The Connection

Principal Mike Loitz fully immersed himself in the magazine sale fundraiser by allowing the kids to duct tape him to a post in the lunch room. He also shaved his head and got soaking wet in the dunk tank. “It was all worth it!” he stated. Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle…

Information from Douglas County website The Douglas County Elections Office has moved to 125 Stephanie Place in Castle Rock. The new location will accommodate the needed consolidation of elections division staff, as well as elections operations, into one location – currently managed in three different locations in Castle Rock. “We outgrew our space,” said Jack…

These super cute kindergarten twins take on the torch relay during the BRE Amazing Race on Friday, September 21. Article and photo by Elean Gersack With the excitement of the 2012 London Olympic Games still fresh in their young minds, students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary were eager to participate in an Olympic Games all their…

Mountain biking is an excellent way to cross train for an upcoming running race. Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Some people make a New Year’s Resolution to become more active. As usual, life catches up with us and before we know it, it is October and our resolve to keep fit has been compromised.…

By Elean Gersack The Buffalo Ridge Elementary School Fall Book Fair is planned for October 5-11 in the school’s gymnasium. A host of children, teen, and adult books will be available for purchase during the Scholastic All-Star themed event. Mark your calendar for the book fair dates: Friday, October 5: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m …

Cheering on their team, Rock Canyon High School students came out in force dressed for the theme of the night. A sea of white filled the stands, as the Jags claimed victory over the Falcons 21-14. Article by Kathy Dunker; photos by Rock Canyon Photos The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Jaguars varsity football team…

By Liane Marette Davis; photos courtesy of Abra Sharp Have a running list of restaurants to try? Here is one that needs to be on the top of your list. Go tonight if possible; it is that fantastic. Where once was The Millar Spice Factory and Coffee Company in downtown Denver (dating back to the…

Second grader Jackson Royal makes a strong play at the Timber Trail Elementary Mother-Son Kickball Tournament. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett For the fourth year in a row, boys at Timber Trail teamed up with their moms for a kickball tournament at Coyote Ridge Park. Roughly 260 players gathered to play ball, eat dinner,…

The Garden Club kicks off each new year with a luncheon in September. This year it was held at the home of one of the board members. The club is actively seking new members who share a love of gardening and an interest in charitable causes. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Joan Fessler The…

Renie Bjorklund, a member of the Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, which meets in Castle Pines, and Pastor M. Titus Nirmal Kumar, who is a Pastor at an Abiding Hope Church in India. Bjorklund visited Pastor Titus in India to assist him in his work there. The church has a strong emphasis on serving others. By…

Article by Kathy Dunker Managing forclosure properties in Douglas County Letter to the editor dated July 27, 2012: I’d appreciate you investigating the foreclosure process and responsibility in maintaining properties including lawn maintenance … the [bank] owner has done nothing to maintain the appearance of the property. The HOA says they’ve written letters and all…

The Wilkins family in Forest Park witnessed the nesting, hatching, and growth of two baby hummers right in their own backyard this summer. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Mark Wilkins In the Colorado springtime, many people anxiously await the return of migrating birds. Especially fun to watch are the hummingbirds.  Colorado has four…

  By Chris Bonham Castle Pines is a terrific place to live because there is something for everyone of all ages. An organization that is contributing to the all-inclusiveness of the senior community at large is the Highlands Ranch Senior Club. An organization built on encouraging people in the community ages fifty and older to…

The life experience and passion of two friends has come together to create world-class, award-winning red wines – right here in our own backyard. Ruby Trust Celalrs is a Castle Pines Village-based company making wine locally with the help of family and friends. By Amy Shanahan with photos courtesy of JimmysPhoto.com Hidden in the obscure…

Information and photo provided by Douglas County Officials from Douglas County, the City of Lone Tree, and Coventry Development Corporation celebrate the public private partnership that resulted in the new 3.1 mile East West Regional Trail Extension. The extension runs from Bluffs Regional Park to the RidgeGate Interchange. The allseason trail surface is designed for…

Bears are seen in and around the Castle Pines community. Here, a bear recently seen in Castle Pines Village finds the contents of abirdfeeder potentially appetizing. By Liz Jurkowski and photos sent in by Laura Zeh As Coloradans, wildlife surrounds us. We do not have to go far to enter habitats of many wild animals.…

