Read the stories from the latest issue:
Douglas County Libraries presents “May the Fourth Be with You,” a celebration of all things Star Wars, Saturday, May 4, at the Douglas County Events Center, located at 500 Fairgrounds Drive in Castle Rock. The day begins at 10 a.m. with a demonstration by pop-up artist Matthew Reinhart. Reinhart’s pop-up books include “Mommy?,” co-authored by…
Information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Bring your iPad on Thursday, May 23 and join members of the business community from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Castle Pines Chamber office for a complimentary, hands-on workshop. Weldon Dodd, owner of Rewind Technology (Apple authorized training center) will be conducting an introductory…
The production of Annie at Rocky Heights Middle School brought down the house! The cast and crew was made up of more than 100 students from sixth through eighth grade. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of eighth grade RHMS student Jason Lewis The production of “Annie” at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) set a new…
Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Law enforcement is beginning to see some new approaches to the old sweepstakes/lottery frauds, and Castle Pines residents should be aware of these techniques. The typical sweepstakes/lottery fraud involved a telephone call or regular mail from the criminal telling the victim that they have won a large…
On any given morning, MiYO Cafe in The Village at Castle Pines is crowded with neighbors and friends enjoying coffee, platters of eggs, bacon and pancakes, homemade burritos, yummy cinnamon rolls, or any of the other wonderful breakfast and lunch dishes that MiYO is known for. MiYO (Make it Your Own) was opened in 2009…
Mad scientists team up with twin Cliffords to help kick off the Buffalo Ridge Elementary School Spring Book Fair on Monday, April 15. This annual event is always a great way for students to stock up on summer reads. Photo by Elean Gersack
Let the kids roar at the zoo Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski You are finished with Denver and are looking to branch out. You have visited the zoo, the museums, the Botanical Garden, and everything else Denver has to offer and are ready to journey to a new destination, right? Then pack the kids…
By Elizabeth Wood West The city and county of Denver, in cooperation with the Denver United Veterans Council and the Veterans Memorial Day Tribute Committee, invites the public to attend Memorial Day ceremonies on Saturday, May 25, at Lincoln Park, in front of the Colorado Veterans Memorial in Denver. Events will start with a wreath…
Pictured above: Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) baseball players joined together for a moment in a huddle before playing on Coors Field April 13. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Mike Heflebower Kade Castleberry of Hidden Pointe, the starting pitcher of the game, said, “Playing at Coors Field was a great experience for me as…
Local author book signing (Information and photos provided by Andrea Randazzo)
Mentor and instructor Bob Rebholz leads an enthusiastic group of young musicians at Rock Canyon High School. The group is part of the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, a unique non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth to creatively express themselves through the language of jazz. Article and photo by Heidi Lewellyn Young musicians ages…
Wellspring Community participants stand next to the industrial 20-quart mixer in their new kitchen, located at 826 Park Street in Castle Rock. The new mixer (and the new facility) allow them to make eight times the batter in one batch. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo by Terri Wiebold Wellspring Community (Wellspring) recently moved into a…
Rob Bohacs (left) and Mac Miller (right) are good friends and neighbors in Castle Pines Village who took a crazy Fourth of July whim and turned it into a successful business. Their products, ManMarg and MissMarg are ready-made margaritas which feature top-shelf Añejo tequila that they import from Mexico. Both products recently won awards…
Left: Castle Pines resident Sean McMullen with three children in the UK in 2011. Right: Sean McMullen, suffering paralysis after a possible spinal cord stroke, was given a “hall pass” from Craig Hospital to return home for his daughter’s sixth birthday. Article by Kathy Dunker; photos courtesy of the McMullen Family The McMullen family, residents…
The “Super Hero Origin” films that were created by the drama and technology classes at RHMS, involved the use of the green screen in order to create many of the special effects and illusions. NHTV students Matt McCollam and Logan Bakken are pictured working on their video in the tech lab in front of the…
Article and photo by Kathy Dunker Texas-based Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas recently opened its doors at a new location in Aspen Grove, off of Santa Fe. Alamo Drafthouse provides a unique combination of theatre and restaurant, showing first-run and independent films, all with a fairly extensive menu available to order from, throughout the experience. Menu items…
Information provided by Park Meadows Mall Begin your gift search for the perfect Mother’s Day gift where mom already shops. With stores like Soft Surroundings, LUSH, Hot Mama, Athleta, Soma Intimates, Vera Bradley, Pandora, bareMinerals, Swarovski, Brighton Collectibles and Papyrus, you’ll find something perfect that you know she will love at Park Meadow’s Mall. Need…
Town of Castle Rock’s Trolley, which has charming historic details – wooden benches, brass railings, removable windows for open-air riding and much more. The trolley is also available for special occasion rentals at www.crgov.com. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of the Town of Castle Rock and Castle Rock Museum The Town of Castle Rock…
