The Connection

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Katie Maltais The Lone Tree Arts Center (LTAC) has 136 ushers who volunteer their time and bring their enthusiasm to welcoming visitors to the various performances at the venue throughout the year.  Pictured here are the 2014 Usher of the Year Brenda Vitaska, Ambassador Barb Wisles, and the 2015…

By Adriana Hakes As locals know, The Village at Castle Pines is a quaint oasis nestled in the rolling hills of the Castle Pines community.  There you can wander through a potpourri of shops and businesses, and the aroma wafting from the patio at MiYO Café may very well draw you in to have a…

Riders who participate in the Race the MAC series are able to choose from a variety of classes in which to race in order to accommodate different abilities and age groups.  The spectacular setting and host of options at the park make this a really fun family-friendly event. Kim Lockett and her son Alex raced…

Girl Scout Troop 4486 members received their Bronze Awards. Some of Troop 4486 scouts, along with co-leaders Brenda Ferguson and Trina Wegner, delivered Bronze Award project baskets to Sky Ridge Hospital. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Brenda Ferguson In some way we all hope to help those who need it most, whether it…

By Amy Shanahan; courtesy photo A very important tenet of the Castle Pines Village Garden Club (CPVGC) is to support local charities, in particular, the Douglas/Elbert Task Force and the Crisis Center. The outreach committee of the CPVGC is actively involved with both of these worthwhile causes and makes sure to keep club members aware…

This brochure is an example of the beautiful work that the students at Rocky Heights Middle School created to promote The American Museum of Western Art – The Anschutz Collection to their peers. By Rachel Zetwick, RCHS intern writer This school year, Sharon Majetich’s eighth grade Explorers team at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) partnered…

The Pine Ridge HOA Board of Directors took a very creative and eco-friendly approach to fire mitigation this year, bringing in 270 goats for five days to graze and clear away the unwanted weeds and scrub oak in the community.  The topography that was a challenge in years past proved to be a natural fit…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Mark Stevens Photography Pet owners in the Castle Pines community will soon have a new veterinary clinic available to care for their furry family members.  Dr. Jay Brekke, DVM, along with his wife and practice manager Gina Brekke, are opening Brekke Veterinary Clinic in late July or early…

Out of four architectural renderings of pedestrian bridge designs, the leaf design was chosen by the Lone Tree City Council.  The Council selected the design that most city residents chose. A new bridge will connect pedestrians and bicyclists from the south side of Lincoln Avenue to the north side safely without disrupting the east-west flow…

 The Momentum 12 Black Team, including two players from Castle Pines (CP) made a splash on the national stage last month in New Orleans.  Back row, left to right:  Jasmine Vaughan, Nevaeh Banks, Izzy Sommers, Reece Randall, Sydney Harkness, and Emma Ziegler (CP);  Front row, left to right: Coach Liz Klumker, Marissa Cohen, Ashley Rants…

Information provided by the Town of Castle Rock Residents know Castle Rock is a great place to call home.  Beautiful parks, well-planned trails, and abundant open space are just some of the wonderful things about the community.  Now, the Town of Castle Rock (Town) is inviting everyone to get outdoors this summer and explore these…

By Patte Smith There is still time to enroll in fun and creative art classes for children ages eight to ten, and teens at Art on the Edge Gallery, 314 Wilcox Street in Castle Rock.  Kids will paint, draw, make collages and work with mixed media.  Offered on Tuesdays throughout July, classes are from 9:30…

Logan Simpson, a community planning and design firm contracted by the City of Castle Pines to formulate its Comprehensive Plan, is seeking public input.  After speaking with residents in a variety of settings, including the “Food Truck Frenzy” at Elk Ridge Park last month (pictured above), Logan Simpson will host an event of its own…

By Maria Pangalos, RCHS intern writer Looking for more fun things to do in Colorado this summer (and beyond)?  Here you go! Road in the Sky – At 14,240 feet in the sky, Mt. Evans has the highest paved road in North America.  While driving, you pass through three life zones, older than you can…

Castle Pines Village residents Alex Nelson and Ross Macdonald (graduates from Valor Christian High School) will be attending CU Boulder in the fall. Rock Canyon High School graduate Meredith Ham will be heading off to the University of Evansville in Indiana this fall to study performance art. Courtesy photos

Philip S. Miller Park’s new outdoor adventure playground is now open.  The playground is one of the park’s many activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of the Town of Castle Rock Just when you thought the Philip S. Miller Park and Miller Activity Complex (MAC) couldn’t get much better,…

