Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Kathy Dunker The Castle Pines Storm, under the leadership of Coach Eric Goodrich, finished its third season off the blocks. With 97 swimmers in the Mountain High Swim League (MHSL) D Division, the team had 44 swimmers make it to Championships and an additional 8 swimmers qualified for All Stars. Assistant coach Miranda Morton…
Pictured above: Roundabouts construction on Happy Canyon Road is estimated to be finished by October 31. By Elizabeth West The building of two roundabouts on Happy Canyon Road at gates 1 and 2 in Castle Pines Village is nearing the halfway mark. The Castle Pines Metropolitan District (CPMD) began major construction on the roundabouts project…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines Denver International Airport recently launched a new web site called WebTrak, which will allow Castle Pines residents to access information about flights taking off and landing from Centennial Airport, as well as Denver International Airport. “It is a benefit to Centennial Airport, as personnel can track noisy…
2011 Stingrays coaching team (pictured from left to right) back row: Junior Coach Even Lail, Junior Coach Nick Tinucci, Head Coach Jenny Anderson, Assistant Coach Holly Dawson, Lead Junior Coach Maddie Pluto; front row: Junior Coaches Erin Dooley, Kate South and Quincy Schurr. Article by Kathy Dunker; photos by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines Village…
The AYL Dolphin team wielding their championship trophies (pictured from left to right) back row: Dawson DeMier (CP), Nolan Moorhead, Blakely Stoughton (CP), Cade Hughey, Brant Kragel (CP), assistant coach Chase DeMier (CP), and assistant coach Johnny Stoughton (CP); front row: Riley “Rygo” Goings (CP), Kameron Butler (CP), Brayden Jez, Graham Avers (CP), Alec Lush…
Kangaroos foraging on Lucky Bay Beach in Cape le Grande N.P in Western Australia. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner The Pacific Rim’s economic success is undeniable. But the center of its physical beauty is Australia, hands down. Australia is up these days, way up. Its economy is whirring as virtually every imaginable mineral is…
The Stars team performing their award winning routine in Orlando earlier this year. Article and photos submitted by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students Jazmine Murphy and Taylor Farnsworth were recently rewarded for their athletic ability, dedication and hard work. Murphy and Farnsworth traveled to Orlando, Florida with their cheerleading team, The Stars,…
Andrew Abner, Principal, Rock Canyon High School by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Andrew Abner A new face will be seen in the principal’s office at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) this fall. As of July 1, Andrew Abner replaced Kim Rauh in leading the school’s administration. Rauh will now be the principal of…
By Lisa Crockett School is just getting started at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE), but the school’s fall fundraiser – the “Move-a-Thon” — is in full swing, thanks to several dedicated volunteers who have worked through the summer. In addition to the usual flyers and banners, the school has a promotional video for the event posted…
By Lisa Crockett Information has been sent to various community groups regarding plans to develop a project with a proposed name of “Castle Pines Town Center” on the southern portion of Lagae Ranch. The 350-acre parcel is bounded by “Lagae Ranch Filing 1” (home to Elk Ridge Park and American Academy Charter School) on the…
By Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines Library depends on the community in order to keep its doors open, and a group of dedicated volunteers have embarked on an ambitious campaign to raise $100,000 – enough to keep the library up and running for the next three years. In August, the community can support the library…
Nicole Given (center) receives her scholarship check from Zontians Rhonda Bolich-Lampo (left) and Christie Thakur. Article and photo submitted by Laurie W. Anderson Nicole Given, a recent graduate of Rock Canyon High School, received a $1,000 scholarship from the Zonta Club of Douglas County. A resident of Castle Pines, Given plans to attend Boston College,…
By Kathy Dunker with information courtesy of the HRCA website Saturday, August 20, promises to be a great day for triathletes of all ages. The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) will host an adult triathlon, a junior triathlon for 12 to 17-year olds, as well as a kids triathlon broken into two age groups: Five…
Pictured above: Jan Teague (right) and Kristin Mitchel (left) of Golly Gee Gourmet sell Jan’s Jams at the Castle PInes Independence Day celebration and other area events. The mother-daughter team donates a portion of their profits to amyloidosis research and patient support. by Lisa Crockett Nothing says summer like a beautiful jar of homemade jam.…
Aloe Modzelewska and her horse “Red” hang out together in their pasture in Surrey Ridge. By Patte Smith with photos by Sandi Modezeleska “Whoa” is not in 12-year old Hailey Modzelewska’s vocabulary when galloping her horse Boo at full speed around barrels, flags and poles. “I love the thrill of riding fast when competing,” laughs…
By Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary School is planning to raise funds for vital school services this year – and help a needy school in Denver do the same. “We’re using the tagline ‘Healthy Hearts, Caring Hearts’” said Kevin Warnke, parent of a Timber Trail first grader and chairperson of the fundraiser. “Students will raise…
Midfielder, No. 20, Ben Naylor, runs toward the goal attempting to score against the Parker Hawks during the boys’ second grade “blue” championship game during the Jamboree Lacrosse tournament on June 5. Article and photo by Elean Gersack The second grade boys Cougars “Blue” lacrosse team, lead by head coach Andrew Paredes, played hard, played…
Article by Kathy Dunker The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Principal’s Jaguar Award represents the top senior that demonstrates outstanding commitment to leadership, citizenship, academics, athletics and activities. Many students are nominated but only one is selected. This year’s award went to Matthew Morgan who will be honored with a perpetual plaque displayed in the…
Come visit your neighbors at The Olde Towne Tavern A bit more formal affair, the Lane family takes a night off from the restaurant business for a family event. By Liane Marette Davis; photo provided by Lane family Teresa and Mark Lane have lived in the Esperanza neighborhood in Castle Pines for the past six…
Kate and Nick Krumenauer, soon to be first and fourth graders, take time for a photo after hand delivering school supplies to La Libertad School in Costa Rica. (photo provided by the Krumenauer family) by Elean Gersack In late May and early June, the Krumenauer family took a special two week vacation to the Guanacaste…
Castle Pines outstanding students for 2011 Articles by Lisa Crockett, Elean Gersack, and Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the families The 39th Annual Student Awards for the Douglas County Federation was held on Wednesday, May 11, at Rock Canyon High School. Students were nominated based on the following qualities: scholarship, creativity, responsibility, school and…
Timber Trail art teacher Peggy Jensen gets a big send-off to celebrate her retirement after a 25-year career in Douglas County. Fifth graders Chaz Biondino (at left) and Derrick Frasier were on hand to supply tissues during a farewell assembly. Articles and photos by Lisa Crockett The end of the school year is all about…
Eagle Scout Brandon Bulmer, Castle Pines Troop 316 Brandon Bulmer stands with his Eagle Scout project, one of two therapy boards for Praying Hands Ranch. by Elizabeth Wood West; photos provided by Bulmer family It is beautifully ironic that a healthy seventeen-year-old young man would come to understand the value of meeting…
by Elean Gersack Tune your bike, strap your helmet, and get set for the Wacky W Cycling event on Saturday, September 10, at Rocky Heights Middle School. This first-time event will directly benefit Douglas County Schools. Avid cyclists parents of Douglas County students, along with 9News sports reporter Susie Wargin and her brother Ted, created…
by Kathy Dunker Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) will be holding a legal camp entitled Mock Trial Week from July 25 through July 29 with an exhibition trial on July 30. The week is geared for high school students at all skill levels from those with little or no experience as a trial team competitor…
Almost 100 kids attended each day at Castle Pines Community Church’s annual week-long Vacation Bible School. This year’s theme was “PandaMania – Where God is wild about you!” Thirty-eight volunteers, mostly teens from Castle Pines Community Church, assisted with games, skits, songs, and lessons during “PandaMania.” Photo by Nicole Zwick. For more information about Castle…
By Amy Shanahan The Counseling Staff at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is excited to offer a new program to parents of incoming sixth graders and students who are new to RHMS. Parent Boot Camp will take place on Wednesday, July 20, and will provide an opportunity for parents to learn the ins and outs…
RHMS sixth graders (pictured from left to right, front) Logan Fredericksen, Lauren Gregory, and Madison Drew along with mom, Kristina Gregory (back) had a blast promoting their Latin food creations at the district 5k this spring. By Amy Shanahan The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) sixth grade Rappeller team recently completed the “Chefs in Schools”…
by Eean Gersack The Sassy Soiree is the fall event in Douglas County. It’s the place to shop, dine, visit with friends, and have fun all while supporting the Douglas/Elbert County Task Force (Task Force). Women, men, friends, co-workers, families and businesses are all invited to take part in this great event for an even…
Barracuda, Ethan Dwyre, swimming breast stroke against the Stingrays Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Tracey Dwyre Brothers Jake Dwyre (back) and Ethan Dwyre (front) were partners in team tie-dye at the Willow Creek I swim meet against the Castle Pines Stingrays on June 18. Thirteen year old Ethan Dwyre, resident of Esperanza, has…
By Lisa Crockett Three civil liberties organizations filed suit in June against Douglas County School District (DCSD) to challenge a new school voucher plan. The American Civil Liberties Union, the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado and Americans United for Separation of Church and State sued on behalf of a group of parents, clergy and…