DCSM students enjoyed doing the yoga pose low warrior along with several other forms of training last month when they journeyed out of the classroom for some education in exercise. By Kathy Dunker; photos courtesy of Studio Fit On Wednesday, April 10, DCS Montessori (DCSM) middle school students ventured out for their sixth week of…
A favorite t-shirt collection was made into a custom quilt by Tami DiPasquale. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Brian Stopps At the young age of seven, Happy Canyon resident Tami DiPasquale took her first steps toward becoming a renowned master quilter by learning how to sew in a 4-H program. “It made my…
Pictured above, left to right: District Representative Jorge Delgado, Congressman Cory Gardner, and friend Charcie Russell celebrate the opening of the new Castle Pines district office. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo by Tim Gamble U.S. Congressman Cory Gardner recently celebrated the grand opening of his new district office, located at 7505 Village Square Drive, Suite…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Michelle Campbell Logo design by Jan Reagan Nearly 700 Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students arrived at school at midnight on Saturday, April 13 and stayed until 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning, April 14. Instead of studying algebra, biology and English like they normally do at school, the students played…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County Commissioner Jill Repella was recently honored by The Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) as Volunteer of the Year, an award recognizing an individual who is not employed in the economic development profession but has a history of involvement in projects that are of significant importance to the…
By Amy Shanahan Castle Pines Jewelers is excited to welcome factory representatives from the Masriera jewelry factory in Barcelona, Spain, for a one-day trunk show and open house. On Friday, May 10 from noon to 6 p.m., the store will showcase this exquisite line of custom-made jewelry. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served, and…
By Lisa Crockett Spring has sprung, and officials at the Colorado Golf Club, as well as golf enthusiasts the world over, are now excitedly looking forward to the Solheim Cup. The biannual event takes place in Parker this August, and players and fans can hardly wait. “Major championships are coming into full swing and competition…
St. Bon’s Cafe in Highlands Ranch specializes in gluten-free fare Kurt Fulwider is the owner of St. Bon’s Cafe, a gluten-free deli and bakery, in Highlands Ranch. Article and photos by Elean Gersack Kurt Fulwider recently found his calling by creating a dedicated gluten-free cafe and bakery, St. Bon’s Cafe. It is named in honor…
Meghan Ruder (front) and Katie Fornelius, members of Girls on the Run at TTE, are all smiles as they work toward their goal of completing a 5K. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Jennifer Kendall Renee Ziegler’s daughter Emma, who is in fourth grade at Timber Trail Elementary School (TTE), has two brothers but she…
Two hockey-loving brothers, Cai and Cooper, took part in BRE’s Mission: Curiosity. They explored how the flex of a hockey stick affected the accuracy of the puck. Ultimately, Cai selected a new stick based on the results. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Being curious is the spark for imagination and wonder. As the Italian…
Information submitted by Dennis Murray, PGA As the snow keeps flying we’re sitting here pondering when our golf season will get underway at The Ridge. Lord knows we need the moisture, so we’ll just have to practice our patience a while longer. If you are like most golfers, after watching the Masters tournament at Augusta…
White Fence Farm is more than just a restaurant – it’s a destination. Enjoy down-home cooking, shopping for gifts and antiques, and even a few furry friends to round out the experience. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of White Fence Farm Once upon a time, eating out wasn’t the hurried, necessary affair it sometimes is…
Head golf pro George Kahrhoff was honored to receive the award for 2012 PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year in Orlando, Florida earlier this year. “This award is all about the staff and members of The Country Club at Castle Pines,” remarked Kahrhoff. “It’s very little about me.” Article and photo by Amy Shanahan…
By Julie Montoya People say that traveling abroad as part of a mission’s outreach changes lives for both the traveler and the people they meet on their journey. That couldn’t be more true for four Castle Pines teens who were part of a team of students sent from Valor Christian High School to Albania, to…
First place finishers at Timber Trail Elementary’s robotics competition: (from left) Sam Crockett, Ben Crockett, Sam Isert, and Clay Arnold. Back row: faculty advisor to the Robotics Club at TTE, Mandy Smith. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary finished its inaugural season of robotics last month by hosting a friendly competition between…
Pictured top left: Dr. Leroy Chiao, NASA astronaut, recently visited a sixth grade American Academy class to tell students what it takes to be an astronaut. (Left to right), AA sixth grade science teacher Ben Wolfe, Dr. Leroy Chiao, and AA Middle School Director Amanda Lane-Cline. Information and photo provided by American Academy American Academy…
By Lisa Crockett; courtesy photos Several teams of students from Rock Canyon High School, Rocky Heights Middle School, Buffalo Ridge Elementary and Timber Trail Elementary competed in a tournament last month designed to test their skills in subjects ranging from engineering to the fine arts. The tournament was part of a worldwide organization called “Destination…
