Read the stories from the latest issue:
AT&T Customers Get More Mobile Broadband Coverage in Sedalia New Cell Site Activated as Part of Ongoing AT&T Investment in Local Wireless Network As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced mobile devices and applications, AT&T* today announced the activation of one new mobile broadband cell site in Sedalia that…
The new art mural outside the Castle Pines Library was generously donated by neighborhood residents, the Soteres family. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett A new and innovative project at the Castle Pines Library provides not only a gentle sun shade for library patrons inside the library, but also an interesting and inviting mural for…
Column by Anthonette Klinkerman At the start of the New Year, I find myself thinking if there is anything faster than the speed of light, some American will figure out how to achieve that. We are a drive-through society. Drive-through coffee places (thank Heaven), drive-through cleaners, drive-through banks, mobile fitness studios, and heck, even a…
In January, the Buffalo Ridge Elementary top spellers met twice a week to practice spelling all in preparation for the school’s spelling bee. Some the most trying words were dachshund and necessary. “It can be a confusing word,” commented one speller. By Carin R. Kirkegaard Grace Owens, fifth grader from Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE)…
Well over 200 people gathered on December 4 for Salon 188’s ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Judy Krowiec The hustle and bustle of the holiday season took a time out for some fun and relaxation at Salon 188’s grand opening celebration in December with new owner Judy Krowiec.…
by Elizabeth Wood West The Rural Water Authority of Douglas County (RWADC) represents almost 30,000 people, nearly 12 percent of Douglas County’s total population, who are served by more than 8,000 ground water wells. Founded in 2008, its mission is to “assist rural water users and providers to evaluate current and future water supplies and…
Pusar (#22 pictured on far left) works to get a shot off at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Vanessa Pusar Whisper Canyon resident, Josh Pusar, and King’s Crossing resident, Aidan Kirby, were among 17 boys on the Denver University (DU) Junior Pioneer hockey team who headed way north…
Some of the recipients of Big O Tires collection for soldiers last December. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of USAF EOD Troops of 755A/3&4 Owners of Big O Tires in Castle Pines since 2007 and Hidden Pointe residents, Robyn and J McElroy, held a patriotic collection last year for soldiers stationed in Iraq…
Information provided by Colorado Public Television Beginning January 4, 2011, all three channels of Colorado Public Television will be available on digital Xfinity TV. On January 4th, Colorado Public Television is expanding into new mountain communities, and this expansion requires it move exclusively to digital Xfinity TV. If you have analog Xfinity TV (basic cable)…
American Academy second grader, Moe Lankford, uses the icon-based LEGO WeDo software to assist in his creation. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Kristi Doke American Academy (AA) second graders expanded their horizons last month with LEGO Education’s newest addition to its robotics continuum called WeDo Robotics. WeDo implements hands-on technology experiments that focus…
Mature, educated, affluent and 1,000 feet above Mile High By Joe Gschwendtner Every magazine and newspaper has its list of best places, Money, Forbes, Family Circle, and the Denver Business Journal to name a few. Colorado and its cities are always high on these lists. Most rankings deal with quality of life issues like education,…
Lucky Carla and the Leadership Douglas County group enjoyed lunch and the beautiful atmosphere of the Sanctuary during Economic and Development and Small Business Day hosted at this gorgeous venue. By Patte Smith As Douglas County and the areas around Castle Pines grow and are developed, it is hard to grasp the immensity of planning…
Back Row: Aubrey Stevens, Colin Kemp, Mitchell Baggett, Brynn Peters, Rebecca Teeter. Third Row: Sam Anderson, Bryan Gardner, Ryan Tierney, Jessie Motlong, Trent Writer. Second Row: Caden Tisdale, Kenny Hughes, Devin Repka, Sam Rafter, Elizabeth Goodman. Front Row: Deavin McAlear, Ben Case, Connor Chott, Camille Leach, Lucy Butler and Alex Schaad. Submitted by Elean Gersack…
by Elean Gersack Planning a team practice or party during the next few months? There are three parks in Castle Pines available by reservation: Coyote Ridge, Daniel’s Gate and The Retreat. Soccer fields are available at all three parks and baseball fields are available at Coyote Ridge Park and The Retreat Park. Requests for spring…
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.…
