Read the stories from the latest issue:
Article and photo by Liane Marette Davis The Old Stone Church, built in 1888, was home for many years to the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church congregation. In 1966, the congregation left for another location and remodeling began in 1975 to convert the church into a restaurant. The Old Stone Church Restaurant has an…
Miers with her current Bengal stud and show cat, Thunder Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Judy Miers Judy Miers, resident of Knight’s Bridge, loves her cats. Her humble home is also currently home to nine Bengal cats and a new litter of Bengal kittens that Miers cares for. Coordinator for Bengal Cat…
Elizabeth Celania-Fagen Superintendent February 18, 2011 Dear Douglas County School District Employees and Families: I hope you had a good week and are looking forward to a relaxing weekend. I would like to take a minute to update you on two current events related to our District. First, Governor Hickenlooper released his budget this week.…
submitted by Amy Shanahan, RHMS Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) continues to receive recognition as an outstanding school. The middle school has been chosen as a State School of Character for the third year in a row, one of only three schools in the state of Colorado. State Schools of Character are schools that are…
Storm boys showing their enthusiasm with a round of “thumbs up” from the heating area before a race. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Melissa Jankowski Storming along towards their third season descends the Castle Pines Storm summer swim team. One hundred twenty-seven swimmers strong last year, the team will be holding their…
Article and photos by Elean Gersack Playkgound equipment is typically meant for young children. Unfortunately, older kids and teens sometimes misuse it or leave unwanted graffiti and trash. Local teen George Byrne has discovered a very positive use for the playground equipment located in the HOA2 neighborhood of Castle Pines. Last summer, Byrne came up…
Build it and they will come …Will the boys of summer be playing in Lone Tree? By Patte Smith The crack of a bat on a beautiful summer night as the runners round the bases and the fans go crazy… could this become a reality right here in our own backyard? Don’t get your hopes…
submitted by Amy Shanahan Generation OC was a pilot cooperative effort between Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) and Opera Colorado (OC). The program combined one passionate teacher, 150 8th graders from RHMS, video cameras, computers with the latest design programs, and OC’s education, development, and marketing staff. The goal of the program was to introduce…
Odelia on her Disney World wish trip, made possible by the Make-A-Wish Foundation and generous taxpayers. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Melissa Morris The Make-A-Wish Foundation was chosen once again as part of the Checkoff Colorado program for 2011. This program enables Colorado taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to their favorite charitable…
Submitted by Fran Santagata Douglas County Emergency Management Director Sgt. Ron HanavanPublic Information OfficerDouglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County Commissioners and Sheriff David Weaver Approve Fire Restrictions On March 29, 2011, The Douglas County Board of Commissioners Reinstated Ordinance No. O-003-001, an ordinance restricting open fires and open burning in the unincorporated areas of Douglas…
By Elizabeth Wood West with photos courtesy of the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District Construction has begun on the InterConnect Pipeline (ICP), a major water transmission cooperative effort between Centennial Water and Sanitation District (CWSD) and Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD). The ICP will connect CPNMD’s water system to a pump station and tank…
By Tracy Dudley DCS Montessori School recently teamed up with TerraCycle to start turning collected waste into new products and materials, ranging from park benches to backpacks. TerraCycle recycles and upcycles used packaging from familiar products like Capri Sun, Lays, and Oreos. Out of this comes more than 1,500 various products available at major retailers.…
Linda Nuzum by Carin R. Kirkegaard with photo by Lane Roberts For the past 13 years, Linda Nuzum has served as community leader, communicator, problem solver, watchdog, and tireless advocate for the Castle Pines community. Her endless volunteerism has always been inspired by her wish to be an informed citizen of the community. This wish,…
