The Connection

Jacob Santos, Thomas Moran and Kyle Huebsh, from Castle Pines are assisting Clare Bridge Residents with fun activities. By Birgit Moran Douglas County high school students are required to complete 20 hours of community service to graduate. Teens and their families scramble to find the right place to volunteer. One place that attracts many different…

By Elizabeth Wood West with Sketch Plan provided by Northstar Development, LLC After two public hearings, the first of which was filled with several hours of opposing public testimony from Castle Pines Village and area residents, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted two to one to approve a revised version of Castle Pines Village…

Article by Elean Gersack with photos courtesy of Cari Ogg On Friday, April 13, more than 200 fathers and daughters filled the Buffalo Ridge Elementary School gymnasium for the school’s first Pops & Lollies daddy-daughter dance. David Bowman, director of the school’s before and after school enrichment program (B.A.S.E.) organized the event, which turned out…

Contributed by Sky Ridge Medical Center Sky Ridge Medical Center will start a $107 million dollar expansion that will add 90 beds, a women’s center, a new medical office building, additional spine/ortho operating rooms, and a parking structure. “As the first hospital to open in Douglas County, this expansion solidifies our original vision to become…

Future Academy Award hopefuls kick off the Buffalo Ridge fifth grade show “Cinemagic”on April 5. Article by Eli Smith, BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter Lights, camera, action! On Thursday, April 5, fifth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) performed an incredibly amazing show. The show was called “Cinemagic,” and it included songs and dances from…

by Patte Smith Grab the family, your friends, the picnic basket, the lawn chairs and blankets and head out to one of the many awesome outdoor concerts this summer featuring music and fun. Whether its jazz, rock, bluegrass or classical, there is something for everyone. The following list features the concert lineups for the Denver…

Fifth grader Meghan Hassler, one of twelve honor singers from Timber Trail Elementary, participated in a special daylong program at Legend High School in Parker that included rehearsal and a special performance. Article by Lisa Crockett, courtesy photos A dozen singers from Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) participated in a special day of rehearsal and performance…

By Terri Wiebold John Denver is about as iconic a musician to Colorado as there has ever been. His passion and love for the outdoors and his respect for nature can be felt in the lyrics of the many songs he wrote. Most notibly, “Rocky Mountain High,” which became an official Colorado state song in…

Syra Taub was thrilled to attend Tourney Town and see her winning essay on display. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Dena Taub and Erin Millage Students at Rocky Heights recently participated in the Middle School Madness program, which encouraged the kids to learn from the positive examples set by women’s basketball athletes. The program…

By Patte Smith Surrey Ridge resident Jean Griswold is recruiting neighbors, friends and families in the Castle Pines and surrounding area to join “Team Zonta” to run or walk at the 8th Annual Miles for Moms Run/Walk to benefit Florence Crittenton Services. This event will be held at Sloan’s Lake Park in Denver at 8…

Robyn Appel in her Greenwood Village boutique, Rebel. Bright colors and funky belts and jewelry are what’s hot for spring. Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Light, casual, friendly and warm are words you might use to describe Robyn Appel upon meeting her. These happen to be the same things you feel when walking into…

Castle Pines resident Travis Grafitti and his partner Devin Lindsey (not pictured) won a Silver medal. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Brian Hall Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) had two teams participate in the state Science Olympiad tournament on April 21, and one of the teams placed 10th in the state! Science Olympiad is…

Many Castle Pines area ‘tweens and teens are taking part in Douglas County Cotillion held at the Wildlife Experience this Spring. This group of young ladies and gentlemen took time to pose after their Dining Etiquette program on Sunday, April 22. (photo by Elean Gersack)

Shown here are the individual fourth and fifth grade winners along side Science Fair Coordinator, Kristi Feret. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Congratulations to all of the participants of the first-ever Buffalo Ridge Elementary School Science Fair, Mission Green. The fair, held on Thursday, April 26, focused on environmentally conscious experiments and materials and…

By Lisa Crockett A Castle Pines church with deep roots in the community is moving just a few miles up the road to Lone Tree to spread its branches. Solid Life Church, which began eight years ago in the Castle Pines Community Center and then moved to Timber Trail Elementary School will begin holding Sunday…

These Castle Pines youngsters are ready and waiting … Submitted by Scott and Kelsey Lasher A crowd of approximately 1,000 Castle Pines residents filled their colorful baskets to the brim with eggs and prizes at Coyote Ridge Park on Saturday, March 31. The annual event was sponsored by Solid Life Church. More than 16,000 candy-filled…

By Karissa Kelly If you are wondering how late minors can stay out, or all you teenagers need a refresher, listen up so you can be informed of the curfew time. Currently in the City of Castle Pines, the curfew for those under the age of eighteen is 11 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m.…

