The Connection

Tapestry Hills residents (left to right) Kieran, Cortney, Ryan, and Cale Williams.  Cortney underwent a voluntary double mastectomy last year as cancer prevention. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Courtney Williams With Breast Cancer Awareness month just around the corner, genetic testing for the BRCA genes may be an option to consider.  The BRCA gene…

Castle Pines neighbor Dennis Hendrickson (center) and his family enjoy a meal from California-based The Melt, now open in the dining hall at Park Meadows Retail Resort.  (Photo by Terri Wiebold)

Fifteen staff members at The Country Club at Castle Pines received scholarship money on behalf of the club members.  Left to right:  Ethan Baughman, Reed Wagstaff, Jordan Kauffmann, Mackenzie Maslowski, Kayla Trujillo, Mario Mangone, Morgan Adams, Ryan Hough, Blake Mounts, Justin “JT’ Kahn, Alexis Svenson, Kyle Parmley, and Lauren Simpson.  Not pictured: Sebastian Wilson and…

Ten-year-old Ferron Marx displayed her winning entry in the Food Truck Frenzy poster contest, which will be used for promotion of the event next summer. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Castle Pines Orthodontics The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Food Truck Frenzy this summer, but food was not the only…

10u World Series Championship Warriors wrapped up an amazing undefeated week on July 25.  Left to right, back row: Coaches Eric Jaworsky, Jon Shank (CP), Ryan Duman (CP), and Scott Bliek (CP); Front row:  Garrett Triplett, Chase Jaworsky, JT Shank (CP), Julian Terreza, Carson Tinney, Brody Bliek (CP), Dominick Cristinzio, Dylan Goltl, Noah Scott, Brayden Duman,…

Spector, Dodd & Associates hosted a community paper shred and computer recycling event on Saturday, August 1. The event was a rousing success, with more than 200 cars dropping off recycling.  The event raised roughly $1,500 for Connect Us, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help develop skills in young children with Autism.  The…

Liz Jurkowski and her son Wade waited for the light rail train at Lincoln Station in Lone Tree. Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski What little kid does not like a train ride?  And what mom would turn down some real quality time with her son or daughter?  On a beautiful summer weekend day, the…

Caption and photo by Amy Shanahan The Country Club at Castle Pines would like to congratulate Sean McCue for 20 years of service as the golf course superintendent at the club.  McCue has served in this position through many staff and club changes but still enjoys his job every single day.  “I love my job…

Castle Pines resident Jameson Benson (17) was crowned Douglas County Fair Queen 2016.  To learn more about Jameson, visit http://www.douglascountyfairandrodeo.com/royalty/. Douglas County Fair Queen Jameson Benson with Sheriff Tony Spurlock (right) and the 2016 royal court. Photo courtesy of Carla Kenny

Loralee Kaschinske and Martha Beck. Beverly Byrd and Molly Beck By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Douglas County Libraries Volunteering over the past year, four Castle Pines residents were recognized by Douglas County Libraries (DCL) on July 28 for their service and commitment to the libraries.  Each award winner received the President’s Volunteer Service Award,…

Thirteen-year-old Castle Pines resident Maiya Upton is an active participant with DCYO. Long time musician and conductor Thomas Blomster helps lead 35 young musicians at DCYO. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Julia Brochey Do you have a young orchestra musician looking to expand their horizons?  Douglas County Youth Orchestra (DCYO) may be just the…

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan; photos by Cindy Cranstone Close to 2,000 people made it out to Sterling Custom Homes’ annual luxury home tour in August.  Sterling, along with many of its trade partners showcased a beautifully custom-built home in Castle Pines Village.  Visitors were able to see the very latest in custom finishes…

By Patte Smith More successful than organizers imagined, the Lone Tree Link is going strong and will celebrate its first anniversary on September 17.  “We’ve been extremely impressed with the Lone Tree Link service and the positive response from riders who have chosen to utilize the free shuttle to get them to and from the…

Rocky Heights Middle School is proud of its new administrative team.  Left to right: Dean Kelly Corr, Assistant Principal Celine Wicks, Principal Dr. Jason Sears, and Assistant Principal Matt Wilson. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) experienced quite a bit of change over the summer, as its entire administrative staff…

By Patte Smith Autumn in Colorado is a sensory experience.  Whether on a weekend drive through the mountains or trekking along a path next to a stream, the beauty of fall colors is amazing.  Take a deep breath and smell the pines while enjoying the  breathtaking sights of the Rockies and the color palette of…

Members of Foundry Church in Castle Pines came together for the Do Good Challenge, helping others in need. By Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Debra Prince When you look around you, what do you see?  Do you see only the world, full of your worries and problems?  Or, do you see the…

