The Connection

By Steve Baska with contribution by Terri Wiebold Nearly four years to the day after approving its annexation agreement with The Canyons, the City of Castle Pines received the final $1 million impact fee payment from the developers. According to the city’s 2009 annexation agreement with The Canyons developers, nearly $3 million was to paid…

Courtesy photos The RCHS softball team won the regional tournament recently and are headed to state! Coach Debora Kortbawi said, “The team has a goal and regionals was the first step to ‘finishing out’ and doing what they are capable of doing. The leadership of the seniors is fantastic and we are counting on that…

By Patte Smith Each year as the holidays draw near, families are busy planning get-togethers, cleaning the house for guests, shopping for the traditional Thanksgiving fixings and special Christmas gifts. The reality is that many people are struggling to just get by on a daily basis. This year, start a new family tradition and take…

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…

RCHS Head Baseball Coach Tyler Munro poses in his math classroom in front of many baseball photos from when he coached 2008-2010. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Tyler Munro was named head baseball coach for Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) for the second time in his coaching career. Munro was the varsity head baseball…

Shannon Jiang, Shivani Chauhan, and Dane Burkholder were recently named National Merit semifinalists. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of RCHS Three Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students – Dane Burkholder, Shivani Chauhan and Shannon Jiang were recently named National Merit semifinalists, an honor in academic excellence. The three students performed in the top one percent…

By Lisa Nicklanovich The upswing in teen cyber bullying across the nation is just one example of how navigating the teen years can be challenging for both parents and teens. Many resources exist here in Douglas County thanks to Deputy Ann Walton of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Staci McCormack, student wellness coordinator of…

Pictured left to right: Coach Dunkle, Max Pederson (senior), Josh Pusar (freshman) and Coach Handy. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Coach Dunkle Max Pederson and Josh Pusar, both Rock Canyon High School students and Castle Pines residents, qualified to play in the state golf tournament. Coach Dunkle said, “We expected to qualify one individual…

By Lisa Crockett Taylor Morrison, which was named “Builder of the Year” by Builder Magazine, will soon have homes to show in a new subdivision consisting of 52 homes in Castle Pines Village. Homes in the new development will range in size from 2,500 – 3,500 square feet with two ranch plans and four two-story…

Castle Pines resident Dick Leenvaart has spent more than a decade serving those in need at the Christ’s Body Ministries. By Julie Montoya; photos courtesy of Christ’s Body Ministries When your heart is filled with purpose, anything is possible. That’s how life feels for Castle Pines resident Dick Leenvaart, who has spent the past eleven…

Castle Pines resident Taylor Tree created a personalized phone case for her iPhone using the new 3D printer at RHMS. A bust of Yoda was also created by technology teacher Tim Ryckman in order to show the students the tremendous capabilities of this latest technology. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School…

Pictured left: Third grader Anna Porter chops fruit as part of Timber Trail Elementary’s first-ever Iron Chef activity. The lesson was designed as a hands-on way for students to demonstrate their knowledge about different states of matter. Pictured right: Third grader Peyton Maurer learns about transforming a liquid to a gas using dry ice and…

An aerial photograph of Rueter-Hess Reservoir captured on October 16 shows a slight increase in the water level from previous months. By Steve Baska; photo courtesy of Keith Craw Rueter-Hess Reservoir, located east of I-25 and Castle Pines Parkway, filled with enough water from recent heavy rains to provide water to 500 homes for a…

Fifth grader Claire Isert makes a donation to Timber Trail Elementary’s “Coins for Compassion” drive to benefit the United Way of Weld County flood relief fund. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Small change can make a big difference, especially when a whole community comes together to collect it. Small people can make a big…

Information provided by Bill Sparkman, PSAC*/DCSO If you have an e-mail account, it’s likely you have received correspondence from the Nigerian lottery, the Canadian lottery, your long lost nephew now stranded in Mexico or some other country. Perhaps FedEx or UPS has contacted you to let you know that they tried to deliver a package…

By Elizabeth Wood West Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) is inviting the public to participate in Operation Christmas Child (OCC). OCC is an annual international holiday gift drive for needy children and a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse – a Christian non-profit international relief organization that began the shoebox gift ministry in 1993. Last year, the…

Canyon Fitness owners Kyle and Michelle Hettinger are very proud of their new state-of-the-art health club. “It’s a dual environment,” remarked Michelle. “We have high energy classes and cutting edge equipment, yet also offer an atmosphere to unwind in the spa and whirlpool.” Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Canyon Fitness (formerly Village Fitness) is…

Matt and Lara Lane, along with partners Paul and Tami Gerrard (not pictured) started SafeSplash swim schools in 2006 and now have eight locations throughout Colorado. Article and photos by Amy Shanahan In 2004 when Castle Pines Village residents Matt and Lara Lane investigated swim schools for their two daughters, they were unable to find…

The owners of the Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines: Dr. Jason Ortman, Dr. Matthew Rolfson, Drs. Stephanie and Jeff Scheich and Dr. Andrew Dunbar. Photos by Elean Gersack On October 10, the Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines was officially welcomed into the city with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Castle…

