The Connection

Submitted by Cindy Baker, RCHS Drama TeacherMoon Over Buffalo May 12-13: RCHS drama will close out its year with the popular play, “Moon Over Buffalo.” Also a comedy, the story features an acting company lead by a has-been husband and wife team who experience marital difficulties just as the famous producer is coming to watch…

Information provided by Wendy Holmes, Douglas County office of public affairs For residents and commuters in the Castle Pines community who have been enjoying the convenience of the new RidgeGate Parkway to Main Street extension, road closures may cause delays the fist two weeks in May. Ridgegate Parkway will be closed in both directions –…

by Elean Gersack Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8. Delight the special moms in your life with treats and specials from the locals. From flowers and goodies to pampering and brunch, everything you need for a wonderful Mother’s Day can be found in Castle Pines. Read on to learn about the many great Mother’s Day…

by Elizabeth Wood West May marks the one-year anniversary of the city’s formation of its much debated and controversial urban renewal authority (URA). May also marks the six-month time frame for the commission to wrap up final business following the citizen vote in November to abolish the URA. According to Ward 3 City Councilman and…

by Sally Uhrich Summer is almost here and with it, the ability for entertaining outside. The 2001 June edition of Women’s Day Magazine features a refreshingly different dessert described as, “Sangria you eat with a spoon.” The colorful fruit-sangria combination not only makes for a lovely presentation, but is also low in fat. Planning Tip:…

Contributed by Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Elaine Love “Quack, quack, quack,” said the duck as he swam as fast as he could down Plum Creek. “Get out of my ‘quack’ way! I can win a one million dollar annuity if I’m one of the three lucky ducks who floats across the finish line first!”…

The International Youth Ballet presents two productions of Cinderella on Saturday, June 4, at the Newman Center Gates Concert Hall, at The University of Denver. Children’s show – Saturday, June 4, at 2:30 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite Cinderella character, receive a goodie bag, and meet the ballerinas for an autograph session after the…

Sedalia Historic Museum and Gardens’ publicist Carole Williams stands next to the restored fireplace/mantel and watercolors by a local artist. Article and photos by Elizabeth Wood West If you are looking for a charming Mother’s Day weekend outing, consider visiting Sedalia. Located less than five miles north of Castle Pines Village on the corner of…

McLennan hitting the slalom course during a recent competition. Article by Amy Shanahan with photo courtesy of SkiPix.com, LLC/Wendy Scipione Castle Pines resident and Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) sixth grader, RJ McLennan, is passionate about skiing. In fact, McLennan is a ski racer who has been skiing since the age of three, and skiing…

Information and photo provided by Amy Shanahan The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Jazz Band performed at the 2011 Jazz Celebration at Metro State on April 8. The band performed and received number one overall Superior Ratings from the five judges and clinicians. The Jazz Celebration at Metro State is in its tenth year and…

Submitted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office On Wednesday, May 4, starting at 8 a.m., deputies, police officers, and many others within Douglas County will carry the Flame of Hope, in support of a group of very special athletes associated with Special Olympics Colorado. Deputies, police officers, security guards, civilian personnel, county employees, and members…

Submitted by Robert Rotruck American Legion Post 1187 The Harry C. Miller Post 1187 of Castle Rock has selected Castle Pines resident Russell Maranto to participate in the 2011 Colorado Boys State event June 5 – 11, which will be held on the CSU Pueblo Campus. Russell, an eagle scout and a junior at Rock…

by Elizabeth Wood West Castle Pines Village residents will soon be able to enjoy more peace and quiet and less unwanted train horn noise. Through the efforts of Village resident Don Somsky, Castle Pines Homes Association (CPHA), Castle Pines Metropolitan District (CPMD), and Douglas County, a partial railroad quiet zone is now being planned for…

Submitted by Brooke S. Fox, president/CEOof Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation Celebrate the arrival of spring at the Lowell Ranch on Plum Creek with the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) on Saturday, May 7. This year, CALF continues its tradition of launching the season of planting and renewal with its annual May Day Festival. From 10…

A collaborative, county-wide Economic Development Plan is the ultimate goal of the Douglas County Economic Development Forum, hosted by the Douglas County Commissioners on Tuesday, April 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at The Wildlife Experience in Parker. The central focus of the forum will be the facilitation of dialog and information exchange among…

By Liane Marette Davis; contributions by Terri Wiebold Have you heard the joke that, “Old car salesman never die, they just go out of commission?” Well, such is not the case for one Castle Pines Village resident and former car salesman – turned automobile banking executive – turned entrepreneur. Wade Middleton has found a new…

