The Connection

By Amy Shanahan In need of a babysitter? Want to sell your patio furniture? Know about a fun local event? Looking for a plumber? Had a bear sighting? If you haven’t yet been introduced to the Nextdoor website, you may want to take a look to see what you’ve been missing. Nextdoor is a private…

Information and photos provided by Carla Kenny Peak Potential Chiropractic officially opened its doors on April 28 and held its ribbon cutting with the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce on May 13.. Numerous friends and family members, as well as community members came out to celebrate with Dr. Megan Fowler and her staff. “All of…

On May 10, Valor Christian High School had its groundbreaking ceremony for The Valor Center for Culture and Influence; A multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art center on Valor’s main campus that will house classrooms, music and performance studios, and a main stage theater. (Photos courtesy of Valor.)

By Lisa Crockett The Missoula Children’s Theater (MCT), a Montana arts group aimed at allowing children to participate in the performing arts, will spend a week in residency at Rocky Heights Middle School. The one-week program takes participants through the process of putting on a play, in this case “The Wizard of Oz,” from audition…

Celebrate Summer Solstice at Elk Ridge Park Come celebrate the longest day of the year at the Castle Pines Summer Solstice Fair at Elk Ridge Park on June 21 from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. This fun-filled and educational family event, brought to the community by the Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation, will include…

Seventh grader Gigi Pacheco captured first place for her impromptu speech “During the Storm” at the 2014 Trophy Speech Meet hosted by the Denver Archdiocese. By JulieAnna Reinhardt; photo courtesy of Monica Pacheco It’s all in the way you say it. That’s the winning strategy for Castle Pines resident Gigi Pacheco. Pacheco is a seventh…

Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Hankering for a small town experience? Motor down to Palmer Lake, a hamlet attracting day trippers for a century. Founded because General William Palmer needed water for his Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, her natural beauty, history and gustatory charms attract thousands on weekends April through November. Developer and…

Information provided by Douglas County The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo would not be as successful as it is today without the vision, dedication, and hard work of its volunteers. Several different volunteer opportunities for youth, adults and seniors are offered during the fair, August 7-10. Volunteers will receive a four-day general admission pass. For…

Denise Kelly of Forest Park and her black lab blue heeler named Moe are excited to be a therapy team. Their first stop will be Swedish Medical Center where Moe will comfort pre- and post-surgery patients. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Denise Kelly Denise Kelly of Forest Park knows firsthand the power of a…

Mother’s Day 2008, Weez Altomari pictured with her two sons, Chris (left) and Greg (right). Greg lost his life to colon cancer in 2009. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of the Altomari Family Most of us have lost a loved one at some point in our lives, be it a relative, a friend, or a…

Bryan Warnecke’s team name is Pink Lightning, a tribute to the nickname his goalie coach gave him referring to his lightning speed and pink goalie pads. In 2013 Bryan and his dad Steve completed the two-day Courage Classic, and this year Bryan has set his sights on a much bigger goal. By Amy Shanahan with…

By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Carla Kenny Spring cleaning and good reading go hand in hand in Castle Pines. For the fourth year in a row, residents convened at a “book swap” event sponsored by the Castle Pines North Master Association. Ten volunteers spent nearly four hours sorting and arranging more than 1,500 books…

Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Through the Partnership of Douglas County Governments (PDCG), nine partner organizations have worked together to create and launch a new countywide website for volunteers. This innovative community resource offers one-stop shopping for volunteers wanting to share their time and skills in the communities of Douglas County. “The online portal…

This May, half of AA’s graduating eighth grade class finished its entire elementary education at the school. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Terri Ary On May 22, a significant milestone was achieved at American Academy (AA). On that day, 34 of the 70 graduating eighth graders had the unique distinction of being the…

By Lynne Marsala Basche Choose the event, lace up those sneakers, and get moving in the 2nd annual Castle Rock Pick It! Run It! Rock It! Half Marathon. On June 28, 600 runners are expected to dash their way through Castle Rock’s charming streets, scenic open spaces, and along the shady East Plum Creek Trail.…

By Patte Smith A few Independence Day celebrations are close by in the Douglas County area and there are some fun ones planned in the Denver Metro area as well. A Fourth of July Parade, 5K race, and celebration will be held on July 4 in Highlands Ranch at Town Center North and South east…

FitCamp participants (left to right): Liah Lopez, Tracey Hopkins, Christy Lott, Linda Nystrom, and Abeer Miller. Castle Pines resident Marcio Stewart started a new program in January that is booming. He was looking for people to join him in a local fitness group that would exercise together at Elk Ridge Park since there is no…

Information provided by the DCSO The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) continues to receive reports of a fraudulent scheme where someone is representing themselves to be a DCSO deputy. The suspect calls on the phone and tells the citizen they have to immediately pay a fee in order to prevent their driver’s license from being…

