Read the stories from the latest issue:
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce 2014 award recipients (left to right): Sheriff Dave Weaver – Citizen of the Year, Terri Wiebold – Business Person of the Year, and Wendell Cummings – Ambassador of the Year. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos by Amy Shanahan The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (CPCC) staff and members of the business…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Movies, television shows, music and audiobooks are now available to the community free of charge and require nothing more than a current library card. Library patrons now have access to streaming from “hoopla,” a vast catalog of media materials that are easy to access and are available for use…
By Steve Baska Since the new Colorado law legalizing recreational marijuana use went into effect January 1, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has kept on eye on marijuana usage in Castle Pines to ensure compliance. But many people may still wonder what exactly is allowed under the city and state laws that apply, so Douglas…
DCS Montessori kindergartner Alex Chapman (in wheelchair) didn’t let a broken leg keep him from participating in P.E. class with his friends. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori DCS Montessori kindergartner Alex Chapman likes to move. During the 10 minutes of P.E. class that students get to participate in the activity of their…
Students at TTE and BRE celebrate the end of their Winter Olympics. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Wight). Article and photos by Elean Gersack; courtesy photo On February 27, some incredible students at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) and Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) schools gathered for a very special Winter Olympics celebration. Jane Lenz and Niké Oleson…
By Elean Gersack Plans for the third annual Castle Pines Chamber Golf Tournament are in full swing. The joint fundraiser to support the chamber and this year’s charitable organization, The Douglas/Elbert Task Force, is planned for Monday, July 14 at The Golf Club at Pradera in Parker. A gorgeous venue for a great cause! Sponsorship…
Abby Kochevar of Forest Park took the podium for earning first place in the state championship for 100 yard backstroke on February 15 at the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Adams County. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of the Kochevar Family Although Abby Kochevar of Forest Park had the fastest time at the state swimming…
Students on the Timber Team, Timber Trail Elementary’s student council, are collecting clothing, shoes, and other household items in a bin like this one. During the month of April, they are competing with other local organizations to see who can collect the most donations. Donations may be dropped off at any time. Article and photo…
Chip Hudson’s youngest son is a big fan of his father’s app for iPad and iPhones which allows tennis players to track their statistics. Whether a player wants to analyze their stats by game, set, or match, the information is accurate and immediately at their fingertips. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Chip Hudson Castle…
Castle Pines Eye Care Optical Manager Michelle Chalupa (left) stands with Cathy Rapp (right) and Anne Buel (middle) in front of Rapp’s bike series displayed in the hallways at Castle Pines Eye Care. Article and photos by Elean Gersack Nearly six months after getting settled into their new space on Max Drive in Castle Pines, Dr.…
Students from Mrs. Rumminger’s second grade class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School got ‘drenched’ with weather knowledge during the month of March. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Blizzards, tornados, hurricanes, and other major weather events were all abuzz in second grade classrooms at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) during the month of March. With…
Isaac L. (center) is introduced to the RCHS student body, welcoming him with a rendition of their “I Believe” chant, saying “I believe in Isaac’s wish.” Article and photo by Andrew Bohren, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photo Ever since the 2009-2010 school year, there is one week in February when one school unites to grant…
Before, during, and after: An application to reduce commercial square footage (purple) and increase the number of single-family homes (beige) in Castle Pines Town Center resulted in further changes at the request of the City Council. The final plan, which was approved by the City Council in March, included moving a proposed school (blue) from…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo provided by Will McCollum Smart phone applications usher in new ways of living for many of us. If you have not yet heard of UBER (oo-ber), a ridesharing technology platform, get ready. It’s coming soon to our Castle Pines neighborhood. Started in San Francisco in 2001, UBER was launched by Travis…
By Anthonette Klinkerman As it sometimes goes for reporters, a story touches you more than others and you wonder what happened in the years since. Imagine my delight when asked to cover this follow-up story about Tammy Krause, founder of Bags Of Fun. Time flies when you are providing backpacks full of fun diversions for…
Coming to Douglas County April 26, 27 & May 2 By Elean Gersack The 9Health Fair is celebrating 35 years of health screenings this year, and in late April and early May three Douglas County venues will play host – Castle Rock Recreation Center, Eastridge Recreation Center, and Parker Adventist Hospital (note: Sky Ridge Medical…
Chabad Jewish Center Meets at 9950 Lone Tree Parkway; www.denverjewishcenter.com. *Passover: April 14 until April 22; for information about events, visit the website listed above. Castle Oaks Covenant Church Meets at 826 Park Street, Castle Rock, www.castleoaks.org. *Easter Sunday services: April 20 at 8:45 a.m. &10:30 a.m. Castle Pines Community Church Meets at 7280 Lagae…
