Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
A cool treat for a hot summer day Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I love to cook and bake. There’s nothing I enjoy more than puttering around the kitchen, trying new recipes and coming up with new creations of my own. My cookbook cupboard is jam-packed and the bookmarks list on my computer is…
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 And all those devices – everything from your laptop to your stereo – will eventually become outdated and require disposal.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 Douglas County School District The U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan honored Douglas County School District (DCSD) with the first ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Award. “DCSD has long been a model of excellence in the area of sustainability,” said Lee Smit, DCSD sustainability manager. “This…
Nichole Loomis is an 11-year-old with a passion to implement change and better the world. She has launched a campaign to institute Siren Day to honor first responders and hopes to collect enough signatures to accompany a letter she has drafted for Colorado Governor Hickenlooper. Article and photo by Elean Gersack It was January of…
Neighborhood kids were spotted at The Retreat Park in Castle Pines in June, participating in “All Star Camp” hosted by Castle Pines Athletics. Coach Katie Abner (far right) coordinated the activities, which included various sports and different field games each day. (photos courtesy of Lane Roberts)
Take advantage of gently used AA uniform items later this month for some great bargains. Information and photo courtesy of American Academy Buying new uniform items for 2013-2014? Be sure to stop by the PTO used uniform sale at the American Academy (AA) gymnasium in Castle Pines. Great deals on gently used AA uniform items…
Casual lunch prompts a fresh start Surrey Ridge resident George Botsonis is dedicated to serving the freshest food possible at his Heidi’s franchise in Lone Tree. Article by Kathy Dunker; photo courtesy of Kerri Botsonis Originally from Texas, George and Kerri Botsonis moved to Surrey Ridge last year after residing for a few years in…
By Kathy Dunker; photos courtesy of the Martin Family Stonecroft resident Nicki Martin completed her sixth-grade community service project for DCS Montessori and helped out Elk Ridge Park at the same time. Martin planted ten new trees at the park last month, a project she says she is very proud of. Flying Dutchman Nursery (Michigan)…
Volunteers (from left to right) Mary McMillian, Betsy Schute, Bonnie Staack, Brenda Vitaska and Lynda Meier working at a recent LTAC event. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of All Digital Photo & Video If you have a passion for the arts, get excited about working with the public, and enjoy being part of community…
Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce members gathered in June at Guaranty Bank off Happy Canyon Road in The Village at Castle Pines. Pictured above left to right: Guaranty Bank Branch Manager Christina Medina, local author Jude Randazzo, Guaranty Bank Financial Service RepresentativeJayne Friesen, and Guaranty Bank Branch Service Manager Kathy Hutchinson.
RHMS students Alana Rainosek, Tess Werhane, Hannah Philip, Devin Lindsey, and Rachael Stanek are pictured here with teacher Judi Holst. Rainosek has already sold 16 copies of her book “Wits” on Amazon. “I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since…
Good food, good times at Merle’s of Littleton By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Merle’s of Littleton There’s something especially satisfying about finding an independent, locally-owned restaurant that provides high-quality food that can’t be replicated across town or across the country. Merle’s restaurant is just that kind of a place. Housed in an historic building…
Information and photo provided by Park Meadows Retail Resort Charming charlie, an award-winning fashion jewelry and accessories retailer is now open at Park Meadows. Occupying more than 6,800 square feet, the store offers a broad selection of accessories to suit any occasion and every customer taste, from bohemian and vintage to classic and modern. Taking…
Sand sleds are available for rent in Alamosa in either kid size or adult size. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Roughly four hours southwest of Castle Pines rests the tallest dunes in North America, also known as the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. At 750 feet high, the dunes are thought to…
Castle Pines resident Mitch Fallert is the new tile guy in town, available for smaller residential projects in the Castle Pines and Castle Pines Village area. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Tapestry Hills resident Mitch Fallert is new to Castle Pines but not new to the tile industry. Fallert, with 26 years under his…
By Lisa Crockett; photo illustration by Tim Gamble For the first time in years, a significant number of new homes will soon be available for purchase in Castle Pines. Taylor Morrison, which was named “Builder of the Year” by Builder magazine, plans to break ground this month on a new subdivision consisting of 52 homes…
Pop up a great Fourth of July Story and photo by Lisa Crockett The dog days of summer are nearing, and if fire restrictions allow, fireworks shows will be prominently featured at neighborhood gatherings and sporting events for the next few weeks. Heat and explosions – reminiscent of the battle to win our independence as…
Colorado goes green; e-waste now requires recycling 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…
Article and photo by Elean Gersack The Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines, located at 250 Max Drive, is on target to open later this summer. Local professional practices and owners of the new building – Drs. Jeff and Stephanie Scheich of Castle Pines Family Dentistry; Dr. Matthew Rolfson of Castle Pines Dental Care;…
