The Connection

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Jimmy Dozer The shop owners at the Village at Castle Pines (VACP) kicked off spring in a big way with their inaugural Spring Fling event on April 25th.  Hundreds of neighbors and friends came together to celebrate on a typical Colorado spring day that brought both sunshine and afternoon…

By Elean Gersack Summer is a great time for ‘tweens and teens to earn some extra money while helping families with babysitting needs. South Metro Safety Foundation (SMSF) is the place to get the skills to be a SUPER sitter, since keeping kids safe is top priority. The SMSF Super Sitting course is for youth…

There are few pleasures in life greater than a great steak.  That’s especially true at Eddie Merlot’s, a brand-new eatery in the Denver Tech Center, where steak is king.  Mouthwatering cuts of beef, ranging from a fork-tender filet mignon to a hearty ribeye, take center stage. Of special note are the menu’s Greg Norman Signature…

Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Grigs Road, which connects the City of Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch and serves as an alternate route to Monarch Boulevard, is not scheduled for paving any time soon, despite recent speculation. The road, which leads north and west out of the city from Daniels Gate, is maintained by…

Fifth graders at Timber Trail Elementary presented a “gumboot” style dance at the annual school talent show.  The dance style originated with mine workers in South Africa, who stomped their feet while singing during the workday. Most soloists for Timber Trail’s annual fifth grade dance this year were boys, many of whom were attracted by…

This summer, hit the highway Article and photos by Maria Pangalos, RCHS intern writer   For high school students, summer means freedom, late nights, travel, light clothing, pure bliss and endless adventures.  Here is a starter list of absolutely awesome things to do during the beautiful Colorado summers. Daniels Gate: Many have ventured to Daniels…

By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Douglas County Rejoice mountain bike riders, you can now ride tricky terrain in your own backyard, so to speak. Strap on that bike helmet and tackle the obstacles at the new mountain bike skills park in Bayou Gulch Regional Park. What a blast maneuvering over 12 man-made beginner and…

A core group of regulars enjoy visiting Dodds Wine Vault each Friday evening to taste and become educated on new wines.  On occasion the shop owners also introduce their guests to interesting spirits like the bourbon whiskey from Laws Whiskey House.  There is something for everyone. Braden Dodds (left) with Al Laws, the owner of…

Local dignitaries, volunteers, and residents celebrated the commencement of construction of the new library in the City of Castle Pines last month. The library is due for completion late this fall or early this winter. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Dignitaries and volunteers from the City of Castle Pines and the surrounding areas gathered…

By Patte Smith Farmers markets continue to grow in popularity as consumers’ interest in farm fresh produce grown locally has significantly increased.  Both consumers and farmers have found that they enjoy the opportunity to get to know each other throughout the growing season – it is a win-win for both the shopper and the grower.…

By Patte Smith Several outdoor music concerts are in Castle Pines own backyard.  Pack up a picnic basket and grab the lawn chairs to listen to tunes at the park.   The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Forever in Blue Jeans,”  a Neil Diamond tribute band, at its inaugural Food Truck Frenzy on…

Savannah and Cassidy exhibiting school spirit and collecting donations curbside at the BRE Clean Your Closets event. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Caitlin Streich The Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance (BREA) along with BRE’s Green Team and the community participated in the first Clean Your Closets for BRE event.  The effort benefited BRE, as…

Hall’s hand-milled, re-purposed wood brewhouse east of Parker on a seven-acre homestead where Aubrey Hall also lives. By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Hall Brewing Co. Craft beers, meaning those that emphasize quality, flavor, and small batch brewing techniques, are a marvelous industry success story.  Douglas County is fertile ground and today home to eight…

Kelly Storick, who will be a junior at Rock Canyon High School this fall, received her license this past November.   By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Julie Storick Gone are the days of in-school driver’s education classes, taking a carload of friends to the drive-in, and a mere three-month driving permit.  The rules have…

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of the Yehle Family Lauren Yehle was recently honored by being one of only 40 high school seniors in the state of Colorado to receive the prestigious Boettcher Scholarship.  Yehle graduated from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) in May and is a busy, happy, grounded and amazing person who is…

Theresa Bakken keeps bees in McArthur Ranch and produces bottled honey and homemade caramels. Hand made Honey Salted Caramels from the Bee Ranch in McArthur Ranch, are scrumptious local treats reminiscent of another era. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Spring is in full bloom in Colorado, and honey production is in full swing at…