The seminar is sponsored by the Rural Water Authority of Douglas County. Wednesday May 2, 2012 Douglas County Events Center Conference Room 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Preregistration is required. The presentations will address:     Groundwater Availability of the Denver Basin Aquifer System     Water Law     Adjudication What it Is and Isn’t     Well…

DCSO offering awareness classes for parents Article by Elean Gersack Taking a picture or video and pressing send – or even just opening a text or an e-mail. It’s that easy for a child’s life to change forever. The high tech trend is called “sexting” and many seemingly innocent kids do not realize the consequences…

Information provided by The City of Castle Pines City council has commissioned National Research Center, a research firm specializing in performance measurement and evaluation, to perform a public opinion survey of residents in Castle Pines. To minimize costs and to maximize resident participation, the survey will be conducted online and will cover a variety of…

Article by Elean Gersack with logo provided by The Dumb Friends League There will be plenty of wagging tails and wet noses at the Denver Dumb Friend League’s (DDL) Furry Scurry on Saturday, May 5, at 9 a.m. More than 12,000 people and 5,000 canines are expected for this 19th annual doggie celebration held at…

Dorri and Dawn Langford Article by Birgit Moran and photo provided by Dawn Langford The phone call any parent fears came true for Ronn Langford in 1986. It was the middle of the night and news came that his youngest daughter, Dorri, 19 years old was dead; killed by a drunk driver. Langford’s experiences and…

Information from the American Heartworm Society The American Heartworm Society reminds dog owners to remain vigilant against heartworm disease Heartworm, a serious and often fatal disease of dogs, cats, and other species of mammals, is preventable. And, with the beginning of the mosquito season, to help raise public awareness, April is recognized as Heartworm Prevention…

Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce members welcome Castle Pines Urgent Care staff with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the clinic’s recent open house. (From left to right) Kevin Jinkerson, Mel Wilner, Anita Holland and daughters Elise and Addison, Monica Wilner and son Chase, Dr. Larry Wilner, Brittany Urban, M.A., Paige Corbett, N.P., and Castle Pines Mayor…

Mr. Lee presents Ms. Wanda Castleman, a representive from Children’s Hospital a check of the money raised from the the 2012 board break-a-thon. Submitted by Grandmaster Han Lee The annual Han Lee Taekwondo Academy Board Break-A-Thon raised more than $12,000 for the Children’s Hospital in March at the event held at Douglas County High School.…

Castle Pines resident Doctor David Goodrich opened a new psychotherapy practice on Village Square Drive. Square Drive. By Lisa Crockett Dr. David Goodrich, PsyD, MFT, a family therapist who has been in practice for more than 20 years, has found a new home in Castle Pines. He now lives and works here, and has opened…

Batter Up! Don’t miss summer T-ball and baseball for children ages 4 to 4th grade, offered by Castle Pines Athletics. Registration ends May 1, so sign up today to secure you child’s spot in the program. Provided by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Summer just wouldn’t be summer in Castle Pines without baseball! For the…

Information provided by The City of Castle Pines The city communications committee has an opportunity for a college student or young adult during the next four to six months. The city is looking for someone with an interest/experience in journalism, public relations, electronic/print/social media, or photography. The individual will collaborate with committee members and city…

Verebelyi and wife, Tasha, on the top of Mount Bierstadt. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Dr. David Verebelyi Dr. David Verebelyi, seven year resident of Glen Oaks and father of three young children, is an engineer by trade who graduated with a Bachelors of Science from the Missouri School of Mines and…

Graduating seniors Camille Prusse, Aubrey Eggett, and Matt Hopkins starred in this popular and amusing musical comedy. Article by RCHS drama student Rachel Zetwick, photo by Amy Shanahan Rock Canyon High School’s (RCHS) Performing Arts Department presented the musical comedy, “Once Upon a Mattress” March 8 – 10. The musical, with music by Mary Rodgers…

Couples can enjoy messages at the spa together. By Lisa Crockett A truly relaxing day includes a gentle but sumptuous feast for the senses: soothing sounds, tempting smells, delicious tastes and a feeling of tranquility and peace. For those of us who’ve endured the cold, dry conditions of a Colorado winter, a chance to rejuvenate…

Article by Lisa Crockett with sketch plan provided by A & A Investments, LLC At a public hearing held in late March the Castle Pines City Council approved an annexation petition from A&A Investments, LLC to annex property known as the Castle Pines Town Center into the City. City Council also approved the initial zoning…

From left to right) New Eagle Scouts Ethan Johnson, Alex Schmoker, Mitch Steinberg, and Zach Zahorik celebrate with friends and family of Castle Pines Boy Scout Troop 316. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Lynn Zahorik Dozens of fellow boy scouts, leaders, family members, and friends from Castle Pines Boy Scout Troop 316 gathered…

