The Connection

Article by Kathy Dunker with photo collage by Tim Gamble On a blustery Autumn afternoon, the ghosts and goblins of the Castle Pines community came out in force. Trick or Treat Street, sponsored by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, was an enjoyable way to break into the Halloween weekend spirit. With 26 businesses participating,…

Jaguar Varsity Girls (left to right) Ali Will, Emily Huber, Phoebe Schneider, Leah Huber, Cassandra Hardy, Coach Anna Moseley, Sami Will, Sydney Fleecs, Kaylyn Mondschein-Snook. Photo courtesy of Dezi Kappes. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West After months of rigorous training, hard work, and unswerving competitive spirit, Rock Canyon High School’s Jaguars boys’ and girls’ varsity…

The book fair’s grand opening happened in conjunction with the Rock Slide and the Waffle Brother’s Waffle Breakfast. While runners stretched and prepared for the race start Clifford the Big Red Dog gave hugs while Lea M. carried a sign announcing that the book fair was open for business. Article and photo by Carin R.…

Julenn Lefgren Batchelor By Joe Gschwendtner with photo provided by Brenda Colling Julenn Lefgren Batchelor, 67, lost her fight against cancer on August 28. She was an active woman and Castle Pines North neighbor for fourteen years. Her impact on all was by example, and a driving energy infused her life at every waking hour.…

In the courtroom scene are actors (left to right) Cole Owens, Morgan Hayes, Louise Macdonald, Katt Domingue, Cristina Vazquez, Aimee Shnebeck, Jacob Donaldson, Hayley Zulkoski and Quinn Kennedy. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Alan Treibitz The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) thespians, led by instructor, Cindy Baker, did an outstanding performance last month…

McCarty at the varsity football game, Shea Stadium, wearing her royal sash. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Kathy Dunker and Sherry McCarty “It is our pleasure to inform you that your daughter has been nominated for Rock Canyon High School’s 2010 Homecoming Royalty Court!” So began the McCarty family’s, CPN II residents, voyage…

In the month of November, Douglas County Libraries will gather gently used and new coats for those in need this winter as part of the Coats for Colorado program. Please bring your used coats to any library location, November 1-30: Castle Pines Library (7437 Village Square Dr.) Parker Library (10851 S. Crossroads Dr.) Highlands Ranch…

TTE Book Fair “Saves the Day” The Timber Trail Elementary Book Fair, which has a theme of “Reading Saves the Day,” will be held from November 8 through 12. The Book Fair will be open: Monday and Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. –…

American National bank associates enjoy a martini before viewing the thriller “Psycho” on the IMAX screen at The Wildlife Experience Martini and a Movie. For information about movies and showtimes, go to www.wildlifeexperience.org.

Artist Suzanne Dutcher displays her hand-painted antique tea set, clock, and child’s tea set. Article and photos byElizabeth Wood West Colorado native and Castle Pines North resident Suzanne Dutcher has turned her love of tea sets and antiques into a unique art form. Dutcher transforms every day and heirloom-quality serving pieces into one-of-a-kind functional art…

Tris and Vickie Bars recently became owners of Fish Window Cleaning® in Castle Pines and are new members of the Castle Pines North Chamber of Commerce. The Bars also own a business that installs interlocking concrete pavers for businesses and residences, and have owned that business for 13 years. Currently this company is the largest…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard This Thanksgiving, plan to attend the Turkey Rock Trot and work up an appetite for the big holiday meal. The proceeds from the event will benefit the Douglas/Elbert County Task Force. The event takes place at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Race day registration for $30 per runner begins at 8:30 a.m.…

The RHMS gang gathered around the firepit to start day three. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Steve Green What is the sixth grade experience? Three cheers for outdoor ed! Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) newbies got the chance for some mountain fun with a three day, two night stay at YMCA of the…