The Rock Canyon boys varsity ice hockey team celebrated its second year making the state championship game. This year the team played hard but lost a tough battle against Chaparral High School 4-1, taking second in state. By Elean Gersack; information and photo provided by the Ansay Family   The Rock Canyon High School boys…

New life comes to Daniels Park each spring. In addition to the dozen or so new baby bison born this year, operations supervisor and Daniels Park caretaker Matt Brown is a new dad too. He is looking forward to teaching his four-month-old son Hunter all about life in Daniels Park. Article and photo by Lisa…

Article and map by Patte Smith In April, the Lone Tree City Council (City)approved an amendment to the RidgeGate Retail District Sub-Area Plan that affects the development of Lincoln Commons. The new plan will now encompass more commercial and mixed-use development instead of predominately retail. “This new plan was amended in response to an updated…

On May 15 the Interact Club presented a check in the amount of $2,500 to Castle Pines Village resident Dr. Brian Van Vechten (left) who represented the “Be the Change” organization. Interact Club Vice President Olivia Voss said, “‘Be The Change’ is a great organization. It helps build schools in third-world countries, and education is…

The 230-acre Philip S. Miller Park in Castle Rock is scheduled to open phase one in November and will eventually have many indoor/outdoor amenities, including a year-round ski/snowboard slope, zip line, pool, athletic fields, batting cages, hiking/biking trails, themed playgrounds, and more. By Elizabeth Wood West; renderings provided by The Town of Castle Rock; image…

Philip S. Miller By Joe Gschwendtner; historical information provided by the Douglas County History Research Center I was raised the son of a butcher. My father worked his last job in Castle Rock. The comparison ends quickly though, as I am a regular Joe. Philip S. Miller’s father (Philip Sr.)was also a butcher, while his…

Robert “Bob” Pasicznyuk Director of Douglas County Libraries The Douglas County Libraries Board of Trustees has selected Robert “Bob” Pasicznyuk as the next director of Douglas County Libraries. Pasicznyuk assumed his new role last month. Pasicznyuk comes to Douglas County from Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he was the director of the public library. Previous to that…

The 12U Colorado Force baseball team will be heading to Cooperstown Dreams Park in New York for competition and a memorable baseball experience. The team includes: Case Williams, Cole Doebele, Cole Greer, Declan Wiesner, Elliott Herrmann, Gavin Roberts, Jackson Yarborough, Josh Pinello, Raef Ruel, Seth Sewell and Ty Lukins. Co-head coaches are Paul Yarborough and…

By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Douglas Land Conservancy Noted local and regional landscape artists who hail from Montana, Idaho, New Mexico, and Colorado will gather in June for an en plein air painting event in Douglas County to benefit Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC) land trust. The artists will spend the week of June 23…

Dr. Kristopher Hart, wife Tara, and daughters Rowan (2) and Holland (4). By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Crib Tales Photography Dr. Kristopher Hart, wife Tara, and daughters Holland (4) and Rowan (2), have only lived in Castle Pines for one year and already have a long list of “likes” about the community. Hart…

Caspar Placke speaking before the Castle Rock Town Council to gain support for his Eagle Scout project. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Caspar Placke Several years ago, Boy Scout Caspar Placke was living in Virginia and volunteered by assisting physically wounded veterans from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This experience profoundly…

By Lisa Crockett June 14 is Flag Day – a holiday believed to have been founded by a Wisconsin school teacher to teach students about the history and care of the American Flag. For your Flag Day observance, remember: The flag should be flown in sunlight or lighted by an appropriate light source. The flag…

Article and photos by Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Mark Wilkins Photography History can be a dull recitation of facts, a punishing exercise in rote memorization. Or it can be the most fun a student has ever had. Some innovative teachers at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) are working toward the latter by using a full-body…

Sheri Aspinall of Canterbury and her dog Buckley. Aspinall experienced yeast overgrowth which greatly affected her health and now she helps others through bio-meridian testing. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Sheri Aspinall It was 2009 when Sheri Aspinall of Canterbury noticed she wasn’t feeling well.  She was having trouble breathing, especially at night, and…

By Elean Gersack; journal entries by Lucy H. (BRE fifth grade student) and Jack P. (TTE fifth grade student); courtesy photos The week of May 12 was a special time for many fifth graders in Castle Pines. Students from Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) spent two and a half days at…

Cindy Walsworth, a library staffer at DCS Montessori is honored by students at the school on the occasion of her retirement. Walsworth worked at the school for 14 years. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett When students in the library at DCS Montessori School seemed to spontaneously break into dancing to Pharrell Williams’ popular song…

