Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Chris Bonham There is an oft overlooked story in the canon of American politics that deserves mention as we head into what is possibly the most contentious election in modern history. The story centers around Ben Franklin as he was exiting the Constitutional Convention. A young lady approached him and asked, “What kind of…
Restaurant entrepreneur Rodney Utz is enjoying working full time at Rodney’s in the Village. He’s bringing back the menu items that customers have loved for years. “A good value and great service are what matters!” Article and photo by Amy Shanahan For those who have missed their favorite local go-to restaurant in the Village shops…
Article and photos by Lisa Nicklanovich The competition to claim the title of “best chili” was still strong, despite the cold rain on October 13 at the 5th Annual Best in the West Chili Cook Off in the Village at Castle Pines. The 26 teams presented chili to attendees who braved the weather to cast…
Contributed by SMFRA As the cold temperatures make their way in to Colorado this winter, SMFR wants to remind homeowners of the importance of protecting and maintaining fire sprinkler systems. Information is available online at www.southmetro.org. Click on the “Safety and Other Information” link. Residents can contact the SMFR Life Safety Bureau with any questions…
It may look like fun and games, but these boy scouts from Troop 363 in Parker are hard at work selling pumpkins in a Castle Pines neighborhood to raise funds for troop activities.
Register now for winter basketball with Castle Pines Athletics. The program runs November 26 to February 23 and will be held at the DCS Montessori School in Castle Pines (no basketball Dec. 9 to Jan. 6.) The co-ed recreational program is offered for children ages 4.5 years old to fourth grade. Teams have one practice…
Dirty Girls Castle Pine neighbors Cassidy and Cindy Vatter, Michelle Wendolt, Michelle Stutler, and Lisa Nicklanovich relax in the mud after the Dirty Girl 5K mud run and obstacle course on September 22. A portion of all registration fees is donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. For upcoming event info, go to www.godirtygirl.com. Photo…
Contributed by Castle Pines Athletics Twenty-six teams of local children from age three to fourth grade enjoyed playing soccer in Castle Pines this fall. Pictured above are coaches Brad McDonald & Don McCleery with their “Big Red” soccer team. Special thanks to all our parent coaches and sponsors this season! Spring soccer and Soccer Tots…
Contributed by Becky Harsh Castle Pines resident and personal trainer Becky Harsh participated in the “Barbells for Boobs” fundraiser last month. The organization hosts athletic competitions to raise funds to provide mammograms and diagnostic procedures to low-income and uninsured patients. Although competitors are serious about their performance and the cause, they are still able to…
By Joe Gschwendtner Douglas County is among the most desirable and affluent counties in the U.S. Less well-known is the depth of community gratitude for veterans and the military services. At 11 a.m. on November 11, awareness will change dramatically when community veterans and county leaders unveil a spectacular bronze sculpture, dedicating it within the…
By Julie Montoya; photos by Tim Gamble On October 16, the “who’s who” of Denver men were at the annual Men for the Cure (MFTC) Gentlemen’s Dinner in the XJet hangar at Centennial Airport. This annual event raises funds for breast cancer research and outreach, boasting more than $1.4 million raised to date. Early estimates…
Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry collected over 1500 pounds this year – another great success! All the candy this year was going to be distributed to soldiers who would shortly be returning to Ft. Carson.