The final prize, CPN II resident, Mike Dunker, bags a cow elk on October 24. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Mike Dunker October and November ‘tis the season in Colorado; big game hunting season, that is. Many Castle Pines residents are heading to the mountains this fall as big game season switched into…

Owner Paige Corbett, MSN, CNM, NP-C by Elizabeth Wood West with photo provided by Paige Corbett Family Health Matters (FHM) will open its doors soon, offering a broad range of medical services to the Castle Pines community. FHM will provide walk-in care for non-life threatening illnesses and emergencies, routine lab tests, immunizations, women’s health, and…

Pictured (left) is Garret Durie with his viola and McGregor (right) Durie with his cello. The boys recently auditioned and were accepted to the Arapahoe Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Here, they had just finished their first performance. by Carin R. Kirkegaard with photos by Steve Durie In June, Garret Durie, an eighth grader at Rocky Heights…

Information provided by Douglas County The Douglas County Government Partnership represents 290,311 Douglas County citizens in the unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county. Almost 90 percent of the population lives in urban designated areas of the county. In one-on-one conversations, service transactions, and community meetings, Partnership members are face-to-face, listening and responding to constituent…

Clark on her horse, “Duncans Dun It” at the Mountain Affiliate Finals, Utah, in September of this year. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Judson Crossland and courtesy of Stuart Clark Emily Clark, a 13-year-old seventh grader at Denver Christian in Highlands Ranch, has had a very impressive year as a young equestrian. A…

The Thomases gave a very informative and entertaining presentation to the Castle Pines Rotary Club on October 14. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Kathy Dunker and courtesy of Huw Thomas Castle Pines Rotary had two special guests at their October meeting. British cyclists, Huw and Carolyn Thomas, from the ShelterBox disaster relief charity,…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. In a collaborative effort with the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, the City of Castle Pines North is submitting an application for Community Wildfire Protection Plan assistance and funding from the Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP). CUSP provides financial assistance to…

Information submitted by South Suburban Parks and Recreation During November, South Suburban Parks and Recreation will celebrate Great Skate Month with FREE skating classes at both ice arena facilities, South Suburban Ice Arena, 6580 S. Vine St., Centennial, and Family Sports Center, 6901 S. Peoria St., Centennial. A free 30-minute skating class will be offered…

BRE second graders show school spirit at the Rock Slide Fun Run. The entire second grade class was recognized for having the most class participation in the event. (Photo by Cari Ogg) Rock Slide returns to BRE Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Saturday October 2 found Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) buzzing with community…

Column by Anthonette Klinkerman Lasagna has a time and a place, and according to my Rulebook of Life, it’s not at Thanksgiving. Now before I inadvertently offend a bunch of pasta lovers, Italians, and Garfield the cat, I will reiterate: lasagna is NOT the main course at Thanksgiving. It is fine for some families, but…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The City of Castle Pines North’s financial position continues to be positive when compared to budget and forecast thru the first eight months of the year. The latest fiscal updates include: Actual Compared to Budget: The City is in a favorable position to…

Heat is On enforcement begins Tuesday as holiday travelers hit the road Motorists across Colorado have a lot to be thankful for this holiday week, as hundreds of law enforcement officers hit the road to protect them from the threat of impaired drivers. The Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies statewide are participating…

By The BRE Ridgeline Staff What is character? Ask the kids here at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and they will tell you that character includes doing the right thing, being kind, looking out for others, knowing right from wrong, using great manners, having a positive attitude, knowing how to build friendships, being unique, having perseverance,…

Cherokee Ranch and Castle Events Assistant Tanya Baldwin stands in the dining room with afternoon tea. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind holiday event, set in a magnificent castle with breathtaking views of Pikes Peak, Devil’s Head, the Front Range, and downtown Denver, then consider attending one…

Information submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics is set to host a new basketball program in Castle Pines North. Registration is now underway for a new recreational basketball program for children ages preschool to fourth grade. It ends November 5. Castle Pines Athletics will be hosting a basketball program at the…

