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Photos courtesy of Cindy KessingerCastle Pines Connection Account Manager Cindy Kessinger (above center) joins community leaders and guests for the Charles Schwab ribbon cutting ceremony on October 1. Pictured below: Lone Tree Mayor Jim Gunning (second from left) and Douglas County Commissioner Jill Repella (far right) officially welcomed Charles Schwab to the community.
By Lynne Marsala Basche Once again, our Castle Pines residents came through in a big way for the community! The Castle Pines Connection-sponsored Second Thrill Spooktacular was a frightful success, and children throughout the county benefited from your generosity. Together, Castle Pines residents donated nearly 100 Halloween costumes to the Douglas/Elbert Task Force, and some…
We Deliver is a family-owned restaurant food delivery service now available in the Castle Pines and Castle Rock area. We Deliver owners Rob Bryant, wife Beth, and daughter Stephanie (center) at their home in Parker. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Rob Bryant Rob Bryant, wife Beth, and daughter Stephanie have launched an independent…
The Wellspring Wonders Choir performed to a packed audience and received a standing ovation. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Wellspring Community Wellspring Community (Wellspring) held its sixth annual fundraiser in September and gave its guests a more personal glimpse into the success of this local non-profit organization. Wellspring provides services to young adults…
Submitted by Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The Best Western Plus Castle Rock received the Best Western Champion Customer Care Award at the company’s international convention held recently in Toronto, Ontario. The award was presented in front of more than 2,000 hoteliers. This honor is bestowed upon those member properties that demonstrate and best exemplify…
Becky Cohen and her coven of Castle Pines witches celebrated at their annual Wine and Witches Party in early October. Cohen has been hosting the party at her home in Castle Pines Village since 2001 and no detail is overlooked – spooky Halloween décor, ghoulish hors d’oeuvres, and of course, a special witches brew! (Photos…
By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Jennie Cartwright and Katie Abner The first Saturday of October was a beautiful day with sunny blue skies and warm temperatures … much nicer than on this same Saturday in recent years! Students, parents, teachers and more gathered for the annual Buffalo Ridge Rock Slide fun run in the…
Four Rock Canyon High School students were recently named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. Pictured left to right: Jessica Dobler, Chase Henry, Lucas Laughlin, and Gabriel Tauber. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Kathleen Kennedy Four Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students – Gabriel Tauber, Jessica Dobler, Lucas Laughlin, and Chase Henry were recently named National…
A real Colorado avid golfer, Chris Phillips is pictured with his wife Holly, son Walker, and daughter Lainey. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Chris Phillips Colorado native and Castle Pines resident Chris Phillips has his favorites when it comes to golf courses. This should come as no surprise since Phillips works for…
RHMS eighth grade student and Castle Pines resident Aden Inman enjoys attending the Gamer’s Club at school in his one-of-a-kind Minecraft costume. Submitted by RHMS eighth grade student Alex Hinds; photo courtesy of Tim Ryckman Sitting back, savoring the perfect novel, ensconced in a comfortable nook with nothing but the perfect amount of light, students…
Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Like many, I had seen the sign many times on my way home from Target in Lone Tree, or as I passed Cabela’s on RidgeGate Parkway. The nondescript brown sign reads “Bluffs Regional Park” and has an arrow on it pointing down a street next to a new residential…
By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Kneaders Bakery & Cafe There’s nothing quite like fresh bread. With good technique, a baker can take just a few simple ingredients and turn them into something almost magical. Kneaders Bakery & Cafe in Parker opened last month and now makes that magic close to home, turning out 600-900…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Susan Elizabeth Lee Susan Elizabeth Lee, Brad Smith and Phillis Shimamoto delivered socks to the Denver Rescue Mission last winter. The “Sock-it-to-’em” campaign hopes to deliver more than 10,000 pairs of socks to the homeless this year. The fact that the number one need of the homeless in Denver…
The Highlands Ranch Harlequins girls rugby team is playing its third season. After two seasons of taking first-runners-up, they have their sights set on first place. By Lisa Crockett; photos by Dave Tweed The Highlands Ranch Harlequins, a rugby club for high school students at Rock Canyon (RCHS), Highlands Ranch, Mountain Vista, and ThunderRidge started…
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (left) and Colorado Representative Bob Beauprez stopped by American Academy in Castle Pines for a tour of the school followed by a brief press conference. Both politicians took the time to read a story to a class of first graders. Information and photos provided by American Academy On October 3,…
By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of John Leyba The girls varsity and junior varsity softball teams from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) and Regis Jesuit High School went head to head for the third annual Catch for the Cure game in support of breast cancer awareness. The teams raised more than $5,000 which was donated…
Article and photo by Elean Gersack; inset photo courtesy of Cyndi Willenbrock If you haven’t heard of Marshall yet, just wait – you will. He is a miracle and a huge celebrity in his home state of Missouri. Children at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School had the chance to meet Marshall and his owner Cyndi Willenbrock…
