The Connection

Seventeen-year-old Addison is surrounded by her brother and sister heroes, Quinn and Sophia, while she holds her family’s personal Automated External Defibrillator (AED). By Elean Gersack; courtesy photo Most of us think of adults when we think of heart disease, but kids have heart problems, too. Several kids in the Castle Pines community were diagnosed…

  By Julie Montoya A new standard in education has been set with the opening of the Arma Dei Academy in Highlands Ranch. This classical, Christian school is the passion of four Douglas County families who were looking for more when it came to the education of their children. The Vigil and Nossaman families of…

Left: Mr. Digit, who got his name for having more than the usual number of toes, is one of many cats in need of a loving home at CCS. Right: Kittens are also available for adoption at CCS off and on throughout the year. By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of CCS On Thursday, February…

Our local Walgreens is now offering City of Castle Pines merchandise for sale. Please stop by Walgreens and show your support for a local business and the City of Castle Pines. Walgreens has a variety of t-shirts and sweatshirts to choose from: long sleeves, short sleeves, and hoodies. Walgreens is marketing the shirts with permission…

By Terri Wiebold As reported in the January issue of the paper, The Castle Pines Connection is in the process of becoming certified as a paper of record for the community. A special thank you to the hundreds of readers who have already returned their voluntary subscription pledges. We must receive forms from at least…

Castle Pines jewelry designer Tracy Graef at work in her home studio. Graef’s work is featured in Handmade Colorado at DIA through March 31. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Tracy Graef, a jewelry designer who works out of her Castle Pines home, is featured in Handmade Colorado, a special exhibit at Denver International Airport…

By Lisa Crockett Castle Pines Academy (CPA), a private preschool, kindergarten and childcare center in Castle Pines, started with just 15 students when it opened three years ago. Today, roughly ten times that number of children attend classes in nine classrooms and the school has earned a “Best of the Best Preschool” award in Douglas…

The Impact edVenture “Ski ‘n’ Serve” group pose with Elliot, who won everyones’ hearts with his spirit and courage. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Impact edVentures Three Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students – Joe Giampietro, Ethan Thompson, and Christian Herman – along with other students from Highlands Ranch, spent part of their holiday…

Left to Right: Landon Holderness, Tanner Hickman, Audrey Myers, Samuel Hilgendorf By Liz Jurkowski In honor of President’s Day this month, a few of our young residents were asked to choose who ranks best as our country’s top executive. With much insight, Audrey Myers said, “One thing Americans are so consumed by today is the…

Fifth grader Kylee Ingram puts the finishing touches on her portrait of Richard Nixon. Ingram’s work was part of Timber Trail’s “Wall of Presidents” exhibit, which combined art with historical research. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Abraham Lincoln was the tallest president. John F. Kennedy could read and comprehend 2,000 words per minute. Grover…

By Lisa Nicklanovich The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Annual Fashion Show will take place on February 10 at the DTC Marriot. The theme this year is “Rock the Runway” and celebrates the school’s 10-year anniversary. The show is the primary fundraiser for the RCHS after prom party on April 13, which ensures that students…

Article by Robin D., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’d like to thank…” is what our staff and students said here at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE). We have won the Colorado Department of Education’s John Irwin Award two years in a row. But it’s not like only one award is…

Vail celebrates its fiftieth season this year and has plenty of birthday surprises for visitors to its world-renowned slopes. But Vail offers more than skiing to visitors. Snowshoeing and other outdoor adventures, as well as great restaurants, and spa services round out the experience. By Lisa Crockett; photos by Lisa Crockett; Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts;…

Dr. Emily Hoard and Dr. Molly Miller with a couple of their favorite friends. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Animal Care Center of Castle Pines (ACCCP) has welcomed two new veterinarians to the practice, Dr. Molly Miller and Dr. Emily Hoard. They join a devoted and dedicated group of animal loving veterinarians and staff…

By Elean Gersack Denver Restaurant Week is upon us and is celebrating its ninth year. Make reservations now at your favorite restaurants or use the opportunity to try a new hot spot. More than 300 restaurants are already slated to participate this year with more signing up daily. The event will run from Saturday, February…

By Liz Jurkowski In some ways, the junior year of high school can be the most fun. The eleventh grader already knows the ins and outs of high school culture, has figured out how to manipulate the system a bit, and has the ability to pick and choose classes and electives he or she is…

Coming soon! After receiving more than 9,000 nominations for teachers and employees across the school district, finalists for the 2013 Apple Awards have been announced. Finalists and winners will be announced at the annual Apple Awards Celebration on February 23. The Apple Awards are sponsored by the Douglas County Educational Foundation. To read about nominees…

