The Connection

By Elean Gersack Spring is just around the corner, which means it is time to start thinking about playing outdoors at Castle Pines neighborhood parks. The Castle Pines North Metro District manages Coyote Ridge, Daniel’s Gate, and The Retreat Parks while the City of Castle Pines manages Elk Ridge Park. Below is information about making…

Third grade entrepreneur Ben B. sells his wares at a bake sale at Timber Trail Elementary. The sale, which was conducted during the school’s lunch period raised $237. Proceeds provided holiday gifts for a family in need. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Five hundred dollars is a lot of money. For an eight-year-old, that’s a lot…

Caption by Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Jimmy Dozer In addition to listening to children’s gift requests and posing for pictures, Santa and Mrs. Claus enjoyed shopping and browsing the shops and restaurants in The Village at Castle Pines during the “Santa in the Pines” event on December 7. Friends and neighbors turned out from…

Brownies in Troop 2687, sponsored by Timber Trail Elementary School, have established a Facebook page to help reunite lost pets with their owners. By Lisa Crockett, Photo courtesy of Colleen Odechuck Jackie Hall, who is eight years old, is the proud owner of a guinea pig named Shy – a companion she says she’d be devastated…

Without a formal art background, Kelle McCarter turned her love of style and art and an interest in calligraphy into a successful business. “I’ve reached this point through sheer ignorance and passion!” McCarter remarked. McCarter is pictured here in her home workspace with one of her beloved golden retrievers. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Kelle McCarter is…

Information and map provided by The Town of Castle Rock After a ground breaking ceremony in late October, crews wasted no time getting to work on The Town of Castle Rock’s number one transportation priority, the North Meadows Extension. With much of the site clearing complete, crews will now begin hauling dirt from the Castle…

By Elizabeth Wood West Local business partners and developers Tim White and Doug Decker broke ground last month on their latest commercial project, the Town Center at the Meadows (Town Center) in Castle Rock. The Town Center will be comprised of two commercial buildings connected by a second floor walkway, totaling more than 30,000 square…

The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of McNeill Fine Art Gallery in Castle Pines in late November. Pictured (center) is artist Katherine McNeill alongside her husband (left) and members of the community. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Katherine McNeill’s Gallery had its opening gala in Castle Pines…

By Elizabeth Wood West Four years ago, Castle Pines Village residents submitted a petition to Douglas County asking for help to reduce the daily, loud, conversation-stopping train horn noise from trains traveling along U.S. Highway 85. Federal law requires train engineers to sound their horns at all crossings for public safety. In response, Douglas County…

Members of the Timber Trail Elementary choir performed last month at Azura Memory Care in Castle Rock. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary students helped jazz up the holidays last month – literally – for a group of residents at Azura Memory Care in Castle Rock. Members of the school’s choir put…

Rina Castanon (pictured in red in center) hosted Forest Park friends to celebrate the season and exchange ornaments as a symbol of friendship. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Rina Castanon “The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it” is the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote that Rina Castanon puts on the invitation to…

(Left to right) Logan Schafer, Rachel Zetwick, Director of Vocal Music Julia Dale, and Emilia Bartelheim. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Katy Zetwick Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) was proud to be the only school in Douglas County to have students selected to the All State Jazz Choir. Three of its students were chosen…

By Elizabeth Wood West; site plan provided by The Town of Castle Rock Alberta Development (Alberta) and The Town of Castle Rock (Town) are close to coming to terms regarding Alberta’s proposed “Promenade at Castle Rock,” a new 200-acre development to be located just north of The Outlets at Castle Rock on the west side…

Pictured right: Castle Pines Valor Vespers performers – left to right: Max Shean (trumpet), Jack Hefner (trombone), Hadleigh Seely (soloist), Tyler Traeger (voice/soloist/guitar), and Bishop Magehee (voice/soloist). Article and photo by Julie Montoya It was a December night of holiday song and dance, as students from Valor Christian High School performed a free music event in…

Article and photo by Elean Gersack Buffalo Ridge Elementary School students read, read and read some more during the school’s Reach Your Reading Peak read-a-thon held during the month of November. All students were encouraged to read 3,000 hours in three weeks and they exceeded the goal by reading 3,271 hours! On Friday, December 6,…

By Lisa Crockett ‘Tis the season to send packages around the country. Here are some ways you can make this item on your holiday “to-do” list a little easier: Post office locations and other mail service providers in or near the Castle Pines community:     Castle Pines Postal Center – 7280 Lagae Road, Ste. G,…

