Read the stories from the latest issue:
A relaxing rose petal pedicure tailored specifically for teens and tweens By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of the Woodhouse Day Spa The Woodhouse Day Spa, located in the Village shops at Castle Pines, is excited to offer a new program designed specifically for young spa customers, ages six to 16. Young Woodhouse is a…
By Elizabeth Wood West Beginning the first part of October, drivers may want to avoid the vicinity of the Quebec and Lincoln-University intersection and find roadway alternatives. Douglas County is scheduled to begin work on a 60-day multi-phase operational and maintenance roadway project that will focus on improvements and approaches to this busy intersection, causing…
By Elizabeth Wood-West In his August 21 letter addressed to the Town of Castle Rock council members, John Medved formally withdrew his application to install a large LED sign at his Medved Autoplex dealership located near I-25 and Plum Creek Parkway in Castle Rock. The overall size of the sign would have been 760 square…
Five years of great customers and cakes By Julie Montoya with photo courtesy of The Bundt Shoppe Our favorite Castle Pines Bundt Shoppe is turning five years old, and is celebrating with two days of fun and prizes! The Bundt Shoppe’s anniversary celebration is September 20 and 21, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In…
City of Castle Pines Mayor Jeffrey Huff making a presentation to the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce board of directors on August 22 regarding the city’s proposed TABOR ballot question for this November’s election. City officials and staff held an open house in August to meet with residents and answer questions regarding the upcoming TABOR…
Article by Lisa Crockett with graphic by Tim Gamble The Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is celebrating its twentieth Race for the Cure event in October. The race, which will be held on Sunday, October 7, will take place at the Pepsi Center and will feature a 5K competitive run this…
By Terri Wiebold Thank you to our dedicated readers and to all of you who contribute stories, photos and ideas to the paper each and every month. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to share your stories with the Castle Pines community. You voted The Castle Pines Connection newspaper number one…
Left: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mike Garcia gets bombarded with questions by Castle Pines kids while on patrol on August 2 in the Briar Cliff neighborhood. Right: Garcia and Castle Pines resident Jack Zelkin pose for a photo op after the deputy spent close to an hour educating kids about police officers and the…
Metzler Memory Care owners (left to right, Denny and Patty Southwick, daughter Katie Gray, and Iram Din (husband Aamer Masood not pictured). Photos and story by Elizabeth Wood West Metzler Memory Care Assisted Living Residences, located at 864 Barranca Drive in Castle Rock, is now open. Metzler Memory Care is owned and operated by local…
Pictured left to right: Dr. Jason Ortman (Castle Pines Eye Care); Drs. Jeff and Stephanie Scheich (Castle Pines Family Dentistry); Dr. Matthew Rolfson (Castle Pines Dental Care); Dr. Andrew Dunbar (Castle Pines Orthodontics); and Jeffrey Huff, mayor of Castle Pines. Article and photo by Elean Gersack On Friday, August 24, the proud owners of the…
Photos by Julie Montoya On Friday, August 17, more than 500 Castle Pines residents of all ages gathered at Coyote Ridge Park to watch a movie in the park. “We Bought a Zoo” was a big hit, and residents really enjoyed the movie. The Castle Pines North Master Association sponsored this community event. In addition,…
Castle Pines resident Edgardo Torres enjoying breakfast. By Elizabeth Wood West What could be better than a great Mexican food restaurant in the neighborhood? How about a great Mexican food restaurant that serves a delicious breakfast menu? Las Fajitas is now serving breakfast Friday through Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Owner Alberto Granados…
Castle Pines Village residents Heidi and Maggie Zeh were the first to “see the E” and send in their photo to the Castle Pines Connection! Their geo-cache search led them to the light post by the entrance to Surrey Ridge. “This was a fun letter to find,” remarked Maggie. “It took us a minute to…
Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Devils Head Lookout is a terrific destination right here in Douglas County. Grab the kids and the dog and head out for a fun hike through some great scenery with some history thrown in. In 1912, the National Forest Service built a lookout tower at the top of a…
On Thursday, August 23, the Castle Pines Chamber hosted a luncheon with Congressman Corey Gardner, who represents the Fourth Congressional District of Colorado. Pictured to the right, left to right: Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver, Castle Pines Chamber Vice President Carla Kenny, Congressman Corey Gardner, Castle Pines Chamber Chairman Glen Hagan, State Representative for…
Rocky Heights Middle School seventh and eighth grade students who traveled to Costa Rica made new friends and learned a great deal about the culture. The seventh and eighth grade students had the opportunity to aid in the protection and conservation of the area by planting a tree. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Kay…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett In case it escaped your notice, this summer has been hot. Exceptionally, meltingly hot. And while the heat has wreaked havoc on air conditioning bills and left me breathless and cranky more than a few nights this summer, it has had at least one pleasant side effect. This summer,…
