The Castle Pines Connection

Castle Pines residents Ali Merritt (left) and Ellie Olsen (right) volunteered at Legacy Village’s Hawaiian-themed day. The two volunteers got residents to join in on the hula hooping (without breaking any hips!) and assisted with activities that went along with the Hawaiian theme. Article and photo by Maddy Merritt Legacy Village of Castle Pines is…

By Michelle Post Video is a must-have for businesses today. Today’s consumers love video content and are 92% more likely to share the videos they watch. Additionally, a consumer is more likely to buy after viewing a video demonstration of a product or service. With today’s smartphones, we all are carrying a full media company…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett June is all about dad (Father’s Day is June 16), so I’m always looking for good “man food” to rustle up around this time of year. Starting in June, the grill gets turned on just about every day at our house, so it’s a given that on Father’s Day,…

Article and photos by Celeste McNeil The kindergarten enrichment class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) school learned about eggs and chicks hands-on this spring. Four dozen fertilized eggs were generously loaned to the enrichment class during incubation. Throughout the three-week wait, students learned about embryo life cycles, chick development, genetics and much more. This is…

By Steve Whitlock; photos courtesy of Dennis Murray Castle Pines resident Dennis Murray serves as the new golf pro at the Denver Athletic Club (DAC) – the only one they’ve ever had. Additionally, he is the only professional golfer to win both the PGA Player of the Year and PGA Teacher of the Year awards.…

By Susan Helton Filling in for Amanda Merriman, Connection writer Susan Helton is also an avid reader. This month, she shares a fun book of vignettes about anything and everything. I was fortunate enough recently to attend a talk given by novelist Lisa Scottoline (Someone Knows, etc.) at Douglas County Libraries – Philip S. Miller.…

Excited second grader Savannah Rosenlund eagerly showed her final embossing piece. Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski During spring parent conferences, students from the American Academy (AA) Castle Pines campus shared their awesome art at the year’s last art show. This was the fourth annual end-of-year art show for AA students K-5. Art instructor Kelsea…

Dedicated DCS Montessori (DCSM) middle school students traveled domestically and abroad this spring to help improve trails and bridges as part of their service-learning curriculum. On their last day in Goosenecks State Park in Utah (pictured above), students sat atop the deep canyon to enjoy striking views of the San Juan River below. Inset is…

Jessica Petau’s full-day kindergarten class gave their farewells to Raptor, Rosabella, Jack, Lollipop, Kate and Timberwolf. One of the released butterflies rested on a nearby rock (below). By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) kindergarten students transformed into animal experts this spring. They were entomologists, paleontologists, mammologists and marine…

Seventh grade teachers (left to right): Caroline Weinberg, Laurie Williamson, Gail Swiryn, Chris Kappler and Amanda Kallach from the Seekers and Expeditioners teams enjoyed their Cuban lunch on April 30. By Susan Helton; photo courtesy of RHMS As the 2018-2019 school year wound down, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) devoted time to honoring their fantastic…

Village Castle Pines Garden Club luncheon and fashion show event chairs Michele Volkl (left) and Darcey DeRose (right) added extra pizazz to this year’s event. Article and photos by Nancy Koontz One of the most anticipated social gatherings in Castle Pines is the Village Castle Pines Garden Club luncheon and fashion show, which was held…

Pictured right: Isaac Abramovitz and Mara Powner, both former students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary school, participated in the “senior walk” through the halls of their former elementary school. In the fall, Abramovitz will attend Northwest Prep Academy prior to the U.S. Air Force Academy and Powner will attend California Lutheran University. Article and photo by…

By Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of Andrea Noufer “I love hiking, but was not taking the time to schedule it, so I decided to start the club to make me accountable to other people,” stated Castle Pines Hiking Club organizer Andrea Noufer. And so it began. Last month, hiking enthusiasts gathered for the inaugural 5-mile…

Despite the cold weather, enthusiastic DCSM students geared up for a full day of road repairs. The project was one of many landscape projects during their time at Mission: Wolf. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori DCS Montessori seventh and eighth graders received a hands-on experience which left a lasting impact on each…

By Bryan Goodland; courtesy photos It is not all that frequent that we in the Castle Pines community come into contact with animals that are common carriers of rabies (skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes and coyotes). However, they are ever present in the vast open spaces that surround us, and they do pose a threat to…

