The Connection

RHMS eighth grader, Logan Schurr, in the leading role as Millie Dillmount. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Maclain Looper Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Drama Club performed its spring musical comedy last month, “Thoroughly Modern Millie Junior.” Led by director Maclain Looper and musical director Susie Ritter the production was quite impressive and…

By Kathy Dunker Get out your bikes and air up the tires! June is Colorado’s official Bike Month with the highlight being Bike to Work Day. Wednesday, June 22, is this year’s Bike to Work Day, and employees are encouraged to leave their cars at home and enjoy a nice bike ride to work. The…

    Information provided by Douglas County Prairie Canyon Ranch is the site of open space day in Douglas County, an event celebrating 16 years of open space preservation in the county. Since the inception of the county’s open space program, the county has protected a total of 46,220 acres of open space. Historic Prairie Canyon…

Information provided by Douglas County A residential-only electronics recycling, personal documents shredding and clothing donation event will be held on Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Sports Authority Stadium, 11901 Newlin Gulch Blvd., in Parker. For personal document shredding, up to three boxes or bags of paper will be shredded at…

Castle Pines Athletics “Soccer Tots” bundled up to show off their new trophies after finishing their last game on May 14 in the unusually cold spring weather. Brad and Mackenzie McDonald led a team of seven three-year-olds for the new program offered this spring. (Photo by Shannon Terry.) Information and photos provided by Lane Roberts,…

Team Segal (from left to right) Charlie, Marissa, Heather, and Greg. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of the Segal family Heather Segal, resident of Esperanza, was formally diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome three years ago. Sjogren’s (pronounced show-grins) is an incurable autoimmune disease in which white blood cells attack moisture glands. While dry eyes…

Brownie Troop 3719 celebrates Earth Day by helping pick-up trash around Castle Pines. -Photo courtesy of Cari Ogg

Castle Pines Athletics’ kindergartners run through a parent tunnel and celebrate the end of a soccer game at Daniels Gate Park. (Photo by Chad Maurer.) Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Twenty-seven teams of local children ages three to third grade enjoyed playing soccer in Castle Pines this spring. Castle Pines Athletics hosted the…

by Sally Uhrich The month of June brings with it warmer weather, blooming flowers and Father’s Day. Mark your calendar on the 19th and begin planning how you will honor the special father(s) in your life. While mothers usually prefer to dine out on their special day, it’s a surefire bet that most fathers prefer…

Lin Miklas of Remax Alliance (right) wins a complimentary ad from The Castle Pines Connection’s publisher Terri Wiebold (left), during several drawings at the Castle Pines multi chamber event. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Tim Gamble More than 100 business people enjoyed lively conversation and a delicious buffet at Castle Pines Chamber of…

Rocky Heights seventh grade stock market sharks (pictured from left to right): Lexi Wynne, Allison Janedis, Emilee Nelson, and Avery Lemler took second place in state. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The seventh grade Adventurer’s team from Rocky Heights recently participated in a statewide spring Stock Market Game sponsored by the Colorado Council for…

Former golf campers have a ball while playing the course at The Ridge at Castle Pines North. By Elean Gersack with photo by Terri Wiebold Dennis Murray, PGA pro and director of instruction at The Ridge at Castle Pines North (The Ridge) is set to offer junior golf camps, along with a multitude of other…

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…

Douglas County Library patron service technician Jill Swanstrom and Castle Pines resident Christine Merritt Submitted by Nancy Marr, Douglas County library community relations specialist Castle Pines Library has added three public computers and public black and white printing, and upgraded one computer that has been in the library since its opening. All Douglas County Libraries…

