The Connection

Bryan Warnecke, nicknamed “Pink Lightning” by his ice hockey coach, crosses the finish line! By Elean Gersack; courtesy photos July 20 through 22 marked a special weekend for several Castle Pines residents. Together with hundreds of other cyclists, they took to the hills in support of pint-sized patients at Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado). The…

The 12U Armour baseball team won back-to-back state championships on August 1 in Cooperstown, New York. Pictured left to right, back row: Geno Macias, Coach John Cornelio, Lance Opp (CP), Coach Mike Bard, Riley Cornelio, Justin Olson, Ethan Frasier, Jett Hoggatt, Head Coach Gene Macias, Coach Tim Estes. Front row: Hank Bard, Evan Mason, Jake…

Nancy Hardardt and her husband Steve found both “lost shakers of salt.” Hardardt remarked, “We enjoyed a wonderful evening with good friends, great food and music at the country club’s margaritaville party!” By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of The Country Club at Castle Pines A sold-out crowd attended the much-touted “party of the year” at…

Kids from Castle Pines Real Colorado team the Lightning Cheetahs won the U7 2013 Super Kick It 3v3 Soccer Regional Tournament in Vail in July. Pictured above left to right: Jayse Rand, Ethan Cheung, Zachary Lorenzo, Becker McClure, Damiano Venturi, and Cameron Buie.Lightning Photo courtesy of Jane Taylor

Darick D’Ercole, owner of Tactical Supply Bravo in Centennial, with an M1A 308 sniper rifle. The rifle was manufactured in the early 1960s and has been upgraded by D’Ercole with modern parts. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines resident Darick D’Ercole recently opened Tactical Supply Bravo in Centennial. It’s a one-stop gun shop…

The Highlands Ranch Composite Mountain Bike Team meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the Mountain Vista High School parking lot. The team is open to all high school students who have an interest in developing their athletic skills while enjoying outdoor recreation in a team environment. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of…

Volunteers collect items to distribute to James Resource Network clients. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of James Resource Network It could be the dad sitting on the park bench, watching his children play. Maybe it is the mom living in the beautiful house you admire when you pick your child up from a play…

By Lisa Crockett More than a year after announcing new stores in Boulder and Denver, California-based Trader Joe’s has announced a third location in Greenwood Village. The new location will give Castle Pines residents easy access to the specialty grocer, known for unique snacks, organic food, and the ever-popular “Two Buck Chuck,” Charles Shaw wine.…

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, The Ridge at Castle Pines North Golf Course, The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, and Castle Pines Walgreens. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Christmas is still months…

Custom needlepoint finishing – like this pillow featuring a needlepoint canvas — is at the heart of Karen Barton’s home-based business, The Pine Needle Shop. In early September, The Colorado Needlepoint Roadshow – an event Barton is co-hosting – will bring needlepoint vendors and teachers to Castle Pines. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Karen…

By Patte Smith Time to break out of day in, day out of “eat breakfast, get lunch and cook dinner.” Sounds monotonous and it is. Well on September 8 say “no more!” and give your palate a real treat.  The American Culinary Federation Colorado Chefs Association (ACFCCA) and Douglas County School District (DCSD) Nutrition Services…

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan The fifth annual Hot Rods in the Village Car Show took place on a beautiful, hot sunny day in The Village at Castle Pines. With more than fifty participants, attendees enjoyed viewing everything from vintage coupes and sedans to classic trucks, muscle cars, and hot rods. The event was…

Families arrived early with blankets and chairs, ready for an evening of  fun for the Master Association’s Movie in the Park event. The movie started just as the last rays of sun disappeared. Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski There was a great turnout in August for the movie in the park event hosted by…

Party guests got up close and personal with pets from the Dumb Friends League. Article and photos by Julie Montoya For the past twelve years, Castle Pines Village residents Fred and Jana Bartlit have celebrated their love for animals by hosting a fundraiser like no other! This year’s Lulu’s Barkin’ BBQ topped them all, raising…

Kindergartener Hailey Withey, age five, heads to her first day of school at Timber Trail Elementary last month accompanied by her mom Lindsley. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The new school year brings the usual changes – new classes, new teachers and new friends. But Timber Trail Elementary School (TTE) is also rolling out…

Castle Pines resident Mary Barnes has spent much of her life playing the cello. She does it all as a performer and board member of the Lone Tree Symphony, as well as a local music teacher, wife, mother and businesswoman. By Julie Montoya; photo courtesy of Mary Barnes Local resident Mary Barnes does it all.…

