The Castle Pines Connection

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. Fredrik Backman, an international best selling Swedish novelist,…

Truett Rosenlund and his sweet big sister, Savannah. His parents are working hard to raise awareness and gain research and funding for rare diseases.  (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Newcomb.) Article and photo by Elean Gersack; courtesy photos A magical little boy who lives in our community was born happy and healthy in July of 2013. …

Ashlyn Brown and her German Warmblood jumping mare Black Pearl. Article and photos by Christy Brown Colorado … the “wild west.”  One of the first images to come to mind is the horse.  The equine species, having evolved more than 50 million years from a once four-toed creature to the four-hooved magnificent structure of power…

Second grader Lyric Miller with her pen and ink Zentangle design with a tissue paper star applied over it. Art teacher Wendy Wilson congratulates fifth grader Claire Blaeser, who won the Best of Show award for TTE. By Lynne Marsala Basche; Photos courtesy of Wendy Wilson Twenty-five Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students, under the guidance…

Retired Federal Judge William Downes and his wife Cathy love living in Castle Pines and credit their dog Buffy for helping them meet so many great neighborhood friends. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of the Downes Family Distinguished Wyoming Federal Judge William Downes (Ret.) and his lovely wife Cathy looked everywhere in Colorado and “up…

Submited by Douglas County Libraries; photo by Tim Gamble Fact not fiction – the new library in Castle Pines opens in April.  Saying farewell to the old library location will be a melancholy yet upbeat occasion as Douglas County Libraries gets ready to open the first of three new libraries in Douglas County. At 4…

Excited to join the neighborhood, the congregation from Journey Church gathered on the vacant property with Pastor Scotty Priest (inset with wife Amy) to pray and bless the land. Article and photos by Patte Smith Four bus loads of Journey Church’s Centennial congregation paid a visit on March 6 to the church’s new 12.6-acre lot…

  By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Sarah Tweed The Castle Pines Arts & Cultural Foundation (CPACF) hosted a young musicians showcase featuring Hank Troy Jazz Trio on February 26 at the Daniels Gate clubhouse.   The simple and elegant evening event is one of the many ways the CPACF raises money to help provide…

By Amy Shanahan Cancer has touched most of us in some way, and we are all aware of the toll that this disease takes on the bodies of those who are undergoing treatment.  LifeSpark Cancer Resources is a local Colorado nonprofit that provides support services for those with cancer, and residents of Castle Pines are…

Article by Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Alan Treibitz In early March, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) opened its 2016 musical production: an amazing adaptation of Broadway’s “Legally Blonde,” the musical.  Beginning in early January, a wide variety of actors, singers, tech crew members, directors, musicians, and choreographers worked hard to bring…

Gina Gerken, a raptor enthusiast and bird handler, enjoys the company of a non-releasable red-tailed hawk. By Patte Smith, photos provided by Gina Gerken and Nature’s Educators Castle Pines Village resident Gina Gerken is passionate about birds.  Since the fifth grade she has studied, drawn, counted, monitored, fed, and flown birds.   “One day my…

By Patte Smith Attention seniors 65 and older:  Fitness and fun may be at little-to-no cost to you if you qualify for the award-winning SilverSneakers® Fitness Plan.  The program for older adults is an insurance benefit included in more than 65 Medicare health plans. Check to see if you are eligible for the program and…

By Lisa Crockett April is National Garlic Month.  In times gone by, people used garlic for everything from warding off vampires to treating the plague.  And while both of those uses have mostly fallen out of favor, garlic still looms large on the world stage, with proponents using it for everything from flavoring ice cream…

Information provided by the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center A free event will be held on April 21 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Events Center in Castle Rock to provide older adults and their families with information about services and programs for seniors in Douglas County. Last year the…

By Lynne Marsala Basche There are days heading down Castle Pines Parkway approaching Village Square Lane when the windows are down and the wind is just right that the most sublime aromas of garlic and wood burning pizza waft through the air.  Mouths water and stomachs growl as La Dolce Vita tempts passersby with the…

Hutchins (front row, center) and six other Hope’s Promise representatives traveled to Vietnam to show their love and commitment to the families they support.   By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of Kristen Hutchins Kristen Hutchins took the adventure of a lifetime when she traveled to Vietnam in January.  Her father had served in the U.S. Army…