Jenna Patterson danced the night away with her dad Bill. “The best part of the night was spending time with my dad”, said Jenna. “I love him!” By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of The Country Club at Castle Pines Butterflies and special memories were the theme at the 18th annual Father Daughter Dance at The Country…
Letter sent by the Douglas County School District on February 13 Dear Douglas County Parents, As you know, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. You may also know, over the past few weeks, we have lost three Douglas County School District students and one former student to suicide. First, I…
By Amy Shanahan Castle Pines Village resident Stacy Gaines is at it again! For the fifth year in a row, Gaines and her friends and fellow church members are putting together Easter baskets for homeless children throughout the metro Denver area. The goal this year is five hundred baskets that will be delivered to the…
BRE first graders Jayse and Braden film their video about the Washington Monument. Article and photo by Elean Gersack First graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) recently studied United States symbols. As part of the social studies standards for identifying and explaining the meaning of national symbols, the first grade team worked together to…
Heating things up in the cold Aimee and Hannah Goodrich took first place in the chili cookoff. They competed against seven other entries and were excited to take home the blue ribbon! Article and photos by Amy Shanahan The second annual Winterfest and chili cookoff in Castle Pines Village (CPV) was a huge success despite…
Castle Pines residents Chris and Jaclynn Peterson took extensive fire mitigation measures to remove dead and diseased trees from their 200-acre property. With the help of outside agencies, the Petersons were able to mitigate nearly all their property and have half of their expenses paid for. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Chris and…
Betty Cahill, author of The Denver Post’s “Punch List” Information provided by the CPV Garden Club Springtime garden “to-do” chores can be long and overwhelming. For relief, join The Castle Pines Village Garden Club as they host Betty Cahill, author of The Denver Post’s “Punch List” on Friday, March 7 at 10 a.m. Cahill will…
Eliza Anderson is a successful hair stylist in Lone Tree who leads a very happy life thanks, in part, to her ability to hear. “Sometimes it is hard trying to keep up with conversations in a restaurant or some place that has a lot of background noise, but my Cochlear implants are awesome and let…
Tricia Anthone, owner By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Tricia Anthone In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, Chinese students rallied and died for Democracy in Tiananmen Square, and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” played incessantly on radios across America. In February of that same year, entrepreneur Tricia Anthone entered the Castle Pines community and began connecting…
Artist Mollie Uhl Eaton on opening night at the Tesoro Artisan Gallery. Article by Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Mollie Uhl Eaton Mollie Uhl Eaton is as vibrant as the paintings she creates. Through the end of March, Mollie’s abstract works can be seen at the Tesoro Artisan Gallery in Denver, which features local…
Urban wilderness close to home Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski After a return flight into DIA, I asked one of those kind volunteers in a western vest what she recommends to people who arrive and ask, “Where can I see some of the best of what Colorado has to offer?” Surprisingly, she told me…
After years of traveling far and wide to visit TJ’s, writer Lisa Crockett will finally be able to shop close to home and enjoy her favorite products, as well as new ones. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett I first visited Trader Joe’s (TJ’s) many years ago on a visit to my parents, who live…
City of Castle Pines HOA2 resident and RCHS senior Andrew Nicklanovich advances to first base after a skillfully-executed bunt last season. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Julie Lamb Baseball season means spring is here and the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) baseball team has been working hard for months preparing for the start of…
By Amy Shanahan; courtesy photos Attaining the rank of eagle scout in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is an honor that only a small percentage of scouts receive. However, the Castle Pines community is home to a large number of these young men who have shown the commitment and leadership necessary to achieve the…
Dalton John Lambrecht By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of the Lambrecht family and friends Dalton John Lambrecht loved the color purple, air soft, riding four-wheelers, hunting, and a large variety of music. He loved his family and friends, good hugs, and making others feel welcome, loved and important. Dalton embodied all of these things, and…
Castle Pines resident Gregg Brueck is the dedicated athletic trainer for Real Colorado from Children’s Hospital Colorado. Article and photos by Elean Gersack Spring soccer will soon kick into high gear, so it is the perfect time to introduce Castle Pines resident Gregg Brueck to our readers. Brueck is the full-time athletic trainer for Real…
Pine Canyon development, formerly the Woodhouse-Scott Ranch, is a 535-acre mixed-use development that may be annexed later this year by the Town of Castle Rock. By Elizabeth Wood West; site plan courtesy of The Town of Castle Rock Pine Canyon, an expansive 535-acre planned development owned by the JRW Family Limited Partnership (Owner), is being…
