The Connection

Michael Weingartner, the new head golf pro at The Ridge at Castle Pines North, stands next to the 18th hole pin. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Michael Weingartner has been named head golf pro at The Ridge at Castle Pines North (The Ridge). Now in his third year there, Weingartner worked his way up…

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION CONTEST – HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS The NSDAR awards multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of degrees in diverse disciplines including: ·      Economics ·      Medicine ·      Education ·      Nursing ·      Government ·      Physical Therapy ·      History ·      Political Science ·      Law ·     American Indian Scholarships Please check the…

  This newspaper clipping shows Leonard Rivkin demonstrating the Strolee National Safety Car Seat for Children – the car seat that started the evolution of child safety seats as we know them today. By Elean Gersack with newspaper clipping provided by Jason Rivkin This month is national car seat safety month. With it comes the…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photo by Kate Jones Wellspring Community participants and dance instructor Jenette Smith perform their dance routine for friends and family during the non-profit’s recent Summer Celebration. The dance classes incorporate brain integration therapy, and are just one of several social, educational, and job training enrichment programs offered to young adults with…

by Kathy Dunker Community Fall Festival DCS Montessori (DCSM) will be hosting a community Fall Festival Carnival on Friday, September 30, from 4:30 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. This exciting event will feature popular carnival games, food and refreshments, bounce houses, local vendors, as well as live entertainment. All members of the community are welcome to attend.…

By Lisa Crockett A group of alumni from Leadership Douglas County, a coalition of civic and business leaders, organized a summertime school supply drive called the “Giving Tree, Douglas County United for Students.” The chairperson of the effort, Susan Squyer, worked with the Douglas County Educational Foundation to gather supplies and provide them to students…

Rock Canyon High School students, (pictured from left to right) Andrew Lehrman, Ryan Blanchard, and Kevin Padavic, attended Nationals this summer in Dallas for the Technology Student Association (TSA) where they competed in Technical Sketching, Career Comparisons, On-Demand Film, and Technology Bowl.

Mrs. Miller’s first grade class watches closely as Garden to Chef parent volunteer, Nina Amey, shows them how to water newly planted veggies and fruits with organic plant food. Article and photo by Elean Gersack In the second week of school, students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) started digging, planting and watering. It’s all part…

CJ Hahn with Bessie outside his home in Surrey Ridge. The old gas pump is another of his restoration projects. By Amy Shanahan, photos by Amy Shanahan and courtesy of CJ Hahn. Surrey Ridge resident CJ Hahn enjoys doing car shows because he loves talking to people. As his wife Miriam said, “You can put…

Alyce Todd, co-manager of education at the Downtown Aquarium, makes a special presentation at Timber Trail Elementary to launch the school’s “Dive Into Reading” literacy program. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett The Timber Trail Education Alliance (TTEA), the PTA at Timber Trail Elementary School, has partnered with the Downtown Aquarium for this year’s literacy…

Local produce is at its best this month. Check out a local farmers market for tasty, locally-grown fruits and veggies fresh from the fields. By Lisa Crockett Fall is in the air, and harvest season is in full swing in Colorado. Farmers markets up and down the Front Range – including thriving markets in Lone…

Castle Pines Brownies representing Troop 3719 marched in the Douglas County fair parade on August 6 in Castle Rock to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts. The girls wore party hats and handed out beads to parade goers. Left to right are: Jameson, Emma Kate, Emersen, Mary, Taylor, Libby, Karlie, Lucy, Ellery, and Julia.

Teacher Tony Greene, Building Engineer Kevin Hall, and teacher Nick Newman competed in a tricycle race at Timber Trail Elementary. The race was part of an assembly held to generate excitement about the school’s upcoming Move-a-Thon fundraiser. By Lisa Crockett An upcoming fundraiser at Timber Trail Elementary has a serious purpose – to raise funds…

By Kathy Dunker with information courtesy of the HRCA website Saturday, August 20, promises to be a great day for triathletes of all ages. The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) will host an adult triathlon, a junior triathlon for 12 to 17-year olds, as well as a kids triathlon broken into two age groups: Five…

Pictured above: Jan Teague (right) and Kristin Mitchel (left) of Golly Gee Gourmet sell Jan’s Jams at the Castle PInes Independence Day celebration and other area events. The mother-daughter team donates a portion of their profits to amyloidosis research and patient support. by Lisa Crockett Nothing says summer like a beautiful jar of homemade jam.…

