The Castle Pines Connection

Melanie and Eric Burke hosted a tent at the Castle Pines Run Wild event where they showcased their new brand of workout gear that is specially designed for women. KEEPTIGHT is officially launching and taking orders beginning December 4. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Eric Burke Castle Pines residents Eric and Melanie Burke have…

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Canyon Fitness continues to host amazing events for its members that are not only enjoyable, but highlight and raise money for worthwhile causes. On October 29, the club held an all-day breast cancer awareness event that succeeded in raising $2,300 for the Jill Lamb Foundation, a local charity that…

Castle Pines Village resident Kimberly Pfauth describes her company Luxury Moving Solutions as “the wedding planner for moves.” By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Kimberly Pfauth With 13 years in the moving industry, Pfauth knows all the ins and outs of making a move as stress free as possible. Packing, lifting, cleaning, assembling; let’s face…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Steven Robinson Operation Bright Star, organized by the Robinson family of Castle Pines, gathered on November 23 at the Castle Pines community center to package more than 50 Thanksgiving meals for the Crisis Center in Castle Rock. Neighbors, friends and scouts worked together to distribute the donations from the…

Information provided by Douglas County Parks and Trails We are starting to celebrate the holidays and there is a lot of planning, shopping and merrymaking to be done. But after all the fun and festivities, the ole Tannenbaum has to be taken down and disposed of. There are plenty of convenient drop-off locations, so please…

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Debbie and Fernando Salazar were thrilled with the turnout for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of their new audio video shop SmartLife Audio Video. The owners teamed up with neighbor Sterling Building & Design, whose owner Woody Howarth showcased his new design center, to provide an evening filled…

By Elizabeth Wood West Alberta Development and Forum Real Estate Group recently announced that the 200-acre property for the highly-anticipated Promenade at Castle Rock (Promenade) project has been acquired. The property sold for $44 million and is planned to include one million square feet of large retail, restaurant, and mixed-use development. The Promenade project is…

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Nick Lucey Approximately 100 people came out on a blustery, snowy day to honor our nation’s veterans and active military at the beautiful and inspiring Douglas County Veterans Monument in downtown Castle Rock. The fourth annual Veterans Day tribute was sponsored and organized by the Douglas County Veterans Monument…

Valor High senior Ross Macdonald finished his high school golf career as part of a state championship team for the second year in a row. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of the Macdonald Family Valor High School senior Ross Macdonald has been playing golf since he was eight years old. He started his golfing career…

Castle Pines resident Denise Kelley with the tools of her mobile spray tanning trade. Using an airbrush tool, Kelley applies a natural tanning solution for an even, natural summer glow. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Temperatures are plunging and snow covers the ground. Sunlight is in short supply, and summer tans have long since…

The Castle Rock Community Ringers Hand Bell Choir will host a holiday concert and dessert on Friday evening, December 19. The hand bell choir will be joined by various artists from the community. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Christ’s Episcopal Church, 615 4th Street in the downtown area of Castle Rock. Tickets can…

Mayor Jeff Huff (left) joined Castle Pines resident and City Councilman Geoff Blue at a happy hour at Duke’s last month along with Kimberly Pfauth of Luxury Moving Solutions, and Councilperson Tera Radloff (right). Blue hopes to join forces with others who work from home for socializing and for sharing in other common interests. Article…

Photos courtesy of Neil Maday The Maday family of Castle Pines participated in the 11th annual Denver Gorilla Run last month. Left to right: Sophia (5), Wendy, Nick (9), and Neil Maday. Check it out at denvergorillarun.com.

By Patte Smith; map courtesy of the City of Lone Tree In September, the City of Lone Tree launched a free new shuttle service that will run Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shuttle runs along Park Meadows Drive and has stops at six locations: the Lincoln Light Rail Station, Kaiser Permanente,…

Photos by Terri WieboldElection Day was November 4, and Castle Pines residents were out exercising their civic rights and voting. The Castle Pines community (all of zip code 80108) accounts for 19,082 of the 227,552 registered voters in Douglas County. Of those, an outstanding 12,273 (64 percent) took time out of their busy schedules to…

Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Castle Pines Village resident Don Somsky (left) alongside Douglas County Engineer Sean Owens at one of the five crossings affected by the newly-enacted quiet zones. Residents and business owners who live and/or work near the U.S. Highway 85 corridor between Sedalia and Atrium Drive have begun to experience…

A new dental office, Castle Pines Dental Group, has opened its doors in the Safeway shopping center. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A new team of dental care professionals has come to Castle Pines with a strategy aimed at providing comfortable, comprehensive care. Castle Pines Dental Group in the Safeway shopping center has two…

