Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
A new taste of the old west at Castle Cafe Location: 403 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock Hours: Open for lunch and dinner; hours vary, visit website for details Price: Most entrees are available for between $8 and $15 Travel Time from Castle Pines: About 10 minutes Other Details: Take some time to look at the…
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…
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…
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…
Southern barbecue heads west By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Yazoo Barbecue Company Barbecue is something of an art form. Meat smoked slowly to perfection, melt-in-your mouth tender and tasty. Nearly 20 years ago, I went with a friend to a barbecue joint in the wilds of Alabama for just such a meal. My friend,…
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…
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…
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…