Read the stories from the latest issue:
CPV resident #41 Eric Williams is off to an amazing start this season. Playing both offense and defense, Williams makes an interceptionat the September 9 varsity game against Dakota Ridge. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Rock Canyon Photos Coming back from a 21-27 loss against Montrose on August 26, the Rock Canyon High…
Open house attendees signed up to receive updates and reviewed data about the North Meadows Extension. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Dozens of people crowded around presentation boards and quizzed Town of Castle Rock, Douglas County, and other representatives at a recent North Meadows Extension open house. The event followed the town’s release…
By Chris Bonham Douglas County schools are among the best in the nation. One thing that is essential to a good school system is a good school board. In November, it will be up to parents and residents of Douglas County to select who will fill the three seats up for grab on the school…
Retired Army Corporal Nick Orchowski and his wife Jamie (left front) meet with the Douglas County Rotarians At Work committee. By Chris Bonham with photo provided by Susan Vanderhill The motto of Rotary International is stated as “Service Above Self.” And, in the case of members of the Douglas County Rotary Club, this motto has…
By Elizabeth Wood West The Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is hosting a Harvest Days fall festival at historic Lowell Ranch on October 15 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The celebration will feature a “u-pick” pumpkin and gourd patch, hay rides, carriage rides, historic tours of the ranch and (weather permitting) sales of fresh…
Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Upcoming Halloween Weekend DUI Saturation Patrol The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up our efforts to apprehend intoxicated and impaired drivers during the up-coming Halloween weekend, which takes place the weekend of October 28th. Deputies will be providing extra enforcement from Friday, October 28 through…
Quinn Kennedy and Lauren Wearsch Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Cindy Baker Being a part of the Drama Club at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) is no easy task. Simultaneously preparing for a number of productions, the thespians work hard to play hard at their school presentations. Most of the backstage student…
Music hopeful and every-day Castle Pines teen Maddie Krawiec takes a break during a Los Angeles studio recording session cutting her first single, “Being Me.” By Tricia Wackerly with photos provided by Judy Krawiec Sixteen-year-old Maddie Krawiec’s singing career seems to be headed in a direction she could only once dream about. This past July,…
Gina B. Masterson Folkestad Fazekas Barrick & Patoile, P.C. is pleased to announce that Gina B. Masterson has joined the Firm. Ms. Masterson is a real estate and transactional attorney with more than 15 years of legal experience. Her practice focuses on a broad range of transactions and finance matters; including but not limited to…
Smith at the Clovis, CA pool during the Western Zones meet in July wearing the first place medal she earned during the Long Course State Championship meet. by Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of the Smith family Congratulations to Shayna Smith, the local fifth-grader featured in the February issue of The Castle Pines Connection for her…
by Lisa Crockett In November, Douglas County voters will cast their votes in a coordinated election, which will include a vote for Castle Pines city council members and other municipal and county-wide issues. As of press time, ballot language and issues had not been finalized. The all-mail election culminates on Election Day, Tuesday, November 1.…
Fifth graders Logan and Samuel are thrilled to have a chance to ski free this winter! By Elean Gersack with photo courtesy of Laurie Jacobs It’s almost time to pack up the car and head to the snow covered hills. In a few short weeks, snow will blanket the mountains and snowmaking machines will add…
by Alonso D., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter September 30 through October 6 the BRE Fall book fair will be held and everyone is exited! With the new theme, To The Book Fair And Beyond, this might just be the best book fair yet. This year, the book fair will be held in the gym. Come…
Final concrete pours on the roadway in July The final phase of the Hess Road Extension Project is to make improvements to the existing I-25/Castle Pines Parkway interchange. This phase involves installing new traffic signals at both the northbound and southbound on-off ramps, making a minor widening of the northbound on-ramp and re-striping Castle Pines…