By Amy Shanahan; photos by Kathy Fallert and courtesy of John Hauber The annual chili cook off in The Village at Castle Pines took place on a beautiful fall Colorado day and attendees enjoyed live music, delicious chili, and good family fun. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Castle Pines (RCCP), the event is one…

Ready, aim, and … … Fire! Students at Timber Trail Elementary catapult spare change across the library to have fun and raise money to benefit both the school’s library and libraries of kids in need through the “All for Books” charity. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students journeyed back to…

The Keystone, one of six floor plans available in the new development, is the model home featured for viewing. Sales staff for Taylor Morrison tout home design, as well as Castle Pines Village amenities as attractive features for the 52 new homes being constructed. Special to The Connection; photos courtesy of Taylor Morrison A new…

DCS Montessori students show they can-can work together and have fun! By Lisa Crockett, photos courtesy of DCS Montessori School Fall is a great time to celebrate and at DCS Montessori School (DCSM), they do it in style. For years now, it’s been a school tradition for students and their families to enjoy a carnival-type…

By Elizabeth Wood West If you are one of the many golfers in the Castle Pines community, you are likely aware that there are more than a dozen golf courses within a half an hour’s drive from the Castle Pines and Castle Rock area. Some are private, some are public, and all are beautifully unique…

As part of the Change of Command Ceremony, former Chief Qualman (right) presents Chief Baker (left) with the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority flag. Submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Authority For the first time in the history of the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, a Change of Command Ceremony was held on October 16…

Castle Rock was recently named the fourth best place to live in the United States by Money Magazine. The small town feel coupled with a stimulated economy continues to attract new businesses and residents. Above is the iconic “Castle Rock.” By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Magic Hour Images, LLC In September, Money Magazine published…

Fifteen-year-old Bryan Warnecke’s life is a story of courage and fearlessness in the face of tremendous odds. His battle with cystic fibrosis, his amazing physical feats, and his uplifting attitude captured the attention of Colorado band OneRepublic who dedicated their song “I lived” to telling Warnecke’s story in their music video. Warnecke spent several days…

Suzette Brauch (left) and her niece Michelle Strohfus (right)are thrilled to bring more retail options to the Castle Pines community. Their shop “Miscellany” promises to bring ‘fine goods for fine folks with enthusiasm for all things splendid’! Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Miscellany is a fun and funky new store that recently opened across…

Submitted by Douglas County A champion of open space in Douglas County for more than 20 years will be honored in November by the county’s only non-profit land trust, the Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC). Cheryl Matthews has worked for Douglas County for 22 years and has been director of the county’s Open Space and Natural…

By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Amy Talley, Laura & Ken Drobish, and Douglas County Sergeant Mike Connolly Saturday morning on October 4, soccer games at Elk Ridge Park turned into two spectator events as parents, players and coaches watched a bull elk struggle to untangle itself from barbed wire. East of the soccer field…

Photos courtesy of Cindy Kessinger Castle Pines Connection Account Manager Cindy Kessinger (above center) joins community leaders and guests for the Charles Schwab ribbon cutting ceremony on October 1. Pictured below: Lone Tree Mayor Jim Gunning (second from left) and Douglas County Commissioner Jill Repella (far right) officially welcomed Charles Schwab to the community. 

By Lynne Marsala Basche Once again, our Castle Pines residents came through in a big way for the community! The Castle Pines Connection-sponsored Second Thrill Spooktacular was a frightful success, and children throughout the county benefited from your generosity. Together, Castle Pines residents donated nearly 100 Halloween costumes to the Douglas/Elbert Task Force, and some…

We Deliver is a family-owned restaurant food delivery service now available in the Castle Pines and Castle Rock area. We Deliver owners Rob Bryant, wife Beth, and daughter Stephanie (center) at their home in Parker. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Rob Bryant Rob Bryant, wife Beth, and daughter Stephanie have launched an independent…

The Wellspring Wonders Choir performed to a packed audience and received a standing ovation. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Wellspring Community Wellspring Community (Wellspring) held its sixth annual fundraiser in September and gave its guests a more personal glimpse into the success of this local non-profit organization. Wellspring provides services to young adults…

Submitted by Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The Best Western Plus Castle Rock received the Best Western Champion Customer Care Award at the company’s international convention held recently in Toronto, Ontario. The award was presented in front of more than 2,000 hoteliers. This honor is bestowed upon those member properties that demonstrate and best exemplify…

Becky Cohen and her coven of Castle Pines witches celebrated at their annual Wine and Witches Party in early October. Cohen has been hosting the party at her home in Castle Pines Village since 2001 and no detail is overlooked – spooky Halloween décor, ghoulish hors d’oeuvres, and of course, a special witches brew! (Photos…

By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Jennie Cartwright and Katie Abner The first Saturday of October was a beautiful day with sunny blue skies and warm temperatures … much nicer than on this same Saturday in recent years! Students, parents, teachers and more gathered for the annual Buffalo Ridge Rock Slide fun run in the…