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan While development in the 80108 zip code has been limited the past few years, residents in the southern portion of Castle Pines Village are seeing some new home construction. Home builder Taylor Morrison  featured  its “Under the Tuscan Sky” event at its new development in Castle Pines Village on…

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan School may be back in session, but summer is not over yet!  Castle Pines Village (CPV) residents celebrated going back to school with a kid’s carnival at the Summit Club and a pool party at the Canyon Club on a gorgeous day in August.  Both parties were hosted by…

Vacquero resident Jessie Kenny had a slew of supporters from the neighborhood at the Ironman Boulder finish line. Participating in her first Iron Man Triathlon ever, Kenny finished in just over 12 ½ hours last month in Boulder. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Jessie Kenny Jessie Kenny, resident of Vacquero, moved to Colorado two…

The CPV Ladies 3.5 Red team (two photos above) is all grins right after their state championship win on August 2!  Congratulations to the entire team — Jill Skinner, Liz Zeller, Stacia Novak, Karen Lang-Pluto, Diane David, Deb Rubida, Biz Hansen, Britney Anderson, Mary Elizabeth Lowen, Anthea Gerberg, Linda Hanson, Karin Miller and Mary Walker.…

By Elean Gersack On Saturday, September 19 from 8 a.m. to noon dogs and their owners will converge on the trails at Glendale Farm Open Space for a wag of a good time at the annual Denver Dumb Friends League’s Wag ‘n Trail.      The 1.6 mile hike will boast beautiful views and plenty of…

Outgoing Rotary club president Karen Becker (left) was thrilled to present the award for Rotarian of the Year to Renee Palmer (right) in thanks for her dedicated service to her local community. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of James McClung The Rotary Club of Castle Pines (RCCP) was thrilled to honor Renee Palmer as Rotarian…

Maria and Sophia Pangalos atop 14,265-foot Quandary Peak near Breckenridge with a photo-bombing mountain dog. Article and photos by Maria Pangalos, RCHS intern writer As the school year begins again, we fall back into the same routines; mom and dad at work, kids at school, kids go to activities after school, you all eat dinner…

Castle Pines Village residents Fred and Jana Bartlit are pictured with this year’s entertainers Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald.  The Lulu’s Barkin’ BBQ fundraiser is held at the Bartlit’s lovely home each year and benefits the Dumb Friends League.  This year the event raised nearly $800,000 and succeeded in finding new homes for ten lucky…

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Lisa Perini A big part of what makes Lulu’s Barkin’ BBQ such an amazing event (see related story front page) is the delicious food that is served each year.  Thanks to the wonderful folks from Perini Ranch Steakhouse out of Buffalo Gap, Texas, no one goes home hungry. Tom…

Caption and photos by Elean Gersack Matt and Kari Ansay (far left and far right) with dear friends John and Kristi Hermann of Castle Pines Village.  John served as Master of Ceremonies for the awards ceremony during the XDrive Classic Golf Tournament at The Club at Pradera on August 3.  Proceeds from the event went…

By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Dennis Murray We’ve all heard the saying, “those who can, DO; those who can’t, TEACH.”  Not so for professional golf coach and Castle Pines resident Dennis Murray.  A teaching professional at Valley Country Club in Centennial, Murray was just named the 2015 PGA Teacher of the Year.  This makes Murray…

Social worker Julia Gregson loves having her practice in the Coldwell Banker building on Happy Canyon Road in the heart of Castle Pines.  Her dog Claire is ever present by her side and is happy to greet visitors and clients alike. By Rachel Zetwick, intern writer; photo by Amy Shanahan When walking into Julia Gregson’s…

By Lynne Marsala Basche There is nothing better than getting outside on a crisp late summer or early fall Colorado day and participating in a local run or bike event.  And, if those events have zombies, color blasters or pumpkins, all the better.  Lace up your sneakers, get ready to walk, run or anything in…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Lucia McConnell Inspiration is everywhere you look.  For Castle Rock artist Cindy Welch, inspiration can be found in the form of a mailbox, colorful outdoor umbrellas and even business signs.  Welch’s latest commission, “The Barn,” which is being unveiled next month, represents her passion for capturing moments in…

By Lisa Crockett The Connection’s website has a fresh new look. When you visit www.castlepinesconnection.com you will find more than just a pretty face, however.  In a matter of seconds, readers can easily access information about any subject The Connection has covered – ever – plus a whole lot more! “Although we pride ourselves on…