by Terri Wiebold On January 7, the Douglas County Business Alliance (DCBA) hosted a breakfast forum at Sky Ridge Medical Center featuring guest speakers from the Douglas County delegation, including Speaker of the House-elect Frank McNulty, Representative Carol Murray, Representative-elect Chris Holbert, and Senator Ted Harvey. Business leaders from all over Douglas County joined in…
Pine Crest Investors’ underpass alternative for North Meadows Extension Project. Schematic drawings provided by Pine Crest Investors. By Elizabeth Wood West While the Town of Castle Rock continues to move forward with the proposed North Meadows Extension Project, there may be a new alternative to the previously-selected Castlegate Drive preferred alignment in the works; an…
Pizza Chef and Owner, Sang Duong of Nick-N-Willy’s Pizza with their new gluten free pizza creation Submitted by Joe Gschwendtner; Photo by Tim Gamble Nick-N-Willys at King Soopers on Lagae Road is now offering gluten-free pizza. The thin crust is from The Gluten Free Bistro in Boulder in medium size only. Compared to other gluten-free…
Goodwill employee Axel Caraballo greets donors at Goodwill’s newest donation center, located in Castle Pines. The donation center offers a quick and convenient way to recycle clothing and household items. By Lisa Crockett A Goodwill donation center is now open in Castle Pines in the Castle Pines Marketplace Shopping Center, just a few doors down…
After a several year hiatus, friends and neighbors on and near Turweston Lane in Castle Pines recently started up monthly bunko gatherings again. Old and new faces are coming together each month to talk, laugh and play the famous dice game – this time setting aside half of the pot for charity. (Photo provided by…
Research conducted by, and article prepared by Linda Nuzum Castle Pines taxpayers are footing the bill for attorneys, consultants, and communications efforts related to the City of Castle Pines’ 2010 court filing, which orders the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) to submit a dissolution plan to the judge, and ultimately Castle Pines voters,…
Jamie Larue In college, I got a bean bag chair. I also gave up the daily exercise program I’d followed for years. There was neither privacy nor room in my dorm. By the end of the second semester, suddenly, I had a problem. I was in constant lower back and limb pain. I started to…
Winter Berry resident and artist Nancy Meisner helped contribute to the party’s success. Article by Kathy Dunker Susanne Kabza and Michele Hayden had a successful day on December 14 with their third annual “Party with a Purpose” at Kabza’s home in Amber Ridge. More than $1,100 was raised to benefit The Women’s Crisis and Family…
Castle Pines Athletics soccer players take a break to hang out after a game last fall. Playing with friends, neighbors and classmates is partof what makes Castle Pines Athletics so special. Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Beginning in March, Castle Pines Athletics will kick off its third consecutive year of bringing sports to…
Article by Patte Smith photo by Carla Kenny Government day, held in January for the members of Leadership Douglas County (LDC), was a refresher course in what many of us learned in middle and high school. “We revisited a lot of useful information about our government and the difference in governing at the state and…
Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Kristi Doke Kindergartners at American Academy (AA) got put on their engineering hats last month with their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) week for mechanical engineering. The Kindies got to think like mechanical engineers as they used the force of wind to power their mechanical creations. With…
By Pacey, Ridgeline Staff Reporter Did you know that Cripple Creek had one of the biggest gold strikes in history? $500,000,000 worth of gold was found at Cripple Creek in 1890. The population of the town went from 500 people to 10,000 people in just 3 years. After the Gold Rush, many people left the…
While many across the country find themselves indoors with a cup of hot chocolate near a fireplace when the snow hits big, we here in Colorado head to the hills. Whether it is skiing, tubing, snow boarding, sledding or just playing in the snow, the Castle Pines community makes the most of the winter fun.…
Information submitted by DC Libraries In addition to The Wildlife Experience and Dinosaur Ridge, Douglas County Libraries now offers library card holders Adventure Passes to the Denver Art Museum. The partnership is the first of its kind among Colorado libraries. Denver Art Museum passes are available starting January 11. The Denver Art Museum seeks to…