The Village at Castle Pines resident Louise Bowman (front row, far right) celebrated in style with friends at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Women with Hattitude luncheon. Resident Gayle Raye (left) is pictured here with Ms. Senior America Gayle Novak and Hattitude Chairwoman Pam Sletten (right). By Nancy Koontz; courtesy photos Since 2005,…

Information and photo provided by the Boucher family Congratulations to Jordan Boucher, the 2019 Valor Christian High School valedictorian and a National Merit Scholar. Boucher, a resident of The Village at Castle Pines, excelled at Valor and balanced his academic pursuits with his passion for running cross country, track, climbing 14ers and participating in the…

By Terri Wiebold I have never met a business owner who was not interested in bettering his/her business. For some, “bettering” means increasing revenues and profits and/or decreasing expenses. For others, it may mean elevating their brand. For me, it is about improving the overall experience for everyone involved. As the publisher of The Connection,…

Brooks Gibbs (right) used a game called “Squabbles” to help with conflict resolution. Information and photos provided by American Academy Last month, American Academy (AA)hosted a parent assembly lead by Brooks Gibbs, a well-known speaker who focuses on helping children build emotional resiliency. Approximately 250 parents took part in the evening event. Gibbs also spoke…

Information provided by the Douglas County School District The Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education met in a work session on Tuesday, May 23 to discuss safety and security in DCSD schools. The discussion included a review of DCSD Board Policy ADD: Safe Schools, which addresses a variety of directives ranging from physical…

By Terri Wiebold Invite your neighbors and head down to experience Spoons & Tunes in The Vistas at Park Meadows on Thursday, June 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and get an exclusive special Castle Pines neighbor bonus! Park Meadows Retail Resort is hosting a free, family-friendly summer event every Thursday starting June 6…

Article and photos by Celeste McNeil Recently, Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) school held an extravaganza evening billed as “BREXtravaganza.” The building was open to students, parents, grandparents and anyone interested in seeing the amazing happenings at BRE. The main hallways overflowed with masterpieces the students created in art class. The gym, filled with tables, held…

By Patte Smith Did you know that in February Colorado cyclists dominated the world leader board for the 2019 International Winter Bike to Work Day? Wow! More than 3,000 area cyclists rode on a bitter cold day or chose a day a little less bleak for the work day ride. A testament to the importance…

Assistant Principal Jen Murdock surrounded by first, second and third place winners of the annual BRE Science Fair. Article and photos by Celeste McNeil Spring brings experimentation, demonstration and inventions; spring brings the Science Fair! Bufflao Ridge Elementary (BRE) had 67 students from all grades participate in the eighth annual Science Fair. All projects, research…

City staff, elected officials and members of the community gathered to await the election results. Upon its passing, a joyous crowd toasted the citizens and the success of the election results. Information provided by the City of Castle Pines; photos by Terri Wiebold Tuesday, May 14 was a historic day in the City of Castle…

“I wanted to thank you and your staff for the nice note, gift card and candy. This was so thoughtful of you and nice to receive after a very chaotic Tuesday afternoon. As both a principal and a community member, I really appreciate your efforts and the positive approach you take to bring our community…

Lisa Dean (left) and Emily Ogden (right) proudly displayed their 2019 bronze volunteer awards. Stop by and congratulate Lisa, Emily and Lynn the next time you stop by the library. By Patte Smith, photos courtesy of Laura Eicher, Douglas County Libraries Congratulations and a big thank you to Lisa Dean, Emily Ogden and Lynn Gillingham…

By Lisa Nicklanovich Like most people, I often read reviews before making a purchase decision. Recently, however, I had two negative experiences despite the many super-positive reviews I spent time reading. Both my twenty-something kids said, “Well, you know, lots of times the reviews are fake.” I thought about the fact that I always trust…

Caption and photos by Patte Smith Prior to their continuation ceremony that was held on March 14, the three classes of fifth grade students at BRE braved the cold and rain and stamped their handprints on the famous “spirit rock” at the school on Monday, May 20. Smearing hands with their favorite colors, each student…

