Read the stories from the latest issue:
Contributed by Dennis Murray, Director of Golf Instruction, The Ridge at Castle Pines North Junior Golfers can continue developing their skills at The Ridge Golf Course at Castle Pines after school and on weekends in the Golf After School Program scheduled for August, September and October. Program includes 1-hour clinics, Parent-Child 9-hole play lessons, 2-hour…
Construction renovation for the new University Hospital Medical facililty is underway. Located on Park Meadows Drive, it is on the south side of the street across from the movie theater and east of Brunswick Zone. Contributed by Patte Smith schoolThe construction renovation is underway for a multi-specialty University of Colorado Hospital clinic and medical building…
Douglas County Household Chemical Roundups Saturday, August 11, 2012 Shea Stadium, 3270 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch Saturday, September 15, 2012 Castle Rock Utilities, 175 Kellogg Court, Castle Rock 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Open to all residents of Douglas County We will accept: House, garden, and pool chemicals • Paint and paint products •…
By Kathy Dunker The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) jags have a few things on the calendar this month before hitting the books. Monday, August 13 is the first day of school for all Freshmen and new students. Tuesday, August 14 is the first day of school for all other students. Wednesday, August 29 is…
Castle Pines residents Harrison and Lily Wells were “D-lighted” to be the first readers to “C” the letters C and D and submit their photo to The Castle Pines Connection! Their geocaching for the letters led them to the front door of Dazbog coffee shop in Castle Pines and earned them each a $5 gift…
Castle Pines Athletics summer basketball camp crew 2012 (photo by Lisette Lederman). Article and graphics submitted by Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics hosted a summer basketball skills camp on July 23-27 at the DCS Montessori School in Castle Pines. Coaches Lorri Hodges and Cari Ogg led the camp, with help from Rock Canyon students…
By Patte Smith A frosty mug of beer, yummy food, live music and exceptional art exhibits — sounds terrific! Join in the fun at the Art and Ale Brew Festival at the Wildlife Experience from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 17. World-class beer from some of the finest local breweries (and boy…
Petroglyphs can be readily seen in several locations along the Tour of the Tilted Rocks auto tour in Dinosaur National Monument. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway for the family, Dinosaur National Monument is one to consider. Located on the western border of Colorado crossing into Utah,…
Article and Photos by Terri Weibold Welcome back, dear friend! If the pages of The Castle Pines Connection seem a little brighter this issue, it is not because we are using a new printing vendor or a whiter stock of paper, it is because (after a recent medical scare) the creative lifeblood of the paper…
Castle Pines resident Sally Mason (left), Castle Pines Village author Jude Randazzo (center), and Castle Pines resident Carla Kenny (right) celebrated on July 14 with wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a reading by Randazzo from his new book. Randazzo held a private book launch in his Castle Pines Village home with colleagues friends, and family to…
Local artist Douglas Wodark captures the essence of the American Indian experience in this oil on canvas piece. By Amy Shanahan with photos by Julie Montoya The first annual Art Show in the Village in June was a great success for the almost 20 artists who displayed their beautiful works of art, including sculptures, paintings,…
Andrew, resident of Bristle Cone, wearing the boys lacrosse gear appropriate for a contact sport including a helmet, mouthpiece, pads, and gloves. By Kathy Dunker with photos by Kathy Dunker and Julie Montoya Soccer moms move over! Lacrosse is here and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. So get out your sticks…
A taste of … Yard House Castle Pines Village residents Christie and Charles Jones enjoying a night out at Yard House. By Liane Marette Davis with photos by Peter Cranstone and courtesy of Yard House Yard House opened its doors for business on July 1 in The Vistas at Park Meadows Mall. Former Denver restaurant…
Submitted by DC Veterans Monument Foundation William Hueg, designer and sculptor, holds the main body of the eagle that will be the most striking point of the Douglas County Veterans Monument. Bill delivered the clay model on July 12 for the next step in the process, making the molds for the foundry. In addition to…
By Lisa Crockett August. The month of the tomato. Warm and just-picked, nothing speaks more to the bounty of the harvest than a fresh, ripe tomato. A sprinkle of salt and pepper dresses it up quite nicely, but I think the Italians have the right idea when it comes to tomatoes. They’re great solo, but…
RHMS held a ten-year logo design contest at the end of the last school year. Incoming seventh grade student Christopher Theodore created this design, which will be used to represent the school throughout the year. By Amy Shanahan, logo designed by incoming seventh grade student Christopher Theodore The staff at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS)…
By Order of Sheriff David A. Weaver, Stage 2 fire restrictions, have been rescinded. Stage One Fire Restrictions are still in effect. General guidance on Stage One restrictions: Prohibited Activities include open burning of any kind and use and sale of fireworks. Allowable Activities include 1) fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fireplaces within buildings,…
