The Connection

Fourth and second grade sisters Peyton and Georgia proudly wore their K-MAC Strength t-shirts during Evening with the Arts. BRE Staff and Friends sold K-MAC Strength t-shirts at the event.Kyle MacIntosh fought cancer head-on.  He would regularly run the stairs at Red Rocks after chemotherapy treatments.  (Photo courtesy of the MacIntosh family).Floral art displays from…

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Jimmy Dozer The new year marked a new beginning for The Village at Castle Pines (VACP), a unique and welcoming area of shops, restaurants, and businesses located at the corner of Santa Fe and Happy Canyon Road. The shopping center had been for sale, and in January it was…

An artist’s rendering of the new Castle Pines Library.  Douglas County Libraries will break ground on the new building later this spring. By Lisa Crockett; rendering courtesy of  DC Libraries Douglas County Libraries will soon break ground on a new freestanding library in Castle Pines.  The new library will feature more than just books.  Civic…

Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students cheered at the Wish Week closing assembly in the RCHS gym on February 20 in celebration of yet another successful fundraising event.  Wish recipient Jeremy’s initial wish was for it to “rain hot dogs,” so in addition to fulfilling his wish to go on a Disney cruise, RCHS made…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Dave Runyan Canyons Community Church members will be celebrating Easter in a special way this year by having their new senior pastor, Dave Runyan, lead the worship service.   Runyan, who was unanimously approved by the congregation last month, is especially enthusiastic about starting his new role during…

Employee Taylor commented, “We have about 60 percent used items and 40 percent new with a lot of great deals!” Play it Again Sports is located at 4760 Castleton Way in Castle Rock. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Tired of paying top dollar for sports equipment?   Kids outgrow sports equipment so fast it’s amazing…

A group of eighth grade students from Rocky Heights Middle School worked diligently to come up with a plan to create a pedestrian bridge to their school.  The project was submitted to Samsung as part of their “Solve For Tomorrow” contest and the team took first place in the state of Colorado.  Congratulations to Ms.…

By Lisa Crockett; photo by Dave Tweed Public school music students from across the county descended on Castle Pines to participate in a benefit aimed at giving more kids a chance at a musical education.  “Save the Music,” which was sponsored by the Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation, raised more than $6,000 toward tuition…

In the March issue of The Connection, we featured student athletes who had signed on to play a sport at the collegiate level.  Here is an addition to that list. Alex Bochner of Rock Canyon High School will be playing soccer at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, UT.   Bochner was the boys soccer co-defensive…

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Laurie Brennan was excited to host a Sip ‘n’ Shop party for a new online clothing boutique called Patterns & Pops.  Brennan, a real estate agent at LIV Sotheby’s in Castle Pines, hosted the party in her beautiful home in Castle Pines Village with many of her friends in…

Vincent (left) and Nicholette Figueroa (right), students at Sage Canyon Elementary, enjoyed breakfast treats and time with mom Tiffany (center) at the school’s annual Moms and Muffins event.   The Higginbotham family (left to right) Evan, Amy, and Landon at Moms and Muffins, an event that Amy said Landon has looked forward to since participating…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of CRCO Town of Castle Rock (Town) clerk Sally Misare certified for circulation a petition that seeks to overturn the Town council’s unanimous approval of development plans and new zoning for its largest commercial development to date, Promenade of Castle Rock (Promenade).  The 166-acre project is owned by Alberta…

Castle Pines North Metropolitan District employee David Anderson reluctantly paused for a photo in front of the Metro District office.  “I just did what anyone would do; I’m glad I could help,” he said.  “It must be a slow news day if this is what you are reporting on,” he joked, to which we replied,…

In late January, the four BRE third grade classes came together and performed for family, friends and the school during an exciting production of “Forever Learning.” Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche  Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) students took to the stage in the 15th annual third grade show.  Exuberant performances revolving around the theme…

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan The third annual Castle Pines Village (CPV) Winterfest and Chili Cook off took place on a gorgeous February afternoon and included delicious food, games, and socializing among friends and neighbors.  The temperature topped sixty-five degrees, and approximately 100 neighbors from throughout CPV attended. The smaller children enjoyed getting their…

Submitted by Daughters of the American Revolution The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is planning to form a new chapter in Castle Rock.  Prospective member workshops will be held on March 21 and May 9 to provide information on the mission and purpose of DAR.   “All women who can document descent…

