The Connection

RCHS students pose in front of the Christmas tree at the Mall of America in Minneapolis during the convention. Article by Charlie Melbye with photo by Rob Rathbun Eleven student journalists from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) attended the JEA/NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota November 17 through November 20. Staff…

Rocky Heights Middle School was excited to enter two teams from the Robotics Club into the Colorado School of Mines Qualifier tournament, held on Sunday November 20. Team purple finished 2nd out of 48 entrants in the Teamwork Challenge, and brought home a beautiful trophy. Way to go Nighthawks! Pictured are the participants from the…

By Chris Bonham Gone are the days of decking the halls with boughs of holly and asking for a bit of figgy pudding. Today, Christmas has become, in many places, about consumerism. What we can get. What we can give. But one Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) student is making a difference by going beyond…

AA student, Alex Dillon, pictured with Dolores Barela from the bi-lingual liaison migrant education program, just after delivering the gifts to Molholm Elementary School last month. By Kathy Dunker American Academy’s (AA’s) PTO sponsored Molholm Elementary School this year for its fourth consecutive year. Molholm Elementary is part of Jeffco School District and is in…

The Wellspring Wonders Choir performs for guests. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Damon Edmond Wellspring Community’s third annual “Evening of Inspiration” exceeded all expectations regarding attendance, impact, and donations. Wellspring founder Mary Lou Fenton said, “We have received amazing feedback from guests – that the evening was truly ‘honoring’ to our participants and…

Brownie Troop 4128 proudly delivers their handmade quilt to Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s Pediatric Surgery Clinic on December 21. Surrounding the troop are: RMHC Pediatric Surgery Nurse Practitioner, Anna Cardinell, NP; Troop Leader, Cindy Lombardi; RMHC Chief Medical Officer, Reggie Washington, M.D; RMHC Pediatric Surgery Clinic Manager, Jessica Spencer; Troop Leader, Adrianne Geyer (photo…

By Patte Smith Martin Luther King Day commemorates an American leader and social activist who worked tirelessly throughout his life to unite all people, regardless of color or faith. He believed in educating people on the importance of truth, justice, peace and the dignity of all people. King, a Baptist minister, led the non-violent civil…

Gretta Hawkins stands in front of a wall honoring patients with Leukemia and those who have lost their battle.” By Tricia Wackerly with photo submitted by Gretta Hawkins Experiencing the loss of a loved one or watching them battle a life threatening illness can be overwhelming and leave one feeling hopeless. Castle Pines resident Gretta…

By Tricia Wackerly Talk about a strong neighborhood connection … That’s what you felt when you drove by Cerney Circle in the Royal Hill neighborhood of Castle Pines in December. Of the 48 houses on Cerney Circle, 33 connected to each other with a strand of lights in a sign of neighborhood spirit and unity,…

Submitted by the Castle Pines Library staff According to a summer 2011 poll by Harris Interactive, one in six Americans use eReaders, and another one in six is likely to purchase an eReader within the next six months. Given holiday marketing by eReader giants Amazon (Kindle) and Barnes and Noble (Nook), it’s likely that many…

Read more about the Rojas story – Search “Rojas”at www.CastlePinesConnection.com. Sent in from The Rojas family to residents in the Ventana/Amber Ridge neighborhood of Castle Pines Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dahl, Please know I have tried to write this letter a zillion times and not once could I express my feelings of gratitude. What you…

By Lisa Crockett The road is paved; the dedication ceremony planned … and yet, the barriers still prohibit entrance to the much-anticipated Hess Road extension. The new roadway, which will provide an east-west connection between Parker and Castle Pines is nearly complete. The road did not open in December as originally scheduled. The final phase…

Members of the BRE Dream Team surround the more than 3,500 non-perishable food items collected at the school for the Salvation Army Food By Katie S., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter This season at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) had many inspiring examples of students sharing and caring for one another.  The third graders celebrated the holidays…

Jimmy Dozer found his niche photographing people. His passion shows in the personalities he captures. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Jimmy Dozer If you have attended an event in the Village shops at Castle Pines, or just taken time to browse the shops and restaurants, chances are you have come into contact with Jimmy…

David John Reed “Mr. O” By Chris Bonham with photo provided by the Reed family Legacy. It is a word that invokes the images of gods and kings; great men throughout history who have shaped the world to be what it is today. But legacy is not just a word reserved for men and women…

The $50 budget for this little girl was too small, so these shoppers financed the shopping list with their own money.  They were able to provide everything including a brand new bike, helmet, and bike pump.  “I am so impressed by the generosity of our students and this community!” said Explorer teacher Holly Spurlin.  (left…