The Wellspring Wonders Choir sings Christmas carols for guestsat the second annual fundraising event. More than 250 people attended Wellspring Community’s “Evening of Inspiration,” hosted by Cielo at Castle Pines. Guests enjoyed a fine buffet dinner from Tony Rosacci Catering and desserts from Best Buddies Bakery while listening to holiday music provided by Lindy Scialla…
By Linda Nuzum The City of Castle Pines City Council adopted its budget for 2011 at the December 14, 2010 council meeting. This sets the council’s goals for city finances for the coming year; although expect that, as in past years, adjustments may be made as the year goes on. The overall budget…
Submitted by South Suburban Recreation Center Lone Tree Ski Bus Starting Sat, Jan 29; trips depart from Lone Tree Recreation Center at 7 am and return by 7 pm. Participants must be 13 years or older or accompanied by a qualifying adult. Lap children are allowed. Departure time from ski resorts is generally 4:30 pm,…
Column by Chris Bonham, intern writer January is seen by many people to be a month of change. Who hasn’t made at least one New Year’s resolution in their life? Many folks vow to lose X number of pounds by the time the next year rolls around. Or, they determine to spend more time with…
Pictured above is Mrs. Kennedy’s third grade class from Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) following a performance of “The Polar Express,” The third grade team at BRE uses a reader’s theatre format for the play to emphasize the use of expression and intonation in reading. Each third grade class had several performances of the play for…
Submitted by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District Jim Worley Castle Pines North Metropolitan District Manager The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) Board appointed Jim Worley as its new District Manager. Mr. Worley is recognized throughout the region as an effective special district management veteran. He officially began working in CPNMD’s office on Monday,…
On December 16, Kristin Duran helps fourth grader, Zach, wrap a gift for the family his classroom adopted. Article and photo by Elean Gersack For twelve years, Kristin Duran has been a big part of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School. Yet, much of what she does is behind the scenes and is not well known. Depending…
Article by Amy Shanahan Every year around the holidays, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) sixth grade teacher Stacey Winsor organizes a “Blessings Brunch” for the students on her team. It is always a very special day for the kids and their parents or guardians, with this year being no exception! The parents or guardians of…
Students and their families enjoy a night of astronomy fun at one of the stations set up for Stargazing Night at DCS Montessori. Outside, the evening sky provided additional study. By Tracy Dudley; photo provided by DCS Montessori After dark on Wednesday, December 8, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade Montessori students returned to their school…
Representing the Citizens to Preserve Douglas County coalition, Donna Wilson, CEO of Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation (left), and Castle Pines Village resident Babetta Ferris (right) give a presentation to city officials. by Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Terri Wiebold A growing number of citizens and groups have joined with the Cherokee Ranch &…
It is a privilage to be able to share your stories and your photos in The Castle Pines Connection. The next time you attend an event or take fun snap shots of your life, please consider sending them to us for publication. Your stories and photos are what make this community newspaper unique. Thank you…
Patty Limerick and John Hendrick offer Insights on Front Range Water Issues Local residents were treated to a special “Insights on Front Range Water Issues,” offered at the Highlands Ranch library. Guest speakers at the forum were Patty Limerick, Chair of the Center of the American West at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and…
Timber Trail Elementary Choir’s winter concert was entertainment with a message – parents were challenged to sign a pledge promising not to use their cell phones while driving. By Lisa Crockett with photo courtesy Cynthia Berndt Like many famous performers, the Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) Choir uses a multitude of props to enhance its performance…
Submitted by Doug Hutchins, Castle Pines Real Estate Specialist, Broker Associate – The Kentwood Company Closed home sales in the Castle Pines area in 2010 exceeded the number sold in 2009 and inventory levels are at the lowest levels in the past two years. This is encouraging news, but prices continue to fall or stay…
