The Connection

  Research conducted by, and article prepared by Linda Nuzum Castle Pines taxpayers are footing the bill for attorneys, consultants, and communications efforts related to the City of Castle Pines’ 2010 court filing, which orders the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) to submit a dissolution plan to the judge, and ultimately Castle Pines voters,…

Jamie Larue In college, I got a bean bag chair. I also gave up the daily exercise program I’d followed for years. There was neither privacy nor room in my dorm. By the end of the second semester, suddenly, I had a problem. I was in constant lower back and limb pain. I started to…

Winter Berry resident and artist Nancy Meisner helped contribute to the party’s success. Article by Kathy Dunker Susanne Kabza and Michele Hayden had a successful day on December 14 with their third annual “Party with a Purpose” at Kabza’s home in Amber Ridge. More than $1,100 was raised to benefit The Women’s Crisis and Family…

Castle Pines Athletics soccer players take a break to hang out after a game last fall. Playing with friends, neighbors and classmates is partof what makes Castle Pines Athletics so special. Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Beginning in March, Castle Pines Athletics will kick off its third consecutive year of bringing sports to…

Article by Patte Smith photo by Carla Kenny Government day, held in January for the members of Leadership Douglas County (LDC), was a refresher course in what many of us learned in middle and high school. “We revisited a lot of useful information about our government and the difference in governing at the state and…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Kristi Doke Kindergartners at American Academy (AA) got put on their engineering hats last month with their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) week for mechanical engineering. The Kindies got to think like mechanical engineers as they used the force of wind to power their mechanical creations. With…

By Pacey, Ridgeline Staff Reporter Did you know that Cripple Creek had one of the biggest gold strikes in history? $500,000,000 worth of gold was found at Cripple Creek in 1890. The population of the town went from 500 people to 10,000 people in just 3 years. After the Gold Rush, many people left the…

While many across the country find themselves indoors with a cup of hot chocolate near a fireplace when the snow hits big, we here in Colorado head to the hills. Whether it is skiing, tubing, snow boarding, sledding or just playing in the snow, the Castle Pines community makes the most of the winter fun.…

Information submitted by DC Libraries In addition to The Wildlife Experience and Dinosaur Ridge, Douglas County Libraries now offers library card holders Adventure Passes to the Denver Art Museum. The partnership is the first of its kind among Colorado libraries. Denver Art Museum passes are available starting January 11. The Denver Art Museum seeks to…

Back Row: Nicole (Mrs. Kennedy); Lexi Wirkus (Ms. Carter); Elizabeth Curtright (Mrs Phelan); Chelsea Gause (Mr. Jenson); Lawrence Shook (Mrs. Sedersten). Middle Row: Jameson Shanahan (Mrs. Shepherd); Jessica Bentley (Mrs. Brester); Rachel Ansay (Mrs. Pedrett); Ashley Zbylski (Mrs. Pinke); Madison Pickett (Mrs. Jaramillo); Megan Golba (Mrs. Herzog). Front Row: Zachary Ruggee (Mrs. G.); Caden Brester…

Candidate Forum – Castle Pines – July 22, 2008 by Joe Gschwendtner Arnold Schwarzenegger recently proved a good “terminator” does not necessarily make a good “governator.” Much admired by many Americans, polls indicate he is seen as having failed California. I’ve been involved in governance for 30 years. To be fairly governed requires electing good,…

Chris Bonham Column by Chris Bonham, intern writer I recently attended a Civil War Ball, a rather large event held for homeschoolers at the DC Fairgrounds every year. It’s a time when teens get dressed up in period-type clothing and dance the night away. Unfortunately, my dancing skills are somewhat lacking. My night was spent…

Articles and photos by The Castle Pines Connection staff, courtesy photos The Douglas County Educational Foundation will present its Apple Awards on March 5 at an event designed to honor the finest educators in the county, while also raising money to support school programs. After the Foundation reviewed 5,300 nominations submitted by students, staff and…

Property owners in Douglas County now have a new tool on the county’s website that will calculate the cost of an individual property’s proportionate share of 28 different service categories provided by Douglas County, including road construction, law enforcement, parks and trails, public health, elections, snow removal, and traffic management. For access to the county’s…

Submitted by Bob Wilson CDOT Public Relations Work is underway to reconstruct a large portion of State Highway 86 (Founders Parkway) between Interstate 25 and the Founders Parkway/ Ridge Road/ 5thStreet intersection. The Colorado Department of Department (CDOT) project includes reconstructing 2 1/2 miles of highway with concrete pavement, a new storm drain system, retention…

