The Castle Pines Connection

Partners in purpose Christina Carter (left) and Castle Pines resident Sonia Nelson (right) are working internationally to help women who help others through Carter’s company Azmera. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of the Nelson family Stonecroft resident Sonia Nelson started serving as a volunteer counselor with a local ministry about six years ago when she…

Congratulations to Ryan Burke ($100 Hapa Sushi Bar and Grill), Nicole Eubanks ($50 Duke’s Steakhouse) and Diane Wheeler ($25 Rockyard Brewery) for winning The Castle Pines Connection’s “Fun with Food” contest at the event.  The winning words were  “phone”, “exhibitionist” and “jabberwocky.” Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce It was indeed a frenzy! …

Victorious kids celebrated last month following the end-of-season Castle Pines Athletics springtime Super Bowl II.  Congratulations to the New York Jets, the Super Bowl champions of the six-to-eight year-old age group and to the New Orleans Saints, the Super Bowl champions of the nine-to-11 year-old age group.  By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Castle Pines…

This team of fun women had a blast participating in Questival in May.  “Fabullamas” from left to right: Cynthia Martin (CP), Deanna Olson (CP), Danyelle Aylsworth, Candy Palazzo, Angela Martin (previously CP now in Texas), Michelle Drent (CP), Madeline Ogelsby, Kim Oberosler (CP) and Lisa Jones. By Amy Shanahan;  photos courtesy of Candy Palazzo This…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I have always loved a hot dog.  Juicy and salty, they’re the taste of summer barbecues and outings, tucked into a soft and fluffy bun.  Washed down with something cold and sweet, a hot dog fresh off the grill transports me instantly back to childhood memories of warm days…

At left, Lynne Marsala Basche, newly appointed Castle Pines Connection managing editor and, at right, Elizabeth Wood West, Castle Pines Connection advertising sales manager. By Terri Wiebold; photos by Tim Gamble The Castle Pines Connection is thrilled to welcome Lynne Marsala Basche as our new managing editor and Elizabeth Wood West as our new advertising…

By Terri Wiebold; photo by Kathy Fallert Flag Day was June 14, and The Castle Pines Connection staff hit the streets on “patriotic patrol.”  Following a Facebook post announcing the contest, we combed the streets taking photos of homes proudly displaying American flags.  We were happy to see so many demonstrations of patriotism in 80108…

By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of The Village Homes Association 2016 is truly a banner year for Castle Pines Village.  Celebration plans will kick off with the annual July 4th parade and continue well into fall, with monthly festivities all underwritten by its governing organizations.  A special edition of the community’s Village Reporter newsletter commemorated…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Beverly Coggins The ladies 9-hole golf league at The Country Club at Castle Pines was thrilled to host its 20th annual Rally for the Cure golf tournament to raise money in support of breast cancer.   Christina Staley, herself a breast cancer survivor, co-chaired the event and remarked, “It…

Ada (center) and other contestants at National American Miss got energized and had some fun during the pageant weekend. By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of the Hanley family It has been a year full of firsts for Ada Hanley.  She tried playing volleyball for the first time, she sprained her wrist for the first time,…

Happy Canyon resident Steven Chalmers invented “AquaPurr,” a low-maintenance drinking fountain for cats. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Steven Chalmers Happy Canyon resident Steven Chalmers looks at the world around him with an uncanny ability to assess a problem or need and then create a solution.  Chalmers has a computer science degree and…

Castle Pines Village resident Sara Black created an advertisement to raise awareness for poverty as part of her social studies curriculum at Rocky Heights Middle School. Article and photo by Kathy Fallert Castle Pines Village resident Sara Black was asked to do a project on a global problem and possible solutions as part of her…

Roz Schroeder (center), owner of Cielo at Castle Pines, hosted a fundraiser for the American Military Family and Danny Dietz Memorial Fund nonprofit organizations last month.  Charlie Daniels (right), shown with his manager (left), joined an all-star roster of U.S. veterans raising funds and awareness for soldiers suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder. Article by Elizabeth…

By Terri Wiebold; additional information provided by Douglas County For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation’s strength and unity.  It has been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens, and we celebrate Flag Day on Tuesday, June 14.   The United States Flag Code…

A rendering of the RTD RidgeGate Parkway Station, east of I-25 and west of Havana Street.  The station will have a 1,300-space, four-level parking garage and bus transfer facility. By Patte Smith; artistic rendering courtesy of Regional Transportation District (RTD) On May 16, Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Inc. (BBII) broke ground on the southeast FasTracks rail…

Information provided by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) and the Ridge at Castle Pines North golf course have reached a new 20-year water supply agreement. The new agreement, which was signed by the CPNMD’s board of directors at the May 16 meeting, extends the District’s ability to…