The Castle Pines Village Stingrays got in the spirit of the moment at one of their home meets last month. By Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Castle Pines Village Stingrays The Castle Pines Village Stingrays moved up to Division B this year with 126 kids on the team. That meant tough competition from much…
Anastacia Bodnar loves to visit her favorite coffee shop in Castle Pines, Starbucks, equestrian style. By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the Bodnar family The Douglas County Fair is just around the corner, running from August 7 to 11. Oak Hills resident Anastacia Bodnar will be there – not just for the corn…
A rendering of Health One’s Sky Ridge Medical Center that was built in 2003. The hospital web site offers a virtual to for online visitors to look throughout the hospital. After a record of nearly 170,000 votes — more than double last year’s tally — the results are in for Soliant Health’s 4th annual list…
The Orchard Day Spa in Castle Rock offers something for everyone in a warm and welcoming environment. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Lisa and Ted Manzanares The Orchard Day Spa opened in Castle Rock in May, and is the only spa of its kind in the area. The day spa offers both medical and…
Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver was proud to accept the NACo 2012 County Courthouse Award for Innovative Governance. He is pictured here with a vehicle purchased with asset funds from narcotics seizures. Information provided from the The National Association of Counties (NACo) The National Association of Counties (NACo) has recognized Douglas County Sheriff David…
Brickelle Bro, center, surrounded by supporters at a fundraising event in July. Bro has been named to Team USA and will compete in the Paralympics in London later this summer. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child, and Brickelle Bro – the Castle Pines…
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 Information provided from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The purpose of this event is to reduce property crime, through neighbors getting out of their houses, turning on their porch lights, and getting to know each other as well as local emergency service providers. This happens through neighborhoods hosting block parties, which…
Storm had an exciting season and celebrated their first win ever on July 7. Storm had 13 swimmers qualify for All Stars during the 2012 season. By Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Storm Swim Team The Castle Pines Storm Swim Team finished up the summer season with a pool party at Daniel’s Gate pool…
The six and unders getting ready to swim at the Castle Crocs home meet against the Castle Rock Cruisers on June 23. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker The Castle Crocs Swim Team wrapped up its seventh season with an end-of-year potluck party at Coyote Ridge Park on July 15. The Crocs finished off its…
Christian Brochey is not only a talented musician, but also a master at piano rebuilding. By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Julia Brochey Christian and Julia Brochey make beautiful music together and are spreading the wealth. Not only are the couple music professionals and private music teachers out of their home in Serena,…
An incredible view of Chatfield Reservoir photograhed at sunset. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo provided by Thaddeus Roan The Chatfield Reservoir Storage Reallocation Study (Study) is a federal study designed to assess the feasibility of reallocating some of the water storage space in Chatfield Reservoir (Chatfield) from flood control use to multi-purpose uses, including…
By Chris Bonham The results are in! On June 26, Republicans in Douglas County selected Roger Partridge as their candidate for County Commissioner District 2, which serves the greater Castle Pines community. Partridge beat out his Republican opponent Randy Reed by a narrow 316 votes. Partridge will face Democratic nominee Terry Krow in the General…
2012 Ducky Derby first place winner Heather Wood with husband Robert Wood, daughter Haylee, and son Landon. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos by Julie Montoya The 16th Annual Ducky Derby and street festival far exceeded the expectations of Rotarians from the Castle Pines Rotary Club, the Castle Rock Rotary Club, and the Castle Rock…
Douglas County and the City of Lone Tree cordially invite you to celebrate the opening of the 3.1 mile East West Regional Trail Extension – from Bluffs Regional Park to the RidgeGate Interchange. The all-season trail surface is designed for pedestrian, equestrian and cycling usage. The opening will be held at Bluffs Regional Park, 10099…
Article and photo by Liane Marette Davis With more than 18 years of combined superior culinary experience and service, chef/owner Richard Esper and executive chef/partner Alec Erickson teamed together to bring you a place where the creativity in their cuisine and commitment to your experience in dining shine. Elevation 5900 is located on Mainstreet in…
Koby Dudley of Winter Berry may be following in his father’s footsteps as a top-notch high jumper. Submitted By Parker Panthers Secretly tucked inside the Winter Berry neighborhood is a former Olympic-caliber high jumper named Jason Dudley. While the Dudley family has lived in Castle Pines for nearly ten years, not many residents are privy…
A quick photo of friends before the 2012 Bolder Boulder 10K begins from left to right), Tanya McNellis, Corey McNellis, Melissa Sebold, Scott Davis and Castle Pines Connection staff writer Liane Davis. By Liane Marette Davis If you don’t have plans for Memorial Day next year, mark your calendar now to participate in the Bolder…
These incoming Sixth grade girls are excited to begin middle school at Rocky Heights Middle School in the fall. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Incoming sixth grade students at Rocky heights Middle School (RHMS) have the opportunity to participate in the Nighthawk Early Flight program offered by the school on July 31, August 1…
