The Connection

Second graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary enjoy a visit from 7News Meteorologist Maureen McCann. May is the beginning of severe weather month in Colorado. Second graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School kicked off a month long weather unit with a visit from 7News Meteorologist Maureen McCann on May 2. McCann, a weekend meteorologist at the…

By Elizabeth Wood West, photo provided by Lifetouch Photography In its first year of participating in the highly-competitive 5A state division, Rock Canyon High School’s Track Team stunned their coaches by setting 12 new school track records and having 10 athletes qualify for state track finals. Taylor Sheridan placed sixth for shot put; Ali Will…

Students at TTE, as well as Castle Pines city and metro district officials, at the Arbor Day tree planting. After raising $1,500 through a spare change drive, students at the school donated a seven-foot-tall Australian Pine tree. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Students at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) conducted a spare change drive and…

Sat, June 11, 9 a.m. to 10 am. at Cherry Knolls Park, located at 7077 S Elizabeth in Centennial Display throwing, running and hitting skills at event sponsored by Colorado Rockies and Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA). Winners in each age group advance to July regional competition. Winners of each region advance to state…

RHMS jazz musicians David Victery and Dana Daniels enjoying their night in the spotlight at Dazzle nightclub. By Joe Anderies On Tuesday, April 26th the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Jazz Ensemble was featured on the main stage at Denver’s premier jazz venue, Dazzle. Listed as one of the top ten jazz clubs in the…

     Youth invited to register for June 20-24 Career Academy Information provided by Douglas County Youth, ages 14 – 21, are invited to register for a no-cost Career Academy during the early afternoons of June 20 – 24 at the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center in Greenwood Village, with one day spent at College America in…

     Dave Bauer practices his technique at CPR. by Elizabeth Wood West with photos courtesy of SMFRA South Metro Fire Rescue Authority (SMFRA) held its citizen academy this spring for residents, providing them with an overview of emergency services and hands-on experience with firefighting, CPR, and other safety measures. SMFRA’s Training Bureau conducted the eight-week…

AA’s new landscape plan should be completed in the fall of 2011. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker When American Academy (AA) opened the doors of its new building in 2009, landscaping was not the top priority. With school budgets being what they are now, AA anticipated having to live with the bare minimum of…

Castle Rock Bridge Club Director, Curt Soloff, teaching a group of 49ers on Tuesday, May 24. By Kathy Dunker Do you want to learn how to play bridge? Are you in the market for a bridge club? Well, look no further. The Castle Rock Bridge Club is looking to expand its membership and would love…

Mattot Celebrates Great Character with characters. Left to right: Mattot, Mitch, Christina and Rebecca. Article and photos by Elean Gersack During March and April, students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) helped cap off a year full of great character. Congratulations to those receiving the honor of being recognized as their classroom character winner for…

Information and photo provided by The Dumb Friends League Homeless cats and dogs are on the rise in the Denver area. The Buddy Center and the Dumb Friends League (DFL) Denver shelter have received 1,500+ animals more in recent months compared to the same period last year. To help ease the load at the centers…

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…

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…

Steve and Jen Cooke (left) and Joe and Lin Giampietro (right) are Castle Pines residents and owners of The Garlic Knot in University Hills. Article and photos by Elean Gersack On April 8, the Cooke and Giampietro families will celebrate the first anniversary of their casual Italian family restaurant, The Garlic Knot, located in University…

By Lisa Crockett The Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution in support of the district’s comprehensive strategic plan, including a “blueprint for choice.” The blueprint for choice includes the “choice scholarship pilot program” for fall 2011. These scholarships (previously known to many as “vouchers”) will provide funding to DCSD…

Article and photos submitted by Kami Wright, Troop 4065 Leader Born after September 11, 2001, the 2nd grade Buffalo Ridge Elementary girls of Brownie Troop #4065 know only a world where our nation’s military engages terrorism overseas on the nightly news. Troop leaders Kami Wright and Jennifer Meinert-Larson saw an opportunity for their scouts to…

Fifth grader Thomas Connelly represented Timber Trail Elementary School and Douglas County School District at the State Spelling Bee in March. by Lisa Crockett photo courtesy of the Connelly family For many of us, pumpernickel is simply a kind of bread, but for Timber Trail Elementary fifth grader Thomas Connelly, “pumpernickel” is a winning word…

Submitted by the Castle PinesChamber of Commerce Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce member Ginny Wainright has reached the rank of senior manager with SendOutCards, a business concept and service that is changing people’s lives. SendOutCards are printed, stamped (with a real stamp), stuffed, and mailed by the company for less than a dollar. They are…

Knox Presbyterian Church, wrenched from its members without permission.One of many historic stone churches that may never rise again. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner While wrapping up a New Zealand trip near Christchurch on February 22, my wife and I started a light meal in a Little River café. Moments later, at 12:50 p.m.,…

Like many of you, I watched the events following the earthquake in Japan with great concern. Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Japan as they recover from the earthquake, tsunami, and the damage to their nuclear power plants. In the aftermath of the tragedy, international aid organizations have organized relief efforts for…

Wish Kid, Taylor, speaking to RCHS at the opening assembly. by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Kate Hartline Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Kids for Wish Kids Program and adopted Taylor’s Wish. Taylor is a nine-year-old boy who wished to go to the Great Barrier Reef. He is an…

Submitted by Sharon Kollmar, chamber president The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is constantly working to develop new programs and events that will continue to inspire, educate and involve its business members. With that goal in mind, the chamber will begin its third referral group this spring. “We have had such success with our two…

Pictured above: Maddie Scicchitano (swimming in third lane from the bottom) swims the 50 Breaststroke for 10 and younger girls at the State meet in Fort Collins on March 4. By Elean Gersack with photo provided by the Scicchitano family Local 10 year-old swimmer, Maddie Scicchitano, qualified for four events at the Silver State swim…

Arapahoe Community College Castle Rock’s new campus will be located at 4700 Castleton Way in Castle Rock. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Arapahoe Community College (ACC) will be opening its third campus this August, in time for fall 2011 enrollment. ACC Castle Rock’s new 7,800 square-foot facility will be located at 4700 Castleton…

By Elizabeth Wood West, photos courtesy of Cielo Cielo at Castle Pines owner Roz Schroeder recently received Colorado Meetings & Events magazine’s “2011 Best of Colorado Award for Best Meeting & Event Venue [for a Hotel or Resort that holds less than 500 guests, outside Denver Metro area].” Winners of this prestigious industry award were…

Submitted by Sgt. Ron Hanavan Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Douglas County’s founding, Sheriff David A. Weaver has commissioned a commemorative badge that deputies will be authorized to wear from April 1st to December 31st.  The badge symbolizes the faith and trust bestowed upon the office…

Tanzanite is an extraordinary gemstone that has rapidly become one of the most coveted gemstones in the world. It is named after the African state of Tanzania, the only place in the world where it has been found. Upon its discovery in 1967, Tanzanite was enthusiastically celebrated by the specialists as the gemstone of the…