By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) chose the Surrey Ridge neighborhood for its wildland fire training in May and June.  The nature of the area provided the crews many opportunities to practice their firefighting skills.  Einar Jensen, community risk reduction specialist for SMFR, noted that…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines Share your ideas about parks and recreation in the city at a visioning event on June 18 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the upstairs terrace of the new Castle Pines Library.  Join City leaders for a complimentary BBQ and discussion on how you play in…

TTE’s cooking club members Sahara W., Ruth H., Leanne M., Ms. Purdy, and Ally D. were all smiles while working on their final project, selling caramel corn to raise money for the Happy Dog Ranch. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Jill Purdy Four Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) special needs students, under the guidance…

The seventh grade boys basketball teams at RHMS dominated the season by going undefeated and winning the district championship.  Congratulations to these boys for all of their hard work and for setting a new record in Douglas County! By RHMS eighth grade student Jack Hibbett; photo courtesy of RHMS yearbook student Lexi Hershberger Throughout the…

The entire cast of TTE fifth grade performers, including coordinators Wendy Wilson and Cindy Berndt, in front of their show’s marquee on May 4. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Wendy Wilson Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students took to the stage in the fifth annual fifth grade show in May.  Enthusiastic performances revolved around…

The new Castle Pines Library staff, bottom row (left to right): Emily McCabe, Aspen Walker, and Becca Stein; middle row: Debbie Stephens-Sutton, Kelli Bischoff, Aimee Oldenburg, Kate Prestwood, Jen Yadav, Maria Benito, Marcy Kelley, and Deidre VanRy; top row: Shannon Basher, Katie Burns, Neelam Chauhan, Alyson Durham, Jill Swanstrom, Cherie Ellingson, Kyra Hahn, Joanne Daley;…

Information provided by the Rotary Club of Castle Pines The Ducky Derby is the largest annual fundraiser sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Castle Rock and Castle Pines.  Donations are made to the event, which support local Castle Rock charities.  Participating clubs include the Rotary Club of Castle Rock, the Castle Rock High Noon Rotary,…

Bailey McCue swabs her cheeks to get added to the bone marrow registry list in support of Lukas Larsson.  For the second year in a row, this effort was part of senior checkout day at RCHS.   By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of the Larsson Family In what might become a tradition on senior checkout…

Dianne McOmie is in her first year with the garden club and is enjoying being the photographer for the yearly events.  “I thought the fashion show was lovely,” McOmie remarked.  “I loved that we used members for the models, and the store they chose for the clothing line was great.” Article and photos by Amy…

Greg and Daniel went go-kart racing to celebrate his graduation from fifth grade.   By Lynn Zahorik, photos courtesy of Meredith Woodrow Once a week when Greg Woodrow finished up his classes at Rock Canyon High School, he headed to South Fellowship Church in Littleton to be a volunteer mentor with Whiz Kids Tutoring (WK). …

By Lynne Marsala Basche At first, thinking about a restaurant named “The Gnarly Root” might seem unique; perhaps even a bit peculiar.  However, the name quickly begins to make sense when it describes a restaurant that serves local GMO-free meat, grass-fed beef, vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian food, as well as offers live entertainment and a…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori School On April 17, DCS Montessori School (DCSM) held its nineteenth annual spring gala fundraiser at Sanctuary.  More than 140 parents and teachers kicked up their heels at this year’s Boot Scootin’ Ball. The evening began with guests enjoying the Sanctuary patio for cocktails and photos…

(Left to right) Gail and Carl Knight and daughter Kelli all work together at Visiting Angels of Littleton and were sponsors of the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Memories in the Making” event. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos provided by Carl Knight Castle Pines Village residents Carl and Gail Knight recently received The Denver Post’s Top Workplace award…

By Lynn Zahorik;  photos courtesy of the Dumb Friends League Horse lovers of all ages are invited to the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center on Saturday, June 4, for its fifth annual open house and adoption day.  This free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Harmony Equine Center…

Article and photo by Amanda Merriman The Connection writer Amanda Merriman admits she is hopelessly addicted to books.  It has been this way nearly all her life.  Every month she will share what she has been reading with the hope that others will share in her obsession. What if the thing you loved to do…

The VIC2 collected more than 50 bikes to benefit Project ReCycle, a local nonprofit that refurbishes the bikes and gives them to low-income children. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Lesia Rehl The Village Idiots Cycling Club (VIC2) held a used bike drive in April, and the members were excited to collect more than 50…

By Patte Smith Scams are happening everywhere it seems.  On the telephone, in emails, in postal mail, at stores, door-to-door – crooks are getting more and more clever every day.  Have you ever checked the area code number on a suspected fraudulent phone call?  Try it. There are quite a few from “area codes” that…