By Elean Gersack Businesses beware.  Recently, The Castle Pines Connection nearly fell prey to a misrepresentation scam involving the “let your fingers do the walking” logo and wants to make sure everyone is aware of this particular tactic.   The scam has been around for years and ebbs and flows with many variations.  The key…

Residents will most miss the friendly and caring people who were the essence of the Safeway in Castle Pines.  Cashiers Tara (above) and Sandy (below) were an important part of the customer service experience. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner The Safeway Corporation made some tough decisions on store closures last month.  Kris Staaf, Safeway…

Music is an important part of Front Range Christian Church’s ministry. Lead pastor, Ernest Smith, teaches the application of God’s word to everyday life during a Sunday service.  When Ernest is not leading FRCC, he is cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, playing sports, or pulling for the Broncos who he has supported since he was…

Friends and student council surround the registration table during the swab drive for Lukas Larsson at RCHS. Event organizer Robert Falk got a little direction from his mom Beth while he took his mouth swab.   Lukas (third from left) with friends, Robert Falk, Kimball Eggett, and Will Steffe.  It is time to get on…

Castle Pines neighbors connected at the Master Association’s annual garage sale last month.  To view a fun slideshow of the event, visit www.castlepinesconnection.com and click on “Photo Album.” By Elizabeth Wood West; photo by Lynn Zahorik If you enjoy looking for bargains in a beautiful neighborhood full of nice people, consider visiting Sapphire Pointe’s eighth…

By Amy Shanahan; photos by Lynn Zahorik More than 900 runners from the Castle Pines community and beyond came together on May 2 to participate in the Rise & Run 5K event in support of Denver Police Officer John Adsit who was severely injured in December of last year in the line of duty.  Adsit…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Trudi Broschat Rock Canyon High School’s (RCHS) varsity club hockey team won the state championship at Edge Ice Arena in Littleton on May 10.  The final score was 5-2 against Lewis Palmer.  The team won the state championship in 2013 and in 2014 they were the runner up.  Consisting…

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…

Clockwise from top left, Grand Prize winner Ashley Bradley’s double exposure portrait painted with acrylics. Grand Prize winner Ashley Bradley with Congressman Ken Buck (left) and RCHS art teacher Drew Walter (right) at the Congressional Art Competition.  Laura Kassner’s First Place portrait done with spray paint (background) and acrylics. Ethan Zehnder’s Jury Award winning piece…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Kristen Wylie The Castle Pines Village (CPV) parks and recreation committee held its annual Easter egg hunt on a beautiful, sunny day at the end of April.  Hundreds of parents and their kids turned out for this fun event.  The hunt is broken up into multiple age groups so…

By Patte Smith Boasting crispy fried green tomatoes, Memphis–style spare ribs, jambalaya, shrimp, po’ boys, and bourbon bread pudding, Southern Hospitality is opening its second Colorado restaurant at 7431 Park Meadows Drive in Lone Tree, the former site of Pasquini’s Pizzeria.   Currently planned to open in May, the eatery serves up fresh, high-quality southern-style food,…

More than 90 members of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) posed outside of the Pepsi Center in early February at a district conference. By Maria Pangalos, RCHS Intern; photo courtesy of Allie Johnson One quarter million middle school, high school and college students all around the nation are partaking in a non-profit organization…

Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce invites citizens of Castle Pines and Douglas County to join in a free educational event called “Fracking 101” hosted by the Douglas County Energy Coalition.  The free lunch will be held on May 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at…

Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Green flags and giant bright green bins are popping up on porches all over Castle Pines.  A new grass roots movement is making its way throughout the community with the mission of serving critically ill children and their families in Colorado.  Castle Pines Village resident Cy DeBoer, who has…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Stacy Gaines Project Easter Basket had another successful year thanks in part to the generosity of many Castle Pines residents.  Organizer Stacy Gaines is a Castle Pines Village resident who began this endeavor eight years ago in an effort to provide Easter baskets full of hygiene items, school supplies,…

Doctors Jeff and Stephanie Scheich enjoy being a part of the Castle Pines community and offer personalized, friendly service to their patients. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Doctors Jeff and Stephanie Scheich and their local family dental practice are well known and loved by many in our community.  Recently, their practice underwent a name…

