The Connection

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…

Eight flag football team got off to a great start with Castle Pines dads coaching. Contributed by Castle Pines Athletics; photo by Shannon Terry For the first time ever, Castle Pines Athletics brought flag football to Castle Pines this fall! Eight teams of children grades kindergarten to fourth grade enjoyed Friday night practices and games…

By Lisa Crockett The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (The Church), commonly known as the Mormon Church, has purchased a parcel of land in what is referred to as “Lagae Ranch” or “Lagae North.” The parcel borders Mira Vista Lane and is situated northeast of American Academy Charter School and Elk Ridge Park,…

Contributed by the BOCC Effective October 9, weather outlooks indicate the fire danger/hazard for the County has been lessened. As a result, the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has rescinded all fire restrictions; this applies to unincorporated Douglas County, including U.S. Forest Service Land. Although the severe fire danger has temporarily decreased, we…

RHMS Security Officer Gary Ewing is very pleased with the parking lot improvements. He spends each morning and afternoon ensuring the safety of the students as they make their way to and from the school. Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) has struggled with parking lot issues during drop off and pick up for years, but…

By Elean Gersack All things creepy, goolish and frightful is what you will find when stepping into the Davis’ family haunted house located in the city of Castle Pines. This family tradition started back in 1992 and has been growing in size and cast members ever since. Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) kindergarten teacher, Brenda…

American Academy fourth graders got a closer look at alternative energy technology and the Tesla coil motor at the Tesla dealership this past September. Contributed by American Academy Charter School Amazing science can happen in the most unassuming places; like the mall, for instance. As a school with a strong science, technology, engineering and math…

Champion freestyle swimmer Brickelle Bro (standing, left) with fellow members of Team USA at the Paralympic Games in London. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of the Bro family “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” It is a famous line from the blockbuster Disney hit movie “Finding Nemo.” The movie is a favorite of local swimming…

The Bundt Shoppe ran a “Frosting Faces” contest in celebration of its five-year birthday bash! Many loyal customers entered the contest by posting their favorite Bundt Shoppe cake photos on Facebook. The photos with the most Facebook “likes” won first, second, and third place prizes. First place won free cakes for a year, second place…

By Elizabeth Wood West Have you, a family member, or elderly loved one had a medical emergency or serious illness, but your doctor’s office and urgent care clinic were closed? Are you too busy to get some medical tests done outside your home? Lawrence Scariano, M.D. of GoMD Medical HouseCall Service (GoMD) is now offering…

BRE fifth graders excited to get their hands on footballs made by Ugandan children. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of BRE Principal Ally Berggren Students in Mrs. Phelan’s fifth grade class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) are learning life skills such as pride, perseverance, and responsibility from an unusual source—their new friends in the village…

DCSM fourth grader, Syndey Glasser, indulged in a little face painting as part of the fun school event. By Jodi Anderson; photos courtesy of DCSM What do you get when you mix energetic kids, fun and creative activities, and exciting performances? You get the rip-roaring Fall Festival at DCS Montessori (DCSM)! Top all of this…

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…

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…

The Castle Pines Chamber celebrated the opening of Aspen Delikatessen with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 10. Younique Expressions celebrated its opening in Castle Pines with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 29.

By Patte Smith Castle Pines Trick or Treat Street Once again the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Trick or Treat Street for the children of Castle Pines. Bring your ghosts and goblins to trick or treat at businesses throughout Castle Pines from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Halloween evening, October…

Ballot language for upcoming City of Castle Pines election Sample ballot from Douglas County website. Residents in the City of Castle Pines will have a decision to make in the upcoming November election regarding a TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) question placed on the ballot by the City. Below is the exact question language as…

By Lisa Crockett The weather is cooling down, and many residents of Castle Pines are pulling coats and jackets out of storage. But some residents of the Metro Area don’t have the luxury of snuggling up in an old favorite to fend off the cold. Green Earth Cleaners in Castle Pines is seeking donations of…

By Elizabeth Wood West Northstar Land LLC (Northstar) received final approval in September from the Board of County Commissioners for a combined preliminary and final plat application for its project, Castle Pines Village Filing No. 38. This particular phase of the project includes the final lotting pattern, location of all roads, easements, and floodplain areas.…

Jake Moar, a fifth grader at Timber Trail Elementary, takes a break during his participation in the school’s Move-a-Thon. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Brandi Tsuchimoto Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students combined fitness and fun last month to raise much needed funding at the school. The school’s second annual “Move-a-Thon” featured a theme of…

L’Arrangement owner Tasha Frye and Interior Designer Courtney Nystrom are excited to be a part of the community of Castle Pines. Their shop is the exclusive dealer in Colorado for several of their product lines, and many of their products are made by local companies. Article and photos by Amy Shanahan L’Arrangement is a beautiful…

Owners of the new Four Seasons Market place had a chance to meet Castle Pines residents at their booth at the Octoberfest celebration. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The Four Seasons Marketplace is the newest shop to open in the Safeway shopping center on Castle Pines Parkway. This wonderful shop featuring fanciful items from…

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…