Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Julie Montoya March was a time of giving back for the Valor community through service projects and Discovery trips. Valor also reveled in the boys basketball, first-ever appearance at the 4A State Championship. The junior and senior classes prepared and packaged 100,000 meals for hungry kids around the world through Feed my Starving Children,…
What started as a handout for his patients turned into an informative and interesting book by Dr. Bill Lee. Lee believes that all adults have the ability to take charge of their wellness and aging by practicing good health. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Dr. Bill Lee Dr. Bill Lee, a resident of Castle…
Castle Pines resident Pete Solano’s passion for running has translated into his profession. His Boulder Running Company store is being rebranded, and is now Run Colorado. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo by Tim Gamble “Running has been a constant for most of my life,” said Pete Solano, Castle Pines resident and owner of the Boulder…
Information courtesy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s website. Coyote sightings have been on the rise in Castle Pines so it’s a good time to be reminded about coyote safety for your family and for your pets. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple calls in the last month about coyote sightings and encounters in…
Scot Chadwick and his daughter Essa had a blast on the dance floor during the Father Daughter Dance at The Country Club at Castle Pines. The dance has become a fun annual tradition for many members and their guests. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The Macarena and Gangnam Style were just two of the…
By Liz West Beginning with the April issue, a familiar section of The Castle Pines Connection newspaper has been brought back by popular demand. Our “Community Connections” section is our version of a business directory and is designed to be a useful resource for our readers, as well as an affordable marketing tool for small…
Gary Ewing is retiring from Rocky Heights Middle School after serving as the head of security for the past ten years. His warmth and genuine kindness toward the staff, parents, and students will be greatly missed. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan They may not know him by name, but any parent who has dropped…
By Elean Gersack; logo courtesy of The Cherry Creek Sneak Lace up for the Cherry Creek Sneak, Denver’s spring running tradition. This year’s race is planned for Sunday morning, April 28, in the Cherry Creek North Business District. Events include 10-mile; 5-mile; 3.1-mile (5K); 1.5-mile sprint; .5-mile Kids’ Fun Run (ages 8 and younger); and…
Rocky Heights Middle School seventh graders (from left) Karen Yi, Shreya Nallapati, and Sophia Klokinis qualified for the state spelling bee, held last month. Yi and Nallapati advanced to the final round. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of the Klokinis Family Sophia Klokinis, a 13-year-old seventh grader at Rocky Heights Middle School, along with her…
Daniel Deschane’s love of maps helped him advance to the state Geography Bee. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Most of us probably don’t know where the Sundra Strait is or which two islands it separates, but Daniel Deschane, a seventh grade student at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) knows that and much more! Deschane…
By Patte Smith The Douglas County Libraries score big time when it comes to fun ebook reading for children. Check out the Disney Digital Books that bring favorite, classic and new stories to life for young readers. This collection of more than 600 stories includes great tales like “Sleeping Beauty,” “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo,” and…
Castle Pines resident Olivia Hamilton took an impressive second place in classical and third place in contemporary dance in the pre-competitive division this February. Alexandra Gray will be off to the Big Apple this month to compete in the Youth America Grand Prix 2013 Finals in New York. By Kathy Dunker; photos courtesy of…
Robotic creations included this chomping alligator by Abby Mays at American Academy during STEM week. Article by Kathy Dunker; photo courtesy of American Academy STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) week at American Academy (AA) is filled with fun, hands-on information for young students. March 4 through 15 was the Lego WeDo construction session for…
By Lisa Crockett “Wax It,” a salon specializing in hair removal, will soon open in Castle Pines with an eye toward good value and efficient service. Owner Christine Kemmer and her partner Omar Velayudhan plan to celebrate the grand opening of the salon, which is located in the Village Square shopping center, on April 8.…
Emersen M. takes a swing during coach-pitch baseball last summer in Castle Pines. Register now for summer baseball and t-ball for ages 4 to 4th grade with Castle Pines Athletics at www.castlepinesathletics.com. Photo by Cari Ogg.