by Kathy Dunker Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) eighth graders in Discovery Language Arts recently took an in-depth look at the educational voucher proposal that is currently being evaluated by the Douglas County School District. The class spent one week looking at both sides of the issue and debating it in class. At the end…
FOX31 on-air personalities enjoy some puppy time during last year’s Pledges for Pets. Information and photo provided by The Dumb Friends League Sit…Stay…Watch…and make a pledge to support homeless pets at the Dumb Friends League on Sunday, January 30. Tune into the 13th annual Pledges for Pets Telethon, sponsored by Hill’s Science Diet, on FOX31/KDVR…
Reprinted in part from August 2010 issue Make a pledge to hang up the phone and set a good example. It’s that simple. New drivers, and children who will be behind the wheel in the years to come, are paying attention. If mom and dad talk or text while driving, why should future generations…
Cut the calories; keep the flavor by Sally Uhrich The holidays are over and you have left-overs in the freezer, decorations to put away and, if you’re like most of us, a bit of an expanding waistline. Your first New Year’s resolution is to make exercise and healthy eating a priority. Now you begin thinking…
Sled Hill Fun The popular sledding hill at the corner of Monarch and Castle Pines Parkway draws kids and grown-ups whenever a dusting of white appears. But, only a sidewalk separates the top of the hill from the busy street. Please drive slowly whenever you near the intersection of Monarch and the Parkway on snowy…
Before you head to the garden to plant a new flowerbed or a crop of tomatoes this spring, take the time to call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado. Locators are typically on the job within 72 hours of a confirmed request to accurately mark the underground lines in an excavation area. Even a small…
by Casidee, Ridgeline Staff Reporter African Elephants are the largest land mammals. Their big ears help them keep cool in the hot African climate. They are just slightly larger then their Asian cousins and can be told apart by their larger ears. Elephants are fond of water and enjoy splashing and taking a shower. An…
Dumb Friends League Buddy Center volunteer open house Tuesday, January 25, 2011 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 4556 Castleton Court Castle Rock, CO 80109 RSVP at DFLOpenHouse.Eventbrite.com or 303- 751-5772, Ext. 7312 www.ddfl.org Become a volunteer at the Buddy Center! During the open house, pet lovers can learn more about Buddy Center volunteer opportunities, tour…
Information courtesy of Solar Novus Today with photos by Michelle Dunker What were the cranes doing in front of Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) and Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) who may be wondering? They are busy installing solar panels on the roofs of the two schools. According to an article published on August 26,…
Information submitted by The Wildlife Experience Test your sports skills with the quarterback toss, free throw challenge, bowling blitz and more at the sixth annual Kids Bowl VI presented by The Children’s Hospital. It’s the children’s interactive sporting event of the year at The Wildlife Experience – Saturday, February 5 from 10 a.m. to 5…
The Brown family – Mika, left (age 6), mom Shawna and Carson (age 8) help organize gifts at Timber Trail Elementary to be given to families at the Crisis Center. (Photo by Lisa Crockett) By Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students and their families donated nearly $4,500 to a holiday campaign run by student…
BellaRock Adventurers pause for a photo outside of Walter’s Cabinat Shrine Mountain Inn during a snowshoe hut trip. Article by Carin R. Kirkegaard and photos submitted by BellaRock Venturing into the backcountry of the Rocky Mountains, to many, is a daunting enterprise, but BellaRock Adventures help make such a trip accessible even for a novice.…
Column by Anthonette Klinkerman “Whatever you do, don’t cross the streams.” Bonus points for those of you who recalled this line from the movie “Ghostbusters.” I couldn’t help but recall it myself when I inadvertently crossed my holiday decorations this year. Pumpkins and Christmas lights? Well, the stores can get away with it (sort of)…
The Buffalo Ridge Elementary School Dream Team pose with their harvest bags of pennies. The school’s goal is to raise 750 pounds of coins by the end of November. Article and phots by Carin R. Kirkegaard This holiday season Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) School has stepped up to the plate and taken on some commendable…
By Lisa Crockett with photo by Tim Gamble Sedalia Nursery will offer fresh-cut Christmas trees in the community this year, at a tree lot on the northwest corner of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway (in the Walgreens shopping center). Tree sales begin just after Thanksgiving and run through Christmas Eve. “We will be offering…