Back Row: Nicole (Mrs. Kennedy); Lexi Wirkus (Ms. Carter); Elizabeth Curtright (Mrs Phelan); Chelsea Gause (Mr. Jenson); Lawrence Shook (Mrs. Sedersten). Middle Row: Jameson Shanahan (Mrs. Shepherd); Jessica Bentley (Mrs. Brester); Rachel Ansay (Mrs. Pedrett); Ashley Zbylski (Mrs. Pinke); Madison Pickett (Mrs. Jaramillo); Megan Golba (Mrs. Herzog). Front Row: Zachary Ruggee (Mrs. G.); Caden Brester…
Candidate Forum – Castle Pines – July 22, 2008 by Joe Gschwendtner Arnold Schwarzenegger recently proved a good “terminator” does not necessarily make a good “governator.” Much admired by many Americans, polls indicate he is seen as having failed California. I’ve been involved in governance for 30 years. To be fairly governed requires electing good,…
Chris Bonham Column by Chris Bonham, intern writer I recently attended a Civil War Ball, a rather large event held for homeschoolers at the DC Fairgrounds every year. It’s a time when teens get dressed up in period-type clothing and dance the night away. Unfortunately, my dancing skills are somewhat lacking. My night was spent…
Articles and photos by The Castle Pines Connection staff, courtesy photos The Douglas County Educational Foundation will present its Apple Awards on March 5 at an event designed to honor the finest educators in the county, while also raising money to support school programs. After the Foundation reviewed 5,300 nominations submitted by students, staff and…
Property owners in Douglas County now have a new tool on the county’s website that will calculate the cost of an individual property’s proportionate share of 28 different service categories provided by Douglas County, including road construction, law enforcement, parks and trails, public health, elections, snow removal, and traffic management. For access to the county’s…
Submitted by Bob Wilson CDOT Public Relations Work is underway to reconstruct a large portion of State Highway 86 (Founders Parkway) between Interstate 25 and the Founders Parkway/ Ridge Road/ 5thStreet intersection. The Colorado Department of Department (CDOT) project includes reconstructing 2 1/2 miles of highway with concrete pavement, a new storm drain system, retention…
Last month, City of Lone Tree officials, project associates and project contractor G.E. Johnson celebrated Topping Out of the Lone Tree Arts Center by signing their John Hancock and then placing a structural beam at the site of the future lobby area. Guests received an inspirational speech from Lone Tree Arts Center Executive Director Lisa…
The Castle Pines Connection is looking to add a listing of services and home-based businesses that might be of interest to our readers. We want this to be more than just a static listing of businesses, but rather a useful resource for services you frequently need. Please send suggestions regarding the types of services you…
The Castle Pines Library will host a Mother-Daughter book club in 2011. Bimonthly meetings are planned for the following Mondays at 6:30 p.m.: Monday, March 1 – Black Beauty Monday, May 9 – Each Little Bird that Sings Monday, July 11 – The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters Monday, September 12 – When…
Now in its fourth year, the much celebrated Douglas County Art Encounters™ public art program invites sculpture artists to submit applications for participation in the June 2011 to June 2012, outdoor sculpture exhibit. Deadline for artist entries is Feb. 28. Please visit www.douglas.co.us/artencounters to access the CAFE (Call for Entries) online application and for comprehensive…
In a recent Castle Pines Connection letter to the editor, Brambleridge resident Donald Reese made the observation that, “We [residents in the city] are suing ourselves with our own tax dollars…Why?” He went on to write, “I would encourage your paper to publish a future article reporting the total amount of taxpayer money, in dollars,…
The staff at Las Fajitas is eager to serve up some traditional-style Mexican favorites. Owner Alberto Granados is pictured in the center. Las Fajitas is a family-owned and operated restaurant. By Lisa Crockett with photos by Tim Gamble Aurora restaurant owner Alberto Granados was looking to expand his popular “Las Fajitas” restaurant. He says his…
Information provided bythe CPN Master Association New management company The Master Association has changed management companies and is now managed by Premier Property Management. Please contact Kim Maguire by e-mail with questions. Decrease in dues Effective January 1, the Master Association annual dues were reduced to $85. Due to the recent change in management company,…
Team members at a recent tournament (left to right:) Ben Bush, Jonah Flores, and Emily Ball. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of JoAnn Moran Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) new head coach, JoAnn Moran, puts in a lot of hours for her Speech and Debate Team. While the team was formed four years…
