The Castle Pines Connection

Little Helpers, a charitable group in Castle Pines aimed at teaching community service to children, donated thousands of pairs of socks and underwear to the Shiloh House in Littleton. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Courtney Pallotta A group of families in Castle Pines has started a chapter of a national charity called “Little Helpers”…

By Amy Shanahan Students, parents and community members throughout Castle Pines are well aware of the phenomenal reputation of Rock Canyon High School (RCHS).  This reputation has not gone unnoticed among those outside the community either, and recently RCHS was asked to partner with a wonderful local organization called the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC). The…

Castle Pines North Metropolitan District employee David Anderson reluctantly paused for a photo in front of the Metro District office.  “I just did what anyone would do; I’m glad I could help,” he said.  “It must be a slow news day if this is what you are reporting on,” he joked, to which we replied,…

In late January, the four BRE third grade classes came together and performed for family, friends and the school during an exciting production of “Forever Learning.” Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche  Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) students took to the stage in the 15th annual third grade show.  Exuberant performances revolving around the theme…

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan The third annual Castle Pines Village (CPV) Winterfest and Chili Cook off took place on a gorgeous February afternoon and included delicious food, games, and socializing among friends and neighbors.  The temperature topped sixty-five degrees, and approximately 100 neighbors from throughout CPV attended. The smaller children enjoyed getting their…

Submitted by Daughters of the American Revolution The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is planning to form a new chapter in Castle Rock.  Prospective member workshops will be held on March 21 and May 9 to provide information on the mission and purpose of DAR.   “All women who can document descent…

Resident Ric Miles toasts his daughter Taylor for her inspiration and encouragement in his second-half-of-life career path. By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Ric Miles It’s not often one listens to his children for career advice.  Neighbor Ric Miles had never struggled with success in his business ventures using traditional market strategies, but was challenged…

American Academy performers take a bow for one of their final performances of “How can we see germs?” for the kindergartners at American Academy Castle Pines. Castle Pines residents Colin, Ben and Adam Gardner in their new American Academy spirit wear.  The Rebels mascot was introduced earlier this year and students can wear spirit wear…

By Amy Shanahan The Castle Pines Village (CPV) Stingrays swim team is getting ready for the 2015 summer swim season.  Registration is scheduled for April 8 and April 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Homes Association building and is open to all residents of CPV kids ages four through eighteen.   The…

John eagerly awaiting his breakfast at The Egg & I in Castle Rock – a 26 mile trip each way.  Now that’s dedication. And John at La Dolce Vita after a happy hour beverage with manager, Sam. John with Cranelli’s owner (and former Castle Pines resident) Lasinda Crane – “Delicious cannoli!”  John enjoying his time…

By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is excited to offer a series of events featuring interesting speakers to the Castle Pines community.  The “Chamber Speaker Series” began in September, 2014 and has proven to be of interest to many in the community. The most recent event took…

Pictured left to right:  Middle schoolers Laney Cox, Lia Halvas, and Caroline Frahm spent a Saturday night back at elementary school to run the “general store.”   Megan Miller and Sophia Maday ride the range in their cowboy hats at Timber Trail. (Photo courtesy of Wendy Maday).  Fourth grader Alex Botero spends a special evening…

The Empty Bowl event symbolizes when a victim of domestic violence escapes an unsafe place; there’s an empty bowl left at the table.  Admission includes a one-of-a-kind bowl, soups and dessert tastings, a silent auction, and live music. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of the Crisis Center The Crisis Center started with nothing but…

Information provided by The Douglas Elbert Realtor Association The Douglas Elbert REALTOR® Association (DERA) will be hosting its 4th Annual  electronics drop off along with Rocky Mountain E-Waste at three locations on Saturday, April 18 from 8 a.m. to noon. Stop by 840 Kinner Street in Castle Rock, 560 Castle Pines Parkway in Castle Pines,…

The entire Adsit family will be participating in the Rise & Run 5K on May 2 in Castle Pines.  Officer John Adsit was severely injured on December 3 but he has made incredible positive strides in his recovery. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of the Adsit family The Castle Pines community is coming together to…

Alicia Huss recently joined The Country Club at Castle Pines as the new membership and communications director.  “Meeting the members has been a lot of fun,” remarked Huss.  “The staff here is so fantastic and so helpful and welcoming – it’s such a great environment!” Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The Country Club at…

The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce welcomed Full Circle Yoga Therapy (www.fullcircleyogatherapy.biz) to the Castle Pines community with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the chamber office.   Pictured above (front row left to right):  Andy Russell, Megan Fowler, Charlotte Mattox, Yolanda Bruce, Greg Bone, Yvette Costa – owner, Rebecca Costa, Nicole Moses, Kristin Adams, and Wendell…

