Read the stories from the latest issue:
Rocky Heights Middle School was pleased to induct 48 incoming eighth grade students into the National Junior Honor Society. These students all achieved a GPA of 3.75 or higher and are active in school activities and community service projects. Congratulations to these outstanding students!
Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The story of “High School Musical” revolves around a star basketball player and a math genius who share a secret love for performing, but struggle with breaking out of their designated roles. This story came to life at Rocky Heights Middle School as 125 kids came together to tell…
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is hosting a golf tournament on Thursday, July 26 at Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course in Castle Rock. Shotgun start begins at 8 a.m., so don’t be late! Cost is $120 per person, which includes green fees, cart, range balls, lunch buffet, free drink ticket, and an opportunity to…
Article by Lisa Crockett, courtesy photos The Douglas County Federation of Teachers (DCF) awarded outstanding students from throughout the district for their achievements this school year. Castle Pines-area schools were well represented with students who display academic prowess as well as good citizenship. Students were honored at a banquet in May, and a tribute written…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett “I matter.” This statement echoed through the halls of Timber Trail Elementary School (TTE) during a week-long series of events designed to get students thinking about the feelings of others and strategies for engendering community and good feelings. “We wanted to take a proactive stance against bullying in our…
By Chris Bonham In May, the Castle Pines City Council decided to have all future city council meetings recorded on video. This step makes it much easier for interested citizens to get updates on what’s happening in Castle Pines. Before the council made its decision to have meetings recorded, the only way for someone to…
By Elizabeth Wood West with photos by Cindy Lantz Hard work, commitment, team spirit, and being able to perform well in Colorado’s unpredictable spring weather is the best way to describe the Rock Canyon High School Jaguars track team performance this season. Once again, the Jaguars earned the privilege of being able to compete at…
By Liz Jurkowski with photo provided by Cherie VanHorn At first glance, it is obvious that Josiah is special. He has a walker, seems delicate, and is small for his age. But at second glance, it is clear he is just like the other three-year-olds on the soccer field; happy to be on a team,…
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…
By Elean Gersack Golf is in full swing at The Ridge at Castle Pines North, and Director of Golf Instruction Dennis Murray has his 2012 program set. Offerings include on-course playing lessons for kids and adults, such as junior play lessons Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.; junior clinics at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays; junior…
By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Lucas West Beginning in June, Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) will be hosting a special teaching series, called “Marriage 2.0.” The series will be held Sundays during both the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services, starting June 3 through June 24. As a complement to the series,…
By Elizabeth Wood West with aerial map provided by Town of Castle Rock The Town of Castle Rock’s council members voted unanimously to adopt an overpass option that will provide a second access for northbound traffic from The Meadows development onto U.S. Highway 85 in Castle Rock. The overpass option is part of the Town’s…
By Lisa Crockett, courtesy photo Rugby is a growing sport here in the United States. Fielding a whole team at a single school isn’t something that happens here, at least not yet. But after this season, all that may change. The “Harlequins,” a team housed at Rock Canyon High School and comprised of players from…
By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Laura Zeh and Christopher Cooke “Smile for the cameras!”, “What are you wearing tonight?” and “Would you like any popcorn?” were just a few of the remarks overheard at the premiere of “The Rock Crew” movie at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) on Friday, May 11. The premiere of…
By Amy Shanahan with photo by Julie Montoya The Castle Pines Connection’s “search for ABC scavenger hunt” continues with the letter “B” this month! See if you can find the hidden “B” using the following GPS coordinates: Longitude and latitude 39.472634 – 104.890644 Here is a hint: “To ‘B’ or not to ‘B’ to see…
RHMS students were happy to share “hugs” with those in need. “It was so easy for us to collect these stuffed animals, and great to know that they will be sent to children who need them,” remarked an NJHS student. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan During the week of April 2, Rocky Heights Middle…
Holding their “pieces of pi” are (left to right) Grant Hengsteler, Nicholas Pacheco, Amanda Scholz, Sarah Cree, Lauren Lee, Meredith Ham, and middle school math teacher, Benji Billman. Article by Katie Williams with photos courtesy of AA American Academy (AA) students love Pi. We’re talking about the number kind of Pi here, not the pastry,…
Positions are open on the Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation Board of Directors. Members are required to attend weekly, one-hour board meetings and participate in planning and implementing various Foundation events and fundraising activities. Board position applicants are asked to submit a summary of their qualifications for board appointment. For more information, call Henry Bohne…
