Read the stories from the latest issue:
Ashton, Connor and Cooper — the Buffalo Ridge boys hanging out! (photo courtesty of Mrs. Brester, Mrs. Herzog and Mrs. Jacoway). Article by Josh Harmon, BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter Everybody knows the tale of The Three Little Pigs, but does anybody know the story of the three little babies? Once there were three little babies…
Kaylee Schuler holding a very prized possession, her first published work as an author entitled “Midnight – A Wolf’s Tale”. Article by Jodi Anderson with photo courtesy of DCSM How many people believe they can write a book? Or wish they could? One young writer has made this dream a reality. Kaylee Schuler, a sixth…
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…
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…
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,…
Business owner Terri Wiebold hams it up, bringing “fun and sass” to the catwalk while modeling business attire at the Sassy Soiree fundraising event held September 16 to benefit the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. Article and photos by Elean Gersack The eighth annual Sassy Soiree, held on Friday, September 16, brought the community together to support…
By Terri Wiebold The discussion about Douglas County Ballot Question 1A, which would increase the maximum number of consecutive four-year terms for the county sheriff from two terms to three, is gaining momentum. Representatives from both sides of the conversation hosted booths at the Castle Pines Octoberfest last weekend, answering questions and handing out literature…
Students at Timber Trail Elementary are being recognized by a national organization called Kids Care Clubs for their service to the community and outreach to needy individuals. Here, students present a banner made by Timber Trail students to honor local fire fighters on the anniversary of 9/11. Article by Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Timber…
By Elizabeth Wood West Centura Health’s Administrator for the Castle Rock Adventist Health Campus, Brian Moore, was joined by staff and local officials on September 7 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the grand opening of the healthcare provider’s new facility. More than 1,300 people attended the Castle Rock Adventist Health Campus open house. Attendees…
The Partnership of Douglas County Governments signs a Disaster-Emergency Mutual Aid and Disaster-Emergency Resources Assistance IGA. Signing members include (left to right)) Sherilyn West, mayor of Larkspur; Vicky Starkey, board member, Highlands Ranch Metro District; Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver; Jim Gunning, mayor of Lone Tree; Steven Boand, Douglas County commissioner; William Moffitt, executive director…
Coming in November! Village Fitness presents Zumbathon Charity Event to benefit Homes for Our Troops. Information and registration available online at www.avfitness.org/ZumbathonHFOT.html. Kids for Zumba Charity event will take place the same day prior to the Adult Zumbathon. About Homes for Our Troops: Homes for Our Troops is a national non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization founded…
By Liane Marette Davis Looking for fun activities for the whole family? Just in time for fall festivities and Halloween, ColoradoKids.com launches its annual Halloween guide. Have not heard of ColoradoKids.com? It is a parent’s wonderful online resource that offers a wide range of more than 400 family or children related businesses that post online…
The Bundt Shoppe and The Castle Pines Connection would like to recognize and honor our local United States Armed Forces service members, veterans, and their families again this fall. Beginning October 1, stop by the Bundt Shoppe and make a contribution to provide a cake for a military service member or veteran. With your $10…
Volunteers for the Castle Pines Library Campaign were honored by the Denver chapter of DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies) for their volunteer service. The committee, from left: Vicky Kellen, Warren Lynge, Carla Kenny, Linda Day, and Sharon Kollmar with Matt Gray, Vice President of DOVIA. by Lisa Crockett with photos by Lisa Crockett…
Lyla Padden in the kitchen of her home business Flour G. by Amy Shanahan “Take an X-Ray of me, my heart is pure cupcake” is the quote that Lyla Padden uses to describe herself. Padden is a sixth grader at Rocky Heights Middle School, and is the proud owner of Flour Gal, a…
A Castle Pines couple gets ready to hit the slopes in the spring of 2011. Do you recognize them? By Elean Gersack For a great value $3,000 ski and snowboard aficionados can enjoy the slopes and share them with friends, thanks to Colorado Ski Country USA’s Colorado Gold Pass (Gold Pass). The Gold Pass is…
Erik Phillips, Owner by Tracy Dudley with photos provided by Erik Phillips With an extensive background in conditioning professional athletes such as Steve Nash and Shaquille O’Neal, Erik Phillips has developed a passion for injury prevention. When Erik met Dr. Craig Keyes of United Healthcare, an authority on the prevalence of sports related injury insurance…
By Lisa Crockett Thanksgiving is all about tradition – turkey with all the trimmings, buttery rolls and fluffy mashed potatoes, and of course a piece of pie slathered in whipped cream to top it all off. But even though these foods have been part of the national cannon of traditional foods for centuries, they can…
Castle Pines artist and entrepreneur Jennifer Goode, holding a coy of “It’s All About the Cookies,” a desserts-only cookbook being sold to raise money for breast cancer research. Goode designed the cover art for the book. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett It has been said that diners eat first with their eyes and then…
By Lisa Crockett Earth-friendly practices are a cornerstone of how business is done at Green Earth Cleaners, and its fall charity drive incorporates one of the most effective “green” techniques – recycling. During the months of October and November, Green Earth will give a $5 coupon to patrons who donate winter coats to be distributed…
On September 10, the RCHS Poms Squad (joined by their dads) held a community car wash at Daz Bog in Castle Pines.
by Elizabeth Wood West (Maps provided by COGCC) People in Douglas County are buzzing about fracking. What is fracking? Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is 60-year old process used to extract oil and gas from underground shale formations. Millions of gallons of water (90%), sand (9%) and trace chemicals (1%) are pumped into deep shale formations at…
St. Francis of Assisi’s new church sanctuary will be open to the public on September 30 and October 1. By Elizabeth Wood West (Artist’s rendering provided by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church) St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Castle Rock will be hosting an Oktoberfest Open House for the public on Friday, September…
Retiring Douglas County K-9 Unit dogs: Axel (left) is ten years old and has been with the DCSO since 2003. Leon, 9 1/2 years old, is certified in patrol and narcotics detection. Press Release submitted by Friends of Douglas County K-9, photos courtesy of Allison Shaw The first ever Friends of Douglas County K-9…