The Connection

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…

By Kathy Dunker It’s that time of year again for the annual DCS Montessori (DCSM) parents, teachers, staff, and students to gear up for the Fun Run on Friday, September 13. The school’s goal this year is to raise $50,000. A target amount of $100 per student in pledges has been set to help them…

Castle Pines was well-represented among the patrons who showed up for the Cabela’s grand opening celebration in Lone Tree. Above left to right: AJ Cocetti, Evan Kellogg, Justin Galbraith, Chris Dixon, Nick Merrill, and Dale McMillan. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold The grand opening of the new 110,000 square-foot Cabela’s store in Lone Tree…

Eighteen crew members of the minesweeper USS Quail, after being ordered on May 6, 1942 to scuttle their ship to prevent her from capture, journeyed in this 36-foot Navy motor launch from the island of Corregidor, Philippines more than 2,000 miles to safety in Australia. By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of Tim Deal Tim Deal…

By Elean Gersack Enjoy fall golf at its best while connecting with community members and business owners and supporting a great cause. The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce will host its second annual golf tournament on Tuesday, October 1 at The Ridge at Castle Pines North. The tournament will benefit The Wellspring Community. The shotgun…

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…

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…

Pictured left to right: Nick Misuraca, Ava Mohler, Zach Misuraca and Reese Mohler raised money for Drew Birdsall, Reese and Ava’s three-year-old cousin who is currently being treated for leukemia. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Three-year-old Drew Birdsall is from New York. A few months ago, his life changed drastically when he was diagnosed…

MaryLou Giampietro plans to participate in the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb this year at Red Rocks after her moving experience last year. Article and photos by Lisa Nicklanovich MaryLou Giampietro participated in the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks last year as a way to remember the events and people of September 11. The…

         By Lisa Crockett School hasn’t started yet, but in just a few weeks students will be back in classrooms at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). Students can come by and say “hi” to their new teachers – some of whom are new to TTE – on Friday, August 9 from 1 p.m. until 3…

Photos courtesy of Joan Millspaugh Castle Pines residents Kim and Kelly Maguire (pictured above) join friends for a pre-concert buffet on the patio of Cherokee Ranch and Castle. The Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation’s (CPACF) first paired-event with Cherokee Ranch and Castle was held on September 20. Pictured below, two of the Celtic Colorado…

Information provided by The Dumb Friends League Grab your boots, your hat, and your dog’s favorite leash and follow the trail of wet noses and wagging tails at the ninth annual Dumb Friends League Wag `n Trail. The 1.6-mile hike for people and their pups takes place Saturday, September 21 from 8 a.m. to noon…

Amy and her therapy horse, Knickee, who is sensitive to the needs of all riders. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding Founded in 2009 by Dr. Anne Moore, the Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding facility strives to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children and adults with disabilities through…

Children’s Colorado Hospital Ambassador Preston Ihme (white t-shirt) is surrounded by his family at Duke’s Restaurant and joined by Miss Colorado 2013 Hannah Porter, Duke’s waitress Mallorie Ihme (also Preston’s sister); and Duke’s manager, Mary Breeding. Article and photo by Elean Gersack On July 16, Miss Colorado 2013 Hannah Porter enjoyed an evening at Duke’s…

Information and photo provided by Jenny Newcomer Devil Dash is the ultimate event for thrill-seeking athletes and party-goers. On Labor Day weekend, fearless runners will return to scenic Lyons, Colorado to take on 14 intense obstacles through Purgatory, running through three-plus miles of adventurous terrain and celebrating with friends and family during an all-day festival…

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Dale Zeh Castle Pines Village residents Dale Zeh (not pictured) and Bob Shanahan (far right), along with their kids, take their love of bagels very seriously. The two families surprised the employees of the new Einstein Bagel store in Castle Rock by pulling out chairs and camping out in…

     By Elean Gersack It is mere days until school will be back in session. For Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) families, the first full day is set for Tuesday, August 13, and classroom assignments will be posted on the Parent Portal sometime during the week of August 5. New family registration: Begins August 5:…

Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Douglas County’s rugged beauty is predominantly in the south, most apparent when driving I-25 to Monument. Yet, whizzing by the buttes and idyllic ranchlands does them and you a great disservice. There is an alternative: CR105, one of the most dramatic roads in our state. With fall approaching when…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Cox Baker & Page Hidden in the Village Shops at Castle Pines is one of the Denver area’s pre-eminent law firms specializing in family law. The law firm of Cox Baker & Page was founded in 2006, and serves its clients in matters of divorce, post-divorce issues, adoptions, and…

Cabela’s will be celebrating its grand opening of the new Lone Tree store on August 15 starting at 11 a.m. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Cabela’s The dirt has been moved, the striking rustic structure has been built, and the huge banner says it all: Cabela’s Incorporated, the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting,…

Pictured above left to right: Chef Lance Barto and owners Liz and Myles Ogea are thrilled to be a part of the Castle Pines community with their new restaurant venture “The Social.” The newly-renovated bar features an extensive wine list as well as a wonderful offering of flavorful cocktails made with fresh juices. Article and…

Information provided by the DCVMF The much-anticipated dedication of the Douglas County Veterans Monument will take place on Saturday, August 3 at 10 a.m. “This patriotic ceremony culminates two years of discussion and four years of dedicated effort by the volunteer Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation (DCVMF) board members and many other citizens of Douglas…

By Elean Gersack The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce will host its second annual golf tournament Tuesday, October 1 at The Ridge at Castle Pines North (The Ridge). This year’s event, “A Day on the Greens,” will benefit Wellspring Community. The shotgun scramble will begin at 9 a.m. sharp. The cost to participate is $500…