Sixty-four women joined in the The Red Hawk Ridge Ladies’ Golf Club’s Nine Hole Better Ball Tournament to raise more than $4,600 for The Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center and The Douglas/Elbert Task Force and Food Bank. Information and photo sent in by Sharon Ferris, tournament co-chairperson On July 25, The Red Hawk Ridge…

Article and photo by Julie Montoya August saw some crazy weather with thunderstorms, hail, funnel clouds, and fierce rain. But there is still time to get out and enjoy the good weather, with a mild fall ahead. The Farmers Almanac predicts that September 2012 will see warmer temperatures then on average. After the first week…

These fifth grade buddies are all grins, some more colorful than others from snow cones. Article by Elean Gersack with photo by Cari Ogg The fourth annual Buffalo Ridge Stampede & Carnival, held on Friday, August 24, was full of fun, laughter, wet teachers, and new friendships in the making. More than 450 students and…

Information provided by Douglas County Castle Pines residents looking to renew vehicle registrations or visit the Department of Motor Vehices (DMV) now have a closer option, thanks to the relocation of the Parker DMV. In August, Douglas County moved its motor vehicle operations from Parker to the Lone Tree location. The new office is located…

By Birgit Moran It’s back to school time, and with that comes another year of opportunities and challenges. An emerging field is developing to help students who want an extra edge and for those who struggle in school. Rather than, or in complement to tutoring, now there is brain training. “Just as new knowledge and…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary librarian Dawn Smith (left) and music teacher Cindy Berendt (right) lead TTE students in a cheer at an assembly last month to introduce this year’s Move-a-Thon Fundraiser. The theme of the Move-a-Thon, “Move and Groove to Support our School,” reflects the active nature of the fundraiser,…

By Lisa Crockett with photo courtesy of the Bro family Brickelle Bro, pictured here at a sendoff parade held in her honor in Castle Rock, will compete in the Paralympic Games in late August and early September. Bro qualified to compete early in the summer and spent two weeks in Germany with Team USA just…

  A relaxing rose petal pedicure tailored specifically for teens and tweens By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of the Woodhouse Day Spa The Woodhouse Day Spa, located in the Village shops at Castle Pines, is excited to offer a new program designed specifically for young spa customers, ages six to 16. Young Woodhouse is a…

By Elizabeth Wood West Beginning the first part of October, drivers may want to avoid the vicinity of the Quebec and Lincoln-University intersection and find roadway alternatives. Douglas County is scheduled to begin work on a 60-day multi-phase operational and maintenance roadway project that will focus on improvements and approaches to this busy intersection, causing…

Five years of great customers and cakes By Julie Montoya with photo courtesy of The Bundt Shoppe Our favorite Castle Pines Bundt Shoppe is turning five years old, and is celebrating with two days of fun and prizes! The Bundt Shoppe’s anniversary celebration is September 20 and 21, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In…

City of Castle Pines Mayor Jeffrey Huff making a presentation to the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce board of directors on August 22 regarding the city’s proposed TABOR ballot question for this November’s election.    City officials and staff held an open house in August to meet with residents and answer questions regarding the upcoming TABOR…

Article by Lisa Crockett with graphic by Tim Gamble The Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is celebrating its twentieth Race for the Cure event in October. The race, which will be held on Sunday, October 7, will take place at the Pepsi Center and will feature a 5K competitive run this…

By Terri Wiebold Thank you to our dedicated readers and to all of you who contribute stories, photos and ideas to the paper each and every month. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to share your stories with the Castle Pines community. You voted The Castle Pines Connection newspaper number one…

Left: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mike Garcia gets bombarded with questions by Castle Pines kids while on patrol on August 2 in the Briar Cliff neighborhood. Right: Garcia and Castle Pines resident Jack Zelkin pose for a photo op after the deputy spent close to an hour educating kids about police officers and the…

Metzler Memory Care owners (left to right, Denny and Patty Southwick, daughter Katie Gray, and Iram Din (husband Aamer Masood not pictured). Photos and story by Elizabeth Wood West Metzler Memory Care Assisted Living Residences, located at 864 Barranca Drive in Castle Rock, is now open. Metzler Memory Care is owned and operated by local…

Pictured left to right: Dr. Jason Ortman (Castle Pines Eye Care); Drs. Jeff and Stephanie Scheich (Castle Pines Family Dentistry); Dr. Matthew Rolfson (Castle Pines Dental Care); Dr. Andrew Dunbar (Castle Pines Orthodontics); and Jeffrey Huff, mayor of Castle Pines. Article and photo by Elean Gersack On Friday, August 24, the proud owners of the…

