Read the stories from the latest issue:
Riley Busch By RHMS eighth grade student Riley Busch As the musicians raced to get their equipment from the buses, the students of the elementary schools shuffled into the gymnasium. While the band and orchestra settled into their chairs and the students quieted down, Scott McGowan, band and orchestra teacher at Rocky Heights Middle School…
By Lisa Nicklanovich The RCHS Freshmen Cheer squad won the state championship on December 13 at Cherokee Trail High School. The roster in the January issue of The Connection was incomplete; the Freshmen Cheer squad roster includes: Sophie Chirco, Cameron Dreher, Megan Goldin, Annalise Hildebrand, Avery Kane, Shelby Kane, Caroline Lascor, Ashley Miller, Hailey Mosteller,…
Members of IN! hosted an information night for prospective parents and students at the home of Tammy Abramovitz in January. Members of the Board of IN! presented information about the tremendous advances that the group has made in bringing about the reality of inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disabilities. Pictured from left to…
Top photo: After research and discussion about the circulatory system, fifth graders Isaiah Barrett (left) and Matt Strong (center)share their findings about how the heart oxygenates blood with their teacher Carolynn Barthelemy. Bottom photo: Logan Byers, a fifth grader at Sage Canyon Elementary, reviews the circulatory system with his teacher Carolynn Barthelemy. Students are…
Student musicians like BRE violinist Josh Ruegge and TTE trumpeter Abe West will perform at a charity event at the Castle Pines Community Center on February 6. Proceeds from the event will provide band and orchestra scholarships to local students in need. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Budget cuts several years back changed the…
Julie Adkins, 15-year resident of Castle Pines, has started ShadowBox, a business dedicated to compiling all of your special memories from any event and creatively framing them for display. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich How is it best to capture a child’s sports season, a vacation or other important event in your life? …
From one day to the next: Castle Pines photographer Julie Lamb took these breathtaking shots in Daniels Park last month on a sunny day, and just 24 hours later captured a more wintry scene. Lamb, who often affixes the hashtag “#colorado beauty” to work she posts on social media, is captivated by Daniels Park and…
Nani Schwartz By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Nani Schwartz Nani Schwartz is thrilled to bring her numerous years of experience and knowledge to her new salon located in The Village at Castle Pines. This is the second location for Schwartz, who currently owns and operates Heads Up Salon located at Southlands Center in Aurora.…
The first Monday of every month through August, a portion of the Castle Pines Library will be transformed into an art studio aimed at engaging kids ages 6-12 in various forms of art. Through a program called “Art Stop on the Go,” the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) is sending artist Cheyenne Bsaies to…
By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Guy Postlewait Winter is in full swing, and in Colorado that means snow. What can you expect when the flakes begin to fall? All communities follow similar protocols when prioritizing the order in which streets are plowed: main arterial roads first, then collector roads and school bus routes, local…
Student athletes, parents, coaches, administrators, family, and friends joined to celebrate the 108 student athletes honored at the ninth annual Douglas County Girls & Women in Sports luncheon held January 16 at Chaparral High School. Article and photo by Maria Pangalos, RCHS intern writer; school portraits and bios courtesy of DCSD Seven distinguished young ladies…
A proposed bridge spanning Lincoln Avenue in Lone Tree will be located west of the Charles Schwab campus and Heritage Hills Circle. Designs will be presented to the public mid-year 2015. By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of the City of Lone Tree In December 2014, the Lone Tree City Council approved a contract with Fentress…
Information provided by South Metro Fire Rescue Authority Inspired by Timothy Egan’s best-selling book, “The Big Burn” is a dramatic story of the massive wildfire that swept across the Northern Rockies in the summer of 1910. By the time it was all over, the fire had devoured more than three million acres and at least…
By Lynne Marsala Basche Valentine’s Day means different things to different people, and sometimes, it means nothing at all. No matter your feelings about the day or how you want to acknowledge it, if you are looking for something to do, there are plenty of fun, local choices. Couples are optional … Movie and a…
