The Connection

Eagle Scout Will Stopps sits on one of the benches in the newly-landscaped area he built and installed for Faith Lutheran Church. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos courtesy of the Stopps family Members of Faith Lutheran Church in Castle Rock are enjoying new benches and landscaping, thanks to 17-year old Will Stopps, Castle Pines…

Article and photos by Elean Gersack The Buffalo Ridge Elementary School’s Dream Team (DT) is just people helping people. The fifth grade crew, with the help of teacher leaders Jen Jacoway and Jolie Pinke, spent this year finding simple ways to help others. “We help instill our school’s character pledge and make sure people are…

Information provided by Wendy Aiello for Sterling Ranch The Board of Douglas County Commissioners on May 11 approved both the Sterling Ranch rezoning and the water appeal. Approval signals the start of the next phase for the 3,400-acre planned community, which is located northwest of the Castle Pines community. The vote comes following the recommendation…

Mike Moroni enjoying dinner with his daughters Gabrielle (12) pictured on the far left, Isabella (6) in the center, and Allie (4) on the right at La Dolce Vita on June 7. (Picture by Terri Wiebold)

Brickelle Bro, a fourteen-year-old freestyle swimmer and bilateral amputee, was recently awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation. by Lisa Crockett with photos provided by the Bro family Brickelle Bro, a 14-year-old eighth grader at Rocky Heights Middle School and a resident of Castle Pines, is a bilateral amputee –…

Carla Kenny learns how to handle a fire hose flowing at full bore.   by Patte Smith, photos by Carla Kenny “Crawling on my hands and knees in a pitch black room, I held my hand out to feel the side of the wall in order to get my bearings. It was so hot and…

Flag Day is held every year on June 14. The holiday, signed into law in 1949 by President Harry Truman, is a national day of patriotism and pride. Though the holiday has been “official” for just 61 years, it has been observed throughout the country since the 1800s. At a time when many immigrant school…

Local Tri the Rock triathletes (pictured from left to right): Will Dennen from Castle Pines Village; Lauren Olczak from Buffalo Trail Estates; Sydney Lindquist from Kings Crossing; Myki Timlin from Hidden Pointe; and John Dennen from Castle Pines Village. By Kathy Dunker with one photo courtesy of the Lindquist family It was a 60 degree…

Submitted by James LaRue, Director of Douglas County Libraries Let’s keep a good thing going Castle Pines; library looks to the community for funding In 2007 and 2008, the library sought additional funding to build new libraries in Lone Tree and Parker, and open a new service location in Castle Pines. Both years, voters defeated…

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…

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…

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…

By Kathy Dunker with photos by Tim Gamble No, not your ordinary toast to celebrate the anniversary of something great, but rather a breakfast to commemorate the many citizen volunteers who founded The City of Castle Pines [North] three years ago and who continue to contribute to its growth and success today. The Ridge at…

Fourth grader Megan Hassler stands with her weaving project, which earned her top honors from the Douglas County School District. by Lisa Crockett photo courtesy of the Hassler Family Some girls dream of being princesses. For nine-year-old Megan Hassler, channeling royalty is more than a plastic crown and faux jewels – it’s the inspiration behind…

AA’s art show winners from the DCSD art show. Submitted by Trish Cummings With a school-wide emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math, American Academy (AA) students often enjoy a good number of STEM awards and accolades. This year, AA art students are bringing it home as well! Overall, fifteen talented AA students were selected…

AT&T/Cingular Wireless’ new monopine cell tower sits north of Coyote Ridge Park off Mona By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Jeremy Gamble A new 40-foot tall cell tower for AT&T/Cingular Wireless will soon be providing cell service to its customers that live, work, and travel in the Castle Pines area. The tower sits on…

Information and photos submitted by Castle Pines Academy Castle Pines Academy (CPA), proud to be the first locally-owned and operated childcare center in Castle Pines, is celebrating its first anniversary in March. CPA is an education-based preschool that follows Core Knowledge curriculum and offers a large variety of enrichment programs including dance, Spanish, computer classes,…

Article and photo submitted by Amy Shanahan The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) MATHCOUNTS team, coached by eighth grade math teacher Chris Gowing, participated in the regional MATHCOUNTS competition on Saturday, February 12th. There were approximately forty schools that participated, including the RHMS team of ten kids. MATHCOUNTS is a national enrichment club and competition…

By Lisa Crockett Churches in Castle Pines Community have a lot planned for Easter and Passover observance. Here are some of the highlights: Abiding Hope Lutheran Church Meets at DCS Montessori School; www.abidinghopelutheran.org *Easter Services: Sunday, April 24 at 9:30 a.m. Castle Pines Community Church Meets at The Shoppes at Castle Pines Shopping Center; www.castlepineschurch.org…

Castle Pines Athletics swings into summer baseball season; sign up by April 25 to secure your spot on a team. Submitted by Castle Pines Athletics Summer just wouldn’t be summer in Castle Pines without baseball. For the third consecutive summer, Castle Pines Athletics is coordinating a co-ed t-ball and baseball program for local children. Registration…

The DCS Montessori Cougar Choir performed a fun and entertaining kazoo interlude during intermission. Article by Lorraine Cooper with photo by Maria Hannigan Seventy second grade students from DCS Montessori culminated a two month study in a March 3 presentation of Tikki Tikki Tembo and The Bremen Town Musicians. During the period, students discussed the…

Abiding Hope pastoral team, from left: Matthew L. Erickson, pastoral intern and Castle Pines site point person; Glenn Hecox, minister for worship and lead team member; Pastor Doug Hill, lead team pastor; and Pastor Chad Johnson, lead team pastor. By Lisa Crockett with photo courtesy of Abiding Hope Lutheran Church Abiding Hope Lutheran Church has…

Avid4Adventure Do your kids like adventure? If so, this might be the perfect camp. With a location nearby in Highlands Ranch, Avid4 Adventure offers fun outdoor adventures with an emphasis on developing friendships, understanding risks, and learning. Activities are age appropriate and include sports like Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Kayaking, Canoeing, and much more.…

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…