by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Marc Feldman Professional photographer Marc Feldman is a resident of Esperanza and a new addition to the Castle Pines business community. Feldman, who lives wit h his girlfriend, son, and sheep dog, has been a professional photographer for 36 years and is now heading up a new digital…
Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Tim Gamble The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce wrapped up another successful year at its annual banquet at the Inverness Hotel in January. Business owners and community leaders joined together to celebrate the chamber’s many accomplishments in 2010 and to recognize some outstanding business owners who give a…
Submitted by Lacee Tasker The stone Spinel Spinel occurs in all colors, the favorite being a ruby-like red. The pigments, which give it its color, are chrome and iron. Large stones are rare and star spinel are very rare. Spinel was recognized as an individual mineral only 180 years ago. Before then it was classed…
Be the MVP of the Super Bowl Party; Be a Designated Driver Increased DUI Enforcement this Super Bowl Weekend The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP), Denver Broncos and members of the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association are reminding football fans that if your Super Bowl celebration includes alcohol, make sure you have…
Rob Solomon Photo provided by Rob Solomon Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Dewey Finn, Jack Black’s, character in “School of Rock” has nothing on Rob Solomon, the owner and instructor of guitarKidz, a local music school that has been working with area children for the past six years in Surrey Ridge. Solomon teaches…
by Patte Smith Enjoy a romantic tea or yummy brunch this year at beautiful Cherokee Ranch and Castle on Saturday, February 12. Relax and savor the tea and splendor of the castle, while sipping champagne at Take-your-Sweetie to Tea. Tasty finger sandwiches, scones, assorted pastries and teas will be served – an added highlight is…
Shayna Smith (left), gets ready to compete at the 2011 All-Star Swim Meet in Lawrence, Kansas during the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. Smith was named to Team Colorado as one of the top 10, ten and younger female swimmers. By Elean Gersack with photo provided by the Smith family Shayna Smith began taking swimming…
Douglas County Divas members socialize at the dessert table in Zi Fusion Restaurant. Pictured left to right: Co-Founder Theresa Buckley, Founder Pamela Anderson, and Marketing Director Kathlena Gill. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West More than 300 smartly-dressed businesswomen sipped cocktails, nibbled appetizers, and swapped business cards and conversation at Douglas County Divas’…
Fourth graders Caroline and Katie take visitors on a tour of Georgetown during their Rocky Mountain Road Trip. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Fourth grade students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary took families and visitors on a Rocky Mountain Road Trip on Thursday, January 13, to celebrate year-long learning about Colorado history. The gym was…
The Children’s Hospital of Colorado is the principal sponsor of the Third Annual Sweet Hearts Ball to be held Saturday evening, February 12th at The Renaissance Hotel. All proceeds will be used to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Colorado schools. The Ball is being organized through the combined efforts of the South Metro Safety Foundation, The Kick Start My…
Column by Anthonette Klinkerman I committed the absolutely most sacrilegious thing one could possibly do in a coffee place the other day. I’ve done this most heinous thing twice now. I sat and did … nothing. Yes, you read that correctly; I did nothing but sip my coffee in a coffee place. Well, I guess…
A Taste of …The Fort The Fort restaurant is located at 19192 Highway 8, Morrison. Dinner entrees range from $20 to $60; a children’s menu for 12 and younger is also available (menus can be viewed and printed from The Fort’s web site). By Liane Marette Davis with photos provided by The Fort As you…
The Leading EdgeSharon Wheeler (left) and Sara Tibby (right) Physical Therapy owners. Submitted by The Leading Edge Physical Therapy Located in the King Soopers shopping plaza in Castle Pines, Leading Edge has a constant hum of patients at any given time of the day. Perhaps this is because they offer the latest technology and treatment…
by Sally Uhrich Find yourself dealing with a bit of holiday let-down, along with a few of the winter blues? Consider spending an evening, entertaining with recipes from The Fort restaurant’s cookbook, Shinin’ Times at The Fort. The 160 featured recipes range from appetizers to desserts. One of my favorite recipes is, “Elk Chops St.…
