The Connection

Riders who participate in the Race the MAC series are able to choose from a variety of classes in which to race in order to accommodate different abilities and age groups.  The spectacular setting and host of options at the park make this a really fun family-friendly event. Kim Lockett and her son Alex raced…

Girl Scout Troop 4486 members received their Bronze Awards. Some of Troop 4486 scouts, along with co-leaders Brenda Ferguson and Trina Wegner, delivered Bronze Award project baskets to Sky Ridge Hospital. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Brenda Ferguson In some way we all hope to help those who need it most, whether it…

By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Cari Ogg and Justin Day Local Castle Pines swim team, the Castle Crocs, ended the summer swim season and celebrated a decade of bringing the community together and developing its youth through swimming.   More than 20 new swimmers joined old veterans and moved up in the ranks…

Information provided by the Douglas Elbert REALTOR® Association Helping Hands is a community outreach program of the Douglas Elbert REALTOR® Association. Its mission is to help those in need within our community with home improvement projects to better a family’s quality of life. Helping Hands supports the elderly, the young, the disabled, the economically challenged,…

BRE’s new principal, John Veit, and his family on a summer vacation to Universal Studios in Florida before starting the new school year. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of John Veit A new school year always brings changes and excitement, and the halls of Buffalo Ridge Elementary school (BRE) are no exception.  In addition…

Gerald Albright tours throughout the world but his wife Glynis and his children Brandon and Selina are his foundation.  The family enjoyed time together for Father’s Day on the patio at The Country Club at Castle Pines.  Albright’s daughter Selina is a talented vocalist who will perform with her father at the end-of-the-summer party at…

The staff at Castle Pines Veterinary Clinic enjoyed the patio at Duke’s Steakhouse after work on a lovely Wednesday evening in July.  Thanks for allowing us to share your photo!

By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos Ever see the Louviers (pronounced loo-veers) sign on Santa Fe several miles north of Sedalia?  How many have crossed Plum Creek with the curiosity necessary to unravel a rather fascinating story?  Yes indeed, it is quite a tale, actually explosive when you get all the facts.   Let’s start in…

Alyda Macaluso of Castle Pines Village has been a fitness pro for more than 20 years and now co-owns Rejuvenation on the Rox/CoolSculpting with partner Roxy O’Bryan.  The office is located in Greenwood Village. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Alyda Macaluso of Castle Pines Village (CPV) has focused on fitness her whole life.  From…

Castle Pines resident Erin Novotny is a recent graduate of the Leadership Douglas County program.   She is pictured (fourth from the left) with her graduating class during the firefighter education portion of the program. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Carrie Buchan Erin Novotny is a Castle Pines resident who works for the Castle…

Information and photo provided by Douglas County On July 14, the Board of County Commissioners appointed Heidi Bowman of Castle Pines to fill a vacancy on the County’s Cultural Council.  Bowman, who also volunteers with Fresh Harvest Food Bank in Lone Tree, will serve the remainder of a three-year term that expires in January 2017.…

Pictured left to right, Front row: Bryce Jurin (CP), Gavin Jenkins, Jack DeLoera, Jace Vasbinder (CP), Parker Honig (CP), and Ashton Stamp; Middle row: Spencer Smith, Aiden Mitchell, Cayden Aragon, Owen Heersink, Tripp Mulstay (CP), JT Cross (CP), and Cole Kliewer (CP); Back row: Assistant Coach Justin Kliewer (CP), Head Coach Ray Cross (CP), Assistant…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office When an emergency occurs, cell phone users in Douglas County can now send a text message to 9-1-1. Texting to 9-1-1 provides accessibility to the hearing- and speech-impaired population and provides an alternative to reach help in a dangerous situation when a voice call is not possible…

The Ridge at Castle Pines North golf course was home to the USO’s 9th Annual Denver Golf Classic.  This annual event raises money to provide much needed support for American troops and their families.  The Color Guard – representing all branches of the Armed Forces – kicked off the tournament, which this year raised $25,000…

Directions to the Castle Rock Farmers Market, which opened for the 2015 season on July 11:  From Castle Pines, take I-25 south to the Wilcox/Wolfensberger exit, go east, follow the road south to Third Street, and turn right to Elbert Street. The Farmers Market and plenty of parking will be on the left. Information and…