AA students, Kimberly Shelton and Jack Wilson, with their science displays that made them Science Fair Finalists. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of American Academy American Academy (AA) seventh graders made a great showing at the Denver Regional Science and Engineering Fair on February 23. Displaying great professionalism and integrity, the kids worked…

Personal Trainer Andrew Goodnow coaches Chelsea Woolen, a member at The Gym of Castle Rock. The Gym recently added a 3,000 square foot workout space. By Lisa Crockett Membership at The Gym of Castle Rock (The Gym) is growing, and the workout space and hours of operation are growing along with it. Last month, The…

Connor Jones with his flashlight display discovered which battery lasted the longest at the DCSM Science Fair. Article by Jodi Anderson with photos courtesy of DCSM What happens when you get a large group of preteens excited about science and turn them loose with a hypothesis to prove? You get the recent DCS Montessori (DCSM)…

Dr. Peter Thompson has a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization and dissertation in school neuropsychology. His dedication to the study of the brain has helped the Douglas County School District lead the way in establishing protocols for handling concussions and other head injuries to student athletes. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Dr. Peter…

Article and photos by Elean Gersack It will be a year to remember! During the month of March, students, staff and families celebrated fifteen years of the first Castle Pines neighborhood school, Buffalo Ridge Elementary. On Friday, March 9, the entire school got in the spirit by wearing “15”. There were 15 bracelets; 15 necklaces;…

By Liz Jurkowski With warm weather approaching, families are preparing for some serious travel. Whether by car or plane, here are some tips to make the journey easier. Pack in advance of your trip. Do not leave loading your bags into the car to the night before the journey. Rather than staying up late, pack…

By Elizabeth Wood West Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) will be holding its regular election on Tuesday, May 8, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This election will be a mail ballot election. Mail ballots will be mailed out to all eligible electors in the City of Castle Pines the week of April 16,…

CSU freshman Ali Will is honored for her achievements in academics, leadership and service to others. Article by Amy Shanahan with photo courtesy of Audrey Will Castle Pines Village resident Ali Will is a high achiever in all aspects of her life. A freshman at Colorado State University (CSU), Will was recently accepted into the…

Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Spirit Week at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) was a great way for students to have some fun and show their school pride at the same time. The event, which was sponsored by the Timber Team – TTE’s version of a student council – featured dress-up days with the following…

Information from the Douglas County Educational Foundation website The 2nd Annual Fittin’ It In 5k race will take place on April 28 at 9 a.m. at Highlands Ranch High School. The Douglas County School District, in partnership with the Douglas County Educational Foundation (DCEF), the Douglas County Federation and the Boulder Running Company are sponsoring…

RCHS Varsity Cheer seniors, mostly Castle Pines (CP) residents, arrived at their banquet on March 21 in a pink Hummer limo. Pictured from left to right, back row: Captain Kelsey Karst, Captain (CP), Alexis Hutchings, Captain Madelyn Falk (Oak Hills), Hope Lytle, Rachel Branson (CP), Captain Lily Sumners, Rahea Miersch (CP), Nicolle Turnock (CP), and…

The Retreat Park is located in the Retreat neighborhood in The City of Castle Pines. By Liz Jurkowski Warm weather in mid-March brought droves of children to the parks of The City Castle Pines. The Retreat Park, normally quiet and secluded, was busy with activity. It was developed in the 1980s with the original plan…

The RCHS Mock Trial team took first place in the state at the annual tournament held at the Boulder County Justice Center.     Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of the Colorado Bar Association Students from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), took first in state at the Colorado Bar Association State Mock Trial Tournament…

One of Matzat’s morning classes enjoying their baby chicks (pictured from left to right) back row: Matzat and Dylan; front row: Riley, Maddie, Adison, Skylar, Teddy, and Kyle. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Terry Matzat, 17 year resident of HOA I, was an elementary school teacher when she left to raise her own two…

Democratic Caucus Chairperson Myron Clark was excited by the number of suggestions brought to the table by local party members. Discussions covered everything from the upcoming Presidential election, to a need to reduce emissions on automobiles.      Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Thursday, March 6 was an important day for members of the…

Submitted by the Ann Carter of the Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center The Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center (WCFOC), through its Young Citizens for Philanthropy (YCP) partnership, is launching its first Cycle Against Violence Bike Race on Saturday, May 19 in Castle Rock. Registration for this event will begin at 6:45 a.m. at…

Team “That Was Easy” is looking forward to competing at the Destination Imagination State Competition. Left to right: Ethan Taub, Landon Hogue, Nick Lombardi and Adam Kohl. Photo courtesy of Christina Kohl. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School took its first Destination Imagination teams to the Regional Tournament on March 10th.…

