Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
Information provided by Douglas County Become part of Douglas County’s vibrant arts, culture, science, and history scene by serving as a volunteer on the Douglas County Cultural Council (DCCC). The local body manages up to $750,000 in Scientific and Cultural Facilities District dollars that come back to Douglas County on an annual basis for distribution…
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…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County Emergency Management is hosting an open house and workshop as part of the Douglas County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Project. Douglas County, Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Larkspur, Lone Tree, Parker, and the Denver Water Board are developing a comprehensive Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update to reduce the vulnerability of people…
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…
Photo by Terri Wiebold Having stopped by Castle Pines North Wine & Spirits on a Friday afternoon to use my coupon from the March Food & Dining guide, I came upon several Castle Pines neighbors enjoying the free wine tasting offered every Friday and Saturday evening throughout the summer. Pictured above left to right: Lisa…
The RCHS Poms coaching staff at State. Pictured left to right: Paige Hesen, Christina Leone, Erin Marken, and Amanda Gesell. Leone won the prestigious Double-Goal Coach award from Positive Coaching Alliance for striving to win while also building team leaders with character. Leone was chosen from 2,100 nominees because of her approach to building leaders…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photos The previously undeveloped 12.6-acre site at 9009 South Clydesdale Road in unincorporated Douglas County was purchased by Journey Church for $450,000 on April 14. The plot of pasture land, formerly owned by Castle Pines Community Church (now Foundry Church), is located on the west side of south Clydesdale Road between…
By Patte Smith Planning a vacation is fun and exciting. The kids want new swimsuits for the pool, adults want time to relax, and the entire family wants an adventure-packed trip. Organizing this vacation-of-all -vacations can be a tad stressful though. Finding a place to stay, discovering attractions everyone will enjoy, locating where to dine,…
Tasha Frye, owner of L’Arrangement, is a very talented floral designer who was thrilled to be invited to join a prestigious group of floral designers from around the world. Chapel Designers share their talents, ideas, and designs with each other, and in turn, Frye looks forward to further sharing her love of beautiful fresh flowers…
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…
A dozen delicious easy eggs Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I love breakfast. I can’t think of a single breakfast food that doesn’t appeal to me, no matter what time of day I’m eating. I also love it when people make breakfast, serve it to me, and then do all the dishes. In fact,…
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,…
By Lisa Crockett The School Accountability Committees (SAC) at Rock Canyon High School and Rocky Heights Middle School, along with SACs at several other secondary schools throughout the Douglas County School District (DCSD) are endorsing the placement of a bond issue on the fall ballot aimed at providing money to area schools to be used…
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,…
Beauty in the air Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski The castle is a hidden gem; so close to the city, but so remote, as well. The grounds and trails of the castle meander among the red rocks near Garden of the Gods. High tea is served daily at Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs.…
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.”…
Douglas County Sheriff Deputy of 27 years Sergeant Russ Slade (left) with his wife Rhonda (right) moments before their 13-year-old daughter Rhianna had her hair shaved off in support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. An emotional moment shared between father and daughter as the impact of the moment and the purpose behind it hit. “I’m…
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is located at 858 Happy Canyon Road #100 in the Village at Castle Pines. The office has 24 active brokers ready to meet with and assist you with your real estate needs. by Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Jimmy Dozer Change can be a great thing. Having adopted the Sotheby’s brand…
Freshmen formal wear models Ngwena Mancho, Ryan Burger, and Adi Hirsh (and friends) rock the runway at RCHS’s fashion show, which raised funds for the After Prom. The Drama Club, including Meredith Ham, Kimball Eggett, Augustus Ballentine, and Hannah Beiersdorf represent the school’s production of “Guys and Dolls.”Below seniors Austin Matthys, Grant Schutte, Justin Hunter,…
Allison McKeel, a parent volunteer at Timber Trail Elementary, instructs students about selecting a book at the school’s first-ever book swap. McKeel chaired the event. “I got this book called The Puppy Place,” said second grader Bailey McMullen. “I really love puppies, and I love getting a new book!”Seven-year-old Ava Horrocks shows off her new…
Fourth and second grade sisters Peyton and Georgia proudly wore their K-MAC Strength t-shirts during Evening with the Arts. BRE Staff and Friends sold K-MAC Strength t-shirts at the event.Kyle MacIntosh fought cancer head-on. He would regularly run the stairs at Red Rocks after chemotherapy treatments. (Photo courtesy of the MacIntosh family).Floral art displays from…
By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Jimmy Dozer The new year marked a new beginning for The Village at Castle Pines (VACP), a unique and welcoming area of shops, restaurants, and businesses located at the corner of Santa Fe and Happy Canyon Road. The shopping center had been for sale, and in January it was…
An artist’s rendering of the new Castle Pines Library. Douglas County Libraries will break ground on the new building later this spring. By Lisa Crockett; rendering courtesy of DC Libraries Douglas County Libraries will soon break ground on a new freestanding library in Castle Pines. The new library will feature more than just books. Civic…
Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students cheered at the Wish Week closing assembly in the RCHS gym on February 20 in celebration of yet another successful fundraising event. Wish recipient Jeremy’s initial wish was for it to “rain hot dogs,” so in addition to fulfilling his wish to go on a Disney cruise, RCHS made…