Photo courtesy of Debra Dean Photography On October 17, Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery celebrated Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (BRA DAY USA) at Lone Tree Arts Center. BRA DAY USA is an initiative designed to promote education, awareness and access regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. It is a collaborative effort between the American Society of Plastic Surgeons,…
Left: Coming around the final bend to Elk Ridge Park, participant Bob Dunn finished in fourth place for the 10k run on October 20. Right: The City of Castle Pines first Run Wild event included 150 participants in the 5k, 10k, and the new and unique 1k Family Color Run. Runners had a blast as…
RCHS Jags Girls Varsity Softball team took on the RJHS Raiders in their last league game on a blustery Saturday, October 6. RJHS and RCHS players dedicated the fundraising efforts personally to their own friends and family battling breast cancer. The Jags left the field with a winning score 10 – 5 against the Raiders.…
A taste of…Firehouse Subs By Liane Marette Davis; photos courtesy of Firehouse Subs Former firefighting brothers, Chris and Robin Sorenson founded Firehouse Subs in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1994. The restaurants all reflect an authentic firefighter heritage, as well as the founding family’s 200 years of collective firefighting services. The Parker location is owned by franchisees…
By Julie Montoya; photo courtesy of the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce November 17th, marks the day for this year’s Castle Rock Starlighting Ceremony. The Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, along with the Castle Rock Fire Department will be lighting up the famous star that has been proudly displayed atop Castle Rock, for 77 years. …
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Visitors to the Timber Trail Elementary book fair last month had the chance to meet a real reading hero. Clifford the Big Red Dog, a favorite character from children’s literature, was on hand to take photos with students. The photo ops allowed students to support a good cause, since…
RCHS Jaguars cross country boys varsity team members (from left to right): Jacob Blackburn, J.D. Gordon, Seth Huber, Andy Tinlin, E.J. Katsoulas, Conner Skoglund, Max Will, Lucas West, and Gabe Tauber (bottom). By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Penny Jordan As Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, Cross Country…
By Amy Shanahan; photos by Julie Montoya The month of October is a time when most people carve pumpkins, hang a few decorations, and stock up on candy for eager trick-or-treaters – but Becky Cohen takes it several steps further. Each year in early October, Cohen hosts an extravagant “Wine and Witches” theme party for…
Williams comes on to the field in the Jaguar manner of solidarity on September 21 against the Castle View Sabercats. Article reprinted in part from RCHS’s The Rock by Kelcey Beckman; photos ciurtesy of Rock Canyon Photos Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) senior and Castle Pines Village resident Eric Williams has caught the eye of…
Walk around Rock Park five times to say you hiked a 14er! Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski We have all seen it; it cannot be missed as we zoom south on I-25. The huge castle-shaped butte that welcomes us to the town named after it, Castle Rock. If you are looking for a fun…
Running comes naturally to younger kids, as is shown by these AA kindergarteners at the second annual PTO FunRun on September 7. Contributed by American Academy Charter School; photos courtesy of Amy Kotha When was the last time you ran 1,068 miles? If you went to school at American Academy (AA), you would have done…
Jim Blane – a veteran of Iwo Jima. Contributed by the Front Range Theatre Company and Castle Rock Senior Center Many people get caught up in their daily lives and don’t stop to consider that possibly a person in line at a store may have lived through extraordinary experiences, and that they may have served…
By Elizabeth Wood West Would you and your family like to make a big difference in a child’s life this holiday season? Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) is inviting the community to join them in Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse’s annual shoe box gift drive for children all over the world. Its goal this year…
Plum Creek Veterinary Services can treat your pets at its new clinic in Castle Rock or at your home. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Dr. Dave Roberts Dr. Dave Roberts and his staff at Plum Creek Veterinary Services are opening a new clinic on November 1 at 800 Kinner Street in Castle Rock.…
A view of the Atlantic from Plymouth Plantation, only miles away from the true sight of the first Thanksgiving. Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie are all traditional Thanksgiving feast foods that we expect and devour every year. Would it surprise you to know that none of those tasty…
Article by Lisa Crockett; book cover courtesy of Anthonette Klinkerman Local author and teacher Anthonette Klinkerman has released a new children’s book titled “Battle of the Grandmas.” Based on real-life experience several years ago with her daughter and a host of generous relatives, Klinkerman wrote a whimsical, rhyming story about a little girl who wants…
Special thanks to South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) Engine 36 from Castle Pines and SMFR Medic from Castle Pines Village for a quick response to this vehicle fire in Castle Pines on October 2. The fire was contained and no one was injured in the incident. Photo courtesy of Tammy Lopez
Article and photo by Kathy Dunker Tammy Lopez, agency owner of Allstate Insurance in Castle Pines, left her office in the Safeway shopping center and moved into her new digs on October 1 in the space next door to La Dolce Vita Restaurant. Says Lopez about her new space, “I will get much more visibility…
City of Castle Pines new City Manager Ted Soltis. By Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Ted Soltis Born on the East Coast, but a westerner at heart, new City Manager Ted Soltis is a welcome addition to the City of Castle Pines. Soltis moved to Castle Pines to accept the position in the middle…
