Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
Cut the calories; keep the flavor by Sally Uhrich The holidays are over and you have left-overs in the freezer, decorations to put away and, if you’re like most of us, a bit of an expanding waistline. Your first New Year’s resolution is to make exercise and healthy eating a priority. Now you begin thinking…
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…
Back Row: Aubrey Stevens, Colin Kemp, Mitchell Baggett, Brynn Peters, Rebecca Teeter. Third Row: Sam Anderson, Bryan Gardner, Ryan Tierney, Jessie Motlong, Trent Writer. Second Row: Caden Tisdale, Kenny Hughes, Devin Repka, Sam Rafter, Elizabeth Goodman. Front Row: Deavin McAlear, Ben Case, Connor Chott, Camille Leach, Lucy Butler and Alex Schaad. Submitted by Elean Gersack…
by Elean Gersack Planning a team practice or party during the next few months? There are three parks in Castle Pines available by reservation: Coyote Ridge, Daniel’s Gate and The Retreat. Soccer fields are available at all three parks and baseball fields are available at Coyote Ridge Park and The Retreat Park. Requests for spring…
Castle Pines Athletics basketball team the “Red Sharks,” show off their basketball medals after finishing the season. The team of four and five year olds is coached by Castle Pines resident Rob Terry, ( Photo by Shannon Terry) Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics wrapped up its first basketball season on…
by Elean Gersack Don’t delay … now is the time to register 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 This spring, Castle Pines Athletics will offer co-ed recreational soccer along with two new programs – competitive/developmental soccer…
By Lisa Crockett In December, the Douglas County Board of Education accepted a report by its “Choice Task Force” and took a step toward a possible program to subsidize students attending private schools. The program, which would provide what are called “options certificates” would give 75 percent of the state’s per-pupil revenue (PPR) to the…
Submitted by Patte Smith Several Surrey Ridge residents joined together to carol for some of their fellow neighbors who needed some Christmas cheer this year. It was a fun time that brought smiles and laughter to the carolers and the neighbors. All ages joined in to bring a little joy to the community. For more…
Castle Pines Athletics introduces “soccer tots” Castle Pines Athletics is now offering “soccer tots,” a new program designed for three-year olds. This local program is the perfect place for your little tot to start learning about soccer and meet new friends. Children must be 3 years old by March 1 to participate. The six-week program…
RHMS 7th grader, Rachel Wright got involved to help fight diabetes. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Amy Shanahan Rachel Wright, a seventh grader at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS), has juvenile diabetes, and she wants to help stop the disease. Wright was diagnosed in January 2007 and hopes to make a difference for…
Fierro posing with Marines at the Toys for Tots Banquet on December 3. (Photo by Chuck Skinner). Article and photo by Kathy Dunker From the South American town of Riobamba at over 9,000 feet in elevation to 6,500 feet in elevation in Castle Pines, comes 17 year-old Ruth Mariagracia Fierro Velasco, better known as Ruthy…
Douglas County residents have an additional opportunity to weigh in on the proposed Penley Reservoir at an upcoming January 10 Use by Special Review hearing, which was continued from December for additional public comment. The proposed reservoir is part of the Penley Ranch project, located south of C-470 and west of Sedalia and US Highway…
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…
The Pfeiffer family gathered around their trusty turkey fryer this Thanksgiving (left to right) Susan, Sam, Tim, Ally, and Drew. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos provided by Susan Pfeiffer Deep fried turkey may not seem like the typical tradition, but Tim and Susan Pfeiffer, residents of Stonecroft, are on their fifth year of deep…
Christian Nicholson as Romeo and Logan Schurr as Juliet. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Rachel Zetwick Where was Romeo? In November he was found at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) in the school’s modern day approach to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” as seen through the eyes of drama teacher and show director, Mclain…
by Kathy Dunker Castle Pines North residents, Susanne Kabza and Michele Hayden, are hosting their 3rd annual holiday boutique, Party with a Purpose, at Kabza’s home, 5783 Amber Ridge Place in Castle Pines North, on Tuesday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ten percent of the profits will benefit The Women’s Crisis and…
Surrey Ridge kids, families, friends and relatives enjoyed the frightfully fun annual neighborhood Halloween hayrack ride. Sloppy joes, chips, pop and candy were served from a spooky black coffin manned by witches, ghouls and parents decked out for the dark and unusually warm night. More than fifty kids rode on hay-filled tractors that wound around…