There With Care bags decorated by students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary school. By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Sheri Flaherty Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fifth grader Ryan Flaherty is spreading the message of love, both figuratively and literally, through her work with the Colorado-founded nonprofit There With Care. There With Care’s mission is to provide…

By Lisa Crockett Getting dad a gift can be a daunting task – how many ties does one man need, anyway? Still, most dads love a good goodie, so if you’re stumped for a great gift to let your dad know you care, look no further. Here are some treats bound to make his day…

Castle Pines resident Anila Narayana, a recent graduate from Rock Canyon High School, received a Boettcher Foundation Scholarship. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of the Boettcher Scholarship Foundation Anila Narayana, a recent graduate from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) and a Castle Pines resident, was selected as a recipient of the Boettcher Foundation Scholarship. The…

Caption and photo by Lynn Zahorik The Castle Pines Connection is proud of its business partners that give back to the community in big ways. Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant in Lone Tree recently hosted an annual Dining Out for Life event for Project Angel Heart. Cranelli’s was one of more than 250 restaurants that donated 25%…

Zach Spector’s laid back style and personality serve him well as student pastor at The Rock Church. Article by Steve Whitlock; photos courtesy of Zach Spector Zach Spector’s path to full-time church work wouldn’t have been predicted by his family or friends – or even himself. After excelling at sports at Rock Canyon High School,…

Article and photos by Terri Wiebold May 18 and 19, residents in the Castle Pines community were treated to an eclectic mixture of fine art at the [SMASH] Fine Arts Festival held in The Village at Castle Pines business district. The outdoor exhibit showcased a variety of national artists with displays of painting, photography, mixed…

Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Events Director Whitney Shank proudly accepted a well-deserved award from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Executives organization. By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Please join The Connection in congratulating Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Events Director Whitney Shank for receiving the 2018 Team Member…

The RidgeGate end-of-line station east of I-25 is operational and open for service. By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Sidney Clough The new 2.3-mile RTD Southeast Rail Extension is up and running and for many residents in the southeast corridor, this is very good news. The rail extension consists of three stations – Sky Ridge,…

Trevor Christensen and Zach Johnson performed a song and dance that was a crowd pleaser. They performed Tim Hawkins’ YouTube-inspired “Chick-fil-A” song. Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski The annual Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) variety show hosted 21 acts of talent during this year’s performance. Ribbon dancing, gymnastics, hula hooping, vocals, instrumentals, diabolo yoyo and…

Caption and photo by Patte Smith Kathy Newell, a member of The Village Idiots Cycling Club, joined fellow club cyclists to pick up litter along a section of South Havana frontage road on Saturday, April 27. The club, known for giving back to the community, adopted a section of the road a few years ago…

By Patte Smith Get out your lawn chairs and blankets to celebrate the 4th of July close to home in Castle Rock. While there is no official celebration in town, fireworks will be launched from the Santa Fe Quarry Butte that is located above Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course, south of The Meadows. This is…

By Patte Smith, photo courtesy of Hutch Tibbetts, Douglas County Libraries The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) held its annual Focus Forward Breakfast on April 25 at the Charles Schwab Conference Center in Lone Tree. Speakers addressed the critical needs of Douglas County residents and explained the foundation’s Hearts & Hands Fund that was established…

Congratulations to the spring 80108 student-athletes who have signed letters of intent to play their sport in college! By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos Rock Canyon High School Isaac Abramovitz Boys Lacrosse U.S. Air Force Academy, CO Isaac will attend Northwest Prep Academy in California before attending the U.S. Air Force Academy. Coach John Gallant said,…

Sarah Matarelli (playing Millie) and Brennan Lanam (playing Johnny) are all dolled up and ready for the stage. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Adoration Pro Photo American Academy (AA) students delivered a show stopping performance that had the audience dancing the Charleston! “Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.” is a story of a 1920s small town…

Ninety-seven students were honored at the annual RCHS community service lettering ceremony for volunteering at the 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 hour level. By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos The annual community service lettering ceremony took place on April 23 at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), honoring 97 students who volunteered their time and talents to…

Article and photos by Terri Wiebold On Saturday, May 4, nearly 600 guests gathered at CU Denver South’s campus to learn more about The Canyons in Castle Pines. Visitors learned about the homebuilders and discovered information on planned community amenities. Shea Homes Colorado Division President Chetter Latcham welcomed participants during each of the three informational…

