The Connection

by Lisa Crockett The Timber Team, Timber Trail Elementary’s student leadership group, found a way to combine two great objectives in one ambitions project. They offered heart-shaped lollipops to students to buy for their friends and turned a tidy profit to be used to benefit the school. “I think this is great that we can…

The Castle Pines North Metro District provides the information on this page as a public service for the people of Castle Pines North “Slow the Flow” Program an Impressive Success CPNMD partnered last year with the Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC) and its professional water audit teams to evaluate sprinkler system operations and efficiencies for…

Submitted by Cindy Baker, RCHS Drama Teacher Dearly Departed – April 13 & 14: RCHS drama presents a FREE performance of the comedy, “Dearly Departed,” which is the story of a quirky family that is reunited for a funeral, and all of the hilarious family dynamics that ensue. “Dearly Departed” will be double cast with…

Mrs. Lang’s second graders, Kyle, Ellery and Andrew stand in front of the Comic Life “Anti-Cyberbullying” display they created in the technology hallway. Article and photo by Elean Gersack The Internet is here to stay. That means social networking, blogging, texting, e-mail and online searches will become second nature to today’s children. At Buffalo Ridge…

Back Row: Samuel Hilgendorf (Mrs. Herzog); Max Larson (Mrs. Pinke); Ann Gibson (Mr. Jenson); Ashley Owen (Mrs. Phelan). Middle Row: Casidee Gonzales (Mrs. Jaramillo); Ruth Anne Jeppson (Mrs. Sedersten); Bella Richardson (Mrs. Kennedy); Seth Sewell (Mrs. Brester); Maggie Zeh (Mrs. Pedrett); Ryan Wight (Mrs. Lang); Lily Hansen (Mrs. Miller); Morgan Wright (Mrs. Coombs). Front Row:…

RHMS teachers who submitted Gold Seal lessons to the SPN (left to right): Laurie Williamson, Colleen Holub, Amy Tempel, Angie Burt, Amy Corr, Sharon Majetich, and Derek DeNileon. Not pictured are Dodi Poulos and Rick Johnson. Article and photo submitted by Amy Shanahan Clark Wilhelm, Amy Tempel, and Kelly Kirkpatrick have been selected to present…

Ridgeline is Buffalo Ridge Elementary’s online newspaper.  Each month, a student piece will be printed in The Castle Pines Connection. The Ask Buffy column is an anonymous forum for students to ask questions. View the online newspaper, visit http://schools.dcsdk12.org/bre, click on “Classroom/School Websites” and then on “Ridgeline.” Step aside Dear Abby; BRE’s got Buffy! By…

County to host Economic Development Forum April 5 Commissioners seek public input for Countywide Economic Development Plan. Douglas County, Colo…   A collaborative, countywide Economic Development Plan is the ultimate goal of the Douglas County Economic Development Forum, hosted by the Douglas County Commissioners on Tuesday, April 5, from 7:30 – 11:00 a.m., at The Wildlife…

Spring break is right around the corner. Plan ahead and enjoy some memorable family activities right here in Colorado. From state parks to museums, there is much to do and see close to home. Outdoor Recreation Castlewood Canyon State Park 2989 South State Highway 83, Franktown 303-688-5242 This beautiful retreat is located just to the…

by Sally Uhrich Irish Food and Fun Featured in, “Taste of Home Magazine” If you’re wanting to deviate from the usual St. Patrick’s Day fare of Corned Beef and Cabbage, consider this recipe from Rosemary Jarvis, of Sparta, Tennessee. It’s one of many Irish recipes featured in the March, 2008 edition of , “ Taste…

Last month, City of Lone Tree officials, project associates and project contractor G.E. Johnson celebrated Topping Out of the Lone Tree Arts Center by signing their John Hancock and then placing a structural beam at the site of the future lobby area. Guests received an inspirational speech from Lone Tree Arts Center Executive Director Lisa…

The Castle Pines Connection is looking to add a listing of services and home-based businesses that might be of interest to our readers. We want this to be more than just a static listing of businesses, but rather a useful resource for services you frequently need. Please send suggestions regarding the types of services you…

