Read the stories from the latest issue:
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.”…
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-…
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…
Ronda Gutierrez, physical education teacher at Buffalo Ridge Elementary school, was named Elementary Educator of the Year at the 2015 Apple Awards held on Saturday, February 21. Read more about Ronda Gutierrez in a feature article in the February 2015 issue of The Connection. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of the Douglas County School District…
The Village Idiots Cycling Club is holding a used bike drive on April 19 from noon until 2 p.m. at the Coldwell Banker Real Estate office parking lot located at 482 W. Happy Canyon Road in Castle Rock. The group has a lot of fun together and is open to new members. Tracey McCarthy (left)…
Residents from Forest Park and Castle Pointe joined City Councilman Geoff Blue during his “office hours” at Dazbog to discuss concerns regarding potential rezoning of a parcel of agricultural land adjacent to the city. By Lisa Crockett; photo by Terri Wiebold A group of Castle Pines residents representing the group “Douglas County Residents Against Rezoning”…
By Lynne Marsala Basche On April 26, the City of Castle Pines, partnering up with Dirty 40 Races in Vermont, will be getting messy at the first Dirty 40 Ride Wild event, sponsored by The Canyons. Grab your mountain bike, road bike or your fat tire bike and head to Elk Ridge Park for the…
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…
Castle Pines North Metropolitan District employee David Anderson reluctantly paused for a photo in front of the Metro District office. “I just did what anyone would do; I’m glad I could help,” he said. “It must be a slow news day if this is what you are reporting on,” he joked, to which we replied,…
In late January, the four BRE third grade classes came together and performed for family, friends and the school during an exciting production of “Forever Learning.” Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) students took to the stage in the 15th annual third grade show. Exuberant performances revolving around the theme…
Article and photos by Amy Shanahan The third annual Castle Pines Village (CPV) Winterfest and Chili Cook off took place on a gorgeous February afternoon and included delicious food, games, and socializing among friends and neighbors. The temperature topped sixty-five degrees, and approximately 100 neighbors from throughout CPV attended. The smaller children enjoyed getting their…
Submitted by Daughters of the American Revolution The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is planning to form a new chapter in Castle Rock. Prospective member workshops will be held on March 21 and May 9 to provide information on the mission and purpose of DAR. “All women who can document descent…
Photo courtesy of Karen Barton From the City of Castle Pines, KnightsBridge resident Karen Barton sent in this amazing photo she took on February 8 at 11:30 am. She digitally captured this gorgeous bobcat on her drive home from Daniels Park where, ironically, she was taking pictures of wildlife. The animal was crossing Daniels…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Jessica Dobler Jessica Dobler of Castle Pines was just named a National Merit Finalist! In November, Dobler was named a National Merit semifinalist, an honor bestowed on the highest scorers of the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test (PSAT/NMSQT). Only 15,000 semifinalists are notified that they have advanced…
Experience the rush Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Castle Pines resident, Landon Holderness, visits the Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum. Visitors can tour and see many working mines. Take a step back in time and wander through Pikes Peak country this spring break. Cripple Creek, the county seat for Teller County, offers plenty…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos On February 4, high school athletes all over Colorado signed letters of intent to play their respective sports at the collegiate level on National Signing Day. Each National Signing Day event took place at the respective schools and athletes were surrounded by coaches, family and friends. Within the 80108…
By Amy Shanahan The Douglas County Youth Initiative (DCYI) is actively seeking nominations for exemplary youths in Douglas County to receive the Outstanding Youth Award. In its second year, this awards ceremony recognizes youth ages 13 through 19 who have overcome adversity and are making positive changes in their lives. The DCYI began in 2005…
Making yogurt cheese means gathering a few simple supplies: cheesecloth, a strainer, plain Greek Yogurt and a mixing bowl. Greek yogurt spends a day in the fridge draining through cheesecloth and a strainer to produce a light, creamy spread. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett The holidays are over, Valentine’s Day is a memory and…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Avid4 Adventure Like most Coloradans, Castle Pines residents Christy McDonald and Kim Spuhler enjoy the outdoors and everything the area has to offer. Camping, hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding are regular activities for their families. When it came time to find a summer camp to engage their children’s…
Pictured above (from left to right, bottom to top): Rohan Adepu, Addie Sires, Neeraj Dodda, Rahul Sampangiramahaih, Kaushik Kaja, Tanya Chourasia, Phalgun Taman, Vaibhav Chourasia, and Aditya Vepa took the third place prize in the FLL Robotic Qualifier Tournament. By RHMS eighth grade student Lia Halvas; photo courtesy of Shalini Bose Nine students from Rock…
Pastel artist Sue Shehan showcases her work in various venues in Douglas County and surrounding areas. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines resident and artist Sue Shehan has talent coming out of her fingertips. Literally. Her signature cloudscape, landscape, and wildlife pastels are produced with deft and delicate strokes of pastel chalk using…
RCHS Students Mandy Shuster, Lauren Kirger, Maria Pangalos, (CP residents) and Sarah Kaukol laugh together before going to the Winter Formal dance on January 24. The four girls have been close since seventh grade and went to Homecoming together as well. “It’s so nice to have such a close group of friends who have an…
Dr. Malin Sadler is opening his new Castle Pines concierge family practice, For the Family Medical Care, this month. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Malin Sadler New Castle Pines resident Malin Sadler, M.D. is excited about bringing his concierge-style medical care to the community. Sadler’s new family practice, For the Family Medical Care,…