RCHS Principal Andy Abner with Apple award winner Shawndra Fordham. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Julie Lamb Shawndra Fordham, science teacher at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), is glad her husband kept insisting she become a teacher. She was working for the National Park Service and missing the interaction with people when her husband…
Article by Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Kim Butorac Children from the remote village in Haiti, L’Asile, are excited to receive new uniforms for their music program (pictured below). The program, Music Of The Heart, was founded in 2011 by Surrey Ridge resident Kim Butorac. The nonprofit program assists children of these villages in learning…
The City of Castle Pines may soon have a community garden. The Canyons, a mixed-use development slated to be built in the city on the eastern side of I-25, has given the garden a home. The garden will include 50 individual garden plots, as well as parking, a pergola, and composting areas that residents can…
Unused or expired medications can be a dangerous threat to children, teens and even adults. The Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is April 27 at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Highlands Ranch substation. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Medicine cabinets can be overflowing with pills. Between allergies, illnesses, injuries and surgeries, the bottles can accumulate…
Above: Bryce Stutler visiting CU Boulder; Inset: Maddie Landis visiting California Polytechnic University. Article and photos by Lisa Nicklanovich Planning a college visit over the upcoming break to determine if the school is the right fit for your student? Make the most of your visit by following these tips: Be an Anthropologist: On campus, record…
By Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of the Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance It’s that time of year again. Tax season is in our midst and Checkoff Colorado makes it super easy to contribute to numerous charitable organizations with a simple check mark on your tax return. Checkoff contributions are voluntary donations from your tax refund…
Rock Canyon High School senior Coleman Squalls and Rocky Heights Middle School eighth grader, JT Snowden volunteer each week for BRE first grade teachers Terra Shaffner, Jennifer Miller, and Jennifer Murdock. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Classrooms at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) are full of busy little students. The younger ones are learning…
The Doo Wop Project sing classic songs from a very special era. By Shanahan; contributions and photos from Lone Tree Arts Center The Lone Tree Arts Center is offering a month packed with a variety of music and dance performances during the month of March. On Monday, March 11 “The Doo Wop Project” comes to…
Greg and Becky Boman, at center, celebrated the grand opening of their new store, The Emporium, last month in Castle Rock. The Emporium offers an eclectic mixture of merchandise from more than 25 vendors. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of The Emporium Downtown Castle Rock has a new shopping destination, one that offers something for…
Valor students took part in history when they travelled to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration of President Barack Obama. By Julie Montoya; photos courtesy of Terry Adams A part of history…that’s what a group of students and faculty from Valor Christian High School were, as they stood on the National Mall and watched the Inauguration…
Story and photo by Lisa Crockett The best meal I have ever eaten was served in my own kitchen. The cooking, however, wasn’t done by me, but by a friend in her kitchen and served to me in an assortment of tin-foil pans and paper plates. After doing an eight-day stint at Children’s Hospital with…
By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Three Peaks Capital Management About 250 miles east of Castle Pines, you’ll find Imperial, Nebraska. A small town of about 1,500 people, it may seem an unlikely place to sow the seeds of success. But as one of just 300 students at Chase County High School in Imperial, Castle…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Michelle Lynn Campbell With upbeat music blasting and strobe lights flashing, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) student models “rocked the runway” on February 10 to raise funds for the after prom party on April 13. Guests enjoyed a silent auction, the chance to win baskets overflowing with goodies, and…
Project Easter Basket endeavors to reach out to homeless children throughout the Denver and Castle Rock area by delivering gift baskets of much needed toiletries, school supplies and goodies. Many more donations are needed! By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Stacy Gaines Castle Pines Village resident Stacy Gaines is at it again! For the sixth…
Grace Regnier, left, is this year’s Timber Trail Elementary Spelling Bee winner. Annie Deschane (right) took second place. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett For the first time in Timber Trail Elementary School’s history, the school’s best spellers had to stay after school to determine who would take home the coveted trophy and title of…
