Read the stories from the latest issue:
The merchants in The Village at Castle Pines have joined Sterling Building & Design to fill a large-size POD with much-needed items such as new and unwrapped clothing of all sizes, new and unwrapped toys, toiletries, gift cards, and non-perishable food items for donation to the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. Please consider helping those less fortunate…
Michaela Fullerton, resident of Castle Pines, was another of last year’s finalists who displayed her performing talent last March at the Lone Tree Arts Center. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Kiwanis Club The Kiwanis Club of Castle Rock will be holding auditions for its 11th annual Stars of Tomorrow talent competition at the Lone…
Candi Beach hosted an event to support Lukas Larsson and Love Hope Strength on Saturday, November 15. Pictured left to right: Alisha Bell (she got registered), Cash Beach (baby), Candi Beach, Lukas Larsson, Oliver Larsson, and Morgan Bell (he got registered … his dad lost his battle with leukemia last December). By Elean Gersack; photos…
By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Dr. Jacqueline Shuler Why do kids scribble? Why do they paint blue cats and green people? Should a parent help their preschooler learn to draw? What is wrong with coloring books? Find the answers to these intriguing questions along with a lot of delightful photos of toddlers creating art…
The Douglas/Elbert Task Force Santa’s Sharing program allows community members the opportunity to “adopt” local pre-qualified families in Douglas and Elbert counties who find themselves in need during this holiday season. If you represent a business, association, individual, family, or community group and would like more information on this program, e-mail the program coordinator at…
Haley Pearson, Castle Pines resident, was deeply moved after visiting the Sinde Village in Africa in 2012 and wanted to do more to help out. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of the Pearson Family The Pearson family, residents of Winter Berry, recently started making it their mission to raise money for communities in need, particularly…
By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Ben Archibald It’s the season of hustle and bustle, of crowds and hassles. Amidst the chaos, a true moment of peace might be the best gift of all. At Regency Tea Room (Tea Room) in The Emporium in Castle Rock, that peace and serenity is done with elegance and…
Which came first, the chicken or “The Egg and I?” Castle Rock residents Cal and Teresa Weatherly and their family and friends at the new The Egg & I, which opened its doors last month in Castle Rock. Article and photo by Cindy Kessinger Cal and Teresa Weatherly are now the proud owners of their…
Belly up to the bar; hot chocolate, that is! Article and photos by Lisa Crockett The holidays are here and party season is in full swing. Calendars are filling up and time is short, so I’m always looking for things I can do to show my love that are quick, easy and foolproof. With that…
Seventh grader Taylor Eubanks presents rules for the creativity contest she is coordinating. By Lisa Crockett; photos by Lisa Crockett and courtesy of Ben Franklin Academy Castle Pines seventh grader Taylor Eubanks has girl scouting in her blood. Both her mom and her grandmother were avid scouters, and Taylor is continuing the tradition by earning…
Castle Pines resident and travel consultant Nancy Warner has gained much of her travel knowledge through first-hand experience, like this trip to Ireland. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Nancy Warner Vacation time. Whether Santa is bringing you some cash to spend on a getaway in the near future or you’re thinking of longer-range plans,…
Life-sized LEGOs, DUPLO racetracks, and virtual building activities are featured in the LEGO Travel Adventure exhibit, now showing at The Wildlife Experience in Parker. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of The Wildlife Experience LEGO bricks are the building blocks for an exciting new exhibit at The Wildlife Experience (WLE) in Parker. The exhibit, called the…
Commemorative holiday ornaments are being sold as a fundraiser for the Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation. Ornaments are now on sale at the Castle Pines Library and also at Walgreens. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines commemorative Christmas ornaments are now on sale, with proceeds benefitting the Castle Pines Arts and Cultural…
Miscellany Miscellany, the wonderful new store in The Village at Castle Pines, held its grand opening on a beautiful snowy day in November and attracted hundreds of shoppers. The boutique specializes in rustic décor, fanciful “found” objects, funky jewelry, and cute one-of-a-kind tops and sweaters. Owner Suzette Brauch, a Castle Pines Village resident, featured Christmas…
By Elean Gersack Safety is a top priority for most families. Fortunately, we live in one of the safest counties around. As a community, it’s up to everyone – families, neighbors, friends, schools, and law enforcement – to work together to help keep everyone safe. The Castle Pines Connection recently sat down with Douglas County…
By Lisa Crockett Colorado weather can be unpredictable, sometimes making travel treacherous. On a snowy day, it can be tough for parents and students to predict whether or not schools will open their doors. When questionable weather descends upon the area, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) has several procedures in place for deciding how…
The Robotics team at RHMS took home numerous awards from the district-wide Robotics Tournament held on November 15. The competition sparked the creativity of the students who worked so hard to master the art of creating a working and functioning robot. Submitted by eighth grade student Riley Busch; photo courtesy of eighth grade student Sydney…