A taste of… Boulevard Pizza Kitchen By Liane Marette Davis With over 30 years of being in the pizza business, Pullie and Kari Lusha brought their love for pizza and people to Castle Rock. Thank you Boulevard Pizza Kitchen, we needed you! Pullie was born in New York where his father had a pizza restaurant. …
‘Catalina Camp’ girls sit quietly looking out at the ocean during a hike at the Catalina Environmental Leadership Program. This scene played out to be one of the most memorable parts of their journey. Article by Elean Gersack photo courtesy of Paige Taylor In early June, a local group of fifth grade girls took a…
by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines resident Mary Riccelli is a psychiatric nurse practitioner. In March, she launched a new business venture in Lone Tree, called the Neuro Behavioral Institute of Colorado, to provide mental health services for a variety of conditions. Riccelli is an expert in her field, relying heavily on evidence-based treatment to improve…
STEM Academy students participated in the BEST Robotics Competition (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology), including Castle Pines resident, Ryan Bacon, (pictured on the far right in the green shirt.) Darrell Phippen, ULA Aerospace Engineer and STEM School and Academy Board Member, coached the STEM Academy Robotics Team. By Tracy Dudley A local group of…
CPCC’s Summit Sunday school class and adult volunteers deliver more than 1,000 food items and serve meal at the Denver Rescue Mission. (Left to right) Carter Almquist, Sam Prosser, Elaina Muterspaugh, Hope Larson, Chris Prosser, Marlayna Prosser, Elizabeth Curtright, Jamie Laraia, Bella Schneider, and Candis Gaerte. Photo by Emily Hibpshman. By Elizabeth Wood West After…
Mattot Celebrates Great Character with characters. Left to right: Mattot, Mitch, Christina and Rebecca. Article and photos by Elean Gersack During March and April, students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) helped cap off a year full of great character. Congratulations to those receiving the honor of being recognized as their classroom character winner for…
Information and photo provided by The Dumb Friends League Homeless cats and dogs are on the rise in the Denver area. The Buddy Center and the Dumb Friends League (DFL) Denver shelter have received 1,500+ animals more in recent months compared to the same period last year. To help ease the load at the centers…
Zoe, born premature and weighing only 14 ounces, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Zoe came to SUF confined to a wheelchair and walker and is now taking steps on her own and controlling her muscular and skeletal systems head to toe. by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the SaddleUp! Foundation Stonecroft residents, Bryan Gray,…
Schuler with her college savings check in front of the Colorado State Capitol on April 28. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the Schuler family Kaylee Schuler, a fifth grader at DCS Montessori, won first place honors and a $250 college savings account for doing what she loves to do – write. “The…
Junior Croc Coaches rallied together for some fun as the Crocs kicked off their sixth season (pictured left to right): Maria, Chloe, Brooke, and Nicole. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Carin Kirkegaard Gearing up for their sixth summer season, the Castle Crocs Swim Team held its annual kickoff party on Sunday, May…
Photo of bison herd taken from Daniel’s Park Road looking into Amber Ridge By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Tim Gamble It is springtime at Daniels Park: Twenty five adult bison and eleven calves are happily grazing on 800 acres of pasture set aside for them in the 1,000-acre park owned by the City…
Fourth grader Josh Bullock feeds crayfish in his classroom at Timber Trail Elementary. The crayfish are part of a science unit designed to teach about the life cycle. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett In a science unit that is part class pet and part experiment, fourth graders at TTE are keeping live crayfish in…
RHMS eighth grader, Logan Schurr, in the leading role as Millie Dillmount. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Maclain Looper Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Drama Club performed its spring musical comedy last month, “Thoroughly Modern Millie Junior.” Led by director Maclain Looper and musical director Susie Ritter the production was quite impressive and…
By Kathy Dunker Get out your bikes and air up the tires! June is Colorado’s official Bike Month with the highlight being Bike to Work Day. Wednesday, June 22, is this year’s Bike to Work Day, and employees are encouraged to leave their cars at home and enjoy a nice bike ride to work. The…
Information provided by Douglas County Prairie Canyon Ranch is the site of open space day in Douglas County, an event celebrating 16 years of open space preservation in the county. Since the inception of the county’s open space program, the county has protected a total of 46,220 acres of open space. Historic Prairie Canyon…
Information provided by Douglas County A residential-only electronics recycling, personal documents shredding and clothing donation event will be held on Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Sports Authority Stadium, 11901 Newlin Gulch Blvd., in Parker. For personal document shredding, up to three boxes or bags of paper will be shredded at…