Dr. Jessica Herzog, a CPV resident and Castle Rock podiatrist and surgeon, with her husband Ryan on a recent trip to New Zealand to celebrate their 10-year anniversary.  By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Jessica Herzog Dr. Jessica Herzog fell in love with Colorado during her foot and ankle surgical residency at the Highlands/Presbyterian St.…

  Photo courtesy of Karen Barton From the City of Castle Pines, KnightsBridge resident Karen Barton sent in this amazing photo she took on February 8 at 11:30 am.  She digitally captured this gorgeous bobcat on her drive home from Daniels Park where, ironically, she was taking pictures of wildlife.  The animal was crossing Daniels…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Jessica Dobler Jessica Dobler of Castle Pines was just named a National Merit Finalist!  In November, Dobler was named a National Merit semifinalist, an honor bestowed on the highest scorers of the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test (PSAT/NMSQT).   Only 15,000 semifinalists are notified that they have advanced…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos On February 4, high school athletes all over Colorado signed letters of intent to play their respective sports at the collegiate level on National Signing Day.  Each National Signing Day event took place at the respective schools and athletes were surrounded by coaches, family and friends.   Within the 80108…

By Amy Shanahan The Douglas County Youth Initiative (DCYI) is actively seeking nominations for exemplary youths in Douglas County to receive the Outstanding Youth Award.  In its second year, this awards ceremony recognizes youth ages 13 through 19 who have overcome adversity and are making positive changes in their lives. The DCYI began in 2005…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Avid4 Adventure Like most Coloradans, Castle Pines residents Christy McDonald and Kim Spuhler enjoy the outdoors and everything the area has to offer.  Camping, hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding are regular activities for their families.  When it came time to find a summer camp to engage their children’s…

Pictured above (from left to right, bottom to top):  Rohan Adepu, Addie Sires, Neeraj Dodda, Rahul Sampangiramahaih, Kaushik Kaja, Tanya Chourasia, Phalgun Taman, Vaibhav Chourasia, and Aditya Vepa took the third place prize in the FLL Robotic Qualifier Tournament. By RHMS eighth grade student Lia Halvas;  photo courtesy of Shalini Bose Nine students from Rock…

Pastel artist Sue Shehan showcases her work in various venues in Douglas County and surrounding areas. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett  Castle Pines resident and artist Sue Shehan has talent coming out of her fingertips.  Literally. Her signature cloudscape, landscape, and wildlife pastels are produced with deft and delicate strokes of pastel chalk using…

RCHS Students Mandy Shuster, Lauren Kirger, Maria Pangalos, (CP residents) and Sarah Kaukol laugh together before going to the Winter Formal dance on January 24.  The four girls have been close since seventh grade and went to Homecoming together as well.  “It’s so nice to have such a close group of friends who have an…

Dr. Malin Sadler is opening his new Castle Pines concierge family practice, For the Family Medical Care, this month. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Malin Sadler New Castle Pines resident Malin Sadler, M.D. is excited about bringing his concierge-style medical care to the community.  Sadler’s new family practice, For the Family Medical Care,…

Top left going clockwise: Castle Pines City Councilwoman Tera Radloff and her husband, Jon. Founders, Greg Bruce (left) and John Manka (right)  with Siena’s General Manager (center) Brian Young. Tim Granville, Jean Burr, and Anna Morin. Nick Lucey, AnnMarie Maestas Ursetta, and Larry Higman. Ladies Cheri Kettner, Alyson Scatton, Shelly Barnes, and a welcome newcomer…

By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Lisa Whitney-Smith Women Inspired Together (WIT) kicked off 2015 with an amazing event that brought eighty local women together for a full day of inspiration, laughter, good food, and sharing.  WIT is a new movement whose mission is to bring women together for fun and stimulating events that encourage…

Girls at Sage Canyon invited a special adult guest to escort them to a ball with a wintry theme.  Photo booths and yummy treats were highlights, but dancing was the evening’s centerpiece. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Sage Canyon Elementary At Sage Canyon Elementary,  the annual winter ball had a “frozen” theme.  But despite…