Oven-free stuffing worth getting stuffed on Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year. A day dedicated to food, friends, and family. Most of us have sacred foods for this day, recipes that must never be tampered with or substituted. I am a firm believer in ritual…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County reports that as of October 1, there were a total of 225,144 registered voters for the upcoming General Election on November 4. Of those, 45,120 were Democrats, 105,359 were Republicans, and 74,665 were other. Make sure your vote counts and ensure that all mail-in ballots are received (not…
Anderson P. proudly displays her rural, suburban, urban project. Second graders learned about why people settle in certain areas, how the size and the character of a community changes over time, and how communities manage and use non-renewable/renewable resources. Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche On October 9, Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) opened…
A Castle Pines tradition since 2009, Operation Bright Star, organized by the Robinson family, brings residents of all ages together to assemble Thanksgiving meals for the Crisis Center. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Steve Robinson Steve and Jody Robinson are continuing a Castle Pines community tradition by gearing up to provide Thanksgiving meals to…
By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Laurie Jacobs The annual Turweston Lane chili cook off was held on Sunday, October 5. Friends and neighbors gathered together thanks to resident Laurie Jacobs who plans the event each year! Drum roll please … this year’s best chili award goes to The Laity Family, with second place going…
By Patte Smith The Colorado mountains are an ideal place to camp, hike, fish, and enjoy searching for the perfect family Christmas tree. This can be a great outing for everyone – families and friends can trek though the pines to locate the tree that will be the centerpiece of their holiday season. Pack a…
Fifth grader James Vakoc put on his best wig for Sage Canyon’s fun run last month. Third grader Kyra Crowe leads her fellow students at Sage Canyon Elementary in the national anthem at the beginning of the school’s fun run fundraiser last month Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Last month, Sage Canyon Elementary (SCE)…
Pictured above: Taylor Made owner Kelly Taylor (left) at the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce OctoberFest with her mother Helen Taylor (right) and a happy Castle Pines customer (center). Motivated by her daughter Addison (left), local accessory designer Kelly Taylor (right) makes headbands and hair clips for women and girls. Inspired by the movie “Frozen,”…
Photo courtesy of RCHS student Blake Kortum RCHS zoology teacher Jessica Muniz (left) stands proudly with three of her students who made a presentation to the Castle Pines City Council proposing a safety solution to prevent bears from getting into garbage cans. Left to right: Mars Tweed, Cameron Love, and Casey Oberholtzer. By Kathy Fallert;…
The current yearbook staff at RHMS enjoyed spending the day at CSU and participating in J-Day, an exciting day of education about journalism and media. RHMS was proud to take home two awards. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Tim Ryckman The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) yearbook staff was thrilled to participate in J-Day…
By Amy Shanahan; photos by Kathy Fallert and courtesy of John Hauber The annual chili cook off in The Village at Castle Pines took place on a beautiful fall Colorado day and attendees enjoyed live music, delicious chili, and good family fun. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Castle Pines (RCCP), the event is one…
Ready, aim, and … … Fire! Students at Timber Trail Elementary catapult spare change across the library to have fun and raise money to benefit both the school’s library and libraries of kids in need through the “All for Books” charity. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students journeyed back to…
The Keystone, one of six floor plans available in the new development, is the model home featured for viewing. Sales staff for Taylor Morrison tout home design, as well as Castle Pines Village amenities as attractive features for the 52 new homes being constructed. Special to The Connection; photos courtesy of Taylor Morrison A new…
DCS Montessori students show they can-can work together and have fun! By Lisa Crockett, photos courtesy of DCS Montessori School Fall is a great time to celebrate and at DCS Montessori School (DCSM), they do it in style. For years now, it’s been a school tradition for students and their families to enjoy a carnival-type…
By Elizabeth Wood West If you are one of the many golfers in the Castle Pines community, you are likely aware that there are more than a dozen golf courses within a half an hour’s drive from the Castle Pines and Castle Rock area. Some are private, some are public, and all are beautifully unique…
As part of the Change of Command Ceremony, former Chief Qualman (right) presents Chief Baker (left) with the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority flag. Submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Authority For the first time in the history of the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, a Change of Command Ceremony was held on October 16…
Castle Rock was recently named the fourth best place to live in the United States by Money Magazine. The small town feel coupled with a stimulated economy continues to attract new businesses and residents. Above is the iconic “Castle Rock.” By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Magic Hour Images, LLC In September, Money Magazine published…
Fifteen-year-old Bryan Warnecke’s life is a story of courage and fearlessness in the face of tremendous odds. His battle with cystic fibrosis, his amazing physical feats, and his uplifting attitude captured the attention of Colorado band OneRepublic who dedicated their song “I lived” to telling Warnecke’s story in their music video. Warnecke spent several days…