Stacy Gaines (right) coordinated the efforts of the many volunteers and items provided to put together the 450 Easter baskets given to those in need. By Amy Shanahan with photo courtesy of Stacy Gaines The “Easter Giving Project” was a huge success this year, thanks to many Castle Pines Connection readers. Organizer Stacy Gaines worked…
Aubrey Eggett was thrilled to be the recipient of such a prestigious honor. “I just thought, Oh my gosh, my hard work paid off! I was happily in shock. It’s hard to explain just how blessed I felt and still feel. This is a dream come true and I couldn’t be more grateful and ecstatic.…
A fundraising event for the Douglas County Veterans Monument initiative Polish that motocycle, grab your gear and get ready to ride in support of the Douglas County Veterans Monument. The 2012 DC Veterans Monument Poker Run and Harley Raffle will be on June 24. The poker run starts at the Castle Rock Bar & Grill…
By Patte Smith with contributed information from the Denver Dumb Friends League The Denver Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center located near Franktown Colorado is now open. One of only a handful of equine centers throughout the county, Harmony offers a safe haven for Colorado horses, ponies, donkeys and mules that have suffered from abuse…
The Easter bunny hopped all the way to the Surrey Ridge neighborhood park in April. Mr., or is it Mrs., Bunny hid eggs for the kids all through the park so when the kiddos arrived the hunt was on. They filled baskets, bags, and pockets with colorful plastic eggs full of goodies. There were coloring…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Farm to table dining was once available to most diners only at upscale restaurants. But this food philosophy that embraces all things fresh and locally-grown, is a passion at a new market in Greenwood Village, which supplies home cooks with tasty foods at competitive prices. Two Mile Ranch…
Submitted by Leadership Douglas County alum Carla Kenny with photos courtesy of Chamber of Commerce In April, the community partnered with the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Douglas County to participate in the Giving Tree Food Drive. Volunteers in Castle Pines staffed a donation station at King Soopers and collected 488 pounds of…
A Castle Pines resident flashes some cash she earned at a previous annual garage. By Kathy Dunker with photo by Tim Gamble Be sure to mark your calendar for the 22nd Annual Castle Pines North Master Association community-wide garage sale. The sale will run Friday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday,…
Timber Trail Education Association Co-President Jill Cook prepares gifts for faculty and staff at Timber Trail Elementary. The gifts were given during a week-long teacher appreciation event designed to honor educators at the school. The theme for the week was “Best in the West” and featured all things cowboy and western. Throughout the week, teachers…
By Patte Smith South Metro Fire Rescue Authority’s Life Safety Educator, Einar Jensen and Surrey Ridge HOA board member Jack LaPorte were interviewed by KDVR’s Hendrick Sybrandy about fire mitigation in Douglas County. The news story was aired on Tuesday, April 24 by Comcast Channel 13. “We discussed the important role that homeowners have in…
Liane Davis wears her symbolic crown necklaceas a reminder of her role in a unique ministry, Crowned by the King. By Liane Marette Davis Crowned by the King was founded in Conway, Arkansas by Judi James in 2007 after she received a crown necklace as a gift. As time passed, she realized that the necklace…
Douglas County invites residents to pick up free mulch – whiles supplies last – on Saturday, May 12 and on Saturday, May 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Castle Rock Water Treatment Plant, 1400 Caprice Dr. in Castle Rock. The County will provide a front-end loader to help load mulch into pickups…
Samuel and Savannah Hilgendorf in the Domincan Republic By Liz Jurkowski with photos courtesy of the Hilgendorf family It takes a couple of special kids to devote their spring break to helping others. Most relish the opportunity to sleep in, watch their favorite morning shows or go skiing over the break from school. Samuel and…
Students from Mexico wowed the audience at DCSM with their fancy dance in multi-colored dresses. Article by Jodi Anderson with photos courtesy of DCSM For twenty years, a private elementary school in Mexico has sent a group of six and seven year old students to Colorado. DCS Montessori (DCSM) is fortunate to have helped host…
Article by Kathy Dunker; photo by Tim Gamble “Eat chocolate every day, maintain a positive attitude and always keep your sense of humor!” Words to live by? Yes, and they seem to be working for Mary Cole, mother of Castle Pines resident, Toby Cole, from Topaz Vista. Mary Cole celebrated her birthday with a brunch…
Steve Cooke and Robyn Kuhlmann are excited to support schools in the Castle Rock & Castle Pines area with their new yogurt shop – Smart Cow Yogurt Bar. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Smart Cow Yogurt Bar (Smart Cow) joins several new eateries calling Castle Rock home. Located just east of I-25 and Founders…
New Head Coach, Christina Kwon (right), and new Head Assistant Coach, Kate Burns, both from Colorado Athletic Club are excited to be part of Storm swimming this summer. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Storm Swim Team Castle Pines Storm Swim Team is brewing as it make its way into summer with two…