Castle Pines residents, CHC Superintendent Robert Bignell and CHC Elementary Assistant Principal Kati Melton stood with school administrators and teachers after receiving the Apple Distinguished School award. Article and photo submitted by Cherry Hills Christian (CHC) School Cherry Hills Christian School (CHC) in Highlands Ranch has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2014–2016…

by Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Mars Tweed and Sierra Zizzo The Canyon Crew (Crew) shot past the Harlem Wizards (Wizards) as basketball fans roared with laughter during the Crew vs. Wizards face-off at Rock Canyon High School.  With fantastic antics, dynamic dribbling, and awesome alley-oops, both teams ran, jumped, and even rolled on the…

Administrators from schools in the Rock Canyon High School feeder area celebrated their 2014 John Irwin School of Excellence recognition.  Remarkably, every school in the feeder area received the award. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Jen Murdock Several schools in the Castle Pines area have been recognized as John Irwin Award winners for 2014. …

New residents of Castle Pines Village (CPV) thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the reception held in February in their honor by the CPV Welcome Group.  The beautiful Country Club at Castle Pines was the venue for this quarterly event, which is the perfect way for new residents to learn more about their new community and to…

Colorado Children’s Chorale Three Castle Pines residents, Jack Barton, Andrew Dupper and Olivia Meyers, are part of the Colorado Children’s Chorale (CCC), which recently gained international attention.  The CCC performed at the World Ski Championship in Vail and sang the national anthem for the country of each winning racer at the medal ceremonies.  The group…

By Patte Smith Sports figures to sheriff deputies are all sporting facial hair these days – a fad that has come and gone over the years, but is now being encouraged by Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock.  Mustaches to beards, long hair to Fu Manchus, residents will see scruffy looking deputy sheriffs patrolling the county…

Above left, DCS Montessori fourth grader Charli Strother shows off the granny square she exhibited at the Arts Festival.  Fine art, sculpture, vocal music, dance and handicrafts were well represented at the festival.  At right, Fourth grader Dylan Tilton sings Linkin Park’s “The Messenger,” accompanied by his dad, Ted. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett…

Pictured right: Zuzu Acrobats performed at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School in late January to help kick off Black History Month.   By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Jen Murdock On Monday, January 26, the Zuzu African Acrobats made a stop at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) to show off some amazing talents and to help…

Guests of the “Annual Ladies Luncheon” go home each year with unique handmade wine charms, name tags, bookmarks and ornaments, along with a treat bag of a homemade goody and the gift they purchased at the auction.  This annual event represents the true meaning of Christmas.  Hostess Cindy Hamilton (left) and her “right hand man”…

By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Matthew Bundy The Castle Pines Connection staff celebrated the conclusion of its sixth successful year at a holiday dinner at Gabriel’s Restaurant in Sedalia. “This is a special time for our staff because we get to bring our spouses out and show them our appreciation for all the sacrifices…

Photos courtesy of Pete Solano Thrills, spills and over-the-top hills challenge these Xtreme Castle Pines sledders who endured the freezing cold to challenge American Academy’s snow-packed slopes.  Zoe Solano (left) flies down the course as Oliver “Sled Dog Millionaire” Welch (center) conquers a jump landing hard.  Almeta Solano (right) catches serious air.  Future XGames competitors? 

Riley Busch By RHMS eighth grade student Riley Busch  As the musicians raced to get their equipment from the buses, the students of the elementary schools shuffled into the gymnasium.  While the band and orchestra settled into their chairs and the students quieted down, Scott McGowan, band and orchestra teacher at Rocky Heights Middle School…

By Lisa Nicklanovich The RCHS Freshmen Cheer squad won the state championship on December 13 at Cherokee Trail High School.  The roster in the January issue of The Connection was incomplete; the Freshmen Cheer squad roster includes: Sophie Chirco, Cameron Dreher, Megan Goldin, Annalise Hildebrand, Avery Kane, Shelby Kane, Caroline Lascor, Ashley Miller, Hailey Mosteller,…

Members of IN! hosted an information night for prospective parents and students at the home of Tammy Abramovitz in January.  Members of the Board of IN! presented information about the tremendous advances that the group has made in bringing about the reality of inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disabilities.  Pictured from left to…

Top photo: After research and discussion about the circulatory system, fifth graders Isaiah Barrett (left) and Matt Strong (center)share their findings about how the heart oxygenates blood with their teacher Carolynn Barthelemy.   Bottom photo: Logan Byers, a fifth grader at Sage Canyon Elementary, reviews the circulatory system with his teacher Carolynn Barthelemy. Students are…

Student musicians like BRE violinist Josh Ruegge and TTE trumpeter Abe West will perform at a charity event at the Castle Pines Community Center on February 6. Proceeds from the event will provide band and orchestra scholarships to local students in need. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Budget cuts several years back changed the…