The Castle Pines Library will host a Mother-Daughter book club in 2011. Bimonthly meetings are planned for the following Mondays at 6:30 p.m.: Monday, March 1 – Black Beauty Monday, May 9 – Each Little Bird that Sings Monday, July 11 – The Penderwicks:  A Summer Tale of Four Sisters Monday, September 12 – When…

Now in its fourth year, the much celebrated Douglas County Art Encounters™ public art program invites sculpture artists to submit applications for participation in the June 2011 to June 2012, outdoor sculpture exhibit. Deadline for artist entries is Feb. 28. Please visit www.douglas.co.us/artencounters to access the CAFE (Call for Entries) online application and for comprehensive…

In a recent Castle Pines Connection letter to the editor, Brambleridge resident Donald Reese made the observation that, “We [residents in the city] are suing ourselves with our own tax dollars…Why?” He went on to write, “I would encourage your paper to publish a future article reporting the total amount of taxpayer money, in dollars,…

The staff at Las Fajitas is eager to serve up some traditional-style Mexican favorites. Owner Alberto Granados is pictured in the center.  Las Fajitas is a family-owned and operated restaurant. By Lisa Crockett with photos by Tim Gamble Aurora restaurant owner Alberto Granados was looking to expand his popular “Las Fajitas” restaurant. He says his…

Information provided bythe CPN Master Association New management company The Master Association has changed management companies and is now managed by Premier Property Management. Please contact Kim Maguire by e-mail with questions. Decrease in dues Effective January 1, the Master Association annual dues were reduced to $85. Due to the recent change in management company,…

Team members at a recent tournament (left to right:) Ben Bush, Jonah Flores, and Emily Ball. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of JoAnn Moran Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) new head coach, JoAnn Moran, puts in a lot of hours for her Speech and Debate Team. While the team was formed four years…

by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Marc Feldman Professional photographer Marc Feldman is a resident of Esperanza and a new addition to the Castle Pines business community. Feldman, who lives wit h his girlfriend, son, and sheep dog, has been a professional photographer for 36 years and is now heading up a new digital…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Tim Gamble The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce wrapped up another successful year at its annual banquet at the Inverness Hotel in January. Business owners and community leaders joined together to celebrate the chamber’s many accomplishments in 2010 and to recognize some outstanding business owners who give a…

Submitted by Lacee Tasker The stone Spinel Spinel occurs in all colors, the favorite being a ruby-like red.  The pigments, which give it its color, are chrome and iron.  Large stones are rare and star spinel are very rare. Spinel was recognized as an individual mineral only 180 years ago.  Before then it was classed…

Be the MVP of the Super Bowl Party; Be a Designated Driver Increased DUI Enforcement this Super Bowl Weekend The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP), Denver Broncos and members of the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association are reminding football fans that if your Super Bowl celebration includes alcohol, make sure you have…

Rob Solomon Photo provided by Rob Solomon Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Dewey Finn, Jack Black’s, character in “School of Rock” has nothing on Rob Solomon, the owner and instructor of guitarKidz, a local music school that has been working with area children for the past six years in Surrey Ridge. Solomon teaches…

by Patte Smith Enjoy a romantic tea or yummy brunch this year at beautiful Cherokee Ranch and Castle on Saturday, February 12. Relax and savor the tea and splendor of the castle, while sipping champagne at Take-your-Sweetie to Tea. Tasty finger sandwiches, scones, assorted pastries and teas will be served – an added highlight is…

Shayna Smith (left), gets ready to compete at the 2011 All-Star Swim Meet in Lawrence, Kansas during the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. Smith was named to Team Colorado as one of the top 10, ten and younger female swimmers. By Elean Gersack with photo provided by the Smith family Shayna Smith began taking swimming…

Douglas County Divas members socialize at the dessert table in Zi Fusion Restaurant. Pictured left to right: Co-Founder Theresa Buckley, Founder Pamela Anderson, and Marketing Director Kathlena Gill.   Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West More than 300 smartly-dressed businesswomen sipped cocktails, nibbled appetizers, and swapped business cards and conversation at Douglas County Divas’…