Left: Eliot Nelson (left) who lives in Castle Pines Village, hanging out with his friend, Rhett, of King’s Crossing Right: Little Wade, trying out the monkey bars by Liz Jurkowski Hidden behind the Turquoise Terrace neighborhood on Daniel’s Gate Road is a quiet and delightful park. Daniel’s Gate Park was built in 2001, and includes…
Jacob Santos, Thomas Moran and Kyle Huebsh, from Castle Pines are assisting Clare Bridge Residents with fun activities. By Birgit Moran Douglas County high school students are required to complete 20 hours of community service to graduate. Teens and their families scramble to find the right place to volunteer. One place that attracts many different…
By Elizabeth Wood West with Sketch Plan provided by Northstar Development, LLC After two public hearings, the first of which was filled with several hours of opposing public testimony from Castle Pines Village and area residents, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted two to one to approve a revised version of Castle Pines Village…
Article by Elean Gersack with photos courtesy of Cari Ogg On Friday, April 13, more than 200 fathers and daughters filled the Buffalo Ridge Elementary School gymnasium for the school’s first Pops & Lollies daddy-daughter dance. David Bowman, director of the school’s before and after school enrichment program (B.A.S.E.) organized the event, which turned out…
Contributed by Sky Ridge Medical Center Sky Ridge Medical Center will start a $107 million dollar expansion that will add 90 beds, a women’s center, a new medical office building, additional spine/ortho operating rooms, and a parking structure. “As the first hospital to open in Douglas County, this expansion solidifies our original vision to become…
Future Academy Award hopefuls kick off the Buffalo Ridge fifth grade show “Cinemagic”on April 5. Article by Eli Smith, BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter Lights, camera, action! On Thursday, April 5, fifth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) performed an incredibly amazing show. The show was called “Cinemagic,” and it included songs and dances from…
by Patte Smith Grab the family, your friends, the picnic basket, the lawn chairs and blankets and head out to one of the many awesome outdoor concerts this summer featuring music and fun. Whether its jazz, rock, bluegrass or classical, there is something for everyone. The following list features the concert lineups for the Denver…
Fifth grader Meghan Hassler, one of twelve honor singers from Timber Trail Elementary, participated in a special daylong program at Legend High School in Parker that included rehearsal and a special performance. Article by Lisa Crockett, courtesy photos A dozen singers from Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) participated in a special day of rehearsal and performance…
A place close by to hike and play Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Only twenty miles from Castle Pines lays a true gem of Colorado nature. Castlewood Canyon State Park offers families a day of hiking, playing, sightseeing and fun. Nestled in more than two thousand acres of the Black Forest, the park provides…
By Terri Wiebold John Denver is about as iconic a musician to Colorado as there has ever been. His passion and love for the outdoors and his respect for nature can be felt in the lyrics of the many songs he wrote. Most notibly, “Rocky Mountain High,” which became an official Colorado state song in…
Syra Taub was thrilled to attend Tourney Town and see her winning essay on display. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Dena Taub and Erin Millage Students at Rocky Heights recently participated in the Middle School Madness program, which encouraged the kids to learn from the positive examples set by women’s basketball athletes. The program…
By Patte Smith Surrey Ridge resident Jean Griswold is recruiting neighbors, friends and families in the Castle Pines and surrounding area to join “Team Zonta” to run or walk at the 8th Annual Miles for Moms Run/Walk to benefit Florence Crittenton Services. This event will be held at Sloan’s Lake Park in Denver at 8…
Robyn Appel in her Greenwood Village boutique, Rebel. Bright colors and funky belts and jewelry are what’s hot for spring. Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Light, casual, friendly and warm are words you might use to describe Robyn Appel upon meeting her. These happen to be the same things you feel when walking into…
Castle Pines resident Travis Grafitti and his partner Devin Lindsey (not pictured) won a Silver medal. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Brian Hall Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) had two teams participate in the state Science Olympiad tournament on April 21, and one of the teams placed 10th in the state! Science Olympiad is…
Many Castle Pines area ‘tweens and teens are taking part in Douglas County Cotillion held at the Wildlife Experience this Spring. This group of young ladies and gentlemen took time to pose after their Dining Etiquette program on Sunday, April 22. (photo by Elean Gersack)
Shown here are the individual fourth and fifth grade winners along side Science Fair Coordinator, Kristi Feret. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Congratulations to all of the participants of the first-ever Buffalo Ridge Elementary School Science Fair, Mission Green. The fair, held on Thursday, April 26, focused on environmentally conscious experiments and materials and…