“All things doughy” and “Babysitter Training” were just two of the classes offered during SOAR at Rocky Heights Middle School.  Students enjoyed seeing their friends and having new experiences in this unique program offered by the school. By Rachel Zetwick, intern writer; photos courtesy of Patti Anoff  This summer, incoming sixth, seventh, and eighth grade…

No cameras or cell phones were permitted inside the facility during the Denver FBI Teen Academy, which was attended by RCHS junior (now senior) Dakota Wendell. By Adriana Hakes; photo courtesy of Barb Wendell The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) wants to give young minds a chance to experience what working for them might look…

Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is seeking volunteers to assist with its homebound delivery service. Homebound delivery is available to Douglas County residents who are unable to leave their places of residence due to extended illness, health condition or disability.  Qualified residents complete reader profiles to let DCL know their…

Castle Pines resident Abby Kochevar achieved her first Olympic Trial time in the 100-meter backstroke clocking in at 1:03.13.  Kochevar began swimming at age nine and was breaking records with her summer swim team the Castle Crocs before moving on to swim for local club swim teams. “My best event is the 100 backstroke, but…

Special thanks to Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille for inviting The Castle Pines Connection to celebrate its 36th anniversary of fine dining and outstanding service.  Although Perry’s will be celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Lone Tree location in September, the company’s 36th anniversary was celebrated with a special promotion in July. Pictured above is Castle…

The Douglas County Garden Club hosted the Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs Southern District annual meeting at The Golf Club at Bear Dance in Larkspur.  The ladies peddled their club’s cookbooks, garden aprons, and mason bee boxes to raise money for the club. A toast to one of the club’s favorite socials, the Annual Summer…

RCHS Varsity Track and Cross Country runners chose to take it up a notch from the usual 5K meets and compete in this year’s Bolder Boulder 10K on May 25.  Left to right: Keegan King, Gabriel Tauber, Andrew Steavpack, Bryce Vrabel, and Ryan Meisner. Pictured above:  RCHS Varsity Track and Cross Country runners proudly wearing…

New Hope Presbyterian Church members helped beautify Buffalo Ridge Elementary on May 31.  Pictured front row, left to right:  Christy McDonald, Julia McDonald, Meadow Rodine, Jason McDonald, and Liam Abner.  Back row, left to right: Nina Amey, Madison Amey, Alyssa Piel, Pam Applegate, Heather Rodine, Chad Rodine, Bryan Crock, Saralyn Crock, Brennan Crock, Charlie Keely,…

By Rachel Zetwick, RCHS intern writer; photos by Amy Shanahan Janice Teply Wright, the founder of the Wright Collection, is growing her evening bag business to Castle Pines.  Wright and her husband, Chatt Wright, have lived in Castle Pines Village for two years and she looks forward to sharing her talents with the community. Wright’s…

The last three months have been unusually busy at The Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP) as it welcomed its new chief operating officer and general manager, Ryan Cozzetto and its new head golf professional, Dave Lopez. Cozzetto relocated to Colorado from Pebble Beach, California where he worked most recently at the Monterey Peninsula Country…

The Castle Pines North Metro District has removed an aging brick planter at the intersection of Max Drive and Castle Pines Parkway.  New plants in this median and two others along the road will provide a cohesive and updated look to the area. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of the Castle Pines North Metro District…

The Castle Pines Chamber Speaker Series last month was a great opportunity to make new business and community connections.  Special thanks to Charles Schwab Lone Tree for hosting the group and providing food and beverages. Renowned speaker Pamela Herrmann talked to her captive audience about customer experience and loyalty.  By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of…

More than 50 youngsters attended the RCHS Junior Jags Spirit Camp fundraiser last month at Rock Canyon High School. More than 50 girls ages five and older learned two dance routines for the RCHS Poms camp on June 16 and 17. The Junior Jags Spirit Camp included two days of cheer training on June 12…

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan The 9-Hole Women’s Golf League at The Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP) cares greatly about their community as evidenced by the huge success of their charity golf tournament held on June 4.  The ladies from the league were joined by several of their friends from the 18-Hole Women’s…

The Honorable Vincent R. White, who recently retired from the 18th Judicial District, was the keynote speaker at an event to honor area teachers last month. RCHS Senior Logan Draper honored his favorite teacher, Karly Bloom, at a special evening held last month at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Castle Rock.…

