Read the stories from the latest issue:
On December 16, Kristin Duran helps fourth grader, Zach, wrap a gift for the family his classroom adopted. Article and photo by Elean Gersack For twelve years, Kristin Duran has been a big part of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School. Yet, much of what she does is behind the scenes and is not well known. Depending…
Pusar (#22 pictured on far left) works to get a shot off at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Vanessa Pusar Whisper Canyon resident, Josh Pusar, and King’s Crossing resident, Aidan Kirby, were among 17 boys on the Denver University (DU) Junior Pioneer hockey team who headed way north…
Article by Amy Shanahan Every year around the holidays, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) sixth grade teacher Stacey Winsor organizes a “Blessings Brunch” for the students on her team. It is always a very special day for the kids and their parents or guardians, with this year being no exception! The parents or guardians of…
Brooke Jacobsen at Nationals in the holiday spirit. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Dawn Jacobsen We all know the stereotypes surrounding girls and beauty pageants. The image of young girls with heavy make up and dressed as if they were much older than they are. Well, not so for Brooke Jacobsen, resident of…
Castle Pines Athletics Coach Tom Rennell works with his third and fourth grade basketball team. Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics recently launched a new basketball program in Castle Pines. The recreational co-ed program is designed for children ages preschool to fourth grade. Finding an indoor facility in the area was…
American Academy second grader, Moe Lankford, uses the icon-based LEGO WeDo software to assist in his creation. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Kristi Doke American Academy (AA) second graders expanded their horizons last month with LEGO Education’s newest addition to its robotics continuum called WeDo Robotics. WeDo implements hands-on technology experiments that focus…
The new art mural outside the Castle Pines Library was generously donated by neighborhood residents, the Soteres family. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett A new and innovative project at the Castle Pines Library provides not only a gentle sun shade for library patrons inside the library, but also an interesting and inviting mural for…
By Linda Nuzum The City of Castle Pines City Council adopted its budget for 2011 at the December 14, 2010 council meeting. This sets the council’s goals for city finances for the coming year; although expect that, as in past years, adjustments may be made as the year goes on. The overall budget…
It is a privilage to be able to share your stories and your photos in The Castle Pines Connection. The next time you attend an event or take fun snap shots of your life, please consider sending them to us for publication. Your stories and photos are what make this community newspaper unique. Thank you…
Back Row: Aubrey Stevens, Colin Kemp, Mitchell Baggett, Brynn Peters, Rebecca Teeter. Third Row: Sam Anderson, Bryan Gardner, Ryan Tierney, Jessie Motlong, Trent Writer. Second Row: Caden Tisdale, Kenny Hughes, Devin Repka, Sam Rafter, Elizabeth Goodman. Front Row: Deavin McAlear, Ben Case, Connor Chott, Camille Leach, Lucy Butler and Alex Schaad. Submitted by Elean Gersack…
Well over 200 people gathered on December 4 for Salon 188’s ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Judy Krowiec The hustle and bustle of the holiday season took a time out for some fun and relaxation at Salon 188’s grand opening celebration in December with new owner Judy Krowiec.…
by Kathy Dunker Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) eighth graders in Discovery Language Arts recently took an in-depth look at the educational voucher proposal that is currently being evaluated by the Douglas County School District. The class spent one week looking at both sides of the issue and debating it in class. At the end…
By Lisa Crockett In December, the Douglas County Board of Education accepted a report by its “Choice Task Force” and took a step toward a possible program to subsidize students attending private schools. The program, which would provide what are called “options certificates” would give 75 percent of the state’s per-pupil revenue (PPR) to the…
Some of the recipients of Big O Tires collection for soldiers last December. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of USAF EOD Troops of 755A/3&4 Owners of Big O Tires in Castle Pines since 2007 and Hidden Pointe residents, Robyn and J McElroy, held a patriotic collection last year for soldiers stationed in Iraq…