Castle Pines resident George Kahrhoff is the new Director of Golf Operations for The Club at Ravenna. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Amy Hill Castle Pines resident George Kahrhoff has taken the reins as the new Director of Golf Operations at The Club at Ravenna, a gated golf course community in Littleton. Kahrhoff brings…
Castle Pines Village Garden Club members pictured above (left to right): Linda Bullock, Carol Waldron, Susan Blackburn, Grace Gehret, Ginny Forstmann, Sue Navaro, and Janet Gilliland. The ladies of the Castle Pines Village Garden Club thoroughly enjoyed learning about all of the wineries that exist throughout the six different regions of Colorado. Sommelier and author…
By Elean Gersack It’s February and that means it is national heart month … not the red commercial Valentine’s hearts, but your heart. We should be good to our hearts throughout the year, but this month marks a time to give it some extra love and make a commitment to improve heart health. Taking simple…
Cindy Egitto (pictured here with her husband Rick and two dogs) is excited about her new business Brides To Be Accessories. “My new business provides hip and trendy items for brides,” explained Egitto. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Cindy Egitto Castle Pines Village (CPV) resident Cindy Egitto is thrilled about her new business “Brides…
Ronda Gutierrez, physical education teacher at BRE (back row; right side) stands with staff and students from BRE and Broncos player, David Bruton Jr., earlier this year at a Broncos game. BRE was honored with the Touch Down award for Fuel Up to Play 60. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Jen Murdock and Ronda…
Seven Douglas County officials were sworn in to their respective elected offices on January 13 by 18th Judicial District Judge Paul King. From left: Sheriff Tony Spurlock, Treasurer Diane Holbert, Surveyor Robert Snodgrass, Assessor Lisa Frizell, Commissioner David A. Weaver, Coroner Jill Romann, and Clerk and Recorder Merlin Klotz. Information provided by Douglas County Seven…
Using grade-appropriate concepts, these second graders were thrilled to share their marble runs to explain forces and motion. Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) was excited to share its second school-wide showcase with the community in December. The quarterly showcases are designed to give family, friends, and the community an…
By Patte Smith The Castle Pines Connection is a locally owned and operated small business and is a staunch supporter of area chambers of commerce. Having enjoyed representation on the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for the past four years, The Connection staff is broadening its involvement in the community and (in…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett When I turned eleven years old, my dad took me out for lunch to celebrate. I still remember what I ate: a perfect filet mignon, a baked potato, and for dessert, something I had never tried: chocolate torte. It was my first encounter with a “flourless” chocolate cake. I…
By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of the National Park Service Outdoor enthusiasts abound in beautiful Colorado and excited families, thrill-seekers, extreme hikers, mountain bikers and fanatical fishermen dream of spring wildflowers blooming, warm sunny days and the smell of campfires. With more than 4,000 affordable campsites and 58 cabins and yurts located throughout the state,…
A Taste of Manna Forget what you think you know about hospital food. Manna, housed in the Castle Rock Adventist Hospital, offers cuisine that is elegant, delicious, and has an eye toward all things fresh and healthy. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Manna Restaurant Forget everything you think you know about hospital food. Instead…
At a recent co-ed middle school leadership retreat, students participate in a team building exercise. The Douglas County sheriff department and DCSD partner to offer empowerment retreats which are having a significant impact on school culture throughout the district. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of DCSD In addition to attending school, hundreds of Douglas County…
New Womenade board member Mary MacDonald (top left) and friends Suzanne Rizley (center) and Dawn Carter (right) in front of the Gatsby-themed tree. Above right and at left two of the many themed trees at Pat Nohavec-Fink’s home where the Womenade December gathering took place. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Womenade Womenade, a…
By Terri Wiebold, Editor February marks the inaugural issue of The Connection Food & Dining guide, a resource for readers packed with coupons and specials to bring more value to your dining experience. Education. Experience. Value. For many years, The Castle Pines Connection has featured stories and has educated readers about great restaurants and local…