Fourth graders Caroline and Katie take visitors on a tour of Georgetown during their Rocky Mountain Road Trip. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Fourth grade students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary took families and visitors on a Rocky Mountain Road Trip on Thursday, January 13, to celebrate year-long learning about Colorado history. The gym was…

The Children’s Hospital of Colorado is the principal sponsor of the Third Annual Sweet Hearts Ball to be held Saturday evening, February 12th at The Renaissance Hotel. All proceeds will be used to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Colorado schools.  The Ball is being organized through the combined efforts of the South Metro Safety Foundation, The Kick Start My…

Column by Anthonette Klinkerman I committed the absolutely most sacrilegious thing one could possibly do in a coffee place the other day. I’ve done this most heinous thing twice now. I sat and did … nothing. Yes, you read that correctly; I did nothing but sip my coffee in a coffee place. Well, I guess…

The Leading EdgeSharon Wheeler (left) and Sara Tibby (right) Physical Therapy owners. Submitted by The Leading Edge Physical Therapy Located in the King Soopers shopping plaza in Castle Pines, Leading Edge has a constant hum of patients at any given time of the day. Perhaps this is because they offer the latest technology and treatment…

by Sally Uhrich Find yourself dealing with a bit of holiday let-down, along with a few of the winter blues? Consider spending an evening, entertaining with recipes from The Fort restaurant’s cookbook, Shinin’ Times at The Fort. The 160 featured recipes range from appetizers to desserts. One of my favorite recipes is, “Elk Chops St.…

Dr. Bryan Rudiak D.C. and Rudolph Gallegos, Food Bank Manager, Douglas County Task Force Submitted by Dr. Bryan Rudiak Canyon Ridge Chiropractic in Castle Pines held its annual Food Drive during the holidays. Last year, the chiropractic patients helped raise 100 pounds of non-perishable food items, which were passed along to the Douglas County Task…

by Elizabeth Wood West The Town of Castle Rock has approved its first LED sign. The new LED sign will be for the Outlets Mall in Castle Rock. The sign’s applicant, Craig Realty Group (Outlets’ owner), submitted its signage proposal to Town officials in 2010. The proposal included replacing its existing 42’ tall main sign…

Denver Restaurant Week coming February 26 through March 11 Enjoy a two-week celebration of culinary creations throughout Denver. More than 350 participating restaurants will offer a multi-course dinner for the fixed price of $52.80 for two, or $26.40 for one (not including tax or gratuity). Several nearby restaurants are participating in Denver Restaurant week, including:…

Submitted by Trish Cummings Student achievement comes in many forms. Though the teachers and administrators at American Academy work very hard to make sure students excel academically, they also strive to create a culture of respect, responsibility and exceptional character among even the youngest students. That kind of self-control and intentional behavior indicates great leadership…

By Linda Nuzum Prepared in response to a Letter to the Editor dated January 5, 2011 (Excerpt) Editor Wiebold, … My letter was intended to lend a unfiltered voice to, and encourage the citizens of Castle Pines, to be aware of the ongoing “gut fight” between the City and the Metro District.  Both are directing…

by Terri Wiebold On January 7, the Douglas County Business Alliance (DCBA) hosted a breakfast forum at Sky Ridge Medical Center featuring guest speakers from the Douglas County delegation, including Speaker of the House-elect Frank McNulty, Representative Carol Murray, Representative-elect Chris Holbert, and Senator Ted Harvey. Business leaders from all over Douglas County joined in…

Pine Crest Investors’ underpass alternative for North Meadows Extension Project. Schematic drawings provided by Pine Crest Investors. By Elizabeth Wood West While the Town of Castle Rock continues to move forward with the proposed North Meadows Extension Project, there may be a new alternative to the previously-selected Castlegate Drive preferred alignment in the works; an…

Pizza Chef and Owner, Sang Duong of Nick-N-Willy’s Pizza with their new gluten free pizza creation Submitted by Joe Gschwendtner; Photo by Tim Gamble Nick-N-Willys at King Soopers on Lagae Road is now offering gluten-free pizza. The thin crust is from The Gluten Free Bistro in Boulder in medium size only. Compared to other gluten-free…