Before you head to the garden to plant a new flowerbed or a crop of tomatoes this spring, take the time to call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado. Locators are typically on the job within 72 hours of a confirmed request to accurately mark the underground lines in an excavation area. Even a small…

Snow Removal Policy Snow and ice can be dangerous for all ages, but especially for children, the elderly and persons with disabilities who are more susceptible to injury. For example, when sidewalks are not cleared of snow and ice, children will often weave in and out of streets and sidewalks on their way to or…

Members of the AA National Junior Honor Society take the NJHS pledge in front of friends and proud parents Information and photo provided by American Academy Late last fall, American Academy (AA) was proud to add a new group of inductees to its chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) in a special evening…

Timber Trail Elementary students study the night sky . . . indoors. A portable Starlab gave them a chance to learn more about planets and constellations in the school’s library. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett The night sky can be a fascinating place to discover new things, but since elementary school students are not…

Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street, Denver January 11 January 12 January 23 February 3 February 4 February 21 November 4 November 15 November 21 Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, Denver January 21 February 18 March 27 April 22 July 9 August 27 October 7 November 2 Denver Center for Performing Arts 1101 13th Street,…

By Chris Bonham; photo courtesy of Dana Bonham A group of homeschoolers from Castle Rock, Castle Pines, and surrounding communities gathered in November to volunteer at the Operation Christmas Child packing center in Colorado Springs. This is the third annual trip the group has taken to volunteer at the center. Along with hundreds of other…

A victorious Valor Christian football team after crushing Cherokee Trail 9-0, taking the State 5A Championship. By Julie Montoya; photos courtesy of Kathleen Courier Valor Christian High School’s football team has done it again! For the fourth consecutive year, Valor’s varsity football team has been crowned the Colorado State Champions. Valor Christian won 3A in…

The fourth grade bunnies at BRE are very well-loved and cared for by their students. From left to right are: Cuddles, Shadow, Skitter and Snickers. By Jacob B., BRE Ridgeline staff reporter The fourth grade teachers at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) educate students about life science, habitats, animal behaviors, and animal structures. In the…

Movie lovers rejoice. Movie and Martini enthusiasts at The Wildlife Experience have selected the 2013 movie lineup to be shown in the Extreme Screen Theater. They are hard at work planning a new, more casual cocktail party atmosphere featuring a wider array of cocktail samplings brought to you by wonderful wine and spirit partners. They…

True You owner Amy Schmidt (left) and Ed Heystee (right)celebrating at True You’s ribbon cutting ceremony, held by the Parker Chamber of Commerce on December 4, 2012.      By Liane Marette Davis, photos courtesy of True You, Ed Heystee and Liane Marette Davis When one door closes, another door opens. Amy Schmidt closed the doors…

Taylor enjoyed putting together a Lego set of the Sydney Opera House, but the real thing was even better. Shane, Taylor & Michelle enjoying Bondi Beach. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Michelle Easterberg Taylor Easterberg’s Make-A-Wish trip to Sydney, Australia was not only action-packed with all the marine life he had dreamed of, but…

The Bundt Shoppe, a popular cake bakery in Castle Pines, opened a second location in Greenwood Village in November. Bundt Shoppe owner Pam Randall (left) greets Greenwood Village Mayor Ron Rakowsky (at left) and Cherry Hills Village Mayor Doug Tisdale. Store manager Rachel Randall is at right. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of The Bundt…

Above: Buddy Center patrons learn the adoption process. Below Visit the Castle Rock Buddy Center to find your family’s new pet. Really, who saves who? By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of the Dumb Friends League The Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL) is the Rocky Mountain region’s largest community-based animal shelter, and with its Castle…

Samantha Waggett crossed the finish line in Leadville, Colorado after running100 miles of mountain trails in the “Race Across the Sky”  this past August. The race is the ultimate achievement for endurance runners. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Samantha Waggett For most of us, a New Year’s resolution involves a goal like switching from…

    By Liz Jurkowski; photos courtesy of the PCC website True enough, the mountains of Colorado are majestic and adventurous. Vacation seekers, locals, and skiers all flock west for the abundant winter fun found in the small towns and resorts scattered through the Rockies. Few, however, give a slight look east. The Colorado prairie is…

By Terri Wiebold We need your help. The Castle Pines Connection is in the process of becoming a “Paper of Record” for the community. This will allow you to be better informed about important legal notifications which can, after certification, be placed in your community newspaper. We can’t do it without your help. We are…