Information provided by Colorado Golf Club The 2013 Solheim Cup, a history-making women’s golf tournament taking place at the Colorado Golf Club in Parker next month, will donate 15 percent of its ticket sales during the second half of June to the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Foundation. The funds will benefit the Foundation, which…
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,…
Kids at the Castle Pines Library smiled and laughed as Mr. Chad showed them a tortoise that can live to be 150 years old! (photo courtesy of Katharine Hammer) By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Wesley White and Katharine Hammer There is no end to the great programs and events that Douglas County Libraries offer…
Thirteen-year Stonecroft residents Travis and Debbi Haynie will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on July 9. By Kathy Dunker; photo courtesy of Jo Harris Neighbor and close friend Tammy Peters helped Debbi’s family organize an anniversary card mailing for 25 days prior to July 9. The Haynies have been receiving cards from family and…
Rock Canyon High School graduates left to right: Taylor Broschat, Lauren Payne and Kayla Neil. Photo courtesy of Trudi Broschat
By Chris Bonham Two months ago, Judah Musick, president of Castle Pines-based web company User10, launched Teen Startup Challenge in hopes of educating teens about the challenges and joys of starting and running a company. The program was based on Musick’s belief that real-life experience would provide students with opportunities and skill sets that they…
Ducky Derby Chairperson Kelly Marsh (left) presented the $2,000 first place cash prize check to Enrique Rosado (right). By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Castle Rock Rotary Club members from Castle Pines and Castle Rock have a lot to celebrate. The Rotarians’ combined efforts raised nearly $40,000 from its 17th annual…
Cook and his new friend find time to get to know each other. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Craig Cook Play is the work of childhood. And just like adults, children often produce the best results when they have the right tools. Castle Pines resident Craig Cook visited Haiti in May, along with 12…
South American ceviche – a yummy summer dish to try! By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photo Is fresh fish a part of your summer table fare? If so, do it with the flair and fashion of a South American ceviche, a seafood dish for the times. Here’s a primer: Ceviche, also spelled “cebiche,” is simple, light,…
Stutzman happily posing with one of the 14 orphaned children the Mwaura family adapted. By Julie Montoya; photos courtesy of Victoria Stutzman Most teens spend the beginning of summer lying in the sun or hitting the mountains, but one Castle Pines teen had other ideas. College Junior Tori Stutzman journeyed to Kenya to enrich the…
Parker in his workshop where he enjoys teaching apprentices the art of musical instrument repair. Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner In only six years, Castle Rock’s Colorado Institute of Musical Instrument Technology (CIOMIT) has become legendary. Tucked away on Topeka Way, Dan Parker’s school trains students to become apprentices of musical instrument repair. Courses…
The DC Dolphins Youth Athletic Club will open a new “Dolphin Tank” youth sports complex in Castle Rock next month. Other changes to the organization include a new logo, website, and the formation of a baseball academy, which provides training during the regular season as well as off-season training. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of…
Many members of the Douglas County K-Life group recently participated in a fun day of bowling. Most of the kids pictured here live in Castle Pines, The Village, and Castle Rock and they have built close friendships outside of their schools. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Holley VanBenthuysen On August 24, Douglas County will…
Residents in the Castle Pines community came in droves to take advantage of the Shred-It event in June sponsored by Allstate Tammy Lopez Agency and The Castle Pines Connection newspaper. “We saw more than 60 cars and disposed of nearly 8,000 pounds of paper,” said Tammy Lopez, coordinator of the event. The event lasted two-and-a-half…
Seth Sewell (age eleven), with his great-grandmother Louise, and his father Joe after a tournament game in Longmont. By Julie Montoya; photo courtesy of John Sewell Seth Sewell is your typical eleven-year-old baseball player from the Colorado Force Baseball Team in Castle Rock … but there is nothing typical about his cheering section. Since the…
By Patte Smith Sorry to mention this parents, but mid-August will be creeping up sooner than we realized, summer is here, and is it July already? Here is refresher on tuning up the kids for school. Read It is one of the best ways to keep a child’s mind sharp when he or she is…
STEM team members Michael Whitaker, Rashid Zakirov, and Koby Dudley took first place in the NREL Junior Solar Sprint Car Competition – with a little help from some cloudy weather. Article by Kathy Dunker; photo courtesy of Jason Dudley On Saturday, May 18, three eighth-grade students from STEM School and Academy in Highlands Ranch –…
Update 6-21-2013 Sheriff David A. Weaver enacts “Douglas County Open Fire and Open Burning Restriction Ordinance” Stage 2 for the unincorporated areas of Douglas County. By Order of Sheriff David A. Weaver Stage 2 fire restrictions, are now in place. Ordinance No. O-012-004, restricting open fires, open burning and the use of fireworks in the…
Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has these tips for residents of the county in case an evacuation is necessary. It encouranges everyone to be prepared ahead of time. Here are some suggestions and items to have: A three-day supply of medications, extra water and food, cash or…