The Connection

Castle Pines sisters Chloe and Mia Maciolek brought life to Walt Disney’s classic tale of Sleeping Beauty.  Pictured above,  Prince Phillip defends the sleeping Princess Aurora (Chloe) from the evil Maleficent (Mia). Mia Maciolek (above and below in pink) played Sleeping Beauty in South Suburban Ice Arena’s Fairy Tales on Ice show last month.  Younger…

Elementary school students from Timber Trail and Buffalo Ridge (above) and representatives  from Rock Canyon High School (below) at this year’s Destination Imagination state tournament. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Christina Kohl Roughly 75 teams from Douglas County schools participated in this year’s Destination Imagination (DI) state tournament, including several from Castle Pines-area schools. …

The Interact club’s final meeting of the year was a celebration of their accomplishments.  Representatives from the Rotary Club of Castle Pines joined the students and their faculty sponsor, along with representatives from two organizations which benefited from the money raised by the club. The Interact club at Rocky Heights Middle School worked on several…

Photo and cutline by Terri Wiebold Saturday, May 15, MAD Greens in Lone Tree opened its doors for business.  According to area manager Jeremy Marshall, “We specialize in custom-made, gourmet salads and our menu is customizable.” Visit MAD Greens at 10002 Commons Street or learn more at www.madgreens.com.

By Elizabeth Wood West  U.S. Congressman Ken Buck is now accepting applications to four of the five U.S. service academies – U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY; U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY.  (The fifth service academy, U.S. Coast Guard…

Sheriff Tony Spurlock presented RCHS Principal Andy Abner with the Ronald M. King Community Service Award. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Principal and Castle Pines resident Andy Abner received the Ronald M. King Community Service Award from Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock on May…

Castle Pines Connection staff writer Elizabeth Wood West and her husband Richard enjoyed a lovely dinner at the soft opening of VistaVino in Castle Rock last month.  Check out the back page of the June Food & Dining guide for more information about VistaVino. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Devoted fans of Uniscali…

Jessica Ansay (right) with one of her sweet buddies from The Joshua School in Denver. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of the Ansay Family Last summer, the inaugural XDrive Classic Golf Tournament raised more than $33,000 for The Joshua School (TJS) in Denver.  The event returns on Monday, August 3 at The Club at Pradera…

Castle Pines residents Ella Greenhow, Charlie Tucker, Claire Benko, Emerson Yu, Lauren Brockman, and Ava Stotler pose in front of their team display at the Global Expo. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of American Academy The American Academy (AA) Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL) robotics team participated in the 2015 First World Championship Global…

By RHMS student Riley Busch; photos courtesy of Judi Holst “Yes, there is a world out there and even if you decide you don’t want to meet it, it’s still going to hit you right in the face.  Believe me.  So, best you start thinking about the world now and what it means to you.” …

Pictured front row (left to right):  Rachel Kelly (track, Coe College, IA), Erica Kelly (track, Upper Iowa University), Jack Lamb (track, University of Mary, ND), Tori Ritter, (diving, University of Cincinnati, OH), Joe Bove (tennis, Lake Forest College, IL), Justin Hunter (football, University of Oregon), Brickelle Bro (swimming, Stanford University, CA), Ellie Rich (volleyball, University…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Jimmy Dozer The shop owners at the Village at Castle Pines (VACP) kicked off spring in a big way with their inaugural Spring Fling event on April 25th.  Hundreds of neighbors and friends came together to celebrate on a typical Colorado spring day that brought both sunshine and afternoon…

By Elean Gersack Summer is a great time for ‘tweens and teens to earn some extra money while helping families with babysitting needs. South Metro Safety Foundation (SMSF) is the place to get the skills to be a SUPER sitter, since keeping kids safe is top priority. The SMSF Super Sitting course is for youth…

Author Doug Beason’s book “The Cadet” gives readers an inside look at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, one of the most iconic structures in Colorado and the training ground for some of our country’s brightest and toughest fighters, academics, and leaders. Novelist Doug Beason and his wife Cindy enjoy living in…

When Rita Klement (left) told her friends, Laurie Probsdorfer, Emily Hansen and Marne Hansen, she would be shaving her head to raise money for pediatric cancer, and to take control of losing her hair before starting chemotherapy, they said they would shave their heads too. (See top photo.) Rita Klement (left) with her son Sam…

