The Connection

Photo by Patte Smith FUNtastic says it all.  The Canyon Crew took on the Harlem Wizards in the second annual matchup at Rock Canyon High School in February.  The arena was jam-packed with basketball fans of every age screaming and laughing at the madcap antics as the teams dribbled, passed and dunked the ball.  One…

Local Women, Words and Wine book club had the opportunity to meet with local author of “The Bookseller” Cynthia Swanson, pictured fourth from the left, on February 16 to discuss her novel.  The Bookseller will become available in paperback on March 22.  The Castle Pines book club is comprised of 10 women who meet regularly…

By RHMS eighth grade students Taylor Muckel and Riley Masten; photo courtesy of Heather Haney When was the last time you stopped and thought about the amount of waste you produce?  Or, when you leave the house, do you make sure to turn all the lights off?  Sustainability is an issue that many people have…

Article and photo submitted by Carin Kirkegaard Spring is in the air and summer calendars are starting to fill in with family vacations, summer camps and sports.   In their eleventh season the local swim team, the Castle Crocs will once again provide a fun and healthy recreational experience for children ages five to 18…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of  Timber Trail Elementary The Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) fifth grade singers participated in the Douglas County Honor Choir Festival and Concert, which is an event that features selected singers from each participating elementary school.  The February 17 performance took place at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church under the…

By Amy Shanahan The Castle Pines Village Stingrays are gearing up for swim season.  Registration and sizing will take place in the homes association building on the lower level on April 12 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on April 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.   All kids between the ages of…

Crazy kids having a crazy time at the 2016 WinterFest celebration in Castle Pines Village.   Article and photo by Amy Shanahan WinterFest has become an annual tradition that residents of Castle Pines Village (CPV) look forward to each February.  The event brings the community together during the heart of winter to celebrate and reconnect.…

By Amanda Merriman A couple of months have passed now since many have made resolutions to eat healthier.  While intentions are good, it is likely that some of us have had difficulty keeping that promise to ourselves.  Luckily, in the era of technology that we live in, many apps have been created to help reach…

This full-length gown was created solely out of pages from The Castle Pines Connection’s first black and white issue in 2009.  Thank you to the Douglas/Elbert Task Force for loaning us the mannequin and to Cindy Cranstone for creating a gorgeous and memorable table! Article and photos by Terri Wiebold Preparations for the Chamber of…

By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of  Jeanne Gormley Pictured are several of the award-winning local artists featured at the 12th Annual Romancing the Arts show who were honored for their incredible talent.  Front row, left to right: Lee Goettling, Ilene Reed, Ann-Charlott Denslow, Amber Campbell, Gina Popolizo, Teresa Popolizo, and Richard Hahn.  Back row, left…

Submitted by the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation Do you love teaching children?  The Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) seeks teachers and teachers at heart who are interested in education or agriculture to help with our Connecting Kids to Agriculture education programs this spring. Volunteers conduct hands-on learning stations and provide program assistance in a fun…

Kathy Stevens cuddles with Panda, one of the many rescue dogs available for adoption during the telethon.  Kathy and other volunteers were kept busy on the phones as a record amount of donations were pledged. By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of Kathy Stevens The “Have a Heart for Homeless Pets” Dumb Friends League telethon was…

Thanks to all our readers who showed their team spirit and shared their photos with us.   To see a slideshow of the pictures, visit: http://photos.castlepinesconnection.com/slideshow/2016/broncos/

These students from RCHS invented an app that allows users to view all of their school and learning tools together in one place.  The app won best in region and best in state at a recent contest.  Left to right, top row: Ryan Vandersmith, Sam Ware, Jon Meade; middle row: Owen Vandersmith, and Kyler Barker…

Castle Pines resident Jenn Halvas (second from left) and her family are full of gratitude as we celebrate Heart Month.  She hopes that her own heart story will help someone else out there.  Although she has given up lifting heavy items and running, Jenn lives a full and active life with her three kids and…

Five student athletes from Rock Canyon High School were honored at an awards luncheon on January 15 at Chaparral High School.  Pictured from left to right: Allison Janedis, Ashley Bradley, Janielle Burrage and Abby Kochevar (not pictured: Mackenna Balman).  Janedis, Bradley and Kochevar reside in 80108. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of RCHS Rock Canyon…

This amazing group of boys was one of only two teams to win an environmental challenge sponsored by Lexus.  Left to right: Gianni Bonnici, Chase Martinez, Sam Murray, Owen Villas, Sam Isert, and David Blaeser.  Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Six Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) boys with a monumental challenge to overcome led…

