Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
Amy Long (left), Cherie Ellingson (center) and Aspen Walker (right) at home at the Castle Pines Library Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Castle Pines has had a library to call its own for just more than two years. In that time, the community has come to expect personal and friendly service, in addition to…
by Elean Gersack As part of Vail Resorts and the Epic Pass program, the School of Shred will offer fifth and sixth graders the opportunity to ski free at resorts along the 1-70 corridor this season. Students who sign-up for the pass between now and November 6 will receive four free ski days at Keystone,…
by Joe Gschwendtner One of Castle Pines’ newest businesses is the Extra Mile Family Office. Headed up by CEO Kevin Grenier, Extra Mile (EM) offers concierge management services to the 60-year-old and older demographic group in the Denver area. Historically, a family office is a tool of the wealthy – a business office allowing the…
Castle Rock Starlighting Saturday, November 19 The historic Castle Rock Starlighting will be held on Saturday, November 19, on Wilcox Square in downtown Castle Rock. Festivities for the entire family will start at 10 a.m. and last all day leading up to the lighting ceremony, which will begin at 5 p.m. Visitors will enjoy all…
Josh Wright with his older sister celebrating the fundraising accomplishments for “Rachel’s Racers” in the annual Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Sharon Majetich Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) sixth grader Josh Wright was inspired to help his sister Rachel, an eighth grader who has diabetes. Each year, Josh…
A puppy hoping for adoption, receives some loving attention. Over 400 people attended the adoption event. Article and photos by Amy Shanahan Thirty orphaned dogs and cats found new loving homes at the 3rd annual adopt-a-thon sponsored by the Petsense store in the Castle Rock Outlet mall October 1st and 2nd. The “Forever Home 2011”…
by Elizabeth Wood West “Beading is my creative outlet. I am a land use planner by day – beader by night,” joked Castle Pines resident and Beadacious Beads owner Carol Kuhn. Kuhn’s hobby-turned business is making custom beaded jewelry, specializing in sterling silver and gold-filled metals mixed with semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, and Swarovski crystals.…
Matt Pearson and Bryce Vrabel proudly display their medals after placing second and third in their age group in the Denver Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Cameron Randolph The Rock N Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon took place in Denver on October 9th, and among the top finishers were…
By Amy Shanahan, artwork courtesy of Bill Hueg The new War Veteran’s Plaza in downtown Castle Rock will honor all six military branches and veterans of all wars, including those who have served, are currently serving, and who will serve their country in the future . The plaza is located on the corner of Wilcox…
Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony By Amy Shanahan with photo by Tim Gamble Come and experience the fresh cuisine and specialty wine list offered at the new Grill at the Pines, located in the Village Shops at Castle Pines. This wonderful new restaurant opened in late summer and is sure to please…
RCHS Varsity Girls Team: (Back row – left to right) Emily Huber, Megan Cooney, Cassandra Hardy, Anna Woosley, Amy Arbuckle, Char Jackman, Sidney Fleecs, Mia Piccolotti. (Front row) Kaylyn Mondschein-Snook, Kassidy Vatter, Abigail Fuselier. Not pictured Hailey Olcott. Article and photos by Elizabeth Wood West The Rock Canyon High School Jaguars Cross Country boys and…
By Tracy Dudley Locally-owned South Metro Volleyball has partnered with Castle Pines school American Academy to create a synergistic relationship in youth sports. Since inception more than five years ago, South Metro Volleyball has been serving cities in the south part of the metro area like Englewood, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Parker and Castle Rock. Traditionally,…
Eagle Scout Marston Tweed constructed an outdoor classroom for DCS Montessori School. By Elizabeth Wood West, photo provided by the Tweed family Fourteen-year-old Castle Pines resident and Eagle Scout Marston Tweed has been involved in the Castle Pines community most of his life. Tweed began Scouting as a Tiger Cub with Castle Pines Pack 826…
Rocky Heights Middle school student Landon Roberts practices parkour by executing stunts in a park in downtown Denver. “Parkour helped me open my mind to new ideas and new ways to look at things. It makes me feel free and the physical and mental challenges keep me hooked on it.” – Landon Roberts By Amy…
Author and teacher Steve Paulding hosted a book signing at Timber Trail Elementary’s fall book fair. Paulding’s latest book Life Lessons from Andy Wink, is nominated for a Newberry Award. From left: Steve Paulding, Ben Crockett, Kendall Black, Kalyn Black and Nora Crockett. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Steve Paulding is something of a…
by Tricia Wackerly with photos provided by Kristi Lindquist and Lisa Crockett Races with extreme obstacles attached; harsh, tough, push you to your limit type races. These extreme “mud” races are popping up in cities across the nation. So is this a fad or is it a trend that is here to stay? Now, not…
By Patte Smith The Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center (WCFOC) is reaching out to the local community to sponsor families for its 2011 Adopt-a-Family program. “Each year we ask the community to help us provide a nice holiday for our clients, especially the children,” says Renee Forsythe, community outreach coordinator for the center. The…