By RCHS intern writer Maria Pangalos When the word “Colorado” is heard by a tourist, the first thought that comes to mind for many is skiing and mountains.  But for a local, the word “Colorado” means so much more.  Every season is a time to revel in the opportunities this beautiful state has to offer…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos Douglas County School District high schools celebrated the successes of many talented student-athletes on National Signing Day, when these athletes signed letters of intent to attend and compete at excellent colleges and universities across the nation.  This day of commitment and celebration signifies the next step forward in academics and…

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Ellen O’Connor The Bin Blessed “babes” were thrilled to celebrate their first year of collecting items for There With Care, a nonprofit which serves critically ill children and their families.  This dedicated group of women held a party in April to celebrate their successes and were once again reminded…

Information provided by Douglas County Ballots for the June 28 primary election will be in the mail to registered and affiliated voters beginning June 6. If you are a registered voter affiliated with either the Republican or Democratic Party and have not received your ballot at the address associated with your voter registration by June…

By Kathy Fallert Bicycling is a fun and healthy way to get around. To celebrate bicycling, Colorado has designated each June as Bike Month, and Bike to Work Day is the fourth Wednesday of every June, which falls on Wednesday, June 22 this year. The number of Bike to Work Day participants has risen steadily…

The Castle Pines community garage sale was a huge hit again this year!  Special thanks to the Master Association for continuing to sponsor this annual event and to all in the community who participated. To view a slideshow of the event, visit www.castlepinesconnection.com and click on Photo Album.

Rock Canyon High School Senior Meghan Cook (left) honored language arts teacher and yearbook adviser Kristi Rathbun at a special event last month.  The night featured tributes to teachers of graduating seniors from across Douglas County. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Castle Rock LDS Stake Graduating seniors usually have a lot on their minds:…

Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Summer is finally here and it is time to celebrate!  The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is excited to present the second annual Food Truck Frenzy on June 4.  This family-friendly event is open to all and features seven gourmet food trucks, a beer tent, live music…

By Lynne Marsala Basche It seemed to Castle Pines resident Ashley Oxton that every day when she was driving around the city, runners were everywhere.  Oxton thought it would be great to start a club to bring people who enjoy running together.  The Castle Pines Run Club, in conjunction with The City of Castle Pines…

Looking for something for your fourth through ninth grader to do this summer?  Then SOAR is the ticket!  This truly unique and innovative program at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) offers academic, innovative and creative courses from July 11 through July 28.  Students can attend one, two or three sessions starting at 8:00 a.m. and…

Information provided by the National Summer Learning Association The ABCs of Improved Reading Access to books.  It is critical that kids have access to a wide variety of books over the summer months. If kids are learning to read, read with them. Books should match the reader’s ability level and interest. For young people to…

This group of kindergarteners learned oodles about chickens and embryology in Kristin Duran’s (pictured far left) and  Breanna Duran’s (pictured far right) kindergarten enrichment class this spring. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) kindergarten enrichment teacher Kristin Duran also known as “Ms. D” had always wanted to share an embryology project…

Castle Pines Connection writer Amanda Merriman hoofing it at the Colfax Marathon while her proud husband snaps a photo of her running her first marathon.   By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Amanda Merriman Castle Pines Connection staff writer Amanda Merriman is a mother of three, wife, nurse and now a marathon runner.  Merriman finished…

By Elean Gersack Calling all first through twelfth graders! The Castle Pines Arts & Cultural Foundation (CPACF) is pleased to announce the return of the Missoula Children’s Theater (MCT) with a production of “Aladdin” this July 11 through 16.  Students can take a magic carpet ride to adventure and discover the fun of performing together.…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Whether parked for the day outside your office building, at the shopping mall, movie theater or near a trail head when out for a hike – you may not know it, but you are a prime target to be a “crime of opportunity” victim. Crimes of opportunity…

Hailey McDowell, eighth grader at Rocky Heights Middle School was one of the award recipients at the DCSD Film Fest on April 27 for the PSA “Silent Fight” that she and her fellow classmates created.  By Amanda Merriman; photo courtesy of the McDowell Family The Douglas County School District (DCSD) honored student filmmakers with the…

By Patte Smith Each year The Connection features a list of local farmers markets in support of regional growers and communities.   Fresh and flavorful produce is plentiful throughout the summer, and visiting an outdoor “grocer” is a fun family outing.   Many markets not only sell fruits and vegetables, but also offer special items such as…

On April 26, RCHS honored outstanding underclassmen with Jag Awards.  Jag Awards are given to honor students that demonstrate excellence in character and academics.   By Amanda Merriman; photo courtesy of Rock Canyon High School Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) recently honored underclassmen with Jag awards, many of whom reside in the Castle Pines area. …