RCHS students Avery Nowak, Erin Daniel, Marissa Metcalf, and Katie Suhanyi (CP)after becoming state qualifiers at the DECA District competition on December 9 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Article and photo by Maria Pangalos, RCHS intern writer Number of members, 215,000; high school chapters,  3,500; advisors, 5,500 … This is the result of a nonprofit…

Ken Elliott proudly stands alongside an example of his oil paintings on canvas.  “Oils are a wonderfully expressive medium.  The color range is very large and you can have extremes of light and dark, all happening on the canvas like an unruly orchestra.  It takes time and skill to make it all come together in…

By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of the Lyng Family Castle Pines Village neighbor Benjamin Lyng has filed as a Republican candidate for Colorado State Senate District 4, in Douglas County.  The seat is currently held by Senate Majority Leader Mark Scheffel, who is term limited. “My wife and I chose to live in Douglas County…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Janine Glennon “We love what happens around the table.”   That simple statement from VistaVino Modern Grill’s owner, Janine Glennon, embodies her and her husband’s, chef Michael Glennon, philosophy about their  restaurant.  With a Tuscan-inspired menu, VistaVino is one of Castle Rock’s newest dining experiences. The Glennons’  love of…

Co-founders Dan Long and Marley Hodgson with Kristen, Colin, Ryan, and Martin Boublik. Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik Colorado based MAD Greens is one of the latest new restaurants to open in Castle Rock.  Located off Founders Parkway on Factory Shops Blvd., MAD Greens goal is to help guests “Eat Better” by providing fast,…

Sledding for free in the shadows of Breckenridge Ski Resort – not a bad way to spend the day! Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski In the wintertime, Breckenridge has much to offer: World class skiing, quaint restaurants and shops, and a busy Main Street that takes visitors back in time as they maneuver through…

Left to right: Kristine Orr, Jacqueline Shuler, Jami Arthur, Carol Hein, and Veronica Vyhmeister are a few of the local artists who are exhibiting their art at the 12th Annual Romancing the Arts Show.  By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Michelle Campbell Experienced sculptors, fine arts painters, nouveau artists, and illustrators are among the many…

Jeff Coufal was recently appointed the district manager for the Castle Pines Metropolitan District, which services Castle Pines Village.  Coufal is pictured here with his wife Jana at their daughter Paige’s graduation from Colorado School of Mines. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Jeff Coufal The Castle Pines Metropolitan District (CPMD) Board of Directors was…

By Elean Gersack The Castle Pines Arts & Cultural Foundation (CPACF), together with Colorado Chamber Orchestra’s Educational Outreach have planned an intimate evening of world-class jazz, wine, and eats to benefit ongoing support for before and after school elementary school orchestra programs in Douglas County – including all feeder elementary schools for Rock Canyon and…

Information submitted by Parker Water and Sanitation District The Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority is again seeking input from the public to develop the Rueter-Hess Reservoir Recreation Master Plan. The process began in November with an online survey that garnered nearly 4,000 responses. Phase two of the planning process will now include developing concept alternatives for public…

By Lynn Zahorik Douglas County taxpayers who are 65 years or older as of January 1 may qualify for an attractive tax exemption.  The Homestead Senior Property Tax Exemption was created through the state of Colorado for senior citizen taxpayers who have owned their property for at least 10 consecutive years and occupy the property…

By Kathy Fallert While the “official” kindergarten registration for the 2016-2017 school year took place last month, kindie registration is still ongoing at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and also Timber Trail Elementary (TTE).   According to BRE registrar Christy Smith, kindergarten registration is down at both schools this year.  “I think parents might not be…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of American Academy With a theme of “What would you do to get your students to read?”, the American Academy (AA) annual book fair kicked off with high expectations and an abundance of school spirit from beginning to end … especially the end. AA students had a goal to…

The Connection writer Amanda Merriman admits she is hopelessly addicted to books.  It has been this way nearly all her life.  Every month she will share what she has been reading with the hope that others will share in her obsession. For the month of February, this bibliophiliac chose another book in the genre of…

By Lisa Crockett; graphics courtesy of the City of Castle Pines Nearly seven years after the City of Castle Pines approved its annexation, land on the east side of town will soon have homes dotting its landscape.   Zoning for the land east of I-25 between the Hess Road and Happy Canyon Road interchanges includes…

By Amanda Merriman How many times have you committed to attend a fancy event and then thought to yourself, “I would pay someone to let me NOT go to the party”?  Well, here is your opportunity to do just that … Joseph Roos, founder and executive director of Hide in Plain Sight (HIPS) would like to…

Left to right: BRE Principal John Veit and technology instructors Monica Harmon and Jody Robinson are pictured with the 80 new Chromebooks that were purchased from the proceeds of the school’s Boosterthon fundraiser last month. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of John Veit Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) technology instructors Monica Harmon and Jody Robinson are…

