The Connection

Article and photo by Elean Gersack Buffalo Ridge Elementary School students read, read and read some more during the school’s Reach Your Reading Peak read-a-thon held during the month of November. All students were encouraged to read 3,000 hours in three weeks and they exceeded the goal by reading 3,271 hours! On Friday, December 6,…

Information provided by the CPACF The Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation (CPACF) offers thanks to all who supported the inaugural Castle Pines commemorative ornament. “We are grateful to Cherokee Ranch & Castle, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, the Castle Pines Library, Daz Bog, King Soopers, Starbucks, and above all, to our stellar sellers,…

By Lynne Marsala Basche Domestic violence is personal, difficult to speak about, and happens all around us. Statistics show that one in three individuals will be affected by domestic violence in their lifetime. A victim can be male or female and facing physical, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse. Victims need assistance to break the cycle…

As we enter our sixth year of publication (55 issues to date), we are happy to report that The Castle Pines Connection is growing in distribution, size, readership, and impact. We are thankful for all the readers who send us story ideas and photos every month, and we are especially grateful for our loyal business…

Information provided by the Douglas/Elbert Task Force Get tickets now for the “30 Years of Love Benefit Concert” that will be held on Sunday, February 16 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Douglas County Events Center in Castle Rock. Colorado’s own platinum recording artists “Firefall” will perform two one-hour sets of their hits…

Castle Pines residents Kathi Mercer (pictured in hat) and Jean Givin (not pictured) sponsored a frozen turkey drive to benefit the Denver Rescue Mission’s effort to collect 15,000 turkeys to distribute to needy families and individuals across the Denver area. Thanks to the generosity of many Castle Pines neighbors and friends, Mercer and Givin collected…

Carter Barnes, Cade Varela, Faith Bush, Samera Shim, Ava Maurer & Aneya Goel. Information courtesy of DCS Montessori Kids … have you ever wanted to be an elf for Christmas? Have you ever thought about how fortunate you are? Have you ever wanted to help the less fortunate? Well, Santa’s Elves helps you do just…

By Patte Smith Christmas tree recycling can be found close to home until the end of January in Castle Rock. Trees may be dropped off at any time and will be accepted from December 26 through January 31. Drop-off sites include Centennial Park, 22 North Gilbert Street; Fairgrounds Regional Park, 500 Fairgrounds Drive; Founders Park,…

A Kansas family is re-connected with the long-lost history of a loved one, thanks to a local author and the story The Castle Pines Connection ran about his book a few months ago. Pictured above (left to right) are Ben Kristek, Joyce Binkley, and Ron Binkley. All are holding memorabilia of Phillip Binkley, a World…

Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) varsity cheer team (listed alphabetically):  Ariel Bailey, Halie Balman, Jayla Balman (captain), Ashley Bradley (manager), Claudia Bradley, Peyton Burger, Lauren Fultz, Megan Gaby (captain), Schyler Geck, Clara Goodman (captain), Alisa Grossman, Morgan Hildebrand, Gavi LeBauer, Lily Lytle, Rachel Moote, Caleigh Newberry, Paige Parrottino (captain), Hayley Pearson, Taylor Porter, Emma Roth,…

Many organizations in Douglas County will benefit from the generous donations Coloradans made December 10 on Colorado Gives Day. Nearly 88,000 donations to 1,442 nonprofits were made on this spectacular day of giving. While the final numbers will not be available from the Community First Foundation for a few weeks, initial numbers are upwards of…

Eagle Scout Bray William Polkinghorne completed his eagle scout project at the young age of 14. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo provided by Stephanie Monaghan/Sandy Puc’ Photography Fourteen-year-old Bray William Polkinghorne is quite young to have achieved the rank of eagle scout. Perhaps the reason is because Polkinghorne joined the Boy Scouts of America in the first…

The Navigator team of eighth grade students at RHMS conducted interviews of experts in order to gain background information for their National History Day projects. On December 11, forty visitors came to RHMS to be interviewed and filmed on a wide variety of topics. Article contributed by RHMS eighth grade students Karen Yi and Nashira…