Sled Hill Fun The popular sledding hill at the corner of Monarch and Castle Pines Parkway draws kids and grown-ups whenever a dusting of white appears. But, only a sidewalk separates the top of the hill from the busy street. Please drive slowly whenever you near the intersection of Monarch and the Parkway on snowy…
Fierro posing with Marines at the Toys for Tots Banquet on December 3. (Photo by Chuck Skinner). Article and photo by Kathy Dunker From the South American town of Riobamba at over 9,000 feet in elevation to 6,500 feet in elevation in Castle Pines, comes 17 year-old Ruth Mariagracia Fierro Velasco, better known as Ruthy…
Submitted by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District Jim Worley Castle Pines North Metropolitan District Manager The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) Board appointed Jim Worley as its new District Manager. Mr. Worley is recognized throughout the region as an effective special district management veteran. He officially began working in CPNMD’s office on Monday,…
Information courtesy of Solar Novus Today with photos by Michelle Dunker What were the cranes doing in front of Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) and Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) who may be wondering? They are busy installing solar panels on the roofs of the two schools. According to an article published on August 26,…
William S. helps prepare a stir fry noodle bowl with whole grain noodles and vegetables for the entire fourth grade class. By Elean Gersack Some lucky students from Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) were asked to take part in a Douglas County School District (DCSD) initiative to test healthier and, hopefully, better tasting menu options.…
Mature, educated, affluent and 1,000 feet above Mile High By Joe Gschwendtner Every magazine and newspaper has its list of best places, Money, Forbes, Family Circle, and the Denver Business Journal to name a few. Colorado and its cities are always high on these lists. Most rankings deal with quality of life issues like education,…
Representing the Citizens to Preserve Douglas County coalition, Donna Wilson, CEO of Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation (left), and Castle Pines Village resident Babetta Ferris (right) give a presentation to city officials. by Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Terri Wiebold A growing number of citizens and groups have joined with the Cherokee Ranch &…
RHMS seven hour film award winners (pictured left to right): Krishan Gopal, Gredigan Wade, Luke Sheperd, and Sam Arellano. by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) recently held its third annual Film Festival featuring the students from Nighthawk TV. Nighthawk TV is a class of 50 kids who meet daily to produce films and…
Column by Chris Bonham, intern writer January is seen by many people to be a month of change. Who hasn’t made at least one New Year’s resolution in their life? Many folks vow to lose X number of pounds by the time the next year rolls around. Or, they determine to spend more time with…
Submitted by Patte Smith Several Surrey Ridge residents joined together to carol for some of their fellow neighbors who needed some Christmas cheer this year. It was a fun time that brought smiles and laughter to the carolers and the neighbors. All ages joined in to bring a little joy to the community. For more…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Music is an important part of the educational experience for students at Timber Trail Elementary. At the school’s annual holiday sing-in, students sang songs about many winter holidays including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. A student favorite? “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” featuring groups from each grade level acting out…
Submitted by Doug Hutchins, Castle Pines Real Estate Specialist, Broker Associate – The Kentwood Company Closed home sales in the Castle Pines area in 2010 exceeded the number sold in 2009 and inventory levels are at the lowest levels in the past two years. This is encouraging news, but prices continue to fall or stay…
Douglas County residents have an additional opportunity to weigh in on the proposed Penley Reservoir at an upcoming January 10 Use by Special Review hearing, which was continued from December for additional public comment. The proposed reservoir is part of the Penley Ranch project, located south of C-470 and west of Sedalia and US Highway…