Photos by Julie Montoya On Friday, August 17, more than 500 Castle Pines residents of all ages gathered at Coyote Ridge Park to watch a movie in the park. “We Bought a Zoo” was a big hit, and residents really enjoyed the movie. The Castle Pines North Master Association sponsored this community event. In addition,…

Castle Pines resident Edgardo Torres enjoying breakfast. By Elizabeth Wood West What could be better than a great Mexican food restaurant in the neighborhood? How about a great Mexican food restaurant that serves a delicious breakfast menu? Las Fajitas is now serving breakfast Friday through Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Owner Alberto Granados…

Castle Pines Village residents Heidi and Maggie Zeh were the first to “see the E” and send in their photo to the Castle Pines Connection! Their geo-cache search led them to the light post by the entrance to Surrey Ridge. “This was a fun letter to find,” remarked Maggie. “It took us a minute to…

On Thursday, August 23, the Castle Pines Chamber hosted a luncheon with Congressman Corey Gardner, who represents the Fourth Congressional District of Colorado. Pictured to the right, left to right: Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver, Castle Pines Chamber Vice President Carla Kenny, Congressman Corey Gardner, Castle Pines Chamber Chairman Glen Hagan, State Representative for…

Rocky Heights Middle School seventh and eighth grade students who traveled to Costa Rica made new friends and learned a great deal about the culture. The seventh and eighth grade students had the opportunity to aid in the protection and conservation of the area by planting a tree. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Kay…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The liquor store adjacent to $1.99 Cleaners in the Safeway shopping center in Castle Pines has a new owner, a new name, and an emphasis on friendly service and value. True Liquors is celebrating its grand opening during the entire month of September. “We have store-wide price cuts on…

Brian Olcott displays the soccer gear he collected for his Eagle Scout project. Olcott donated the cleats, balls and shin guards to a Boys and Girls club in northeast Denver. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett The girls soccer team sponsored by the Denver Bronco’s Branch of the Boys and Girls Club in northeast Denver…

The event tent was a full house, first with dinner and then a show. Country superstar Willie Nelson was scheduled to perform, but had to cancel do to health concerns. A local acoustic band filled in, and the show was a complete success! Article and photos by Julie Montoya On Saturday, August 18, Jana and…

Photojournalism by Julie Montoya Recently, neighbors in Forest Park have noticed there is a new member of their community, and he is making a lot of noise. This new resident is a fledgling red tail hawk. Accompanied by his parents, this youngster has ventured out of the nest, but is not quite ready to move…

DCSM’s first ever seventh grade class hit the mountains last month for an adventure in outdoor education at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. By Jodi Anderson Each school year is unique and brings its own joys and challenges, but this year DCS Montessori (DCSM) is overflowing with excitement and energy.  As our new…

Autumn is a splendiferous time of year.  Warm during the day and cool evenings, it is a time of the year to get out and enjoy the many seasonal activities in the Castle Pines area and the surrounding areas. First and foremost is a Castle Pines tradition presented by The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce: …

Taylor Kelly was crowned Miss Colorado Teen in June. “Achieving this goal was truly an amazing experience!” By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of the Kelly family Taylor Kelly, a sophomore at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), and resident of Castle Pines Village, had a very exciting summer! In June, Kelly was crowned Miss Colorado Teen…

By Kathy Dunker Colorado big game hunting seasons are now underway. Opening and closing days for all types of big game hunts are determined by the Colorado Department of Wildlife (CDOW) and vary for each animal including bear, deer, desert bighorn sheep, elk, moose, mountain goats, pronghorn, and rocky mountain bighorn sheep. They also vary…

By Elean Gersack The halls at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) are bustling with plenty of new faces. During new family registration on August 8 and 9, more than 60 new students enrolled. Only days later, the first bell of the school year rang on Monday, August 13, and students had the chance to locate…

By Elizabeth Wood West with photos by Shelly Barnes It is hard to say what Younique Expressions Art & Wine Bar’s (Younique) CEO, Shelly Barnes, prefers – providing an enjoyable environment for would-be artists or supporting special charities close to her heart. Fortunately for Barnes, her new business venture will let her do both. Younique…