RHMS eighth graders visited the Federal Reserve Bank during their field trip to Denver. Pictured from left to right: Devin Hartwig, Julia Seifert, Sydney Hairgrove, Bryan Andrews, Alex Kane, Kyle Gross, Ross Macdonald. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Amy Shanahan When was gold discovered in Colorado? Why was the Denver Omelet developed?…

Information provided by The Kentwood Company Doug Hutchins, a leading broker associate with The Kentwood Company who specializes in Castle Pines, has been named a “Five Star Real Estate Agent” for 2010 by Denver’s 5280 Magazine. Hutchins and the 2010 list of top real estate agents are published in a special section of the September…

Anderies at the Youth Culture Festival in Chicago last July. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Joe Anderies New to Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) this year is band and orchestra director Joe Anderies. Seventeen years at Heritage Elementary School, Anderies is a welcome addition to the RHMS band room. In addition to…

Information provided by Douglas County If asked to share your opinion regarding your community’s wildfire protection plan, would you speak up? If the answer is, “yes,” now is your opportunity to join neighbors and friends in October for community meetings hosted by local fire districts throughout Douglas County, all part of developing a community wildfire…

By Carin R. Kirkegaard In September, the local grassroots group, the Castle Pines Recreation Center group, formally dissolved and donated more than $1,000 to the Castle Pines North Foundation (CPNF). “We are grateful to have the donation and as yet have made no plans for where the money will be used,” said Tom Weldon, founding…

Owner of Duke’s Steakhouse, Neil Minarick (left), shakes hands with Chuck Lowen, the leasing agent for the space Duke’s will soon occupy in the Village Square Shopping Center. Duke’s was formerly located in south Castle Rock. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The change of seasons heralds a change in the Castle Pines dining scene.…

Zwick, climbing the face of the rock where he slept on a man-made ledge that he carried in his 200 pounds of gear. by Carin R. Kirkegaard with pictures submitted by Kevin Zwick In July, local resident Kevin Zwick achieved a dream that had been haunting him for the past 10 years. In the process,…

Column by Anthonette Klinkerman Fall is, without a doubt, my favorite time of year. The sugar maple outside is turning a fiery red, the acorns have popped out on the scrub oak, and there are Pumpkin Spice Lattes to be had at every coffee stop. Warm fuzzy feelings are everywhere. We hope. The season of…

RHMS Principal, Patricia Dierberger (left) with drama teacher, Susie Ritter (right). Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Principal, Patricia Dierberger will be awarded with the Alliance of Colorado Theater (ACT) award for Distinguished Service within the Profession, on September 24. This award is given to a person…

Information provided by Douglas County When seconds count, do you have a plan for how you would evacuate your home during an emergency? Take the first step in emergency preparedness by watching a new informational video, “Evacuation Planning in Douglas County Colorado.” The video can be found at www.dcsheriff.net/emergencymanagement/. Produced following the multi-agency April wildland…

By Liane M. Davis A professional airline pilot, who happens to be one of the owners of Lavishea lotion bars, was not a fan of lotions. The lotions always left a greasy feel. Because of airline restrictions or handling procedures on most lotion products, it made it difficult to use any type of lotion. Looking…

Information provided by City of CPN The Castle Pines North (CPN) City Council will host a community meeting on Wednesday, October 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the CPN community center on the subjects of fire mitigation, wildfire preparedness and evacuation procedures. Einar Jensen, life safety educator with South Metro Fire Rescue Authority,…

by Chris Bonham, intern writer Everyone has heard the clichéd question, “Is the glass half full or half empty” at least once in their lives. Because we’ve heard it so often, we tend to brush it aside. But have you ever wondered if a person’s outlook on life really makes that much of a difference?…

by Lisa Crockett with information provided by Douglas County and contributions by Linda Nuzum Colorado voters have big decisions to make. The new governor will take office next year in Colorado, and that’s just the beginning of a long list of decisions voters will make this fall. Seats in the U.S. House and Senate are…