Four Rock Canyon High School students were recently named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. Pictured left to right: Jessica Dobler, Chase Henry, Lucas Laughlin, and Gabriel Tauber. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Kathleen Kennedy Four Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students – Gabriel Tauber, Jessica Dobler, Lucas Laughlin, and Chase Henry were recently named National…

A real Colorado avid golfer, Chris Phillips is pictured with his wife Holly, son Walker, and daughter Lainey. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Chris Phillips   Colorado native and Castle Pines resident Chris Phillips has his favorites when it comes to golf courses. This should come as no surprise since Phillips works for…

RHMS eighth grade student and Castle Pines resident Aden Inman enjoys attending the Gamer’s Club at school in his one-of-a-kind Minecraft costume. Submitted by RHMS eighth grade student Alex Hinds; photo courtesy of Tim Ryckman Sitting back, savoring the perfect novel, ensconced in a comfortable nook with nothing but the perfect amount of light, students…

Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Like many, I had seen the sign many times on my way home from Target in Lone Tree, or as I passed Cabela’s on RidgeGate Parkway. The nondescript brown sign reads “Bluffs Regional Park” and has an arrow on it pointing down a street next to a new residential…

By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Kneaders Bakery & Cafe There’s nothing quite like fresh bread. With good technique, a baker can take just a few simple ingredients and turn them into something almost magical. Kneaders Bakery & Cafe in Parker opened last month and now makes that magic close to home, turning out 600-900…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Susan Elizabeth Lee Susan Elizabeth Lee, Brad Smith and Phillis Shimamoto delivered socks to the Denver Rescue Mission last winter.  The “Sock-it-to-’em” campaign hopes to deliver more than 10,000 pairs of socks to the homeless this year. The fact that the number one need of the homeless in Denver…

The Highlands Ranch Harlequins girls rugby team is playing its third season. After two seasons of taking first-runners-up, they have their sights set on first place. By Lisa Crockett; photos by Dave Tweed The Highlands Ranch Harlequins, a rugby club for high school students at Rock Canyon (RCHS), Highlands Ranch, Mountain Vista, and ThunderRidge started…

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (left) and Colorado Representative Bob Beauprez stopped by American Academy in Castle Pines for a tour of the school followed by a brief press conference. Both politicians took the time to read a story to a class of first graders. Information and photos provided by American Academy On October 3,…

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of John Leyba The girls varsity and junior varsity softball teams from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) and Regis Jesuit High School went head to head for the third annual Catch for the Cure game in support of breast cancer awareness. The teams raised more than $5,000 which was donated…

Article and photo by Elean Gersack; inset photo courtesy of Cyndi Willenbrock If you haven’t heard of Marshall yet, just wait – you will. He is a miracle and a huge celebrity in his home state of Missouri. Children at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School had the chance to meet Marshall and his owner Cyndi Willenbrock…

Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County reports that as of October 1, there were a total of 225,144 registered voters for the upcoming General Election on November 4. Of those, 45,120 were Democrats, 105,359 were Republicans, and 74,665 were other. Make sure your vote counts and ensure that all mail-in ballots are received (not…

Anderson P. proudly displays her rural, suburban, urban project. Second graders learned about why people settle in certain areas, how the size and the character of a community changes over time, and how communities manage and use non-renewable/renewable resources. Article and photos by Lynne Marsala Basche On October 9, Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) opened…

A Castle Pines tradition since 2009, Operation Bright Star, organized by the Robinson family, brings residents of all ages together to assemble Thanksgiving meals for the Crisis Center. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Steve Robinson Steve and Jody Robinson are continuing a Castle Pines community tradition by gearing up to provide Thanksgiving meals to…

By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Laurie Jacobs The annual Turweston Lane chili cook off was held on Sunday, October 5. Friends and neighbors gathered together thanks to resident Laurie Jacobs who plans the event each year! Drum roll please … this year’s best chili award goes to The Laity Family, with second place going…

By Patte Smith The Colorado mountains are an ideal place to camp, hike, fish, and enjoy searching for the perfect family Christmas tree. This can be a great outing for everyone – families and friends can trek though the pines to locate the tree that will be the centerpiece of their holiday season. Pack a…

Fifth grader James Vakoc put on his best wig for Sage Canyon’s fun run last month. Third grader Kyra Crowe leads her fellow students at Sage Canyon Elementary in the national anthem at the beginning of the school’s fun run fundraiser last month Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Last month, Sage Canyon Elementary (SCE)…

Pictured above: Taylor Made owner Kelly Taylor (left) at the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce OctoberFest with her mother Helen Taylor (right) and a happy Castle Pines customer (center). Motivated by her daughter Addison (left), local accessory designer Kelly Taylor (right) makes headbands and hair clips for women and girls. Inspired by the movie “Frozen,”…