Suzette Brauch (left) and her niece Michelle Strohfus (right)are thrilled to bring more retail options to the Castle Pines community. Their shop “Miscellany” promises to bring ‘fine goods for fine folks with enthusiasm for all things splendid’! Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Miscellany is a fun and funky new store that recently opened across…
Submitted by Douglas County A champion of open space in Douglas County for more than 20 years will be honored in November by the county’s only non-profit land trust, the Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC). Cheryl Matthews has worked for Douglas County for 22 years and has been director of the county’s Open Space and Natural…
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Amy Talley, Laura & Ken Drobish, and Douglas County Sergeant Mike Connolly Saturday morning on October 4, soccer games at Elk Ridge Park turned into two spectator events as parents, players and coaches watched a bull elk struggle to untangle itself from barbed wire. East of the soccer field…
Founded originally as the Denver Bible Institute in 1914, Colorado Christian University (CCU) held classes in 1919 in a building located at 20th Street and Glenarm Place in Denver. The university is undergoing a $120 million redevelopment at its main campus in Lakewood and recently dedicated the new academic building Leprino Hall as part of…
Thank you to the Weber family in Castle Pines for taking the time to write in to the editor with a question about the buffalo herd at Daniels Park. Below is the inquiry, as well as the response from Denver Mountain Parks Operation Supervisor Matt Brown: Hi [Editor], “I have a question I hope you…
The Wildlife Experience natural history museum & art gallery has been gifted to the University of Colorado by Dave Liniger (RE/MAX) and the Liniger family. The new CU location will be called the Liniger Building at University of Colorado South Denver. By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy CU South Denver The University of Colorado South Denver…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines; photo by Terri Wiebold City of Castle Pines Community Development Director Sam Bishop with his daughter and a member of South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, who came to the “rescue” and sprayed runners to cool them off as they began the annual color run. More than 300…
By Patte Smith The Castle Pines community has many homeowner associations (HOAs) and each one handles trash removal and recycling independently for its members. Three primary waste companies serve the communities of Castle Pines Village, the city of Castle Pines, Happy Canyon, Surrey Ridge, and other unincorporated areas in the 80108 zip code. Haulaway, Waste…
By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Darrell Johnson The Rotary Club of Castle Pines was pleased to honor local first responders on the anniversary of 9/11 by providing breakfast to South Metro fire station 36 on Castle Pines Parkway, and station 39 on Happy Canyon Road. Rotary provided breakfast burritos from Santiago’s and spent time…
Noble Ridge residents Denise Quartararo (left), Marylou Giampietro (center), and Lin Giampietro (right) at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Noble Ridge residents Marylou Giampietro, Denise Quartararo, and Lin Giampietro participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheater on September 11. The Red…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Twelve-year-old Brennen Keller helps himself to some buttered popcorn at the Castle Pines library last month during the library’s “Outside the Lines” event. The weeklong celebration featured a different, fun food each day including carnival-type favorites like cotton candy, nachos and doughnuts. While the treats were nostalgic, they highlight…
Walt Wohlgemuth (pictured above in light blue) was humbled and thankful for the recognition he received from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Wohlgemuth was congratulated by Sergeant Ron Hanavan (left two photos) and presented the award by Chief Deputy Steve Johnson (right photo). By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The…
Castle Pines Mayor Jeff Huff (left) and Douglas County Commissioner Dave Weaver (right) presented at the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce speaker series. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) hosted an informational presentation for local business owners and area residents at the Castle Pines Community Center in…
Fernando and Deb Salazar are pictured here with their two-year-old yellow lab Cody, the official mascot of their new SmartLife shop in the Village. The Salazars are excited to open their new retail store in late October, and look forward to becoming contributing community members and meeting everyone in the Castle Pines community. By Amy…
By Patte Smith Castle Pines residents looking for thrills for Halloween have many options in and around the community. Whether haunted houses and ghost stories are your thing or if you are looking for a safe alternative to door-to-door trick or treating in Castle Pines on Halloween night, options abound. Shaun Boyd will be telling…
Members of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce gather with Castle Pines Mayor Jeff Huff (center) and restaurant owner Chris Perry (second from right) to celebrate a ribbon cutting ceremony for Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, located in The Vistas at Park Meadows Retail Resort. In true Perry’s style, the ribbon was “chopped” with a meat…
Colorful local author Louie Blanc, aka Louie du Ratté, is the author of “NFL Football in the Nutshell (Written by the Nut),” a guidebook for football fans. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Louie Blanc Colorado native and Happy Canyon resident Louie Blanc has lived an interesting life, and he recently published his equally…