Sage Canyon student Cynthia Marquez sports a cat face at the school’s field day. Sixth grader Kailyn Ferguson runs a station involving a helmet and a water cup at field day. Sage Canyon Elementary P.E. teacher Lance Schoenwald supervised the school’s field day from atop an ATV. Emma Peterson demonstrates how to navigate the obstacle…

Castle Pines resident and runner Christy Lott at the Friends Run for Castlewood Canyon event last year.  This year’s race will be held on September 13, with proceeds benefiting improvements to the park. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Friends of Castlewood Canyon Runners from around the metro area will gather on September 13 to…

Jordan (pictured above) and the entire staff, affectionately known as “snoozers,” were busy serving all of the curious, hungry diners at the grand opening of the Snooze restaurant in Lone Tree. Article and photo by Cindy Cranstone Wake up to Snooze!  The A.M. Eatery opened its doors at Lincoln Commons in Lone Tree on June…

Excitement was in the air at All City Field in Denver on May 27 as the RCHS Varsity Baseball Team took its first ever 5A state title. A number of RCHS baseball players are Castle Pines residents and have been crossing paths with each other since Little League.  Pictured back row, left to right:  Coaches…

Parker Water & Sanitation workers began stocking Rueter-Hess Reservoir with fathead minnows and bluegill last month as part of a phased fish stocking program. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Parker Water and Sanitation District Days of fun in the sun at the Rueter-Hess Reservoir, a quick drive on Hess Road for most Castle Pines…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Bob Wiebold Construction at Promenade at Castle Rock (Promenade) is moving forward following the unexpected withdrawal of a referendum petition submitted to the Town of Castle Rock (Town) by residents Keith Lattimore-Walsh and Linda Van Nostran, with the support of Save the Castle Rock Prairie Dogs and Wildlands…

The Douglas County Garden Club hosted the Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs Southern District annual meeting at The Golf Club at Bear Dance in Larkspur.  The ladies peddled their club’s cookbooks, garden aprons, and mason bee boxes to raise money for the club. A toast to one of the club’s favorite socials, the Annual Summer…

RCHS Varsity Track and Cross Country runners chose to take it up a notch from the usual 5K meets and compete in this year’s Bolder Boulder 10K on May 25.  Left to right: Keegan King, Gabriel Tauber, Andrew Steavpack, Bryce Vrabel, and Ryan Meisner. Pictured above:  RCHS Varsity Track and Cross Country runners proudly wearing…

New Hope Presbyterian Church members helped beautify Buffalo Ridge Elementary on May 31.  Pictured front row, left to right:  Christy McDonald, Julia McDonald, Meadow Rodine, Jason McDonald, and Liam Abner.  Back row, left to right: Nina Amey, Madison Amey, Alyssa Piel, Pam Applegate, Heather Rodine, Chad Rodine, Bryan Crock, Saralyn Crock, Brennan Crock, Charlie Keely,…

By Rachel Zetwick, RCHS intern writer; photos by Amy Shanahan Janice Teply Wright, the founder of the Wright Collection, is growing her evening bag business to Castle Pines.  Wright and her husband, Chatt Wright, have lived in Castle Pines Village for two years and she looks forward to sharing her talents with the community. Wright’s…

The last three months have been unusually busy at The Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP) as it welcomed its new chief operating officer and general manager, Ryan Cozzetto and its new head golf professional, Dave Lopez. Cozzetto relocated to Colorado from Pebble Beach, California where he worked most recently at the Monterey Peninsula Country…

The Castle Pines North Metro District has removed an aging brick planter at the intersection of Max Drive and Castle Pines Parkway.  New plants in this median and two others along the road will provide a cohesive and updated look to the area. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of the Castle Pines North Metro District…

The Castle Pines Chamber Speaker Series last month was a great opportunity to make new business and community connections.  Special thanks to Charles Schwab Lone Tree for hosting the group and providing food and beverages. Renowned speaker Pamela Herrmann talked to her captive audience about customer experience and loyalty.  By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of…

More than 50 youngsters attended the RCHS Junior Jags Spirit Camp fundraiser last month at Rock Canyon High School. More than 50 girls ages five and older learned two dance routines for the RCHS Poms camp on June 16 and 17. The Junior Jags Spirit Camp included two days of cheer training on June 12…

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan The 9-Hole Women’s Golf League at The Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP) cares greatly about their community as evidenced by the huge success of their charity golf tournament held on June 4.  The ladies from the league were joined by several of their friends from the 18-Hole Women’s…