By Elean Gersack On October 29, fifth graders in Dana Sedersten’s class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School had the unique opportunity to grow older for the day and recruit high school students for college. As part of Sedersten’s classroom theme, “Colleges and Universities of Colorado,” she wanted to connect the real world to learning by…

A total of 48,625 residents from the eight-county Regional Transportation District (RTD) participated in RTD’s 2013 telephone town hall meetings. Participants posed questions to district directors and RTD staff, submitted comments and suggestions, and used their telephone keypads to respond to instant polls. To learn more about the telephone town hall meetings, read meeting transcripts,…

As of October 1, Village Postal, located in The Village at Castle Pines, was acquired by successful small business owner Teresa Gonzalez. Gonzalez moved to Colorado two years ago and says she is thrilled to be a part of the Castle Pines community. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Gonzalez is enjoying meeting new friends…

PROPOSED ZONING By Lisa Crockett; maps courtesy of The City of Castle Pines LS Partners, LLC, one of the owners of Castle Pines Town Center, a 354-acre parcel which is bordered by Castle Pines Village on the west and I-25 on the east, is seeking amendments to the planned development for the land which was…

RCHS varsity cheer after clinching the continental league championship on November 6 at Castle View High School. RCHS junior varsity cheer after earning first place and the league championship title. RCHS Varsity Poms team after their performance which earned the girls their first league championship title. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of RCHS Rock Canyon…

Timber Trail fifth grade teacher Kristen WardBrown presents students with the contents of classroom trash cans collected in a 24-hour period. The trash was used to present students with the challenge of finding ways to reduce the trash load at the school. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary School Fifth graders at…

The new Children’s Hospital Colorado South Campus opens on December 19. The facility is located at the corner of Plaza Drive and Lucent Boulevard, just south of C-470 in Highlands Ranch and is the only 24-hour pediatric urgent care facility located in the south Denver metro area. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo by Tim Gamble…

“Home for the Holidays” is a cabaret style show featuring someof the best talent from the Denver area. The music, dancing and entertainment are high energy and appeal to audiences of all ages. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of the Lone Tree Arts Center The Lone Tree Arts Center (LTAC) introduces a special holiday performance…

Lukas (left), along side his mom Dena, big brother Axel and twin brother Oliver during the “Be the Match” bone marrow drive at Dazbog on Saturday, October 26. Article and photos by Elean Gersack Lukas Larsson has a smile so wide it reaches from ear to ear … and his kindness and optimism are contagious.…

Charmed by the appeal of the man in drag played by Mason Aksamit (center), Maya Goodyear (left) and Elizabeth Palms (right), left audiences in stitches at Valor’s performance of Charley’s Aunt. Submitted by Alyssa Montoya, Valor Christian High School; photo courtesy of Kurt Meunstermann In October, Valor Christian High School’s theatre department presented Charley’s Aunt,…

Founders Parkway and Allen Way in Castle Rock is slated for construction to reduce intersection congestion. Information provided by The Town of Castle Rock The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) could start roadwork on the Founders Parkway and Allen Way intersection in Castle Rock as soon as next month. Following public open houses and meetings…

The Castle Pines Solstice Committee (pictured from left to right) Anna Mallinson, JoAnn Wolff, Kim Hoffman, and Mary Williams have an informative community and cultural event planned for the winter solstice on Saturday, December 21 at Elk Ridge Park beginning at 11 a.m. Article and photo by Kathy Fallert Saturday, December 21 is the first…

Cub Scout Pack 856 of Castle Pines held a Veterans Day program at its meeting in November.     Article and photo by Kathy Fallert The cub scout pack meeting held at DCS Montessori (DCSM) on Wednesday, November 6, was not your run-of-the-mill scout gathering. The boys honored veterans with the help of American Legionnaires from Castle…

Three-two-one … blast off! BRE fourth graders are inside mission control ready to send the space shuttle to the moon at the CLCC. Article by Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Amy Jaramillo In late October, fourth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School took a trip to the moon at the Challenger Learning Center of Colorado…

Cindy Hazelhurst (left) and Nancy Carroll’s company “Your Task Masters” will do everything from stocking your fridge to planning your wedding. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Your Task Masters Cindy Hazelhurst and Nancy Carroll know how to get things done. Both women have had successful corporate careers – Cindy with IBM and Nancy with…