Castle Pines Athletics “Soccer Tots” bundled up to show off their new trophies after finishing their last game on May 14 in the unusually cold spring weather. Brad and Mackenzie McDonald led a team of seven three-year-olds for the new program offered this spring. (Photo by Shannon Terry.) Information and photos provided by Lane Roberts,…
Team Segal (from left to right) Charlie, Marissa, Heather, and Greg. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of the Segal family Heather Segal, resident of Esperanza, was formally diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome three years ago. Sjogren’s (pronounced show-grins) is an incurable autoimmune disease in which white blood cells attack moisture glands. While dry eyes…
Brownie Troop 3719 celebrates Earth Day by helping pick-up trash around Castle Pines. -Photo courtesy of Cari Ogg
Castle Pines Athletics’ kindergartners run through a parent tunnel and celebrate the end of a soccer game at Daniels Gate Park. (Photo by Chad Maurer.) Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Twenty-seven teams of local children ages three to third grade enjoyed playing soccer in Castle Pines this spring. Castle Pines Athletics hosted the…
by Sally Uhrich The month of June brings with it warmer weather, blooming flowers and Father’s Day. Mark your calendar on the 19th and begin planning how you will honor the special father(s) in your life. While mothers usually prefer to dine out on their special day, it’s a surefire bet that most fathers prefer…
Lin Miklas of Remax Alliance (right) wins a complimentary ad from The Castle Pines Connection’s publisher Terri Wiebold (left), during several drawings at the Castle Pines multi chamber event. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Tim Gamble More than 100 business people enjoyed lively conversation and a delicious buffet at Castle Pines Chamber of…
Rocky Heights seventh grade stock market sharks (pictured from left to right): Lexi Wynne, Allison Janedis, Emilee Nelson, and Avery Lemler took second place in state. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The seventh grade Adventurer’s team from Rocky Heights recently participated in a statewide spring Stock Market Game sponsored by the Colorado Council for…
Former golf campers have a ball while playing the course at The Ridge at Castle Pines North. By Elean Gersack with photo by Terri Wiebold Dennis Murray, PGA pro and director of instruction at The Ridge at Castle Pines North (The Ridge) is set to offer junior golf camps, along with a multitude of other…
Alex Gray and Avalon Kirby perfecting their ballet moves in the studio. By Kathy Dunker The International Youth Ballet has a brand new production coming to Denver University (DU) this month; namely “Cinderella.” Led by the company’s Artistic Directors Mark and Sandra Carlson, the performances will be at the Newman Center Gates Concert Hall on…
Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Holly Coffee Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2011 on Wednesday, May 18, at Shea Stadium in Highlands Ranch. This rite of passage from student to young adulthood was well attended and culminated a full week of senior activities at the…
Castle Pines resident and recent Lutheran High School Parker graduate Colt Olson will be headed to Montana State University – Billings in the fall on a baseball scholarship to pitch for the Yellow Jackets. By Nate King, senior sports editor, Lutheran High School Parker; Photo provided by Marla Olson Lutheran High School Parker (LHSP) is…
Members of the Castle Pines Garden Club, a Castle Pines Village group dedicated to gardening, education and charitable work, breaks ground on its new “Serenity Garden.” Located on the banks of Village Lake, the new garden provides a showcase for water-conserving plants and gardening techniques. By Lisa Crockett with photos provided by Kathy Dennis, Castle…
Fourth-grader Trent and others look on as they learn about the multi-color press. (photo by Elean Gersack). By Elean Gersack with photos by Tim Gamble and Elean Gersack Neighborhood printer Unique Litho, located in the Inverness Business Park, hosted a special tour on Thursday, May 5. Dan Prehn, manager of mailing operations, helped create a…
By Kathy Dunker The Spring edition of Party with a Purpose was held at the Kabza residence in Amber Ridge in April. Party with a Purpose raised $554 and collected 474 toiletry items for The Gathering Place in Denver. Pictured left: Suzanne Kabza displayed her wares from Wildtree. To learn more about Party with a…
Eagle Scout Will Stopps sits on one of the benches in the newly-landscaped area he built and installed for Faith Lutheran Church. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos courtesy of the Stopps family Members of Faith Lutheran Church in Castle Rock are enjoying new benches and landscaping, thanks to 17-year old Will Stopps, Castle Pines…
Article and photos by Elean Gersack The Buffalo Ridge Elementary School’s Dream Team (DT) is just people helping people. The fifth grade crew, with the help of teacher leaders Jen Jacoway and Jolie Pinke, spent this year finding simple ways to help others. “We help instill our school’s character pledge and make sure people are…
Information provided by Wendy Aiello for Sterling Ranch The Board of Douglas County Commissioners on May 11 approved both the Sterling Ranch rezoning and the water appeal. Approval signals the start of the next phase for the 3,400-acre planned community, which is located northwest of the Castle Pines community. The vote comes following the recommendation…