  The One-Kick Wonders, winners of Timber Trail Elementary’s annual Mother-Son Kickball tournament. Left to right (front row): Gabe Ziegler (K), Ryan Lenke (5th), Luke Ziegler (5th), Kaden Armbrecht (1st), Adam Wilmsen (4th), Kyle Woods (1st), Nathan Hoggard (3rd), Makayla Hoggard (1st), Ty Hall – (2nd) (back row): Renee Ziegler, Tammi Lencke, Shannon Armbrecht, Tammie…

Pictured above: Mrs. Phelan’s fifth grade class works on a writing lesson with one of the two SMARTboards purchased last year. The five new SMARTboards will beinstalled later this fall. The installation process will be completed with funds provided by the Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance, the school’s parent-teacher organization. Submitted by Buffalo Ridge Elementary Thanks…

Sierra Dunbar on her horse, Grace, during a dressage test at Colorado Horse Park in Parker this summer. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Jennifer Dunbar Castle Pines North orthodontist and Forest Park resident, Andrew Dunbar, and his wife, Jennifer, have a lot to brag about with two talented young equestrians in their family.…

Photo of a grass fire on September 16 in west Douglas County, approximately one mile southwest of the Shoppes at Castle Pines Village. This photo illustrates how quickly fire spreads and how hot it burns. Information provided by Douglas County On September 14, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners reinstated an ordinance restricting open fires…

by Lisa Crockett 5280 Magazine has named a Castle Pines area school as one of the best in the Denver area. Twenty-five public elementary schools in a one-county radius of Denver were chosen based on levels of academic proficiency in math, reading, writing and “growth.” Growth is defined as helping students catch up with, keep…

RHMS students sing Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold.” Left to right: Haley S., Michelle D., Brooke J., McKinsey A., Kristina V., and Sydney D. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Weekly middle school karaoke night started off with a bang on September 17 at Dazbog Coffee in Castle Pines North (CPN). Boys and girls alike…

By Lisa Crockett with photos and illustration courtesy of Real Colorado Real Colorado, a Douglas County non-profit that sponsors more than 450 youth and adult soccer teams, has made its first steps towards having its own playing facility. The organization has signed a contract to purchase 22 acres of land in Parker east of I-25.…

Jason, wife Deena, son and first year t-Baller Anthony, and daughter Grace. Article by Tracy Dudley with photo by Tim Gamble This past summer, former major league baseball player Jason Woodring decided to get back into the sport by coaching a Castle Pines Athletics kindergarten t-ball team in Castle Pines North (CPN). Though Jason has…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Eric Carlson The Carlson family, 12-year residents of Forest Park in Castle Pines North, are beside themselves with excitement. Their two sons, Nathan (17) and Alex (12) each got a hole in one while golfing on September 7 and September 8 respectively. Nathan, a senior at Regis Jesuit…

Fifth and sixth grade ski incentive programs By Terri Wiebold with photo by Colorado Ski Country USA Colorado unquestionably has the landscape for some amazing outdoor sports, especially in the winter months. Colorado Ski Country USA offers fifth and sixth graders incentive to learn to ski or snowboard through free and reduced-rate programs each season.…

Elementary and middle school girls taken with the silicone craze. Trading, stacking, mixing and matching .. the possibilities are endless with these silicone bracelets and rings. Article and pictures by Kathy Dunker What comes in numerous colors and shapes and has quickly become the next overnight sensation for boys and girls of all ages? Call…

The Halvas family at the Highlands Ranch Out of the Darkness walk for suicide prevention and awareness. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Jenn Halvas Losing a loved one is devastating. Losing a loved one to suicide is all the more traumatic since the grief is often combined with feelings of guilt, anger,…