Column by Anthonette Klinkerman At the start of the New Year, I find myself thinking if there is anything faster than the speed of light, some American will figure out how to achieve that. We are a drive-through society. Drive-through coffee places (thank Heaven), drive-through cleaners, drive-through banks, mobile fitness studios, and heck, even a…
The Wellspring Wonders Choir sings Christmas carols for guestsat the second annual fundraising event. More than 250 people attended Wellspring Community’s “Evening of Inspiration,” hosted by Cielo at Castle Pines. Guests enjoyed a fine buffet dinner from Tony Rosacci Catering and desserts from Best Buddies Bakery while listening to holiday music provided by Lindy Scialla…
Douglas County commuters driving between Parker and I-25 will soon be able to access Parker’s Main Street via the Ridgegate exit. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the recently-developed road will be held on December 13. The new route should ease congestion on Lincoln Avenue. The construction of the alternate route was completed by a coalition…
Lines of shoppers were constant throughout the grand opening day of the new task force thrift store. It was an overwhelmingly successful first day. Articles and photos by Patte Smith The Douglas/Ebert County Task Force celebrated the grand opening of its new thrift store on Saturday, October 23. All of the task force services are…
by Sally Uhrich So you’re making the final preparations for your holiday meal, carving the turkey and making gravy. Your guests have gathered in the kitchen, anxiously awaiting dinner. Why not take the edge off their hunger, by serving a tasty tidbit, known as the appetizer? Although there are many recipes for stuffed mushrooms, my…
by Patte Smith While on the way to the November Leadership Douglas County program, Health Care and Social Services Day, Carla Kenny didn’t realize she was about to hear some remarkable news. This news not only impacts Douglas County, but the entire country. Douglas County has been chosen to participate in The National Children’s Study…
Photo by Elean Gersack Thirty-one fourth and fifth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) participated in the World Sport Stacking Association’s “Stack Up” on November 18. The goal was to have the most people sport stacking at multiple locations on one day for a new Guinness Book of World Records record. Students stacked cups…
TR Ellis (pictured upper right) celebrates winning the Class 5A Volleyball State Championship with her girls’ varsity volleyball team. By Tracy Dudley with photos provided by KeyserImages.com TR Ellis has lived in the Castle Pines community for nearly 20 years, calling Knights Bridge in HOA1 home. She also happens to be the head coach of…
The end-of-year holiday season is already upon us. With all the distractions and celebrating, we sometimes forget the need to keep safe on the streets and at home. Criminals are always looking for an opportunity to victimize us, especially during such a busy time of year. By staying alert and following a few crime prevention…
Third grader Keely Jester dissects an owl pellet to learn more about bones, joints, muscles and coordination as part of her science studies at Timber Trail Elementary. The rodent bones allow students to study skeletal structures. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Third graders at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) spent some time learning about owls…
Article and photo submitted by Trish Cummings, American Academy American Academy (AA) has a reason to celebrate; its first athletic championship! The middle school boys’ soccer team won the South Metro Athletic Conference Soccer Championship. They have both giant smiles and bling to show for it. The AA soccer team beat out their opponents at…
A taste of … Augustine Grill by Liane M. Davis On the corner of 6th and Wilcox Street in Castle Rock, you will find a quaint Victorian home that was built in the early 1900’s. What waits for you inside will delight your palette and senses with its cozy, charming, elegant design and atmosphere. Family…
Submitted by Darren Everett, The Canyons Update from the east side of the interstate – A message from the developer As the snow begins to fall, we would like to take a minute to give a brief update on The Canyons development. Since being annexed and zoned into the City of Castle Pines in 2009,…
Step aside Charlie’s Angels…you’ve got nothing on these RHMS Neon Party goers! Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students took some time out in November for some good, clean, colorful fun. A great time was had by all at the school’s first school social of the year, better known as…