RCHS student, Devaraj Tripasuri, prepares his helicopter wing for the Science Olympiad. Science Olympians, Paul Bisesi and Devaraj Tripasuri, are working hard in the early stages of building their helicopter. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Matt Gracey Twenty six of Rock Canyon High School’s (RCHS’s) freshman and sophomore students attended the Southern Regional…

By Liane Marette Davis with photos provided by Tana Dolce Looks might fool you on the outside, but many charming treasures await you inside Tana Dolce. Upon entering, you will find it enchantingly decorated with romantic colors, chandeliers, cozy nooks, velvet and silks, intimate balconies, fireplaces, and an exquisite bar that makes you want to…

By Elizabeth Wood West After listening to several hours of compelling questions and concerns from the public, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) continued the public hearing for Castle Pines Village Sketch Plan (SB2011-036) to April 24 at 2:30 p.m. in the Philip S. Miller building, located at 100 Third Street in Castle Rock. The…

By Elizabeth Wood West The Outlets at Castle Rock (The Outlets) received unanimous approval on March 13 from the Town of Castle Rock for its request to increase the hours of operation for its LED sign from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The sign’s new hours of operation went into effect upon the town’s…

  Information provided by the Douglas County Water Resource Authority Douglas County Water Resource Authority (DCWRA) has been awarded the 2012 Universities Council on Water Resources Award for Education and Public Service for the DCWRA “Water Ambassador” program. The Water Ambassador program is active in all high schools and elementary schools in the DCWRA region.…

Dream Team members show off special effects – a fake brain, a fake cut, and a helmet –they used to teach kids about keeping their brain safe during the Dream Team Health Fair on Feb. 24. By Bryce S., BRE Ridgeline staff reporter On February 24, the Dream Team at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE)…

Studio B Interiors owner Bren Hendren is enjoying selling her products to a new customer base, and believes that there is something for everyone in her varied selection of fanciful items. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Studio B Interiors, located in Castle Pines in the Safeway shopping center, is an outstanding choice if you…

(Left to right) Castle Pines Rotary Club President A.J. Arnett, Castle Rock High Noon Rotary Club President Christina Brigham, and Castle Rock Rotary Club President Ed Brewer get their thousands of rubber duckies in a row for the 16th Annual Ducky Derby and Street Festival. By Elizabeth Wood West The Castle Rock Rotary Club, Castle…

Contributed by GreenEarth Cleaners Millions of people around the world will be observing Earth Day on Saturday, April 22. “Earth Day is a special day in our store because it reminds us that we are making a positive contribution to our planet every day by using GreenEarth® instead of traditional drycleaning solvents,” said Thyfault. “Earth…

By Karissa Kelly, intern writer As April rolls around, teenagers all over anxiously await what they hope will be the best night of their high school careers: Prom. Though, it seems prom is not simply a fun and relaxed evening anymore. Today, prom is a multi-billion dollar industry and much has changed from the past.…

Photo of American Academy Charter School taken from Elk Rdge Park. Article by Kathy Dunker The Board of Directors and the Administration of American Academy (AA), looking at its long-term vision, are exploring the feasibility of opening a second campus in Douglas County in 2013-2014. Once determining whether or not a second campus is feasible,…

Electronics Drop Off for Earth Day 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Douglas Elbert Realtor Association 840 Kinner Street, Castle Rock The Douglas Elbert REALTOR Association (DERA) will be hosting an electronics drop off event along with Luminous Recycling to celebrate 2012 Earth Day. Items at no charge are: CPU’s, Hard Drives, Laptops, Modems, PDA’s, Servers,…

Left to right: Marc Towne (CP Council, Ward 3), Carla Kenny, Mayor Jeffrey Huff, Congressman Corey Gardner, Glenn Hagen (CP Chamber Board Chairman), Sharon Kollmar. The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce invited Castle Pines’ new congressman, Corey Gardner to breakfast at the new Mama Lisa’s Little Italy. “It was fun to meet him and introduce…

Article by Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of DCSD Scott Melanson, the lead Technology teacher at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) was awarded the inaugural World Class Educator Award at the Apple Awards celebration for the Douglas County School District (DCSD). This is a new award, which will continue to honor educators who promote 21st Century…

By Elean Gersack Spring is here and it is time to get screened and take charge of your health. Sky Ridge Medical Center will once again play host to the annual 9Health Fair on Saturday, April 28, from 7 a.m. to noon. The 9Health Fair has become a community staple in promoting and encouraging health…

An open house attendee visits with George Tsiouvaras, principal with the Town’s contract engineering firm Tsiouvaras Simmons Holderness. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Kristin Accola, Town of Castle Rock An estimated 50 to 60 people attended a recent open house hosted by the Town of Castle Rock regarding the North Meadows Extension (NME)…