The Connection

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…

Looking for the perfect gift to give your loyal customers, business partners and staff? The Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation (CPACF) is selling commemorative holiday ornaments. Ornaments are now on sale at the Castle Pines Library (between Thanksgiving and Christmas), The Ridge at Castle Pines North Golf Course, The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce,…

The star atop Castle Rock represents far more than the coming of the holiday season. The annual starlighting ceremony and holiday activities will be held Saturday, November 23, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce Castle Rock merchants and business leaders invite the public…

Kindergarteners in Mrs. Herzog’s class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School work on designing and building with shapes as part of a recent geometry unit.  By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Shannon Herzog Little minds at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) are seeing shapes in everything, thanks to a recent kindergarten geometry project. Instead of a…

Paolo Bettoni who is originally from Italy, enjoys living in the Castle Pines community with his wife and two young sons. Bettoni is committed to spreading the word about fatigue awareness and the consequences of fatigue. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Paolo Bettoni Surrey Ridge resident Paolo Bettoni is a software architect who is…

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,…