Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
Information provided by the Parker Cultural and Scientific Commission Learn the facts about Alzheimer’s disease or dementia on Thursday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue in Parker. A representative from The Alzheimer’s Association will provide information on detection, possible causes and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment,…
By Lynn Zahorik; courtesy photos With the season of Thanksgiving upon us, we are reminded of those people for whom we are most grateful. The Castle Pines Connection salutes the American veterans who live in our communities for their selfless dedication and extraordinary service in the armed forces. Many of our neighbors are the men…
TTE students were excited to help promote the school’s September recycling event. Residents, large and small, contributed to making the recycling event a success. Article and photos submitted by Timber Trail Elementary Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) parent Eric Bowman, of Bowman Financial Services, organized a paint recycling event on September 17, which was held in…
This chart shows how the Winter Shelter Network will work to meet the needs of the homeless in Douglas County, from November through March 2017. By Elizabeth Wood West; illustration courtesy of Rand Clark Thanks to the compassion and vision of local faith-based nonprofit organizations, area churches and Douglas County government, a struggling and often…
Megan Pitman, senior at Rock Canyon High School and CPV resident was thrilled when administrators came into her classroom and announced that she is a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of RCHS Approximately 1.6 million students entered the National Merit Scholarship (NMS) competition, which awards more than $33 million. The names…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County reports that as of October 3, there were a total of 234,925 registered voters for the upcoming General Election on November 8. Of those, 47,551 were Democrats, 107,245 were Republicans, and 80,129 were listed as other. Make sure your vote counts and ensure that all mail-in ballots are…
By Patte Smith It is hard to believe that November is here, and soon we will be in full throttle with holiday fun and frenzy. It is a festive time of year, and many enjoyable events are offered by the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center (CRSAC) and South Suburban Parks and Recreation District (SSPRD). The…
By Lynne Marsala Basche Imagine coming home on a chilly evening, opening the door and being greeted by the aroma of dinner simmering in the slow cooker. It is so welcoming and inviting and especially convenient when you remember that while you put the ingredients together earlier in the day, there was no chopping…
By Amanda Merriman There are people who finish shopping for the holidays well before fall starts. And then there are the rest of us who do not even start thinking about gift shopping until well after pumpkin spice lattes start flying off the shelves. Not to mention the actual purchasing of gifts happens usually after…
CrossFit Loop Castle Rock teens pausing for a moment in their CrossFit class. From left to right: Riley James, Julia Terry, Gabe Ziegler (CP), Jack Terry, Crossfit Coach Courtney Grant, and Emma Ziegler (CP). By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Maddie Rudolph The CrossFit Loop Castle Rock (CFL) community recently rallied around Detective Dan Brite…
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 shares what she has been reading with the hope that others will share in her obsession. Yaa Gyasi has educated this bibliophiliac with this month’s…
Building a basis for excellence By Lynne Marsala Basche Readers may not be aware of the DCEF, but chances are high they have taken advantage of their services. For the past 25 years, the DCEF has been a partner with all Douglas County schools to prepare students to become career, college and citizenship-ready and not…
Development is underway on a 177-unit senior living complex located at the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard. Completion is anticipated by year-end 2017. By Kathy Fallert; map by Tim Gamble Construction of the Legacy Village of Castle Pines development at the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard in…
Rows left to right: Claire with her sweet Layla who happily managed the trails thanks to her innovative wheelchair. A beautiful September day welcomed dogs and their owners as they hit the trail to raise money for the Buddy Center. Proud owners with their super hero miniature dogs ready for Halloween – Batdog, Wonderdog and…
IT’S OPEN! In partnership with Douglas County and the Colorado Department of Transportation, Castle Rock’s largest ever roadway project is ready for vehicles. Drivers may have seen a new freeway exit sign off I-25 (pictured above right). Information and map provided by the Town of Castle Rock; photo courtesy of Lynn Zahorik We have all…