Goodwill employee Axel Caraballo greets donors at Goodwill’s newest donation center, located in Castle Pines. The donation center offers a quick and convenient way to recycle clothing and household items. By Lisa Crockett A Goodwill donation center is now open in Castle Pines in the Castle Pines Marketplace Shopping Center, just a few doors down…

After a several year hiatus, friends and neighbors on and near Turweston Lane in Castle Pines recently started up monthly bunko gatherings again. Old and new faces are coming together each month to talk, laugh and play the famous dice game – this time setting aside half of the pot for charity. (Photo provided by…

  Research conducted by, and article prepared by Linda Nuzum Castle Pines taxpayers are footing the bill for attorneys, consultants, and communications efforts related to the City of Castle Pines’ 2010 court filing, which orders the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) to submit a dissolution plan to the judge, and ultimately Castle Pines voters,…

Jamie Larue In college, I got a bean bag chair. I also gave up the daily exercise program I’d followed for years. There was neither privacy nor room in my dorm. By the end of the second semester, suddenly, I had a problem. I was in constant lower back and limb pain. I started to…

Winter Berry resident and artist Nancy Meisner helped contribute to the party’s success. Article by Kathy Dunker Susanne Kabza and Michele Hayden had a successful day on December 14 with their third annual “Party with a Purpose” at Kabza’s home in Amber Ridge. More than $1,100 was raised to benefit The Women’s Crisis and Family…

Castle Pines Athletics soccer players take a break to hang out after a game last fall. Playing with friends, neighbors and classmates is partof what makes Castle Pines Athletics so special. Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Beginning in March, Castle Pines Athletics will kick off its third consecutive year of bringing sports to…

Article by Patte Smith photo by Carla Kenny Government day, held in January for the members of Leadership Douglas County (LDC), was a refresher course in what many of us learned in middle and high school. “We revisited a lot of useful information about our government and the difference in governing at the state and…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Kristi Doke Kindergartners at American Academy (AA) got put on their engineering hats last month with their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) week for mechanical engineering. The Kindies got to think like mechanical engineers as they used the force of wind to power their mechanical creations. With…

By Pacey, Ridgeline Staff Reporter Did you know that Cripple Creek had one of the biggest gold strikes in history? $500,000,000 worth of gold was found at Cripple Creek in 1890. The population of the town went from 500 people to 10,000 people in just 3 years. After the Gold Rush, many people left the…

While many across the country find themselves indoors with a cup of hot chocolate near a fireplace when the snow hits big, we here in Colorado head to the hills. Whether it is skiing, tubing, snow boarding, sledding or just playing in the snow, the Castle Pines community makes the most of the winter fun.…

Information submitted by DC Libraries In addition to The Wildlife Experience and Dinosaur Ridge, Douglas County Libraries now offers library card holders Adventure Passes to the Denver Art Museum. The partnership is the first of its kind among Colorado libraries. Denver Art Museum passes are available starting January 11. The Denver Art Museum seeks to…

Back Row: Nicole (Mrs. Kennedy); Lexi Wirkus (Ms. Carter); Elizabeth Curtright (Mrs Phelan); Chelsea Gause (Mr. Jenson); Lawrence Shook (Mrs. Sedersten). Middle Row: Jameson Shanahan (Mrs. Shepherd); Jessica Bentley (Mrs. Brester); Rachel Ansay (Mrs. Pedrett); Ashley Zbylski (Mrs. Pinke); Madison Pickett (Mrs. Jaramillo); Megan Golba (Mrs. Herzog). Front Row: Zachary Ruggee (Mrs. G.); Caden Brester…

Candidate Forum – Castle Pines – July 22, 2008 by Joe Gschwendtner Arnold Schwarzenegger recently proved a good “terminator” does not necessarily make a good “governator.” Much admired by many Americans, polls indicate he is seen as having failed California. I’ve been involved in governance for 30 years. To be fairly governed requires electing good,…