Ruby Trust Winery owners Ray Bruening and Braden Dodds are pictured with Brian Nishi (right) from the Country of Club of Castle Pines and a copy of The Castle Pines Connection that brought them together. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The staff at The Castle Pines Connection was excited to learn that its newspaper…
Left: Ryan Meisner (left), Matthew Pearson (center), and Bryce Vrabel hang out together, run together, and win together! Right: Ryan Meisner ran this half-marathon in honor of a friend who had recently passed. His sign says it all. By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Sally Pearson and Ryan Meisner Three friends from the Castle Pines…
Chief Dan Qualman, the manager of the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, was honored for outstanding leadership, dedication and service. Submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue At its 37th annual conference, the Special District Association of Colorado (SDA) honored Chief Dan Qualman, the manager of the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority (SMFRA), with SDA’s 2012…
By Elizabeth Wood West If you drive along Castle Pines Parkway on a regular basis, you have probably seen the western side of the Pinnacle Building dozens of times. However, unless you have had occasion to visit a tenant or the City of Castle Pines city offices, you probably wouldn’t connect the name to the…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett It’s the night before the big holiday and everyone is hungry. Now. You have a house full of company and a refrigerator full of food . . . for the big meal tomorrow. But how do you feed hungry tummies the evening before the big day? Take out can…
By Kathy Dunker The City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines Arts Commission will host the inaugural Run Wild event in the City of Castle Pines on Saturday, October 20. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Castle Pines Arts Commission, which will help fund the Castle Pines Library. The Run Wild…
By Birgit Moran Backed by 9News sports anchor Susie Wargin and her brother Ted, the Annual Wacky W bike race was the reason residents saw bike riders filling the streets in Castle Pines on Sunday, September 9th. According to Brad Meyering, public works and parks/open space manager for the City of Castle Pines, the event…
LPGA golfer Stacy Lewis on the green at Colorado Golf Club in Parker. Lewis will return to the club next year to compete in the Solheim Cup, a biannual team match-play competition between players from the U.S. and Europe. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett In less than a year, the Colorado Golf Club in…
By Lisa Crockett In November, Douglas County voters will be able to cast their votes in the General Election, which will include a vote in the presidential race as well as other local and national issues. The election culminates on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6. Mail ballots must be in the Elections Office (not simply…
The Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation invites the public to Harvest Day at Lowell Ranch. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of CALF The Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is hosting its annual Harvest Day on Saturday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic Lowell Ranch. The 133-acre working ranch is located…
Principal Mike Loitz fully immersed himself in the magazine sale fundraiser by allowing the kids to duct tape him to a post in the lunch room. He also shaved his head and got soaking wet in the dunk tank. “It was all worth it!” he stated. Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle…
Information from Douglas County website The Douglas County Elections Office has moved to 125 Stephanie Place in Castle Rock. The new location will accommodate the needed consolidation of elections division staff, as well as elections operations, into one location – currently managed in three different locations in Castle Rock. “We outgrew our space,” said Jack…
These super cute kindergarten twins take on the torch relay during the BRE Amazing Race on Friday, September 21. Article and photo by Elean Gersack With the excitement of the 2012 London Olympic Games still fresh in their young minds, students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary were eager to participate in an Olympic Games all their…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett This is the time of year when my children start dreaming about how they’ll dress up at the end of the month. This year it appears we’ll have a robot, a computer, and some sort of witch going from door to door in search of candy. While I think…
Mountain biking is an excellent way to cross train for an upcoming running race. Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Some people make a New Year’s Resolution to become more active. As usual, life catches up with us and before we know it, it is October and our resolve to keep fit has been compromised.…
By Elean Gersack The Buffalo Ridge Elementary School Fall Book Fair is planned for October 5-11 in the school’s gymnasium. A host of children, teen, and adult books will be available for purchase during the Scholastic All-Star themed event. Mark your calendar for the book fair dates: Friday, October 5: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m …
Cheering on their team, Rock Canyon High School students came out in force dressed for the theme of the night. A sea of white filled the stands, as the Jags claimed victory over the Falcons 21-14. Article by Kathy Dunker; photos by Rock Canyon Photos The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Jaguars varsity football team…
Fall colors peak in the Colorado High Country Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski There is not a prettier place than the Colorado mountains at the beginning of fall every year. While the local media and television news are reporting that the peak of the leaves changing color has already passed, there is still time…
By Liane Marette Davis; photos courtesy of Abra Sharp Have a running list of restaurants to try? Here is one that needs to be on the top of your list. Go tonight if possible; it is that fantastic. Where once was The Millar Spice Factory and Coffee Company in downtown Denver (dating back to the…
Second grader Jackson Royal makes a strong play at the Timber Trail Elementary Mother-Son Kickball Tournament. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett For the fourth year in a row, boys at Timber Trail teamed up with their moms for a kickball tournament at Coyote Ridge Park. Roughly 260 players gathered to play ball, eat dinner,…