by Patte Smith While on the way to the November Leadership Douglas County program, Health Care and Social Services Day, Carla Kenny didn’t realize she was about to hear some remarkable news. This news not only impacts Douglas County, but the entire country. Douglas County has been chosen to participate in The National Children’s Study…
Dr. Patrick Wilson and Dr. Lisa Fox of Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry stand in front of 2,000 pounds of candy collected during their annual Halloween candy buy-back program in November – well surpassing last year’s 1,100 pounds. Children received $1 for each pound of candy brought into the office. The USO will distribute this massive…
Operation Bright Star prepares to start the assembly line of filling boxes to create a Thanksgiving feast for those in need. This year the group was able to prepare 29 meals that were delivered to those who probably wouldn’t have otherwise had a Thanksgiving meal. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Operation Bright Star…
Douglas County commuters driving between Parker and I-25 will soon be able to access Parker’s Main Street via the Ridgegate exit. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the recently-developed road will be held on December 13. The new route should ease congestion on Lincoln Avenue. The construction of the alternate route was completed by a coalition…
Ken Hamblin, former liberal photojournalist (best known for his coverage of the civil rights riots of the late 60’s) – turned conservative Denver talk show host (aka: the “Black Avenger”), spends his time these days traveling with wife, Sue, and riding his Harley Davisdon motorcycle. At age 70, Hamblin appreciates not only where he is…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines North As of January 1, 2011, the City of Castle Pines North will be known simply as the City of Castle Pines. Voters in November approved more than three- to- one the ballot question to drop “North” from the city’s name, a move city officials believe will…
RCHS varsity pom team, UDA Champions (left to right) back row: Coach Alicia Heimerdinger, Kate Reisig, Amy Taylor, Kelsey Hofstetter, Alexis Todd, Ciara Stamper, Hannah Wilson, and Lauren Packer; front row: Ali Sunshine, Ivy Deibel (captain), Charity Sammons (captain), Sara Eldridge, and Sam Pusar. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Vanessa Pusar The Rock Canyon…
Lines of shoppers were constant throughout the grand opening day of the new task force thrift store. It was an overwhelmingly successful first day. Articles and photos by Patte Smith The Douglas/Ebert County Task Force celebrated the grand opening of its new thrift store on Saturday, October 23. All of the task force services are…
TR Ellis (pictured upper right) celebrates winning the Class 5A Volleyball State Championship with her girls’ varsity volleyball team. By Tracy Dudley with photos provided by KeyserImages.com TR Ellis has lived in the Castle Pines community for nearly 20 years, calling Knights Bridge in HOA1 home. She also happens to be the head coach of…
Second grader Owen Mullison and his teacher Kristen WardBrown display a Scandinavian tapestry, a family heirloom Owen included in his “Culture Trunk.” All second graders at Timber Trail Elementary assembled the trunks, including photographs and other items representing their cultural heritage. article and photo by Lisa Crockett Knowing where they come from may help second-graders…
Information and logo provided by Dumb Friends League Dumb Friends League is holding its annual Paws to Give fund drive now to help care for more than 25,000 homeless pets this coming year. “We need your help now more than ever,” said Bob Rohde, Dumb Friends League president and CEO. “Any amount you can give—whether…
Pictured above, Tucker Middleton stands with the 32 turkeys he collected to help the Denver Rescue Mission for Thanksgiving. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Tucker Middleton organized and collected 32 turkeys and raised more than $100 to help the Denver Rescue Mission with the organization’s annual Turkey Drive. Middleton, a Castle Pines resident…
Paul Romaine rocked the rhythm with the middle school musicians. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Joe Anderies On Thursday, November 11, the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) jazz ensemble was treated to a first class mentoring experience at a two hour evening practice. Organized by music teacher, Joe Anderies, international artists joined the…
Back Row: Mark Victery (Mr. Jenson); Grace Fling (Mrs. Jaramillo); Avery Tisdale (Mrs. Sedersten); Grace Owens (Mrs. Phelan); Kerst Meibos (Mrs. Pedrett); Thomas Waggett (Mrs. Herzog); Xander Keriazakos (Mrs. Pinke). Middle Row: Morgan Wright (Mrs. Coombs); Zander Danyliw (Mrs. Shaffner); Eliot Nelson (Mrs. Jacoway); David Wright (Mrs. Miller); Lexi Pendergraft (Mrs. Brester); Emily Everds (Mrs.…