Julie Adkins, 15-year resident of Castle Pines, has started ShadowBox, a business dedicated to compiling all of your special memories from any event and creatively framing them for display.   Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich  How is it best to capture a child’s sports season, a vacation or other important event in your life? …

From one day to the next: Castle Pines photographer Julie Lamb took these breathtaking shots in Daniels Park last month on a sunny day, and just 24 hours later captured a more wintry scene.  Lamb, who often affixes the hashtag “#colorado beauty” to work she posts on social media, is captivated by Daniels Park and…

Nani Schwartz By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Nani Schwartz Nani Schwartz is thrilled to bring her numerous years of experience and knowledge to her new salon located in The Village at Castle Pines.  This is the second location for Schwartz, who currently owns and operates Heads Up Salon located at Southlands Center in Aurora.…

The first Monday of every month through August, a portion of the Castle Pines Library will be transformed into an art studio aimed at engaging kids ages 6-12 in various forms of art.  Through a program called “Art Stop on the Go,” the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) is sending artist Cheyenne Bsaies to…

By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Guy Postlewait Winter is in full swing, and in Colorado that means snow.  What can you expect when the flakes begin to fall? All communities follow similar protocols when prioritizing the order in which streets are plowed:  main arterial roads first, then collector roads and school bus routes, local…

Student athletes, parents, coaches, administrators, family, and friends joined to celebrate the 108 student athletes honored at the ninth annual Douglas County Girls & Women in Sports luncheon held January 16 at Chaparral High School. Article and photo by Maria Pangalos, RCHS intern writer; school portraits and bios courtesy of DCSD Seven distinguished young ladies…

A proposed bridge spanning Lincoln Avenue in Lone Tree will be located west of the Charles Schwab campus and Heritage Hills Circle.  Designs will be presented to the public mid-year 2015. By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of the City of Lone Tree In December 2014, the Lone Tree City Council approved a contract with Fentress…

Information provided by South Metro Fire Rescue Authority Inspired by Timothy Egan’s best-selling book, “The Big Burn” is a dramatic story of the massive wildfire that swept across the Northern Rockies in the summer of 1910.  By the time it was all over, the fire had devoured more than three million acres and at least…

Castle Pines resident George Kahrhoff is the new Director of Golf Operations for The Club at Ravenna. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Amy Hill  Castle Pines resident George Kahrhoff has taken the reins as the new Director of Golf Operations at The Club at Ravenna, a gated golf course community in Littleton.  Kahrhoff brings…

Castle Pines Village Garden Club members pictured above (left to right):  Linda Bullock, Carol Waldron, Susan Blackburn, Grace Gehret, Ginny Forstmann, Sue Navaro, and Janet Gilliland. The ladies of the Castle Pines Village Garden Club thoroughly enjoyed learning about all of the wineries that exist throughout the six different regions of Colorado.  Sommelier and author…

By Elean Gersack It’s February and that means it is national heart month … not the red commercial Valentine’s hearts, but your heart.  We should be good to our hearts throughout the year, but this month marks a time to give it some extra love and make a commitment to improve heart health.  Taking simple…

Cindy Egitto (pictured here with her husband Rick and two dogs) is excited about her new business Brides To Be Accessories. “My new business provides hip and trendy items for brides,” explained Egitto. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Cindy Egitto  Castle Pines Village (CPV) resident Cindy Egitto is thrilled about her new business “Brides…

Ronda Gutierrez, physical education teacher at BRE (back row; right side) stands with staff and students from BRE and Broncos player, David Bruton Jr., earlier this year at a Broncos game.  BRE was honored with the Touch Down award for Fuel Up to Play 60. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Jen Murdock and Ronda…

Seven Douglas County officials were sworn in to their respective elected offices on January 13 by 18th Judicial District Judge Paul King.  From left: Sheriff Tony Spurlock, Treasurer Diane Holbert, Surveyor Robert Snodgrass, Assessor Lisa Frizell, Commissioner David A. Weaver, Coroner Jill Romann, and Clerk and Recorder Merlin Klotz. Information provided by Douglas County Seven…

Using grade-appropriate concepts, these second graders were thrilled to share their marble runs to explain forces and motion. Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche  Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) was excited to share its second school-wide showcase with the community in December.  The quarterly showcases are designed to give family, friends, and the community an…

By Patte Smith The Castle Pines Connection is a locally owned and operated small business and is a staunch supporter of  area chambers of commerce. Having enjoyed representation on the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for the past four years, The Connection staff is broadening its involvement in the community and (in…