By Lisa Crockett; photos by Cindy Cranstone A night out with friends or loved ones is always a treasure. If you’re lucky enough to spend it with great food and good views, it’s priceless. Brio Tuscan Grille is just the kind of place to spend a leisurely and enjoyable summer’s evening. “Our patio faces the…

This area of necrotic ring spot in a BrambleRidge yard shows the typical circle pattern of dead grass caused by a fungus that is hard to treat. The BrambleRidge HOA will treat 22 yards in that subdivision this spring and fall. Ring Spot is common in Colorado and has been the subject of many studies…

By Patte Smith Each child is a very special gift to the world. Many children grow up in secure and happy homes while others suffer abuse or neglect. In the hope of helping the children who have endured hardships, the Douglas County Human Services Department is partnering with Arapahoe and Jefferson County in the Collaborative…

The Cinco de Mayo Festival in The Village at Castle Pines was a blast for the hundreds of neighbors who came out to celebrate on a gorgeous spring evening. Hosted by The Social and other local merchants, the party featured something for everyone. Denver’s ever-popular band “The Nacho Men” provided live music and kept the…

By Kathy Fallert It’s that time again … inflate those tires, don the old helmet, and join more than 25,000 Coloradans on the annual Bike to Work Day. Much of the country celebrates Bike to Work Day in May, but due to Colorado’s mountain communities and unpredictable weather, we celebrate Colorado Bike Month in June,…

Fifteen-year-old Castle Pines resident Claire Green was selected by the Colorado Rapids to play as a partner athlete for its Special Olympics Unified Soccer Team this summer. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Special Olympics Colorado Tapestry Hills resident and Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) sophomore Claire Green was recently selected as part of the…

RCHS drama students pose for the camera during the 49th annual high school theatre conference, December 4 through December 6 at the Colorado Convention Center. By Michael Shapiro, RCHS intern writer From December 4 through December 6, thirty-six Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) drama students attended the 49th annual high school theatre conference (often referred…

By Patte Smith Spring is here and summer is around the corner, so local farmers markets are getting in full swing. Many of the markets are around the Douglas County area, while others are fun to attend in Denver metro neighborhoods. Farmers markets feature produce that is grown locally and often feature food that is…

New member Kathy Pollock enjoyed being one of the models in the fashion show and wearing beautiful clothes from Parker Panache Boutique. “I’m a new resident who recently moved out here knowing absolutely no one. This group of women has been so incredibly warm and welcoming and has made my settling in so much easier…

Fifth graders use a homemade all-natural cleaner they made in class to wash the exterior windows of the school during PRIDE Day at BRE. Article and photos by Elean Gersack It was a busy day at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) on Thursday, April 24. The day was all about PRIDE – perseverance, respect, integrity,…

A dedicated athlete and honors student, Jessica Dillon is remembered as someone who was kind to all. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of the Dillon Family Compassion, humor, and generosity. These words sum up the short life of Castle Pines resident and CSU student Jessica Dillon. An enthusiastic and exuberant young adult, Jessica collapsed and…

HOA2 moms Carrie Butler, Alexandra Wight, Tara Broyd, Lee Ann Hilgendorf, and Michele Laity – along with their kids, celebrate the new play structure they helped to select for HOA2 in Castle Pines. Article and photo by Elean Gersack HOA2 in Castle Pines has a brand-new play structure, thanks in part to some local moms.…

The sidewalks outside of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School were chalked with positive messages and good wishes before school as an act of kindness earlier his year. Article and photo by Lynne Marsala Basche Kindness is fun. Kindness is contagious. Kindness is infiltrating the Castle Pines community this summer. Be a part of the kindness campaign…

BREA hospitality gurus Jill Johnson, Valerie Miller and Michelle Rafter celebrate with many staff members after the staff lounge makeover reveal! Article and photos by Elean Gersack Weekend renovations aren’t just for television. On Monday, May 5, teachers and staff at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) were surprised with delight as they discovered a freshly…

Dylan Hettinger Article and photos by Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Michelle Hettinger Canyon Fitness was proud to participate in Light It Up Blue, a global program designed to raise awareness of the one in sixty-eight children affected by autism. The month of April is designated Autism Awareness Month, and businesses, communities, organizations and historic…

Faith Geiger (above) gets twisted up in a super-sized game of Twister at Timber Trail Elementary’s Move-a-Thon last month, while second grader Sawyer Boeke (below) works his hula muscles. The event raised money for the school and gave students a chance to exercise their minds and their bodies. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Getting…

The first annual “Daughters, Defense and Dessert” night at RHMS attracted numerous students and their parents. All learned valuable basic self-defense moves and enjoyed time as a community. The school plans to host the event again next year with a separate event geared towards boys and their parents. By Hannah Seely, RHMS intern writer; photos…