Rubber duckies were mixed in a cement mixer and then dumped into a large water tank this year due tonconcerns about Plum Creek’s high water.  Children at the event picked the winning ducks. Pictured left to right:  Rotarian and festival coordinator Ed Brewer, first place $2,000 cash prize winner Susan Wood, Rotarian and prize-winning ticket…

Denver Broncos player David Bruton read to kids at the Castle Pines Library last month as part of a celebration to kick off its summer reading program.  Bruton recently started a charity to provide books to kids at underserved schools in Colorado. Arts and crafts were part of a celebration to kick off the Douglas…

Robert Matuszewski and Tim Fitzpatrick, partners at Rialto Mobile, offer a mobile app to schools to aid in communication of important information. Schools can use the app for free. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Rialto Mobile Castle Pines Residents Tim Fitzpatrick and Robert Matuszewski, partners at a mobile marketing firm in Highlands Ranch named…

By Amy Shanahan; courtesy photo A very important tenet of the Castle Pines Village Garden Club (CPVGC) is to support local charities, in particular, the Douglas/Elbert Task Force and the Crisis Center. The outreach committee of the CPVGC is actively involved with both of these worthwhile causes and makes sure to keep club members aware…

This brochure is an example of the beautiful work that the students at Rocky Heights Middle School created to promote The American Museum of Western Art – The Anschutz Collection to their peers. By Rachel Zetwick, RCHS intern writer This school year, Sharon Majetich’s eighth grade Explorers team at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) partnered…

The Pine Ridge HOA Board of Directors took a very creative and eco-friendly approach to fire mitigation this year, bringing in 270 goats for five days to graze and clear away the unwanted weeds and scrub oak in the community.  The topography that was a challenge in years past proved to be a natural fit…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Mark Stevens Photography Pet owners in the Castle Pines community will soon have a new veterinary clinic available to care for their furry family members.  Dr. Jay Brekke, DVM, along with his wife and practice manager Gina Brekke, are opening Brekke Veterinary Clinic in late July or early…

Out of four architectural renderings of pedestrian bridge designs, the leaf design was chosen by the Lone Tree City Council.  The Council selected the design that most city residents chose. A new bridge will connect pedestrians and bicyclists from the south side of Lincoln Avenue to the north side safely without disrupting the east-west flow…

 The Momentum 12 Black Team, including two players from Castle Pines (CP) made a splash on the national stage last month in New Orleans.  Back row, left to right:  Jasmine Vaughan, Nevaeh Banks, Izzy Sommers, Reece Randall, Sydney Harkness, and Emma Ziegler (CP);  Front row, left to right: Coach Liz Klumker, Marissa Cohen, Ashley Rants…

Information provided by the Town of Castle Rock Residents know Castle Rock is a great place to call home.  Beautiful parks, well-planned trails, and abundant open space are just some of the wonderful things about the community.  Now, the Town of Castle Rock (Town) is inviting everyone to get outdoors this summer and explore these…

By Patte Smith There is still time to enroll in fun and creative art classes for children ages eight to ten, and teens at Art on the Edge Gallery, 314 Wilcox Street in Castle Rock.  Kids will paint, draw, make collages and work with mixed media.  Offered on Tuesdays throughout July, classes are from 9:30…

Logan Simpson, a community planning and design firm contracted by the City of Castle Pines to formulate its Comprehensive Plan, is seeking public input.  After speaking with residents in a variety of settings, including the “Food Truck Frenzy” at Elk Ridge Park last month (pictured above), Logan Simpson will host an event of its own…

By Maria Pangalos, RCHS intern writer Looking for more fun things to do in Colorado this summer (and beyond)?  Here you go! Road in the Sky – At 14,240 feet in the sky, Mt. Evans has the highest paved road in North America.  While driving, you pass through three life zones, older than you can…

Castle Pines Village residents Alex Nelson and Ross Macdonald (graduates from Valor Christian High School) will be attending CU Boulder in the fall. Rock Canyon High School graduate Meredith Ham will be heading off to the University of Evansville in Indiana this fall to study performance art. Courtesy photos

Philip S. Miller Park’s new outdoor adventure playground is now open.  The playground is one of the park’s many activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of the Town of Castle Rock Just when you thought the Philip S. Miller Park and Miller Activity Complex (MAC) couldn’t get much better,…