By Elizabeth Wood West; project overview provided by the Town of Castle Rock The Town of Castle Rock (Town) has completed the design and is moving closer to the construction of an overpass that will provide a secondary access for northbound traffic coming from The Meadows development onto U.S. Highway 85 in Castle Rock. The…

The CCCP scholarship recipients enjoyed a reception in their honor and each of them spoke to the gathered crowd about the impact the scholarship will have on their lives. Pictured left to right: Danielle Compton, Cody Kent, Torin McCue, Tyler Wagstaff, and Jonathan Friesen. Not pictured is Collin Miller. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan…

Information and photo provided by Elements Business owners (and Castle Pines Village residents) Mark and Kristin Adams are celebrating their fifth anniversary since opening Elements Therapeutic Massage studio in Castle Rock. A celebration open house is planned for September 7 at the studio. “We’re celebrating by thanking all of our clients, past and present who…

Sapphire Pointe resident and “Attention to Detail” business owner Anne Daniel. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Anne Daniel After spending more than twenty-five years providing managerial, executive secretarial, payroll, human resources, personal assistance, and dozens of other services for a wide variety of corporations, Sapphire Pointe resident Anne Daniel has built an impressive…

Crews work to remove potentially dangerous ladder fuels as part of the Pine Ridge HOA fire mitigation efforts. By Steve Baska; photo courtesy of Barbara Saenger The Pine Ridge neighborhood on the west side of Castle Pines cut back about 60 percent of the scrub oak in the open space near its homes in July…

By Elizabeth Wood West The Colorado State Demography Office estimates that by 2030, one in four (or approximately 24 percent) Douglas County residents will be age 60 or older. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age for residents in the 80108 zip code, although steadily increasing, is not necessarily representative of the state’s…

The doctors will be in soon at the Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines! They are all smiles as they look down into the atrium from the second floor of their new building. Pictured left to right: Dr. Matthew Rolfson, Dr. Stephanie Scheich, Dr. Jeff Scheich, Dr. Jason Ortman, and Dr. Andrew Dunbar. Article…

By Patte Smith; illustration provided by Southeast Light Rail The RidgeGate and Lone Tree area has had a lot of building activity lately with the new Cabela’s opening, the additional Sky Ridge development, the construction of the Charles Schwab campus, and the new Kaiser Permanente complex, to name a few. With more development, transportation issues…

By Steve Baska The weekly newspaper, Castle Rock News-Press, which has been delivered to driveways in Douglas County for decades, has changed its masthead. For papers delivered within the city of Castle Pines, the front page now reads “Castle Pines News-Press.” According to Jerry Healey, owner of Colorado Community Media, which publishes 18 local newspapers…

Information provided by Douglas County Work is underway on a $1.2 million project to replace the concrete slabs on the I-25 bridges at Surrey Ridge Road and Happy Canyon Road in order to extend the life of the pavement and the bridge. In addition, minor bridge work will take place on I-25 at RidgeGate Parkway.…

The Nacho Men rocked the crowd with their music, mixed with improv performances to keep the fans wanting more. Members of the New Life Church were on hand serving up BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers. Article and photos by Julie Montoya The Castle Pines community rocked out at its first-ever free Concert in the Park…

The City of Castle Pines will soon donate a parcel of land to the Douglas County Library District for a new library in Castle Pines. The parcel, which is located at the intersection of Village Square Lane and Village Square Terrace (adjacent to The Bundt Shoppe), will provide a home for the library, office space…

By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Scott Melanson The first day of school was exciting for the students at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) as they entered the front door and were welcomed into the school by the entire staff cheering for them with purple pom-poms. This annual tradition at RHMS is all part of…

By Liz Jurkowski To date this year, there have been more than 1,400 calls to Douglas County’s Department of Human Services about children who may be abused or neglected. It seems shocking to imagine that stuff like that even happens here in our neighborhoods, but the truth is it happens everywhere. However, there is hope…

Don Van Wormer, City Manager City of Castle Pines Information and photo provided by the City of Castle Pines After several months of operating without a city manager, the Castle Pines City Council selected Don Van Wormer to fill the vacancy. In the role as city manager, Van Wormer will be responsible for the general…