Press release submitted by Castle Rock Citizens for Responsible Development A group of concerned Castle Rock residents has formed an issue committee that they hope will hold Castle Rock Town Council members accountable and maintain the Town’s small-town charm in the midst of a period of potential unprecedented growth. Currently, the Town of Castle Rock…

The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce elected and welcomed three new board members at its annual luncheon held on January 20 at Seasons 52 in Lone Tree.  The board of directors is comprised of a variety of business owners from the community who take an active role in supporting and promoting the business community in…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori DCS Montessori (DCSM) teachers always strive to teach lessons that align with the Cougars values, which are compassion, ownership, unity, generosity, achievement, responsibility and success.  First through third graders learned a valuable lesson in compassion and generosity by creating hygiene packs for the homeless. Paul Brannberg’s…

By Terri Wiebold; maps by Tim Gamble In December 2015, Western States Lodging submitted a land use application to develop a 176 unit assisted living facility on the 7-acre property located on the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard in the City of Castle Pines. The proposed  “Legacy Village of Castle Pines”…

By Lynn Zahorik Animal lovers are invited to tune in to 9NEWS KUSA/KTVD on Thursday, February 11 for the Dumb Friends League “Have a Heart for Homeless Pets Telethon.” The 18th annual telethon will air during news programming and commercial breaks from 5:00 a.m. to 10:35 p.m. The event will feature adorable, adoptable pets and…

Let leisure time at the dog park remain stress free, knowing you have taken the necessary precautions to keep your personal property safe from theft and vandalism. Article and photo by Amanda Merriman Imagine taking the dog for a walk to burn off some energy at the neighborhood dog park and coming back to your…

By Elean Gersack It is time to think about registering kids for sports leagues and activities.  Here is a quick reference guide to some of the most popular leagues and recreational activities around.   Castle Pines Athletics Stay in the community and play at home with Castle Pines Athletics. Register now for soccer (boys and girls…

On December 9, a Castle Pines bunco group that has been meeting for more than seven years met at Lin Giampietro’s house to celebrate the season, play bunco and give back.  Pictured seated left to right: Lisa Bartmann, Alyda Macaluso, Alison Weiner, Alison Peery, Lauren Patterson, Angela Williams; pictured standing left to right: Diane Stavaski,…

Article by Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Jeff Stotler Castle Pines (CP) residents didn’t sleep in on a blustery, snowy Thanksgiving morning as they trekked to Elk Ridge Park for the third annual Punt, Pass, and Kick Competition.   With temperatures hovering around 20 degrees and the park covered in snow and ice, the contestants…

By Nancy Koontz; photo courtesy of the Davis Family The Starbuck neighborhood of Castle Pines Village recently lost a dear friend and neighbor, Frank Nuebel.  Highly regarded by all, Frank was only 55 years old when he lost his courageous battle with cancer.  He was a local resident for more than 25 years and he…

Submitted by Douglas County Libraries Volunteers quickly discover the joy of bringing storytime fun to children in childcare centers in Douglas County through Book Start, a program offered by Douglas County Libraries (DCL). DCL “Getting Started” workshop provides a book start orientation, and offers tips and techniques to help volunteers learn to blend beautifully written…

Connection writer Amanda Merriman admits she is hopelessly addicted to books.  It has been this way nearly all her life.  Every month she will share what she has been reading with the hope that others will share in her obsession too. Christina Baker Kline, author of this month’s book selection, found inspiration for the novel…

Congratulations to Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce staff members Amy Shanahan and Carla Kenny.  Shanahan (left) joins the staff as membership director and Kenny (right) has been promoted to president.  Article and photo by Elean Gersack The New Year brings change to the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce.  Former Vice President  Carla Kenny has been…

Womenade is dedicated to aiding the Castle Rock and Castle Pines community through a network of caring women.  Womenade of Castle Rock began in March 2004 and has raised more than $72,000 and helped more than 150 families in the community since then.  In December, the group met at the Castle Rock home of Libby…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Castle Rock Adventist Hospital Castle Rock Adventist Hospital (CRAH) celebrated the grand opening of its $1.5 million labor and delivery unit expansion in December by having expectant parents Denver Broncos punter Britton Colquitt and his wife Nikki host the ribbon-cutting event.  The Colquitts will have their third child…

Firefighters extinguish a house fire on November 21 in Lone Tree that was started by a charging Lithium polymer battery. Article and photo submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Authority South Metro Fire Rescue would like to alert residents about a real and present fire danger that could exist in your home this season.  …