Last month, City of Lone Tree officials, project associates and project contractor G.E. Johnson celebrated Topping Out of the Lone Tree Arts Center by signing their John Hancock and then placing a structural beam at the site of the future lobby area. Guests received an inspirational speech from Lone Tree Arts Center Executive Director Lisa…

The Castle Pines Connection is looking to add a listing of services and home-based businesses that might be of interest to our readers. We want this to be more than just a static listing of businesses, but rather a useful resource for services you frequently need. Please send suggestions regarding the types of services you…

The Castle Pines Library will host a Mother-Daughter book club in 2011. Bimonthly meetings are planned for the following Mondays at 6:30 p.m.: Monday, March 1 – Black Beauty Monday, May 9 – Each Little Bird that Sings Monday, July 11 – The Penderwicks:  A Summer Tale of Four Sisters Monday, September 12 – When…

Now in its fourth year, the much celebrated Douglas County Art Encounters™ public art program invites sculpture artists to submit applications for participation in the June 2011 to June 2012, outdoor sculpture exhibit. Deadline for artist entries is Feb. 28. Please visit www.douglas.co.us/artencounters to access the CAFE (Call for Entries) online application and for comprehensive…

In a recent Castle Pines Connection letter to the editor, Brambleridge resident Donald Reese made the observation that, “We [residents in the city] are suing ourselves with our own tax dollars…Why?” He went on to write, “I would encourage your paper to publish a future article reporting the total amount of taxpayer money, in dollars,…

The staff at Las Fajitas is eager to serve up some traditional-style Mexican favorites. Owner Alberto Granados is pictured in the center.  Las Fajitas is a family-owned and operated restaurant. By Lisa Crockett with photos by Tim Gamble Aurora restaurant owner Alberto Granados was looking to expand his popular “Las Fajitas” restaurant. He says his…

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…

by Lisa Crockett Parents wishing to enroll children in a Douglas County School District school, other than a designated neighborhood school, must complete an open enrollment form. Open enrollment forms can be downloaded from the district website at www.dcsdk12.org and parents can view a list of the schools available for open enrollment for the 2011-2012…

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.…

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…

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…

Submitted by South Suburban Recreation Center Lone Tree Ski Bus Starting Sat, Jan 29; trips depart from Lone Tree Recreation Center at 7 am and return by 7 pm. Participants must be 13 years or older or accompanied by a qualifying adult. Lap children are allowed. Departure time from ski resorts is generally 4:30 pm,…

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…

Pictured above is Mrs. Kennedy’s third grade class from Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) following a performance of “The Polar Express,” The third grade team at BRE uses a reader’s theatre format for the play to emphasize the use of expression and intonation in reading. Each third grade class had several performances of the play for…

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,…

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…

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…

Students and their families enjoy a night of astronomy fun at one of the stations set up for Stargazing Night at DCS Montessori. Outside, the evening sky provided additional study. By Tracy Dudley; photo provided by DCS Montessori After dark on Wednesday, December 8, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade Montessori students returned to their school…

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 &…

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…

Patty Limerick and John Hendrick offer Insights on Front Range Water Issues Local residents were treated to a special “Insights on Front Range Water Issues,” offered at the Highlands Ranch library.  Guest speakers at the forum were Patty Limerick, Chair of the Center of the American West at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and…

Timber Trail Elementary Choir’s winter concert was entertainment with a message – parents were challenged to sign a pledge promising not to use their cell phones while driving. By Lisa Crockett with photo courtesy Cynthia Berndt Like many famous performers, the Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) Choir uses a multitude of props to enhance its performance…

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…

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…

FOX31 on-air personalities enjoy some puppy time during last year’s Pledges for Pets. Information and photo provided by The Dumb Friends League Sit…Stay…Watch…and make a pledge to support homeless pets at the Dumb Friends League on Sunday, January 30. Tune into the 13th annual Pledges for Pets Telethon, sponsored by Hill’s Science Diet, on FOX31/KDVR…

  Reprinted in part from August 2010 issue Make a pledge to hang up the phone and set a good example. It’s that simple. New drivers, and children who will be behind the wheel in the years to come, are paying attention. If mom and dad talk or text while driving, why should future generations…

