Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
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 Take charge of your health by making plans to visit one of the four Douglas County venues hosting the 9Health Fair this year. Getting screened is easier than ever, as fasting for the blood draw is optional again this year. Douglas County Location Sites – Eastridge Recreation Center: Saturday, April 9,…
From Indians to wranglers, fourth graders in Ms. Hartman’s class enjoyed studying history and dressing the part for their showcase on February 26. Castle Pines resident Genesis Torres displayed her findings after studying the history of Castle Rock. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert With a theme of “How certain groups have changed Colorado,” Buffalo…
By Amanda Merriman Know that feeling you get when you’ve witnessed a cool magic trick? Or when you observe pure joy or wonderment from a child? How about when you’ve been able to outwit or stump a worthy opponent in a game? These experiences have been bottled up for your enjoyment in an app called…
By Heidi Lewellyn Come enjoy a free evening of big band jazz performed live by the 17-member Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) jazz band while you dine at the Park Place restaurant at The Ridge at Castle Pines North on Friday, April 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. No tickets are necessary, although reservations…
Getting infused about tea at Celestial Seasonings Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski The moment the tour guide opens the door to the factory, guests know immediately that they are in a tea manufacturing plant. Hints of chamomile, lemon, hibiscus, vanilla, and cloves waft through the air, mixed with traces of strong black tea from…
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. Fredrik Backman, an international best selling Swedish novelist,…
Truett Rosenlund and his sweet big sister, Savannah. His parents are working hard to raise awareness and gain research and funding for rare diseases. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Newcomb.) Article and photo by Elean Gersack; courtesy photos A magical little boy who lives in our community was born happy and healthy in July of 2013. …
Ashlyn Brown and her German Warmblood jumping mare Black Pearl. Article and photos by Christy Brown Colorado … the “wild west.” One of the first images to come to mind is the horse. The equine species, having evolved more than 50 million years from a once four-toed creature to the four-hooved magnificent structure of power…
Second grader Lyric Miller with her pen and ink Zentangle design with a tissue paper star applied over it. Art teacher Wendy Wilson congratulates fifth grader Claire Blaeser, who won the Best of Show award for TTE. By Lynne Marsala Basche; Photos courtesy of Wendy Wilson Twenty-five Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students, under the guidance…
Retired Federal Judge William Downes and his wife Cathy love living in Castle Pines and credit their dog Buffy for helping them meet so many great neighborhood friends. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of the Downes Family Distinguished Wyoming Federal Judge William Downes (Ret.) and his lovely wife Cathy looked everywhere in Colorado and “up…
Submited by Douglas County Libraries; photo by Tim Gamble Fact not fiction – the new library in Castle Pines opens in April. Saying farewell to the old library location will be a melancholy yet upbeat occasion as Douglas County Libraries gets ready to open the first of three new libraries in Douglas County. At 4…
Excited to join the neighborhood, the congregation from Journey Church gathered on the vacant property with Pastor Scotty Priest (inset with wife Amy) to pray and bless the land. Article and photos by Patte Smith Four bus loads of Journey Church’s Centennial congregation paid a visit on March 6 to the church’s new 12.6-acre lot…
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…
By Lynne Marsala Basche There are days heading down Castle Pines Parkway approaching Village Square Lane when the windows are down and the wind is just right that the most sublime aromas of garlic and wood burning pizza waft through the air. Mouths water and stomachs growl as La Dolce Vita tempts passersby with the…
Hutchins (front row, center) and six other Hope’s Promise representatives traveled to Vietnam to show their love and commitment to the families they support. By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of Kristen Hutchins Kristen Hutchins took the adventure of a lifetime when she traveled to Vietnam in January. Her father had served in the U.S. Army…
Article and photo by Amanda Merriman Looking for an exciting twist on date night, family night, or hanging out with friends? The answer can be found on a drive to nearby Centennial for a visit to The Clue Room. The Clue Room is a live escape room (the first in Colorado) that is owned…