Guests of the “Annual Ladies Luncheon” go home each year with unique handmade wine charms, name tags, bookmarks and ornaments, along with a treat bag of a homemade goody and the gift they purchased at the auction. This annual event represents the true meaning of Christmas. Hostess Cindy Hamilton (left) and her “right hand man”…
By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Matthew Bundy The Castle Pines Connection staff celebrated the conclusion of its sixth successful year at a holiday dinner at Gabriel’s Restaurant in Sedalia. “This is a special time for our staff because we get to bring our spouses out and show them our appreciation for all the sacrifices…
For those so inclined, make the climb to the top in 2015 Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski; courtesy photos A wonderful piece of Colorado’s past, the Incline in Manitou Springs reopened to the public last month. After a few months of repairs, people are once again challenging themselves to the strenuous hike, rewarded with…
Eighth grader Kerst Meibos at the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, the site of his Eagle Scout project. Meibos directed 130 volunteers in an effort to photograph and catalog all the gravesites in the cemetery. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of the Meibos family Thirteen-year-old Kerst Meibos spent a lot of his summer vacation in a…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; logo art by Kathy Ehler How can we as a community help keep our teens safe? One proven way is to provide a fun, substance-free event on prom night, one of the most dangerous nights of the year for teens. Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Principal Andy Abner said, “Our goal…
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 Stutler, Ihme, Giampietro and Nicklanovich families, along with their dogs, Roxie and Abby, joined together to support finding a cure for arthritis. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Despite a week of warm, sunny weather, the clouds rolled in and snow started falling on December 14 just as the Jingle Bell 5K run/walk was…
Clients of the Douglas/Elbert Task Force will have a brighter holiday season, thanks to the generosity of our readers and many other friends, businesses, and family members from outside the community who helped fill the “POD in the Pines” with much-needed new clothing, toys, toiletries, and food. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Jeremy Gamble…
Seven-year-old Calvin Stotler warming up before his first round of the Punt, Pass and Kick competition at David Lorenz Park on September 20. American Academy second grader Calvin Stotler shows off his second place trophy in the PP&K, a customized football from the NFL. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Ellen Stotler Being an…
Savannah Petrosevich built her home with a roof made from egg cartons. Designed for the temperate forest, the home’s pitched roof allows rain and snow to easily roll off. Sage Canyon Elementary kindergartner Dylan Early shows off his dream house built of materials from the recycling bin, featuring a swimming pool and diving board, a…
Article and photos by Amy Shanahan The Christmas spirit was alive in Castle Pines on December 6, as families, singers, and holiday revelers came together to celebrate at the annual Santa in the Pines event at The Village at Castle Pines. Hundreds of people came together to enjoy sleigh rides, visits with Santa and Mrs.…
Defense! Defense! King Arthur’s evasive behind-the-back dribble is hard to defend – just go ahead and foul him! By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of the Harlem Wizards organization Basketball “fan-antics,” flying fast breaks, riotous rebounds, and amazing alley oops are the name of the game as the world famous Harlem Wizards try to outscore the…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary students get ready to test their paper rockets alongside fifth grade teacher, Dana Sedersten. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Sandy Cranston On November 19, kids at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) were yet again treated to an after-school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program. This is the third year for…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett I always look forward to January. There’s something so peaceful about taking down all the holiday decorations and enjoying the emptiness of the house after a season of celebration. I like a good party as much as the next person, but there is something deeply delicious about a quiet,…