By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Randy Freeland More than two hundred guests attended an elegant all-inclusive fine dining and wine sampling fundraising event to benefit the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center (WCFOC) in February. The “Valentine’s Ball” event was sponsored by Bubbles Liquor World and was held at Cielo at Castle Pines.…
Colorado’s own “Firefall” took time back stage for a photo op with Castle Pines Connection staffer and event volunteer Sharon Kollmar (in yellow). Proceeds from the concert benefitted the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Peter Cranstone Colorado’s own platinum recording artist “Firefall” broke out some old favorites for the 30th anniversary…
NHTV students Ally Pfeiffer and Sydney Dicarlo (left)filmed their randomly-selected student Bryce Schmuhl and learned many interesting facts about his life. Lauren Kelly conducted the interview while Lyla Padden kept track of facts and noted them on the storyboard. The project was very labor intensive, but the end result was fascinating and enlightening. Submitted by…
These ten students from RHMS competed against the top math students in the region. Luke Zhang, Carissa Tan, Amber Liu and Sonia Chu took second place as a team and will move on to the state competition. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Christopher Gowing Rocky Heights Middle School was proud to take second place…
By Steve Baska The Douglas County Board of Commissioners recently replaced two resolutions that banned open carry of guns in its county facilities, parks, trails, and open spaces with a new resolution that allows open carry of guns in those places – with the exception being the Robert A. Christensen Justice Center where the courts…
Team member and Castle Pines Village resident Dane Westen felt pressure to win the Silver Sticks Hockey Tournament, knowing his team would be the first ever from the state of Colorado. “When we won the tournament in Canada we all got to throw our gloves, sticks and helmets on the ice and skate around and…
History Colorado Museum exploration Article and photos submitted by Rhett Jurkowski, fourth grade student, BRE Mrs. Jaramillo’s fourth grade class from Buffalo Ridge is ready to explore the History Colorado Museum together. What is better than going to the History Colorado Museum with your family? Going with your whole class! That is what I…
Katelyn and Andrew Stevens enjoy the scenery, including this Eiffel Tower, which was festively lit Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Ooh, la la! Timber Trail Elementary girls were treated to a night on the town with their dads last month at the school’s annual Daddy-Daughter Dance. This year’s theme – “A Night in Paris”…
The Fusion Lab in the Parker Library, which opened last month, offers a wide array of sophisticated software and equipment for music, audio and video production, and media preservation. The lab, called a “maker space” is the first of its kind in the Douglas County Library system. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett What used…
Castle Pines resident Sara McCaslin at the “Go Red for Women” event at the Park Meadows Retail Resort last month. McCaslin, who is an American Heart Association volunteer and heart attack survivor speaks to groups to raise awareness about heart disease. Outfitted in a new red geometric-pattern dress (compliments of Macy’s), she shared her story…
American Academy Ghana Club board members visited with the Rotary Club of Castle Pines on January 16. The Rotary granted the club $500 to help grow the program. Back Row: Howard Rosch, president Rotary Club of Castle Pines; Ben Wolfe, teacher/Ghana Club sponsor at American Academy; and Ron West, president Rotary Club of Castle Pines…
Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The beautiful new Canyon Fitness health club held its official grand opening on Wednesday, January 29. The event was attended by more than four hundred enthusiastic gym and community members. The “John Saunders Band” kept things rockin’ downstairs, while attendees enjoyed wine and delicious food from The Social. Upstairs…
Rock Canyon High School students pose for the camera following the conclusion of the competition on Friday, February 7. By Michael Shapiro, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Jana Robinette On Friday, February 7, roughly 1,000 high school students from across Douglas County descended on the Denver First Church for the Future Business Leaders of…
By Elean Gersack It’s February and that means it is National Heart Month. We should be good to our hearts throughout the year, but this month marks a time to give it some extra love and make a commitment to improve heart health. Taking simple steps can help care for your heart. Eat Right –…
Dream Team members Aidan, Riley and Dylan hold the heart shaped suckers that will be on sale February 3 – 7 and delivered on Thursday, February 13. By Avarie P., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) is doing something special to spread the love on Valentine’s Day. BRE’s Dream Team is selling heart…
Third grader Marissa Lopez teaches her mom, Liah, how to animate a bouncing ball. Students in a special after-school enrichment class at Timber Trail learned animation techniques that taught computer and problem-solving skills. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A bouncing ball. It seems like a fairly simple image. Just a single sphere, bouncing a…
By Cindy Kessinger The 1937 musical “Babes in Arms” featured a beautiful valentine song that has been a Valentine’s Day favorite and sung by many greats, including Frank Sinatra. But the lyrics to “My Funny Valentine” are not your typical I love you lyrics. “Your looks are laughable, un-photographable, yet you’re my favorite work of…