Leading Edge Physical Therapy, located in the King Soopers shopping center in Castle Pines, has expanded their space and services. By Elizabeth Wood West The New Year is always a great time to focus on improving health and wellness. Leading Edge Physical Therapy in Castle Pines has been helping its patients achieve their best in…

  Regis Jesuit students Erik Biernat (left), Hennessey Stuart (center) and Christopher Dawson (right), enjoyed the opportunity to swim with the best swimmer from around the country at the Junior National Championships. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of the Dawson family Three students from the Regis Jesuit swim team achieved record times in their various…

By Elizabeth Wood West Great news for pizza lovers – a new Papa Murphy’s Pizza is now open in the Castle Pines community at 558 E. Castle Pines Parkway, Suite B-2, in the Safeway shopping center. Owner Philip Moore is enthusiastic about bringing the popular take-and-bake freshly-made pizza business to the community. Moore said, “After…

By Lisa Nicklanovich Nearly 200 Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students attended the first meeting of the new Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) program in October. Three months later, the STEM certificate program has 250 students signed up who will participate in competitive clubs, complete internships and shadowing experiences and gain valuable knowledge and connections…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Commissioner Roger Partridge On Tuesday, January 8, Roger Partridge will be sworn in and begin his four-year term as Douglas County’s newest commissioner. Partridge is looking forward to elected office and is no stranger to public service, having previously served as a Douglas County Planning Commissioner. Partridge credits…

Shannon McFarland and Joslin Lichty pause between exhibits at the Denver Museum of Science and Nature. (Photo courtesy of Shannon McFarland) The body casts of Pompeii’s victims left a big impression on the students. (Photo courtesy of Caty Guiffre) By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos To learn about volcanoes, earth, and environment and space (EES), students…

The RCHS girls varsity basketball team is off to a great season with Castle Pines residents #34 Morgan Roos, #22 Lexy Thorderson, and Castle Pines Village resident #23 Paige Von Bank. Article by Kathy Dunker; photo courtesy of the Roos family The 2012-13 Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) girls varsity basketball season is underway. The…

The cast of “39 Steps” kept the laughs coming with their tremendous physical and tongue-in-cheek humor. “It was a fantastic experience!” stated lead actor Noah Charvat. By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Brina Sandoval The drama department at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) outdid itself with a performance of Alfred Hitchcock’s “39 Steps” that was…

Article contributed by Douglas County Libraries Online learning at Douglas County Libraries (DCL) keeps getting better and better. DCL is now offering Ed2Go online courses, a remarkable collection of hundreds of online courses on subjects ranging from computer applications to small business guidance to digital photography. Ed2Go online courses represent the best of instructor-led online…

Santa visits with the children at The Country Club at Castle Pines. This is one of the most popular events at the club and definitely a happy and exciting timefor the children who attended the annual holiday brunch. Article and photos courtesy of Brian Nishi; contributions by Terri Wiebold Santa Claus was spotted eating breakfast…

By Chris Bonham On January 1, the minimum wage in the state of Colorado will jump to $7.78 an hour. This new wage, which is assessed and adjusted annually to keep up with inflation, will affect nearly 80,000 Colorado workers (about 3.4% – 3.5% of the Colorado workforce). The minimum wage for tipped employees has…

By Lisa Crockett In January, I typically inventory the kitchen and clean out all the goodies that have become fixtures in our home. Gone are the chocolate chips, butter, and colored sprinkles, replaced with lots of produce, bottled water and the resolve to get rid of those unwanted holiday pounds. But it’s not just healthy…

The fencing group at DCMS under the leadership of national fencing competitor, Eva Heinrich, came home with six medals from their first tournament on December 15. DCSM fencing students show their moves (left to right) Shaun Hicks, Jaden Sherman, Charlie Crockett, Tiernan Frieburger, Remy Salinas, and Katlyn Hicks. Submitted by Jodi Anderson; photos courtesy of…

By Elizabeth Wood West The Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation’s (CRCF) recent purchase of a 215-acre piece of land known as the Henry property, and the Board of County Commissioners’ subsequent granting of a conservation easement on the property, will serve to preserve and protect the property’s natural, scenic, open space, educational, and recreational values…

By Elean Gersack Planning a team practice, family gathering, or party during the next few months? There are many great parks in Castle Pines available by reservation. The Castle Pines North Metro District manages Coyote Ridge, Daniel’s Gate, and The Retreat parks while the City of Castle Pines manages Elk Ridge Park. Coyote Ridge, Daniel’s…

