The Connection

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…

Founded originally as the Denver Bible Institute in 1914, Colorado Christian University (CCU) held classes in 1919 in a building located at 20th Street and Glenarm Place in Denver. The university is undergoing a $120 million redevelopment at its main campus in Lakewood and recently dedicated the new academic building Leprino Hall as part of…

Thank you to the Weber family in Castle Pines for taking the time to write in to the editor with a question about the buffalo herd at Daniels Park. Below is the inquiry, as well as the response from Denver Mountain Parks Operation Supervisor Matt Brown: Hi [Editor], “I have a question I hope you…

The Wildlife Experience natural history museum & art gallery has been gifted to the University of Colorado by Dave Liniger (RE/MAX) and the Liniger family. The new CU location will be called the Liniger Building at University of Colorado South Denver. By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy CU South Denver The University of Colorado South Denver…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines; photo by Terri Wiebold City of Castle Pines Community Development Director Sam Bishop with his daughter and a member of South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, who came to the “rescue” and sprayed runners to cool them off as they began the annual color run. More than 300…

By Patte Smith The Castle Pines community has many homeowner associations (HOAs) and each one handles trash removal and recycling independently for its members. Three primary waste companies serve the communities of Castle Pines Village, the city of Castle Pines, Happy Canyon, Surrey Ridge, and other unincorporated areas in the 80108 zip code. Haulaway, Waste…

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Darrell Johnson The Rotary Club of Castle Pines was pleased to honor local first responders on the anniversary of 9/11 by providing breakfast to South Metro fire station 36 on Castle Pines Parkway, and station 39 on Happy Canyon Road. Rotary provided breakfast burritos from Santiago’s and spent time…

Noble Ridge residents Denise Quartararo (left), Marylou Giampietro (center), and Lin Giampietro (right) at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Noble Ridge residents Marylou Giampietro, Denise Quartararo, and Lin Giampietro participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheater on September 11. The Red…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Twelve-year-old Brennen Keller helps himself to some buttered popcorn at the Castle Pines library last month during the library’s “Outside the Lines” event. The weeklong celebration featured a different, fun food each day including carnival-type favorites like cotton candy, nachos and doughnuts. While the treats were nostalgic, they highlight…

Walt Wohlgemuth (pictured above in light blue) was humbled and thankful for the recognition he received from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Wohlgemuth was congratulated by Sergeant Ron Hanavan (left two photos) and presented the award by Chief Deputy Steve Johnson (right photo). By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The…

Castle Pines Mayor Jeff Huff (left) and Douglas County Commissioner Dave Weaver (right) presented at the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce speaker series. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) hosted an informational presentation for local business owners and area residents at the Castle Pines Community Center in…

Fernando and Deb Salazar are pictured here with their two-year-old yellow lab Cody, the official mascot of their new SmartLife shop in the Village. The Salazars are excited to open their new retail store in late October, and look forward to becoming contributing community members and meeting everyone in the Castle Pines community. By Amy…

By Patte Smith Castle Pines residents looking for thrills for Halloween have many options in and around the community. Whether haunted houses and ghost stories are your thing or if you are looking for a safe alternative to door-to-door trick or treating in Castle Pines on Halloween night, options abound. Shaun Boyd will be telling…

Members of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce gather with Castle Pines Mayor Jeff Huff (center) and restaurant owner Chris Perry (second from right) to celebrate a ribbon cutting ceremony for Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, located in The Vistas at Park Meadows Retail Resort. In true Perry’s style, the ribbon was “chopped” with a meat…

Colorful local author Louie Blanc, aka Louie du Ratté, is the author of “NFL Football in the Nutshell (Written by the Nut),” a guidebook for football fans. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Louie Blanc Colorado native and Happy Canyon resident Louie Blanc has lived an interesting life, and he recently published his equally…

Former Marine Ned Wilt now serves his community as a Castle Pines city councilman. By Steve Baska; photo courtesy of Ned Wilt Ned Wilt and his wife Nancy of Castle Pines have seen the area grow a lot since they moved here in 1999 from California and built their home in the Claremont Estates subdivision.…