By Patte Smith, photo courtesy of Allen Zearing Summer fun – getting outside enjoying family, friends, and neighbors, shopping at farmers markets, going fishing, bicycling, barbecuing – great summer days and so many things to do. If you enjoy classy and classic cars, “really cool” hot rods, clean machines, macho trucks or sweet corvettes, cruise…

The Rock newspaper staff of Rock Canyon High School. The staff earned many awards from the Colorado Student Media Association, including two first place awards to The Connection writing interns, Amanda Brauchler and Alec Sutula. Article and photos by Maddy Merritt, RCHS intern writer Journalism can be a profession, a hobby or something a group…

Information provided by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District The Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) and Parker Water & Sanitation District (PWSD) boards of directors and district managers met last month for a joint work session to answer two primary questions: In some form or fashion, should CPNMD and PWSD merge their respective water…

By Terri Wiebold Last month, The Connection featured information regarding the King Soopers Community Rewards program (formerly the loyalty program).  However, some of the contribution information we reported was incorrect.  According to Castle Pines Store Manager Dennis Fossceco, rather than an organization earning a straight 5% on all purchases, here is what the program offers: King Soopers…

Photo and caption by Terri Wiebold Special thanks to Jack Yi, owner of Castle Pines North Cleaners, for helping with my “between meetings wardrobe malfunction.” I lost the closure button on my blazer and Jack not only replaced the button, he found a matching set of three buttons to change out the sleeves as well.…

Taking steps to walk in Maria Montessori’s shoes By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Ryoko Fusatani After the Bomb Cyclone hit Colorado, DCS Montessori upper level teacher and Castle Pines resident Ryoko Fusatani was relieved to learn that her scheduled flight to her dream destination of Rome, Italy would be a “go.” Fustani’s excitement mounted…

By Terri Wiebold; photos by Lynn Zahorik With the most perfect weather imaginable, hundreds of Castle Pines families gathered at The Ridge last month to participate in the City of Castle Pines Egg Scramble. In three separate waves according to age, the air horn sounded and children flooded the driving range to collect eggs stuffed…

This RCHS SNHS student helped a BRE science club member build a bridge. By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Delaney Y. Rock Canyon high school (RCHS) student Delaney Y. has a passion for science. She and her fellow Science National Honor Society (SNHS) members are sharing their love of science with younger students through an…

By Susan Helton Filling in for Amanda Merriman, Connection writer Susan Helton is also a lifelong, avid reader. This month, she shares a delightful cozy mystery novel. Shannon Hammer specializes in renovating and repairing Victorian homes in the small town of Lighthouse Cove. In A Wrench in the Works, by Kate Carlisle, Shannon’s younger sister…

By Patte Smith; courtesy photo Memorial Day is an important time for all Americans to remember the sacrifices that veterans have made to ensure our freedom. Whether attending a Memorial Day remembrance event, or sending a note to a veteran, take a few minutes to bring to mind these brave men and women. Really stop…

By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Megan Liestman Megan Liestman of Castle Rock has a busy summer break from school ahead. She’s a sophomore studying political science at the University of Colorado at Boulder who is taking her summer break to run her own business as part of a unique opportunity from Young Entrepreneurs Across…

By Lisa Nicklanovich I recently took a free photography lesson from the Apple Store at Park Meadows Retail Resort. Our class learned about using a few of the features on our camera phones, and something the instructor said after the class surprised me. The instructor, who is a professional photographer, said that he thought most,…

Information and photo provided by the Van Vechten family There wasn’t a mountain Jacob “Jake” Peter Van Vechten didn’t want to climb or a puzzle he couldn’t solve. He was surrounded by friends and lived with a sincere concern for others. He loved with a tender heart. Jake competed on every field and every court…

Toby, his brother Evan and their parents stand at the bottom of the main stairs of RCHS with the lacrosse team and their coaches. Toby and Evan were adopted by the team through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. By Jana Seal, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of John Gallant For the Rock Canyon High School…

Surrey Ridge kids gathered at the neighborhood park for the annual search for Easter eggs on Saturday, April 20. After an adventurous hunt, the kids visited with the Easter bunny, who shared more treats with the kids. Photos courtesy of Josh Gonzalez