Cowgirls McKenna Deckert (left) and Maddie Hill sample goodies made from fruits and veggies at Sage Canyon Elementary’s annual harvest festival and farmer’s market. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Harvest has always been a time to celebrate the bounty of the season, and the tradition of a Harvest Day festival is alive and well…
This dramatic scene of Jesus on the cross closed out Regis Jesuit’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” (Photo courtesy of Jeff Harpham) By Amy Shanahan; courtesy photos Regis Jesuit High School (RJ) was excited to produce its first musical in the school’s all-new Z Theater in the recently constructed Performing Arts Center and Student Commons.…
By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Sandy Cranston It was a blast from the past at Buffalo Ridge Elementary school on Friday, November 14. Families came out in droves to enjoy a laid back night of Bingo with a potluck dinner. In between rounds of Bingo, minute-to-win-it challenges kept the kids, parents, teachers and staff…
This season’s Timber Trail Elementary Girls on the Run team. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Another season of Girls on the Run has drawn to a close for students at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). The nationwide program is designed to teach third through fifth grade girls about physical and mental health and helps girls…
Eighth grade students from Rocky Heights Middle School had the opportunity to attend the district-sponsored Career Expo in November. Students enjoyed hearing about various careers and many came away with new ideas and dreams for their future. Submitted by RHMS eighth grade student Cody Hyman; photos courtesy of RHMS eighth grade student Josh Harmon Life…
BRE’s Green Team and the results of their lunch-time garbage bags plastic audit. The team created a baseline and will re-audit two more times this year with the hopes of inventory decreasing. Next up, food waste. Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche Recycling may not be something that students think about everyday, but Buffalo…
The Rock Canyon High School band performing at the Legend Show at Sports Authority Stadium on October 11 where they won first place. From left to right: Taylor Martin on flute, Shu Ee Ong on saxophone and Mark Berry on flute. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of RCHS Band, Betsy Riner, and Tammy Reed The…
William Shakespeare, Cleopatra and Theodore Roosevelt all gathered at the DCS Montessori school (DCSM) in Castle Pines for a historic day last month. The unlikely trio was joined by all manner of other historic figures, ranging from Davy Crockett to Queen Mary – all played by students who were well-versed in the life and times…
Melanie and Eric Burke hosted a tent at the Castle Pines Run Wild event where they showcased their new brand of workout gear that is specially designed for women. KEEPTIGHT is officially launching and taking orders beginning December 4. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Eric Burke Castle Pines residents Eric and Melanie Burke have…
Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Canyon Fitness continues to host amazing events for its members that are not only enjoyable, but highlight and raise money for worthwhile causes. On October 29, the club held an all-day breast cancer awareness event that succeeded in raising $2,300 for the Jill Lamb Foundation, a local charity that…
Photos courtesy of Neil Maday The Maday family of Castle Pines participated in the 11th annual Denver Gorilla Run last month. Left to right: Sophia (5), Wendy, Nick (9), and Neil Maday. Check it out at denvergorillarun.com.
By Patte Smith; map courtesy of the City of Lone Tree In September, the City of Lone Tree launched a free new shuttle service that will run Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shuttle runs along Park Meadows Drive and has stops at six locations: the Lincoln Light Rail Station, Kaiser Permanente,…
Photos by Terri WieboldElection Day was November 4, and Castle Pines residents were out exercising their civic rights and voting. The Castle Pines community (all of zip code 80108) accounts for 19,082 of the 227,552 registered voters in Douglas County. Of those, an outstanding 12,273 (64 percent) took time out of their busy schedules to…
Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Castle Pines Village resident Don Somsky (left) alongside Douglas County Engineer Sean Owens at one of the five crossings affected by the newly-enacted quiet zones. Residents and business owners who live and/or work near the U.S. Highway 85 corridor between Sedalia and Atrium Drive have begun to experience…
A new dental office, Castle Pines Dental Group, has opened its doors in the Safeway shopping center. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A new team of dental care professionals has come to Castle Pines with a strategy aimed at providing comfortable, comprehensive care. Castle Pines Dental Group in the Safeway shopping center has two…
Castle Pines Village resident Kimberly Pfauth describes her company Luxury Moving Solutions as “the wedding planner for moves.” By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Kimberly Pfauth With 13 years in the moving industry, Pfauth knows all the ins and outs of making a move as stress free as possible. Packing, lifting, cleaning, assembling; let’s face…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Steven Robinson Operation Bright Star, organized by the Robinson family of Castle Pines, gathered on November 23 at the Castle Pines community center to package more than 50 Thanksgiving meals for the Crisis Center in Castle Rock. Neighbors, friends and scouts worked together to distribute the donations from the…
Information provided by Douglas County Parks and Trails We are starting to celebrate the holidays and there is a lot of planning, shopping and merrymaking to be done. But after all the fun and festivities, the ole Tannenbaum has to be taken down and disposed of. There are plenty of convenient drop-off locations, so please…
Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Debbie and Fernando Salazar were thrilled with the turnout for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of their new audio video shop SmartLife Audio Video. The owners teamed up with neighbor Sterling Building & Design, whose owner Woody Howarth showcased his new design center, to provide an evening filled…
By Elizabeth Wood West Alberta Development and Forum Real Estate Group recently announced that the 200-acre property for the highly-anticipated Promenade at Castle Rock (Promenade) project has been acquired. The property sold for $44 million and is planned to include one million square feet of large retail, restaurant, and mixed-use development. The Promenade project is…
By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Nick Lucey Approximately 100 people came out on a blustery, snowy day to honor our nation’s veterans and active military at the beautiful and inspiring Douglas County Veterans Monument in downtown Castle Rock. The fourth annual Veterans Day tribute was sponsored and organized by the Douglas County Veterans Monument…
Valor High senior Ross Macdonald finished his high school golf career as part of a state championship team for the second year in a row. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of the Macdonald Family Valor High School senior Ross Macdonald has been playing golf since he was eight years old. He started his golfing career…
Castle Pines resident Denise Kelley with the tools of her mobile spray tanning trade. Using an airbrush tool, Kelley applies a natural tanning solution for an even, natural summer glow. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Temperatures are plunging and snow covers the ground. Sunlight is in short supply, and summer tans have long since…
The Castle Rock Community Ringers Hand Bell Choir will host a holiday concert and dessert on Friday evening, December 19. The hand bell choir will be joined by various artists from the community. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Christ’s Episcopal Church, 615 4th Street in the downtown area of Castle Rock. Tickets can…
Mayor Jeff Huff (left) joined Castle Pines resident and City Councilman Geoff Blue at a happy hour at Duke’s last month along with Kimberly Pfauth of Luxury Moving Solutions, and Councilperson Tera Radloff (right). Blue hopes to join forces with others who work from home for socializing and for sharing in other common interests. Article…
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (left) and Colorado Representative Bob Beauprez stopped by American Academy in Castle Pines for a tour of the school followed by a brief press conference. Both politicians took the time to read a story to a class of first graders. Information and photos provided by American Academy On October 3,…
By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of John Leyba The girls varsity and junior varsity softball teams from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) and Regis Jesuit High School went head to head for the third annual Catch for the Cure game in support of breast cancer awareness. The teams raised more than $5,000 which was donated…
Article and photo by Elean Gersack; inset photo courtesy of Cyndi Willenbrock If you haven’t heard of Marshall yet, just wait – you will. He is a miracle and a huge celebrity in his home state of Missouri. Children at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School had the chance to meet Marshall and his owner Cyndi Willenbrock…
Oven-free stuffing worth getting stuffed on Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year. A day dedicated to food, friends, and family. Most of us have sacred foods for this day, recipes that must never be tampered with or substituted. I am a firm believer in ritual…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County reports that as of October 1, there were a total of 225,144 registered voters for the upcoming General Election on November 4. Of those, 45,120 were Democrats, 105,359 were Republicans, and 74,665 were other. Make sure your vote counts and ensure that all mail-in ballots are received (not…
Anderson P. proudly displays her rural, suburban, urban project. Second graders learned about why people settle in certain areas, how the size and the character of a community changes over time, and how communities manage and use non-renewable/renewable resources. Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche On October 9, Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) opened…
A Castle Pines tradition since 2009, Operation Bright Star, organized by the Robinson family, brings residents of all ages together to assemble Thanksgiving meals for the Crisis Center. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Steve Robinson Steve and Jody Robinson are continuing a Castle Pines community tradition by gearing up to provide Thanksgiving meals to…
By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Laurie Jacobs The annual Turweston Lane chili cook off was held on Sunday, October 5. Friends and neighbors gathered together thanks to resident Laurie Jacobs who plans the event each year! Drum roll please … this year’s best chili award goes to The Laity Family, with second place going…
By Patte Smith The Colorado mountains are an ideal place to camp, hike, fish, and enjoy searching for the perfect family Christmas tree. This can be a great outing for everyone – families and friends can trek though the pines to locate the tree that will be the centerpiece of their holiday season. Pack a…
Fifth grader James Vakoc put on his best wig for Sage Canyon’s fun run last month. Third grader Kyra Crowe leads her fellow students at Sage Canyon Elementary in the national anthem at the beginning of the school’s fun run fundraiser last month Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Last month, Sage Canyon Elementary (SCE)…
Pictured above: Taylor Made owner Kelly Taylor (left) at the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce OctoberFest with her mother Helen Taylor (right) and a happy Castle Pines customer (center). Motivated by her daughter Addison (left), local accessory designer Kelly Taylor (right) makes headbands and hair clips for women and girls. Inspired by the movie “Frozen,”…