By Joe Gschwendtner Responsible Americans are quite vocal about their frustrations with government dysfunction and unaccountability at all levels. Despite this, a scant few participate in government at its root levels in community associations. Too many talented people remain unengaged, regardless of a desperate need for them. Homeowner associations are brought to you by your…
By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Ben Wolfe Castle Pines Village (CPV) has a new summer tennis program for its residents, and is fortunate to have a new tennis pro running the program. Ben Wolfe is a young and enthusiastic teacher and coach who has a winning attitude about everything he does. Wolfe is a…
Pictured from left to right: Grace D., Matthew T., Erica P., Juliette L., Libby O., Sydney J., Avarie P., Laurie Jacobs (Team Leader), Patricia Dies (Castle Rock Library), and Janet Nelson (Castle Rock Library). By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Laurie Jacobs The third and fourth grade Battle of the Books team from Buffalo Ridge…
Give mom a sweet treat this Mother’s Day Story and photo by Lisa Crockett May is the month we honor our mothers. Handmade cards, jewelry, or perhaps a trip to the spa are a great way to tell your mom – or any mom, really, that you love her. One of the greatest and simplest…
Information provided by Douglas County Libraries To be successful, small businesses need good information and help with business research. Douglas County Libraries (DCL) BizInfo business librarians help entrepreneurs and small businesses run their businesses every day. For established businesses, DCL can provide market research and lists, business operation assistance, and industry trend information. Editor’s Note:…
Plum Creek Ladies Golf League welcomes new members to its 2013 golf season! Join the 18-hole league, which plays each Tuesday morning on the Pete Dye-designed championship golf course in Castle Rock. The league is a fun bunch who enjoys friendly non-tournament get togethers. It also participates in the Tri-County B and C Team leagues,…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Burt Bondi One of Colorado’s great success stories features Bert Bondi, a twenty-five year resident of Castle Pines. Bondi and Co. CPAs was approaching its 40th year when regional powerhouse RubinBrown acquired the firm in 2011. Who knew the owner had begun as a starry-eyed Catholic kid from Sheridan,…
Article by Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Kim Butorac Children from the remote village in Haiti, L’Asile, are excited to receive new uniforms for their music program (pictured below). The program, Music Of The Heart, was founded in 2011 by Surrey Ridge resident Kim Butorac. The nonprofit program assists children of these villages in learning…
The City of Castle Pines may soon have a community garden. The Canyons, a mixed-use development slated to be built in the city on the eastern side of I-25, has given the garden a home. The garden will include 50 individual garden plots, as well as parking, a pergola, and composting areas that residents can…
Unused or expired medications can be a dangerous threat to children, teens and even adults. The Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is April 27 at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Highlands Ranch substation. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Medicine cabinets can be overflowing with pills. Between allergies, illnesses, injuries and surgeries, the bottles can accumulate…
Crews in lighting, sound, and special effects work diligently to transform a Castle Pines home into a wintery wonderland, as the backdrop for the filming of a television Tcommercial for SourceGas Energy Services. Article and photo by Julie Montoya; storyboard courtesy of Blue Onion Advertising It was the talk of the town … the BristolCone…
The Castle Pines Connection staff, families, and friends had a great time working the phone bank at Rocky Mountain PBS. By Kathy Dunker; photos by Tim Gamble and courtesy of Rick Holtzmann On March 6, The Castle Pines Connection staff, along with spouses, family, and friends joined forces with Rocky Mountain PBS and volunteered to…
Story and photo by Lisa Crockett Anyone who knows me or reads this column regularly knows that I am not afraid of fat and calories. Butter? Bring it on. Sugar? Yes, please. White flour? Sometimes nothing else will do. But what you may not know about me is that I would also like to live…
Daryl Navarro interviewed Miss Colorado Hannah Porter for his T.V. show Colorado SportsConnection. Porter played football for Arapahoe High School as a freshman, and went on to win the Miss Colorado pageant in 2012. “It’s so easy to root for good people,” stated Navarro. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Daryl Navarro Daryl…
By Amy Shanahan A new dining option will soon be available in Castle Rock across from the Outlet Mall. Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers recently broke ground near Lowe’s, and is set to open in early July. Freddy’s is a franchise location of an enormously popular restaurant with 89 stores in 14 different states. Freddy’s…
The RCHS Student Council proudly displays the check that will make wishes come true. Mara is in the middle, wearing pink. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of RCHS STUCO The entire Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) community united for Wish Week and made wishes come true for eight kids with life-threatening illnesses. The goal was…