Information provided by E-470 The E-470 Public Highway Authority board of directors in November approved a toll increase for both License Plate Toll (LPT) and EXpressToll customers that will take effect January 1, 2011. It will be the first toll increase since January 2009. E-470 is not tax-funded and tolls are the largest source of…
Castle Pines North Mayor Jeff Huff gives the “state of the city” address at the Castle Pines Chamber annual meeting at The Ridge. The Castle Pines Chamber, established in 2008, is now nearly 200 members strong! Dear Chamber Members, It seems as if our year has just begun, but we are fast approaching the…
By Lisa Crockett with photo by Tim Gamble Sedalia Nursery will offer fresh-cut Christmas trees in the community this year, at a tree lot on the northwest corner of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway (in the Walgreens shopping center). Tree sales begin just after Thanksgiving and run through Christmas Eve. “We will be offering…
New furniture, cabinetry and consignment artwork add to the sleek surroundings. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker The familiar Salon 188 at the Village Square in Castle Pines North may not be so familiar anymore. New owner, Judy Krowiec, resident of Esperanza, has put the salon through a major transformation in preparation for its grand…
Churches in the Castle Pines community have a lot planned for the upcoming holiday season. Here are some of the highlights (events listed are at the Church’s regular meeting place unless otherwise noted). Castle Pines Community ChurchMeets at 7280 Lagae Road, Suite O (King Soopers Plaza), www.castlepineschurch.org * “Christmas With Friends” The community is invited…
Paul Romaine rocked the rhythm with the middle school musicians. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Joe Anderies On Thursday, November 11, the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) jazz ensemble was treated to a first class mentoring experience at a two hour evening practice. Organized by music teacher, Joe Anderies, international artists joined the…
RCHS varsity softball team, second place in state, (left to right) back row: Kaitlyn Miller, Katie Cook, Zayne Blumberg, and Shen Lu Swartout; middle row: Taylor Pettaway, Alli McCloskey, Brooke Wakefield, Shannon Lieber, Remy Mooney, Taylor Dunn, and Brooklyn Travis; front row: Lauren Yacks, Melanie White, Hannah Gunther, and Alexa Vareldzis. Article by Kathy…
by Linda Nuzum The Castle Pines North Municipal Court is now a year old. Last month, city council reviewed first year of operations and explored the potential for adding other types of cases for the court. To date, the court has focused solely on traffic citations. It now offers online payment of tickets,…
by Kathy Dunker Castle Pines North residents, Susanne Kabza and Michele Hayden, are hosting their 3rd annual holiday boutique, Party with a Purpose, at Kabza’s home, 5783 Amber Ridge Place in Castle Pines North, on Tuesday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ten percent of the profits will benefit The Women’s Crisis and…
By Elean Gersack The Douglas/Elbert Task Force is seeking individuals, families, and groups to support its Santa’s Sharing sponsorship program. Many families served by The Douglas/Elbert Task Force are single parents raising children alone who won’t be able to afford the joys of the holiday season without the generosity of those in the community. There…
Dion Boeke by Lisa Crockett with photo courtesy of Dion Boeke Art sometimes imitates life. Such is the case for writer Dion Boeke, Sapphire Point resident and owner of True Love Biography, Inc. Beoke partners with clients to write love stories about their lives. These love stories aren’t fictional accounts, but true stories of real…
Pictured above are Sharon Majetich (right) and Josh Lencke (left) sorting out candy for the troops. Article by Sharon Majetich with photo by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) showed that kindness and a healthy lifestyle really do go together. Sharon Majetich, eighth grade social studies teacher, initiated a request to the RHMS community…
Operation Bright Star prepares to start the assembly line of filling boxes to create a Thanksgiving feast for those in need. This year the group was able to prepare 29 meals that were delivered to those who probably wouldn’t have otherwise had a Thanksgiving meal. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Operation Bright Star…
BellaRock Adventurers pause for a photo outside of Walter’s Cabinat Shrine Mountain Inn during a snowshoe hut trip. Article by Carin R. Kirkegaard and photos submitted by BellaRock Venturing into the backcountry of the Rocky Mountains, to many, is a daunting enterprise, but BellaRock Adventures help make such a trip accessible even for a novice.…