A taste of … Café Monet These local ladies are all smiles about the menu options at Café Monet in Parker. Article and photos by Liane Marette Davis Looks might be deceiving when you pull into the parking lot of Café Monet in Parker, but inside is a cozy, quaint restaurant featuring authentic French and…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The liquor store adjacent to $1.99 Cleaners in the Safeway shopping center in Castle Pines has a new owner, a new name, and an emphasis on friendly service and value. True Liquors is celebrating its grand opening during the entire month of September. “We have store-wide price cuts on…
Brian Olcott displays the soccer gear he collected for his Eagle Scout project. Olcott donated the cleats, balls and shin guards to a Boys and Girls club in northeast Denver. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett The girls soccer team sponsored by the Denver Bronco’s Branch of the Boys and Girls Club in northeast Denver…
The event tent was a full house, first with dinner and then a show. Country superstar Willie Nelson was scheduled to perform, but had to cancel do to health concerns. A local acoustic band filled in, and the show was a complete success! Article and photos by Julie Montoya On Saturday, August 18, Jana and…
Photojournalism by Julie Montoya Recently, neighbors in Forest Park have noticed there is a new member of their community, and he is making a lot of noise. This new resident is a fledgling red tail hawk. Accompanied by his parents, this youngster has ventured out of the nest, but is not quite ready to move…
DCSM’s first ever seventh grade class hit the mountains last month for an adventure in outdoor education at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. By Jodi Anderson Each school year is unique and brings its own joys and challenges, but this year DCS Montessori (DCSM) is overflowing with excitement and energy. As our new…
Autumn is a splendiferous time of year. Warm during the day and cool evenings, it is a time of the year to get out and enjoy the many seasonal activities in the Castle Pines area and the surrounding areas. First and foremost is a Castle Pines tradition presented by The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce: …
Taylor Kelly was crowned Miss Colorado Teen in June. “Achieving this goal was truly an amazing experience!” By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of the Kelly family Taylor Kelly, a sophomore at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), and resident of Castle Pines Village, had a very exciting summer! In June, Kelly was crowned Miss Colorado Teen…
By Kathy Dunker Colorado big game hunting seasons are now underway. Opening and closing days for all types of big game hunts are determined by the Colorado Department of Wildlife (CDOW) and vary for each animal including bear, deer, desert bighorn sheep, elk, moose, mountain goats, pronghorn, and rocky mountain bighorn sheep. They also vary…
By Elean Gersack The halls at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) are bustling with plenty of new faces. During new family registration on August 8 and 9, more than 60 new students enrolled. Only days later, the first bell of the school year rang on Monday, August 13, and students had the chance to locate…
By Elizabeth Wood West with photos by Shelly Barnes It is hard to say what Younique Expressions Art & Wine Bar’s (Younique) CEO, Shelly Barnes, prefers – providing an enjoyable environment for would-be artists or supporting special charities close to her heart. Fortunately for Barnes, her new business venture will let her do both. Younique…
Sixth grade student and Castle Pines resident Seth Bowen has loved his first few weeks of middle school, and is finally getting used to his heavy backpack and huge binder. “I think it’s really fun but really different – there are so many more people, and so many more teachers! I love it! It’s fun…
By Elean Gersack It’s not too late to improve your swing this year. Ladies, now that the kids are back in school, why not get together with friends and neighbors and learn to play golf at The Ridge Golf Course at Castle Pines? The weather is not too hot and not too cold – ideal…
By Elean Gersack Follow the trail of wagging tails and wet noses to the Dumb Friends League’s Wag ‘n Trail and help support homeless pets. This 1.6-mile hike, for people and their dogs, takes place Saturday, September 22, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Glendale Farm Open Space on the west side of Surrey…
The Wilkins family in Forest Park witnessed the nesting, hatching, and growth of two baby hummers right in their own backyard this summer. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Mark Wilkins In the Colorado springtime, many people anxiously await the return of migrating birds. Especially fun to watch are the hummingbirds. Colorado has four…
By Chris Bonham Castle Pines is a terrific place to live because there is something for everyone of all ages. An organization that is contributing to the all-inclusiveness of the senior community at large is the Highlands Ranch Senior Club. An organization built on encouraging people in the community ages fifty and older to…
The life experience and passion of two friends has come together to create world-class, award-winning red wines – right here in our own backyard. Ruby Trust Celalrs is a Castle Pines Village-based company making wine locally with the help of family and friends. By Amy Shanahan with photos courtesy of JimmysPhoto.com Hidden in the obscure…
