The Connection

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…

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. …

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…

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…

Contributed by the DC Rotary Youth Expo public relations committee Fun for the whole family and good information will be on tap for free at the Douglas County Rotary Youth Expo, February 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Douglas County Event Center in Castle Rock. The Expo’s goal is to connect families…

Amelia Salsbury has three full notebooks of original songs that she has been writing and performing since the age of seven.     By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Marian Salsbury Amelia Salsbury is an accomplished singer, songwriter, pianist, and guitar player, and she is only 13 years old. Salsbury, a resident of Castle Pines Village,…

School spirit is on display every Friday when the staff at RHMS wears their purple and black football jerseys. “Our students, our community, our staff, and the partnership all three of those groups create, make our learning environment a cut above the rest!” remarked Principal Mike Loitz. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights…

Press release provided by Park Meadows Mall Park Meadows has partnered with the American Heart Association and Macy’s in the fight against heart disease with Go Red for Women and Girls Night Out on February 2, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. During February, American Heart Month, the American Heart Association asks women in particular…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines Castle Pines City Council is seeking to fill a vacancy in the city clerk position. The term of office will commence upon appointment by city council and will continue until November, 2013. Any registered elector of the city who is at least 18 years of age is…

By Elizabeth Wood West Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) recently launched a new program for students interested in pursuing college majors in general business, marketing, management, finance, economics, accounting, and real estate upon graduation. The RCHS School of Business is designed to introduce students to many areas within the world of business and provide hands-on…

David Miller, M.D. is a top-ranked Denver-area pediatric cardiologist. He sees patients at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree and at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children in Denver (rockymountain.pediatrix.com). The Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado is among the top pediatric heart programs in the nation, with nearly 250 cardiac experts working together to…

Neighborhood kids enjoy a great day on the soccer field in Castle Pines. Information submitted by Castle Pines Athletics; photo courtesy of Jen Kliewer This year, Castle Pines Athletics will kick off its fifth year of bringing sports to local families. “We are so excited about this year,” said Castle Pines Athletics manager, Shannon Terry.…

The RCHS Jazz Choir performed for orientation night welcoming the soon-to-be Freshman class of 2017 and their parents on January 16 in the school’s gym.

Members of the fundraising committee who helped raise more than $100,000 in just 15 months to benefit the Castle Pines Library were honored at a celebration last month. Thank you to the committee and to the hundreds of other volunteers! Article and photos by Lisa Crockett A campaign to raise $90,000 for the Castle Pines…

Boy Scout Troop 637 presented retired Corporal Nick Orchowski with the flag that now flies over his specially-adapted home in Parker. The ceremony was inspirational for all who attended. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Lisa Bartmann In December of 2011, The Castle Pines Connection ran a cover story featuring the work of the organization…

by Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Lin Giampietro You may enjoy Valentine’s Day at a candlelit table for two and give or receive chocolates, roses, and a heartfelt card, but consider the month of February an opportunity to add a new tradition to this month that celebrates love. Here are a few ideas: Everyone loves…

Seventeen-year-old Addison is surrounded by her brother and sister heroes, Quinn and Sophia, while she holds her family’s personal Automated External Defibrillator (AED). By Elean Gersack; courtesy photo Most of us think of adults when we think of heart disease, but kids have heart problems, too. Several kids in the Castle Pines community were diagnosed…

  By Julie Montoya A new standard in education has been set with the opening of the Arma Dei Academy in Highlands Ranch. This classical, Christian school is the passion of four Douglas County families who were looking for more when it came to the education of their children. The Vigil and Nossaman families of…

Left: Mr. Digit, who got his name for having more than the usual number of toes, is one of many cats in need of a loving home at CCS. Right: Kittens are also available for adoption at CCS off and on throughout the year. By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of CCS On Thursday, February…

Our local Walgreens is now offering City of Castle Pines merchandise for sale. Please stop by Walgreens and show your support for a local business and the City of Castle Pines. Walgreens has a variety of t-shirts and sweatshirts to choose from: long sleeves, short sleeves, and hoodies. Walgreens is marketing the shirts with permission…

By Terri Wiebold As reported in the January issue of the paper, The Castle Pines Connection is in the process of becoming certified as a paper of record for the community. A special thank you to the hundreds of readers who have already returned their voluntary subscription pledges. We must receive forms from at least…

Castle Pines jewelry designer Tracy Graef at work in her home studio. Graef’s work is featured in Handmade Colorado at DIA through March 31. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Tracy Graef, a jewelry designer who works out of her Castle Pines home, is featured in Handmade Colorado, a special exhibit at Denver International Airport…

By Lisa Crockett Castle Pines Academy (CPA), a private preschool, kindergarten and childcare center in Castle Pines, started with just 15 students when it opened three years ago. Today, roughly ten times that number of children attend classes in nine classrooms and the school has earned a “Best of the Best Preschool” award in Douglas…

The Impact edVenture “Ski ‘n’ Serve” group pose with Elliot, who won everyones’ hearts with his spirit and courage. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Impact edVentures Three Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students – Joe Giampietro, Ethan Thompson, and Christian Herman – along with other students from Highlands Ranch, spent part of their holiday…

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…

By Lisa Nicklanovich The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Annual Fashion Show will take place on February 10 at the DTC Marriot. The theme this year is “Rock the Runway” and celebrates the school’s 10-year anniversary. The show is the primary fundraiser for the RCHS after prom party on April 13, which ensures that students…

Article by Robin D., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’d like to thank…” is what our staff and students said here at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE). We have won the Colorado Department of Education’s John Irwin Award two years in a row. But it’s not like only one award is…

Vail celebrates its fiftieth season this year and has plenty of birthday surprises for visitors to its world-renowned slopes. But Vail offers more than skiing to visitors. Snowshoeing and other outdoor adventures, as well as great restaurants, and spa services round out the experience. By Lisa Crockett; photos by Lisa Crockett; Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts;…

Dr. Emily Hoard and Dr. Molly Miller with a couple of their favorite friends. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Animal Care Center of Castle Pines (ACCCP) has welcomed two new veterinarians to the practice, Dr. Molly Miller and Dr. Emily Hoard. They join a devoted and dedicated group of animal loving veterinarians and staff…

By Elean Gersack Denver Restaurant Week is upon us and is celebrating its ninth year. Make reservations now at your favorite restaurants or use the opportunity to try a new hot spot. More than 300 restaurants are already slated to participate this year with more signing up daily. The event will run from Saturday, February…

By Liz Jurkowski In some ways, the junior year of high school can be the most fun. The eleventh grader already knows the ins and outs of high school culture, has figured out how to manipulate the system a bit, and has the ability to pick and choose classes and electives he or she is…

Coming soon! After receiving more than 9,000 nominations for teachers and employees across the school district, finalists for the 2013 Apple Awards have been announced. Finalists and winners will be announced at the annual Apple Awards Celebration on February 23. The Apple Awards are sponsored by the Douglas County Educational Foundation. To read about nominees…

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) participants (left to right) Joe Clements, Jenny Fortenberry, and Al Dugan. OLLI offers learning opportunities without grading for seniors 50 and better. Special to The Connection; by Ellen Sloan Three Castle Pines residents – Jenny Fortenberry, Al Dugan, and Joe Clements – have found a rewarding second chance at classroom…