Aloe Modzelewska and her horse “Red” hang out together in their pasture in Surrey Ridge. By Patte Smith with photos by Sandi Modezeleska “Whoa” is not in 12-year old Hailey Modzelewska’s vocabulary when galloping her horse Boo at full speed around barrels, flags and poles. “I love the thrill of riding fast when competing,” laughs…

by Kathy Dunker Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), with an expected enrollment of 1745 students this year, will be back in business beginning on Monday, August 8, for all freshmen and new students and on Tuesday, August 9, for all remaining students. Student pictures will be take on August 8 for all students including seniors.…

     by Patte Smith Congratulations to Jill Noyes, the Independence Day 2011 pie contest winner! An avid baker, Noyes decided at the last minute to enter the pie contest which was held at Coyote Ridge Park on July 1. “I have never entered a pie baking contest before and I wanted to get more involved…

by Elizabeth Wood West Texting while driving can be a fatal combination. That’s why Allstate Insurance agent (and mother of three boys) Mary MacDonald said putting the Teen Driving Event together was a no brainer. “Texting and driving can increase your risk of crashing by 23 times! That’s incredible! Hopefully, with the information we’ll be…

Franklin Graham, son of renowned evangelist Billy Graham, will be bringing “Rock the Range” festival to Denver on Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28. The festival will be held at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way in Commerce City. Saturday’s programs include the fun-filled children’s KidzFest at 10 a.m. and a high energy…

by Kathy Dunker Douglas County School District’s (DCSD) Express Check In is open now for DCS Montessori (DCSM) families. Online registration for DCSM will close on Friday, August 5. DCSM will hold its annual open house for families of students in first through fourth grades and those new to the school or with new teachers…

RHMS students, thanks to their filmmaking and performing experiences on the middle school’s Nighthawk Television show, were the proud recipients of the 2011 Teen Short Film Festival awards (pictured from left to right): Brooke Duran, Logan Schurr, Kirbi Spanbauer, and Emily Haigh. By Kathy Dunker with photo by Amy Shanahan The Phillip S. Miller Library…

Tickets are now on sale for the Lone Tree Arts Center’s inaugural season, which begins on September 9, 2011. A season ticket package with a theater series and the option to purchase priority seating to up to seven additional single performance events is available, as well as tickets for single performances. Season ticket packages may…

Ready to plant trees in the Costa Rican Rain Forest (pictured from left to right) are Nick Chavasse, Grace Serianne, Christina Chavasse, Brianna Cooke, Shane Johnson, Katie Mueller, Ryan Betthauser, Kay Peterson Kaul, Clark Wilhelm, Lynette Cooke, and Stephanie Betthauser. Article by Amy Shanahan with photo courtesy of Kay Kaul In early June, six students…

AA’s planting portion of their new front landscaping was completed just in time for the start of the 2011-2012 school year. In addition, the school’s PTO is selling memorial bricks which will be installed beginning in October. By Kathy Dunker with information courtesy of the AA website American Academy (AA) students make sure your online…

In a Potter-ized twist of a traditional party game, witches and wizards attempt to pin the scar on Harry, played by Teen Volunteer Group member Hunter Gill. Teen Volunteer Group member Larissa Rosendale samples her highly potent layered love potion brewed up during Potions class.     In Potions class, witches and wizards get their hands…

Buffalo Ridge Elementary ‘super dads’ use donated resources from Castle Rock Lowe’s to create planting beds for the new school garden. BRE is one of several district schools participating in the “Garden to Chef” program. by Elean Gersack with photo courtesy of Principal Berggren Buffalo Ridge Elementary School starts in a just a few short…

The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) year is about to begin. Nighthawks should be sure to pick up schedules on Tuesday, August 2 and remember to comb your hair since photos will be taken at the same time. Schedule pick up will be from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will be closed from noon…

     The State of Colorado is consistently voted as having the most physically fit residents. As we are out and about we can all see activities that contribute to our overall fitness, walking, jogging, swimming, and bicycling. We are all accustomed to sharing the road with bicyclists and we have all seen the signs, but…

Information submitted by Ellen Sloan, OLLI-South Recognizing that lifelong learning “dramatically enhances the life of older people, both physically and mentally,” Governor Hickenlooper has proclaimed August 1 through 6 “Lifelong Learning Week.” To celebrate that recognition and to highlight local opportunities for lifelong learning, OLLI-South will be offering “sneak peeks” of its upcoming course fare.…

By Kathy Dunker The Castle Crocs finished up their 2011 season on a very high note. With roughly 200 swimmers and brand new to the B Division of the Mountain High Swim League, the Crocs finished with four wins and only one loss, with a remarkable 83 swimmers going on to Championships on July 16…

by Chris Bonham Two thousand and ten; 2010. This configuration of numbers means something a little different to each of us. The start of a new decade. Or perhaps the end of an old one. A new chapter. Another chance. Either way, last year was significant for everyone because the United States government conducted its…

by Patte Smith While there are many homeowner’s associations (HOAs) in the Castle Pines community and each one handles trash removal and recycling independently for its members, there are three main waste companies that serve the communities of Castle Pines Village, the City of Castle Pines, Happy Canyon, Surrey Ridge, and many of the unincorporated…

