Read the stories from the latest issue:
Submitted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office With warmer temperatures just around the corner and the urge to stay out late during summer break, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind teenagers that a curfew law does exist, and it is midnight. There are many reasons for establishing a curfew for teenagers. For…
Project Strong Boys takes root at Timber Trail Elementary with key tenets and core values. Thirteen boys from first through fifth grade enjoyed the first Project Strong Boys session – practicing yoga, talking about emotions, being strong in both mind and body, and trying their hand at silent team building exercises. Article and photos by…
Information and photo provided by Douglas County The second of Douglas County’s two slash/mulch sites will open May 2 at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. That means it is time to clean up those yards and get your shrubs and branches ready to drop off so that they can be re-purposed and turned into…
For Timber Trail’s annual spirit week, students were invited to dress up according to different themes each day. Fourth grader Keira Schnell, had a nerdy take on the theme of “dress like a teacher.” First grade teacher Linda Nelson got in on the act too. Taking a cue from her name, she dressed as Miss…
Frogs, and chicks and fishies, oh my! Students at Sage Canyon Elementary are hatching chickens, and learning about the care and feeding of insects and amphibians through the school’s “Circle of Life” unit. The lessons teach third graders about the life cycle of various species and provide hands-on opportunities for learning. Article and photos by…
By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Beverly Coggins Dads and their daughters shook and shimmied at the annual Father Daughter dance on March 7 at The Country Club at Castle Pines. With more than 100 in attendance at the sold out event, the “Frozen” theme was a hit with the girls, both young and old.…
By Elizabeth Wood West; photos by Stu Schaefer The 2015 annual Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) banquet could arguably be the most fun-filled banquet in the Chamber’s six-year history. This year’s theme was “Under the Big Top.” Chamber staff, members, and guests dressed in colorful clown, ringmaster, and similar circus-theme attire and Cielo at…
Castle Pines residents Killeen Flanagan (center with long-sleeve blue shirt and jeans) and Emily Fenton (center with short-sleeve purple shirt and jeans) were among Wellspring Community participants who successfully completed Lone Tree Art Center’s usher training program. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Wellspring The Lone Tree Art Center (LTAC) is taking extraordinary steps…
Super readers: students at the DCS Montessori School took first place in the county last month at Douglas County Libraries “Battle of the Books” competition. The fifth and sixth grade champions: (back row, from left) Brianna Rayman, Courtnae Moran, Tripp Thompson, Sean Riley, Colin Venable, Hayley Rhee, (center) Kyla Kelly. Third and fourth grade victors…
Former Rock Canyon High School swimmer Victoria Vanderpoel was thrilled to take first place in the 400IM at the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship. Vanderpoel’s teammate took third place and joined her on the podium. Victoria Vanderpoel loves swimming for her team at Pomona College in Claremont California. “I am most enjoying the vibrant…
Ronda Gutierrez, physical education teacher at Buffalo Ridge Elementary school, was named Elementary Educator of the Year at the 2015 Apple Awards held on Saturday, February 21. Read more about Ronda Gutierrez in a feature article in the February 2015 issue of The Connection. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of the Douglas County School District…
The Village Idiots Cycling Club is holding a used bike drive on April 19 from noon until 2 p.m. at the Coldwell Banker Real Estate office parking lot located at 482 W. Happy Canyon Road in Castle Rock. The group has a lot of fun together and is open to new members. Tracey McCarthy (left)…
Residents from Forest Park and Castle Pointe joined City Councilman Geoff Blue during his “office hours” at Dazbog to discuss concerns regarding potential rezoning of a parcel of agricultural land adjacent to the city. By Lisa Crockett; photo by Terri Wiebold A group of Castle Pines residents representing the group “Douglas County Residents Against Rezoning”…
By Lynne Marsala Basche On April 26, the City of Castle Pines, partnering up with Dirty 40 Races in Vermont, will be getting messy at the first Dirty 40 Ride Wild event, sponsored by The Canyons. Grab your mountain bike, road bike or your fat tire bike and head to Elk Ridge Park for the…
Douglas County Sheriff Deputy of 27 years Sergeant Russ Slade (left) with his wife Rhonda (right) moments before their 13-year-old daughter Rhianna had her hair shaved off in support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. An emotional moment shared between father and daughter as the impact of the moment and the purpose behind it hit. “I’m…
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is located at 858 Happy Canyon Road #100 in the Village at Castle Pines. The office has 24 active brokers ready to meet with and assist you with your real estate needs. by Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Jimmy Dozer Change can be a great thing. Having adopted the Sotheby’s brand…
Freshmen formal wear models Ngwena Mancho, Ryan Burger, and Adi Hirsh (and friends) rock the runway at RCHS’s fashion show, which raised funds for the After Prom. The Drama Club, including Meredith Ham, Kimball Eggett, Augustus Ballentine, and Hannah Beiersdorf represent the school’s production of “Guys and Dolls.”Below seniors Austin Matthys, Grant Schutte, Justin Hunter,…
Allison McKeel, a parent volunteer at Timber Trail Elementary, instructs students about selecting a book at the school’s first-ever book swap. McKeel chaired the event. “I got this book called The Puppy Place,” said second grader Bailey McMullen. “I really love puppies, and I love getting a new book!”Seven-year-old Ava Horrocks shows off her new…
Fourth and second grade sisters Peyton and Georgia proudly wore their K-MAC Strength t-shirts during Evening with the Arts. BRE Staff and Friends sold K-MAC Strength t-shirts at the event.Kyle MacIntosh fought cancer head-on. He would regularly run the stairs at Red Rocks after chemotherapy treatments. (Photo courtesy of the MacIntosh family).Floral art displays from…
