The Connection

Pictured top:  It’s all about survival for Cade Varella, whose supplies for disaster survival included food, fire starting materials, and a good luck charm. Pictured center:  Bella Wheeler was a germ detective, inspecting surfaces throughout her home and culturing the surfaces to determine which harbored the most contaminants. Pictured bottom:  Fourth grader Nikki Flocco held…

Photo by Terri Wiebold Having stopped by Castle Pines North Wine & Spirits on a Friday afternoon to use my coupon from the March Food & Dining guide, I came upon several Castle Pines neighbors enjoying the free wine tasting offered every Friday and Saturday evening throughout the summer.  Pictured above left to right:  Lisa…

The RCHS Poms coaching staff at State. Pictured left to right: Paige Hesen, Christina Leone, Erin Marken, and Amanda Gesell.  Leone won the prestigious Double-Goal Coach award from Positive Coaching Alliance for striving to win while also building team leaders with character.  Leone was chosen from 2,100 nominees because of her approach to building leaders…

By Patte Smith; courtesy photos The previously undeveloped 12.6-acre site at 9009 South Clydesdale Road in unincorporated Douglas County was purchased by Journey Church for $450,000 on April 14. The plot of pasture land, formerly owned by Castle Pines Community Church (now Foundry Church), is located on the west side of south Clydesdale Road between…

By Patte Smith Planning a vacation is fun and exciting.  The kids want new swimsuits for the pool, adults want time to relax, and the entire family wants an adventure-packed trip.  Organizing this vacation-of-all -vacations can be a tad stressful though.  Finding a place to stay, discovering attractions everyone will enjoy, locating where to dine,…

Tasha Frye, owner of L’Arrangement, is a very talented floral designer who was thrilled to be invited to join a prestigious group of floral designers from around the world.  Chapel Designers share their talents, ideas, and designs with each other, and in turn, Frye looks forward to further sharing her love of beautiful fresh flowers…

While bears are often unwelcome visitors when camping, co-existing with all types of wildlife is a reality for Castle Pines residents.  Noble Ridge resident Sue Fraley spotted these bears in her backyard on April 21.  Notice the bird feeders on the ground; At home, and especially when camping, be sure to keep all food sources…

“Xanadu” a popular movie from 1980 was recreated on stage by the students at RHMS and received excellent reviews.  Show star Ellie Hill is pictured kneeling.  Middle Row from left to right are Elana Opp, Katelyn Cranney and Alyssa Marino.  Back Row is Gideon Groom. Submitted by RHMS student Riley Busch; photo courtesy of RHMS…

Jack and his devoted companion Harper, who were partners in adventures, one-sided snowball fights, and doughnut-staring contests.  When the time came for end-of-life services, it was best for Harper and his family to be at home, and Caring Pathways offered a peaceful and comfortable option for the transition. Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche…

Submitted by the City of Castle Pines In a special ceremony, the City of Castle Pines presented Douglas County Libraries with a deed for property for the new library location. Mayor Jeffrey Huff (right) gave Library Director Bob Pasicznyuk a ceremonial gift certificate for land valued at $392,000.

Submitted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office With warmer temperatures just around the corner and the urge to stay out late during summer break, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind teenagers that a curfew law does exist, and it is midnight. There are many reasons for establishing a curfew for teenagers.  For…

Project Strong Boys takes root at Timber Trail Elementary with key tenets and core values.  Thirteen boys from first through fifth grade enjoyed the first Project Strong Boys session – practicing yoga, talking about emotions, being strong in both mind and body, and trying their hand at silent team building exercises. Article and photos by…

Information and photo provided by Douglas County The second of Douglas County’s two slash/mulch sites will open May 2 at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. That means it is time to clean up those yards and get your shrubs and branches ready to drop off so that they can be re-purposed and turned into…

For Timber Trail’s annual spirit week, students were invited to dress up according to different themes each day.  Fourth grader Keira Schnell, had a nerdy take on the theme of “dress like a teacher.”  First grade teacher Linda Nelson got in on the act too.  Taking a cue from her name, she dressed as Miss…

Frogs, and chicks and fishies, oh my!  Students at Sage Canyon Elementary are hatching chickens, and learning about the care and feeding of insects and amphibians through the school’s “Circle of Life” unit.  The lessons teach third graders about the life cycle of various species and provide hands-on opportunities for learning. Article and photos by…

Students at the DCS Montessori school learned about product development and marketing by participating in a Junior Achievement challenge.  One team from DCSM has advanced to the final round and has a chance at having their CinnaSugar Twist popcorn produced by Oogie’s Gourmet Popcorn. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori Students at DCS…

Math, chemistry and reading are all part of baking for students (left to right) Allie Oestman, Isabel Morgenthaler and Ben Pauka.  Below, twelve-year-old Aiden Ingenthron spent time as a “dough boy,” making bread with classmates to eat and to share. Nate Sandel, a baking instructor from King Arthur Flour Company, who taught the students the…

Patte Smith While working at an elementary school book fair in one of the Douglas County schools last month, I stood there smiling at the kids as they shopped for books.  Running up to ask questions if we had this book or that, where they could find it, and jotting down titles on their “wish…

BRE fifth graders rock out in “American Pop Forever.”  Singing songs such as “Rock Around the Clock”, “I Feel the Earth Move”, “YMCA”, and “Hold My Hand”, the performers captured the audience’s hearts with their talent and spirit. Fifth graders sang and performed to YMCA while the “Village People” balanced on yoga balls to add…