This aerial drawing shows the location of the soon-to-be built Sierra Grill in the northeast corner of RidgeGate Commons and the partially excavated area in the southeast corner where the Marriot TownePlace will be located. By Patte Smith; architectural renderings courtesy of the City of Lone Tree and BOSS Architecture Two new projects will soon…

A recreation master plan will help determine future amenities at Rueter-Hess Reservoir.  Residents are encouraged to participate in the online survey by January 8. By Terri Wiebold; photo illustration by Tim Gamble The Rueter-Hess Reservoir Recreation Authority (Recreation Authority), comprised of the Parker Water & Sanitation District and its five regional partners – Castle Pines,…

Submitted by the Town of Castle Rock The secret is out – Castle Rock is a great place to live and play outdoors.  Soon, a new pedestrian bridge will help connect the Town of Castle Rock (Town) trail system and make discovering this great community even easier.   Construction on the new Wolfensberger Pedestrian Bridge…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) third graders participated in an exciting economics and civics project as part of project based learning.  The project “Lean on Me” used the Douglas County School District’s World Class Outcomes to take learning beyond the traditional classroom by “adopting” four families…

DCSM sixth grade students took a tour of Judi’s House in Denver and delivered a check from the proceeds of their Holiday Gift Shop.  This year’s donation will help provide comprehensive care to grieving children and caregivers through various services and programs. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori Each year, DCS Montessori…

The RCHS varsity volleyball team won regionals and advanced to the state championship this season, for the first time.  A majority of the girls have been playing together since middle school.  By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Monty Nuss Photography and courtesy photo The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) varsity volleyball team recently wrapped up…

Ashley Oxton’s business, Discovery Running is about “Discovering the world around you each time you take that first step and breathe in the fresh air.  It is discovering more about yourself each time you head out for a run, and discovering what you are capable of doing,” she said. By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of…

RHMS students took time to serve others this holiday season.  These students volunteered at City Square in Denver by providing meals and groceries to those in need. By RHMS eighth grade student Emmy Xu; Photo courtesy of RHMS Yearbook Do you want to build a snowman? A frozen heart cannot hope to rival the kind-hearted…

By Lisa Nicklanovich Is there an area of your home that is disorganized and makes you feel overwhelmed or just a little annoyed? An unofficial survey led to a common theme of areas in people’s homes that collect clutter.  See if any of these areas in your home could use some organization and hopefully these…

Sage Canyon student Molly McGillicuddy practiced chest compressions as part of the school’s new first aid, CPR and AED training. By Lynne Marsala Basche; Photo courtesy of Sage Canyon Elementary Lifesaving emergencies happen unexpectedly, and courtesy of a new program at Sage Canyon Elementary, third through sixth graders will know what to do should they…

By Elean Gersack There are many great fields and parks in Castle Pines available by reservation for sports practices, parties or gatherings. The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District manages Coyote Ridge, Daniels Gate, and The Retreat Parks, while the City of Castle Pines manages Elk Ridge Park.  Here is how to make reservations: Coyote Ridge,…

The first Sports Night at RHMS was enjoyed by all of the athletes who attended to honor the accomplishments of the cross country, volleyball and football teams.  Here the eighth grade football team is seen giving a final cheer. By RHMS eighth grade student Jack Hibbett; Photo courtesy of Curtis Hughes On December 1, Rocky…

In 2014, polar plungers Detective Chad Teller, Sergeant Ron Hanavan, Captain Jason Kennedy, and County Attorney Kelly Dunaway jumped in the freezing water – Armani suits and all.  Spectators are encouraged to bundle up and cheer on Douglas County’s local law enforcement heroes for the Polar Plunge at the Aurora Reservoir on February 20 and…

SnowSports 365 is a winter sports park being considered by the Town of Castle Rock to be located at Philip S. Miller Park. By Elizabeth Wood West; drawing provided by the Town of Castle Rock SnowSports 365, a newly proposed year-round winter sports park for the Philip S. Miller Park in Castle Rock, is currently…

The Parker Panthers ‘A’ team brought their A game and pulled out a championship (pictured from left to right) Evan Armstrong, Chase Cartwright, and Jackson Parrill. RHMS student and Parker Panther runner Carter Brand pictured with the McFarland coaches David Diaz (left) and Thomas Valles (right) who were two of the original runners that the…

PieZanos – A Slice of Heaven By Lynne Marsala Basche; Food Editor Located in historic Sedalia, PieZanos is reminiscent of an old-school pizzeria.  It is the kind of establishment that evokes nostalgic feelings of a favorite pizza place where kids went for a slice after a movie, coaches grabbed a pie for a celebratory win…