Article and photo by Amanda Merriman Looking for an exciting twist on date night, family night, or hanging out with friends?  The answer can be found on a drive to nearby Centennial for a visit to The Clue Room.   The Clue Room is a live escape room (the first in Colorado) that is owned…

Castle Pines Village Lakes Fitness Center morning regulars surrounded 42-year-old marathon runner Angela Williams.  Williams arrived for her daily workouts at 4:45 a.m. so she could return home in time to wake her three children for school.  Discovering Angela to be a serious and driven athlete, the morning group of supporters – affectionately known as…

Article and photo by Amy Shanahan; additional photos courtesy of Jason Frank Jason Frank is a high energy, entertaining gentleman who has a successful local business called Wildman Wellness, where he practices Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) which help improve and correct muscular weakness.  Frank is a former registered nurse and served as an infantryman/combat lifesaver…

A talented point guard, Lombard understands all aspects of the game and is an important play maker.   By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of University of Colorado Boulder and the Lombard Family The arrival of March Madness means non-stop NCAA basketball excitement for fans of all ages.  Mitch Lombard, 2015 Rock Canyon High School (RCHS)…

Rock Canyon High School athletes who signed letters of intent. Left to right: Joie Hensley, Nicholas (Nico) Padgett, Abby Kochevar, Makayla Kolberg, Dakota Wendell, Benjamin Sneider, Daryl Myers, Ryan Zetwick, Sloan Wiggins, Dalton Lawrence.

By Riley Busch, intern writer; courtesy photos Earlier this year, the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) poms and jazz teams, along with several others in the Douglas County area, were invited to compete in the National Dance Team Championships in Orlando, Florida, an honor that only a few schools receive.  After many hours of hard…

Azile Nelson was honored at last month’s Castle Rock DAR chapter meeting with a Good Citizen award.  She is pictured above with her parents Mike and Sonia, along with DAR representative Monica Flinner-Ross (left). By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Monica Flinner-Ross Stonecroft resident and Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) senior Azile Nelson was honored…

Office clerk and health assistant Corin Meibos (left) was sadly defeated in the BRE Box Top challenge by the second grade class of Jocelyn Hawkins (right).   By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Valerie Miller and Jocelyn Hawkins Corin Meibos, office clerk and health assistant at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) went a little Box Top…

Fourth through sixth grade students represented several Asian countries at their international tea as part of DCSM’s “learning in their world” focus. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori Memories were made and information was shared at the DCS Montessori (DCSM) annual international tea.  This year’s sweet tradition focused on Asia, and the…

Bowser Bubbles owner Christina Fischer (left) with devoted customer Carlene Duran and her beagles Watson and Ellie.  Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik Now and then we all need a good hair cut, and the dogs of Castle Pines are no exception.  Bowser Bubbles Pet Grooming located in Sedalia keeps many of our local dogs…

Ryta and Steve Sondergard’s volunteer and benefactor efforts during the past decade have focused on children, health, and the arts, working with such organizations as the Kempe Foundation, Colorado UpLift, the American Diabetes Association, and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts… among numerous others throughout the years.  By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of the…

Miles Cullum standing amidst the many trophies he won while mutton busting at rodeos across Colorado.  Article and photo by Amanda Merriman; photos courtesy of the Cullum Family The rodeo announcer begins the countdown as the rider grips a fistful of wool tightly in each hand and grips the animal with their legs.  Finally, it…

Chef Derek Howard creates masterful dishes and is also a wine connoisseur.  Howard has a large wine cellar in his home and enjoys preparing dinner and wine pairings as an integral part of his business, Culinary Artistry’s. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan; additional photos courtesy of Derek Howard For Chef Derek Howard food is…

By Kathy Fallert  The 12th Annual Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Premier Talent Competition hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Castle Rock is just around the corner.  More than 90 kids auditioned on January 30 displaying their acting, dancing, violin, piano and singing skills.  The final competition will be held at the Lone Tree Arts Center…

Nettie Palace (center) celebrates with Castle Pines Village friends and neighbors who modeled in her first Etcetera fashion show, held at The Country Club at Castle Pines. By Amy Shanahan; photos by Cindy Cranstone Nettie Palace is a Castle Pines Village resident who has had an obsession with fashion since she was 11 years old. …

By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Dave Tweed Photography On Friday evening February 5, students from Castle Pines took part in musical performances at the Castle Pines community center.  The Castle Pines Arts & Cultural Foundation organized the event event as special opportunity for students to get dressed up and play thier music outside of…