The Garden Club kicks off each new year with a luncheon in September. This year it was held at the home of one of the board members. The club is actively seking new members who share a love of gardening and an interest in charitable causes. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Joan Fessler The…
Renie Bjorklund, a member of the Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, which meets in Castle Pines, and Pastor M. Titus Nirmal Kumar, who is a Pastor at an Abiding Hope Church in India. Bjorklund visited Pastor Titus in India to assist him in his work there. The church has a strong emphasis on serving others. By…
Article by Kathy Dunker Managing forclosure properties in Douglas County Letter to the editor dated July 27, 2012: I’d appreciate you investigating the foreclosure process and responsibility in maintaining properties including lawn maintenance … the [bank] owner has done nothing to maintain the appearance of the property. The HOA says they’ve written letters and all…
Now fourth graders Ryan and Alex were ready and excited to run in last year’s BRE Rock Slide Fun Run! Article and photo by Elean Gersack Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) will host the school’s annual Rock Slide Fun Run on Saturday, October 6, beginning at 9 a.m. The race will include both a 5K run…
Timber Trail Elementary students Reid and Emily used the GPS coordinates to find the letter “F” on their day off from school. They used Google Maps to find the coordinates, then used the map app on the iPhone to find the exact spot. “I saw the “F” right away!” stated Emily. Reid says that he…
Photo by Elean Gersack Neighbors helping neighbors A crew of strong men from Turweston Lane (and one from Malvern Court) took time to move a play set across the street to its new home on Labor Day. A few beers to take home and plenty of laughs along the way seemed to be enough motivation…
By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Liane Davis The hills will be covered in snow in a few short weeks. Make plans now to get pass ready so you can beat the lines and head straight to the top of the mountain. See below for a list of great pass programs. Fifth and Sixth…
She just can’t get enough! Castle Pines Village resident Beth Markowski gets back on the court following foot surgery. The day before, she watched the U.S. Open Men’s Finals and got inspired to get some practice in with pro, Steff Porter. (photo by Elean Gersack)
CASTLE ROCK WRITERS CONFERENCE 2012: ROCK-SOLID WRITING Castle Rock Writers Conference is back with a 2012 Conference –a quality, one-day writers conference to be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Events Center in Castle Rock on Saturday, October 13, 2012, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. As a newly-established, non-profit organization, Castle Rock Writers are dedicated…
Fall Festival Sunday, October 14 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of RidgeGate Development The public is invited to Schweiger Ranch’s annual Fall Festival for a day of seasonal family fun. Schweiger Ranch is located within the RidgeGate development at 10822 Valley Hwy., just south of Lincoln Avenue, on the…
By Amy Shanahan; graphic courtesy of the Lone Tree Arts Center New Year’s Eve is looking like a whole lot of fun thanks to a fabulous event being held at the Lone Tree Arts Center (LTAC). The LTAC has a very active Guild, which is organizing a grand event. The New Year’s Gala, called “A…
Date: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Location: American Academy Cafeteria Are you finding that it is increasingly difficult to know what your kids are up to online? Does the whole thing make your head spin? The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department will offer a Cyber Safety Presentation for Parents on October…
The annual Octoberfest in Castle Pines featured fun activities for families and friends of the area. The local business community was the theme of this year’s event and they were pleased to meet and greet the residents of Castle Pines. Local agencies, such as the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Douglas County Library, were…
Clyde Fessler’s home office in Castle Pines Village is decorated with Harley-Davidson memorabilia, and features a wall of photos which tell the story of a fascinating and exciting life. Being an author is his latest accomplishment. By Amy Shanahan, photo by Amy Shanahan and courtesy of Clyde Fessler “We fulfill dreams” is a mission statement…
Calvin Ko (left) and Nicholas Gaither (right) from Ms. Jennifer’s fourth grade class did their share of laps to help raise over $48,000 for their school. Article by Valerie Lockey; photos courtesy of Kristina Sheppard School funding has changed during the past few years, and DCS Montessori (DCSM) is finding creative ways to meet funding…
FREE Golf Lessons for Kids! Hosted by Director of Instruction Dennis Murray, PGA Mike Weingartner, Golf Professional Where: The Ridge @ Castle Pines, Practice Putting Green What: FREE Golf Lessons for Kids, $20 Lessons for Adults GET GOLF READY Clinic … Introduction to the game of Golf When: Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Noon For:…
Two of Surrey Ridge’s long-time residents, Margaret Miller and Maisie Choniski, enjoyed the fun evening out, even if they had to bundle up a bit. By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Valerie Miller Around seventy-five of Surrey Ridge’s families and friends enjoyed an evening of music and a movie in the neighborhood park. With the…
Left, Jeanne Gormley with her award-winning floral wedding bouquet. Right is close-up of her exquisite coordinated boutonniere. By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Jeanne Gormley Surrey Ridge resident and floral artist Jeanne Gormley won second place in the professional division for her bridal bouquet at the 2012 Floral Expo Bridal Bouquet Competition, hosted by the…
Photos by Julie Montoya On September 8, the owls of HawkQuest came to Cherokee Ranch and Castle to teach guests about some of the amazing creatures that roam our Colorado skies. This event was part of Cherokee Ranch’s ongoing cultural and education program. For more information on upcoming events, visit www.cherokeeranch.org. To learn more about…