By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Jimmy Dozer The new year marked a new beginning for The Village at Castle Pines (VACP), a unique and welcoming area of shops, restaurants, and businesses located at the corner of Santa Fe and Happy Canyon Road. The shopping center had been for sale, and in January it was…
An artist’s rendering of the new Castle Pines Library. Douglas County Libraries will break ground on the new building later this spring. By Lisa Crockett; rendering courtesy of DC Libraries Douglas County Libraries will soon break ground on a new freestanding library in Castle Pines. The new library will feature more than just books. Civic…
Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students cheered at the Wish Week closing assembly in the RCHS gym on February 20 in celebration of yet another successful fundraising event. Wish recipient Jeremy’s initial wish was for it to “rain hot dogs,” so in addition to fulfilling his wish to go on a Disney cruise, RCHS made…
By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Dave Runyan Canyons Community Church members will be celebrating Easter in a special way this year by having their new senior pastor, Dave Runyan, lead the worship service. Runyan, who was unanimously approved by the congregation last month, is especially enthusiastic about starting his new role during…
Employee Taylor commented, “We have about 60 percent used items and 40 percent new with a lot of great deals!” Play it Again Sports is located at 4760 Castleton Way in Castle Rock. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Tired of paying top dollar for sports equipment? Kids outgrow sports equipment so fast it’s amazing…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I made my first carrot cake in 1991. I was a poor college student, bored on a Sunday afternoon and craving a treat. I flipped through my lone cookbook and found a recipe that could be made entirely of things I already had on hand. It would also help…
A group of eighth grade students from Rocky Heights Middle School worked diligently to come up with a plan to create a pedestrian bridge to their school. The project was submitted to Samsung as part of their “Solve For Tomorrow” contest and the team took first place in the state of Colorado. Congratulations to Ms.…
By Lisa Crockett; photo by Dave Tweed Public school music students from across the county descended on Castle Pines to participate in a benefit aimed at giving more kids a chance at a musical education. “Save the Music,” which was sponsored by the Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation, raised more than $6,000 toward tuition…
By Lynne Marsala Basche Castle Pines residents Paige Taylor and Gina Mead started Project Strong Girls with a mission to empower girls to find their inner strength to manage the day-to-day challenges of school and friends. Taylor and Mead learned that these challenges are not girl-specific. When parents and educators approached Taylor and Mead about…
In the March issue of The Connection, we featured student athletes who had signed on to play a sport at the collegiate level. Here is an addition to that list. Alex Bochner of Rock Canyon High School will be playing soccer at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, UT. Bochner was the boys soccer co-defensive…
Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Laurie Brennan was excited to host a Sip ‘n’ Shop party for a new online clothing boutique called Patterns & Pops. Brennan, a real estate agent at LIV Sotheby’s in Castle Pines, hosted the party in her beautiful home in Castle Pines Village with many of her friends in…
Vincent (left) and Nicholette Figueroa (right), students at Sage Canyon Elementary, enjoyed breakfast treats and time with mom Tiffany (center) at the school’s annual Moms and Muffins event. The Higginbotham family (left to right) Evan, Amy, and Landon at Moms and Muffins, an event that Amy said Landon has looked forward to since participating…
By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of CRCO Town of Castle Rock (Town) clerk Sally Misare certified for circulation a petition that seeks to overturn the Town council’s unanimous approval of development plans and new zoning for its largest commercial development to date, Promenade of Castle Rock (Promenade). The 166-acre project is owned by Alberta…
By Lisa Crockett I love a good salad and I love control. It might not seem that these two qualities are in any way related, but in fact they make me the perfect customer for what seems to be a dying concept: the salad bar. Sure, there are lots of great salads to be…
New on/off ramps are being constructed just north of Founders/Meadows Parkway and I-25 in Castle Rock. Detours allow traffic to continue to flow during construction. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of the Town of Castle Rock If you travel along southbound I-25 and/or U.S. Highway 85 to Castle Rock, you have probably noticed how…
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…
By Lisa Crockett Last month, the City of Castle Pines approved a one-year $50,000 contract with Buxton, a customer analytics firm, in order to provide information about customer behavior to current and potential future retailers in the city’s business district. “The information provided by Buxton will help the city and others identify businesses that would…
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,…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The City of Castle Pines has a new city clerk. Bruce Roome was sworn into the position in January and now handles a variety of city matters, including taking minutes at city council meetings; city record keeping; administering business, sales tax and liquor licenses; and overseeing election procedures. “I…
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…
Experience the rush Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Castle Pines resident, Landon Holderness, visits the Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum. Visitors can tour and see many working mines. Take a step back in time and wander through Pikes Peak country this spring break. Cripple Creek, the county seat for Teller County, offers plenty…
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…
Making yogurt cheese means gathering a few simple supplies: cheesecloth, a strainer, plain Greek Yogurt and a mixing bowl. Greek yogurt spends a day in the fridge draining through cheesecloth and a strainer to produce a light, creamy spread. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett The holidays are over, Valentine’s Day is a memory and…
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…