The Honorable Vincent R. White, who recently retired from the 18th Judicial District, was the keynote speaker at an event to honor area teachers last month. RCHS Senior Logan Draper honored his favorite teacher, Karly Bloom, at a special evening held last month at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Castle Rock.…

Rubber duckies were mixed in a cement mixer and then dumped into a large water tank this year due tonconcerns about Plum Creek’s high water.  Children at the event picked the winning ducks. Pictured left to right:  Rotarian and festival coordinator Ed Brewer, first place $2,000 cash prize winner Susan Wood, Rotarian and prize-winning ticket…

Denver Broncos player David Bruton read to kids at the Castle Pines Library last month as part of a celebration to kick off its summer reading program.  Bruton recently started a charity to provide books to kids at underserved schools in Colorado. Arts and crafts were part of a celebration to kick off the Douglas…

Robert Matuszewski and Tim Fitzpatrick, partners at Rialto Mobile, offer a mobile app to schools to aid in communication of important information. Schools can use the app for free. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Rialto Mobile Castle Pines Residents Tim Fitzpatrick and Robert Matuszewski, partners at a mobile marketing firm in Highlands Ranch named…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for the 2015 Annual National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, August 4.  The event is a block party of sorts, aimed at making neighborhoods county-wide safer. The purpose of this event is to reduce property crime through neighbors getting…

By Lisa Crockett; photos by Joe Gschwendtner Later this month, the Safeway store on Castle Pines Parkway will close its doors for good. On June 13, nine metro-area stores, including the Castle Pines location, will no longer be in business due to a lack of profitability.  The closure will leave the 59,000 square foot retail…

By Amy Shanahan One in 68 children is affected by autism, and Canyon Fitness was proud to hold its second annual Light It Up Blue event to bring awareness to this statistic.   The event was held at the end of April which is designated Autism Awareness Month, and the club held a fun party…

By Patte Smith Adolescence is a critical time of development for pre-teens and teens.  As these young adults struggle with acceptance, confidence, identity, school, friends and physical changes, their decision-making can be overly influenced by emotions. Their ability to cope is not fully developed and teens may become vulnerable to risky behaviors, such as drugs…

Neil Diamond tribute band Forever in Blue Jeans has a following of loyal listeners and will be performing to a captive Castle Pines audience on June 6.  Check out a pre-event preview at www.foreverinbluejeanslive.com. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Forever in Blue Jeans The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is excited to host…

Submitted by the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is actively seeking volunteers age 16 and older to help out with a variety of activities and tasks at the August 6 – 9 Douglas County Fair & Rodeo. What’s in it for you?  By volunteering in the fun, family-friendly community…

By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of  the Gibson, Hilgendorf, Jacobs, McDowell, and Ogden Families ‘Tweens and teens from Castle Pines got spruced up and took on social skills and etiquette for the 21st century during the Jon D. Williams Cotillions’ Spring 2015 Douglas County Cotillion held at The University of Colorado Liniger Building (formerly The…

Members of the Castle Pines Village Garden Club enjoyed showing some sass while being models for the day at the club’s annual banquet and fashion show.  Pictured left to right: Judi Walker, Michele Volkl, Mary Evans, Peggy Schultze, Janice Wright, Kathy Pollock, Liz Clarke, and Rose Essy. Article and photos by Amy Shanahan The annual…

Brad Hansen (center) collected donations during school lunches.  He was aided by his friends Cooper McNeily (left) and Lance Opp (far right). Submitted by RHMS students Amber St. Laurent and Shayna Smith; photos courtesy of Brad Hansen and Jack Thompson “It was really awesome… It was really fun,” said the star and recipient of the…

By Lisa Crockett; photos by Lynn Zahorik Residents descended on the community center last month in search of a good book.  The event, which is held annually, was sponsored by the Castle Pines North Master Association and was organized by event coordinator Carla Kenny.  Kenny was ably assisted by 12 volunteers who collectively spent more…

Pictured above right:  Dr. Malin and Genny Sadler hosted a Castle Pines Chamber ribbon cutting ceremony in May at their new concierge medical practice, For the Family Medical Care in Castle Pines. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Dr. Malin Sadler and wife Genny, owners of For the Family Medical Care, welcomed family, friends,…

A year following her graduation from Rock Canyon High School, Morgan Roos of Castle Pines signed her letter of intent to play basketball at Clemson University in South Carolina.  Roos is the first female ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) basketball player to come out of Colorado. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Kimberly Roos Morgan Roos…