Local recording star Taylor Rae with friends from Rocky Heights Middle School after a performance at the Douglas County Fair. Left to right: Alaina Spangenberger, Taylor Rae, Kara Lencke, and Adison Hirsch. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of the Muckel Family Taylor Muckel, now known in the music world as Taylor Rae, is a 13-year-old…

Five-year-old Trey McCleery at the splash pad in Elk Ridge Park. Prior to passing away this summer, it was one of his favorite spots to play. By Lisa Crockett; photos by Dave Tweed and courtesy of the McCleery Family and the City of Castle Pines It has been said that play is the work of…

Karen Harris with her daughter, Grace, at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in 2012. Harris won top honors with her carnival style fish sticks and garlic slaw. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Karen Harris Castle Pines resident and home chef Karen Harris is a winner. Drawing on the things she learned in the kitchen during…

Winery owners Braden Dodds (left) and Ray Bruening (right) enjoyed spending time and educating those who came to their release party. Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Local winery Ruby Trust Cellars held successful release parties on two different dates in August in order to introduce its 2012 vintages. The parties attracted more than 400…

Photos courtesy of Juli Yeater Pictured above: Castle Pines third grade girl scout brownie troop #2687 held a “He & Me Cake-Off” on Saturday, September 20 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The event provided an opportunity for fathers and daughters to spend an afternoon of fun together. In addition, they were able to participate in…

By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of Sue Hoover-Hamblin Many people eschew politics. That is, until their ox is gored. Castle Pines Village neighbor Sue Hoover-Hamblin came out of retirement to become a political campaign manager when she tired of a system that she felt always backed the party’s choice whether competent, knowledgeable, genuine, or not.…

Article and photos by Kathy Fallert; courtesy photo Another success story took place at this year’s Sassy Soiree, held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Friday, September 12. The models strutted their stuff to raise money for the Douglas/Elbert County Task Force, which is celebrating its 30th year assisting residents in need. Numerous silent auction…

  L’Esprit de Noël, translation the “Spirit of Christmas,” home tour is in its 38th year and will take place in the Glenmoor Country Club for 2014. The location of this event changes each year and has taken place in Castle Pines Village (CPV) in the past. The event will feature five homes decorated for…

Michelle Tripp, director of community relations at Fresh Harvest Food Bank in Lone Tree. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich  Any given afternoon, the Fresh Harvest Food Bank (FHFB) in Lone Tree is buzzing with the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers who wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Much more than a food bank, FHFB…

By Lisa Crockett; photo by Dave Tweed The Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation (CPACF) is now officially a 501(c)(3) organization, which gives it non-profit status. This new status gives the group new avenues for funding and allows supporters to make tax-deductible donations. “We are now eligible to apply for grant money,” said CPACF board…

  First place team “New Kicks on the Block” braved wind and low temperatures to claim victory. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Another mother-son kickball tournament is on the books for Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) boys and their moms. This year’s event – the sixth in the school’s history – featured cold, wind and…

  By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of eighth grade student Ashley Mercer Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) not only embraced the ALS ice bucket challenge, they took it to a whole new level. The ALS ice bucket challenge is a phenomenon that took off this summer. Celebrities, famous athletes, and heads of state helped to…

By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Mandy Hill Nearly 700 students from kindergarten to sixth grade come to Sage Canyon Elementary (SCE)School in Castle Rock to learn every day. After working as both a teacher and an assistant principal at the school, Castle Pines own Mandy Hill (pictured above) is now leading those students –…

Castle Pines resident Isabella Wheeler gets a high five for completing a lap at DCS Montessori’s annual Fun Run fundraiser. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori School Students, faculty and staff at DCS Montessori School (DCSM) – roughly 550 participants in total – turned out in force last month to raise money to…