Back Row: Christian Frye, Lea McCaffrey, Anna Case, Robin Dowling, Jackson Naylor, Ava Tehrani. Third Row: Katie Carlson, Emily Trindle, Juliette Lord, Cody Hyman, and Quinn Rennell (Mrs. Pinke). Second Row: Braxton Jones, Hannah Bennett, Liesl Brauch, Emma Kate Lamb, Rachel Ansay, and Avery Gibson. Front Row: Skylar Schoepke, Cody Jaramillo, Justin Laity, and Hillary…

Before After Projected “before” and “after” coverage for period ending five years after deal closes. Sandy Goldberg, a representative of Fleishman-Hillard for AT&T Corporate Communications, had this to say about the company’s recent announcement that AT&T will acquire T-Mobile USA and the impact the acquisition will have on Douglas County: “AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile is…

By Kathy Dunker with photos by Tim Gamble No, not your ordinary toast to celebrate the anniversary of something great, but rather a breakfast to commemorate the many citizen volunteers who founded The City of Castle Pines [North] three years ago and who continue to contribute to its growth and success today. The Ridge at…

Fourth grader Megan Hassler stands with her weaving project, which earned her top honors from the Douglas County School District. by Lisa Crockett photo courtesy of the Hassler Family Some girls dream of being princesses. For nine-year-old Megan Hassler, channeling royalty is more than a plastic crown and faux jewels – it’s the inspiration behind…

AA’s art show winners from the DCSD art show. Submitted by Trish Cummings With a school-wide emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math, American Academy (AA) students often enjoy a good number of STEM awards and accolades. This year, AA art students are bringing it home as well! Overall, fifteen talented AA students were selected…

by Patte Smith, photo by Carla Kenny “Wow, where to begin,” says Leadership Douglas County (LDC) member Carla Kenny. “Our leadership group learned about the exciting and innovative educational developments happening in our county during our last session.” The team visited Legend High School which is known as an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school.…

Information and photos submitted by Castle Pines Academy Castle Pines Academy (CPA), proud to be the first locally-owned and operated childcare center in Castle Pines, is celebrating its first anniversary in March. CPA is an education-based preschool that follows Core Knowledge curriculum and offers a large variety of enrichment programs including dance, Spanish, computer classes,…

Article and photo submitted by Amy Shanahan The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) MATHCOUNTS team, coached by eighth grade math teacher Chris Gowing, participated in the regional MATHCOUNTS competition on Saturday, February 12th. There were approximately forty schools that participated, including the RHMS team of ten kids. MATHCOUNTS is a national enrichment club and competition…

By Lisa Crockett Churches in Castle Pines Community have a lot planned for Easter and Passover observance. Here are some of the highlights: Abiding Hope Lutheran Church Meets at DCS Montessori School; www.abidinghopelutheran.org *Easter Services: Sunday, April 24 at 9:30 a.m. Castle Pines Community Church Meets at The Shoppes at Castle Pines Shopping Center; www.castlepineschurch.org…

AT&T/Cingular Wireless’ new monopine cell tower sits north of Coyote Ridge Park off Mona By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Jeremy Gamble A new 40-foot tall cell tower for AT&T/Cingular Wireless will soon be providing cell service to its customers that live, work, and travel in the Castle Pines area. The tower sits on…

The DCS Montessori Cougar Choir performed a fun and entertaining kazoo interlude during intermission. Article by Lorraine Cooper with photo by Maria Hannigan Seventy second grade students from DCS Montessori culminated a two month study in a March 3 presentation of Tikki Tikki Tembo and The Bremen Town Musicians. During the period, students discussed the…

Abiding Hope pastoral team, from left: Matthew L. Erickson, pastoral intern and Castle Pines site point person; Glenn Hecox, minister for worship and lead team member; Pastor Doug Hill, lead team pastor; and Pastor Chad Johnson, lead team pastor. By Lisa Crockett with photo courtesy of Abiding Hope Lutheran Church Abiding Hope Lutheran Church has…

Castle Pines Athletics swings into summer baseball season; sign up by April 25 to secure your spot on a team. Submitted by Castle Pines Athletics Summer just wouldn’t be summer in Castle Pines without baseball. For the third consecutive summer, Castle Pines Athletics is coordinating a co-ed t-ball and baseball program for local children. Registration…

Steve and Jen Cooke (left) and Joe and Lin Giampietro (right) are Castle Pines residents and owners of The Garlic Knot in University Hills. Article and photos by Elean Gersack On April 8, the Cooke and Giampietro families will celebrate the first anniversary of their casual Italian family restaurant, The Garlic Knot, located in University…

By Lisa Crockett The Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution in support of the district’s comprehensive strategic plan, including a “blueprint for choice.” The blueprint for choice includes the “choice scholarship pilot program” for fall 2011. These scholarships (previously known to many as “vouchers”) will provide funding to DCSD…