American Pop Forever! Fifth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary helped cap off their elementary school career with a celebration of pop culture during ‘American Pop Forever’ on Thursday, April 14. This group of fifth grade girls took time for a photo before performing in the musically inspired dancing and singing show lead by BRE music…

by Patte Smith, photos by Carla Kenny Chairs were flying, men running and screaming, and out came the tasers as a “prisoner” went berserk at the Douglas County jail. “I had the living daylights scared right out of me!” said a wide-eyed Carla Kenny. “Even though this was a reenactment of what it’s like when…

by Kathy Dunker Steve and Karen Miller will host the 3rd annual “Wines in the Pines” event to raise support for Western Douglas County YoungLife at their home in Castle Pines Village on Saturday, May 7, from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The yearly event is an effort to provide not only a memorable night…

Submitted by Doug Hutchins, Castle Pines Real Estate Specialist, Broker Associate – The Kentwood Company The performance of the Castle Pines real estate market continues to vary depending on the price point of the home. Sales of homes priced under $500,000 continue to stay stable while sales of homes priced above $1,000,000 continue to be…

by Patte Smith After twenty five years of selling real estate in the Denver-metro area, Fuller Sotheby’s International Broker Associate Linda Houston retired last month. “It’s bittersweet retiring from a wonderful company and from the real estate profession,” smiles Houston. “I’ve made many friends throughout the industry and across the state during my years as…

Allie Johnston     by The Rock writer Erin Snyder, reprinted courtesy of Rock Canyon High School She took second place in the Girl’s Golf 4A State Championships last year; she’s ranked 52nd out of every single Junior in the country; she’s placed first at two qualifying tournaments for the AGJA; she’s already been told by…

Kids … get ready to swim, bike and run your way to the finish line during Tri the Rock at Butterfield Crossing Park and Pool in Castle Rock on Sunday, May 22. This kids’ mini marathon event helps promote wellness and supports physical education programs at participating schools. Children ages 5 to 14 are encouraged…

The majority of petrified logs in the area are of the laurel family. Occasionally you can find a conifer, like this one which retains its cell & bark structure and the seasonal growth rings. by Patte Smith with contributions and photos by a Castle Pines resident Ken Turnbull Our community and county are full of…

Doctors Jeff and Stephanie Scheich of Castle Pines Family Dentistry with Joy Demmler (center) after her Mom Makeover. By Elizabeth Wood West “I was just overwhelmed – I actually burst out crying!” said 72-year old “Mom Makeover” recipient Joy Demmler. The Mom Makeover is a full dental makeover provided by Castle Pines Family Dentistry’s doctors…

AA’s fourth grade DI team celebrating with their third place medals (pictured from left to right) Audrey Baker, Gabby Cox, Morgan Hamler, Avery, and Laryssa Myers. by Trish Cummings The fourth grade American Academy (AA) Destination ImagiNation (DI) team, The Yadda Yadda Yaa-Hoos, have put AA on the Destination map this year. The team, comprised…

DCSM students showing off their handiwork. Information and photos provided by DCS Montessori After the massive tsunami destroyed many coastal towns of northern Japan on March 11, many nations and organizations came together. Locally, at DCS Montessori (DCSM), students showed their cougar school spirit and started to help rebuild Japan. By learning the legend of…

It was a fun-filled day for neighborhood girls and their American Girl dolls at the Castle Pines Library on Sunday, April 17. This group of friends came together and enjoyed making several crafts for their dolls, including sandals, scarves, cork boards and yoga mats. Pictured above: Back row: Lucy, Ellery, Emersen, Cailin and Savannah. Front…

Freshly geled toenails will last two to three weeks without chipping. by Kathy Dunker It’s that time of year again when the weather is warming up and clothes are getting lighter. Flip flops are coming out of storage which means, you guessed it, pedicure time. So what is all the hub bub about with the…

By Lisa Crockett Frozen yogurt “bars” — places like Yogurt Land, Yogurt Guru, Peachwave and B.T.O. — seem to be popping up everywhere, and Castle Pines is no exception. Now, thirty flavors and a multitude of toppings are available right here in town at Daz Bog Coffee. The yogurt is self serve. Simply select the…

American Academy’s PTO would like to thank the following businesses for their generous donations. Their commitment to supporting our school, especially in light of recent budget cuts, is sincerely appreciated. Thanks to our donors, our 2011 Spring Gala was the most successful to date! Each year the AAPTO continues to advance the school’s mission of…