Co-owner and winemaker Braden Dodds sources all of his grapes from Cortez and Palisades, Colorado. His expertise and years of experience have led the winery to receive numerous accolades and awards. Article by Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Jimmy Dozer Locally-owned winery Ruby Trust Cellars held its Open House and Release Party on August 10…

Castle Rock Mayor Paul Donohue (second from right) congratulates members of the DC Dolphins board and staff on the grand opening of their new facility “The Tank” in Castle Rock. The DC Dolphins run youth sports programs in the area. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The DC Dolphins, a Castle Rock-based youth sports league…

Aguilar Public Relations has been selected to to provide public relations and communications services for the city. Pictured above left to right: Karen Magner, Timi Aguilar, Tracy Elliott, and Michael Price. (Photo courtesy of Joell Iliff). Information provided by the City of Castle Pines In August, the City of Castle Pines began working with Aguilar…

Pictured left: AJ and Alex LaMotte cuddle with their OutPaws adopted dog Coolio who lives up to his name as a way-cool pooch! Pictured right: Although appearance varies, potcake dogs generally have smooth coats, cocked ears, and long faces. Most have an “island attitude” of being laid back and lovin’ to chill with the family.…

By Elizabeth Wood West Thanks to Rotary Clubs of Douglas County (including Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker, and Cherry Creek Valley) and Castle Rock Adventist Health Campus (CRAHC), area residents will have the opportunity to attend the first Family 9Health Fair in Douglas County. The Family 9Health Fair is for both adults and…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Cars have been a lifelong passion for Castle Pines resident Bob Rausch. He’s spent his professional career selling cars and recently became the general manager at Mercedes-Benz of Littleton. “The car business really is a people business,” said Rausch. “I love to get to know customers and develop relationships…

Team USA golfer Paula Creamer gears up for match play at the Solheim Cup, which was held last month at the Colorado Golf Club in Parker. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Although sunny skies and supportive crowds weren’t enough for Team USA to recapture the Solheim Cup in August – which they lost to…

The outlet mall was built in 1992 and has become one of Colorado’s top tourist destinations. It continues to expand and add new retailers, benefiting consumers. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of the Outlets at Castle Rock If you haven’t been to the Outlets at Castle Rock in a while, it’s time to take another…

Sam Bishop, director of community development in Castle Pines, presents a resolution to adopt a vision statement to the City Council in August. The resolution – which was approved by the Council – will help guide future development and growth in Castle Pines. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett “When you dream of Colorado, wake…

By Patte Smith Dig out that old dusty bike or shine up your awesome state-of-the-art bicycle, gather the family together, and join in the fun at the 3rd annual WackyW bike ride on Sunday, September 8. This one-day cycling event held at Rocky Heights Middle School is not only a fun fitness ride, but it…

“Our family appreciated your professionalism and the genuine warmth and caring you displayed … You comforted us, and I think back to how much that meant to us,” writes Pat P. about Heflebower Funeral Services. Mike Heflebower, an eight year resident of Castle Pines, is a licensed and nationally board certified funeral director and embalmer…

Information provided by the Town of Castle Rock Although Douglas County has agreed to create a quiet zone along the Sante Fe corridor adjacent to homes in Castle Pines Village (see story: www.castlepinesconnection.com/pages/news/2012/qtr1/cpc3/quietZone.html), the Town of Castle Rock is still exploring alternatives for its residents. As Town Council prepares to consider a railroad quiet zone…

Left: Lauren with program advisor for BRE, Mrs. Gutierrez at the Fuel Up to Play 60 Leadership Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina in July. Right: Lauren enjoying a good stretch in downtown Charlotte – anytime is a good time for athletic activity … anywhere! By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Mark Hickey In the May…

Information provided by Solheim Cup With just a few weeks remaining before Team USA takes on Team Europe in the Solheim Cup at Colorado Golf Club in Parker, tickets and packages for the international event are selling out fast. Fans are encouraged to purchase their passes before prices go up the week of the match-play…

Information provided by American Academy American Academy (AA) student registration for both AA campuses will be held in the Castle Pines campus cafeteria from August 6 through August 9. During AA student registration, parents will be able to pay student fees, get homeroom teacher assignments, talk to the PTO, and sample some lunch options from…

Fire restrictions removed in unincorporated Douglas County The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office lifted the temporary fire restriction order for all areas of unincorporated Douglas County, yet will continue to closely monitor the fire danger in the County and make appropriate adjustments. Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have reduced the danger of wildfire, however, the Sheriff…