By Amy Shanahan Urban Nights presented by Infiniti of Denver, a fundraiser to benefit Urban Peak, will hold its annual event this summer on August 29 at Mile High Station in Denver.  In its third year, Urban Nights has quickly become an esteemed fundraising event featuring a high-end fashion show, entertainment, a silent auction, pre-…

Article and photo by Lynne Marsala Basche Buffalo Ridge Elementary school was excited to share its third school-wide showcase with the community in March.  The quarterly showcases, which are designed to give family, friends, and the community an opportunity to stop by BRE and view the students’ semester work, are part of the Douglas County…

Information provided by Douglas County 17801 Plaza Drive, Parker 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.www.tchd.org

By Patte Smith Raising awareness for suicide prevention in Douglas County schools is the goal of the second annual DC Proud DC Strong Festival and 5K fundraiser.  This year the organization is reaching out to the community for even more participation.  Join them to ensure that every child and youth at risk of suicide have…

A Taste of Rose’s Bella Cucina Rose’s Bella Cucina, a new Italian eatery in Castle Rock, is the kind of place you go when you’re craving the classic dishes of your youth.  The kind of place that serves things that bring back memories and delight your senses.  The kind of place you go to when…

Castle Pines resident Steve Ihme, together with his family, will once again host the annual golf tournament in honor of his late brother, Rich.  Proceeds from the event will support the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital Colorado.  This year’s tournament is planned for Friday, June 12, at the Highlands Ranch Golf…

Rocky Heights Middle School was proud of the numerous students it sent to the regional competition for National History Day.  The school is sending a record number of competitors to the state competition. Castle Pines Village residents Brad Hansen and Amanda Pavillard worked together on a project about Susan B. Anthony.  Hansen said, “If you…

The Social is thrilled about their new chef and exciting new menu that compliments their impressive wine selection. Pictured left to right: Sous Chef Cameron Sutherland, General Manager Michael Mercandetti, and Head Chef Austin Hornsby.  Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The Social, located in The Village at Castle Pines, has become a local favorite…

Dressed in roller derby attire, Salon 188 owner Lisa Salmon gave Castle Rock ‘n Rollers’ team announcer, “Rock de Mike,” a haircut during a cut-a-thon she held to support her roller derby team.  By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Lisa Salmon Salon 188 owner Lisa Salmon held a cut-a-thon at her salon in April…

Information and photos provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is offering its parking lots as “safe havens” for buyers and sellers on Craigslist.  If buyers or sellers are completing an online transaction, the DCSO suggests that exchanges be made at the closest law enforcement station to protect both…

By Elizabeth Wood West The public is invited to attend a Memorial Day band concert hosted by the Town of Castle Rock on Sunday, May 24, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the bandstand at Philip S. Miller Library, located at 100 S. Wilcox Street in Castle Rock.   American Legion Post 1187 is…

Pictured top:  It’s all about survival for Cade Varella, whose supplies for disaster survival included food, fire starting materials, and a good luck charm. Pictured center:  Bella Wheeler was a germ detective, inspecting surfaces throughout her home and culturing the surfaces to determine which harbored the most contaminants. Pictured bottom:  Fourth grader Nikki Flocco held…

Photo by Terri Wiebold Having stopped by Castle Pines North Wine & Spirits on a Friday afternoon to use my coupon from the March Food & Dining guide, I came upon several Castle Pines neighbors enjoying the free wine tasting offered every Friday and Saturday evening throughout the summer.  Pictured above left to right:  Lisa…

The RCHS Poms coaching staff at State. Pictured left to right: Paige Hesen, Christina Leone, Erin Marken, and Amanda Gesell.  Leone won the prestigious Double-Goal Coach award from Positive Coaching Alliance for striving to win while also building team leaders with character.  Leone was chosen from 2,100 nominees because of her approach to building leaders…

By Patte Smith; courtesy photos The previously undeveloped 12.6-acre site at 9009 South Clydesdale Road in unincorporated Douglas County was purchased by Journey Church for $450,000 on April 14. The plot of pasture land, formerly owned by Castle Pines Community Church (now Foundry Church), is located on the west side of south Clydesdale Road between…

By Patte Smith Planning a vacation is fun and exciting.  The kids want new swimsuits for the pool, adults want time to relax, and the entire family wants an adventure-packed trip.  Organizing this vacation-of-all -vacations can be a tad stressful though.  Finding a place to stay, discovering attractions everyone will enjoy, locating where to dine,…