By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Dave Runyan Canyons Community Church members will be celebrating Easter in a special way this year by having their new senior pastor, Dave Runyan, lead the worship service. Runyan, who was unanimously approved by the congregation last month, is especially enthusiastic about starting his new role during…
Employee Taylor commented, “We have about 60 percent used items and 40 percent new with a lot of great deals!” Play it Again Sports is located at 4760 Castleton Way in Castle Rock. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Tired of paying top dollar for sports equipment? Kids outgrow sports equipment so fast it’s amazing…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I made my first carrot cake in 1991. I was a poor college student, bored on a Sunday afternoon and craving a treat. I flipped through my lone cookbook and found a recipe that could be made entirely of things I already had on hand. It would also help…
A group of eighth grade students from Rocky Heights Middle School worked diligently to come up with a plan to create a pedestrian bridge to their school. The project was submitted to Samsung as part of their “Solve For Tomorrow” contest and the team took first place in the state of Colorado. Congratulations to Ms.…
By Lisa Crockett; photo by Dave Tweed Public school music students from across the county descended on Castle Pines to participate in a benefit aimed at giving more kids a chance at a musical education. “Save the Music,” which was sponsored by the Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation, raised more than $6,000 toward tuition…
By Lynne Marsala Basche Castle Pines residents Paige Taylor and Gina Mead started Project Strong Girls with a mission to empower girls to find their inner strength to manage the day-to-day challenges of school and friends. Taylor and Mead learned that these challenges are not girl-specific. When parents and educators approached Taylor and Mead about…
In the March issue of The Connection, we featured student athletes who had signed on to play a sport at the collegiate level. Here is an addition to that list. Alex Bochner of Rock Canyon High School will be playing soccer at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, UT. Bochner was the boys soccer co-defensive…
Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Laurie Brennan was excited to host a Sip ‘n’ Shop party for a new online clothing boutique called Patterns & Pops. Brennan, a real estate agent at LIV Sotheby’s in Castle Pines, hosted the party in her beautiful home in Castle Pines Village with many of her friends in…
Vincent (left) and Nicholette Figueroa (right), students at Sage Canyon Elementary, enjoyed breakfast treats and time with mom Tiffany (center) at the school’s annual Moms and Muffins event. The Higginbotham family (left to right) Evan, Amy, and Landon at Moms and Muffins, an event that Amy said Landon has looked forward to since participating…
By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of CRCO Town of Castle Rock (Town) clerk Sally Misare certified for circulation a petition that seeks to overturn the Town council’s unanimous approval of development plans and new zoning for its largest commercial development to date, Promenade of Castle Rock (Promenade). The 166-acre project is owned by Alberta…
By Lisa Crockett I love a good salad and I love control. It might not seem that these two qualities are in any way related, but in fact they make me the perfect customer for what seems to be a dying concept: the salad bar. Sure, there are lots of great salads to be…
New on/off ramps are being constructed just north of Founders/Meadows Parkway and I-25 in Castle Rock. Detours allow traffic to continue to flow during construction. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of the Town of Castle Rock If you travel along southbound I-25 and/or U.S. Highway 85 to Castle Rock, you have probably noticed how…
Little Helpers, a charitable group in Castle Pines aimed at teaching community service to children, donated thousands of pairs of socks and underwear to the Shiloh House in Littleton. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Courtney Pallotta A group of families in Castle Pines has started a chapter of a national charity called “Little Helpers”…
By Amy Shanahan Students, parents and community members throughout Castle Pines are well aware of the phenomenal reputation of Rock Canyon High School (RCHS). This reputation has not gone unnoticed among those outside the community either, and recently RCHS was asked to partner with a wonderful local organization called the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC). The…
By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Beverly Coggins Dads and their daughters shook and shimmied at the annual Father Daughter dance on March 7 at The Country Club at Castle Pines. With more than 100 in attendance at the sold out event, the “Frozen” theme was a hit with the girls, both young and old.…
By Elizabeth Wood West; photos by Stu Schaefer The 2015 annual Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) banquet could arguably be the most fun-filled banquet in the Chamber’s six-year history. This year’s theme was “Under the Big Top.” Chamber staff, members, and guests dressed in colorful clown, ringmaster, and similar circus-theme attire and Cielo at…
Castle Pines residents Killeen Flanagan (center with long-sleeve blue shirt and jeans) and Emily Fenton (center with short-sleeve purple shirt and jeans) were among Wellspring Community participants who successfully completed Lone Tree Art Center’s usher training program. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Wellspring The Lone Tree Art Center (LTAC) is taking extraordinary steps…
Super readers: students at the DCS Montessori School took first place in the county last month at Douglas County Libraries “Battle of the Books” competition. The fifth and sixth grade champions: (back row, from left) Brianna Rayman, Courtnae Moran, Tripp Thompson, Sean Riley, Colin Venable, Hayley Rhee, (center) Kyla Kelly. Third and fourth grade victors…
Former Rock Canyon High School swimmer Victoria Vanderpoel was thrilled to take first place in the 400IM at the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship. Vanderpoel’s teammate took third place and joined her on the podium. Victoria Vanderpoel loves swimming for her team at Pomona College in Claremont California. “I am most enjoying the vibrant…