Jim Blane Press Release submitted by Kim Brandon, photo courtesy of The Greatest Generations Foundation “You ask, how we got through it?” questioned Jim Blane, a WWII veteran who survived the battle of Iwo Jima. “ I don‘t know that we did. Only three of us survived when so many others didn‘t. We were foxhole…
Castle Pines residents, Sadie and Tebow, enjoy a frolicking swim at Chatfield Reservior’s off leash dog area. Information provided by Douglas County While the Castle Pines community is rich with open space and trails on which to take canine companions, Douglas County leash laws require any dog outside of a fenced yard to be kept…
By Elizabeth Wood West with photos provided by the Colorado State Forest Service As you ready your trees, shrubs, and gardens for winter, take the time to carefully inspect your ponderosa, lodge pole, Scotch, limber, bristlecone, and pinion pines for signs of the dreaded Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB). This Colorado native pest has devastated thousands…
by Patte Smith Moe Karfarzadeh is very proud of his dry cleaning business, One Price $1.99 Cleaners. With more than eleven years of experience, Karfarzadeh has established three stores — his newest opened in Castle Pines in October. Located in the Safeway shopping center, the cleaners offers $1.99 dry cleaning and laundered shirts for only…
by Patte Smith A state-of-the-art aquatic and wellness facility is one of the newest projects being considered by The City of Lone Tree. Working in collaboration with HealthONE’s Sky Ridge Medical Center and the Colorado STARs swim program, the city is researching all aspects of a public and private partnership for the planning and construction…
By Elean Gersack with photos provided by Michael Martin Photography October was a celebratory month for hockey fans in Colorado as it capped off the remarkable career of Avalanche center, Peter Forsberg. His famous #21 jersey was retired during the team’s season opener against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, October 8, at the Pepsi…
Dukes wait staff Beth, Sue, and Ali. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos by Tim Gamble Dukes Steakhouse, a longtime Douglas County local favorite, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of moving to Castle Pines. To show its appreciation for the community’s warm welcome and a successful year, owners Neal Minarick and partner Craig Breeding will…
Submitted by Erin Kane, Head of School Parents interested in enrolling their child(ren) at American Academy (AA) for the 2012-2013 school year, please use the Enrollment/Registration Link on the left navigation of the AA website (www.americanacademyk8.org) to be added to the online waitlist no later than midnight, December 4. The 2012-2013 lottery will take place…
by Elizabeth Wood West The Town of Castle Rock is pressing on with its North Meadows Extension project and public interest remains as strong as ever. After a well-attended open house in September, town officials are now advertising for a design consultant and will begin actual project design by the end of the year.…
Kim Butorac gets ready to head to Haiti with her collection of musical instruments that have been donated by many generous individuals. By Patte Smith with photo provided by Kim Butorac One person can make a difference in this world, and does. Surrey Ridge neighbor and music lover Kim Butorac is on her way to…
These fifth grade students used their creativity to create these wonderful projects. From left to right: Trevor used half of a basketball; Amanda made a cake for the class to enjoy and documented it on a poster board: and Ciara made hers out of a foam ball with clay. By Brie V., BRE Ridgeline Staff…
First grade spirit winner, Evan K. – along with his family show off crazy attire after the Rock Slide Fun Run. By Simon M., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter At Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE), something fun is always happening. On October 1, the annual spirit-filled Super Saturday was held. The Rock Slide Fun Run, the main…
The DCSM dance team compiled of fourth through eighth graders, made a dazzling performance at the school’s Fall Festival on September 30. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker The DCS Montessori (DCSM) Fall Festival was a very warm, busy, and fun filled event on Friday, September 30. Taking place in the school’s upper and lower…
by Liane Marette Davis Remember the commercial with a woman standing outside a department store tapping on the glass peeking in, all the while saying, “Open, open, open?” You might find yourself doing the same at the door of Uniscali Modern Italian once you have a taste of its delicious cuisine. Walking through the door…
Article and photos submitted by Rachel Zetwick October was a busy month for Rock Canyon HIgh School’s Jazz Choir. The group, lead by director, Julia Dale, started off the month performing in the combined choir concert on October 5th in the school’s auditorium. “What’s in a Word” was the theme for the concert with the…
A happy and creative Jeanne Gormley holds her award for an original bridal cascade at 2011 Floral Association of the Rockies Show. by Patte Smith Creativity pulses through Surrey Ridge resident Jeanne Gormley. From award-winning floral design to exquisite and, yes, award-winning photography, Gormley is a true artist. Most recently Gormley was honored at The…