Photo courtesy of RCHS student Blake Kortum RCHS zoology teacher Jessica Muniz (left) stands proudly with three of her students who made a presentation to the Castle Pines City Council proposing a safety solution to prevent bears from getting into garbage cans. Left to right: Mars Tweed, Cameron Love, and Casey Oberholtzer. By Kathy Fallert;…

The current yearbook staff at RHMS enjoyed spending the day at CSU and participating in J-Day, an exciting day of education about journalism and media. RHMS was proud to take home two awards. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Tim Ryckman The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) yearbook staff was thrilled to participate in J-Day…

Founded originally as the Denver Bible Institute in 1914, Colorado Christian University (CCU) held classes in 1919 in a building located at 20th Street and Glenarm Place in Denver. The university is undergoing a $120 million redevelopment at its main campus in Lakewood and recently dedicated the new academic building Leprino Hall as part of…

Thank you to the Weber family in Castle Pines for taking the time to write in to the editor with a question about the buffalo herd at Daniels Park. Below is the inquiry, as well as the response from Denver Mountain Parks Operation Supervisor Matt Brown: Hi [Editor], “I have a question I hope you…

The Wildlife Experience natural history museum & art gallery has been gifted to the University of Colorado by Dave Liniger (RE/MAX) and the Liniger family. The new CU location will be called the Liniger Building at University of Colorado South Denver. By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy CU South Denver The University of Colorado South Denver…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines; photo by Terri Wiebold City of Castle Pines Community Development Director Sam Bishop with his daughter and a member of South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, who came to the “rescue” and sprayed runners to cool them off as they began the annual color run. More than 300…

By Patte Smith The Castle Pines community has many homeowner associations (HOAs) and each one handles trash removal and recycling independently for its members. Three primary waste companies serve the communities of Castle Pines Village, the city of Castle Pines, Happy Canyon, Surrey Ridge, and other unincorporated areas in the 80108 zip code. Haulaway, Waste…

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Darrell Johnson The Rotary Club of Castle Pines was pleased to honor local first responders on the anniversary of 9/11 by providing breakfast to South Metro fire station 36 on Castle Pines Parkway, and station 39 on Happy Canyon Road. Rotary provided breakfast burritos from Santiago’s and spent time…

Noble Ridge residents Denise Quartararo (left), Marylou Giampietro (center), and Lin Giampietro (right) at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Noble Ridge residents Marylou Giampietro, Denise Quartararo, and Lin Giampietro participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheater on September 11. The Red…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Twelve-year-old Brennen Keller helps himself to some buttered popcorn at the Castle Pines library last month during the library’s “Outside the Lines” event. The weeklong celebration featured a different, fun food each day including carnival-type favorites like cotton candy, nachos and doughnuts. While the treats were nostalgic, they highlight…

Walt Wohlgemuth (pictured above in light blue) was humbled and thankful for the recognition he received from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Wohlgemuth was congratulated by Sergeant Ron Hanavan (left two photos) and presented the award by Chief Deputy Steve Johnson (right photo). By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The…

Castle Pines Mayor Jeff Huff (left) and Douglas County Commissioner Dave Weaver (right) presented at the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce speaker series. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) hosted an informational presentation for local business owners and area residents at the Castle Pines Community Center in…

Fernando and Deb Salazar are pictured here with their two-year-old yellow lab Cody, the official mascot of their new SmartLife shop in the Village. The Salazars are excited to open their new retail store in late October, and look forward to becoming contributing community members and meeting everyone in the Castle Pines community. By Amy…

By Patte Smith Castle Pines residents looking for thrills for Halloween have many options in and around the community. Whether haunted houses and ghost stories are your thing or if you are looking for a safe alternative to door-to-door trick or treating in Castle Pines on Halloween night, options abound. Shaun Boyd will be telling…

Members of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce gather with Castle Pines Mayor Jeff Huff (center) and restaurant owner Chris Perry (second from right) to celebrate a ribbon cutting ceremony for Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, located in The Vistas at Park Meadows Retail Resort. In true Perry’s style, the ribbon was “chopped” with a meat…

Colorful local author Louie Blanc, aka Louie du Ratté, is the author of “NFL Football in the Nutshell (Written by the Nut),” a guidebook for football fans. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Louie Blanc Colorado native and Happy Canyon resident Louie Blanc has lived an interesting life, and he recently published his equally…

Former Marine Ned Wilt now serves his community as a Castle Pines city councilman. By Steve Baska; photo courtesy of Ned Wilt Ned Wilt and his wife Nancy of Castle Pines have seen the area grow a lot since they moved here in 1999 from California and built their home in the Claremont Estates subdivision.…