“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…

Information provided by South Suburban Parks and Recreation South Suburban Park and Recreation District is waiving green fees for youth 17 years and under who golf during weekends at the District’s Littleton Golf Course, Family Sports Golf Course, South Suburban Golf Course and Lone Tree Golf Club. South Suburban is the only metro-area park and…

Larkspur artist Katherine McNeill is pictured here with one of her many beautiful oil paintings “Springtime Serenade.” To see more works from McNeill and the other artists featured at the show, visit www.fireflyautism.org. Article and photos by Julie Montoya The Village at Castle Pines Art Show returned to Castle Pines for a weekend event hosted…

Information provided by Gravity Play Copper Mountain, Colorado is the next stop on the Adventure Xstream Race Series circuit. On August 11th, Copper Mountain in Summit County, a world-class recreation and ski venue, will be welcoming more than 200 adventure racers, ranging from elite teams to first-time challengers and weekend warriors competing in either sprint…

The Ihme Family takes time for a photo at the Ihme Family Golf Tournament on June 14. Top row (left to right): Patrick Ihme, Mark Ihme, Tom Ihme, Steve Ihme, Bud Ihme, Dick Henderson, Norm Ihme, and Josh Ihme. Bottom row (left to right): Laura Ihme, Cary Ihme, Dana Ihme, Julia Ihme, Mallorie Ihme, Barb…

From Mrs. Kennedy’s class… moms and their sweet children are all smiles during the Buffalo Ridge Elementary Third Grade Mother’s Day Brunch. Article by Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Kayleen Kennedy and Laurie Jacobs It’s been a tradition at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) for a very long time. There is a rumor that this…

On June 15, three Castle Pines friends took on the Tough Mudder in Beaver Creek. men: Mark Schoenbeck, Steve Cooke and Brian Cardinell, made it through 10.5 miles of rugged terrain full of obstacles at 10,000 feet above sea level. The mens’ wives affectionately named them “mudder brudders” and, along with their children, cheered them…

On August 1, Centura Health will open the doors of its new hospital at Castle Rock Adventist Health Campus, located off of Meadows Parkway west of I-25 in Castle Rock. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Castle Rock Adventist Health Campus The striking 212,240 square-foot facility joins the campus’ existing emergency room, Flight for…

Summer is here and it’s time once again for The Castle Pines Connection’s “Cutest Pet in the Pines” contest! We have teamed up with The Pet Stuff Place in the Village, and we want to see photos of your dogs and cats and other furry best friends! The staff of The Castle Pines Connection will…

The Heat, enjoy practicing and competing close to home as part of the No Limits Volleyball Club (pictured from left to right) back row: Cole P., Emily B., Alexandra W., Megan B., and Ryan D; front row: Lauren B., Peyton G., Mia S., Baylee H., and Meghan Y. Article by Kathy Dunker; photos courtesy of…

Information provided by City of Castle Pines The 2nd annual “Run Wild” race and Family Color Run will be held in the City of Castle Pines on Sunday, September 15 starting at 8:30 a.m. “Run Wild” offers a multitude of options for participants of all skill levels and ages with a 4-mile, 9-mile and a…

Colorado is a beautiful state and can be enjoyed year round. It features amazing scenery, plenty of camping opportunities, white-water rafting, hunting, fishing, hiking, snow-shoeing, boating, and snowmobiling — the list goes on and on. The state parks have an incredible website, www.parks.state.co.us/ with information about activities, events, outdoor sports, and just about anything you…

For a listing of half marathons to take place in beautiful Colorado this summer, visit www.roadracerunner.com. Not only can runners view half marathons, but also various other marathons for serious runners, walkers and kids. Close to Castle Pines, the first “Half of the 4th Half Marathon” will take place on July 4 at 7 a.m.…

Information provided by Douglas County While the Castle Pines community is rich with open space and trails on which to take canine companions, Douglas County leash laws require any dog outside of a fenced yard to be kept on a leash. Controlling a dog by voice command is not considered synonymous to a leash. There…

Community Safety Volunteer Walt Wohlgemuth (right) works closely with Deputy Charlie Curry (left), who patrols the Castle Pines district. “I love what Walt and his guys do,” praised Curry. “They are an invaluable part of what we do every day. Their assistance really frees up our time to do our patrol duties.” Article and photo…

Dierk R. and Andrew M., residents of Castle Pines taking in a day on the mountain Article and photo by Julie Montoya Where I-70 and the town of Lionshead meet is a well-known mountain called Vail Mountain. Sure, most have heard of it and many have skied it, but have you ever had the opportunity…

Information provided by Douglas County Educational Foundation The Douglas County Educational Foundation (DCEF) along with Panther Food Pantry and the Giving Tree has kicked off its annual school supply drive. “We want to make sure that every single Douglas County student has the supplies he or she needs to start school and be successful,” said…

Head coach Elsa LeGrand and assistant coach Vanessa Hacker worked tirelessly with the girls on their U12 volleyball team. The season will culminate in a trip to Dallas, Texas to play in the Junior National Tournament. Many of the players are from Castle Pines. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Blake Thomason The Gold Level…

A scarce number of houses on the market, low interest rates, and rising demand means houses in Castle Pines are selling faster – and for more money – than they were just a year ago. By Lisa Crockett; photo illustration by Tim Gamble Real estate sales in the 80108 zip code are brisk – things…

Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner Our Castle Pines community is blessed with a large cadre of givers. One of the most remarkable is the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF), whose annual fundraising golf tournament will be at the Inverness Golf Course on August 6th. The Foundation celebrated its 50th year in 2012. Since 1962,…