Tasha Frye, owner of L’Arrangement, is a very talented floral designer who was thrilled to be invited to join a prestigious group of floral designers from around the world.  Chapel Designers share their talents, ideas, and designs with each other, and in turn, Frye looks forward to further sharing her love of beautiful fresh flowers…

While bears are often unwelcome visitors when camping, co-existing with all types of wildlife is a reality for Castle Pines residents.  Noble Ridge resident Sue Fraley spotted these bears in her backyard on April 21.  Notice the bird feeders on the ground; At home, and especially when camping, be sure to keep all food sources…

“Xanadu” a popular movie from 1980 was recreated on stage by the students at RHMS and received excellent reviews.  Show star Ellie Hill is pictured kneeling.  Middle Row from left to right are Elana Opp, Katelyn Cranney and Alyssa Marino.  Back Row is Gideon Groom. Submitted by RHMS student Riley Busch; photo courtesy of RHMS…

Jack and his devoted companion Harper, who were partners in adventures, one-sided snowball fights, and doughnut-staring contests.  When the time came for end-of-life services, it was best for Harper and his family to be at home, and Caring Pathways offered a peaceful and comfortable option for the transition. Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche…

Submitted by the City of Castle Pines In a special ceremony, the City of Castle Pines presented Douglas County Libraries with a deed for property for the new library location. Mayor Jeffrey Huff (right) gave Library Director Bob Pasicznyuk a ceremonial gift certificate for land valued at $392,000.

Submitted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office With warmer temperatures just around the corner and the urge to stay out late during summer break, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind teenagers that a curfew law does exist, and it is midnight. There are many reasons for establishing a curfew for teenagers.  For…

Project Strong Boys takes root at Timber Trail Elementary with key tenets and core values.  Thirteen boys from first through fifth grade enjoyed the first Project Strong Boys session – practicing yoga, talking about emotions, being strong in both mind and body, and trying their hand at silent team building exercises. Article and photos by…

Information and photo provided by Douglas County The second of Douglas County’s two slash/mulch sites will open May 2 at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. That means it is time to clean up those yards and get your shrubs and branches ready to drop off so that they can be re-purposed and turned into…

For Timber Trail’s annual spirit week, students were invited to dress up according to different themes each day.  Fourth grader Keira Schnell, had a nerdy take on the theme of “dress like a teacher.”  First grade teacher Linda Nelson got in on the act too.  Taking a cue from her name, she dressed as Miss…

Frogs, and chicks and fishies, oh my!  Students at Sage Canyon Elementary are hatching chickens, and learning about the care and feeding of insects and amphibians through the school’s “Circle of Life” unit.  The lessons teach third graders about the life cycle of various species and provide hands-on opportunities for learning. Article and photos by…

Students at the DCS Montessori school learned about product development and marketing by participating in a Junior Achievement challenge.  One team from DCSM has advanced to the final round and has a chance at having their CinnaSugar Twist popcorn produced by Oogie’s Gourmet Popcorn. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori Students at DCS…

Math, chemistry and reading are all part of baking for students (left to right) Allie Oestman, Isabel Morgenthaler and Ben Pauka.  Below, twelve-year-old Aiden Ingenthron spent time as a “dough boy,” making bread with classmates to eat and to share. Nate Sandel, a baking instructor from King Arthur Flour Company, who taught the students the…

Patte Smith While working at an elementary school book fair in one of the Douglas County schools last month, I stood there smiling at the kids as they shopped for books.  Running up to ask questions if we had this book or that, where they could find it, and jotting down titles on their “wish…

BRE fifth graders rock out in “American Pop Forever.”  Singing songs such as “Rock Around the Clock”, “I Feel the Earth Move”, “YMCA”, and “Hold My Hand”, the performers captured the audience’s hearts with their talent and spirit. Fifth graders sang and performed to YMCA while the “Village People” balanced on yoga balls to add…

Pictured left to right: Sixth graders Tessa Green, Dylan Gerberg and Avery Dyer scooped ice cream for Timber Trail Elementary’s ice cream social, held in conjunction with the school’s semi-annual Scholastic Book Fair. Third graders Remy Arnold (left) and Kira Moar (right) enjoyed a treat at Timber Trail Elementary before shopping at the school’s book…

By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of The Melt Spring has sprung at the Park Meadows Dining Hall, as well as throughout the dining spaces at the retail resort, which is home to 17 restaurants.  With the warming temperatures, several restaurants including Perry’s Steakhouse, White Chocolate Grill, Brio, and La Sandia are expanding or upgrading their…