Article by Joe Gschwendtner with photos provided by the Castle Pines Motorcycle Club Little captures the American spirit better than a Harley Davidson on the open road. To this image, add a heavy-leathered male specimen with a sculpted female wrapped tightly into bike and body contours. Now that’s a serious formula for adventure. If you…

By Lisa Crockett After six weeks of Holiday feasting and celebrating (more if you include Halloween) most of us make resolutions that include dropping a few pounds and moving a little more. Gym parking lots overflow and low-fat and low-cal snacks dominate grocery store displays. And while it’s a great idea to make a fresh…

By Elean Gersack Planning a team practice, family gathering or party during the next few months? There are many great parks in Castle Pines available by reservation. The Castle Pines North Metro District manages Coyote Ridge, Daniel’s Gate, and The Retreat parks, while the City of Castle Pines manages the newest park, Elk Ridge. Coyote…

By Lisa Crockett Open Enrollment – 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 completed the district website at www.dcsdk12.org (click on “o” and then select “Open Enrollment” to access the form; paper forms…

The Flower Shop at Castle Pines owners Sherry Lea and Tim Hannon show their love and passion for floral design. By Lisa Crockett with photo by Tim Gamble The Flower Shop at Castle Pines will no longer have a store front on Village Square Lane, but most all the services customers have come to enjoy…

The kids loved getting copies of the photos Butorac took of them; smiles, laughter and excitement abound! Father Ulrick, the priest in the village of Anse Au Veau and a teachers tries out the new keyboard. By Patte Smith with photos provided by Kim Butorac Surrey Ridge resident Kim Butorac (pictured above left) returned from…

By Elean Gersack Now is the time to get registered for spring sports and activities. Below is a quick reference guide to some of the most popular leagues and recreational activities around. Castle Pines Athletics Spring soccer begins in late March and runs through May 19. The co-ed recreational program is available for children ages…

By Patte Smith Joyful ahhs and oohs resounded at The Ridge Restaurant as children and parents visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the annual Christmas breakfasts held in early December. It was a fun time for the kids as they laughed, danced and sang with the Claus’ as parents delighted in taking photos of…

Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Leading Edge Physical Therapy is hosting a workshop Thursday, January 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring Richard Thomas, a PhD practitioner in natural nutrition. Thomas feels it’s a practitioner’s responsibility to research and educate the public about new information in the natural health world. Areas…

The Timber Team, TTE’s version of a student council, led a drive which collected thousands of dollars for needy families in Douglas County Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students gave back to the community in a big way during December, looking to share with those in need. During the week…

Cherry Hills Christian Middle School hosts “Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope” event Contributed by Cherry Hills Christian Middle School, photos provided by Leza Shupe, CHCS Cherry Hills Christian Middle School celebrated the conclusion of the first “Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope” Christmas outreach event on December 16.  The month and a half long program introduced students to…

By Jodi Anderson, DCS Montessori DCS Montessori (DCSM) students have been busy this holiday season. While many of us feel the stress and rush of this time of year, students at DCSM wanted to help others while making a difference in their community. They found several great ways to do this: One of the classes…

By Lisa Crockett To start the new year off right, the committee to keep the Castle Pines Library in operation for the next three years is encouraging residents to give the gift of a library sponsorship. “Going in to 2012, we are halfway to our fundraising goal of $100,000,” said Warren Lynge, the Castle Pines…

By Terri Wiebold with photo courtesy of The Ridge Restaurant The Castle Pines Connection staff and their families joined at The Ridge at Castle Pines North in December to celebrate the holidays and reflect back on yet another successful year. “As I look back over the past three years, I am reminded of our humble…

Real Colorado’s plans for a 22-acre soccer complex in Parker. The first field will be complete and ready for play in March. By Lisa Crockett with illustration courtesy of Real Colorado The first synthetic turf field in the 22-acre Real Colorado Park soccer complex should be ready for its first players on March 1, 2012.…

by Liane Marette Davis La Sandia Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar (la sandia meaning watermelon in Spanish), is the place to be with its dazzling décor and upbeat atmosphere. Relax in the comfortable, colorful dining room or take the stairs to the spacious rooftop bar and patio. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains…

RTD’s preferred route alignment that was selected in 2010 for a light rail transit system from Lincoln Station, to Sky Ridge Medical Center, the future Lone Tree Town Center down to RidgeGate Parkway. By Patte Smith with excerpts from the RTD Scoping Booklet The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has initiated an Alternatives Analysis (AA) and…