The Castle Rock Community Ringers Handbell Choir will host a holiday concert and dessert on Friday evening, November 18. The evening promises to be a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season. The hand bell choir is directed by Nick Rossi, Director of Worship and Arts at New Hope Presbyterian Church. They will be…
Four 7th grade students from the Expeditioners team brought in the most donations during the Read-a-thon: (l to r) Sarah Elizabeth Falkenstine, Rachel Slavik, Graham Voetberg, and Megan Pitman Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The generosity of students and parents at RHMS was evident as the seventh graders made life a little bit better…
Taylor (left) and Corinne (right) Stordahl at the National American Miss Pageant earlier this year. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of the Stordahl family Corinne Stordahl and older sister Taylor have something in common; they are sisters in pageants. After participating in the National American Miss Pageant earlier this year, 13 year old…
Sisters and breast cancer survivors Anne Ruybal (right) and Tess Balsley (left) plan to compete alongside each other at the Ironman Triathlon Arizona on November 20. Together they hope to raise $140,600 toward finding a cure. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Anne Ruybal Anne Ruybal and her sister Teresa “Tess” Balsley are both breast…
Killian Ridder and Carly Stordahl having fun with constructing their solar contraption. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Leanne Weyman American Academy (AA) sixth graders have been busy for the last two weeks working on their current Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) project, which is the Junior Solar Sprint Car. Applying the engineering…
by Tricia Wackerly Operation Bright Star is once again gearing up to provide Thanksgiving meals for the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center and the Douglas County Task Force. This will be its third year. Operation Bright Star delivered 16 full Thanksgiving meals to the Douglas County Task Force in 2009 and 29 full…
Steve and Kelly Durie each enjoy a glass of their passion on the deck of their Glen Oaks home in Castle Pines. by Tricia Wackerly with photo provided by Kelly Durie It has been said that to truly be successful you should love what you do every day. Castle Pines residents Steve and Kelly Durie…
Article by Kathy Dunker Nearly 400 people attended the 4th Annual Best in the West Chili Championship last month in Castle Pines Village – sponsored by the Rotary Club of Castle Pines. For three hours, attendees got to sample the various chili concoctions from the 23 teams who entered and then cast a vote for…
by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines area residents who have a hankering for a Taco Bell taco, burrito or other meal choice will now have a convenient way to “make a run for the border.” A new Taco Bell is slated to open in the Circle K store on Castle Pines Parkway (in the space formerly…
Information submitted by John Keith, Lone Tree; Reprinted in part from press release The community of RidgeGate will soon welcome its newest home builder with ParkSide at RidgeGate, a joint venture between Harvard Communities and Berkeley Homes. The new single-family neighborhood, which will ultimately include 31 homes, is currently under construction. A model home will…
REAL U11 Red Team donning their championship medals at the Vail Cup on October 2. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the Fuchs family The Vail Valley Soccer Club’s 12th Annual Vail Cup attracted more than 1,600 players on 100 teams to this October 1-2 event. Many local players, accompanied by parents, siblings…
Information provided by Douglas County Between 2010 and 2015, residents age 60 and older will increase by almost 47 percent in Douglas County. Join local and regional community leaders for an information and planning summit and or dialogue as to what Douglas County communities can do to become the model of an outstanding livable community…
Fifth graders Logan and Samuel are thrilled to have a chance to ski free this winter! By Elean Gersack with photo courtesy of Laurie Jacobs It’s almost time to pack up the car and head to the snow covered hills. In a few short weeks, snow will blanket the mountains and snowmaking machines will add…
by Alonso D., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter September 30 through October 6 the BRE Fall book fair will be held and everyone is exited! With the new theme, To The Book Fair And Beyond, this might just be the best book fair yet. This year, the book fair will be held in the gym. Come…
Final concrete pours on the roadway in July The final phase of the Hess Road Extension Project is to make improvements to the existing I-25/Castle Pines Parkway interchange. This phase involves installing new traffic signals at both the northbound and southbound on-off ramps, making a minor widening of the northbound on-ramp and re-striping Castle Pines…
Assistant Principal Kelly Kirkpatrick gets soaked in a game of “Flush ‘Em” during the magazine sales. Top sellers for that day had the chance to take their best shot at teachers and staff. by Amy Shanahan with photo by Scott Melanson Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) recently held its annual magazine sale fundraiser and was…
A taste of … Jing restaurant The elegance of Jing’s sleek white dining room is a stark contrast to the edgy bar area, decorated in all black. By Liane Marette Davis with photos provided by Jing Come and experience the yin and yang of Jing Restaurant, the upscale, modern, and sexy hot spot located in…