    Nobles was named CU Club Sports Female Athlete of the Year just prior to her graduation last spring. By Kathy Dunker; photos courtesy of Mary Beth Schomas Mattie Nobles, former resident of Esperanza, and current resident of Boulder lived in Castle Pines for the first 18 years of her life. She attended Rock Canyon…

Information provided by DCS Montessori Student open house: Wednesday, August 14 DCS Montessori will hold a student open house on Wednesday, August 14. This is a chance for new students to visit classrooms, meet teachers, and drop off school supplies. Tentative times are below; actual times will be finalized by August 5. Primary students new…

Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche Escaping the heat and finding adventures close to home is sometimes challenging, but Evergreen Lake Park has something for everyone whether you want to kick back and relax or be on the go. Created in 1927 by damming Bear Creek, Evergreen Lake offers a variety of summer recreational…

Tee is the manager at the new T.T. Nails and Spa salon in The Village at Castle Pines. The salon prides itself on its cleanliness and courteous attention to each customer. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan T.T. Nails and Spa opened in The Village at Castle Pines this past spring, and the new manager…

Information provided by Douglas County Homeowners who have cleared their property of dead tree branches and shrubbery can dispose of the materials at no cost. The Castle Rock Water Treatment Plant, located at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock, is open on Saturdays until September 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. During inclement weather,…

The never-disappointing Bella DiVita will be back on the runway raising eyebrows for her tenth consecutive year. By Kathy Dunker; photo by Terri Wiebold The upcoming Sassy Soiree at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Friday, September 13 with be the tenth year of the exciting event. The soiree is a fabulous combination of silent auction,…

The segment of I-25 just south of Castle Pines is recognized as a high-risk area for accidents involving wildlife. Article and photo by Julie Montoya Most of us have been there…driving along and spotting an animal, or just a set of eyes reflecting back in the headlights on the road. Living in Colorado, this is…

Information provided by Deborah Sherman, DCSO The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) joined the top one percent of excellent law enforcement agencies when the National Sheriff’s Association awarded Sheriff David A. Weaver the coveted Triple Crown Award in July. “For the public, this type of accreditation assures that the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is doing…

CPV Ladies 3.0 Green team members Anthea Gerberg, Jean Coates and Carol Lail take time for a photo before flight playoffs on July 13. Article and photos by Elean Gersack It is not all about golf in Castle Pines Village (CPV) anymore. During the past several years, tennis has really taken off. The four picturesque…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines Elections will be held this fall for the following city offices: mayor; council members for ward 1, ward 2 and ward 3; city treasurer and city clerk. All seats are for a four-year term. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years of age, registered…

By Lisa Crockett Electronic devices are everywhere. For just about every activity – work, shopping, entertainment – there are several different computers and gadgets we use without even thinking about it. And all those devices – everything from your laptop to your stereo – will eventually become outdated and require disposal. Effective July 1, a…

By Elizabeth Wood West; site plans provided by the Town of Castle Rock Alberta Development Partners (Alberta) is proposing to purchase approximately 200 acres of undeveloped property for what could be the largest commercial retail center ever constructed in Castle Rock. Located between I-25 and U.S. Highway 85, just north of the Outlets at Castle…

Article by Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of The City Consignment Boutique In just a few weeks, hot afternoons will give way to crisper weather, and long sleeves will replace short ones. The coming of fall means many things – shorter days, cooler temperatures, and of course, new clothes. If you’re looking to make room in…

By Kathy Dunker; courtesy photos With the end of July comes the end of summer recreational swimming. Castle Pines’ three resident swim teams have earned some bragging rights! The Castle Pines Village Stingrays had a fun season with a lot of new swimmers.  The Stingrays are part of the C Division of the Mountain High…

The Wild Animal Sanctuary is home to seventy tigers, sixty African lions, one hundred bears, and dozens of leopards, mountain lions, and other large carnivores. Lions and tigers and bears – oh my! By Julie Montoya; photos courtesy of The Wild Animal Sanctuary Just 30 miles northeast of Denver, large carnivores roam the grasslands at…

Suzy McDaniel is pictured here with her husband and daughters at her oldest daughter Lauren’s graduation from The University of Denver. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Suzy McDaniel Castle Pines resident Suzy McDaniel is the registrar at Rocky Heights Middle School. She is well-known in the community for her kind and welcoming spirit, her…