Former Marine Ned Wilt now serves his community as a Castle Pines city councilman. By Steve Baska; photo courtesy of Ned Wilt Ned Wilt and his wife Nancy of Castle Pines have seen the area grow a lot since they moved here in 1999 from California and built their home in the Claremont Estates subdivision.…
Local recording star Taylor Rae with friends from Rocky Heights Middle School after a performance at the Douglas County Fair. Left to right: Alaina Spangenberger, Taylor Rae, Kara Lencke, and Adison Hirsch. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of the Muckel Family Taylor Muckel, now known in the music world as Taylor Rae, is a 13-year-old…
Five-year-old Trey McCleery at the splash pad in Elk Ridge Park. Prior to passing away this summer, it was one of his favorite spots to play. By Lisa Crockett; photos by Dave Tweed and courtesy of the McCleery Family and the City of Castle Pines It has been said that play is the work of…
Karen Harris with her daughter, Grace, at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in 2012. Harris won top honors with her carnival style fish sticks and garlic slaw. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Karen Harris Castle Pines resident and home chef Karen Harris is a winner. Drawing on the things she learned in the kitchen during…
A Taste of Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille Texas hospitality is now here deep in the heart of Colorado, and like all things Texan, it’s here in a big way. Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille, a Houston-area favorite, has a new home in The Vistas at Park…
Winery owners Braden Dodds (left) and Ray Bruening (right) enjoyed spending time and educating those who came to their release party. Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Local winery Ruby Trust Cellars held successful release parties on two different dates in August in order to introduce its 2012 vintages. The parties attracted more than 400…
Photos courtesy of Juli Yeater Pictured above: Castle Pines third grade girl scout brownie troop #2687 held a “He & Me Cake-Off” on Saturday, September 20 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The event provided an opportunity for fathers and daughters to spend an afternoon of fun together. In addition, they were able to participate in…
Rich and sweet: favorite flavors for fall Article and photos by Lisa Crockett The days are getting shorter, and in no time at all little ghosts and goblins will be haunting the neighborhoods of Castle Pines. Grocery store shelves are brimming with brightly packaged sugary treats for trick-or-treaters. I will be the first to admit…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of Sue Hoover-Hamblin Many people eschew politics. That is, until their ox is gored. Castle Pines Village neighbor Sue Hoover-Hamblin came out of retirement to become a political campaign manager when she tired of a system that she felt always backed the party’s choice whether competent, knowledgeable, genuine, or not.…
Article and photos by Kathy Fallert; courtesy photo Another success story took place at this year’s Sassy Soiree, held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Friday, September 12. The models strutted their stuff to raise money for the Douglas/Elbert County Task Force, which is celebrating its 30th year assisting residents in need. Numerous silent auction…
L’Esprit de Noël, translation the “Spirit of Christmas,” home tour is in its 38th year and will take place in the Glenmoor Country Club for 2014. The location of this event changes each year and has taken place in Castle Pines Village (CPV) in the past. The event will feature five homes decorated for…
Michelle Tripp, director of community relations at Fresh Harvest Food Bank in Lone Tree. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Any given afternoon, the Fresh Harvest Food Bank (FHFB) in Lone Tree is buzzing with the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers who wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Much more than a food bank, FHFB…
By Lisa Crockett; photo by Dave Tweed The Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation (CPACF) is now officially a 501(c)(3) organization, which gives it non-profit status. This new status gives the group new avenues for funding and allows supporters to make tax-deductible donations. “We are now eligible to apply for grant money,” said CPACF board…
First place team “New Kicks on the Block” braved wind and low temperatures to claim victory. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Another mother-son kickball tournament is on the books for Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) boys and their moms. This year’s event – the sixth in the school’s history – featured cold, wind and…
By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of eighth grade student Ashley Mercer Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) not only embraced the ALS ice bucket challenge, they took it to a whole new level. The ALS ice bucket challenge is a phenomenon that took off this summer. Celebrities, famous athletes, and heads of state helped to…
By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Mandy Hill Nearly 700 students from kindergarten to sixth grade come to Sage Canyon Elementary (SCE)School in Castle Rock to learn every day. After working as both a teacher and an assistant principal at the school, Castle Pines own Mandy Hill (pictured above) is now leading those students –…
Castle Pines resident Isabella Wheeler gets a high five for completing a lap at DCS Montessori’s annual Fun Run fundraiser. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori School Students, faculty and staff at DCS Montessori School (DCSM) – roughly 550 participants in total – turned out in force last month to raise money to…
Seniors (from left to right) Rachel Kelly, Megan Bahr, Erica Kelly, and Marjan Jalilfar dress up for “Nerd Day” at Rock Canyon High School, one of the homecoming spirit days the week of September 15. By Maria Pangalos, intern writer; photo courtesy of Keelyn Osoba Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) kicked off the school year…