of goodwill in a community? The 501(c)(3) Smile for a Lifetime (S4L) of Greater Denver seeks to achieve all that and more. Drs. Kevin Theroux and Brooks Barefoot of Total Orthodontics in Lone Tree are dedicated…
Castle Pines resident Nicole Eubanks recently made a career change and became relationships manager at the nonprofit organization Friendship Bridge. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Nicole Eubanks Mother of two and Daniels Gate resident Nicole Eubanks, with a background in business management and merchandising, made a serious career change when she went to work…
Centennial Gun Club, located at 11800 E Peakview Avenue in Centennial, is locally owned and operated by Castle Pines Village residents Richard and Mary Abramson. By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Mary Abramson Richard and Mary Abramson are residents of Castle Pines Village who recognized a need and set out to fulfill it. In February…
Information provided by the Douglas/Elbert Task Force Please join the Douglas/Elbert Task Force for its inaugural Evening of Help & Hope on Friday, December 2 at Cielo at Castle Pines. The event will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature a silent and live auction, a wine wall, heads or tails game,…
Friends and family joined Leanna Whitcher at the Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk to raise funds in the quest to double lung cancer survival rates in the next six years. By Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of Noor Abadi A beautiful fall day welcomed participants of the 2016 Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk at Washington Park…
by Patte Smith The Connection readers want to know about our vital over-fifty population who is diverse, knowledgeable, skilled, thoughtful and energetic. If you play pickleball, are an artist, volunteer your time, write, play bridge, bungee jump, sing in a choir, sit peacefully reading, have an experience to share, are a gourmet cook, meditate, attend…
Article and photos by Kathy Fallert The annual Rock Slide 5K and 1 mile fun run took place on Saturday, October 1. The race began and ended at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) where roughly 250 runners and walkers, led by the school’s health team made their way through the streets of Castle Pines and…
The new project will include 228 apartment units, 30,000 square feet of office space, 10,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, and 328 street level/below street level parking spaces. By Elizabeth Wood West; renderings courtesy of Confluence Companies The Town of Castle Rock recently gave unanimous approval to a $60 million dollar mixed-use development…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Turkey roasting in the oven – is there any scent more evocative of the fall season, the bounty of the harvest, the abundance of autumn? Nothing makes me give thanks faster than a plateful of turkey, dressing and buttery mashed potatoes. Like most folks this time of year, I…
There are many “Share The Road” signs around the community. (Hess Road east at I-25) Article and photo by Kay Bryant As our community becomes more and more populated, The Connection reminds residents to be aware of the particular safety concerns and responsibilities that drivers have as we share the road with bicyclists. Hess Road,…
A new eight-mile segment of the East/West Regional Trail just north of Hess Road will connect the current trial (west of I-25, south of RidgeGate Pkwy) to the Cherry Creek Trail in Parker (west of Parker Road south of E. Mainstreet). Information and photo provided by Douglas County Hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers rejoice! Great…
By Lisa Crockett Big feasts can sometimes mean big trouble, especially when it’s a feast that involves cooking foods most people only attempt once a year. Add in concerns about food safety, and you and your dinner guests might simply be giving thanks for making it through the holiday unscathed rather than focusing on the…
It was a cold day, but BRE students bundled up and got it done as they rode their way to school on October 5. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert It was a cold and blustery day on Wednesday, October 5, but that didn’t stop Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) students from celebrating Walk/Bike to School…
The 23,000 square-foot soccer facility will accommodate three futsal fields (which are smaller turf fields) or one large field and is scheduled to open later this month. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Neil Alvarado Ten-year HOA1 resident Neil Alvarado is reaching a new milestone with Denver-based Skyline Soccer Association (SSA), a nonprofit soccer club…
The winning chefs pose for a photo during the seventh annual Turweston Lane chili cook-off on September 11. By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Laurie Jacobs Seven years and counting! The crew on Turweston Lane gathered on September 11 for another year of fun and some friendly cooking competition. This year’s event featured plenty of…
BRE hosted a fun-filled, Olympic-themed field day on September 22. Principal John Veit (left) and Assistant Principal Jen Murdock (right) welcomed BRE alumnus and Paralympian Brickelle Bro (middle), who opened the ceremonies with some words of inspiration for the students. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) hosted an Olympic-themed field day…
The Rock Canyon High School volleyball program recently collected and donated many items, including food and toiletries, to the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. The team was given a tour of the Task Force and have a better understanding of the many needs in our community. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of RCHS volleyball…