Victoria Xikes, at home with her talent award which also included a cash scholarship, is a natural performer who has been taking voice lessons for less than a year.  Victoria Xikes put on a dazzling performance at the annual Stars of Tomorrow competition at the Lone Tree Arts Center in March singing “Mother Knows Best.”…

By Elean Gersack It’s that time again … time to part ways with the old to make room for the new.  Each year in mid-May, the community is abuzz with folks from far and wide looking for a great deal.   If your kids have grown out of toys, clothes, equipment, and more, or if…

The BRE Science Fair winners stand proud after being awarded top honors on Monday, April 20. (Not pictured – Drew W. and Jenna P.) Article and photo by Elean Gersack Congratulations to all of the young scientists at BRE who took part in the fourth annual Buffalo Ridge Elementary school’s  Mission: Curiosity! Science Fair on…

The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (District) is doing some spring cleaning around town, removing “encroachments” to publicly-owned land.   Encroachment is the legal term referring to modifications or additions made to land without the owner’s permission.  Metro District maintenance workers have found a variety of unauthorized structures on its property, including play forts and landscape…

Author Doug Beason’s book “The Cadet” gives readers an inside look at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, one of the most iconic structures in Colorado and the training ground for some of our country’s brightest and toughest fighters, academics, and leaders. Novelist Doug Beason and his wife Cindy enjoy living in…

When Rita Klement (left) told her friends, Laurie Probsdorfer, Emily Hansen and Marne Hansen, she would be shaving her head to raise money for pediatric cancer, and to take control of losing her hair before starting chemotherapy, they said they would shave their heads too. (See top photo.) Rita Klement (left) with her son Sam…

By Amy Shanahan Urban Nights presented by Infiniti of Denver, a fundraiser to benefit Urban Peak, will hold its annual event this summer on August 29 at Mile High Station in Denver.  In its third year, Urban Nights has quickly become an esteemed fundraising event featuring a high-end fashion show, entertainment, a silent auction, pre-…

Article and photo by Lynne Marsala Basche Buffalo Ridge Elementary school was excited to share its third school-wide showcase with the community in March.  The quarterly showcases, which are designed to give family, friends, and the community an opportunity to stop by BRE and view the students’ semester work, are part of the Douglas County…

Information provided by Douglas County 17801 Plaza Drive, Parker 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.www.tchd.org

By Patte Smith Raising awareness for suicide prevention in Douglas County schools is the goal of the second annual DC Proud DC Strong Festival and 5K fundraiser.  This year the organization is reaching out to the community for even more participation.  Join them to ensure that every child and youth at risk of suicide have…

A Taste of Rose’s Bella Cucina Rose’s Bella Cucina, a new Italian eatery in Castle Rock, is the kind of place you go when you’re craving the classic dishes of your youth.  The kind of place that serves things that bring back memories and delight your senses.  The kind of place you go to when…

Castle Pines resident Steve Ihme, together with his family, will once again host the annual golf tournament in honor of his late brother, Rich.  Proceeds from the event will support the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital Colorado.  This year’s tournament is planned for Friday, June 12, at the Highlands Ranch Golf…

Rocky Heights Middle School was proud of the numerous students it sent to the regional competition for National History Day.  The school is sending a record number of competitors to the state competition. Castle Pines Village residents Brad Hansen and Amanda Pavillard worked together on a project about Susan B. Anthony.  Hansen said, “If you…

The Social is thrilled about their new chef and exciting new menu that compliments their impressive wine selection. Pictured left to right: Sous Chef Cameron Sutherland, General Manager Michael Mercandetti, and Head Chef Austin Hornsby.  Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The Social, located in The Village at Castle Pines, has become a local favorite…

Dressed in roller derby attire, Salon 188 owner Lisa Salmon gave Castle Rock ‘n Rollers’ team announcer, “Rock de Mike,” a haircut during a cut-a-thon she held to support her roller derby team.  By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Lisa Salmon Salon 188 owner Lisa Salmon held a cut-a-thon at her salon in April…

Information and photos provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is offering its parking lots as “safe havens” for buyers and sellers on Craigslist.  If buyers or sellers are completing an online transaction, the DCSO suggests that exchanges be made at the closest law enforcement station to protect both…

By Elizabeth Wood West The public is invited to attend a Memorial Day band concert hosted by the Town of Castle Rock on Sunday, May 24, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the bandstand at Philip S. Miller Library, located at 100 S. Wilcox Street in Castle Rock.   American Legion Post 1187 is…

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…