The Connection

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Debie Richardson Debie Richardson (center) and part of her team getting into the spirit at the start of the 2013 Susan G. Komen Denver Race for the Cure. Castle Pines’ very own star, Debie Richardson, was honored at the “Stars in Pink” luncheon for her fundraising efforts for…

Article and photos by Steve Baska A bystander wades past Laura Herrmann’s car stranded on Monarch Boulevard while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive. Hard rain that caused deep pooling in a low spot on Monarch Boulevard last month stalled cars there on two successive nights and caused Castle Pines officials to examine how to…

Article and photos by Elizabeth Wood West Ridgeline Family Medicine (Ridgeline) celebrated the grand opening of its newest medical office in June with a Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new Ridgeline clinic is located at 250 Max Drive, Suite 102, in Castle Pines (next to Walgreens). Ridgeline has two other medical offices…

Photo and caption by Elean Gersack Congratulations to the Castle Pines Womens 3.0 Green tennis team! The ladies are headed to state championships in early August. The ladies won their flight playoff match on Saturday, July 12 against Highlands Ranch Gold, 4-1. Pictured left to right: Sue Crisman, Alison Barbaro, Katie Abner, Mary Shannon Balakas,…

By Patte Smith Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) joins the celebration of Colorado’s acceptance into statehood with free access to all Colorado State Parks on Monday, August 4. (Colorado Day is a state observance on August 1.) Park entrance fees are waived, but activities like fishing and camping will still require a valid license or…

By Lisa Crockett Secure document shredding, provided by Shred-It, will be available free of charge to the Castle Pines community on Saturday August 9 from 9 a.m. until noon at the DCS Montessori School. Participants in the event will be invited to make a voluntary donation to DCS Montessori’s school technology fund. The event is…

Information provided by The Colorado Department of Transportation The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has two projects in the works that will directly impact drivers on I-25 between Lincoln Avenue and Dry Creek Road. Direct Lane Pilot Program On Monday July 14, CDOT launched a pilot program on southbound I-25 starting near Dry Creek and…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Colorado Children’s Chorale Group in front of the Jaromerice Chateau, Trebic, Czech Republic. From Castle Pines are Jack Barton (2nd row, sixth from right), and Hayden Arnold (2nd row, fourth from right). From Castle Rock are Emily Keely (front row, third from left) and Leah Doogan (front row, fifth…

By JulieAnna Reinhardt; photos courtesy of Andy Amick Hitting the open road will never look the same for one Castle Pines resident who took to it on the saddle of a mountain bike! They call it the Great Divide Ride, a 2,745-mile journey from Banff, Alberta, Canada across the entire United States to Antelope Wells,…

Information and photos provided by Douglas County On Monday night, July 21, 18th Judicial District Judge Paul A. King (right) swore in David A. Weaver (left) as the new Douglas County Commissioner District I. David A. Weaver was appointed on July 21 by the Douglas County Republican Party Vacancy Committee to serve the remaining six-month…

By Lisa Crockett It’s August, a time of year that many of us of a certain age equate with the last days of summer vacation. For most students in Douglas County Schools, however, class is in session well before even a hint of fall is in the air. School calendaring decisions are made by individual…

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan One Elk Pointe Lane in Castle Pines Village was the spectacular setting for a unique fundraising event held on June 19. The home, owned by Austin Tilghman is currently for sale and the owner worked closely with his listing agent Wanda Ford of Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty to coordinate…

Castle Pines father and son duos, Brad & Trevor White and Blake & Chris Patterson took first place in the tournament. By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of the Ihme Family and Jacquelyn Crady The Ihme Family Golf Tournament supporting Children’s Hospital Colorado raised more than $21,000 during its event on June 13 at the Highlands…

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…

By Lisa Crockett Sticky situations were the name of the game at a class on creative uses of duct tape at the Castle Pines Library last month. Designed to be a draw for so-called “tweens” in the area, the library offered the class based on the book “The Kids’ Guide to Duct Tape Projects” by…

By Cindy Kessinger Looking for a way to enjoy the springtime weather and get some exercise while spending time with a significant other? Try taking your date on a tandem bike ride; a bicycle built for two. KC Neel of Castle Rock Bike and Ski in Castle Rock said she and her husband used to…

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…