Jack Zelkin By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Jack Zelkin Jack Zelkin is an accomplished public speaker with more than 30 years of experience in business. His exposure to the mental health system spans more than 15 years, and his personal journey has led him to professional triumph in the criminal justice system. His firm,…

Douglas County Libraries Director Jamie LaRue will retire in January 2014 from a position he has held since 1991. He is leaving to pursue a second career as a speaker, writer, and consultant. By Lisa Crockett; photo by Terri Wiebold After more than two decades at the helm of Douglas County Libraries (DCL), director Jamie…

The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce’s current and new board members celebrated another successful year at their annual luncheon at Gabriel’s Restaurant and Tuscan Bar in Sedalia. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Dozens of Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce members (CPCC) celebrated a busy and successful year with CPCC President Sharon Kollmar and…

Forest Park resident Mayra Goluskin (right) and her sister Monica Diaz help clients explore the world through their award-winning travel agency, Cruise Planners. By Julie Montoya; photo courtesy of Mayra Goluskin To many who live in the Forest Park neighborhood of Castle Pines, Mayra Goluskin is the fun-loving friend and neighbor next door. But what…

Olena and Barry Borges, the owners of Cobbra Closets are very excited to be a part of the Castle Pines community. “We were very lucky to find this spot,” stated Barry Borges. “We look forward to being a part of both the Castle Rock and Castle Pines communities and feel that we can serve both…

Bridget Johnson of The Gathering Place in Denver (left) happily receives hundreds of socks from Susan Elizabeth Lee (center) and Phillis Shimamoto (right), the co-founders of the “Sock-it-to-em” campaign. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Susan Elizabeth Lee Susan Elizabeth Lee, a Castle Pines Village resident for ten years, began the “Sock-it-to-em” Sock Campaign in…

The Bundt Shoppe owner Pam Randall pictured with AA first graders (from left to right) Pierce, Morgan, and Jackson engineered a new flavor of cake for Halloween called Yummy Mummy. Information and photo provided by American Academy First graders at American Academy (AA), along with STEM instructor Chris Todd and The Bundt Shoppe owner Pam…

By Lynne Marsala Basche This holiday season, our community’s needs have never been greater. Find a cause that is dear to your heart, and see how you can help. Visit an organization’s web site to learn about special programs and highest demands. Most larger organizations offer online secure payment processing, so donating money directly to…

Rock Canyon students pose in front of the Old State House in Boston, Massachusetts during the National High School Press Association’s Fall Conference November 14-17. By Michael Shapiro, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of RCHS yearbook From November 14 through November 17, more than 5,000 middle school and high school journalism students from across the…

Spend some time with Pat and Marilyn, two of the Castle’s remarkable volunteers, and become captivated by the history and stories they will share throughout your tour. Article and photo by Lynne Marsala Basche Nestled off of Daniels Park Road is the spectacular Cherokee Ranch and Castle, which includes 3,100 acres of wildlife and an…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photos provided by Hudson Gardens and Event Center Hudson Gardens and Event Center (Hudson Gardens) is hosting its second annual walk-through holiday lighting display, “A Hudson Christmas.” This dazzling event runs from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Eve. Visitors can stroll through unique lighting displays, sip hot cocoa, and spend time…

By Lisa Crockett Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) has taken the first step toward building a new substation in The Canyons development on the east side of I-25. The utility is looking to construct a new facility known as the “IREA Happy Canyon Substation” to be built on a six-acre parcel approximately a quarter mile…

By Lynne Marsala Basche Since 2010, the Community First Foundation and FirstBank have been encouraging Coloradans to give where they live and donate to local nonprofits on one single day, “Colorado Gives Day.” This year, starting at 12 a.m. on December 10, people are energized to unite and inspire others to support local charities, and…

Courtesy Photos Special thanks to the 1,100 people who joined in the fun and the fight to help celebrate the annual Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen gala, A Pink Tie Affair. The gala brought together local community leaders, friends, and family to support Komen Denver and its work to end breast cancer forever. This…

By Andrew Bohren, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of RCHS While the Jags boys soccer loss in double overtime of the state championship did not end the season in the perfect way, the team made Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) history. Just over one year ago, the RCHS boys soccer team sat in the locker…

Local library enthusiast and book club leader Suzi Scott placed a book in the “Little Free Library” when it opened last month. The Little Free Library, which is on the site of the future library in Castle Pines, is a place where residents can swap books. By Lisa Crockett; courtesy photo In just a few…