By executive order of Govenor Hickenlooper and Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver This year, absolutely no fireworks will be allowed in Douglas County, including legal fireworks and professional fireworks displays. The Board of County Commissioners for Douglas Country has issued a Stage 2 Fire Ban for all of Douglas County, banning all personal fireworks displays…
The historic Schweiger Ranch, located south of Lincoln Avenue on the east side of I-25 at RidgeGate Parkway (frontage road), is now open to the public. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos provided by Darryl Jones, Coventry Development Corporation After several years of extensive restoration efforts, the historic Schweiger Ranch at RidgeGate is open to…
Sean Nasseth received a new lap top computer and was congratulated by the District Attorney, Carol Chambers. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of the Office of the District Attorney The District Attorney’s office covering Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties recently held its annual art contest for middle school students. Each year, the winning 13…
European Charm: The Lowry Beer Garden, open close to home The Lowry Beer Garden is located at 7577 E. Academy Blvd, Denver. For information, visit www.lowrybeergarden.com. By Julie Montoya with photos courtesy of the Kirsten Becker, Lowry Beer Garden public relations Tucked under the wing of an authentic B52 bomber, outside the entrance to the…
The Country Club at Castle Pines revealed its multi-million dollar renovation and expansion project to guests at an open house on June16. (Photo courtesy of JimmysPhoto.com) By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Peter Cranstone The Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP) is full of new beginnings, and Saturday June 16 was testimony to how impressive…
By Elizabeth Wood West with rendering provided by the Town of Castle Rock The Town of Castle Rock may have a new colorful LED sign along I-25, just south of Wilcox Street and Plum Creek Parkway, to welcome visitors and dazzle drivers. The 45 ft. tall LED sign will belong to Medved Autoplex (Medved), located…
More than 90 girls from kindergarten through sixth grade participated at the RCHS poms cheer camp last month in the Jaguar gymnasium. The next clinic will be held October 17 and 18 for kindergarten through eighth grade girls. For information, contact Terri Bell by e-mail rtbellfamily@hotmail.com. Photos by Stacia Wilkins The 80’s theme Junior Jag…
Green products and modern materials inspire the “mountain modern” feel of the Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines. By Elean Gersack; Rendering courtesy of Juan Gabriel Luna, AIA, NCARB, architect and principal of Rogue Architecture Ground breaking is expected this month for the Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines (MedDentCP). This two-story 25,000…
RHMS eighth graders Abby Adams (left) and Hannah Phillip (right) show the official longboarder stance which showcases the boards’ under deck design. By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Michelle Dunker What is faster than jogging but a little slower than a bike and all the rage with teens this summer? Longboarding! And what is…
By Kathy Dunker with book cover graphic provided by book publisher, Books to Believe It Not your average Joe, Castle Pines Village resident, Jude Randazzo, is a notable author who is about to publish his second book. Randazzo’s books are a fictional series featuring his main character, Tess Kincaid, an accomplished Ladies Professional Golf Association…
By Elizabeth Wood West with sketch plan provided by Northstar Development LLC After receiving an approval vote of two-to-one from the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for the Castle Pines Village Sketch Plan #038, Northstar Development LLC (Northstar) is moving forward with its project and is now seeking approval for a combined preliminary…
Chocolate chocolate chip cookies baked using high altitude adjustments to the recipe … perfection! Article and photo by Lisa Crockett It’s that time of year when social opportunities abound. The weather is warm, the days are long, and it just feels right to light up the grill and invite friends over for a long lazy…
Culture comes closer to Castle Pines with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra’s recent announcement that the Lone Tree Arts Center will be its new south Denver home. The symphony’s first performance will take place on the terrace on July 12 to an already sold-out crowd. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Don Casper and the Lone…
By Karissa Kelly It is a hot July day and you and your friends stop to purchase a nice, big Sprite to refresh you. But wait! You may not have the privilege to indulge in this for long… At least not if you are in New York. The mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg,…
Castle Pines Metropolitan District Manager Paul Dannels with CPMD Board Chair Jackie Sundquist at The Country Club at Castle Pines to celebrate Dannels’ thirty years of service with the district. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner The Castle Pines Metropolitan District provides water, sewer service and road maintenance to Castle Pines Village residents. Despite its…
Fifteen-year-old Brickelle Bro will travel to London in August to swim on the U.S. Paralympic swim team. By Lisa Crockett, photos courtesy of the Bro Family The countdown is on for 15-year-old Brickelle Bro, a Castle Pines resident and champion swimmer. Last month at the aralympic Swim Trials in Bizmark, South Dakota, Bro…