Dr. Brad Draper, a dermatologist who lives in Castle Pines, is now practicing in Castle Rock. Dr. Draper is fellowship trained in Mohs surgery, a technique which offers favorable outcomes for patients. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Dr. Brad Draper, a dermatologist who lives in Castle Pines, is now practicing at Alta Vista…
by Lisa Crockett A new location on the Castle Pines dining scene will soon offer a tasty, quick alternative to fast food for families on the go. The concept of “food fast” will soon be on offer at The Aspen Delikatessen, opening at 363 Village Square Lane, suite 145, between Castle Pines Orthodontics and New…
By Elean Gersack and logo and star photo provided by Stars for Castle Rock Stars for Castle Rock, a volunteer board and chapter of the Douglas County Educational Foundation, is advocating for arts in education and providing financial support for the visual arts in Douglas County Schools. During the next few months, the group will…
Submitted by Paul Suter, Suter Media Relations Chateau Ridge, a well-established neighborhood located in Castle Pines Village, is now constructing two of the neighborhood’s final six homes. These two parcels feature sprawling views of the Rocky Mountains and are tucked away in a private, gated community. “We’re building much more than homes in the Chateau…
Contributed by Dennis Murray, Director of Golf Instruction, The Ridge at Castle Pines North Junior Golfers can continue developing their skills at The Ridge Golf Course at Castle Pines after school and on weekends in the Golf After School Program scheduled for August, September and October. Program includes 1-hour clinics, Parent-Child 9-hole play lessons, 2-hour…
Construction renovation for the new University Hospital Medical facililty is underway. Located on Park Meadows Drive, it is on the south side of the street across from the movie theater and east of Brunswick Zone. Contributed by Patte Smith schoolThe construction renovation is underway for a multi-specialty University of Colorado Hospital clinic and medical building…
Douglas County Household Chemical Roundups Saturday, August 11, 2012 Shea Stadium, 3270 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch Saturday, September 15, 2012 Castle Rock Utilities, 175 Kellogg Court, Castle Rock 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Open to all residents of Douglas County We will accept: House, garden, and pool chemicals • Paint and paint products •…
By Kathy Dunker The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) jags have a few things on the calendar this month before hitting the books. Monday, August 13 is the first day of school for all Freshmen and new students. Tuesday, August 14 is the first day of school for all other students. Wednesday, August 29 is…
Castle Pines residents Harrison and Lily Wells were “D-lighted” to be the first readers to “C” the letters C and D and submit their photo to The Castle Pines Connection! Their geocaching for the letters led them to the front door of Dazbog coffee shop in Castle Pines and earned them each a $5 gift…
Castle Pines Athletics summer basketball camp crew 2012 (photo by Lisette Lederman). Article and graphics submitted by Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics hosted a summer basketball skills camp on July 23-27 at the DCS Montessori School in Castle Pines. Coaches Lorri Hodges and Cari Ogg led the camp, with help from Rock Canyon students…
By Patte Smith A frosty mug of beer, yummy food, live music and exceptional art exhibits — sounds terrific! Join in the fun at the Art and Ale Brew Festival at the Wildlife Experience from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 17. World-class beer from some of the finest local breweries (and boy…
Petroglyphs can be readily seen in several locations along the Tour of the Tilted Rocks auto tour in Dinosaur National Monument. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway for the family, Dinosaur National Monument is one to consider. Located on the western border of Colorado crossing into Utah,…
Article and Photos by Terri Weibold Welcome back, dear friend! If the pages of The Castle Pines Connection seem a little brighter this issue, it is not because we are using a new printing vendor or a whiter stock of paper, it is because (after a recent medical scare) the creative lifeblood of the paper…
Castle Pines resident Sally Mason (left), Castle Pines Village author Jude Randazzo (center), and Castle Pines resident Carla Kenny (right) celebrated on July 14 with wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a reading by Randazzo from his new book. Randazzo held a private book launch in his Castle Pines Village home with colleagues friends, and family to…
Local artist Douglas Wodark captures the essence of the American Indian experience in this oil on canvas piece. By Amy Shanahan with photos by Julie Montoya The first annual Art Show in the Village in June was a great success for the almost 20 artists who displayed their beautiful works of art, including sculptures, paintings,…
Andrew, resident of Bristle Cone, wearing the boys lacrosse gear appropriate for a contact sport including a helmet, mouthpiece, pads, and gloves. By Kathy Dunker with photos by Kathy Dunker and Julie Montoya Soccer moms move over! Lacrosse is here and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. So get out your sticks…
A taste of … Yard House Castle Pines Village residents Christie and Charles Jones enjoying a night out at Yard House. By Liane Marette Davis with photos by Peter Cranstone and courtesy of Yard House Yard House opened its doors for business on July 1 in The Vistas at Park Meadows Mall. Former Denver restaurant…