Seniors (from left to right) Rachel Kelly, Megan Bahr, Erica Kelly, and Marjan Jalilfar dress up for “Nerd Day” at Rock Canyon High School, one of the homecoming spirit days the week of September 15. By Maria Pangalos, intern writer; photo courtesy of Keelyn Osoba Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) kicked off the school year…

Heather Cunningham, third grade teacher at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School, spends time working with a few of her students. Article and photos by Elean Gersack It’s all in a days work … or maybe not. Heather Cunningham, a third grade teacher at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School, set her sights high on re-designing her classroom to…

Timber Trail Elementary Principal Michele Radke takes the ice bucket challenge. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett A good teacher knows that good learning experiences can be found just about anywhere if you know where to look. The “ice bucket” challenge for ALS research was just such a learning opportunity. Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) fifth…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Charisse Broderick King One-hundred-twenty golfers spent a beautiful day at Sanctuary Golf Course off Daniels Park Road in Sedalia to support the 10th annual Regis Jesuit (RJ) Fall Classic Golf Tournament. The golf tournament is the school’s primary fundraiser for the tuition assistance program, which enables students from all…

CPV Green Ladies 3.0 team members compete in sectionals August 22-24 in Salt Lake City. Pictured left to right, back row: Karin Miller, Sue Crisman, Sandy Cranston, Christy Notary, Alison Barbaro, and Cheryl Pack. Pictured left to right, front row: Bernie Rottschafer, Mayme McDonald (captain), and Carol Lail (captain). Not pictured: Katie Abner and Mary…

Friends, Zach and Aidan, get ready to take a run at Steamboat in 2013. Hurry up and get your passes and get ready for the upcoming ski and snowboard season! By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of the Lauretti Family In no time at all, the mountains will be covered with fresh powder and it will…

Larissa Herda (left), chairman and CEO of tw telecom was thrilled to present a check to Diana Goldberg (right), executive director of SungateKids. Money continued to come in throughout the day, with the total donation reaching more than $420,000. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Bob Meldrum Local Douglas County business tw telecom was pleased…

By Amy Shanahan; courtesy photos The BMW Championship golf tournament was a huge draw for golf fans from all over Colorado and the world, and Castle Pines had its fair share of participation. Hundreds of residents spent time at Cherry Hills Country Club (CHCC) enjoying gorgeous weather and celebrity sightings of the world’s best golfers,…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos by Dave Tweed and courtesy of Michael Martin Photography Before reporting for medical and physical tests and lacing up skates for training camp, the 2014 Avalanche players, coaches, and front office staff hosted the 18th Colorado Avalanche Charity Golf Classic (Golf Classic) at The Ridge at Castle Pines North (The…

By Elizabeth Wood West It is hard to imagine that only four years ago Wellspring Community (Wellspring) consisted of four young ladies with special needs sitting at a kitchen table and learning how to bake cookies with Wellspring’s founder, Mary Lou Fenton. Today, Wellspring offers year-round work and enrichment programs, as well as social programs…

Congratulations to all of the Douglas County Library volunteers who received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Those honored included six Castle Pines residents among the 101 library volunteers who were recognized. Three Castle Pines residents are pictured here: Front row, fourth from right, Roger Williams. Peeking over Roger’s shoulder is Loralee Kaschinske, and sixth person…

The City of Castle Pines is working in partnership with business owners to develop plans, like this pedestrian walkway, which will make the downtown area of Castle Pines more of an inviting gathering place for both residents and visitors. The new library, which is slated to open in 2016 in the Village Square Shopping area,…

Submitted by KerriAnne Mukhopadhyay, Town of Castle Rock; follow up to front page story from the June issue of The Connection Adventure seekers can soon get a bird’s-eye view of the Town of Castle Rock thanks to a new amenity planned at Philip S. Miller Park. In August, Town Council approved a lease agreement with…

By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Ron Hanavan Friends, family, and colleagues joined together at Cielo at Castle Pines in August to celebrate the retirement of Sheriff David A. Weaver. Along with many well-wishes, Weaver was presented with framed flags to commemorate his 33-year service with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. “I am very proud…