Bob Sims Information and photos submitted by Bob Sims Bob Sims of Castle Pines won the golf National Championship in the 65-69 age group at the National Senior Games held June 21-24, at Blackhorse Golf Club South Course in Cypress, Texas. Fifty-five golfers participated in 54 holes of medal play on the Par 72 South…

Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Another school year is just around the corner, so make sure to sign up today for fall soccer with Castle Pines Athletics. The fall season, which usually has much better weather than spring soccer, runs from August 22 to October 15. Children of all skill levels ages four…

By Terri Wiebold with information provided by Douglas County Director of Public Affairs As the summer comes to a close and Castle Pines families gear up for fall, there is one final event to close out the summer, and this year it is free! To help commemorate Douglas County’s 150th Anniversary, the Board of County…

By Anne Necker As visions of cucumbers, tomatoes and kohlrabi dance in the heads of potential City of Castle Pines gardeners, plans are well under way to make these dreams a reality. The first Community Garden meeting was held at the Castle Pines Community Center in April with about 25 people in attendance. Since that…

by Patte Smith Dash to a computer and register for the 11th Annual Fall Frenzy Triathlon/Duathlon in Parker September 11. This year, there will not be a Kids’ Triathlon. Online registration ends at 6 p.m. on September 9. After that, participants can register in person on Saturday, September 10 at Treads Bicycle Outfitters in Parker…

From the left: Teammates Lucy, Cailin, Libby, Ellery and Karlie take a break during a second and third grade advanced coach-pitch baseball game. Information submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics with photos by Cari Ogg Summer just wouldn’t be summer without baseball and t-ball in Castle Pines! Castle Pines Athletics coordinated coach-pitch baseball and…

By Elizabeth Wood West What was old is now new, or so it goes with the recent purchase of Colorado Capital Bank (CCB) by First Citizens Bank (FCB), a 113-year old family-owned independent bank from North Carolina. CCB had been struggling with its commercial book of business for some time and was under FDIC scrutiny…

By Kathy Dunker The Castle Pines Storm, under the leadership of Coach Eric Goodrich, finished its third season off the blocks. With 97 swimmers in the Mountain High Swim League (MHSL) D Division, the team had 44 swimmers make it to Championships and an additional 8 swimmers qualified for All Stars. Assistant coach Miranda Morton…

Pictured above: Roundabouts construction on Happy Canyon Road is estimated to be finished by October 31. By Elizabeth West The building of two roundabouts on Happy Canyon Road at gates 1 and 2 in Castle Pines Village is nearing the halfway mark. The Castle Pines Metropolitan District (CPMD) began major construction on the roundabouts project…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines Denver International Airport recently launched a new web site called WebTrak, which will allow Castle Pines residents to access information about flights taking off and landing from Centennial Airport, as well as Denver International Airport. “It is a benefit to Centennial Airport, as personnel can track noisy…

2011 Stingrays coaching team (pictured from left to right) back row: Junior Coach Even Lail, Junior Coach Nick Tinucci, Head Coach Jenny Anderson, Assistant Coach Holly Dawson, Lead Junior Coach Maddie Pluto; front row: Junior Coaches Erin Dooley, Kate South and Quincy Schurr. Article by Kathy Dunker; photos by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines Village…

The AYL Dolphin team wielding their championship trophies (pictured from left to right) back row: Dawson DeMier (CP), Nolan Moorhead, Blakely Stoughton (CP), Cade Hughey, Brant Kragel (CP), assistant coach Chase DeMier (CP), and assistant coach Johnny Stoughton (CP); front row: Riley “Rygo” Goings (CP), Kameron Butler (CP), Brayden Jez, Graham Avers (CP), Alec Lush…

Kangaroos foraging on Lucky Bay Beach in Cape le Grande N.P in Western Australia. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner The Pacific Rim’s economic success is undeniable. But the center of its physical beauty is Australia, hands down. Australia is up these days, way up. Its economy is whirring as virtually every imaginable mineral is…

The Stars team performing their award winning routine in Orlando earlier this year. Article and photos submitted by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students Jazmine Murphy and Taylor Farnsworth were recently rewarded for their athletic ability, dedication and hard work. Murphy and Farnsworth traveled to Orlando, Florida with their cheerleading team, The Stars,…

Andrew Abner, Principal, Rock Canyon High School by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Andrew Abner A new face will be seen in the principal’s office at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) this fall. As of July 1, Andrew Abner replaced Kim Rauh in leading the school’s administration. Rauh will now be the principal of…