This talented group of young football players didn’t let their Super Bowl loss get them down. The team has been together for five years and have recorded only three losses, and have played in the Super Bowl every year. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Archie Anderson For the fifth consecutive year, this team of DC…

Kindergartner Daxs represented France and delighted guests to his country with homemade crêpes (with a little help from his dad). Daxs’ favorite part of France is unquestionably the Eiffel Tower. Article and photo by Elean Gersack On Friday, December 6, a three-week journey into other lands and cultures came to a fun conclusion with a World Fair…

By Lisa Crockett There’s a new sheriff in town. Or rather, a team of deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) that will spend the next year working exclusively in Castle Pines. Previously, officers were rotated through the community on a quarterly basis. However, starting in late January, Deputies Anthony McClarnon, Andy Glenn, Corey…

By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Janell Lewis These kids – all residents of Castle Pines – found a fun way to reach out to those less fortunate this holiday season. The group filled 25 boxes with fun, simple gifts for kids like clothes, toys, toothbrushes, Chapstick, lip gloss, tools, flash lights, flip flops, books, decks…

By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Monica Harmon     Head coaches David Brock and Chad Shane led the Dolphins White CFC division of 10-year-old Castle Pines and Castle Rock boys to an undefeated season with a Super Bowl win on Sunday, November 17. The Super Bowl was played against Spartans Gold and the Dolphins won 8-6,…

Baby By Amy Shanahan, courtesy photos Thank you to all of our readers who submitted pictures of their adorable pets for our Cutest Pet in the Pines Holiday Contest! The holiday season brought out the best in your closest furry friends, and we enjoyed seeing all of the great photos. The staff of The Castle…

Caption and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Womenade board members (left to right) Sharon Kollmar, Wanda Kasunic, Pat Nohavec-Fink (hostess), Donna Scott, and Carla Kenny at the annual Womenade holiday brunch held on December 7. Approximately 50 women celebrated the season and contributed towards helping local families in need. Nohavec-Fink’s home was the perfect holiday setting,…

By Elean Gersack It’s time to think about registering kids for sports leagues and activities. Here is a quick reference guide to some of the most popular leagues and recreational activities around. Castle Pines Athletics Never leave the community and play at home with Castle Pines Athletics. Spring soccer begins in late March and runs…

Sue Young By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Sue Young After being a counselor at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) for ten years, Sue Young is bringing her passion and energy for helping kids and families to her new role as an educational coach. Young commented, “Retiring has given me the opportunity to work more…

A Douglas County Partner mentor and mentee go for a ride aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Article by Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Douglas County Partners Celebrate the gift of mentoring, and experience the rewards for both mentors and mentees during January – National Mentoring Month. There is no better way to get involved and…

Marcio Stewart, who is starting a free fitness program for Castle Pines residents, stands at Elk Ridge Park, where the program will be held. Article and photo by Steve Baska Castle Pines resident Marcio Stewart, 49, says exercising is more fun and sustainable when you join a group for mutual support, so he is starting a…

Caption by Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Joe Roos The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce held its December board of directors meeting at the Douglas/Elbert Task Force building, located at 1638 Park Street in Castle Rock. Board members toured the facility and learned about the programming and services the Task Force provides prior to conducting…

Castle Pines Village resident Barb Gschwendtner is one of thousandswho suffer from celiac disease. Fortunately, many local restaurants offer gluten-free meal choices, making it much easier to eat out. Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner I live with a celiac. That is to say, I live with Barb, my wife of 45 years who is afflicted with the…

Rock Canyon High School’s tennis coach Manuel Gonzalez (left) and Eagle Scout Eric Stopps sit on one of the five new benches Stopps constructed for the school. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Brian Stopps Castle Pines resident Eric Stopps has been in Boy Scouts of America (BSA) 11 out of his 17 years of…