Submitted by DC Veterans Monument Foundation William Hueg, designer and sculptor, holds the main body of the eagle that will be the most striking point of the Douglas County Veterans Monument. Bill delivered the clay model on July 12 for the next step in the process, making the molds for the foundry. In addition to…
By Lisa Crockett August. The month of the tomato. Warm and just-picked, nothing speaks more to the bounty of the harvest than a fresh, ripe tomato. A sprinkle of salt and pepper dresses it up quite nicely, but I think the Italians have the right idea when it comes to tomatoes. They’re great solo, but…
RHMS held a ten-year logo design contest at the end of the last school year. Incoming seventh grade student Christopher Theodore created this design, which will be used to represent the school throughout the year. By Amy Shanahan, logo designed by incoming seventh grade student Christopher Theodore The staff at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS)…
By Order of Sheriff David A. Weaver, Stage 2 fire restrictions, have been rescinded. Stage One Fire Restrictions are still in effect. General guidance on Stage One restrictions: Prohibited Activities include open burning of any kind and use and sale of fireworks. Allowable Activities include 1) fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fireplaces within buildings,…
The Castle Pines Village Stingrays got in the spirit of the moment at one of their home meets last month. By Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Castle Pines Village Stingrays The Castle Pines Village Stingrays moved up to Division B this year with 126 kids on the team. That meant tough competition from much…
Anastacia Bodnar loves to visit her favorite coffee shop in Castle Pines, Starbucks, equestrian style. By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the Bodnar family The Douglas County Fair is just around the corner, running from August 7 to 11. Oak Hills resident Anastacia Bodnar will be there – not just for the corn…
A rendering of Health One’s Sky Ridge Medical Center that was built in 2003. The hospital web site offers a virtual to for online visitors to look throughout the hospital. After a record of nearly 170,000 votes — more than double last year’s tally — the results are in for Soliant Health’s 4th annual list…
The Orchard Day Spa in Castle Rock offers something for everyone in a warm and welcoming environment. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Lisa and Ted Manzanares The Orchard Day Spa opened in Castle Rock in May, and is the only spa of its kind in the area. The day spa offers both medical and…
Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver was proud to accept the NACo 2012 County Courthouse Award for Innovative Governance. He is pictured here with a vehicle purchased with asset funds from narcotics seizures. Information provided from the The National Association of Counties (NACo) The National Association of Counties (NACo) has recognized Douglas County Sheriff David…
Brickelle Bro, center, surrounded by supporters at a fundraising event in July. Bro has been named to Team USA and will compete in the Paralympics in London later this summer. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child, and Brickelle Bro – the Castle Pines…
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 Information provided from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The purpose of this event is to reduce property crime, through neighbors getting out of their houses, turning on their porch lights, and getting to know each other as well as local emergency service providers. This happens through neighborhoods hosting block parties, which…
Storm had an exciting season and celebrated their first win ever on July 7. Storm had 13 swimmers qualify for All Stars during the 2012 season. By Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Storm Swim Team The Castle Pines Storm Swim Team finished up the summer season with a pool party at Daniel’s Gate pool…
The six and unders getting ready to swim at the Castle Crocs home meet against the Castle Rock Cruisers on June 23. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker The Castle Crocs Swim Team wrapped up its seventh season with an end-of-year potluck party at Coyote Ridge Park on July 15. The Crocs finished off its…
Christian Brochey is not only a talented musician, but also a master at piano rebuilding. By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Julia Brochey Christian and Julia Brochey make beautiful music together and are spreading the wealth. Not only are the couple music professionals and private music teachers out of their home in Serena,…
An incredible view of Chatfield Reservoir photograhed at sunset. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo provided by Thaddeus Roan The Chatfield Reservoir Storage Reallocation Study (Study) is a federal study designed to assess the feasibility of reallocating some of the water storage space in Chatfield Reservoir (Chatfield) from flood control use to multi-purpose uses, including…
By Elizabeth Wood West After a lengthy and controversial final public meeting, Town of Castle Rock council members voted four to three to approve an ordinance that will allow Medved Autoplex (Medved) to amend its Planned Development zoning regulations in order to build a large LED sign. Current regulations allow for a sign of up…
Castle Pines Athletics is offering a variety of sports this season. Make sure to remember to sign up for fall sports now to secure a spot in this local program. All practices and games are held in the City of Castle Pines. www.castlepinesathletics.com Fall Soccer Sign up now for fall soccer in Castle Pines. This…