Photo courtesy of RCHS student Blake Kortum RCHS zoology teacher Jessica Muniz (left) stands proudly with three of her students who made a presentation to the Castle Pines City Council proposing a safety solution to prevent bears from getting into garbage cans. Left to right: Mars Tweed, Cameron Love, and Casey Oberholtzer. By Kathy Fallert;…
The current yearbook staff at RHMS enjoyed spending the day at CSU and participating in J-Day, an exciting day of education about journalism and media. RHMS was proud to take home two awards. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Tim Ryckman The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) yearbook staff was thrilled to participate in J-Day…
By Amy Shanahan; photos by Kathy Fallert and courtesy of John Hauber The annual chili cook off in The Village at Castle Pines took place on a beautiful fall Colorado day and attendees enjoyed live music, delicious chili, and good family fun. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Castle Pines (RCCP), the event is one…
Ready, aim, and … … Fire! Students at Timber Trail Elementary catapult spare change across the library to have fun and raise money to benefit both the school’s library and libraries of kids in need through the “All for Books” charity. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students journeyed back to…
The Keystone, one of six floor plans available in the new development, is the model home featured for viewing. Sales staff for Taylor Morrison tout home design, as well as Castle Pines Village amenities as attractive features for the 52 new homes being constructed. Special to The Connection; photos courtesy of Taylor Morrison A new…
DCS Montessori students show they can-can work together and have fun! By Lisa Crockett, photos courtesy of DCS Montessori School Fall is a great time to celebrate and at DCS Montessori School (DCSM), they do it in style. For years now, it’s been a school tradition for students and their families to enjoy a carnival-type…
By Elizabeth Wood West If you are one of the many golfers in the Castle Pines community, you are likely aware that there are more than a dozen golf courses within a half an hour’s drive from the Castle Pines and Castle Rock area. Some are private, some are public, and all are beautifully unique…
As part of the Change of Command Ceremony, former Chief Qualman (right) presents Chief Baker (left) with the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority flag. Submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Authority For the first time in the history of the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, a Change of Command Ceremony was held on October 16…
Castle Rock was recently named the fourth best place to live in the United States by Money Magazine. The small town feel coupled with a stimulated economy continues to attract new businesses and residents. Above is the iconic “Castle Rock.” By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Magic Hour Images, LLC In September, Money Magazine published…
Fifteen-year-old Bryan Warnecke’s life is a story of courage and fearlessness in the face of tremendous odds. His battle with cystic fibrosis, his amazing physical feats, and his uplifting attitude captured the attention of Colorado band OneRepublic who dedicated their song “I lived” to telling Warnecke’s story in their music video. Warnecke spent several days…
Suzette Brauch (left) and her niece Michelle Strohfus (right)are thrilled to bring more retail options to the Castle Pines community. Their shop “Miscellany” promises to bring ‘fine goods for fine folks with enthusiasm for all things splendid’! Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Miscellany is a fun and funky new store that recently opened across…
Submitted by Douglas County A champion of open space in Douglas County for more than 20 years will be honored in November by the county’s only non-profit land trust, the Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC). Cheryl Matthews has worked for Douglas County for 22 years and has been director of the county’s Open Space and Natural…
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Amy Talley, Laura & Ken Drobish, and Douglas County Sergeant Mike Connolly Saturday morning on October 4, soccer games at Elk Ridge Park turned into two spectator events as parents, players and coaches watched a bull elk struggle to untangle itself from barbed wire. East of the soccer field…
Photos courtesy of Cindy Kessinger Castle Pines Connection Account Manager Cindy Kessinger (above center) joins community leaders and guests for the Charles Schwab ribbon cutting ceremony on October 1. Pictured below: Lone Tree Mayor Jim Gunning (second from left) and Douglas County Commissioner Jill Repella (far right) officially welcomed Charles Schwab to the community.
By Lynne Marsala Basche Once again, our Castle Pines residents came through in a big way for the community! The Castle Pines Connection-sponsored Second Thrill Spooktacular was a frightful success, and children throughout the county benefited from your generosity. Together, Castle Pines residents donated nearly 100 Halloween costumes to the Douglas/Elbert Task Force, and some…
We Deliver is a family-owned restaurant food delivery service now available in the Castle Pines and Castle Rock area. We Deliver owners Rob Bryant, wife Beth, and daughter Stephanie (center) at their home in Parker. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Rob Bryant Rob Bryant, wife Beth, and daughter Stephanie have launched an independent…
The Wellspring Wonders Choir performed to a packed audience and received a standing ovation. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Wellspring Community Wellspring Community (Wellspring) held its sixth annual fundraiser in September and gave its guests a more personal glimpse into the success of this local non-profit organization. Wellspring provides services to young adults…