Eagle Scout Luke Zahorik sits on one of the benches he designed and built for Lincoln Mountain open space park. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Lynn Zahorik and Lisa Bartmann Luke Zahorik Castle Pines resident Luke Zahorik has spent most of his 18 years of life in Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Zahorik,…

Avalanche Captain Gabriel Landeskog takes a casual approach to ball handling – far less aggressive than his nature on the ice. Avalanche head coach and former goalie Patrick Roy shares a laugh with media at the annual charity golf event in Castle Pines. The 18th fairway welcomes guests to the official golf course of the…

View looking north on North Meadows Drive Information provided by The Town of Castle Rock The Town of Castle Rock and its partners are ready to break ground on the Town’s number one priority (and largest ever) transportation project – the North Meadows Extension from The Meadows to U.S. Highway 85 and I-25. The Town…

Tam Bentley (back row turquoise sweatshirt, ball cap and black pants) with her team, Tam’s Easy Breathin’ Buddies. The team raised more than $2,100 at an event last month to benefit the National Lung Cancer Partnership. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Tam Bentley In an effort to double lung cancer survival by 2022, the…

Refreshed interiors and new decor are prominent features at Ambiance Nails & Spa. The nail salon, next to Safeway offers a wide variety of manicure and pedicure services. Ambiance Nails & Spa is now open in Castle Pines in the Safeway shopping center on Castle Pines Parkway. The salon is under new ownership and is…

By Lisa Crockett Families who wish to enroll students in a public school other than their designated neighborhood school must complete an open enrollment application, available online through the Douglas County School District website. Applications for the first round are accepted November 1 through January 5. Round one applications are accepted for the following school…

The Castle Pines Village ladies 2.5 red tennis team celebrated a state victory on October 2. Pictured left to right: Katie Van Houten, Katya Duncan, Julie Berris, Carrie Manion, Merry Kaminsky, and Beth Markowski. Not pictured: Amy Sutherland. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Julie Berris The Castle Pines Village (CPV) ladies 2.5 tennis teams,…

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Chad Chisholm The first Urban Nights event to benefit the homeless youth of Urban Peak was a huge success! Thanks to Castle Pines Village residents Cheryl and Gary Joseph, son Justin Joseph, and son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Kirby Joseph, Urban Nights raised a total of $337,000. The Castle…

By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Laurie Jacobs Friends and neighbors on Turweston Lane in Castle Pines enjoyed a Sunday afternoon together sharing good times and eating lots of good chili. Despite the time overlap with the infamous Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys match-up, many joined in on the fun. Top chili honors went to…

photos by Amy Shanahan Saturday, October 5 was a beautiful day in The Village at Castle Pines, and many neighbors and community members came out to taste amazing homemade chili at the fifth annual Chili Cook Off! Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Castle Pines, the event included fun for the whole family with a…

The 60-member team at Madison & Company, a Denver area real estate firm founded in 2008 by Castle Pines resident Todd Narlinger, celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Madison & Company Madison & Company Properties, a Denver real estate firm owned and operated by Castle Pines resident Todd Narlinger,…

Volunteers in 19th century costumes are preparing to make ketchup on the 1860s farm. The barn and old windmill is next to the Blacksmith’s shop at the Littleton Museum. Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Who knew that an outstanding living history museum exists less than a half hour from the City of Castle Pines?…

Information provided by CRCGT The Castle Rock Community Green Team (CRCGT) needs volunteers to work one, two-hour shift per month at the Castle Rock reclying center.  The Community Recycling Center, located at 701 Prairie Hawk Drive, is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., year round. Contact volunteer coordinator Peggy…

The lovely Sanctuary Golf Course was the setting for the ninth annual Fall Classic Charity Golf Tournament in support of Regis Jesuit. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The ninth annual Regis Jesuit (RJ) Fall Classic Golf Tournament was held on September 11 at the beautiful Sanctuary Golf Course in Castle Pines. The rainy day…

The middle school building at DCS Montessori is under construction and is expected to be finished after the winter break. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Seventh and eighth graders at the DCS Montessori (DCSM) in Castle Pines should have a new place to call home by the first of the year, according to Mike…

Master gardeners of Castle Pines contest judges (left to righ): Harriette Einolf, 11-year Forest Park resident, 7-year master gardener; Ellie Landry, 15-year Royal Hill resident, 6-year master gardener; Cathy Robinson, 15-year Glen Oaks resident, 3-year master gardener; Margaret Hayward, 1-year Hidden Pointe resident, 10-year master gardener; Carol Grant, 17-year Retreat resident, 2-year master gardener; and…

Carriage rides, pumpkin patch picking, and much more at the Colorado Agriculture Leadership Foundation’s (CALF) annual Harvest Day. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of CALF The Colorado Agriculture Leadership Foundation (CALF) invites the public to celebrate fall ranching and farming traditions at its annual Harvest Day. This popular family event will be held on…