More often than not, computer science is viewed as complex, confusing, and not particularly exciting. It is also an area that is traditionally overlooked by girls. The non-profit organization Code.org is changing that thinking one student at a time. During the week of December 8 through 14, Castle Pines schools joined the movement. The Hour…
Surrey Ridge resident Kim Butorac-Good (front row, center) celebrates the growth of Music of the Heart with its participants in the Fanfare St. Joseph L’Asile Marching Band in Haiti. By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Kim Butorac-Good The Fanfare St. Joseph L’Asile Marching Band in Haiti has expanded from 17 musicians to 28, thanks to…
By Elizabeth Wood West Alberta Development (Alberta) invited area residents to attend a community meeting in December to learn more about the Promenade at Castle Rock (Promenade) project. Attendees listened to Alberta’s presentation describing its rezoning plans for the property and also had an opportunity to talk with one of the property’s first anchor tenants.…
Sam Carstens, art teacher at DCS Montessori took his seventh and eighth grade painting students on an excursion to Denver to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art. Seventh grader Ameya Goel purchased a ticket to ride light rail to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver. The field trip was the culminating event of a…
Ken Harrison’s new book “Victors and Victims” explores the topic of success versus failure. “Most people think ambition is knowing what you want and getting it. In reality, it is knowing what you can offer and giving it,” Harrison remarked. The book is an interesting look at factors that lead to success and overall happiness.…
Article and photo by Patte Smith The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) has started work on the west side slope of I-25 along North Surrey Drive, the road that leads into the Surrey Ridge neighborhood from the north. A spokesperson from CDOT stated that the work involves erosion…
Saskia Seebacher, a RCHS exchange student from Austria, shows a warm winter look. European fashion is slowly but surely pushing its way into the states and Seebacher is one of RCHS’s prime fashionistas. “Fashion fades, only style remains.” said Seebacher. Article and photo by Maria Pangalos, RCHS intern writer The new year is time to…
The Holocaust and its effects were explored by students at Rocky Heights Middle School during the very moving production of A”nne Frank & Me.” Director and RHMS music and drama teacher Susan Ritter was impressed with how the actors and the audiences reacted to the show. “Middle school students really can handle a lot of…
By Elean Gersack It’s time to think about registering for spring sports leagues and activities. Here is a quick reference guide to some of the most popular leagues and recreational activities around. Castle Pines Athletics Never leave the community and play at home with Castle Pines Athletics. Registration for spring soccer opens January 1. …
Photo courtesy of Elena Ronquillo Rina Castanon (pictured in center in red) hosted her fifth annual ornament exchange and luncheon for new and long-time Forest Park neighbors and local friends. Castanon said, “The ornament exchange is dear to my heart because my friends are like family and Christmas is my favorite holiday. Each friend chose…
Thank you to all of our readers who submitted pictures of their wonderful pets for our 2014 “Cutest Pet in the Pines” holiday contest. This year’s submissions were full of character and personality, and the stars clearly enjoyed mugging for the camera! The staff of The Castle Pines Connection chose the winner in a close…
The Devries children (left to right): Caitlin (17), Josephine (12), Nicholas (12), and Jack (16) are coaches at the family’s gym. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos provided by Ule Logue Photography Castle Pines residents Chris and Sharon Devries can credit their four children as being the inspiration for their latest family business, Chameleon Gymnastics,…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Susan Elizabeth Lee Phillis Shimamoto (left) and Susan Elizabeth Lee (right), founders of the Sock it to ‘Em sock campaign, pose during their holiday party on Sunday, December 21. Gary and Donna Stern of MiYO and Deb and Fernando Salazar of SmartLife in Castle Pines Village volunteered their work…
By Elean Gersack The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) offers many great services to help keep Douglas County’s low-crime statistics in check. By working as a team with community members, crime is more easily and effectively deterred. According to Detective Chris Stadler of the DCSO, the famous quote by the forefather of community-oriented policing,…