Article and photos submitted by Kami Wright, Troop 4065 Leader Born after September 11, 2001, the 2nd grade Buffalo Ridge Elementary girls of Brownie Troop #4065 know only a world where our nation’s military engages terrorism overseas on the nightly news. Troop leaders Kami Wright and Jennifer Meinert-Larson saw an opportunity for their scouts to…

Avid4Adventure Do your kids like adventure? If so, this might be the perfect camp. With a location nearby in Highlands Ranch, Avid4 Adventure offers fun outdoor adventures with an emphasis on developing friendships, understanding risks, and learning. Activities are age appropriate and include sports like Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Kayaking, Canoeing, and much more.…

Submitted by the Castle PinesChamber of Commerce Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce member Ginny Wainright has reached the rank of senior manager with SendOutCards, a business concept and service that is changing people’s lives. SendOutCards are printed, stamped (with a real stamp), stuffed, and mailed by the company for less than a dollar. They are…

Knox Presbyterian Church, wrenched from its members without permission.One of many historic stone churches that may never rise again. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner While wrapping up a New Zealand trip near Christchurch on February 22, my wife and I started a light meal in a Little River café. Moments later, at 12:50 p.m.,…

Like many of you, I watched the events following the earthquake in Japan with great concern. Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Japan as they recover from the earthquake, tsunami, and the damage to their nuclear power plants. In the aftermath of the tragedy, international aid organizations have organized relief efforts for…

Fifth grader Thomas Connelly represented Timber Trail Elementary School and Douglas County School District at the State Spelling Bee in March. by Lisa Crockett photo courtesy of the Connelly family For many of us, pumpernickel is simply a kind of bread, but for Timber Trail Elementary fifth grader Thomas Connelly, “pumpernickel” is a winning word…

Submitted by Sharon Kollmar, chamber president The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is constantly working to develop new programs and events that will continue to inspire, educate and involve its business members. With that goal in mind, the chamber will begin its third referral group this spring. “We have had such success with our two…

Pictured above: Maddie Scicchitano (swimming in third lane from the bottom) swims the 50 Breaststroke for 10 and younger girls at the State meet in Fort Collins on March 4. By Elean Gersack with photo provided by the Scicchitano family Local 10 year-old swimmer, Maddie Scicchitano, qualified for four events at the Silver State swim…

Arapahoe Community College Castle Rock’s new campus will be located at 4700 Castleton Way in Castle Rock. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Arapahoe Community College (ACC) will be opening its third campus this August, in time for fall 2011 enrollment. ACC Castle Rock’s new 7,800 square-foot facility will be located at 4700 Castleton…

Wish Kid, Taylor, speaking to RCHS at the opening assembly. by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Kate Hartline Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Kids for Wish Kids Program and adopted Taylor’s Wish. Taylor is a nine-year-old boy who wished to go to the Great Barrier Reef. He is an…

Submitted by Sgt. Ron Hanavan Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Douglas County’s founding, Sheriff David A. Weaver has commissioned a commemorative badge that deputies will be authorized to wear from April 1st to December 31st.  The badge symbolizes the faith and trust bestowed upon the office…

Tanzanite is an extraordinary gemstone that has rapidly become one of the most coveted gemstones in the world. It is named after the African state of Tanzania, the only place in the world where it has been found. Upon its discovery in 1967, Tanzanite was enthusiastically celebrated by the specialists as the gemstone of the…

Article and photo by Thomas, Ridgeline staff reporter The Waggoner household was seen late Wednesday night moaning and groaning about a vile sort of stomach bug. “It was a horrible experience, I threw up twice!” groaned a still recovering Thomas. “I didn’t like the stomach bug because my brother couldn’t play with me like he…

By Elizabeth Wood West, photos courtesy of Cielo Cielo at Castle Pines owner Roz Schroeder recently received Colorado Meetings & Events magazine’s “2011 Best of Colorado Award for Best Meeting & Event Venue [for a Hotel or Resort that holds less than 500 guests, outside Denver Metro area].” Winners of this prestigious industry award were…

Information provided by Douglas County with photo stills taken from Comcast Newsmakers Veteran broadcast journalist Beverly Weaver (pictured above right) recently interviewed Douglas County Commissioner Jill Repella in a Comcast Newsmakers segment that aired on CNN Headline News. Repella discussed the role of the county in fostering a strong economy; the value of a healthy…

Sky Ridge Medical Center will host the 9Health Fair on Saturday, April 16, from 7a.m. to 12p.m., to promote health awareness with free and low-cost health and educational screenings . Take time to get checked-out. I n addition to having t he opportunity to speak with a medical professional , a variety of screenings are…

On Saturday, March 12, 2011, nearly 200 citizens of Castle Pines joined with members of the city council and city staff for a pancake breakfast to celebrate the city’s third anniversary. As the event unfolded, it was evident how far the city has come in three short years. Thanks to the perseverance and the commitment…