Bead it! owner Laurel Mueller works with customers at the bead bar. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan If you enjoy beautiful jewelry but don’t enjoy the cost, try making creative beautiful items with help from the friendly owner and employees at “Bead it!” near Park Meadows. Bead it!, which has been in the area…

Ashton, Connor and Cooper — the Buffalo Ridge boys hanging out! (photo courtesty of Mrs. Brester, Mrs. Herzog and Mrs. Jacoway). Article by Josh Harmon, BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter Everybody knows the tale of The Three Little Pigs, but does anybody know the story of the three little babies? Once there were three little babies…

Kaylee Schuler holding a very prized possession, her first published work as an author entitled “Midnight – A Wolf’s Tale”. Article by Jodi Anderson with photo courtesy of DCSM How many people believe they can write a book? Or wish they could? One young writer has made this dream a reality. Kaylee Schuler, a sixth…

    Firefighters work to protect life and property in the 2003 Cherokee Ranch Fire. Photo courtesy of Tim Tonge. Submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Authority Wildfires, blizzards, house fires and even tornadoes sometimes threaten our communities and impact lives and properties. It is the job of South Metro Fire Rescue and other emergency services…

Submitted by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff David A. Weaver is pleased to announce a new online citizen reporting system that will serve our citizens more efficiently and allow citizens to report certain crimes 24/7 online. After nearly two years of planning, CopLogic, our on-line reporting system, was launched without public fanfare on September 26.…

– Make sure packages are able to withstand processing without the contents or packaging breaking. – Cushion items with bubble wrap, newspaper, or “foam peanuts” so they do not shift during transit. – Wrap each item separately when packing more than one item in the same box. – Remove batteries from electronic devices and wrap…

Left to right: Tim McCloskey, head of installation, Kathy and Pete Bell- Owners By Tricia Wackerly with photo provided by Kathy Bell When Pete Bell was displaced from his job after 16 years in the medical device industry, he was forced to take stock and assess what his next career path would be. Would he…

Michelle Rafter and Jen Murdock Jacoway, of Creations by Jen and Michelle, show a handful of greeting card designs during their annual holiday open house on November 10. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Castle Pines North friends Jen Murdock Jacoway and Michelle Rafter, met as teachers at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) 10 years…

Maren Clark and Cambri Reisig are all smiles about their Oh Baby Cakes. This holiday-decorated batch includes chocolate icing with mini gingerbread men, crushed Whoppers, mini chocolate morsels, red and green frosting and sprinkles and more. Article and photo by Elean Gersack The entrepreneurial spirit is in the air and some Castle Pines ‘tweens are…

By Joe Gschwendtner Valerie Robson, Douglas County’s (DC) adult and aging services manager, and County Commissioner Jack Hilbert enthusiastically welcomed a nearly standing-room only audience to DC’s November 9 Summit on aging. Deeply invested in the issue, Hilbert gave firm assurances that the county will be proactive in meeting senior needs. With practiced political flair,…

    Information provided by Douglas County Libraries On Tuesday, November 29, representatives of Douglas County Libraries accepted generous donations from Interstate Highway Construction and The Canyons, and publicly thanked both organizations for their support of Castle Pines Library. The event was attended by key members of the donating businesses, Castle Pines Library staff, and the…

RCHS senior, Ryan McGavin, attended the 2011 Western States Honor Orchestra Festival last month in Greeley.      RCHS junior, Nikki Pataroque, pictured right, shortly after the concert at UNC, attended the WHSOF for her second year in a row as a violinist. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the McGavin and Pataroque…

Photo and caption by Amy Shanahan The new War Veteran Memorial Plaza in downtown Castle Rock was dedicated on Veteran’s Day, November 11th. The ceremony was attended by several hundred veterans, their families, friends, and members of the community. After a moving dedication speech by Korean War veteran Henry Bohne, the seven flags were raised…

Members of the law firm Folkestad Fazekas Barrick & Patoile receive the prestigious Patriot Certificate of Appreciation. Press release and photo submitted by Folkestad Fazekas Barrick & Patoile, P.C On October 13, several representatives from the Employers Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented the law firm of Folkestad Fazekas Barrick & Patoile, P.C.…

Press release and photo submitted by Friends of Los Pisingos Throughout November and December, five Castle Pines elementary school children will be raising money for the Los Pisingos Orphanage in Bogota, Colombia. They have teamed up with Lynch Creek Farms to sell holiday decorations. Kristen Anderson says, “We are doing this to help raise money…

Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Basketball is back in Castle Pines! Castle Pines Athletics has teamed up again this year with the DCS Montessori School to provide the co-ed program to children ages preschool to fourth grade. The season runs November 28 to February 19. “Our basketball program has grown so much this…