HOA II resident Bryce Stutler (left) and his cousin Dylan, pictured last year after filling their doe tag. Information courtesy of the Department of Wildlife website with photo provided by the Stutler family The Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Hunter Outreach Program, in partnership with other organizations, is offering several youth hunts during the fall…
Castle Pines brothers Sam C. (left) and Ben C. (right) stand proudly beside the letter “B” they discovered using the GPS coordinates given in the June issue of The Castle Pines Connection. By Amy Shanahan, photo by Lisa Crockett July Coordinates: Longitude and latitude 39.469231, -104.881928 If you find the hidden “C” and “D”, take…
Amy Long (left) says farewell to Aspen Walker, manager of the Castle Pines Library. Long is the new manager at the Parker Library. You will be missed Amy! Article and photos by Lisa Crockett A founding member of the Castle Pines Library staff has taken a new job managing the Parker Library, but she said…
Jake Mullins (left) and Tim Toole (right) with party host Sydney Boyd have provided their DJ services a several parties in their neighborhood this summer. Their services are fun and affordable! By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Tim Toole Castle Pines Village residents Jake Mullins, and Tim Toole started a DJ company this summer, and…
Team Purple Passion takes time out for a photo op with their faithful mascot during a recent tournament at American Academy, featuring several local residents: Front Row: Coach, Dee Ann Arey (Esperanza); Second row: Ashley K. (Sapphire Pointe), Megan G. (Sapphire Pointe), Bella I. (Castle Rock), Amy E. (Castle Pines Village); Back Row: Ashley Z.…
Volunteers sort food donations at the Food Bank on Park Street in Castle Rock. Article and photo by Birgit Moran On June 16, the 9news Colorado Cares, Colorado Shares food drive bounty came to the Douglas/Elbert County Task Force food pantry, and thrift store with volunteers ready to help. Located at 1638 Park Street in…
By Lisa Crockett A county-wide event to be held in Parker will provide valuable recycling services, while also benefitting needy families in the area. The 2012 Summer Recycling Festival will be held at Sports Authority Stadium, located at 11901 Newlin Gulch Blvd. on July 21, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The newly-opened Hess Road…
By Amy Shanahan with photos by Jule Montoya The Village at Castle Pines is pleased to offer its wine walks again this summer. The wine walks take place the third Wednesday of each month, and wines from a different region are featured each month. Live musical performances round out the evening of relaxation and fun.…
Article and photo by Julie Montoya The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce its newest partnership with the opening of the Castle Cliff Estate. This incredible private chateau is a premiere location for weddings, events and parties. It also serves as an intimate four suite bed & breakfast – the only one…
Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Prepare for Emergency Evacuation – Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver and the Office of Emergency Management remind all residents of Douglas County to think about the possibility of an emergency evacuation from their homes. Some mandatory evacuation orders and pre-evacuation orders for residents living in…
Meridian Village will be the new home to American Academy’s second campus for the 2013-2014 school year. Article and photo by Kathy Dunker On Tuesday, June 5, the Douglas County Board of Education (DCBOE) unanimously approved American Academy’s (AA’s) application to replicate. The school plans to open the new doors to their second campus in…
The new Cabela’s 110,000 sq. ft. store at RidgeGate Commons is expected to start construction this fall and be completed in 2013. By Elizabeth Wood West with site plan provided by Coventry Development Corporation and sketch plan provided by Cabela’s Cabela’s, arguably the world’s largest retail supplier of hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor-related merchandise, will…
Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics is excited to announce the addition of co-ed flag football, coming to the Castle Pines community in September. The season is set to run September 7 to October 21, and will be held on Fridays or Sundays at Elk Ridge Park and Daniel’s Gate Park…
Submitted by Colorado State Fire Chiefs With the intense wildfires raging across the state, the Colorado State Fire Chiefs are pleading with residents to abide by the state-wide burn ban in effect and don’t use fireworks. More than 14 fires are burning in the state using a great amount of resources. In 2010, fireworks caused…
By Elean Gersack Returning families and those who have previously enrolled at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) are invited to check-in online beginning Monday, July 23. All school forms and payments need to be completed electronically via the Parent Portal no later than the first day of school, Monday, August 13. New families interested…
Information from the USDA Farmers markets are an integral part of the urban/farm linkage and have continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. They allow consumers to have access to locally-grown, farm fresh produce, enables farmers the opportunity to develop a…
By Amy Shanahan with photos courtesy of Tim Zandee A very fun and worthwhile event is taking place in the Village Shops at Castle Pines during the weekend of June 15, 16 and 17. The venue will be hosting an extraordinary art event, featuring more than 20 artists and their unique creations. This top quality,…
Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski It just seems like the perfect way to end an outstanding year of scouting is to have a big bonfire and campout. That is just what Pack 856 did on May 11. Of course, after a week of hot and sunny weather, the rain arrived right in the middle…