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. Denver author Cynthia Swanson’s first published full-length novel…

By Amy Shanahan Castle Pines Village resident Timothy Toole is thrilled to be playing the title character in Regis Jesuit’s upcoming production of “Cyrano de Bergerac.”   “This is my first real lead in a show since ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in eighth grade, so I am really excited to be able to step back…

Photo by Patte Smith FUNtastic says it all.  The Canyon Crew took on the Harlem Wizards in the second annual matchup at Rock Canyon High School in February.  The arena was jam-packed with basketball fans of every age screaming and laughing at the madcap antics as the teams dribbled, passed and dunked the ball.  One…

Local Women, Words and Wine book club had the opportunity to meet with local author of “The Bookseller” Cynthia Swanson, pictured fourth from the left, on February 16 to discuss her novel.  The Bookseller will become available in paperback on March 22.  The Castle Pines book club is comprised of 10 women who meet regularly…

By RHMS eighth grade students Taylor Muckel and Riley Masten; photo courtesy of Heather Haney When was the last time you stopped and thought about the amount of waste you produce?  Or, when you leave the house, do you make sure to turn all the lights off?  Sustainability is an issue that many people have…

Article and photo submitted by Carin Kirkegaard Spring is in the air and summer calendars are starting to fill in with family vacations, summer camps and sports.   In their eleventh season the local swim team, the Castle Crocs will once again provide a fun and healthy recreational experience for children ages five to 18…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of  Timber Trail Elementary The Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) fifth grade singers participated in the Douglas County Honor Choir Festival and Concert, which is an event that features selected singers from each participating elementary school.  The February 17 performance took place at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church under the…

By Amy Shanahan The Castle Pines Village Stingrays are gearing up for swim season.  Registration and sizing will take place in the homes association building on the lower level on April 12 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on April 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.   All kids between the ages of…

Crazy kids having a crazy time at the 2016 WinterFest celebration in Castle Pines Village.   Article and photo by Amy Shanahan WinterFest has become an annual tradition that residents of Castle Pines Village (CPV) look forward to each February.  The event brings the community together during the heart of winter to celebrate and reconnect.…

By Amanda Merriman A couple of months have passed now since many have made resolutions to eat healthier.  While intentions are good, it is likely that some of us have had difficulty keeping that promise to ourselves.  Luckily, in the era of technology that we live in, many apps have been created to help reach…

This full-length gown was created solely out of pages from The Castle Pines Connection’s first black and white issue in 2009.  Thank you to the Douglas/Elbert Task Force for loaning us the mannequin and to Cindy Cranstone for creating a gorgeous and memorable table! Article and photos by Terri Wiebold Preparations for the Chamber of…

By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of  Jeanne Gormley Pictured are several of the award-winning local artists featured at the 12th Annual Romancing the Arts show who were honored for their incredible talent.  Front row, left to right: Lee Goettling, Ilene Reed, Ann-Charlott Denslow, Amber Campbell, Gina Popolizo, Teresa Popolizo, and Richard Hahn.  Back row, left…

Submitted by the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation Do you love teaching children?  The Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) seeks teachers and teachers at heart who are interested in education or agriculture to help with our Connecting Kids to Agriculture education programs this spring. Volunteers conduct hands-on learning stations and provide program assistance in a fun…

Kathy Stevens cuddles with Panda, one of the many rescue dogs available for adoption during the telethon.  Kathy and other volunteers were kept busy on the phones as a record amount of donations were pledged. By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of Kathy Stevens The “Have a Heart for Homeless Pets” Dumb Friends League telethon was…

Portions of the North Meadows Extension between I-25 and U.S. Highway 85 will be widened to four lanes prior to prior to completion of the original project.  Information and photos submitted by the Town of Castle Rock Already the Town of Castle Rock’s largest roadway project ever, the North Meadows Extension (NME) is expanding a…

Submitted by The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce; photos by Lynn Zahorik and courtesy of Brian Imhof Photography Oh what a night!  Paparazzi, a red carpet, live music, and dancing were all a part of the fantastic 2016 annual banquet held by The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce on February 18 at beautiful Cielo at…

Owner of DetailXPerts and 12-year Castle Pines resident Steve Hickman pictured with his trusty companion Sable uses steam to detail cars which consumes only a fraction of the water used with typical auto detailing. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Steve Hickman If your car is a mess, help is near.  DetailXPerts, an environmentally friendly,…

Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) held its annual gala fundraiser this year called “Stetsons & Stilettos” at Kirk Hall on the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 6.  There were 160 parents, teachers, and administrators in attendance at the event, which raised $48,000 for the school.  In a continuing effort…

During recess, students made bracelets and gave them to other students they didn’t know very well as a gesture of kindness. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of American Academy American Academy (AA) was overflowing with kindness ambassadors the week of February 8.  The AA Kindness Week was based on the National Great Kindness Challenge,…

Thanks to all our readers who showed their team spirit and shared their photos with us.   To see a slideshow of the pictures, visit: http://photos.castlepinesconnection.com/slideshow/2016/broncos/

These students from RCHS invented an app that allows users to view all of their school and learning tools together in one place.  The app won best in region and best in state at a recent contest.  Left to right, top row: Ryan Vandersmith, Sam Ware, Jon Meade; middle row: Owen Vandersmith, and Kyler Barker…

Castle Pines resident Jenn Halvas (second from left) and her family are full of gratitude as we celebrate Heart Month.  She hopes that her own heart story will help someone else out there.  Although she has given up lifting heavy items and running, Jenn lives a full and active life with her three kids and…

This amazing group of boys was one of only two teams to win an environmental challenge sponsored by Lexus.  Left to right: Gianni Bonnici, Chase Martinez, Sam Murray, Owen Villas, Sam Isert, and David Blaeser.  Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Six Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) boys with a monumental challenge to overcome led…

Five student athletes from Rock Canyon High School were honored at an awards luncheon on January 15 at Chaparral High School.  Pictured from left to right: Allison Janedis, Ashley Bradley, Janielle Burrage and Abby Kochevar (not pictured: Mackenna Balman).  Janedis, Bradley and Kochevar reside in 80108. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of RCHS Rock Canyon…

RCHS students Avery Nowak, Erin Daniel, Marissa Metcalf, and Katie Suhanyi (CP)after becoming state qualifiers at the DECA District competition on December 9 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Article and photo by Maria Pangalos, RCHS intern writer Number of members, 215,000; high school chapters,  3,500; advisors, 5,500 … This is the result of a nonprofit…

Ken Elliott proudly stands alongside an example of his oil paintings on canvas.  “Oils are a wonderfully expressive medium.  The color range is very large and you can have extremes of light and dark, all happening on the canvas like an unruly orchestra.  It takes time and skill to make it all come together in…

By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of the Lyng Family Castle Pines Village neighbor Benjamin Lyng has filed as a Republican candidate for Colorado State Senate District 4, in Douglas County.  The seat is currently held by Senate Majority Leader Mark Scheffel, who is term limited. “My wife and I chose to live in Douglas County…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Janine Glennon “We love what happens around the table.”   That simple statement from VistaVino Modern Grill’s owner, Janine Glennon, embodies her and her husband’s, chef Michael Glennon, philosophy about their  restaurant.  With a Tuscan-inspired menu, VistaVino is one of Castle Rock’s newest dining experiences. The Glennons’  love of…

Co-founders Dan Long and Marley Hodgson with Kristen, Colin, Ryan, and Martin Boublik. Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik Colorado based MAD Greens is one of the latest new restaurants to open in Castle Rock.  Located off Founders Parkway on Factory Shops Blvd., MAD Greens goal is to help guests “Eat Better” by providing fast,…

Sledding for free in the shadows of Breckenridge Ski Resort – not a bad way to spend the day! Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski In the wintertime, Breckenridge has much to offer: World class skiing, quaint restaurants and shops, and a busy Main Street that takes visitors back in time as they maneuver through…

Left to right: Kristine Orr, Jacqueline Shuler, Jami Arthur, Carol Hein, and Veronica Vyhmeister are a few of the local artists who are exhibiting their art at the 12th Annual Romancing the Arts Show.  By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Michelle Campbell Experienced sculptors, fine arts painters, nouveau artists, and illustrators are among the many…

Jeff Coufal was recently appointed the district manager for the Castle Pines Metropolitan District, which services Castle Pines Village.  Coufal is pictured here with his wife Jana at their daughter Paige’s graduation from Colorado School of Mines. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Jeff Coufal The Castle Pines Metropolitan District (CPMD) Board of Directors was…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of American Academy With a theme of “What would you do to get your students to read?”, the American Academy (AA) annual book fair kicked off with high expectations and an abundance of school spirit from beginning to end … especially the end. AA students had a goal to…