Medical staff for the new Castle Pines Foot and Ankle Clinic, PC and Castle Pines Physical Therapy and Spa, PC in Castle Pines: (From left to right) Kristina Calabrese, DPT; Adam Toren, DPM; Chelsea Farrington, DPT; and Cynthia S. Oberholtzer-Classen, DPM. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Ellen Jaskol Residents from the Castle Pines…

Sixty-two women attended the annual Castle Pines Village Garden Club luncheon at the Cherokee Ranch and Castle. The beautiful décor was the perfect backdrop to an afternoon filled with music, good food and friends. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The Castle Pines Village Garden Club (CPVGC) held its annual Christmas brunch at the beautiful…

Josie Gibson (left) and Emily Glynn (right) – both from Castle Pines competed in the Junior Olympics cross country nationals meet in San Antonio on December 14. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Lesley Gibson After months of practice and an exciting season, two girls from Castle Pines headed to San Antonio on December 14…

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…

Castle Pines Community Church welcomes new Senior Pastor Chuck Angel (bottom center), daughter Celeste (left), wife Jill, daughter Charissa, son Joseph, and daughter Caleigh (bottom right). By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Jill Angel Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) has a lot to celebrate this Christmas. On Sunday, December 8, CPCC welcomes new senior…

December sixth through the eighth, the historic Central Presbyterian Church in Downtown Denver will be home to a free Christmas music and dance performance put on by the students of Valor Christian High School. Valor Vespers Sacred Night will combine classical tradition with contemporary artistry. Valor music and dance students will lead guests through the…

Castle Pines resident Kara Olsen, owner of Castle Pines Home Care. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Kara Olsen Long-time Castle Pines resident Kara Olsen understands first-hand the frustration family members can have when trying to find in-home caregivers for their elderly and/or disabled loved ones. When Olsen’s father was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic…

By Cindy Kessinger; courtesy photos The holidays are approaching, and whether you have been naughty or nice it’s always good to keep the fires burning and spice up your adult relationship with some time together. Nothing tugs at your heart like nostalgia and a date night at home revisiting and sharing your childhood. Cozy up…

By Lisa Crockett ‘Tis the season to send packages around the country. Here are some ways you can make this item on your holiday “to-do” list a little easier: Post office locations and other mail service providers in or near the Castle Pines community:     Castle Pines Postal Center – 7280 Lagae Road, Ste. G,…

By Elean Gersack On October 29, fifth graders in Dana Sedersten’s class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School had the unique opportunity to grow older for the day and recruit high school students for college. As part of Sedersten’s classroom theme, “Colleges and Universities of Colorado,” she wanted to connect the real world to learning by…

A total of 48,625 residents from the eight-county Regional Transportation District (RTD) participated in RTD’s 2013 telephone town hall meetings. Participants posed questions to district directors and RTD staff, submitted comments and suggestions, and used their telephone keypads to respond to instant polls. To learn more about the telephone town hall meetings, read meeting transcripts,…

As of October 1, Village Postal, located in The Village at Castle Pines, was acquired by successful small business owner Teresa Gonzalez. Gonzalez moved to Colorado two years ago and says she is thrilled to be a part of the Castle Pines community. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Gonzalez is enjoying meeting new friends…

PROPOSED ZONING By Lisa Crockett; maps courtesy of The City of Castle Pines LS Partners, LLC, one of the owners of Castle Pines Town Center, a 354-acre parcel which is bordered by Castle Pines Village on the west and I-25 on the east, is seeking amendments to the planned development for the land which was…

RCHS varsity cheer after clinching the continental league championship on November 6 at Castle View High School. RCHS junior varsity cheer after earning first place and the league championship title. RCHS Varsity Poms team after their performance which earned the girls their first league championship title. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of RCHS Rock Canyon…

Timber Trail fifth grade teacher Kristen WardBrown presents students with the contents of classroom trash cans collected in a 24-hour period. The trash was used to present students with the challenge of finding ways to reduce the trash load at the school. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary School Fifth graders at…

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…