By Elean Gersack; courtesy photo After a several year hiatus, the Winter Park Ski Train is back in action. The scenic two-hour ride from Union Station in Denver to the base of Winter Park Ski Resort is a great way to enjoy the Colorado high country and avoid the hassles of driving. A bucket-list opportunity…
Team “Fresh Kicks of Ball Air” won this year’s mother and son kickball tournament. Pictured left to right: Brenda and Ethan Nohavec, Donna and Logan Mash, Stacy, Nicholas and Blake Stall, Jess and Wyatt Petau, Gidget and Andrew Long, Alicia and Logan Carpenter, Shanda and Colten Bravec, and Whitney and Thomas Shank. By Lynne Marsala…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines Located just south of the Village Square commercial district, Lagae Ranch is a 249-acre planned development that includes Elk Ridge Park and three additional neighborhood parks, American Academy Charter School, up to 231 single-family homes, 400 multi-family residences, an additional elementary school, 76 acres of open space…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County recently announced a two-way data-sharing partnership with Waze, the free, real-time navigation app. This collaboration will assist those who live, work and play in Douglas County with important information about current road conditions and construction projects to assist their commute around the county. “We know that one of…
Information provided by the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. The Douglas/Elbert Task Force received $8,540 from the Food Bank of the Rockies for the purchase of a new walk-in cooler to support its food bank program. The new refrigerator will increase the Task Force’s capacity to store additional refrigerated items, such as dairy products and fresh produce…
By Patte Smith A free informational housing seminar for older adults is being presented on Saturday, October 15 at the Lone Tree Arts Center from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Open to the public, speakers will discuss topics on seniors interested in “aging in place” and remaining in their own home; an overview of the…
DCSM students, staff, friends and family enjoyed an afternoon catching up while hungry participants entered a pie eating contest and took a spin in the hamster balls. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori The DCS Montessori School (DCSM) fall festival is an annual tradition for more than 20 years. This year, students,…
Colleen and Judi at Castle Pines Dental Care love their jobs, having been around for 14 and 15 years, respectively. Always helpful Terri at Scheich Family Dentistry celebrates 13 years keeping everything in check. Alex at Castle Pines Orthodontics has been running the office since 2003. She loves watching their patients grow up. Article and…
By Lisa Crockett ‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin. Whether you are hankering for a luscious pie or a toothy jack-o’-lantern, here are tips for getting the very best this season: • Pumpkins for pie and pumpkins for carving are grown from different varieties, so make sure you’re getting the right one for the…
By Lynn Zahorik, photos courtesy of Peter Burke The star of every University of Colorado (CU) football game is without a doubt Ralphie the buffalo mascot. One of the most popular and recognized college mascots in the nation, Ralphie has been a part of CU game day lore for nearly half a century. Most fans…
By Amanda Merriman If you have teenage individuals living in your home, you have probably heard of musical.ly, a popular video-sharing app that has captured the attention of over 80 million users, or “musers” as they are called, worldwide. Musical.ly combines our innate love of music and the desire to connect with like-minded individuals…
Seventh grade social studies teacher and project advisor Laurie Williamson with students Chloe Voss and Amanda Gin. Submitted by RHMS eighth grade student Amanda Brauchler; photo courtesy of Izzy Holsman Nora Danzig is a Holocaust survivor. She was born in Germany in the 1930s, and she is 84 years old. Danzig was not only a…
By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) had a dual goal – wanting to give multiple new fourth and fifth grade families a chance to connect and meet other parents and kids and wanting to create a new special tradition for the “upper grades” to celebrate and look forward to each year. What…
By Amy Shanahan The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is eager to alert residents to a new scam that is currently taking place throughout the county. This scam involves a phone call by someone claiming to be a person of authority who is providing a public service by letting the person they called believe that…
Self-proclaimed “mama’s boy,” 27-year-old Chase McNary was one of the final three contestants on the recent season of ABC’s “The Bachelorette.” A Colorado native, McNary loves the outdoors and being active, including golfing at The Ridge at Castle Pines North with his mom with whom he has a very close relationship. By Amy Shanahan; photos…
Caissons for the RidgeGate bridge being constructed. Information from RTD Southeast Rail Extension To the average commuter traveling on I-25 past Lincoln Avenue and RidgeGate Parkway, it may appear that besides a lot of dirt being moved (close to 160,000 cubic yards to be exact), not much else is being constructed on the new light…