BRE’s Dream Team raised $1008.68 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (pictured left to right), back row: Caleb P., Luc B., Ryan C., Ethan S., Ben C., Carter M., Cody J., and Ethan O.; middle row: Kate K., Svea E., Erin M., Emily J. (holding the check), Campbell S., and  front row: Molly B., Abby…

Article and photos by Amanda Merriman Castle Pines resident Liz Malody (pictured above) would like to change the way you bring food to your plate.  Malody is a customer of the High Plains Food Cooperative (HPFC) and volunteers once a month to distribute orders from her home to other customers in the area.   Malody…

By Amanda Merriman; photo courtesy of Theresa McDowell Recently, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band gave a hallmark legendary performance at the Pepsi Center in Denver.  Many 80108 residents were in attendance (including the McDowells and the Agsters pictured left)  to enjoy the acclaimed performer and to revisit their “Glory Days.”  The iconic musician…

Article and photo by Patte Smith Boy Scout Troop 628 worked several hours in the Surrey Ridge neighborhood doing much-needed maintenance on a section of the horse trail in May.  Manned with shovels, pickaxes, sledge hammers and of course, work gloves and sun screen, these willing boys ages 11 through 15 dug out sections of…

By Patte Smith; additional information provided by the Highlands Ranch Metro District Highlands Ranch, just a few minutes drive northwest of the Castle Pines area, continually strives to address the needs of adults age 50+ as they become empty nesters or are part of the baby-boomer generation.   From outdoor activities to estate planning seminars to…

  Article and photo by Lisa Crockett My dad loved a good hamburger.  When it was my dad’s turn to cook dinner (which happened frequently when I was growing up) he would often step into the kitchen and whip up hamburgers for us all, sometimes cooked outdoors, and sometimes cooked on the stove, but always…

By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos Friday, April 29 was an exciting night as Buffalo Ridge Elementary hosted its annual daddy daughter dance.  This year’s theme was “Diamonds & Denim.”  Dads and their girls danced the night away, enjoyed a photo booth and got a surprise visit from Cinderella.

The M.B.A. and W.O.M.E.N. networking groups were the brainchild of five very active Chamber members, Dana Hall of Cherry Creek Home Loans, Charmaine Balcerzak of Charmaine’s Bella and Colour Salon, Julie Gibbons of Live Well, Keith Dodd of Realty One, and Jeff Douglas of Mountain Storm Insurance.  Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce…

By Amanda Merriman Not to worry, this article is not about how 80108 residents can recreate the 1990s movie “Face/Off,” starring Nicolas Cage and John Travolta in the flesh.  It is, however, about an addicting and fun app called Face Swap Live.  Face Swap Live is an iOS app (Android version is currently in the…

By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of the Rolph Family With a motto of “Why not excel at what you do,” six-year Castle Pines Village resident Rick Rolph is a man of many accomplishments, the most recent of which is raising millions of dollars for charitable causes with his talent as a skillful auctioneer. Rolph is…

By Patte Smith   Reading can connect kids and adults to new opportunities and allow them to discover common interests together.  A book about identifying clouds can find moms and kids lying in the green grass while gazing up at the blue sky.  How about checking out “Charlotte’s Web” and then exploring the spiders that…

Participants in the 2015 X Drive Classic form a symbolic X (for Fragile X Syndrome and X Drive Classic) – a tradition that started at the first tournament.  By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Maria Gair The third annual X Drive Classic Golf Tournament is slated for Monday, August 1.  Save the date, and register…

The Country Club at Castle Pines new Executive Chef Joe Martin showcased his talents  at “The Taste” in May. By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Beverly Coggins There is no better way to introduce a new chef than to showcase their talents.  The Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP) held “The Taste” on May 21…

Billy D Driber (left) and younger brother Gary Driber (right) were rarely photographed alone together except at the many Super Bowls they attended.  They are pictured here with a group of relatives in New Jersey. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Gary Driber William Driber, also known as “Billy D”, lived a good life.  He…

Fit4Mom offers Stroller Strides classes, which allow new moms to keep their babies close while enjoying a workout and connecting with other new moms. By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Brittnie Harris As most moms will attest, pregnancy and raising small children can be full of many highs and lows, and the support of other…

Submitted by DCS Montessori The DCS Montessori Alumni organization, which launched in late 2015, will hold its first annual Field Day on May 26 at the school (311 Castle Pines Pkwy.) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  All student alumni and faculty are invited to attend and enjoy games, races and a barbecue. Currently more…

By Elean Gersack Gear-up for the 2016 Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival planned for Sunday, June 5 in Castle Rock.  There are five courses to chose from:  100-mile century; 62-mile metric century; 40-mile; 27-mile gravel; and 8-mile family.   Ride day is only part of the fun.  Camp out or stay in beautiful downtown Castle…