The Connection

Front row, left to right: Lynn Bisesi (BRT), Jennifer Jacoway (1st), Monica Harmon (Tech), Caitlin Streich (5th), Heather O’Brien (6th-RHMS), Jolie Pinke (4th), Terra Shaffner (1st), Felicia Phelan (5th), Kayleen Kennedy (3rd), and Ally Berggren (principal). Back row, left to right: Amy Jaramillo (4th), Jennifer Miller (1st), Dawn Lang (2nd), and Dana Sedersten (5th). Photo…

Information provided by the Town of Castle Rock The Douglas County School District (DCSD) has conditionally approved funding for Aspen View Academy (AVA), a K-8 charter school that plans to open in Castle Rock for the 2013-14 school year. The school plans to build a 76,000-square-foot, three-story school building in The Meadows, near Low Meadow…

Koby Dudley of Winter Berry may be following in his father’s footsteps as a top-notch high jumper. Submitted By Parker Panthers Secretly tucked inside the Winter Berry neighborhood is a former Olympic-caliber high jumper named Jason Dudley. While the Dudley family has lived in Castle Pines for nearly ten years, not many residents are privy…

A quick photo of friends before the 2012 Bolder Boulder 10K begins from left to right), Tanya McNellis, Corey McNellis, Melissa Sebold, Scott Davis and Castle Pines Connection staff writer Liane Davis. By Liane Marette Davis If you don’t have plans for Memorial Day next year, mark your calendar now to participate in the Bolder…

These incoming Sixth grade girls are excited to begin middle school at Rocky Heights Middle School in the fall. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Incoming sixth grade students at Rocky heights Middle School (RHMS) have the opportunity to participate in the Nighthawk Early Flight program offered by the school on July 31, August 1…

By executive order of Govenor Hickenlooper and Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver This year, absolutely no fireworks will be allowed in Douglas County, including legal fireworks and professional fireworks displays. The Board of County Commissioners for Douglas Country has issued a Stage 2 Fire Ban for all of Douglas County, banning all personal fireworks displays…

The historic Schweiger Ranch, located south of Lincoln Avenue on the east side of I-25 at RidgeGate Parkway (frontage road), is now open to the public. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos provided by Darryl Jones, Coventry Development Corporation After several years of extensive restoration efforts, the historic Schweiger Ranch at RidgeGate is open to…

Sean Nasseth received a new lap top computer and was congratulated by the District Attorney, Carol Chambers. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of the Office of the District Attorney The District Attorney’s office covering Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties recently held its annual art contest for middle school students. Each year, the winning 13…

The Country Club at Castle Pines revealed its multi-million dollar renovation and expansion project to guests at an open house on June16. (Photo courtesy of JimmysPhoto.com) By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Peter Cranstone The Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP) is full of new beginnings, and Saturday June 16 was testimony to how impressive…

By Elizabeth Wood West with rendering provided by the Town of Castle Rock The Town of Castle Rock may have a new colorful LED sign along I-25, just south of Wilcox Street and Plum Creek Parkway, to welcome visitors and dazzle drivers. The 45 ft. tall LED sign will belong to Medved Autoplex (Medved), located…

More than 90 girls from kindergarten through sixth grade participated at the RCHS poms cheer camp last month in the Jaguar gymnasium. The next clinic will be held October 17 and 18 for kindergarten through eighth grade girls. For information, contact Terri Bell by e-mail rtbellfamily@hotmail.com. Photos by Stacia Wilkins The 80’s theme Junior Jag…

Green products and modern materials inspire the “mountain modern” feel of the Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines. By Elean Gersack; Rendering courtesy of Juan Gabriel Luna, AIA, NCARB, architect and principal of Rogue Architecture Ground breaking is expected this month for the Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines (MedDentCP). This two-story 25,000…

RHMS eighth graders Abby Adams (left) and Hannah Phillip (right) show the official longboarder stance which showcases the boards’ under deck design. By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Michelle Dunker What is faster than jogging but a little slower than a bike and all the rage with teens this summer? Longboarding! And what is…

By Kathy Dunker with book cover graphic provided by book publisher, Books to Believe It Not your average Joe, Castle Pines Village resident, Jude Randazzo, is a notable author who is about to publish his second book. Randazzo’s books are a fictional series featuring his main character, Tess Kincaid, an accomplished Ladies Professional Golf Association…

By Elizabeth Wood West with sketch plan provided by Northstar Development LLC After receiving an approval vote of two-to-one from the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for the Castle Pines Village Sketch Plan #038, Northstar Development LLC (Northstar) is moving forward with its project and is now seeking approval for a combined preliminary…

Culture comes closer to Castle Pines with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra’s recent announcement that the Lone Tree Arts Center will be its new south Denver home. The symphony’s first performance will take place on the terrace on July 12 to an already sold-out crowd. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Don Casper and the Lone…

By Karissa Kelly It is a hot July day and you and your friends stop to purchase a nice, big Sprite to refresh you. But wait! You may not have the privilege to indulge in this for long… At least not if you are in New York. The mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg,…