Kaden Jensen (right) accepts a donation for his “Hats on for Diabetes” fundraiser. Jensen planned and executed the fundraiser, which raised $800 for the American Diabetes Association. Timber Trail Elementary art teacher Wendy Wilson (left) and Kaden Jensen (right) don hats to wear at school. Students paid a dollar to wear a hat and funds…
By Lisa Crockett Darrick Fehringer owns the Papa Murphy’s franchise in Castle Pines. Accordingly, when Fehringer lists his business online, mails a letter, or places an advertisement, he uses “Castle Pines” as the business’ address. “When we use ‘Castle Pines’ we feel that it helps clear up confusion,” said Fehringer. “Castle Pines is its…
The challenge staircase has 200 steps and is one of many fitness features at the new Philip S. Miller Park in Castle Rock welcoming all ages and fitness levels. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of the Town of Castle Rock If you are looking for a unique kick-start for your 2015 fitness program, try…
By Terri Wiebold How do you reflect your Castle Pines lifestyle? Are you a member of a book club, a bunko group, a fantasy football league, a bridge club, a hiking group, a quilting guild, etc.? Share your story and your photos with The Connection and your neighbors in 80108. The Castle Pines Connection welcomes…
By Lisa Crockett Kindergarten registration for the 2014-2015 school year at Buffalo Ridge Elementary, Timber Trail Elementary, and Sage Canyon Elementary takes place in early January. For specific dates and times, visit individual school websites, listed below. Eligible children must be five years of age by October 1, 2015. For registration, you will need to…
Tina Dang opened her new business, Castle Pines Day Spa in December, fulfilling a life-long dream. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West “Being an esthetician is my dream, my talent; it’s what I love to do!” exclaimed Tina Dang, esthetician and owner of the new Castle Pines Day Spa. Dang had three potential…
Third grader Harper Linn keeps track of funds raised at a lunchtime bake sale. Fifth grader Kyle Mackzum was an enthusiastic supporter of the third-grade bake sale, saying he enjoyed “great treats for a good cause.” First grader Rosie Benson, samples some “stone” soup at lunch time. Benson, along with her fellow first graders raised…
Twelve-year-old Emily Glynn took twelfth place at the USATF Junior Olympic National Cross Country Championships in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina last month. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of the Glynn family Twelve-year-old Emily Glynn, a member of the Parker Panthers running club, is racing toward an impressive distance-running career. Last month she took twelfth place…
Photo courtesy of Kirsten Dreher The RCHS Freshmen Cheer squad after winning the state championship on December 13 at Cherokee Trails High School. The team won all six of their regular season competitions. The roster includes: Ashley Miller, Hailey Mosteller, Julia Nelson, Jessica Palyo, Amanda Rissler, Jenna Rivera, Jetta Schwiegerath, Natalie Valdes, Payton Warder, Jaycee…
A juice cleanse from Nekter Juice Bar features different juices like this one, a spicy lemonade-style drink that gets a pleasant kick from cayenne and turmeric. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Like many Americans, I take a break from healthy eating in December. Endless parties and goodie platters mean all the things I love…
A group of competitive and fun loving Castle Pines residents gathered at Elk Ridge Park on Thanksgiving morning for the Second annual Turkey Day Adult Punt, Pass & Kick Competition. Submitted by Jeff Stotler; photo courtesy of Mary Clothier On Thanksgiving morning, a group of Castle Pines residents, led by Winter Berry resident Jeff Stotler,…
Claire Preen, a chocolatier and recipe book author moved from Australia to call Castle Pines her home. Preen’s new book “Diva’s Guide to Dinner Parties,” which includes complete dinner party plans and 67 recipes, was just published. Article and photo by Maria Pangalos, RCHS intern writer “What inspires me the most is the end result…
Happy view year: a taste of the ViewHouse Enjoy the view: the upstairs bar and dining area at the ViewHouse in Centennial offers a sunny, picturesque space to enjoy fresh, new flavors in an up-to-date sports bar setting. Downstairs, diners can take in the game on a 200-inch television, play ping pong in the activity…
Varsity Cheer team roster: Seniors: Ariel Bailey (captain), Peyton Burger, Morgan Hildebrand, Rachel Moote, Caleigh Newberry, Paige Parrottino (captain), Hayley Pearson (captain), Caroline Skibness, Danelle Turnock, Darcy Vogt and Blair Whitworth. Juniors: Halie Balman, Ashley Bradley, Claudia Bradley, Lauren Fultz, Alisa Grossman, Mallory Happ, Megan Happ, Lily Lytle, Rachel Rothman and Lauren Shepherd. Sophomore: Schyler Geck.…