Natalie Loebach, Loren Rylander, Madison Shepherd, Alex Campbell, and Cameron Wilson are all seventh grade students at Rocky Heights Middle School who worked together to show their support for our troops this Veterans Day. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Becky Shepherd Madison Shepherd, a seventh grade student at Rocky Heights Middle School has made…

Many Castle Pines residents of all ages came together to assemble over fifty Thanksgiving meals for The Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center, organized by the Robinson family. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Carlie Leach Photography What started as a way to get Steve and Jody Robinson’s three kids involved in community service five…

Averie and Devin celebrate with celebrity judges, Chef Danny (left) and Chef Jason (right) after winning Top Chef awards. Article and photo by Hadley B., BRE Ridgeline staff reporter On October 31, Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) fifth graders had more to get excited about than Halloween.  They had the opportunity to become master chefs…

Castle Pines Community Church welcomes new Senior Pastor Chuck Angel (bottom center), daughter Celeste (left), wife Jill, daughter Charissa, son Joseph, and daughter Caleigh (bottom right). By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Jill Angel Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) has a lot to celebrate this Christmas. On Sunday, December 8, CPCC welcomes new senior…

December sixth through the eighth, the historic Central Presbyterian Church in Downtown Denver will be home to a free Christmas music and dance performance put on by the students of Valor Christian High School. Valor Vespers Sacred Night will combine classical tradition with contemporary artistry. Valor music and dance students will lead guests through the…

Castle Pines resident Kara Olsen, owner of Castle Pines Home Care. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Kara Olsen Long-time Castle Pines resident Kara Olsen understands first-hand the frustration family members can have when trying to find in-home caregivers for their elderly and/or disabled loved ones. When Olsen’s father was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic…

By Cindy Kessinger; courtesy photos The holidays are approaching, and whether you have been naughty or nice it’s always good to keep the fires burning and spice up your adult relationship with some time together. Nothing tugs at your heart like nostalgia and a date night at home revisiting and sharing your childhood. Cozy up…

By Lynne Marsala Basche There are several food banks in Douglas County that serve our neighbors, but they need community support to be sustainable and reach as many people as possible. Consider supporting one of the following food banks or another in the area with either sample donations noted below or with time. Douglas /…

Information provided by Douglas County Libraries; photo rendition by Tim Gamble Douglas County Libraries recently launched a multi-year campaign to fund and build three new libraries, one of which is in the City of Castle Pines. The City purchased the land for a combined city offices and library. The new library is scheduled to open…

Before their first matches of the day, players Andrew Merone, Mike Ryazantsev, Michael Shapiro, Eric Stopps, and Matt Givin pose with Coach Manuel Gonzales for a photo at the state tournament. By Michael Shapiro, Intern Writer; photo courtesy of Manuel Gonzales Despite the damp weather, nothing could dampen the mood of the five members of…

Rock Canyon High School’s Golden Boys enjoy getting the crowd of cheering Jag fans excited for the game. Pictured in the front in overalls from left to right are Evan Hunchar, Andrew Nicklanovich, Bryce Stutler, Matt Vernon, Chris Schneider, Eli Hersh, and Kyle Love. Not pictured is Max Pederson. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo art courtesy of Jan Reagan Bright pink flamingos are making appearances on lawns all around Castle Pines. The “Flock A Friend” fundraiser supports Rock Canyon High School’s after prom party, which provides a safe and fun environment for our kids after the prom dance. Purchase a flock of bright pink flamingos…

Chase Wilner, son of Dr. Larry Wilner (owner of Castle Pines Urgent Care and Family Practice) was the youngest and the cutest golfer at A Day on the Greens, the Castle Pines Chamber’s annual golf tournament. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Carla Kenny The weather was warm and the skies were blue. Combined with…

Bring canned and non-perishable food items and run/walk in the ninth annual Turkey Rock Trot 5K race on Thanksgiving Day in Castle Rock. Looking for a healthy and fun way to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and help others? Sign up for the Douglas/Elbert Task Force’s ninth annual Turkey Rock Trot 5K race. This year’s race will…

By Lisa Crockett Solid Life Church has a new home at Rocky Heights Middle School. Roughly a year after leaving Timber Trail Elementary in Castle Pines for a location in Lone Tree, the church will officially celebrate its new home during regular services on November third. “We really look forward to being back in the…