   Castle Pines author Teresa Travous Hull has written and published “Love’s Complete: A Russian Adoption Journey” based on her own experience in adopting her daughter. By Lisa Crockett; photo and book cover courtesy of Teresa Travous Hull “Love’s Complete: A Russian Adoption Journey” is a children’s book that tells the story of a baby…

The staff at BRE embraces the power of giving during the holidays. Article and photos by Elean Gersack One of the things that makes Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) so special is the caring and compassion embodied throughout the school. Each year at this time for the past thirteen years, classrooms and hallways have bustled…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Timber Team, the student council at Timber Trail Elementary, headed up a food and supplies drive for the Douglas/Elbert task force in December. They collected food, diapers and even food and supplies for pets whose families are in a tight spot. Here, Timber Team members (from left) Ethan Fraser,…

Sheriff David A. Weaver (pictured far left) with his command staff proudly pose in front of the Justice Center in Castle Rock after receiving national recognition for program excellence. By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of the DCSO Few people in Douglas County doubt the steely efficiency of the sheriff’s office; just ask the bad guys…

The two-time state champion varsity volleyball team from LHSP won its second title on November 10 at the Denver Coliseum. Pictured from left to right, back row: Alison Kjergaard, Chandler Sturms, Madi Arnell, Nikki Ball, Laura Beach, Michelle Cattau, Whitney Dettmering, Connie Olson and Jordyn Sturms; front row, left to right: Sarah Mayhall, Michala Saenz,…

Cougars Lacrosse players go for the ball during a game against Denver Lacrosse Club. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Spring will be here soon, so it’s the perfect time to get registered for sports leagues and activities. Here is a quick reference guide to some of the most popular leagues and recreational activities around.…

By Patte Smith It is that time of year to sharpen the saw, gather a few ropes and head to the hills to cut down the family Christmas tree. Near Douglas County, there are two areas to cut trees, both which require permits: The South Platte Ranger District Christmas tree cutting permits for the Buffalo…

Members of God’s Grace Community Church delivered 93 Thanksgiving meals to families in the Paris Elementary School community in Denver. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Heflebower) Operation Bright Star assembled 50 Thanksgiving meals at HOA1 for delivery to the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center in Castle Rock. The event included contributions by Girl Scout troops,…

By Amy Shanahan The Lone Tree Arts Center (LTAC) is featuring two outstanding shows this December, which are sure to put audiences in the holiday spirit! The “John Denver Holiday Concert” will run from December 11 to December 16 and is a wonderful tribute to John Denver by his best friend, co-songwriter and band mate…

Bonaventure of Castle Rock is a new senior retirement community located in The Meadows in Castle Rock. It is inviting the public to its grand opening weekend event on Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Bonaventure Located at 1855 Low Meadow Boulevard in The Meadows, Bonaventure of Castle…

Photo courtesy of Michelle Barton Runners/Gorillas Susan Williams, Lia Clarke and Castle Pines resident Michelle Barton with her daughter Elise at the 9th Annual Denver Gorilla Run. October 27, there were more than 1,400 participants on who raised funds for the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund, the international charity working to save the world’s last remaining…

Guests at the “Expedition 10” benefit gala were treated to a viewving of many special pieces from the museum’s collection, as well as several live-action “animals,” which were included as part of the party’s safari theme. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of The Wildlife Experience Many 10-year-olds have themed birthday parties, and in November The Wildlife Experience…

By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Castle Rock Community Green Team It is Saturday morning and time to load recyclables into the car and drop them off for free at the Community Recycling Center in Castle Rock. This is great news for the communities and surrounding areas in Douglas County that are not currently offered…

Timber Team members (front row, from left) Sriya Surapaneni, Tori Jankowski, Emma Ziegler (back row, from left) Alexis WardBrown and Kylee Ingram receive a donation to the Red Cross from Timber Trail third grader Wendy Werner. Timber Team collected funds in November to donate to the Red Cross’ Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Article and photo…

By Lisa Nicklanovich With the holiday season here, many are getting ready to either host or visit parents, grandparents, cousins, nieces and nephews. What an incredible opportunity to not only enjoy your favorite recipes, but also really get to know those special people in your life. Sure, you’re aware that Aunt Linda is an accountant…

Left: Katie Abner coaches t-ball and soccer through Castle Pines Athletics, as well as teaching private and group swim lessons in the Castle Rock and Castle Pines area. Right: Abner and his family enjoy hiking in the Rockies in their spare time. By Kathy Dunker; photos courtesy of the Abner family Rock Canyon High School…