    Fifteen-year-old Brickelle Bro will travel to London in August to swim on the U.S. Paralympic swim team. By Lisa Crockett, photos courtesy of the Bro Family The countdown is on for 15-year-old Brickelle Bro, a Castle Pines resident and champion swimmer. Last month at the aralympic Swim Trials in Bizmark, South Dakota, Bro…

     HOA II resident Bryce Stutler (left) and his cousin Dylan, pictured last year after filling their doe tag. Information courtesy of the Department of Wildlife website with photo provided by the Stutler family The Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Hunter Outreach Program, in partnership with other organizations, is offering several youth hunts during the fall…

Castle Pines brothers Sam C. (left) and Ben C. (right) stand proudly beside the letter “B” they discovered using the GPS coordinates given in the June issue of The Castle Pines Connection. By Amy Shanahan, photo by Lisa Crockett July Coordinates: Longitude and latitude 39.469231, -104.881928 If you find the hidden “C” and “D”, take…

Amy Long (left) says farewell to Aspen Walker, manager of the Castle Pines Library. Long is the new manager at the Parker Library. You will be missed Amy! Article and photos by Lisa Crockett A founding member of the Castle Pines Library staff has taken a new job managing the Parker Library, but she said…

Jake Mullins (left) and Tim Toole (right) with party host Sydney Boyd have provided their DJ services a several parties in their neighborhood this summer. Their services are fun and affordable! By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Tim Toole Castle Pines Village residents Jake Mullins, and Tim Toole started a DJ company this summer, and…

Team Purple Passion takes time out for a photo op with their faithful mascot during a recent tournament at American Academy, featuring several local residents: Front Row: Coach, Dee Ann Arey (Esperanza); Second row: Ashley K. (Sapphire Pointe), Megan G. (Sapphire Pointe), Bella I. (Castle Rock), Amy E. (Castle Pines Village); Back Row: Ashley Z.…

Volunteers sort food donations at the Food Bank on Park Street in Castle Rock. Article and photo by Birgit Moran On June 16, the 9news Colorado Cares, Colorado Shares food drive bounty came to the Douglas/Elbert County Task Force food pantry, and thrift store with volunteers ready to help. Located at 1638 Park Street in…

By Lisa Crockett A county-wide event to be held in Parker will provide valuable recycling services, while also benefitting needy families in the area. The 2012 Summer Recycling Festival will be held at Sports Authority Stadium, located at 11901 Newlin Gulch Blvd. on July 21, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The newly-opened Hess Road…

By Amy Shanahan with photos by Jule Montoya The Village at Castle Pines is pleased to offer its wine walks again this summer. The wine walks take place the third Wednesday of each month, and wines from a different region are featured each month. Live musical performances round out the evening of relaxation and fun.…

Article and photo by Julie Montoya The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce its newest partnership with the opening of the Castle Cliff Estate. This incredible private chateau is a premiere location for weddings, events and parties. It also serves as an intimate four suite bed & breakfast – the only one…

    Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Prepare for Emergency Evacuation – Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver and the Office of Emergency Management remind all residents of Douglas County to think about the possibility of an emergency evacuation from their homes. Some mandatory evacuation orders and pre-evacuation orders for residents living in…

Meridian Village will be the new home to American Academy’s second campus for the 2013-2014 school year. Article and photo by Kathy Dunker On Tuesday, June 5, the Douglas County Board of Education (DCBOE) unanimously approved American Academy’s (AA’s) application to replicate. The school plans to open the new doors to their second campus in…

The new Cabela’s 110,000 sq. ft. store at RidgeGate Commons is expected to start construction this fall and be completed in 2013. By Elizabeth Wood West with site plan provided by Coventry Development Corporation and sketch plan provided by Cabela’s Cabela’s, arguably the world’s largest retail supplier of hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor-related merchandise, will…

Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics is excited to announce the addition of co-ed flag football, coming to the Castle Pines community in September. The season is set to run September 7 to October 21, and will be held on Fridays or Sundays at Elk Ridge Park and Daniel’s Gate Park…

Submitted by Colorado State Fire Chiefs With the intense wildfires raging across the state, the Colorado State Fire Chiefs are pleading with residents to abide by the state-wide burn ban in effect and don’t use fireworks. More than 14 fires are burning in the state using a great amount of resources. In 2010, fireworks caused…

     By Elean Gersack Returning families and those who have previously enrolled at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) are invited to check-in online beginning Monday, July 23. All school forms and payments need to be completed electronically via the Parent Portal no later than the first day of school, Monday, August 13. New families interested…

By Chris Bonham The results are in! On June 26, Republicans in Douglas County selected Roger Partridge as their candidate for County Commissioner District 2, which serves the greater Castle Pines community. Partridge beat out his Republican opponent Randy Reed by a narrow 316 votes. Partridge will face Democratic nominee Terry Krow in the General…