Sixth grade student and Castle Pines resident Seth Bowen has loved his first few weeks of middle school, and is finally getting used to his heavy backpack and huge binder. “I think it’s really fun but really different – there are so many more people, and so many more teachers! I love it! It’s fun…

By Elean Gersack It’s not too late to improve your swing this year. Ladies, now that the kids are back in school, why not get together with friends and neighbors and learn to play golf at The Ridge Golf Course at Castle Pines? The weather is not too hot and not too cold – ideal…

By Elean Gersack Follow the trail of wagging tails and wet noses to the Dumb Friends League’s Wag ‘n Trail and help support homeless pets. This 1.6-mile hike, for people and their dogs, takes place Saturday, September 22, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Glendale Farm Open Space on the west side of Surrey…

Submitted by Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce In the September issue of 5280 Magazine, Linda Clure with Prudential Preferred Real Estate in Castle Pines will be featured as a 2012 Five Star Real Estate Agent named in providing exceptional service and overall satisfaction as indicated by clients, peers and industry experts! How was she chosen?…

By Kathy Dunker American Academy (AA) is ready and waiting for the start of the new school year. If you are in need of some threads, the school’s PTO will be holding a uniform resale in the AA cafeteria on Saturday, August 4. School start date for all middle schoolers will be Thursday, August 16.…

By Lisa Crockett For the second year in a row, Timber Trail Elementary School is holding a “Move-a-Thon” fundraiser to help raise money to fund school programs. The event, called “Move and Groove to Support our School,” will be held in September and will feature a variety of movement and exercise activities for students to…

     Dr. Brad Draper, a dermatologist who lives in Castle Pines, is now practicing in Castle Rock. Dr. Draper is fellowship trained in Mohs surgery, a technique which offers favorable outcomes for patients. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Dr. Brad Draper, a dermatologist who lives in Castle Pines, is now practicing at Alta Vista…

by Lisa Crockett A new location on the Castle Pines dining scene will soon offer a tasty, quick alternative to fast food for families on the go. The concept of “food fast” will soon be on offer at The Aspen Delikatessen, opening at 363 Village Square Lane, suite 145, between Castle Pines Orthodontics and New…

By Elean Gersack and logo and star photo provided by Stars for Castle Rock Stars for Castle Rock, a volunteer board and chapter of the Douglas County Educational Foundation, is advocating for arts in education and providing financial support for the visual arts in Douglas County Schools. During the next few months, the group will…

Submitted by Paul Suter, Suter Media Relations Chateau Ridge, a well-established neighborhood located in Castle Pines Village, is now constructing two of the neighborhood’s final six homes. These two parcels feature sprawling views of the Rocky Mountains and are tucked away in a private, gated community. “We’re building much more than homes in the Chateau…

Contributed by Dennis Murray, Director of Golf Instruction, The Ridge at Castle Pines North Junior Golfers can continue developing their skills at The Ridge Golf Course at Castle Pines after school and on weekends in the Golf After School Program scheduled for August, September and October. Program includes 1-hour clinics, Parent-Child 9-hole play lessons, 2-hour…

Construction renovation for the new University Hospital Medical facililty is underway. Located on Park Meadows Drive, it is on the south side of the street across from the movie theater and east of Brunswick Zone. Contributed by Patte Smith schoolThe construction renovation is underway for a multi-specialty University of Colorado Hospital clinic and medical building…

Douglas County Household Chemical Roundups Saturday, August 11, 2012 Shea Stadium, 3270 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch Saturday, September 15, 2012 Castle Rock Utilities, 175 Kellogg Court, Castle Rock 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Open to all residents of Douglas County We will accept: House, garden, and pool chemicals • Paint and paint products •…

By Kathy Dunker The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) jags have a few things on the calendar this month before hitting the books. Monday, August 13 is the first day of school for all Freshmen and new students. Tuesday, August 14 is the first day of school for all other students. Wednesday, August 29 is…

Castle Pines residents Harrison and Lily Wells were “D-lighted” to be the first readers to “C” the letters C and D and submit their photo to The Castle Pines Connection! Their geocaching for the letters led them to the front door of Dazbog coffee shop in Castle Pines and earned them each a $5 gift…

Castle Pines Athletics summer basketball camp crew 2012 (photo by Lisette Lederman). Article and graphics submitted by Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics hosted a summer basketball skills camp on July 23-27 at the DCS Montessori School in Castle Pines. Coaches Lorri Hodges and Cari Ogg led the camp, with help from Rock Canyon students…