Pictured left to right: Sixth graders Tessa Green, Dylan Gerberg and Avery Dyer scooped ice cream for Timber Trail Elementary’s ice cream social, held in conjunction with the school’s semi-annual Scholastic Book Fair. Third graders Remy Arnold (left) and Kira Moar (right) enjoyed a treat at Timber Trail Elementary before shopping at the school’s book…

By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of The Melt Spring has sprung at the Park Meadows Dining Hall, as well as throughout the dining spaces at the retail resort, which is home to 17 restaurants.  With the warming temperatures, several restaurants including Perry’s Steakhouse, White Chocolate Grill, Brio, and La Sandia are expanding or upgrading their…

Super readers: students at the DCS Montessori School took first place in the county last month at Douglas County Libraries “Battle of the Books” competition. The fifth and sixth grade champions: (back row, from left) Brianna Rayman, Courtnae Moran, Tripp Thompson, Sean Riley, Colin Venable, Hayley Rhee, (center) Kyla Kelly. Third and fourth grade victors…

Former Rock Canyon High School swimmer Victoria Vanderpoel was thrilled to take first place in the 400IM at the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship.  Vanderpoel’s teammate took third place and joined her on the podium. Victoria Vanderpoel loves swimming for her team at Pomona College in Claremont California.  “I am most enjoying the vibrant…

Ronda Gutierrez, physical education teacher at Buffalo Ridge Elementary school, was named Elementary Educator of the Year at the 2015 Apple Awards held on Saturday, February 21.  Read more about Ronda Gutierrez in a feature article in the February 2015 issue of The Connection.  By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of the Douglas County School District…

The Village Idiots Cycling Club is holding a used bike drive on April 19 from noon until 2 p.m. at the Coldwell Banker Real Estate office parking lot located at 482 W. Happy Canyon Road in Castle Rock.  The group has a lot of fun together and is open to new members. Tracey McCarthy (left)…

Residents from Forest Park and Castle Pointe joined City Councilman Geoff Blue during his “office hours” at Dazbog to discuss concerns regarding potential rezoning of a parcel of agricultural land adjacent to the city. By Lisa Crockett; photo by Terri Wiebold A group of Castle Pines residents representing the group “Douglas County Residents Against Rezoning”…

By Lynne Marsala Basche On April 26, the City of Castle Pines, partnering up with Dirty 40 Races in Vermont, will be getting messy at the first Dirty 40 Ride Wild event, sponsored by The Canyons.  Grab your mountain bike, road bike or your fat tire bike and head to Elk Ridge Park for the…

Douglas County Sheriff Deputy of 27 years Sergeant Russ Slade (left) with his wife Rhonda (right) moments before their 13-year-old daughter Rhianna had her hair shaved off in support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. An emotional moment shared between father and daughter as the impact of the moment and the purpose behind it hit.  “I’m…

LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is located at 858 Happy Canyon Road #100 in the Village at Castle Pines.  The office has 24 active brokers ready to meet with and assist you with your real estate needs. by Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Jimmy Dozer Change can be a great thing.  Having adopted the Sotheby’s brand…

Freshmen formal wear models Ngwena Mancho, Ryan Burger, and Adi Hirsh (and friends) rock the runway at RCHS’s fashion show, which raised funds for the After Prom. The Drama Club, including Meredith Ham, Kimball Eggett, Augustus Ballentine, and Hannah Beiersdorf represent the school’s production of “Guys and Dolls.”Below seniors Austin Matthys, Grant Schutte, Justin Hunter,…

Allison McKeel, a parent volunteer at Timber Trail Elementary, instructs students about selecting a book at the school’s first-ever book swap.  McKeel chaired the event. “I got this book called The Puppy Place,” said second grader Bailey McMullen.  “I really love puppies, and I love getting a new book!”Seven-year-old Ava Horrocks shows off her new…

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…

By Lisa Crockett I love a good salad and I love control.  It might not seem that these two qualities are in any way related, but in fact they make me the perfect customer for what seems to be a dying concept: the salad bar.   Sure, there are lots of great salads to be…

New on/off ramps are being constructed just north of Founders/Meadows Parkway and I-25 in Castle Rock.   Detours allow traffic to continue to flow during construction. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of the Town of Castle Rock If you travel along southbound I-25 and/or U.S. Highway 85 to Castle Rock, you have probably noticed how…

Little Helpers, a charitable group in Castle Pines aimed at teaching community service to children, donated thousands of pairs of socks and underwear to the Shiloh House in Littleton. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Courtney Pallotta A group of families in Castle Pines has started a chapter of a national charity called “Little Helpers”…

By Amy Shanahan Students, parents and community members throughout Castle Pines are well aware of the phenomenal reputation of Rock Canyon High School (RCHS).  This reputation has not gone unnoticed among those outside the community either, and recently RCHS was asked to partner with a wonderful local organization called the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC). The…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Beverly Coggins Dads and their daughters shook and shimmied at the annual Father Daughter dance on March 7 at The Country Club at Castle Pines.  With more than 100 in attendance at the sold out event, the “Frozen” theme was a hit with the girls, both young and old.…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photos by Stu Schaefer The 2015 annual Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) banquet could arguably be the most fun-filled banquet in the Chamber’s six-year history.  This year’s theme was “Under the Big Top.”  Chamber staff, members, and guests dressed in colorful clown, ringmaster, and similar circus-theme attire and Cielo at…

Castle Pines residents Killeen Flanagan (center with long-sleeve blue shirt and jeans) and Emily Fenton (center with short-sleeve purple shirt and jeans) were among Wellspring Community participants who successfully completed Lone Tree Art Center’s usher training program. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Wellspring The Lone Tree Art Center (LTAC) is taking extraordinary steps…

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 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…