The Rock Slide is back at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE)! This 5K and 1-mile family fun run/walk is planned for Saturday, October 1, beginning at 9 a.m. Come out and support the school by cheering for students as they race around the Castle Pines neighborhood. Be on the lookout and help keep participants safe during…
“He was not just an Eagle Waste trash collector, he was part of our community. Everyone in this neighborhood knew him in some way, and he will truly be missed.” Neighbors, family and friends gathered in the Daniels Gate community to celebrate the life of service provider Brian Rojas. Rojas will be remembered as a…
Angie Stevens performed several of her songs, including those that the kids used to produce their own music videos. By Amy Shanahan with photos courtesy of Scott Melanson The Nighthawk Television (NHTV) students from Rocky Heights Middle School were given a unique opportunity to film a music video for a local musician. Angie Stevens is…
The Siddiqui family (left to right) –Aliyah, Saeed, Mikail, Regina, and Kadin. By Elizabeth Wood West (photo from the Siddiqui family) Gold is one of the beautiful fall colors of September. How fitting that gold, a color associated with the passing of a season, is also the official color for Childhood Cancer and that September…
Fifth Grade teacher Jolie Pinke defends herself from a sponge water attack by one of her students while visiting the Brazil rain forest during the BRE Amazing Race. by Molly S., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter with photo by Elean Gersack Buffalo Ridge celebrated another great year of school by hosting a field day. The “Amazing…
Canyons Community Church, formerly Christ the King Presbyterian Church. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo provided by Canyons Community Church Canyons Community Church, formerly Christ the King Evangelical Presbyterian Church, opened its doors earlier this year at its new location, 2.1 miles north of Founders Parkway and I-25 at 4825 Crowfoot Valley Road. The newly…
The character of Rhoda was played by sophomore Lauren Wearsch (left); the character of the mom, Christine was played by sophomore Quinn Kennedy. Article by RCHS sophomore and drama student Rachel Zetwick with photo by Amy Shanahan Rock Canyon High School students worked hard to put on a great show-and gave the audience some chills…
Brady Wiesner by Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Michelle Wiesner Brady Wiesner doesn’t just walk across a room, he literally dances. Wiesner, a resident of Castle Pines Village and an eighth grader at Cherry Hills Christian School, is a World Champion Irish dancer. “I began dancing in the third grade because I wanted to be…
Champions in the school’s annual Mother-Son kickball tournament. More than 130 mother-son pairs participated in the event. by Lisa Crockett Fall fundraisers at Timber Trail Elementary have combined fun, physical fitness and community spirit and achieved great results. Participants in the school’s first-ever Move-A-Thon. The event raised more than $59,000, making it the school’s most…
by Elizabeth Wood West Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) is inviting the public to share in the spirit of giving this holiday season by participating in Operation Christmas Child – giving shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and personal items to needy children all over the world. Operation Christmas Child is an annual event put…
DCSM Courageous Cougars are ready for action at the school’s Fun Run on September 9. Art ice and photos submitted by Jodi Anderson What happens when you mix premier Colorado weather, running for a purpose, and unbridled enthusiasm? You get a day filled with laughter and physical activity all in the name of raising funds…
Guests mingled and enjoyed the spectacular view of the Front Range from the Country Club at Castle Pines new terrace. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of The Country Club at Castle Pines The much-anticipated unveiling of a new expanded terrace at The Country Club at Castle Pines on September 16 wowed the more than 300…
Castle Rock Lowe’s store manager, Mike McGinley Article and photo by Amy Shanahan If you need a helping hand while shopping at Lowe’s in Castle Rock, Mike McGinley is happy to help. McGinley was recently named the new store manager and he is excited to be a part of this community. McGinley, born and raised…
Provided by and space purchased by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Wings of Hope, a benefit for increased awareness and research for pancreatic cancer, will have as its special guest speaker SR-71 Pilot Brian Shul, author of the nationally acclaimed “Sled Driver.” A highly sought and renowned speaker throughout the country, Brian Shul will share…
By Elizabeth Wood West (Artist’s rendering provided by Bonaventure Senior Living) Bonaventure of Castle Rock has begun construction on its new 9.3-acre continuing care campus and is hosting a post-groundbreaking party for the public on Thursday, October 27 at 11 a.m. The campus is located at 1855 Low Meadow Boulevard, just south of The Meadows…
By Lisa Crockett If you buy groceries or fill your gas tank, then you can support a good cause. Several community groups, including the Castle Pines Library and all four of the Castle Pines Elementary Schools (American Academy, Buffalo Ridge, DCS Montessori, and Timber Trail), offer “scrip” cards that can be used to purchase groceries…
Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Tim Gamble It was a beautiful 80 degree fall day in Colorado at the 10th annual Castle Pines Octoberfest hosted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce in the Safeway parking lot. Friends and neighbors joined in the fun with a variety of merchants, food, games, beer, wine,…