by Lisa Crockett ‘Tis the season to send packages around the country. Here are some ways you can make this item on your holiday “to-do” list a little easier: Post Office locations and other mail service providers in or near the Castle Pines community include: Castle Pines North, (Castle Pines Postal Center), 80108 – 7280…
Pictured above from left to right are Kim Gilliom, Trent Writer hugging Rose Writer, Ashley Gilliom, Daren Writer and Alexandra Gilliom. Trent and Daren, fourth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School, recently completed a book drive for the library in Ojochal. The boys created their storyboards, approached their teachers and presented their cause to their…
Photo by Elean Gersack Thirty-one fourth and fifth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) participated in the World Sport Stacking Association’s “Stack Up” on November 18. The goal was to have the most people sport stacking at multiple locations on one day for a new Guinness Book of World Records record. Students stacked cups…
Information provided by E-470 The E-470 Public Highway Authority board of directors in November approved a toll increase for both License Plate Toll (LPT) and EXpressToll customers that will take effect January 1, 2011. It will be the first toll increase since January 2009. E-470 is not tax-funded and tolls are the largest source of…
By Elizabeth Wood West Members of Boy Scout Troop 316 of Castle Pines donned their uniforms and headlamps to lend a hand with the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce’s 75th annual star lighting ceremony on November 20. Susan Thayer, member of the chamber’s board of directors and 2010 star lighting committee, came up with the…
Third grader Keely Jester dissects an owl pellet to learn more about bones, joints, muscles and coordination as part of her science studies at Timber Trail Elementary. The rodent bones allow students to study skeletal structures. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Third graders at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) spent some time learning about owls…
Bullyproofing BRE (from left to right): Lynn Bisesi, Jen Jacoway, Ally Berggren, Leslie Clemensen and Christy McDonald. Article and photo by Elean Gersack October was National Bully Awareness Month and all across America, news media focused on tragic outcomes when bullying took its toll. Bullying grows as children grow, so what may start as verbal…
By Elizabeth Wood West with artist’s rendering courtesy of Centura Health Construction is well underway on phase one of Centura Health’s new 50-acre medical campus. The campus is located just south of the Castle Pines community on the northeast corner of Meadows Parkway and Prairie Hawk Drive, west of Santa Fe Drive in Castle Rock.…
Seated is Melissa Howard and standing behind her is Linda Bulmer, Castle Pines residents who recently opened their own specialty shop, Bellezza Boutique, located at the Streets of Southglenn at the corner of University Boulevard and Arapahoe Road. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Linda Bulmer and Melissa Howard, two Castle Pines residents and…
Step aside Charlie’s Angels…you’ve got nothing on these RHMS Neon Party goers! Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students took some time out in November for some good, clean, colorful fun. A great time was had by all at the school’s first school social of the year, better known as…
by Sally Uhrich So you’re making the final preparations for your holiday meal, carving the turkey and making gravy. Your guests have gathered in the kitchen, anxiously awaiting dinner. Why not take the edge off their hunger, by serving a tasty tidbit, known as the appetizer? Although there are many recipes for stuffed mushrooms, my…
The Intermountain Champion Women’s Tennis Team, from the Colorado Athletic Club Inverness, (left to right), Jennifer Brockel, Bernadette Bille, Mary Evilsizer, Deb Boyle, Kim Reed, Lisa Herz, Diane Levy, Diana Zoeller, Lori Ann Emlong, Wendy Divita, and Kris Staaf. Kim Reed of Castle Pines serving to her opponent in Nationals. By Liane M. Davis with…
by Elizabeth Wood West Village resident and long-time railroad quiet zone advocate Don Somsky may soon be able to rid Castle Pines Village of some of the unwanted train horn noise. Somsky, the Castle Pines Homes Association (CPHA), and other Village residents have worked this past year with Douglas County engineering staff member Sean Owens…
New furniture, cabinetry and consignment artwork add to the sleek surroundings. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker The familiar Salon 188 at the Village Square in Castle Pines North may not be so familiar anymore. New owner, Judy Krowiec, resident of Esperanza, has put the salon through a major transformation in preparation for its grand…