Dr. Bryan Rudiak D.C. and Rudolph Gallegos, Food Bank Manager, Douglas County Task Force Submitted by Dr. Bryan Rudiak Canyon Ridge Chiropractic in Castle Pines held its annual Food Drive during the holidays. Last year, the chiropractic patients helped raise 100 pounds of non-perishable food items, which were passed along to the Douglas County Task…
by Elizabeth Wood West The Town of Castle Rock has approved its first LED sign. The new LED sign will be for the Outlets Mall in Castle Rock. The sign’s applicant, Craig Realty Group (Outlets’ owner), submitted its signage proposal to Town officials in 2010. The proposal included replacing its existing 42’ tall main sign…
Denver Restaurant Week coming February 26 through March 11 Enjoy a two-week celebration of culinary creations throughout Denver. More than 350 participating restaurants will offer a multi-course dinner for the fixed price of $52.80 for two, or $26.40 for one (not including tax or gratuity). Several nearby restaurants are participating in Denver Restaurant week, including:…
Submitted by Trish Cummings Student achievement comes in many forms. Though the teachers and administrators at American Academy work very hard to make sure students excel academically, they also strive to create a culture of respect, responsibility and exceptional character among even the youngest students. That kind of self-control and intentional behavior indicates great leadership…
By Linda Nuzum Prepared in response to a Letter to the Editor dated January 5, 2011 (Excerpt) Editor Wiebold, … My letter was intended to lend a unfiltered voice to, and encourage the citizens of Castle Pines, to be aware of the ongoing “gut fight” between the City and the Metro District. Both are directing…
RHMS seven hour film award winners (pictured left to right): Krishan Gopal, Gredigan Wade, Luke Sheperd, and Sam Arellano. by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) recently held its third annual Film Festival featuring the students from Nighthawk TV. Nighthawk TV is a class of 50 kids who meet daily to produce films and…
Santa & Mrs. Claus, kids and families celebrated the holiday season with hay wagon rides through the HOA#2 community during a fun-filled evening in December. Treats were available for the children and appetizers and wine for the adults .
By Terri Wiebold; photo by Bob Wiebold In December, The Castle Pines Connection staff gathered at Dukes Steakhouse to celebrate the holidays and the successful completion of another year of bringing an independent news and information source to the Castle Pines community. “When we began this journey two years ago, we were just trying to…
Even a tired little one has a smile after a fun time.Santa and Mrs. Claus pose by the cozy fireplace.Penguin Pete and his new friend at the Santa breakfast.The boys liked the light saber balloon sculptures.Ho, ho, ho…The Ridge staff joins in the fun. By Patte Smith Santa brought excitement and wonder for many children…
An avid runner, Balman was named All American for the Junior Olympic program. RHMS seventh grader, Mackenna Balman, coming into the finish line at the regional meet in Arizona. Article by Kathy Dunker; photos by Cindy Balman Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) seventh grader, Mackenna Balman, has a passion for running. She began running five…
Brooke Jacobsen at Nationals in the holiday spirit. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Dawn Jacobsen We all know the stereotypes surrounding girls and beauty pageants. The image of young girls with heavy make up and dressed as if they were much older than they are. Well, not so for Brooke Jacobsen, resident of…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Music is an important part of the educational experience for students at Timber Trail Elementary. At the school’s annual holiday sing-in, students sang songs about many winter holidays including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. A student favorite? “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” featuring groups from each grade level acting out…
In accordance with the Executive Orders of President Obama, flags on all state and federal buildings should be lowered to half staff until sunset on Friday, January 14, 2011 in honor of the victims of the tragedy in Tucson, Arizona. Presidential Proclamation
AT&T Customers Get More Mobile Broadband Coverage in Sedalia New Cell Site Activated as Part of Ongoing AT&T Investment in Local Wireless Network As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced mobile devices and applications, AT&T* today announced the activation of one new mobile broadband cell site in Sedalia that…