Chris Bonham Column by Chris Bonham, intern writer I recently attended a Civil War Ball, a rather large event held for homeschoolers at the DC Fairgrounds every year. It’s a time when teens get dressed up in period-type clothing and dance the night away. Unfortunately, my dancing skills are somewhat lacking. My night was spent…

Articles and photos by The Castle Pines Connection staff, courtesy photos The Douglas County Educational Foundation will present its Apple Awards on March 5 at an event designed to honor the finest educators in the county, while also raising money to support school programs. After the Foundation reviewed 5,300 nominations submitted by students, staff and…

Property owners in Douglas County now have a new tool on the county’s website that will calculate the cost of an individual property’s proportionate share of 28 different service categories provided by Douglas County, including road construction, law enforcement, parks and trails, public health, elections, snow removal, and traffic management. For access to the county’s…

Submitted by Bob Wilson CDOT Public Relations Work is underway to reconstruct a large portion of State Highway 86 (Founders Parkway) between Interstate 25 and the Founders Parkway/ Ridge Road/ 5thStreet intersection. The Colorado Department of Department (CDOT) project includes reconstructing 2 1/2 miles of highway with concrete pavement, a new storm drain system, retention…

Castle Pines Athletics basketball team the “Red Sharks,” show off their basketball medals after finishing the season. The team of four and five year olds is coached by Castle Pines resident Rob Terry, ( Photo by Shannon Terry) Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics wrapped up its first basketball season on…

by Elean Gersack Don’t delay … now is the time to register for spring sports and activities. Below is a quick reference guide to some of the most popular leagues and recreational activities around. Castle Pines Athletics This spring, Castle Pines Athletics will offer co-ed recreational soccer along with two new programs – competitive/developmental soccer…

By Lisa Crockett In December, the Douglas County Board of Education accepted a report by its “Choice Task Force” and took a step toward a possible program to subsidize students attending private schools. The program, which would provide what are called “options certificates” would give 75 percent of the state’s per-pupil revenue (PPR) to the…

Submitted by Patte Smith Several Surrey Ridge residents joined together to carol for some of their fellow neighbors who needed some Christmas cheer this year. It was a fun time that brought smiles and laughter to the carolers and the neighbors. All ages joined in to bring a little joy to the community. For more…

Castle Pines Athletics introduces “soccer tots” Castle Pines Athletics is now offering “soccer tots,” a new program designed for three-year olds. This local program is the perfect place for your little tot to start learning about soccer and meet new friends. Children must be 3 years old by March 1 to participate. The six-week program…

RHMS 7th grader, Rachel Wright got involved to help fight diabetes. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Amy Shanahan Rachel Wright, a seventh grader at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS), has juvenile diabetes, and she wants to help stop the disease. Wright was diagnosed in January 2007 and hopes to make a difference for…

Fierro posing with Marines at the Toys for Tots Banquet on December 3. (Photo by Chuck Skinner).  Article and photo by Kathy Dunker From the South American town of Riobamba at over 9,000 feet in elevation to 6,500 feet in elevation in Castle Pines, comes 17 year-old Ruth Mariagracia Fierro Velasco, better known as Ruthy…

Douglas County residents have an additional opportunity to weigh in on the proposed Penley Reservoir at an upcoming January 10 Use by Special Review hearing, which was continued from December for additional public comment. The proposed reservoir is part of the Penley Ranch project, located south of C-470 and west of Sedalia and US Highway…

Castle Pines Athletics Coach Tom Rennell works with his third and fourth grade basketball team. Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics recently launched a new basketball program in Castle Pines. The recreational co-ed program is designed for children ages preschool to fourth grade. Finding an indoor facility in the area was…

by Lisa Crockett Parents wishing to enroll children in a Douglas County School District school, other than a designated neighborhood school, must complete an open enrollment form. Open enrollment forms can be downloaded from the district website at www.dcsdk12.org and parents can view a list of the schools available for open enrollment for the 2011-2012…

William S. helps prepare a stir fry noodle bowl with whole grain noodles and vegetables for the entire fourth grade class. By Elean Gersack Some lucky students from Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) were asked to take part in a Douglas County School District (DCSD) initiative to test healthier and, hopefully, better tasting menu options.…