The 2010-2011 Ridgeline Staff: Front Row – Ashley, Logan, Cody, Bryce, Travis and Xander; Second Row – Patrick, Simon, Trent, Pacey, Molly, Caroline, Mara, Emily, Casidee and Darren; Third Row – Maddie, Ashley, Sophie and Katie; Back Row Standing – Shannon Herzog, Felicia Phelan, Jason, Isaac, Brie, Nicholas, Aubrey, Oliver, Thomas, Josh, Ava, Monica Harmon…

Article and photos by Tracy Dudley DCS Montessori students and other community members enjoy hands-on experience with a red-tailed boa constrictor. Canyon Critters, one of the many presenters at the Fall Festival, brought several reptiles for kids to interact with and learn about during the fun-filled afternoon outside the school. For the past six years,…

Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network (ADMHN) will host its Sixth Annual “Raising Spirits Wine Tasting and Auction” on October 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Sanctuary Golf Course. Proceeds from the event provide critically needed mental health and substance abuse treatment to low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals in Arapahoe and Douglas counties. A hallmark…

Article and photo by Kathy Dunker American Academy (AA) recently had three young trees planted in front of its cafeteria. The ornamental pear trees were donated by Alameda Wholesale, owned by AA parents Steve and Jackie Brown, and planted by AA parent John Gibson of Swingle Tree, Lawn and Landscape Care. The trees were in…

Students enjoy the new court and turf areas adjacent to the existing playground equipment at DCS Montessori Article and picture by Tracy Dudley After two years of planning, Castle Pines North’s expanding and flourishing DCS Montessori School has added more opportunity for fun to the school’s upper elementary playground. While the board of Directors had…

Information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The success of the August $20 on the 20th promotion, sponsored by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with The Castle Pines Connection, was just the beginning for boosting the economy in Castle Pines North (CPN). The goal of this program is to encourage…

Eagle scout candidate Kelby Gatrell and his dog Duke stand by his project for the Glendale Farm Open Space off-leash dog area. Article by Elizabeth Wood West with photo provided by the Gatrell family If you were to ask the average teenage boy how he spent his summer, you probably wouldn’t hear the words, “I…

BRE third grade teacher, Mrs. Brester squirts some students in retaliation for the dunking she just received. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Second Annual Buffalo Ridge Stampede proved to be another huge success for the local elementary school, raising more than $3,500 for the school’s parent-teacher organization, the Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance…

Submitted by Castle Pines Athletics Working to meet the needs of its growing children, Castle Pines Athletics is adding two new sports programs in 2011. Starting this spring, third and fourth graders can play competitive/developmental boys baseball and girls soccer in CPN. Registration for baseball for third and fourth grade boys will begin in January.…

Student count day is Friday, October 1. Final funding for schools is contingent upon actual student attendance. The attendance recorded that day will be used to reconcile per pupil funding compared to earlier enrollment projections. What does this mean for your student and your school? Students should make every effort to be at school on…

Magestic Mushroom Rock on the southern cliffs of Spruce Mountain, just east of Windy Point. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Douglas County ranks among the nation’s top 10 counties for income and growth. We know why we are here; it’s a quality of life thing. Since 1995, our county has acquired or protected $161…

Pictured above are ladies from the September gathering of Womenade of Castle Rock held at Castle Pines North resident, Mary Williams home. To date, the gathering has raised $1060. The quarter’s recipient is a family of four with two children ages five and nine. Both parents are unemployed and the father is legally blind. By…

Local sculptor Rhonda Vickers stands by her bronze of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Byron White, commissioned by the University of Colorado. Article and photos by Elizabeth Wood West “I believe you are born with it, but you have to learn and work at it,” said sculptor and Castle Pines Village resident Rhonda Vickers with a…

Article by Tracy Dudley with photo provided by the Westen family In September, the Athletics Department at Western Illinois University (WIU) selected local resident, Curt Westen, for induction into the school’s Hall of Fame. Westen played football for Western Illinois from 1978 to 1982 as an offensive lineman, at center. In addition to earning a…