By Joe Gschwendtner Depending upon whom you ask, a house can be either an asset or a liability. In recent years, the real estate market and mortgage meltdown has left many homeowners answering the latter. Since home is where the heart is, pride ensues, and financial difficulties are all too often not addressed until it…

Deputy Gerritt Kaufman with K-9 crime fighter “Boris.” The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team is in great need of donations to replace two of the four police dogs that will be retiring this year. Sheriff Weaver recently approved the acquisition of one new dog and says he is hopeful to secure a second. The…

Kids of all ages joined Sarah Byrne (pictured center) at the HOA2 playground in Castle Pines to celebrate a generational reunion of sorts. Byrne has provided pre-kindergarten and kindergarten enrichment programs in the community for more thirteen years, and she is a beloved teacher and friend to many. Article and photos by Elean Gersack Three…

Article by Elean Gersack with photo and logo provided by Cherry Creek Sneak Denver’s traditional leap into spring event, The Cherry Creek Sneak, will take place on Sunday, May 1, beginning at 8 a.m. at the intersection of Steele and Ellsworth. This year’s trek around Cherry Creek will support The Kempe Foundation and its mission…

Let’s consider impacts to the Castle Pines community from federal and state budget cuts. There is no question America has been living beyond its means. There are budget measures being considered in Washington D.C. to reduce deficit spending by the federal government. At the same time, Colorado faces a billion dollar budget gap. Will these…

South Metro Fire Rescue Authority Chief Dan Qualman (right) proudly accepts the CFAI accreditation award with Mike Langello, the planning and analysiscoordinator for the fire authority who oversaw the accreditation process. Information and photo provided by SMFR The South Metro Fire Rescue Authority (SMFRA) was awarded accreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International at…

RHMS sixth grader, Brooklyn Murphy, performing her rendition of “Life of the Party!” Article and photo submitted by Amy Shanahan RHMS sixth grader Brooklyn Murphy recently competed in the Star Systems 2011 Regional Dance Competition and won first place in the musical theater category, with her rendition of “Life of the Party!” She also won…

Information provided by Elean Gersack The Douglas County Cotillion is currently offerring social education classes for boys and girls in the fourth through eighth grades at The Wildlife Experience in Parker. Club Cotillio n for fourth and fifth graders is designed to reinforce social skills and build character essential for developing positive relationships. In addition,…

  State qualifier Ben Butler Submitted by Sharon Majetich Congratulations are in order for Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) seventh grader, Ben Butler, who qualified to represent RHMS at the state of Colorado National Geographic Bee. Thousands of students from the state competed in the Bee, but only 100 students passed the qualifying test to…

Cailin and Libby, second graders in Mrs. Shepherd’s class, get set to see the Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, on February 11, at The Arvada Center. (photo provided by Cari Ogg) Article by Elean Gersack Flat Stanley, the famous flattened boy from the book series by Jeff Brown, has traveled around the world in recent…

By Elizabeth Wood WestRWA) will be holding its biennial meeting on May 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Phillip S. Miller Library west meeting room, 100 S. Wilcox Street in Castle Rock. The purpose of the meeting is to hold elections for several director positions and provide updates on the RWA’s ongoing projects,…

By Elizabeth Wood West The Castle Rock area will soon have three new senior care facilities for Douglas County’s aging population: Bonaventure Senior Living, Metzler Memory Care Assisted Living Residences, and Solterra Senior Living Castle Rock. All three of the facilities will offer a variety of services and flexible living accommodations for individual needs and…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Castle Rock Senior Center Forty years ago, a small group of Douglas County residents formed a club for senior citizens that has since evolved into a non-profit organization with nearly 1,000 members. The Castle Rock Senior Center (CRSC) is a community gathering place that promotes friendship, organizes many…

By Lisa Crockett The Rotary Club of Castle Pines is hosting the Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti in a performance presented by the Haitian Timoun Foundation (HTF) to raise money toward the rebuilding of the St. Joseph facilities for homeless and disabled children, destroyed by the January 2010 Haiti earthquake. The event will be held…

Fourth Graders at BRE research stocks and discuss their team plan for the Stock Market Game on March 15, 2011. Article by Elean Gersack Fourth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) are taking part in the worldwide Stock Market Game ™ (SMG), a learning program geared for fourth through twelfth grade students. The SMG was…

By Kathy Dunker with photos by Tim Gamble Be sure to mark your calendar for the 21st Annual Castle Pines North Master Association community-wide garage sale. The sale will run Friday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are expected to be hundreds…

Master Association’s first Community Inspiration Award presented to 13-year resident Linda Nuzum To a packed house at Duke’s Restaurant on March 10, Castle Pines North Master Association President Steve Labossiere presented the association’s first Community Inspiration Award to 13-year resident Linda Nuzum. “Linda exemplifies the essence of this award,” said Labossiere, “and I cannot think…