By Lisa Nicklanovich Did you make a New Year’s resolution to exercise more, eat better, get organized, or save money? With these helpful apps on your phone, you might just be able to count yourself in the small percentage of people who actually stick to their resolutions. All apps listed are free and are compatible…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett A new eatery in town brings a local favorite to the neighborhood. Golden Flame Hot Wings in the Village Square shopping center is the third location in the chain that gained popularity in Aurora. A large selection of wings and famous locally-produced sauces which range in intensity from mild…
Voodoo Doughnuts held its grand opening in Denver in January. The company chose Denver to open its first store outside of Oregon and doughnut lovers are delighted with the funky voodoo magic inside the bright pink building. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Anyone who has lived or spent any time in Oregon or Washington…
Among Kaiser Permanente’s various facilities is a new multi-specialty clinic in Lone Tree. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Kaiser Permanente Castle Pines resident Kris Leddin is a nurse for Kaiser Permanente Colorado in the allergy department. Until just a few months ago, she worked relatively close to home at Kaiser’s Highlands Ranch Clinic, but in…
By Elean Gersack Denver Restaurant Week (DRW) has made some big changes. The first is timing. Rather than having one two-week period to enjoy a variety of cuisines at a reasonable price, Denverites will now have two one-week opportunities to do so. The weeks planned for 2014 are February 22-28 and August 23-29. “A summer…
RCHS Unified Team players and peer coaches pose for the camera prior to the January 14 scrimmage against Ponderosa High School at RCHS. Article and photo by Michael Shapiro, RCHS intern writer On Tuesday, January 14, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) special education students participated in a unified basketball game with students from Ponderosa High…
Rueter-Hess Reservoir as seen from Hess Road in Castle Pines – not yet filled with water and not yet ready for recreational usage. Article and photo by Steve Baska The Castle Pines City Council on January 14 heard details about a recreation development plan for Rueter-Hess Reservoir, located east of I-25 and Castle Pines Parkway,…
Captions and photos by Lisa Crockett and Elean Gersack At Buffalo Ridge Elementary School, Ashton K. (center) took first place in the school spelling bee after correctly spelling “circadian.” Ashton and fellow fourth graders, Josh (left) and Sienna (right), were all in it together until Ashton came up with the correctly-spelled championship word in round…
By Joe Gschwendtner Last July we briefed our readers on the Castle Pines chapter of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Scholarship Foundation. We now share time-sensitive information that could benefit relatives or people you know. The application window for 2014 – 2015 USMC scholarships will be closing on March 1. With more than $7…
Eighth grade students Dani Shafer, Kaila Tangney, and Isabelle Bailey presented their invention to a team of four “Sharks” during their Shark Tank project. Presentation skills and public speaking were just two of the skills that were perfected during this fun project. By RHMS eighth grade student Maria Pangalos; photo courtesy of RHMS eighth grade…
Linda B. White, M.D. Submitted by The Castle Pines Village Garden Club The Castle Pines Village Garden Club invites all to join from 10:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 7 at the Country Club of Castle Pines for an exciting guest speaker who will discuss herbal medicinal remedies. According to presenter Linda B.…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Every country has a special food or two, something that has been perfected in that country in a way no other can duplicate. In Italy, of course, it’s pasta. In France, a baguette and cheese. In Mexico, a fresh, warm tortilla is a delight. And here at home, there’s…
By Lisa Crockett Last month, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) launched a re-designed website aimed at helping parents, students and employees – the so-called stakeholders in the District – to more easily access information. Castle Pines resident Sandra Haworth, a parent of DCSD students, was instrumental in helping the district realize their goal of…
By Julie Montoya; courtesy photos Ever look out your window and see a wild turkey staring back at you…or maybe a red tail hawk or a huge owl? Being a resident of Castle Pines, you have probably seen one of these a time or two. Sitting on the cusp of the Rocky Mountains, Castle Pines…
By Steve Baska Six Castle Pines residents were sworn into office during the city council meeting on January 14. Five of those were elected in November. The sixth, Diane Spomer, was appointed as city clerk. The elected officials included Mayor Jeffrey Huff, who was re-elected; new councilmembers Rex Lucas of Ward 1; Resa Labossiere of…
Five Rock Canyon High School senior girls were honored at the Ninth Annual Women in Sports Luncheon. (From left to right) Phoebe Schneider – Cross Country/Track: undecided; Victoria Vanderpoel – Swimming: Pomona College, CA; Jill Finnerty – Soccer: Texas Christian University, TX; Lexy Thorderson – Basketball: San Diego State University, CA; and Kaycie Young –…
Kambree, Kate and Svea work on their poster for “people who buy” in the initial stages of Mrs. Kennedy’s consumer unit. Article and photo by Elean Gersack In January, third graders in Mrs. Kennedy’s class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) dove headfirst into economics with a consumer awareness unit. As a Colorado state standard, third…
RHMS students Shayna Smith and Emily Wilson competed in a nationwide archery tournament and tied for first place!. According to Smith, the key to being successful at archery is “being calm, focused, having a good attitude, having fun, and enjoying what you are doing!” By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Dorothea Morrow-Smith In only its…