Boys Team members gather together during their kick-off community service project doing yard clean-up and maintenance for Families First. Article by Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Boys Team Charity Boys around town are rolling-up their sleeves and digging in to help others as part of the new Mile High chapter of Boys Team Charity (Boys…
New Gardener Boot Camp March 2 at the Denver Botanic Gardens, located at 1007 York Street in Denver. Runs from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, go to www.botanicgardens.org. Take the Mystery out of Gardening CALF & CSU Extension at Lowell Ranch in Castle Rock on March 9 – Using Seeds or Transplants,…
Mona Egender (left) participated in the current season of The Amazing Race on CBS with her friend Beth Bandimere. They are pictured here, in beautiful Bora Bora, beginning their journey. “I was able to see parts of the world that I never would have seen. It was eye-opening and humbling. The world is such a…
Relax and enjoy a much-deserved break at the new Belly Up spa in Lone Tree. Article and photo by Liane Marette Davis While pregnant with her first child, Rhonda James envisioned a special place for women to go to find tranquility, balance and reconnect with themselves. Ten years and several children later, her vision has…
By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Tim Schoenborn What happens to young boys that learn to love fly fishing at an early age? In the case of Jay Baichi, David Kemp, and Tim Schoenborn, they grow up to become fly fishing outfitters. The trio of fly fishermen, raised in three completely different fishing regions,…
The Castle Pines Connection is still in the process of becoming a paper of record for the community, and we are almost there. Anyone who has not yet mailed a voluntary subscription pledge to continue receiving the paper is encouraged to do so. It does not cost you anything. To request an insert, contact the…
By Lisa Crockett The Giving Tree: Douglas County United Against Hunger, is gearing up for its fifth annual food drive from March 2 to March 9 at the Castle Pines Library. Non-perishable food items will be collected during library business hours on those days and given to the Douglas County Task Force Food Bank. The…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett The annual father-daughter dance at Timber Trail Elementary this year took guests over the rainbow and into Oz for a magical night of dancing, prizes and fun with a Wizard of Oz theme. The dance gave girls and their dads a chance to spend some time with each other,…
Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: (Top row – left to right) Makayla McBride / Soccer / University of Northern Colorado; Morgan Storch / Soccer / Minnesota State, Mankato Josh Gardella / Golf / Masters College; Serina Owens / Soccer / Missouri Valley College, Marshall, MO Cameron Gill / Track / Western State College; Allison…
Paul Kelley of Academy Sports Turf on the field that he installed at Elk Ridge Park in Castle Pines. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Denise Kelley When Paul Kelley of Castle Pines and Mike Hartwell of Littleton were mowing lawns at sixteen years old, they couldn’t have imagined they would play a key role…
A group of investors is looking to partner with local officials and the federal government for a new roadway proposal that could connect the City of Castle Pines to the Town of Parker. By Elizabeth Wood West; map provided by Douglas County Discussions about a new eight-mile roadway extending due east from Castle Pines Parkway…
The cast and crew of Valor Visual Arts performance of “Footloose” like to cut loose on and off the stage. They all truly enjoy being part of a fun and very active production. Front to back, left to right: two ladies laying over the knees Virginia H and Elizabeth P. Second row, left to right:…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Shades of Blue Castle Pines Resident and pilot Willie Daniels visited Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) recently to encourage students to explore the field of aviation as well as pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Daniels is a graduate from the Aviation program at Metro…
Members of the Castle Pines Rotary Club attend each meeting of the new Interact club at RHMS and lend their support to these outstanding students. The Interact club is open to students in sixth through eighth grade at RHMS. Rotary members Jeff Mantz, Gary Bartmann, and Lisa Bartmann, along with RHMS counselor Kate Egan are…
Pilates in the Pines is now offering new state-of-the art equipment. The new Power Plate equipment is used by NFL, NBA and MLB players throughout the country to help enhance overall athletic performance. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Pilates in the Pines Pilates in the Pines, located in The Village at Castle Pines, has…
Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Archery is a sport that has become more mainstream, thanks to its popularity at the Olympics and to the impact of “The Hunger Games” books and movie. Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is proud to be the only school in Douglas County, and the only middle school in the…
Leading Edge Physical Therapy celebrated a patient appreciation & business expansion in early February. Owner Sharon Wheeler (third from left) and the staff were very pleased with the community’s participation and that the event was such a success.
Congratulations to the Regis Jesuit girls swim team on winning the 5A State Championship!