The Girls on the Run program at Renaissance Expeditionary School in Castle Rock raised money to send six at-risk kids to summer camp this summer by holding a baked goods and crafts sale, as well as a sponsored lap run. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Janell Lewis Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a…

Fifth grade girls Emma and Lucy light up the stage during their performance of the song “Vogue” during the fifth grade show. By Jack Basche, BRE Ridgeline staff reporter; photos courtesy of Cari Ogg For the past 14 years, Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) School has put together an outstanding fifth grade show, and they did…

George Waggett’s participation in a running group through Achilles International has greatly increased his confidence. Aside from improving his running endurance, Waggett has enjoyed the support of other athletes with various disabilities. Waggett competed in the Cherry Creek Sneak 5K alongside Deb Conley, the president and founder of Lending Sight. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy…

These 19 players chosen for this year’s team represent the best of the best of talent spread across each age group and they make the games exciting to watch. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Visions Photography With eight wins and only one loss, the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) varsity girls soccer team is…

Alyssa Montoya outside Valor Christian High School with her Kalos Film Festival award for the Best Overall Film of 2014. Article and photo by JulieAnna Reinhardt The art of filmmaking takes talent and creativity, and Castle Pines resident Alyssa Montoya has made an impact on those around her by bringing to light the subject of…

  Left: A hay ride to see the sights is fun at any age! Right: Local 4-H and FFA students showing their prize sheep. Information and photo provided by CALF Join the fun at historic Lowell Ranch and learn about rural life at the Colorado Agriculture Leadership Foundation’s (CALF) Farm & Ranch Day on May…

Hayden Baker and McKenna Monkelien perform their rendition of “Rapunzel.” Article and photo by Lisa Crockett First graders at Timber Trail Elementary enjoyed a moment in the spotlight as they re-interpreted classic fairy tales. After crafting scripts, costumes, and scenery, the students performed for kindergartners at the school. “This project was all about the kids learning…

By Elizabeth Wood West Colorado voters have two important regularly scheduled elections to participate in for 2014 – the Primary Election in June and the General Election in November. Primary Election – Considered by many to be one of the most important phases of an election, a Primary Election is essentially a nominating election when…

Valor Christian High School teacher and professional musician Marty Magehee at home in his Valor studio. Article and photo by JulieAnna Reinhardt With five million music albums sold worldwide, twenty-seven number one singles, more than four thousand concert performances, and a Grammy nomination, you have a star. But Castle Pines resident Marty Magehee isn’t just…

Just outside of the senior hall was the New Orleans-themed “Cafe Du Monde,” which provided coffee and refreshments to keep everyone going throughout the night. Article and photos by Andrew Bohren, RCHS intern writer Almost any given night of the year, the inside of Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) looks like any other high school.…

Coaches Andy Russell (left) and Deanna Driver are bringing CrossFit to the Safeway Shopping Center in Castle Pines. On May 5, CrossFit Castle Pines will celebrate its grand opening. The new gym, or “box” as it is called in CrossFit lingo, is located in the Safeway shopping center. The gym has already been open for…

Tammy Lopez Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce; Press release provided by The Tammy Lopez Agency As a business leader and involved citizen in the Castle Pines area, Allstate Tammy Lopez Agency LLC has been designated an Allstate Premier Agency for 2014. The Allstate Premier Agency designation is bestowed on less than 48…

Rockfest Junior is on Sunday, June 22 at 3 p.m. in Civic Green Park, Highlands Ranch. Get ready to rock and read with Douglas County Libraries and Project: LIVE! Celebrate music and literacy as we jam out to music from the Grammy-winning Okee Dokee Brothers, Vered, and the School of Rock House Band. Enjoy crafts,…

Submitted by the Crisis Center Jump on your bike on May 17 and ride to support the Crisis Center and its goal of ending domestic violence. Join in at the Cycle Against Violence bike ride for riders of all levels. There will be a half-century ride, along with a 30-mile ride and an 8-mile family…

This year’s Town Trolley tour will feature eleven historic properties made from locally-quarried rhyolite, including The Cantril School and Victoria’s House/Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos provided by Castle Rock Museum The Castle Rock Museum and Town of Castle Rock are inviting the public to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month by…

The red barn and silo, which are visible from Daniels Park Road, were originally used for hay and dairy cattle. Information re-printed from contributions by Linda Nuzum to the December 2006 issue of The Connection; photo by Tim Gamble Castle Pines [North] residents are fortunate to have access to thousands of acres of open space…

The 80108 zip code is home to suburban and rural neighborhoods and boasts the gamut of businesses ranging from mom-and-pop to larger retail, as well as a top-grade educational system. What’s great about 80108? It’s where a diverse group of people live and work. A place we all call home. By Lisa Crockett; graphic by…