Information provided by The Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center The Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center (TWCFOC) will be holding its 6th Annual Future for Families Gala on Friday, November 8 at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center in Englewood. The event will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This year’s Mistress of…

Castle Pines residents came out to get colorful during theCastle Pines second annual Run Wild event. The much-anticipated color run was the main event, with volunteers lining the route outfitted with paint powder to decorate the runners. Article and photos by Julie Montoya After what many called the five-hundred-year flood, Mother Nature didn’t stop more…

Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Call your babysitter now. Douglas County Libraries is inviting you to join in for Books, Bites and Brews on November 9 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cielo at Castle Pines. The event will feature tastes and demonstrations from locally-authored cookbooks and local chefs, as well as a…

Open house set for October 12 By Elean Gersack It’s time to celebrate! The Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines is now open for business. Bring the whole family and join in on the grand opening festivities planned for Saturday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be plenty of fun…

By Steve Baska The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD)’s effort to transition the residents of Castle Pines from unsustainable well water in the Denver Basin Aquifer System to renewable water has resulted in its necessity to develop, refine, and adopt a comprehensive and actionable Strategic Renewable Water Implementation Program. CPNMD is currently holding a…

The Susan G. Komen Denver Affiliate 2013 Race for the Cure Committee. The race was held on September 29 to kick off the October observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Castle Pines Connection Advertising Account Sales Manager Cindy Cranstone (fourth from right on top row) uses her experience as a breast cancer survivor to fuel…

Left – The Old Stone Church, 210 Third Street in Castle Rock. Right – Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, 420 Jerry Street By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Douglas County History Research Center As Halloween draws near, ghost stories are as much a must-have as carved pumpkins and spooky decorations. Ghost stories are even…

Joanie Micale is dubbed the Queen of Halloween by friends and members of her book club. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Cindy Cranstone Joanie Micale looks forward to the month of October every year, and it’s not because there is a nip in the air. Castle Pines Village resident Micale is crazy for all…

Daniels Park bison herd and new spring calves. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Denver Mountain Parks Daniel’s Ridge resident Virginia Dawson recently contacted The Castle Pines Connection, wanting to know the outcome of our May 2011 story regarding water for the Daniels Park bison herd. Dawson asked, “Since we have not seen the…

Information provided by Douglas County A residential only multi-product recycling event accepting electronics, personal documents for shredding, and clothing donations will be held on Saturday, October 5 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Castle View High School, located at 5254 N. Meadows Drive in Castle Rock. Personal document shredding is limited to four file-size…

By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Smart Treats Castle Pines resident Ranee Wilson is passionate about helping area schools and providing wholesome snacks to the students at those schools. After working as a volunteer parent at the DCS Montessori School in Castle Pines for several years, Wilson saw the need for a way to combine…

Information provided by the Castle Pines Village Garden Club The Castle Pines Village Garden Club (CPVGC) is a non-profit organization and open to the general public. Members from all over the state, including Fort Collins, Lafayette, and Highlands Ranch attend the meetings and enjoy the field trips. Programs are open to all members and guests.…

Wellspring Community founder Mary Lou Fenton visits with a guest at “An Evening of Inspiration,” the non-profit’s annual fundraiser at Cielo at Castle Pines. Article and photos by Elizabeth Wood West “No one is more amazed than I am at the incredible growth Wellspring Community has experienced in such a short time,” exclaimed Wellspring’s founder…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Jack Klobetanz Where do you choose to settle down and raise a family after you have weathered sand storms in Mongolia, trekked through Bolivia at 18,000 feet, and swam in Cleopatra’s bath in Turkey? Castle Pines of course. Jack Klobetanz, his wife Kelley, and their 18-month-old son Maddox moved…

Local resident Dan Hachmeister created Gioli Vodka, which he calls “an awesome product at an excellent price.” The spirit competed against 1,400 brands in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and took the gold medal for quality, craftsmanship and price. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Dan Hachmeister Simplicity and elegance are the hallmarks of…

The annual tw telecom Charity Invitational Golf Tournament benefiting SungateKids was a huge success, as donations continued to come in throughout the day. Diana Goldberg, executive director of SungateKids (left) was thrilled to receive a check for what eventually amounted to $420,000 from tw telecom Chairman, CEO and President Larissa Herda (right). Article and photo…

By Elizabeth Wood West The City of Lone Tree and RidgeGate Development invite the public to attend the annual Schweiger Ranch Fall Festival on Sunday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schweiger Ranch is located within the RidgeGate development at 10822 Valley Hwy., just south of Lincoln Avenue, on the east side of…

Metro District Manager Jim Nikkel Information provided by CPNMD The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) has hired Jim Nikkel as its new full-time, in-house district manager. Nikkel served 14 years as a district engineer, and more recently as assistant district manager for the Parker Water and Sanitation District. He spearheaded the design and construction…

It’s almost time to hit the slopes, so get your passes now! By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Colorado Ski Country USA In just a few short weeks, the hills will be covered in fresh snow and it will be time to hit the slopes! Make plans now to get pass ready so you can…