Clockwise from top left, Grand Prize winner Ashley Bradley’s double exposure portrait painted with acrylics. Grand Prize winner Ashley Bradley with Congressman Ken Buck (left) and RCHS art teacher Drew Walter (right) at the Congressional Art Competition.  Laura Kassner’s First Place portrait done with spray paint (background) and acrylics. Ethan Zehnder’s Jury Award winning piece…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Kristen Wylie The Castle Pines Village (CPV) parks and recreation committee held its annual Easter egg hunt on a beautiful, sunny day at the end of April.  Hundreds of parents and their kids turned out for this fun event.  The hunt is broken up into multiple age groups so…

By Patte Smith Boasting crispy fried green tomatoes, Memphis–style spare ribs, jambalaya, shrimp, po’ boys, and bourbon bread pudding, Southern Hospitality is opening its second Colorado restaurant at 7431 Park Meadows Drive in Lone Tree, the former site of Pasquini’s Pizzeria.   Currently planned to open in May, the eatery serves up fresh, high-quality southern-style food,…

More than 90 members of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) posed outside of the Pepsi Center in early February at a district conference. By Maria Pangalos, RCHS Intern; photo courtesy of Allie Johnson One quarter million middle school, high school and college students all around the nation are partaking in a non-profit organization…

Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce invites citizens of Castle Pines and Douglas County to join in a free educational event called “Fracking 101” hosted by the Douglas County Energy Coalition.  The free lunch will be held on May 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at…

Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Green flags and giant bright green bins are popping up on porches all over Castle Pines.  A new grass roots movement is making its way throughout the community with the mission of serving critically ill children and their families in Colorado.  Castle Pines Village resident Cy DeBoer, who has…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Stacy Gaines Project Easter Basket had another successful year thanks in part to the generosity of many Castle Pines residents.  Organizer Stacy Gaines is a Castle Pines Village resident who began this endeavor eight years ago in an effort to provide Easter baskets full of hygiene items, school supplies,…

Doctors Jeff and Stephanie Scheich enjoy being a part of the Castle Pines community and offer personalized, friendly service to their patients. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Doctors Jeff and Stephanie Scheich and their local family dental practice are well known and loved by many in our community.  Recently, their practice underwent a name…

Victoria Xikes, at home with her talent award which also included a cash scholarship, is a natural performer who has been taking voice lessons for less than a year.  Victoria Xikes put on a dazzling performance at the annual Stars of Tomorrow competition at the Lone Tree Arts Center in March singing “Mother Knows Best.”…

By Elean Gersack It’s that time again … time to part ways with the old to make room for the new.  Each year in mid-May, the community is abuzz with folks from far and wide looking for a great deal.   If your kids have grown out of toys, clothes, equipment, and more, or if…

The BRE Science Fair winners stand proud after being awarded top honors on Monday, April 20. (Not pictured – Drew W. and Jenna P.) Article and photo by Elean Gersack Congratulations to all of the young scientists at BRE who took part in the fourth annual Buffalo Ridge Elementary school’s  Mission: Curiosity! Science Fair on…

The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (District) is doing some spring cleaning around town, removing “encroachments” to publicly-owned land.   Encroachment is the legal term referring to modifications or additions made to land without the owner’s permission.  Metro District maintenance workers have found a variety of unauthorized structures on its property, including play forts and landscape…

Freshmen formal wear models Ngwena Mancho, Ryan Burger, and Adi Hirsh (and friends) rock the runway at RCHS’s fashion show, which raised funds for the After Prom. The Drama Club, including Meredith Ham, Kimball Eggett, Augustus Ballentine, and Hannah Beiersdorf represent the school’s production of “Guys and Dolls.”Below seniors Austin Matthys, Grant Schutte, Justin Hunter,…

Allison McKeel, a parent volunteer at Timber Trail Elementary, instructs students about selecting a book at the school’s first-ever book swap.  McKeel chaired the event. “I got this book called The Puppy Place,” said second grader Bailey McMullen.  “I really love puppies, and I love getting a new book!”Seven-year-old Ava Horrocks shows off her new…

Fourth and second grade sisters Peyton and Georgia proudly wore their K-MAC Strength t-shirts during Evening with the Arts. BRE Staff and Friends sold K-MAC Strength t-shirts at the event.Kyle MacIntosh fought cancer head-on.  He would regularly run the stairs at Red Rocks after chemotherapy treatments.  (Photo courtesy of the MacIntosh family).Floral art displays from…