Sage Canyon student Cynthia Marquez sports a cat face at the school’s field day. Sixth grader Kailyn Ferguson runs a station involving a helmet and a water cup at field day. Sage Canyon Elementary P.E. teacher Lance Schoenwald supervised the school’s field day from atop an ATV. Emma Peterson demonstrates how to navigate the obstacle…

Castle Pines resident and runner Christy Lott at the Friends Run for Castlewood Canyon event last year.  This year’s race will be held on September 13, with proceeds benefiting improvements to the park. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Friends of Castlewood Canyon Runners from around the metro area will gather on September 13 to…

Jordan (pictured above) and the entire staff, affectionately known as “snoozers,” were busy serving all of the curious, hungry diners at the grand opening of the Snooze restaurant in Lone Tree. Article and photo by Cindy Cranstone Wake up to Snooze!  The A.M. Eatery opened its doors at Lincoln Commons in Lone Tree on June…

Excitement was in the air at All City Field in Denver on May 27 as the RCHS Varsity Baseball Team took its first ever 5A state title. A number of RCHS baseball players are Castle Pines residents and have been crossing paths with each other since Little League.  Pictured back row, left to right:  Coaches…

Parker Water & Sanitation workers began stocking Rueter-Hess Reservoir with fathead minnows and bluegill last month as part of a phased fish stocking program. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Parker Water and Sanitation District Days of fun in the sun at the Rueter-Hess Reservoir, a quick drive on Hess Road for most Castle Pines…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Bob Wiebold Construction at Promenade at Castle Rock (Promenade) is moving forward following the unexpected withdrawal of a referendum petition submitted to the Town of Castle Rock (Town) by residents Keith Lattimore-Walsh and Linda Van Nostran, with the support of Save the Castle Rock Prairie Dogs and Wildlands…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for the 2015 Annual National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, August 4.  The event is a block party of sorts, aimed at making neighborhoods county-wide safer. The purpose of this event is to reduce property crime through neighbors getting…

By Lisa Crockett; photos by Joe Gschwendtner Later this month, the Safeway store on Castle Pines Parkway will close its doors for good. On June 13, nine metro-area stores, including the Castle Pines location, will no longer be in business due to a lack of profitability.  The closure will leave the 59,000 square foot retail…

By Amy Shanahan One in 68 children is affected by autism, and Canyon Fitness was proud to hold its second annual Light It Up Blue event to bring awareness to this statistic.   The event was held at the end of April which is designated Autism Awareness Month, and the club held a fun party…

By Patte Smith Adolescence is a critical time of development for pre-teens and teens.  As these young adults struggle with acceptance, confidence, identity, school, friends and physical changes, their decision-making can be overly influenced by emotions. Their ability to cope is not fully developed and teens may become vulnerable to risky behaviors, such as drugs…

Neil Diamond tribute band Forever in Blue Jeans has a following of loyal listeners and will be performing to a captive Castle Pines audience on June 6.  Check out a pre-event preview at www.foreverinbluejeanslive.com. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Forever in Blue Jeans The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is excited to host…

Submitted by the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is actively seeking volunteers age 16 and older to help out with a variety of activities and tasks at the August 6 – 9 Douglas County Fair & Rodeo. What’s in it for you?  By volunteering in the fun, family-friendly community…

Local dignitaries, volunteers, and residents celebrated the commencement of construction of the new library in the City of Castle Pines last month. The library is due for completion late this fall or early this winter. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Dignitaries and volunteers from the City of Castle Pines and the surrounding areas gathered…

By Patte Smith Farmers markets continue to grow in popularity as consumers’ interest in farm fresh produce grown locally has significantly increased.  Both consumers and farmers have found that they enjoy the opportunity to get to know each other throughout the growing season – it is a win-win for both the shopper and the grower.…

By Patte Smith Several outdoor music concerts are in Castle Pines own backyard.  Pack up a picnic basket and grab the lawn chairs to listen to tunes at the park.   The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Forever in Blue Jeans,”  a Neil Diamond tribute band, at its inaugural Food Truck Frenzy on…

Savannah and Cassidy exhibiting school spirit and collecting donations curbside at the BRE Clean Your Closets event. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Caitlin Streich The Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance (BREA) along with BRE’s Green Team and the community participated in the first Clean Your Closets for BRE event.  The effort benefited BRE, as…