By Patte Smith Sports figures to sheriff deputies are all sporting facial hair these days – a fad that has come and gone over the years, but is now being encouraged by Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock.  Mustaches to beards, long hair to Fu Manchus, residents will see scruffy looking deputy sheriffs patrolling the county…

Above left, DCS Montessori fourth grader Charli Strother shows off the granny square she exhibited at the Arts Festival.  Fine art, sculpture, vocal music, dance and handicrafts were well represented at the festival.  At right, Fourth grader Dylan Tilton sings Linkin Park’s “The Messenger,” accompanied by his dad, Ted. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett…

Pictured right: Zuzu Acrobats performed at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School in late January to help kick off Black History Month.   By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Jen Murdock On Monday, January 26, the Zuzu African Acrobats made a stop at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) to show off some amazing talents and to help…

Resident Ric Miles toasts his daughter Taylor for her inspiration and encouragement in his second-half-of-life career path. By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Ric Miles It’s not often one listens to his children for career advice.  Neighbor Ric Miles had never struggled with success in his business ventures using traditional market strategies, but was challenged…

American Academy performers take a bow for one of their final performances of “How can we see germs?” for the kindergartners at American Academy Castle Pines. Castle Pines residents Colin, Ben and Adam Gardner in their new American Academy spirit wear.  The Rebels mascot was introduced earlier this year and students can wear spirit wear…

By Amy Shanahan The Castle Pines Village (CPV) Stingrays swim team is getting ready for the 2015 summer swim season.  Registration is scheduled for April 8 and April 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Homes Association building and is open to all residents of CPV kids ages four through eighteen.   The…

John eagerly awaiting his breakfast at The Egg & I in Castle Rock – a 26 mile trip each way.  Now that’s dedication. And John at La Dolce Vita after a happy hour beverage with manager, Sam. John with Cranelli’s owner (and former Castle Pines resident) Lasinda Crane – “Delicious cannoli!”  John enjoying his time…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is excited to offer a series of events featuring interesting speakers to the Castle Pines community.  The “Chamber Speaker Series” began in September, 2014 and has proven to be of interest to many in the community. The most recent event took…

Pictured left to right:  Middle schoolers Laney Cox, Lia Halvas, and Caroline Frahm spent a Saturday night back at elementary school to run the “general store.”   Megan Miller and Sophia Maday ride the range in their cowboy hats at Timber Trail. (Photo courtesy of Wendy Maday).  Fourth grader Alex Botero spends a special evening…

The Empty Bowl event symbolizes when a victim of domestic violence escapes an unsafe place; there’s an empty bowl left at the table.  Admission includes a one-of-a-kind bowl, soups and dessert tastings, a silent auction, and live music. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of the Crisis Center The Crisis Center started with nothing but…

Information provided by The Douglas Elbert Realtor Association The Douglas Elbert REALTOR® Association (DERA) will be hosting its 4th Annual  electronics drop off along with Rocky Mountain E-Waste at three locations on Saturday, April 18 from 8 a.m. to noon. Stop by 840 Kinner Street in Castle Rock, 560 Castle Pines Parkway in Castle Pines,…

The entire Adsit family will be participating in the Rise & Run 5K on May 2 in Castle Pines.  Officer John Adsit was severely injured on December 3 but he has made incredible positive strides in his recovery. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of the Adsit family The Castle Pines community is coming together to…

Alicia Huss recently joined The Country Club at Castle Pines as the new membership and communications director.  “Meeting the members has been a lot of fun,” remarked Huss.  “The staff here is so fantastic and so helpful and welcoming – it’s such a great environment!” Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The Country Club at…

The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce welcomed Full Circle Yoga Therapy (www.fullcircleyogatherapy.biz) to the Castle Pines community with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the chamber office.   Pictured above (front row left to right):  Andy Russell, Megan Fowler, Charlotte Mattox, Yolanda Bruce, Greg Bone, Yvette Costa – owner, Rebecca Costa, Nicole Moses, Kristin Adams, and Wendell…

Dr. Jessica Herzog, a CPV resident and Castle Rock podiatrist and surgeon, with her husband Ryan on a recent trip to New Zealand to celebrate their 10-year anniversary.  By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Jessica Herzog Dr. Jessica Herzog fell in love with Colorado during her foot and ankle surgical residency at the Highlands/Presbyterian St.…