By Lynne Marsala Basche The Castle Pines Rotary is excited to introduce BBQ, Brews & Banjos.  This family-friendly event is August 23 from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Bar Double F Ranch in Larkspur and is sure to be a toe-tapping good time.   Spend a relaxing summer afternoon enjoying delicious food and…

The recent HRC fundraiser taught the young cyclists respect for the trail system and also gave them some well-deserved pride in the work they accomplished. Pictured right:  After repairing more than 800 feet of trail, these HRC volunteers took a test ride to enjoy their hard work. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Kim Lockett…

More than 200 volunteers donated their time to Project Recycle, a local nonprofit organization that gives recycled bikes to children and adults in need.  These volunteers spent a beautiful day together at Elk Ridge Park in July.  Jim Mullen and his great-granddaughter Harper Ann Cooper both volunteered for Project Recycle and attended the event at…

Les Appel, pictured here in his home studio, enjoys playing live music at various venues around town and will be performing at The Social two different nights in August.  Come and check him out. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan In his retirement, Les Appel is engaging in two of his favorite passions: taking care…

Information and map provided by the City of Lone Tree The Regional Transportation District (RTD) staff recommended to the RTD Board of Directors July 14, to move forward with a proposal from Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Inc. (BBII) to design and build the Southeast Rail Extension. The proposal commits to completing construction of the line by…

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Katie Maltais The Lone Tree Arts Center (LTAC) has 136 ushers who volunteer their time and bring their enthusiasm to welcoming visitors to the various performances at the venue throughout the year.  Pictured here are the 2014 Usher of the Year Brenda Vitaska, Ambassador Barb Wisles, and the 2015…

By Adriana Hakes As locals know, The Village at Castle Pines is a quaint oasis nestled in the rolling hills of the Castle Pines community.  There you can wander through a potpourri of shops and businesses, and the aroma wafting from the patio at MiYO Café may very well draw you in to have a…

Riders who participate in the Race the MAC series are able to choose from a variety of classes in which to race in order to accommodate different abilities and age groups.  The spectacular setting and host of options at the park make this a really fun family-friendly event. Kim Lockett and her son Alex raced…

Girl Scout Troop 4486 members received their Bronze Awards. Some of Troop 4486 scouts, along with co-leaders Brenda Ferguson and Trina Wegner, delivered Bronze Award project baskets to Sky Ridge Hospital. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Brenda Ferguson In some way we all hope to help those who need it most, whether it…

By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Cari Ogg and Justin Day Local Castle Pines swim team, the Castle Crocs, ended the summer swim season and celebrated a decade of bringing the community together and developing its youth through swimming.   More than 20 new swimmers joined old veterans and moved up in the ranks…

Information provided by the Douglas Elbert REALTOR® Association Helping Hands is a community outreach program of the Douglas Elbert REALTOR® Association. Its mission is to help those in need within our community with home improvement projects to better a family’s quality of life. Helping Hands supports the elderly, the young, the disabled, the economically challenged,…

BRE’s new principal, John Veit, and his family on a summer vacation to Universal Studios in Florida before starting the new school year. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of John Veit A new school year always brings changes and excitement, and the halls of Buffalo Ridge Elementary school (BRE) are no exception.  In addition…

Gerald Albright tours throughout the world but his wife Glynis and his children Brandon and Selina are his foundation.  The family enjoyed time together for Father’s Day on the patio at The Country Club at Castle Pines.  Albright’s daughter Selina is a talented vocalist who will perform with her father at the end-of-the-summer party at…

The staff at Castle Pines Veterinary Clinic enjoyed the patio at Duke’s Steakhouse after work on a lovely Wednesday evening in July.  Thanks for allowing us to share your photo!

By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos Ever see the Louviers (pronounced loo-veers) sign on Santa Fe several miles north of Sedalia?  How many have crossed Plum Creek with the curiosity necessary to unravel a rather fascinating story?  Yes indeed, it is quite a tale, actually explosive when you get all the facts.   Let’s start in…

Alyda Macaluso of Castle Pines Village has been a fitness pro for more than 20 years and now co-owns Rejuvenation on the Rox/CoolSculpting with partner Roxy O’Bryan.  The office is located in Greenwood Village. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Alyda Macaluso of Castle Pines Village (CPV) has focused on fitness her whole life.  From…

Castle Pines resident Erin Novotny is a recent graduate of the Leadership Douglas County program.   She is pictured (fourth from the left) with her graduating class during the firefighter education portion of the program. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Carrie Buchan Erin Novotny is a Castle Pines resident who works for the Castle…

