Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
Castle Pines Connection staff members (left to right) Liz Jurkowski, Cindy Cranstone, Julie Montoya, Kathy Dunker, and Terri Wiebold, along with Castle Pines Chamber President Sharon Kollmar and Vice President Carla Kenny, take a break from the Sassy Soiree luncheon at the Douglas County Fair Grounds to pose for the event photographer. Article and photos…
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…
Join Douglas County Coroner Lora Thomas at her “Thursday Night with the Coroner” on October 25. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Douglas County Coroner’s Office Are you a forensic fan who is interested in learning what a coroner really does? Douglas County Coroner Lora Thomas is inviting the public to spend a few…
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…
Left to right: Sarah Elizabeth Falkenstine, Zebulun Klement, Jason Lewis, Julia Bartmann and Katie Kenny. (Photo courtesy of Wayne Markel) The Rotary Club of Castle Pines sponsored five outstanding eighth graders for Young Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). The recipients spent a week at Camp Ponderosa in Larkspur this summer. They celebrated their accomplishments over…
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…
Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Devils Head Lookout is a terrific destination right here in Douglas County. Grab the kids and the dog and head out for a fun hike through some great scenery with some history thrown in. In 1912, the National Forest Service built a lookout tower at the top of a…
On Thursday, August 23, the Castle Pines Chamber hosted a luncheon with Congressman Corey Gardner, who represents the Fourth Congressional District of Colorado. Pictured to the right, left to right: Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver, Castle Pines Chamber Vice President Carla Kenny, Congressman Corey Gardner, Castle Pines Chamber Chairman Glen Hagan, State Representative for…
Rocky Heights Middle School seventh and eighth grade students who traveled to Costa Rica made new friends and learned a great deal about the culture. The seventh and eighth grade students had the opportunity to aid in the protection and conservation of the area by planting a tree. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Kay…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett In case it escaped your notice, this summer has been hot. Exceptionally, meltingly hot. And while the heat has wreaked havoc on air conditioning bills and left me breathless and cranky more than a few nights this summer, it has had at least one pleasant side effect. This summer,…
A taste of … Café Monet These local ladies are all smiles about the menu options at Café Monet in Parker. Article and photos by Liane Marette Davis Looks might be deceiving when you pull into the parking lot of Café Monet in Parker, but inside is a cozy, quaint restaurant featuring authentic French and…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The liquor store adjacent to $1.99 Cleaners in the Safeway shopping center in Castle Pines has a new owner, a new name, and an emphasis on friendly service and value. True Liquors is celebrating its grand opening during the entire month of September. “We have store-wide price cuts on…
Brian Olcott displays the soccer gear he collected for his Eagle Scout project. Olcott donated the cleats, balls and shin guards to a Boys and Girls club in northeast Denver. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett The girls soccer team sponsored by the Denver Bronco’s Branch of the Boys and Girls Club in northeast Denver…
The event tent was a full house, first with dinner and then a show. Country superstar Willie Nelson was scheduled to perform, but had to cancel do to health concerns. A local acoustic band filled in, and the show was a complete success! Article and photos by Julie Montoya On Saturday, August 18, Jana and…
Photojournalism by Julie Montoya Recently, neighbors in Forest Park have noticed there is a new member of their community, and he is making a lot of noise. This new resident is a fledgling red tail hawk. Accompanied by his parents, this youngster has ventured out of the nest, but is not quite ready to move…
DCSM’s first ever seventh grade class hit the mountains last month for an adventure in outdoor education at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. By Jodi Anderson Each school year is unique and brings its own joys and challenges, but this year DCS Montessori (DCSM) is overflowing with excitement and energy. As our new…
Autumn is a splendiferous time of year. Warm during the day and cool evenings, it is a time of the year to get out and enjoy the many seasonal activities in the Castle Pines area and the surrounding areas. First and foremost is a Castle Pines tradition presented by The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce: …
Taylor Kelly was crowned Miss Colorado Teen in June. “Achieving this goal was truly an amazing experience!” By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of the Kelly family Taylor Kelly, a sophomore at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), and resident of Castle Pines Village, had a very exciting summer! In June, Kelly was crowned Miss Colorado Teen…
By Kathy Dunker Colorado big game hunting seasons are now underway. Opening and closing days for all types of big game hunts are determined by the Colorado Department of Wildlife (CDOW) and vary for each animal including bear, deer, desert bighorn sheep, elk, moose, mountain goats, pronghorn, and rocky mountain bighorn sheep. They also vary…
By Elean Gersack The halls at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) are bustling with plenty of new faces. During new family registration on August 8 and 9, more than 60 new students enrolled. Only days later, the first bell of the school year rang on Monday, August 13, and students had the chance to locate…