Column by Anthonette Klinkerman “Whatever you do, don’t cross the streams.” Bonus points for those of you who recalled this line from the movie “Ghostbusters.” I couldn’t help but recall it myself when I inadvertently crossed my holiday decorations this year. Pumpkins and Christmas lights? Well, the stores can get away with it (sort of)…
by SimonBRE Ridgeline staff reporter Tim “the freak” Lincecum led his team, the San Francisco Giants to a win over the Texas Rangers in the 2010 World Series. Then he played in game five of the World Series and went on to win it. He did that with his freakishly long, intimidating hair. Even though…
Gold Crown’s 8 Gold team (left to right) back row: Rose Thompson, Madison Courtney, Antonia Fornaro, Brooke McBride, Baylee Olejnik and Devin Hartwig; front row: Bailey Zagar, Madison Mitzner and Lauren Chauvin. Information submitted by Gold Crown parent with photo provided by Dawn Mitzner The Gold Crown volleyball organization for middle school girls wrapped up…
by Lisa Crockett ‘Tis the season to send packages around the country. Here are some ways you can make this item on your holiday “to-do” list a little easier: Post Office locations and other mail service providers in or near the Castle Pines community include: Castle Pines North, (Castle Pines Postal Center), 80108 – 7280…
Paige Taylor, from Evolve Lifestyle Training (bottom left) and her crew of BRE staff take a photo break after “workout Wednesday.” Work-out Wednesdays at Buffalo Ridge Elementary promotehealth, wellness and fun camaraderie Article and photos by Elean Gersack The staff at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) is getting in shape, taking charge of their health,…
The Buffalo Ridge Elementary School Dream Team pose with their harvest bags of pennies. The school’s goal is to raise 750 pounds of coins by the end of November. Article and phots by Carin R. Kirkegaard This holiday season Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) School has stepped up to the plate and taken on some commendable…
DCS Montessori students perform at a special patriotic concert in honor of our country’s veterans. Article by Tracy Dudley with photo provided by DCS Montessori While visiting with good friend and war veteran Scott Shires LTC USAR Retired, DCS Montessori music teacher Lorraine Cooper had a brainstorm. What if a group of students at the…
Christian Nicholson as Romeo and Logan Schurr as Juliet. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Rachel Zetwick Where was Romeo? In November he was found at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) in the school’s modern day approach to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” as seen through the eyes of drama teacher and show director, Mclain…
The Canyons’ representative (and ballot question 300 opponent) Darren Everett (left) joins Happy Canyon HOA president (and ballot question 300 supporter) Les Lilly (right) on Election Day. The two were spotted waving at motorists on the corner of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway. by Elizabeth Wood West with contributions from Linda Nuzum In a…
Pictured above from left to right are Kim Gilliom, Trent Writer hugging Rose Writer, Ashley Gilliom, Daren Writer and Alexandra Gilliom. Trent and Daren, fourth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School, recently completed a book drive for the library in Ojochal. The boys created their storyboards, approached their teachers and presented their cause to their…
DAR scholarships available to high school seniors College scholarships are available to high school seniors for fields of study as diverse as law, nursing, education and more. Scholarship applicants must have a sponsorship letter from a local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. For assistance in locating your local chapter, you may contact…
RCHS varsity pom team, UDA Champions (left to right) back row: Coach Alicia Heimerdinger, Kate Reisig, Amy Taylor, Kelsey Hofstetter, Alexis Todd, Ciara Stamper, Hannah Wilson, and Lauren Packer; front row: Ali Sunshine, Ivy Deibel (captain), Charity Sammons (captain), Sara Eldridge, and Sam Pusar. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Vanessa Pusar The Rock Canyon…
Pictured above, Tucker Middleton stands with the 32 turkeys he collected to help the Denver Rescue Mission for Thanksgiving. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Tucker Middleton organized and collected 32 turkeys and raised more than $100 to help the Denver Rescue Mission with the organization’s annual Turkey Drive. Middleton, a Castle Pines resident…