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…

Before you head to the garden to plant a new flowerbed or a crop of tomatoes this spring, take the time to call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado. Locators are typically on the job within 72 hours of a confirmed request to accurately mark the underground lines in an excavation area. Even a small…

by Casidee, Ridgeline Staff Reporter African Elephants are the largest land mammals. Their big ears help them keep cool in the hot African climate. They are just slightly larger then their Asian cousins and can be told apart by their larger ears. Elephants are fond of water and enjoy splashing and taking a shower. An…

Dumb Friends League Buddy Center volunteer open house Tuesday, January 25, 2011 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 4556 Castleton Court Castle Rock, CO 80109 RSVP at DFLOpenHouse.Eventbrite.com or 303- 751-5772, Ext. 7312 www.ddfl.org Become a volunteer at the Buddy Center! During the open house, pet lovers can learn more about Buddy Center volunteer opportunities, tour…

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,…

Information submitted by The Wildlife Experience Test your sports skills with the quarterback toss, free throw challenge, bowling blitz and more at the sixth annual Kids Bowl VI presented by The Children’s Hospital. It’s the children’s interactive sporting event of the year at The Wildlife Experience – Saturday, February 5 from 10 a.m. to 5…

The Brown family – Mika, left (age 6), mom Shawna and Carson (age 8) help organize gifts at Timber Trail Elementary to be given to families at the Crisis Center. (Photo by Lisa Crockett) By Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students and their families donated nearly $4,500 to a holiday campaign run by student…

Even a tired little one has a smile after a fun time.Santa and Mrs. Claus pose by the cozy fireplace.Penguin Pete and his new friend at the Santa breakfast.The boys liked the light saber balloon sculptures.Ho, ho, ho…The Ridge staff joins in the fun. By Patte Smith Santa brought excitement and wonder for many children…

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…

Santa & Mrs. Claus, kids and families celebrated the holiday season with hay wagon rides through the HOA#2 community during a fun-filled evening in December. Treats were available for the children and appetizers and wine for the adults .       

By Terri Wiebold; photo by Bob Wiebold In December, The Castle Pines Connection staff gathered at Dukes Steakhouse to celebrate the holidays and the successful completion of another year of bringing an independent news and information source to the Castle Pines community. “When we began this journey two years ago, we were just trying to…

In accordance with the Executive Orders of President Obama, flags on all state and federal buildings should be lowered to half staff until sunset on Friday, January 14, 2011 in honor of the victims of the tragedy in Tucson, Arizona. Presidential Proclamation

An avid runner, Balman was named All American for the Junior Olympic program. RHMS seventh grader, Mackenna Balman, coming into the finish line at the regional meet in Arizona. Article by Kathy Dunker; photos by Cindy Balman Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) seventh grader, Mackenna Balman, has a passion for running. She began running five…

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…

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 South Suburban Parks & Recreation Did you resolve to become more fit in 2011? Have you been hesitant to use the elaborate strength-building and cardiovascular fitness-enhancing equipment at your local recreation center? If so, South Suburban has the help you need. In January, three of South Suburban’s recreation centers: Buck, 2004 W. Powers…

AT&T Customers Get More Mobile Broadband Coverage in Sedalia New Cell Site Activated as Part of Ongoing AT&T Investment in Local Wireless Network As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced mobile devices and applications, AT&T* today announced the activation of one new mobile broadband cell site in Sedalia that…

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…

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…

In January, the Buffalo Ridge Elementary top spellers met twice a week to practice spelling all in preparation for the school’s spelling bee. Some the most trying words were dachshund and necessary. “It can be a confusing word,” commented one speller. By Carin R. Kirkegaard Grace Owens, fifth grader from Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE)…

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 Elizabeth Wood West The Rural Water Authority of Douglas County (RWADC) represents almost 30,000 people, nearly 12 percent of Douglas County’s total population, who are served by more than 8,000 ground water wells. Founded in 2008, its mission is to “assist rural water users and providers to evaluate current and future water supplies and…

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…

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…

Information provided by Colorado Public Television Beginning January 4, 2011, all three channels of Colorado Public Television will be available on digital Xfinity TV. On January 4th, Colorado Public Television is expanding into new mountain communities, and this expansion requires it move exclusively to digital Xfinity TV. If you have analog Xfinity TV (basic cable)…

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…

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,…

Lucky Carla and the Leadership Douglas County group enjoyed lunch and the beautiful atmosphere of the Sanctuary during Economic and Development and Small Business Day hosted at this gorgeous venue. By Patte Smith As Douglas County and the areas around Castle Pines grow and are developed, it is hard to grasp the immensity of planning…