By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Lutheran High School Lutheran High School boys and girls varsity basketball teams took fifth and third at the state finals last month, a true achievement for a new program at a growing school. “It was a lot of fun to play with the team this year,” said Reilly Carew,…
Lili Sannino’s primary class at DCSM experienced a little bit of Bulgarian tradition last month while donning their Martenitsa masks to welcome spring. By Kathy Dunker; photo courtesy of DCSM Bulgaria has an interesting tradition related to the first of March and is based on the founding of Bulgaria in 681AD. Students in DCS Montessori…
Rotary Club of Castle Pines Charter President Karl Krueger (left) and current President Elaine Love (center) presented a $7,500 check to Alison Rakotonirina, executive director for the Colorado Haiti Project (right). By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Patricia Fiske Members of the Rotary Club of Castle Pines (RCCP) recently donated $7,500 to the Colorado…
By Chris Bonham Earth Day is April 22. For those who are unfamiliar with it, Earth Day is designed to raise awareness for what humanity can do to better conserve and protect the precious natural resources we have been given. Even those who have never heard of Earth Day may already know a few things…
Deputy Matthew Bach takes a quick break at Timber Trail Elementary. The school’s PTO and two local businesses sponsor a break station in the school’s front office to foster interaction between law enforcement officers and the school. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A cup of coffee or a bottle of water is a small…
A Taste of … Ivy at the Glenn Article by Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Ivy at the Glenn Walking into Ivy at the Glenn, located at the heart of the Streets at SouthGlenn shopping area, one of the first things you notice is the natural décor. Beetle-kill logs adorn the restaurant’s back wall from…
This rendering of the proposed North Meadows Extension was on display at the Town of Castle Rock’s recent open house at Castle View High School. By Elizabeth Wood West; rendering courtesy of the Town of Castle Rock The Town of Castle Rock’s (Town) recent open house gave residents from surrounding communities an opportunity to gather…
A day trip away Article and photo by Liz Jurkowski For a breathtaking day away from home, head northwest a bit, to Estes Park. Known as the Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, many of us have driven through it to get to the many hiking trails, lakes, wildlife, and scenery of the Park’s land.…
Cari Ogg waits patiently with Kona, Karma, Misty and Oliver, far from where students gather at morning drop off and afternoon pick up at Buffalo Ridge Elementary. Article and photo by Liz Jurkowski In an e-mail to parents on March 3, Buffalo Ridge Elementary’s (BRE) interim principal, Carrie Rotherham, reminded parents of the school district’s…
Diversity Day at RJ offers many surprises for students as they learn more about their teachers and each other. RJ theology teacher Matt Klassen is also a rapper named Paradox and he presented a seminar on the history of rap and hip hop in our culture. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Regis Jesuit In…
By Lynne Marsala Basche;photos courtesy of the Castle Rock Senior Center When you think about a senior center, you may conjure up visions of a dismal place where old people are propped in front of a television, day in and day out. If so, you are in for a surprise at the Castle Rock Senior…
Buffy the Buffalo is all smiles with BRE kiddos during “Evening with the Arts” on February 28. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Move over Rocky and Miles … students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary are all grins with Buffy the Buffalo! Buffy, the new school mascot, appeared for the first time earlier this year during…
The girls bonded on the retreat; one attendee said, “I learned to be confident and I loved making friends.” By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Staci McCormack Thirteen Douglas County high school girls, ninth through twelfth grade, attended the first Girls! Enlightened, Empowered, Empathetic Retreat February 15 and 16 at the outdoor education center in…
Castle Pines Boy Scout Troop 316’s new eagle scouts – (left to right) Richard Garnett Woodford, Jr., Andrew Stephan Landeros, and Evan Lee Albert. The eagle scouts posed with a live bald eagle, courtesy of HawkQuest, at their recent Eagle Scout Court of Honor. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Castle Pines Boy Scout…
Third graders in Mrs. Kennedy’s class read the book “Stone Fox” earlier this year, which was the inspiration for their Iditarod class project. By Karlie W., BRE Ridgeline staff reporter; photo by Elean Gersack Kayleen Kennedy’s third grade class reads the book “Stone Fox,” by John Reynolds Gardiner, every year. The story is about a…
By Elean Gersack; logo courtesy of The Dumb Friends League Grab your buddies and fetch your four-legged friends and then head to Washington Park on Saturday, May 4, at 9 a.m. for the Furry Scurry. This annual event for dog lovers will include fun for all, as the Dumb Friends League raises money to care…
By Elean Gersack 9Health Fair is coming to locations across Colorado in April and both Sky Ridge Medical Center and the Castle Rock Recreation Center will play host. The 9Health Fair has become an annual regimen for those taking charge of personal health and wellness. The Castle Rock Recreation Center will host the fair on…
The fun and unique invitation, featuring the guest of honor and her husband, for the Warren Village fundraiser. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo and invitation courtesy of Julie Lamb “The dream that I dreamed was only surpassed by the magic that happened in the room,” was how Tammy Abramovitz described her 50th Big Love Birthday Bash…