Wellspring’s “Evening of Inspiration” was held at Cielo at Castle Pines. Wellspring’s staff, family, business partners and friends raised approximately $200,000 for the nonprofit. Pictured left to right: Richard West, Theresa and Stan Banaszak, Ann Allott, Alison Rausch and Judson Mitchell. Article and photos by Elizabeth Wood West Wellspring Community’s (Wellspring) staff, family members,…
By Patte Smith There are several websites that list 50+ discounts in Colorado. One such site is www.theseniorlist.com that lists 2016 discounts for restaurants, retail stores, prescriptions, grocery stores and travel. Many of the service providers on this website have been verified for 2016 senior discounts. Please be sure to check when you visit one…
The University of Colorado Golden Buffalo Marching Band entertains spectators at each home game with their dynamic sound, lively marching style and creative formations. By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of University of Colorado and Penny Jordan Every football season, the University of Colorado Golden Buffalo Marching Band (GBMB) thrills thousands of spectators with exciting…
Karen Armato and her children Sammie and Kari (front row) photographed here with The Lettermen band in 1972. These years set the stage for decades of musical memories for Armato and her family. By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Karen Armato It is a musical love affair decades in the making. Since 1970 Karen Armato…
Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce; Photos by Lynn Zahorik A gorgeous sunny day at Plum Creek Golf Club was the setting for the annual Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce golf tournament, held on September 19. The golfers enjoyed a fun day that started with Bloody Marys and burritos, followed by 18 holes…
The Keep is a new 1,100-acre residential project located just southwest of Sedalia. Upon completion, it will have 64 home sites and 745 acres of natural reserve open space. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos provided by Koelbel and Company Denver area developer Koelbel & Company has broken ground on its newest high-end residential project called…
It will be time to hit the slopes before long. Get a pass and make plans for some great skiing and boarding this season. Here is the run-down for 2016-2017 season pass information: Epic Schoolkids Colorado Pack The Epic Schoolkids Colorado Pack is FREE for kindergarten through fifth-grade students. It provides four days of skiing…
Zack (left) and Grant (right) raised funds and awareness – along with Nick – during the Cancer League of Colorado 5K. Article and photo by Lynne Marsala Basch Castle Pines residents Zach Fornelius, Grant Gooding and Nicholas Gooding had energy left for some fun after the 20th Annual Cancer League of Colorado’s Race for Research…
By Patte Smith Wisdom Within These Walls, an education and entertainment organization whose mission is to inspire cultural re-consideration of the question of wisdom and the vitality and strength that accompanies aging and seniors, will present “Wisdom Matters.” This very special readers’ theater production, based on interviews conducted with seniors in the local area, has…
Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Please join the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce in helping to change the lives of homeless students right here in our area. In 2015, there were 910 homeless students in the Douglas County School District. This number seems unreal given that Douglas County is one of the…
Information provided by Discovery Running Join the City of Castle Pines and Discovery Running in their all new Castle Pines Run Club! The Castle Pines Run Club meets every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in front of Duke’s Steakhouse. Enjoy a three-to-four mile jog followed by a post-run social. There are also opportunities for destination runs…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett It’s here, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Crocktober. It’s the time of year when we dust off the slow cooker and put it on regular rotation in the kitchen. There’s a chill in the air, leaves on the ground, Halloween candy in the store; the perfect kind…
Article and photo by Elean Gersack Have you ever been caught in the back-and-forth of trying to plan and coordinate a meeting with several different people, all of whom have different schedules and availability? Talk about a logistical nightmare! Not any more … Scheduling a meeting or event has never been easier. Doodle.com and the…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Events in Colorado history didn’t really accelerate until the 59ers swarmed the Pikes Peak region, Russellville (near Franktown) included. By 1861, Colorado would become a territory and in another 15 years, attain statehood. Those 17 years to statehood were tumultuous. No one suffered greater upheaval than the Native American. …