2012 Ducky Derby first place winner Heather Wood with husband Robert Wood, daughter Haylee, and son Landon. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos by Julie Montoya The 16th Annual Ducky Derby and street festival far exceeded the expectations of Rotarians from the Castle Pines Rotary Club, the Castle Rock Rotary Club, and the Castle Rock…

Douglas County and the City of Lone Tree cordially invite you to celebrate the opening of the 3.1 mile East West Regional Trail Extension – from Bluffs Regional Park to the RidgeGate Interchange. The all-season trail surface is designed for pedestrian, equestrian and cycling usage. The opening will be held at Bluffs Regional Park, 10099…

Article and photo by Liane Marette Davis With more than 18 years of combined superior culinary experience and service, chef/owner Richard Esper and executive chef/partner Alec Erickson teamed together to bring you a place where the creativity in their cuisine and commitment to your experience in dining shine. Elevation 5900 is located on Mainstreet in…

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…

Article by Kathy Dunker June is Colorado’s official Bike Month with the highlight being Bike to Work Day, held on Wednesday, June 27, sponsored by the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). Employees are encouraged to leave their cars at home and get some fresh air as they cycle their way to work. The idea…

Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Part of Colorado’s beauty lies only thirty minutes away from the city of Castle Pines. Waterton Canyon meanders into the foothills along the South Platte River, eventually joining the Colorado Trail. The canyon has a terrific trail that stretches through some beautiful scenery. It is suitable for walkers, hikers,…

Article by Elean Gersack Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) students and teachers enjoyed the last weeks of school with plenty of learning and lots of fun. Here’s a look at the last weeks of the school year and some of the great memories that were made. Fittin’ It In 5K in-house winners BRE celebrated two…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Imagetek Photography Sunday, May 20, at Butterfield Park was no ordinary day. A whopping 484 kids participated in the seventh annual Tri the Rock Kid’s Triathlon, which adds up to 108 more kids than last year’s tri! The event raised nearly $5,000 for area physical education programs, as…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Desi Lederman Thanks to a committed director, Sierra Middlebrooks, production manager Benji Billman, many dedicated students, and even more supportive musical parents, American Academy (AA) thrilled its audience last month with the school’s performance of Beauty and the Beast Junior on May 4 and 5 at Front Range…

Article by Syd Charvat, as published in The Rock newspaper Throughout high school, students spend hours pouring over their textbooks to find the answer to a discussion question, scavenging across search engines for Sparknotes, and flipping through the pages of their chicken scratch notebooks, all in the hopes of seeing a hard earned letter “A”…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Stacia Wilkins On Sunday, May 6, approximately 20 girls from Starstruck Academy of Dance put their dancing hearts to work. After a grueling weekend of late nights at the Tribute Dance Competition in Colorado Springs, the girls, ranging in age from 10 to 18, enthusiastically got up and…

Contributed by Douglas County Libraries It’s no secret that kids who read during the summer months fare better on fall reading tests than kids who don’t. A great way to keep them reading is to participate in the Summer Reading Program at Douglas County Libraries. Beginning June 1, register the whole family online at DouglasCountyLibraries.org…

By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of BrynMaRae Photography The Castle Pines Connection covered a story in the December 2011 issue about “Homes for Our Troops,” and the recipient of a new home, retired Corporal Nick Orchowski. “Homes for Our Troops” is a nationwide, non-profit organization, which builds specially adapted homes for post-9/11 veterans with disabilities.…

Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Sunday, May 20, was the annual Castle Crocs summer swim team kick-off party at Coyote Ridge Park. The team moved up to the A Division this year in the Mountain High Swim League and look forward to some great competition at the upcoming meets. The Crocs, in its seventh…

Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Pennies, dimes and nickels. They’re worth so little that most of us let them sit around the house gathering dust in an old jar or lining the underside of the couch cushions. But students in Castle Pines recently went on a mission to recover small change around their homes.…

By Jodi Anderson with photos courtesy of DCSM What an exhilarating, energizing time of year for DCS Montessori (DCSM)!  This Spring has been filled with so much activity as we wrap up the school year. Our DCSM music teacher, Lorraine Cooper, and our fifth graders, presented a musical extravaganza for the school that was designed…

Submitted by Lane Roberts Castle Pines Athletics is hosting a summer basketball skills camp July 23 to July 27 at the DCS Montessori School in Castle Pines. The camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, and is open to children of all skill levels who are entering Kindergarten through fifth grade. Children will…

Earl Jackson (center right with tan shirt and black pants) is pictured surrounded by Castle Pines Village neighbors who came out to show him their support on his final day of work. “I’m going to miss Mr. Jackson so much! He had such a great attitude, and always made people feel welcome. I loved talking…

By Patte Smith, illustration from South Metro Fire Authority publication Seeing plumes of smoke not far from homes in the Castle Pines and surrounding area definitely puts residents on edge and worried about their properties. With fire season here, firefighters and residents need to be on alert for the possibility of a fire. Homeowners need…