By Lisa Crockett School is just getting started at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE), but the school’s fall fundraiser – the “Move-a-Thon” — is in full swing, thanks to several dedicated volunteers who have worked through the summer. In addition to the usual flyers and banners, the school has a promotional video for the event posted…

By Lisa Crockett Information has been sent to various community groups regarding plans to develop a project with a proposed name of “Castle Pines Town Center” on the southern portion of Lagae Ranch. The 350-acre parcel is bounded by “Lagae Ranch Filing 1” (home to Elk Ridge Park and American Academy Charter School) on the…

By Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines Library depends on the community in order to keep its doors open, and a group of dedicated volunteers have embarked on an ambitious campaign to raise $100,000 – enough to keep the library up and running for the next three years. In August, the community can support the library…

Nicole Given (center) receives her scholarship check from Zontians Rhonda Bolich-Lampo (left) and Christie Thakur. Article and photo submitted by Laurie W. Anderson Nicole Given, a recent graduate of Rock Canyon High School, received a $1,000 scholarship from the Zonta Club of Douglas County. A resident of Castle Pines, Given plans to attend Boston College,…

By Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary School is planning to raise funds for vital school services this year – and help a needy school in Denver do the same. “We’re using the tagline ‘Healthy Hearts, Caring Hearts’” said Kevin Warnke, parent of a Timber Trail first grader and chairperson of the fundraiser. “Students will raise…

CPCC’s Summit Sunday school class and adult volunteers deliver more than 1,000 food items and serve meal at the Denver Rescue Mission. (Left to right) Carter Almquist, Sam Prosser, Elaina Muterspaugh, Hope Larson, Chris Prosser, Marlayna Prosser, Elizabeth Curtright, Jamie Laraia, Bella Schneider, and Candis Gaerte. Photo by Emily Hibpshman. By Elizabeth Wood West After…

Midfielder, No. 20, Ben Naylor, runs toward the goal attempting to score against the Parker Hawks during the boys’ second grade “blue” championship game during the Jamboree Lacrosse tournament on June 5. Article and photo by Elean Gersack The second grade boys Cougars “Blue” lacrosse team, lead by head coach Andrew Paredes, played hard, played…

Article by Kathy Dunker The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Principal’s Jaguar Award represents the top senior that demonstrates outstanding commitment to leadership, citizenship, academics, athletics and activities. Many students are nominated but only one is selected.  This year’s award went to Matthew Morgan who will be honored with a perpetual plaque displayed in the…

Kate and Nick Krumenauer, soon to be first and fourth graders, take time for a photo after hand delivering school supplies to La Libertad School in Costa Rica. (photo provided by the Krumenauer family) by Elean Gersack In late May and early June, the Krumenauer family took a special two week vacation to the Guanacaste…

Castle Pines outstanding students for 2011 Articles by Lisa Crockett, Elean Gersack, and Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the families The 39th Annual Student Awards for the Douglas County Federation was held on Wednesday, May 11, at Rock Canyon High School.  Students were nominated based on the following qualities: scholarship, creativity, responsibility, school and…

Timber Trail art teacher Peggy Jensen gets a big send-off to celebrate her retirement after a 25-year career in Douglas County. Fifth  graders Chaz Biondino (at left) and Derrick Frasier were on hand to supply tissues during a farewell assembly. Articles and photos by Lisa Crockett The end of the school year is all about…

Eagle Scout Brandon Bulmer, Castle Pines Troop 316       Brandon Bulmer stands with his Eagle Scout project, one of two therapy boards for Praying Hands Ranch.    by Elizabeth Wood West; photos provided by Bulmer family It is beautifully ironic that a healthy seventeen-year-old young man would come to understand the value of meeting…

by Elean Gersack Tune your bike, strap your helmet, and get set for the Wacky W Cycling event on Saturday, September 10, at Rocky Heights Middle School. This first-time event will directly benefit Douglas County Schools. Avid cyclists parents of Douglas County students, along with 9News sports reporter Susie Wargin and her brother Ted, created…

by Kathy Dunker Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) will be holding a legal camp entitled Mock Trial Week from July 25 through July 29 with an exhibition trial on July 30. The week is geared for high school students at all skill levels from those with little or no experience as a trial team competitor…

Almost 100 kids attended each day at Castle Pines Community Church’s annual week-long Vacation Bible School. This year’s theme was “PandaMania – Where God is wild about you!” Thirty-eight volunteers, mostly teens from Castle Pines Community Church, assisted with games, skits, songs, and lessons during “PandaMania.” Photo by Nicole Zwick. For more information about Castle…

By Amy Shanahan The Counseling Staff at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is excited to offer a new program to parents of incoming sixth graders and students who are new to RHMS. Parent Boot Camp will take place on Wednesday, July 20, and will provide an opportunity for parents to learn the ins and outs…