Glynis Albright Castle Pines Village resident Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Wendy Grega Glynis Albright, resident of Castle Pines Village, has officially entered into the running to be 2011 Woman of the Year by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). LLS holds its annual Man & Woman of the Year campaign, which…

Electric guitar player, Thomas, performs in an art-filled hallway of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School during Evening with the Arts in March. Article and photos by Elean Gersack Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) students and families enjoyed an evening to remember during the third annual Evening with the Arts on Thursday, March 31. Hosted by the…

Article by Nate King, Senior Sports Editor, Lutheran High School Parker High school senior Dalton Horan is a gifted young man and he is ready to take his talents to the next level. Horan, an 18-year old resident of Castle Pines, is set to graduate from Parker’s Lutheran High School in May and he will…

Top 10 restaurants in Douglas County   Article and graphic by Bryce, Ridgeline Staff Reporter Number 10: Foul Line Its’ best entrée is the Old Fashioned Burger. Inside, it has pickles, onions, iceberg lettuce, and pepper jack cheese, all piled on a hamburger patty. Number 9: Red Robin It has some of the best wings…

Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students Jenna Valenziano (left) and Brooke Boles (right) painted the “Rock” at RCHS with the ABC logo Boles designed for fellow classmate Abby Fast. The Rock reminded students of a multi-faceted fundraiser which raised money for Fast, who is fighting cancer. By Lisa Crockett When Castle Pines teens Maddie Whitten,…

Submitted by US Taekwondo Academy in Castle Rock Castle Pines North resident and seventh-degree black belt Grandmaster Han Lee has once again successfully raised funds for the Children’s Hospital with his board break-a-thon. The event took place in April at the Douglas County Events Center and brought in almost $13,000 in donations for the Children’s…

 By Elizabeth Wood West American Legion hosts annual Armed Forces Banquet in Castle Rock American Legion Post 1187 will be hosting its annual “Armed Forces Banquet” on Saturday May 21, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge, 1300 Caprice Drive (Caprice Drive and Wolfensberger Road) in Castle Rock. Doors open and social hour begins at…

Castle View High School’s spring season soccer ball girls (from left to right) Kendall Ahern, Madison Mufich, Taryn Pratte, and Hannah Johnson. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Kegan Ahern Four second graders were selected to help out the high schoolers as ball girls at Castle View High School (CVHS) this soccer season. Castle…

Congratulations to Lynn Morris for correctly guessing who our mystery graduate was and for being randomly selected by Sheriff Weaver to receive a $50 gift certifi cate to The Bundt Shoppe. Lynn says she may be sharing her winnings with her co-workers at Castle Pines Dental Care. Thanks to all who took the time to…

Article by Elean Gersack with logo provided by The Elephant Rock The 24th annual Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, planned for Sunday, June 5, will help jump start the 2011 Colorado cycling season. Come solo, as a group or with your family and enjoy some amazing Rocky Mountain scenery as you trek your way around…

Members from Fifth Annual Tee it up Golf Tournament enjoy the beauty of the Eisenhower Golf Club at the United States Air Force Academy. Tournament registrants can utilize the Eisenhower Golf Club driving range and putting green anytime before the tournament. Information and photos provided by the MacKenzie Grace Foundation Golfers mark the calendar and…

Submitted by Cindy Baker, RCHS Drama Teacher Moon 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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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 Lisa Crockett Rock Canyon High School senior Callan McGary is heading to Colorado State University in the fall to major in business finance. Before he gets there, he intends to gain some entrepreneurial experience and give himself and a few friends a summer job. “Some friends of mine and I from the football team…

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…

Logan Draper recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. by Lisa Crockett, photos courtesy of the Draper family Working with homeless people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol doesn’t seem a likely place to find 13-year-old Logan Draper. A student at Rocky Heights Middle School, Logan likes to ski and hang out with friends.…