Pictured left (left to right): Aubrey Purdy, Quinn Kennedy, Nicole McDaniel, Matt Hopkins, and Camille Prusse. (Not pictured) Aubrey Eggett, and Ashley Kisner. These amazing singers from the RCHS Choral Department were recently chosen to be a part of the All-State Classical Choir: Left to right: Aubrey Purdy, Quinn Kennedy*, Nicole McDaniel, Matt Hopkins, and…

Submitted by Nani Lundig, Douglas/Elbert Task Force Christmas morning can be especially sad for children when their parents are unable to buy them a gift. The Douglas/Elbert Task Force Adopt-A-Family program “Santa’s Sharing” helps by organizing sponsors for families in Douglas and Elbert counties. Individuals, businesses and groups willing to share the joy of the…

CKPD collects for SafeHouse Denver Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry (CKPD) is collecting items for SafeHouse Denver this holiday season. SafeHouse Denver exclusively serves victims of domestic violence and runs a non-residential counseling and advocacy center with support services to women and children experiencing intimate partner violence but who are not in need of emergency housing.…

Keynote speaker Trish Downing and eighth grade teacher Rick Johnson at the RHMS Career Day assembly. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan October 26 was a special day for the seventh and eighth grade students at Rocky Heights Middle School as 40 volunteers came to the school to speak to the students about their chosen…

Nick Orchowski, an injured combat veteran of the Iraq war will receive a new home from the non-profit, Homes for Our Troops organization. Support for this home-building effort has become community-wide through the efforts of local students. Article by Amy Shanahan with photos by Nick Orchowski Veterans Day this year took on a very personal…

Wow … a whopping 1,800 pounds! Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry collected more than 1,800 pounds of candy this Halloween season during its fifth annual candy buy back program. The candy was delivered to Ft. Carson on November 15 where it was distributed to troops being sent to Afghanistan as well as included as part of…

RCHS Marching Band gets a good luck send off as they depart for the State Competition on October 27. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Joel Naegele For the first time in Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) history, the school’s 56 students performing in the marching band made it to the State semi-finals…

McGregor Durie, Garrett Durie and Tucker Middleton shown delivering donations outside of the Denver Rescue Mission’s Lawrence St. shelter. By Tricia Wackerly, photo provided by Mary Williams Garrett Durie and Tucker Middleton organized their 4th annual turkey and food drive for the Denver Rescue Mission. “We were able to donate 40 meals and deliver 19…

By Elizabeth Wood West Castle Pines Urgent Care and Family Practice will soon be opening its doors to offer a broad range of medical services to the community. The new clinic will open in early February, 2012, and is located at 7280 Lagae Road, Unit J, in the King Soopers shopping center in Castle Pines.…

CPN residents deliver meal L to R, Carlie Leach, April Parcells, Jody Robinson & Steve Robinson – Founders of Operation Bright Star, Scott Shugart – co-founder/ Founders Village rep By Tricia Wackerly with photos provided by Steve Robinson Operation Bright Star (OBS) completed yet another year of giving to the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach…

     John Pellegrin stands beside a collage that his wife Barbara made for him. It depicts him as a young man with his collection of medals from WWII. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan John Pellegrin was only 19 years old on June 6, 1944, but it’s a day that lives on vividly in his…

     Article by Jodi Anderson When is a middle school not a middle school? When it’s more. Following a plan set forth by the original founders and written charter for DCS Montessori Charter School (DCSM), plans are approved and in motion for the start of a DCSM Middle School for the 2012/2013 academic school year.…

A Thanksgiving meal from the Volunteers of America was heartily enjoyed at the Castle Rock Senior Center on November 22 with AA student,  Michael Basey, helping to dish out the eats. Seniors were thrilled to have the trees of thanks adorning the tables and plan to reuse them again next fall. Article and photo by…

The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce finished the year strong with more than 200 members and a full borad of directors – pictured above. (Left to right): Jeff Wasden, PROformance Apparel; Sheriff David Weaver, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (chair elect); Jason Ortman, Castle Pines Eye Care (outgoing board memebr); Tammy Lopez, Tammy Lopez Agency; Jessica…

Castle Pines Eagle Scout Connor Newell designed and constructed eight raised vegetable garden beds as an Eagle Scout project for Highland Elementary School. By Elizabeth Wood West (Photo provided by Newell family) Fourteen is a pretty young age to be creating a legacy. However, Castle Pines resident and recent Eagle Scout Connor Newell did just…