By Patte Smith, photo courtesy of the Castle Rock Fire Department This year Castle Pines area kids have two not-so-scary shopping areas where they can gather goodies. Trick or Treat Street(s) will be on October 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the shops and businesses along Castle Pines Parkway and also at The…
By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos The Garden Club at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) hosted its 2nd Annual Farmers Market fundraiser event. And just like last year’s event, it was a huge success in providing funds to the school’s upcoming plans for the outdoor educational garden. The farmers market event raised more than $800 during…
A temporary Journey Church sign hangs at the construction site where the new church will be located and a rendering of the 14,250 square-foot Journey Church currently being constructed. Article and photo by Patte Smith; rendering courtesy of Journey Church Construction crews have started excavating the 12.6-acre Journey Church site, located at 9009 Clydesdale Road. …
Information provided by the Tri-County Health Department The final drive-through household chemical roundup this year will be held October 1 at 175 Kellogg Court in Castle Rock from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is offered free-of-charge to Douglas County residents. However, participants will be asked for a $25 contribution to help offset the…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anthonette Klinkerman On a late August evening at Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch, Castle Pines author Anthonette Klinkerman celebrated her latest book, “Aloha, Mr. Hand: An Alternative Trip Through Education” with her supporters. The collection of stories relays the remarkable accounts Klinkerman witnessed throughout her years teaching…
Scenes from Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant By Lynne Marsala Basche “Can you pass that plate?” “How does the sauce taste? Does it need more mustard?” “I’ll be right there once I grab the wine.” Identical statements were heard at every one of my family dinners growing up. This time, however, they were overheard at Cranelli’s, where…
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 shares what she has been reading with the hope that others will share in her obsession. Clare Mackintosh accomplishes the exact opposite with readers of…
Photo by Amanda Merriman Castle Pines canine Molly got a jump start on Halloween by dressing as Elsa from the movie “Frozen.” Her owners plan on submitting her photo for the annual Cutest Pet in the Pines contest in December, when The Castle Pines Connection awards cash prizes for the top three entries. Watch for…
Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) firefighters were met by generous Castle Pines and Castle Rock King Soopers shoppers when they put out their boots in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) Fill the Boot campaign over the beautiful Labor Day weekend. The spirited annual drive raised $101,564, which…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; courtesy photos On the 15th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, approximately 2,500 firefighters and community members gathered at Red Rocks Amphitheatre to honor and remember the people touched by that day. Each participant was given a card with the photograph of one of the first responders who died on September…
RCHS graduate and 2012 Paralympic athlete Brickelle Bro preparing for the “Road to Rio.” By Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Joe Kusumoto With the recent action of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, all of the world has been cheering on their fellow countrymen and women. This year at the…
The Miller family with their dogs Cadence (left) and Cora, a Golden Retriever/Border Collie mix that was fostered and adopted by them. They also have an adopted cat, Ninja. By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Valerie Miller Brian and Valerie Miller have no boundaries when it comes to helping people, getting involved in the Surrey…
Scholarship recipients included: (left to right) Matt Hoffman, Sam Kahn, Blake Follansbee, Ryan Hough, Mackenzie Maslowski, Reese Hummel, Bailey McCue, Danielle Compton, Taylor Kelley, Abby Buretz, Paul Dugan, Ryan Simpson, Ben McGraw, John Wood, Morgan Adams, Tanner DeBoer, Blake Mounts, Jennifer Leonard and Kristen Thomlinson. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Since 2007, members of…
Information provided by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (District) ramps up water conservation efforts with free sprinkler inspections for thousands of gallons of savings for qualifying homes. As the hottest summer days bake Front Range yards, the District is offering free sprinkler inspections to homes in their service…
Peg Ellefson (left) was congratulated by Susan G. Komen Colorado CEO Keri Kallaway (right) at the annual Stars in Pink luncheon. The luncheon, hosted by the Denver ChopHouse & Brewery, honored the top 100 individual fundraisers for the Komen Colorado Race for the Cure. Ellefson and the other Stars in Pink raised a combined total…