New members of boys team charity Mile High League Nicole and Ryan Wight of Castle Pines participated in Comcast Cares Day at Denver Health on April 25.  The team picked up trash around the hospital grounds, cleaned out flower beds and planted new flowers. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Lesley Gibson Castle Pines residents…

Damp weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the DCS Montessori School community as they gathered to celebrate the end of the school year with great music and great friends.  After the sun went down, Big Hero 6 played on the big screen. The DCS Montessori school held its first ever Summer Celebration last month at…

By Elizabeth Wood West Town of Castle Rock’s (Town) Clerk Sally Misare has determined that citizens collected enough valid signatures for the Promenade referendum petition to authorize the Town to move forward with the referendum process. The petition, brought about after much controversy surrounding the removal/relocation of prairie dogs on the property, seeks to reverse…

2015 Chamber award winners (left to right):  John Medved, Donna Scott, Melanie Calhoun, and Walt Kowalski. Press release and photo provided by Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce The Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce honored John Medved, Donna Scott, Walt Kowalski, Sally Misare, and Melanie Calhoun for their exceptional community efforts April 24 at the Castle…

Pictured above right:  Asarch Center for Dermatology, Laser & Mohs Surgery founder Dr. Richard Asarch (holding scissors), joined with family and friends to celebrate the opening of their new Castle Rock office.   Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Asarch Center for Dermatology, Laser & Mohs Surgery (Asarch Center) founding physician Dr. Richard Asarch,…

Castle Pines sisters Chloe and Mia Maciolek brought life to Walt Disney’s classic tale of Sleeping Beauty.  Pictured above,  Prince Phillip defends the sleeping Princess Aurora (Chloe) from the evil Maleficent (Mia). Mia Maciolek (above and below in pink) played Sleeping Beauty in South Suburban Ice Arena’s Fairy Tales on Ice show last month.  Younger…

Elementary school students from Timber Trail and Buffalo Ridge (above) and representatives  from Rock Canyon High School (below) at this year’s Destination Imagination state tournament. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Christina Kohl Roughly 75 teams from Douglas County schools participated in this year’s Destination Imagination (DI) state tournament, including several from Castle Pines-area schools. …

The Interact club’s final meeting of the year was a celebration of their accomplishments.  Representatives from the Rotary Club of Castle Pines joined the students and their faculty sponsor, along with representatives from two organizations which benefited from the money raised by the club. The Interact club at Rocky Heights Middle School worked on several…

Photo and cutline by Terri Wiebold Saturday, May 15, MAD Greens in Lone Tree opened its doors for business.  According to area manager Jeremy Marshall, “We specialize in custom-made, gourmet salads and our menu is customizable.” Visit MAD Greens at 10002 Commons Street or learn more at www.madgreens.com.

By Elizabeth Wood West  U.S. Congressman Ken Buck is now accepting applications to four of the five U.S. service academies – U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY; U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY.  (The fifth service academy, U.S. Coast Guard…

Sheriff Tony Spurlock presented RCHS Principal Andy Abner with the Ronald M. King Community Service Award. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Principal and Castle Pines resident Andy Abner received the Ronald M. King Community Service Award from Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock on May…

Castle Pines Connection staff writer Elizabeth Wood West and her husband Richard enjoyed a lovely dinner at the soft opening of VistaVino in Castle Rock last month.  Check out the back page of the June Food & Dining guide for more information about VistaVino. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Devoted fans of Uniscali…

Jessica Ansay (right) with one of her sweet buddies from The Joshua School in Denver. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of the Ansay Family Last summer, the inaugural XDrive Classic Golf Tournament raised more than $33,000 for The Joshua School (TJS) in Denver.  The event returns on Monday, August 3 at The Club at Pradera…

Castle Pines residents Ella Greenhow, Charlie Tucker, Claire Benko, Emerson Yu, Lauren Brockman, and Ava Stotler pose in front of their team display at the Global Expo. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of American Academy The American Academy (AA) Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL) robotics team participated in the 2015 First World Championship Global…

By RHMS student Riley Busch; photos courtesy of Judi Holst “Yes, there is a world out there and even if you decide you don’t want to meet it, it’s still going to hit you right in the face.  Believe me.  So, best you start thinking about the world now and what it means to you.” …

Pictured front row (left to right):  Rachel Kelly (track, Coe College, IA), Erica Kelly (track, Upper Iowa University), Jack Lamb (track, University of Mary, ND), Tori Ritter, (diving, University of Cincinnati, OH), Joe Bove (tennis, Lake Forest College, IL), Justin Hunter (football, University of Oregon), Brickelle Bro (swimming, Stanford University, CA), Ellie Rich (volleyball, University…