Castle Pines Village Lakes Fitness Center morning regulars surrounded 42-year-old marathon runner Angela Williams. Williams arrived for her daily workouts at 4:45 a.m. so she could return home in time to wake her three children for school. Discovering Angela to be a serious and driven athlete, the morning group of supporters – affectionately known as…
Tod Baker, pictured here with his family, was recently recognized for his entrepreneurial enterprise and is thrilled to be on the cusp of new technology in the healthcare industry. “We are excited to be on the cutting edge of this transformation and will do our part to change this three-trillion dollar industry!” By Amy Shanahan;…
Broschat’s team the Thunderbirds took the state championship last month at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of the Broschat Family Hockey is a game of toughness and endurance, and Stonecroft resident Tanner Broschat is a true hockey lover. A player since the age of three, Broschat was born…
By Lisa Crockett I love to cook, and I’ve been lucky enough to share my excitement about food here in The Connection for several years. People sometimes wonder how we choose which recipes to publish, and though the criteria are far from strict, we generally look at a few factors. First, and most important, do…
RCHS student council takes a picture with their wish kid Lucy February 18 after the kick off assembly. RCHS wish kid Lucy waves to the school during the closing assembly February 26. RCHS student Kelsey Strawn (class of 2018) sits stunned but happy mid-way through her haircut for Wish Week’s Dare To Share Your Hair…
These RHMS students worked diligently to prepare for their first debate tournament this past month. Several students will move on to compete at the national tournament at the end of April. By RHMS seventh grade student Blake Burnham; photo courtesy of Mary Burnham If you are tired of watching ill-prepared debaters on national television lately,…
Seventh grade students at RHMS had the good fortune to hear a firsthand account of the Holocaust from renowned speaker and survivor Jack Adler. Adler is pictured here with many of the students who heard him speak. Article and photo by RHMS seventh grade student Amanda Brauchler When most students and citizens learn about the…
Helping seniors stay in their homes By Lynne Marsala Basche Douglas County’s older adult population is one of the fastest growing in the country. By 2030, the State Demography Office estimates that one in four Douglas County residents will be over 60 years old. With a mission to help older adults stay independent, Neighbor Network…
By Elean Gersack Join a host of Denver area running enthusiasts for the annual Cherry Creek Sneak in Cherry Creek North on Sunday, April 24 at 7:30 a.m. People of all ages are welcome at this spring event featuring five separate race courses: 10-mile run/walk, 5-mile run/walk, 3.1-mile (5K) run/walk, 1.5-mile sprint, a ½-mile…
By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Beverly Coggins Castle Pines Village resident Bob Bess has attended the father daughter dance at The Country Club at Castle Pines for the past 13 years, and he never tires of it. “My favorite part is the limbo,” remarked Bess. “I also enjoy getting dressed up in a tuxedo…
Submitted by the City of Castle Pines Based on research done by Zippia, a career resource website, the City of Castle Pines is the second smartest city in Colorado. Castle Pines earned its second place ranking with virtually zero teenage high school dropouts and just 1.5 percent of the adult population lacking a high school…
By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of the Dumb Friends League It is that time of year again when pooches and their best friends converge at Washington Park in Denver for the annual Furry Scurry. This year’s event is planned for Saturday, May 7. The walk begins at 9 a.m. According to the Dumb Friends League,…
The BRE Newspaper Club is hard at work on Monday mornings when they come to their before-school meetings ready to report. Left to right, back row: Mom Jennifer Bourdeon, Rachel Cook, Zach Ruegge, Elyssa Jennings, Campbell Scott, Addy Rodriguez, Jacobi Keefe, Thomas Bourdeon, teacher Debbie Nait, and Idrees Nait; Left to right, front row: Donavon…
Fun activities outside of the pool are an important part of the Castle Pines Storm swim family – like the 13-and-older progressive team dinner pictured above. Join the team for new family registration on Sunday, April 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 pm at the HOA1 clubhouse. Submitted by Allison McKeel and Christina Kwon; photo…
Submitted by the City of Castle Pines The City of Castle Pines administrative offices will relocate to inside the Castle Pines Library (see related story next page) effective April 1. City offices will be closed on March 31 during the move. Along with accommodating city offices, the facility will provide a new regular location for…