Information and photo provided by Douglas County On July 14, the Board of County Commissioners appointed Heidi Bowman of Castle Pines to fill a vacancy on the County’s Cultural Council.  Bowman, who also volunteers with Fresh Harvest Food Bank in Lone Tree, will serve the remainder of a three-year term that expires in January 2017.…

Pictured left to right, Front row: Bryce Jurin (CP), Gavin Jenkins, Jack DeLoera, Jace Vasbinder (CP), Parker Honig (CP), and Ashton Stamp; Middle row: Spencer Smith, Aiden Mitchell, Cayden Aragon, Owen Heersink, Tripp Mulstay (CP), JT Cross (CP), and Cole Kliewer (CP); Back row: Assistant Coach Justin Kliewer (CP), Head Coach Ray Cross (CP), Assistant…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office When an emergency occurs, cell phone users in Douglas County can now send a text message to 9-1-1. Texting to 9-1-1 provides accessibility to the hearing- and speech-impaired population and provides an alternative to reach help in a dangerous situation when a voice call is not possible…

The Ridge at Castle Pines North golf course was home to the USO’s 9th Annual Denver Golf Classic.  This annual event raises money to provide much needed support for American troops and their families.  The Color Guard – representing all branches of the Armed Forces – kicked off the tournament, which this year raised $25,000…

Directions to the Castle Rock Farmers Market, which opened for the 2015 season on July 11:  From Castle Pines, take I-25 south to the Wilcox/Wolfensberger exit, go east, follow the road south to Third Street, and turn right to Elbert Street. The Farmers Market and plenty of parking will be on the left. Information and…

“All things doughy” and “Babysitter Training” were just two of the classes offered during SOAR at Rocky Heights Middle School.  Students enjoyed seeing their friends and having new experiences in this unique program offered by the school. By Rachel Zetwick, intern writer; photos courtesy of Patti Anoff  This summer, incoming sixth, seventh, and eighth grade…

No cameras or cell phones were permitted inside the facility during the Denver FBI Teen Academy, which was attended by RCHS junior (now senior) Dakota Wendell. By Adriana Hakes; photo courtesy of Barb Wendell The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) wants to give young minds a chance to experience what working for them might look…

Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is seeking volunteers to assist with its homebound delivery service. Homebound delivery is available to Douglas County residents who are unable to leave their places of residence due to extended illness, health condition or disability.  Qualified residents complete reader profiles to let DCL know their…

Castle Pines resident Abby Kochevar achieved her first Olympic Trial time in the 100-meter backstroke clocking in at 1:03.13.  Kochevar began swimming at age nine and was breaking records with her summer swim team the Castle Crocs before moving on to swim for local club swim teams. “My best event is the 100 backstroke, but…

Special thanks to Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille for inviting The Castle Pines Connection to celebrate its 36th anniversary of fine dining and outstanding service.  Although Perry’s will be celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Lone Tree location in September, the company’s 36th anniversary was celebrated with a special promotion in July. Pictured above is Castle…

The Douglas County Garden Club hosted the Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs Southern District annual meeting at The Golf Club at Bear Dance in Larkspur.  The ladies peddled their club’s cookbooks, garden aprons, and mason bee boxes to raise money for the club. A toast to one of the club’s favorite socials, the Annual Summer…

RCHS Varsity Track and Cross Country runners chose to take it up a notch from the usual 5K meets and compete in this year’s Bolder Boulder 10K on May 25.  Left to right: Keegan King, Gabriel Tauber, Andrew Steavpack, Bryce Vrabel, and Ryan Meisner. Pictured above:  RCHS Varsity Track and Cross Country runners proudly wearing…

New Hope Presbyterian Church members helped beautify Buffalo Ridge Elementary on May 31.  Pictured front row, left to right:  Christy McDonald, Julia McDonald, Meadow Rodine, Jason McDonald, and Liam Abner.  Back row, left to right: Nina Amey, Madison Amey, Alyssa Piel, Pam Applegate, Heather Rodine, Chad Rodine, Bryan Crock, Saralyn Crock, Brennan Crock, Charlie Keely,…

By Rachel Zetwick, RCHS intern writer; photos by Amy Shanahan Janice Teply Wright, the founder of the Wright Collection, is growing her evening bag business to Castle Pines.  Wright and her husband, Chatt Wright, have lived in Castle Pines Village for two years and she looks forward to sharing her talents with the community. Wright’s…

The last three months have been unusually busy at The Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP) as it welcomed its new chief operating officer and general manager, Ryan Cozzetto and its new head golf professional, Dave Lopez. Cozzetto relocated to Colorado from Pebble Beach, California where he worked most recently at the Monterey Peninsula Country…