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of RCHS Cheer & Kelly Happ The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) varsity cheerleading squad finished fifth place in the country recently. The squad competed at the Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Championships at the Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Rock Canyon Cheer placed ninth at the national…
Mike Howell, aka Denver DJ Daddy, provides mobile DJ services for a variety of special occasions and venues. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Mike Howell Few of us are able to pursue the things we enjoyed in our youth once we reach adulthood. Software salesman and Castle Pines resident Mike Howell is one…
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce “Sparkling with Success” Annual Banquet was held at Sanctuary on Thursday, January 24. Pictured above (top row, left to right): Castle Pines Connection staff members celebrating “Godfather” style; Chamber staff members Carla Kenny and Sharon Kollmar; Award recipients Tim Gamble, Kyra Hahn, and Dr. Jason Ortman; (Bottom row, left…
By Lisa Crockett The Solheim Cup, a bi-annual golf tournament sponsored by the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour, between 12 players from the U.S. and 12 players from Europe, is seeking volunteers to help staff the event. The tournament will be held in August at the Colorado Golf Club in Parker. “We really rely…
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce has volunteer opportunities relating to office support including, but not limited to, clerical duties, answering the phone, and greeting visitors. Whether you are a student intern, retired, inbetween jobs, or looking for a chance to meet new people, just a few hours of your time would be of great…
Information provided by Anthontte Klinkerman The girls met on a Sunday at HOA 1 to be reminded of internet safety, practicing courtesy with friends and adults, and the importance of writing thank you notes. Klinkerman also shared her children’s book titled “Battle of the Grandmas,” and was thrilled to receive a thank you box of…
Fifteen talented seniors from Regis Jesuit confirmed their commitment to play their respective sports at the college level. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan On Wednesday, February 6, fifteen senior boys from Regis Jesuit High School (RJ) signed letters of intent to play sports at the college level. Among this group of gifted athletes was…
Article contributed by IREA The board of Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) voted to approve the retirement of $3.65 million worth of capital credit checks at its February board meeting on February 5. Board President Tim White said it was the sign of a financially healthy electric cooperative. “I can’t tell you the number of…
This historic landmark, easily visible from I-25 and surrounding communities, is maintained by the Keepers of the Rock. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of POST Partners When driving through Castle Rock, it is impossible to miss the town’s namesake jutting majestically into the sky. Whether you have gazed at the lighted star atop the…
Castle Pines Village resident Teresa Vidger is unassuming in person, but is highly successful in her professional life. Her passion for real estate and relocation services led her to create her own company, which has received national recognition. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Teresa Vidger Teresa Vidger is a wife, a wonderful mom to…
Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski For a limited time, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) has opened a temporary exhibit that has been thousands of years in the making. Mammoths and Mastodons is now open until May 27. Grab the family and plan a morning or afternoon at the museum. The museum’s…
Nancy Brown is the owner of Sparkles Bead Company in downtown Castle Rock. The shop hosts classes, birthday parties for kids, and girl’s night out. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Nancy Brown loves beads and she loves people. That much is clear. This past December, she opened Sparkles Bead Company (Sparkles) in downtown Castle…
Sixth grade REMS students about to leave for an adventure at Cameron Pass. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Rita Klement The Klement, Goodman, Lewis and Kadlacek families of Castle Pines all have children attending The Renaissance Expeditionary Learning and Outward Bound Magnet School (REMS) in Castle Rock. Rita Klement of BriarCliff has two children…
Article contributed by South Metro Fire Rescue Authority The South Metro Fire Rescue Authority is accepting applications for its citizen academy. The academy will run from April 10 through May 29 on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The deadline to apply for this opportunity is March 4. This will be the fourth…
Castle Pines Community Church Meets at 7280 Lagae Road, Suite O (King Soopers Plaza); www.castlepineschurch.org Good Friday service: March 29 at 7 p.m. Easter Sunday services: March 31 at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; children’s programming available for both services Cherry Hills Community Church Meets at 3900 Grace Boulevard, Highlands Ranch; www.chcc.org Holy Week communion…
Clark Wilhelm, an exemplary leader and educator. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Clark Wilhelm In today’s 21st –century learning environment, an outstanding educator is someone who is creative, empowering, collaborative, and a visionary. Clark Wilhelm, a counselor at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) for seven years, has been recognized by his peers as an…
Haselden Construction began drilling for caissons last month for the new AA facility in Parker. The school is slated to open in the fall of this year. Information provided by American Academy After a full year of planning and hard work, the new American Academy (AA) Parker building is going up, right on schedule. Located…
CDOT Mobile provides travelers with real-time information such as highway conditions and traffic information, allowing users to make better decisions about travel mode and route. “We first launched CDOT Mobile in September 2012 for the I-70 corridor and have experienced great success with 50,000 users to-date,” said Ryan Rice, CDOT Director of Operations. “By adding…
BRE Battle of the Books students get ready to take part in their second battle on February 12 against Flagstone Elementary. By Sean W., BRE Ridgeline staff reporter; photo courtesy of Laurie Jacobs Battle of the Books is a national reading program to inspire kids to read and have fun while competing against other kids. …
Left to Right: Landon Holderness, Tanner Hickman, Audrey Myers, Samuel Hilgendorf By Liz Jurkowski In honor of President’s Day this month, a few of our young residents were asked to choose who ranks best as our country’s top executive. With much insight, Audrey Myers said, “One thing Americans are so consumed by today is the…
Fifth grader Kylee Ingram puts the finishing touches on her portrait of Richard Nixon. Ingram’s work was part of Timber Trail’s “Wall of Presidents” exhibit, which combined art with historical research. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Abraham Lincoln was the tallest president. John F. Kennedy could read and comprehend 2,000 words per minute. Grover…