  Photo courtesy of Karen Barton From the City of Castle Pines, KnightsBridge resident Karen Barton sent in this amazing photo she took on February 8 at 11:30 am.  She digitally captured this gorgeous bobcat on her drive home from Daniels Park where, ironically, she was taking pictures of wildlife.  The animal was crossing Daniels…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Jessica Dobler Jessica Dobler of Castle Pines was just named a National Merit Finalist!  In November, Dobler was named a National Merit semifinalist, an honor bestowed on the highest scorers of the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test (PSAT/NMSQT).   Only 15,000 semifinalists are notified that they have advanced…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos On February 4, high school athletes all over Colorado signed letters of intent to play their respective sports at the collegiate level on National Signing Day.  Each National Signing Day event took place at the respective schools and athletes were surrounded by coaches, family and friends.   Within the 80108…

By Amy Shanahan The Douglas County Youth Initiative (DCYI) is actively seeking nominations for exemplary youths in Douglas County to receive the Outstanding Youth Award.  In its second year, this awards ceremony recognizes youth ages 13 through 19 who have overcome adversity and are making positive changes in their lives. The DCYI began in 2005…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Avid4 Adventure Like most Coloradans, Castle Pines residents Christy McDonald and Kim Spuhler enjoy the outdoors and everything the area has to offer.  Camping, hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding are regular activities for their families.  When it came time to find a summer camp to engage their children’s…

Pictured above (from left to right, bottom to top):  Rohan Adepu, Addie Sires, Neeraj Dodda, Rahul Sampangiramahaih, Kaushik Kaja, Tanya Chourasia, Phalgun Taman, Vaibhav Chourasia, and Aditya Vepa took the third place prize in the FLL Robotic Qualifier Tournament. By RHMS eighth grade student Lia Halvas;  photo courtesy of Shalini Bose Nine students from Rock…

Pastel artist Sue Shehan showcases her work in various venues in Douglas County and surrounding areas. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett  Castle Pines resident and artist Sue Shehan has talent coming out of her fingertips.  Literally. Her signature cloudscape, landscape, and wildlife pastels are produced with deft and delicate strokes of pastel chalk using…

RCHS Students Mandy Shuster, Lauren Kirger, Maria Pangalos, (CP residents) and Sarah Kaukol laugh together before going to the Winter Formal dance on January 24.  The four girls have been close since seventh grade and went to Homecoming together as well.  “It’s so nice to have such a close group of friends who have an…

Dr. Malin Sadler is opening his new Castle Pines concierge family practice, For the Family Medical Care, this month. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Malin Sadler New Castle Pines resident Malin Sadler, M.D. is excited about bringing his concierge-style medical care to the community.  Sadler’s new family practice, For the Family Medical Care,…

Top left going clockwise: Castle Pines City Councilwoman Tera Radloff and her husband, Jon. Founders, Greg Bruce (left) and John Manka (right)  with Siena’s General Manager (center) Brian Young. Tim Granville, Jean Burr, and Anna Morin. Nick Lucey, AnnMarie Maestas Ursetta, and Larry Higman. Ladies Cheri Kettner, Alyson Scatton, Shelly Barnes, and a welcome newcomer…

By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Lisa Whitney-Smith Women Inspired Together (WIT) kicked off 2015 with an amazing event that brought eighty local women together for a full day of inspiration, laughter, good food, and sharing.  WIT is a new movement whose mission is to bring women together for fun and stimulating events that encourage…

Girls at Sage Canyon invited a special adult guest to escort them to a ball with a wintry theme.  Photo booths and yummy treats were highlights, but dancing was the evening’s centerpiece. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Sage Canyon Elementary At Sage Canyon Elementary,  the annual winter ball had a “frozen” theme.  But despite…

Castle Pines residents, CHC Superintendent Robert Bignell and CHC Elementary Assistant Principal Kati Melton stood with school administrators and teachers after receiving the Apple Distinguished School award. Article and photo submitted by Cherry Hills Christian (CHC) School Cherry Hills Christian School (CHC) in Highlands Ranch has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2014–2016…

by Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Mars Tweed and Sierra Zizzo The Canyon Crew (Crew) shot past the Harlem Wizards (Wizards) as basketball fans roared with laughter during the Crew vs. Wizards face-off at Rock Canyon High School.  With fantastic antics, dynamic dribbling, and awesome alley-oops, both teams ran, jumped, and even rolled on the…

Administrators from schools in the Rock Canyon High School feeder area celebrated their 2014 John Irwin School of Excellence recognition.  Remarkably, every school in the feeder area received the award. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Jen Murdock Several schools in the Castle Pines area have been recognized as John Irwin Award winners for 2014. …

