The Connection

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…