By Lisa Crockett A Castle Pines church with deep roots in the community is moving just a few miles up the road to Lone Tree to spread its branches. Solid Life Church, which began eight years ago in the Castle Pines Community Center and then moved to Timber Trail Elementary School will begin holding Sunday…
These Castle Pines youngsters are ready and waiting … Submitted by Scott and Kelsey Lasher A crowd of approximately 1,000 Castle Pines residents filled their colorful baskets to the brim with eggs and prizes at Coyote Ridge Park on Saturday, March 31. The annual event was sponsored by Solid Life Church. More than 16,000 candy-filled…
Information provided by Douglas County; photo courtesy of the Larkspur Historical Society Recognizing and celebrating the month of May as Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month, Douglas County will offer a rare glimpse into the operation of one-room schools of the early 1900s with tours and an Open House of the historic Greenland School on Saturday,…
By Karissa Kelly If you are wondering how late minors can stay out, or all you teenagers need a refresher, listen up so you can be informed of the curfew time. Currently in the City of Castle Pines, the curfew for those under the age of eighteen is 11 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m.…
The seminar is sponsored by the Rural Water Authority of Douglas County. Wednesday May 2, 2012 Douglas County Events Center Conference Room 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Preregistration is required. The presentations will address: Groundwater Availability of the Denver Basin Aquifer System Water Law Adjudication What it Is and Isn’t Well…
A taste of…The Wooden Table By Liane Marette Davis Just a few miles south of Denver, tucked away in the Greenwood Village neighborhood is The Wooden Table. Owner Jane Duncan Knauf and chef Brett Shaheen partnered to bring you an Italian restaurant with modern decor, inviting ambiance, and tantalizing cuisine which offers seasonal fresh ingredients.…
DCSO offering awareness classes for parents Article by Elean Gersack Taking a picture or video and pressing send – or even just opening a text or an e-mail. It’s that easy for a child’s life to change forever. The high tech trend is called “sexting” and many seemingly innocent kids do not realize the consequences…
Kitty Migaki: “When I was ten, I wanted to write children’s books and be a librarian. I love that I ended up doing something I wanted to do as a child!” remarked author Kitty Migaki. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Kitty Migaki Kitty Migaki sees letters of the alphabet in all aspects of the…
The The Animal Care Centers of Castle Pines celebrated its ribbon cutting in April. Pictured are left to right: Dan Schatz, Mayor Jeff Huff, Jonathan James, Dr. Lindsay Crippen, Dr. Brook James, Dr. Jonathan Quint, Dr. Shawn Wayment, Rachael Lissuer, Dr. Lana Groom, Emily Edwards, and Dr. Cheryl Adams. Submitted by Castle Pines Chamber of…
Castle Rock’s Town Trolley will take passengers on a tour of historic landmarks on Saturday, May 19. (Photo provided by the Town of Castle Rock.) By Elizabeth Wood West In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, the Town of Castle Rock is offering free Town Trolley tours of historic landmark properties on Saturday, May 19.…
Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce members welcome Castle Pines Urgent Care staff with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the clinic’s recent open house. (From left to right) Kevin Jinkerson, Mel Wilner, Anita Holland and daughters Elise and Addison, Monica Wilner and son Chase, Dr. Larry Wilner, Brittany Urban, M.A., Paige Corbett, N.P., and Castle Pines Mayor…
Mr. Lee presents Ms. Wanda Castleman, a representive from Children’s Hospital a check of the money raised from the the 2012 board break-a-thon. Submitted by Grandmaster Han Lee The annual Han Lee Taekwondo Academy Board Break-A-Thon raised more than $12,000 for the Children’s Hospital in March at the event held at Douglas County High School.…
Castle Pines resident Doctor David Goodrich opened a new psychotherapy practice on Village Square Drive. Square Drive. By Lisa Crockett Dr. David Goodrich, PsyD, MFT, a family therapist who has been in practice for more than 20 years, has found a new home in Castle Pines. He now lives and works here, and has opened…
Batter Up! Don’t miss summer T-ball and baseball for children ages 4 to 4th grade, offered by Castle Pines Athletics. Registration ends May 1, so sign up today to secure you child’s spot in the program. Provided by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Summer just wouldn’t be summer in Castle Pines without baseball! For the…
Information provided by The City of Castle Pines The city communications committee has an opportunity for a college student or young adult during the next four to six months. The city is looking for someone with an interest/experience in journalism, public relations, electronic/print/social media, or photography. The individual will collaborate with committee members and city…
Verebelyi and wife, Tasha, on the top of Mount Bierstadt. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Dr. David Verebelyi Dr. David Verebelyi, seven year resident of Glen Oaks and father of three young children, is an engineer by trade who graduated with a Bachelors of Science from the Missouri School of Mines and…
Graduating seniors Camille Prusse, Aubrey Eggett, and Matt Hopkins starred in this popular and amusing musical comedy. Article by RCHS drama student Rachel Zetwick, photo by Amy Shanahan Rock Canyon High School’s (RCHS) Performing Arts Department presented the musical comedy, “Once Upon a Mattress” March 8 – 10. The musical, with music by Mary Rodgers…