New residents of Castle Pines Village (CPV) thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the reception held in February in their honor by the CPV Welcome Group.  The beautiful Country Club at Castle Pines was the venue for this quarterly event, which is the perfect way for new residents to learn more about their new community and to…

Colorado Children’s Chorale Three Castle Pines residents, Jack Barton, Andrew Dupper and Olivia Meyers, are part of the Colorado Children’s Chorale (CCC), which recently gained international attention.  The CCC performed at the World Ski Championship in Vail and sang the national anthem for the country of each winning racer at the medal ceremonies.  The group…

At a recent co-ed middle school leadership retreat, students participate in a team building exercise.  The Douglas County sheriff department and DCSD partner to offer empowerment retreats which are having a significant impact on school culture throughout the district. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of DCSD  In addition to attending school, hundreds of Douglas County…

New Womenade board member Mary MacDonald (top left) and friends Suzanne Rizley (center) and Dawn Carter (right) in front of the Gatsby-themed tree.   Above right and at left two of the many themed trees at Pat Nohavec-Fink’s home where the Womenade December gathering took place. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Womenade  Womenade, a…

By Terri Wiebold, Editor February marks the inaugural issue of The Connection Food & Dining guide, a resource for readers packed with coupons and specials to bring more value to your dining experience. Education.  Experience.  Value.   For many years, The Castle Pines Connection has featured stories and has educated readers about great restaurants and local…

Guests of the “Annual Ladies Luncheon” go home each year with unique handmade wine charms, name tags, bookmarks and ornaments, along with a treat bag of a homemade goody and the gift they purchased at the auction.  This annual event represents the true meaning of Christmas.  Hostess Cindy Hamilton (left) and her “right hand man”…

By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Matthew Bundy The Castle Pines Connection staff celebrated the conclusion of its sixth successful year at a holiday dinner at Gabriel’s Restaurant in Sedalia. “This is a special time for our staff because we get to bring our spouses out and show them our appreciation for all the sacrifices…

Photos courtesy of Pete Solano Thrills, spills and over-the-top hills challenge these Xtreme Castle Pines sledders who endured the freezing cold to challenge American Academy’s snow-packed slopes.  Zoe Solano (left) flies down the course as Oliver “Sled Dog Millionaire” Welch (center) conquers a jump landing hard.  Almeta Solano (right) catches serious air.  Future XGames competitors? 

Riley Busch By RHMS eighth grade student Riley Busch  As the musicians raced to get their equipment from the buses, the students of the elementary schools shuffled into the gymnasium.  While the band and orchestra settled into their chairs and the students quieted down, Scott McGowan, band and orchestra teacher at Rocky Heights Middle School…

By Lisa Nicklanovich The RCHS Freshmen Cheer squad won the state championship on December 13 at Cherokee Trail High School.  The roster in the January issue of The Connection was incomplete; the Freshmen Cheer squad roster includes: Sophie Chirco, Cameron Dreher, Megan Goldin, Annalise Hildebrand, Avery Kane, Shelby Kane, Caroline Lascor, Ashley Miller, Hailey Mosteller,…

Members of IN! hosted an information night for prospective parents and students at the home of Tammy Abramovitz in January.  Members of the Board of IN! presented information about the tremendous advances that the group has made in bringing about the reality of inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disabilities.  Pictured from left to…

Top photo: After research and discussion about the circulatory system, fifth graders Isaiah Barrett (left) and Matt Strong (center)share their findings about how the heart oxygenates blood with their teacher Carolynn Barthelemy.   Bottom photo: Logan Byers, a fifth grader at Sage Canyon Elementary, reviews the circulatory system with his teacher Carolynn Barthelemy. Students are…

Student musicians like BRE violinist Josh Ruegge and TTE trumpeter Abe West will perform at a charity event at the Castle Pines Community Center on February 6. Proceeds from the event will provide band and orchestra scholarships to local students in need. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Budget cuts several years back changed the…

Julie Adkins, 15-year resident of Castle Pines, has started ShadowBox, a business dedicated to compiling all of your special memories from any event and creatively framing them for display.   Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich  How is it best to capture a child’s sports season, a vacation or other important event in your life? …

From one day to the next: Castle Pines photographer Julie Lamb took these breathtaking shots in Daniels Park last month on a sunny day, and just 24 hours later captured a more wintry scene.  Lamb, who often affixes the hashtag “#colorado beauty” to work she posts on social media, is captivated by Daniels Park and…