By Elizabeth Wood West Fall classes have begun for the University of Colorado South Denver (CU South Denver) and Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Denver/Anschutz) in their new facilities at The Wildlife Experience – a wildlife art/natural history museum and cultural center located one mile east of I-25 at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Peoria…

Castle Pines Village resident Dr. Larry Odekirk serves as a ship’s doctor on Holland America cruise ships, traveling around the world. Odekirk has been a family practice physician for years and is still in practice at Three Oaks Medicine in Castle Rock. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos provided by Dr. Larry Odekirk, Jody Anderson McMahon,…

Kristin Adams, owner of Elements Therapeutic Massage Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce In August, Elements Therapeutic Massage in Castle Rock was named “Studio of the Year” by Wellbiz Brands, Inc. out of 180 studios nationwide. Owners (and Castle Pines Village residents)Mark and Kristin Adams accepted the award in Naples, Florida. “We could…

Castle Pines Councilperson Tara Radloff (left), Jameson Benson (center), and Castle Pines Mayor Jeff Huff (right) took a moment for a photo together when Benson was named Lady in Waiting Princess Attendant at the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo last month. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Carla Kenny Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) junior…

The Castle Pines community shred-it event served the community in more ways than one this year. Not only did residents recycle 7,000 pounds of paper, but their voluntary contributions raised $1,356 for the DCS Montessori School’s technology fund. Pictured above: Operators Joe (far left) and Steve (far right) pause for a photo with event sponsors…

Earl Lee (second from the right), president of Berkshire Hathaway, joined Broker/Owner Don Bobeda (right) and the staff of the Castle Pines office for lunch as part of the office’s kick off ceremonies this summer. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Don Bobeda At the public grand opening of Berkshire Hathaway in Castle Pines this…

Castle Pines Briar Ridge Court neighbors had a blast getting to know more about the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and also more about their own neighbors. More than 50 neighbors gathered for this fun and uniting community event. By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos City streets and county roads were filled with Castle Pines residents on…

By Elizabeth Wood West; site plan provided by Alberta Development Partners, LLC This site plan for Promenade at Castle Rock was submitted to the Town of Castle Rock for review and approval. The upper grey portion (just to the right of center) shows the existing Outlets at Castle Rock at roughly 478,000 square feet, less…

This open parcel of land south of Castle Pines Parkway and west of Lagae Road in the City of Castle Pines is the location that is being considered for a 200-unit apartment complex. Article and photo by Steve Baska A national apartment complex developer is considering building a 200-unit complex on 10 acres on the…

Runners warmed up for the 2013 Run Wild event at Elk Ridge Park in Castle Pines. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos by Dave Tweed 2013 Color Me Wild participants displayed their true colors. Sneakers? Check. Community spirit? Check. Picturesque course map? Check. It is time to join your friends, family, neighbors, and dogs for the…

By Patte Smith; illustrations courtesy of Regional Transportation District The Regional Transportation District (RTD) board of directors voted in July to move forward with a $207 million extension of the existing Southeast Light Rail Line in Douglas County. The vote was a key step in RTD’s move efforts to receive federal funds for the project.…

A bear sighted leaving a Surrey Ridge yard after visiting the bird feeder. Two black bears that are very dark in color – a cub and its mom – have also been seen roaming around Castle Pines as well as Surrey Ridge this year looking for food sources. By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Lesca…

The RCHS Touchdown Club hosted a family barbecue following the game on August 16 to bring all players and families together to build community. Here, Coach Lamb regroups with the team as they prepare to kick off the RCHS 2014 season. By Kathy Fallert; photo by Dave Tweed Starting his second year as Rock Canyon…

Seven-year-old Brady knows cars, and he loved checking them out at the Hot Rods in the Village car show in August. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Several hundred people turned out in August to enjoy a gorgeous summer day and some really cool cars. The sixth annual “Hot Rods in the Village” car show…