Assistant Principal Kelly Kirkpatrick gets soaked in a game of “Flush ‘Em” during the magazine sales. Top sellers for that day had the chance to take their best shot at teachers and staff. by Amy Shanahan with photo by Scott Melanson Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) recently held its annual magazine sale fundraiser and was…
A taste of … Jing restaurant The elegance of Jing’s sleek white dining room is a stark contrast to the edgy bar area, decorated in all black. By Liane Marette Davis with photos provided by Jing Come and experience the yin and yang of Jing Restaurant, the upscale, modern, and sexy hot spot located in…
The Rock Slide is back at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE)! This 5K and 1-mile family fun run/walk is planned for Saturday, October 1, beginning at 9 a.m. Come out and support the school by cheering for students as they race around the Castle Pines neighborhood. Be on the lookout and help keep participants safe during…
“He was not just an Eagle Waste trash collector, he was part of our community. Everyone in this neighborhood knew him in some way, and he will truly be missed.” Neighbors, family and friends gathered in the Daniels Gate community to celebrate the life of service provider Brian Rojas. Rojas will be remembered as a…
Angie Stevens performed several of her songs, including those that the kids used to produce their own music videos. By Amy Shanahan with photos courtesy of Scott Melanson The Nighthawk Television (NHTV) students from Rocky Heights Middle School were given a unique opportunity to film a music video for a local musician. Angie Stevens is…
The Siddiqui family (left to right) –Aliyah, Saeed, Mikail, Regina, and Kadin. By Elizabeth Wood West (photo from the Siddiqui family) Gold is one of the beautiful fall colors of September. How fitting that gold, a color associated with the passing of a season, is also the official color for Childhood Cancer and that September…
Fifth Grade teacher Jolie Pinke defends herself from a sponge water attack by one of her students while visiting the Brazil rain forest during the BRE Amazing Race. by Molly S., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter with photo by Elean Gersack Buffalo Ridge celebrated another great year of school by hosting a field day. The “Amazing…
Canyons Community Church, formerly Christ the King Presbyterian Church. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo provided by Canyons Community Church Canyons Community Church, formerly Christ the King Evangelical Presbyterian Church, opened its doors earlier this year at its new location, 2.1 miles north of Founders Parkway and I-25 at 4825 Crowfoot Valley Road. The newly…
The character of Rhoda was played by sophomore Lauren Wearsch (left); the character of the mom, Christine was played by sophomore Quinn Kennedy. Article by RCHS sophomore and drama student Rachel Zetwick with photo by Amy Shanahan Rock Canyon High School students worked hard to put on a great show-and gave the audience some chills…
Brady Wiesner by Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Michelle Wiesner Brady Wiesner doesn’t just walk across a room, he literally dances. Wiesner, a resident of Castle Pines Village and an eighth grader at Cherry Hills Christian School, is a World Champion Irish dancer. “I began dancing in the third grade because I wanted to be…
Champions in the school’s annual Mother-Son kickball tournament. More than 130 mother-son pairs participated in the event. by Lisa Crockett Fall fundraisers at Timber Trail Elementary have combined fun, physical fitness and community spirit and achieved great results. Participants in the school’s first-ever Move-A-Thon. The event raised more than $59,000, making it the school’s most…
by Elizabeth Wood West Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) is inviting the public to share in the spirit of giving this holiday season by participating in Operation Christmas Child – giving shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and personal items to needy children all over the world. Operation Christmas Child is an annual event put…
DCSM Courageous Cougars are ready for action at the school’s Fun Run on September 9. Art ice and photos submitted by Jodi Anderson What happens when you mix premier Colorado weather, running for a purpose, and unbridled enthusiasm? You get a day filled with laughter and physical activity all in the name of raising funds…
Guests mingled and enjoyed the spectacular view of the Front Range from the Country Club at Castle Pines new terrace. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of The Country Club at Castle Pines The much-anticipated unveiling of a new expanded terrace at The Country Club at Castle Pines on September 16 wowed the more than 300…
Castle Rock Lowe’s store manager, Mike McGinley Article and photo by Amy Shanahan If you need a helping hand while shopping at Lowe’s in Castle Rock, Mike McGinley is happy to help. McGinley was recently named the new store manager and he is excited to be a part of this community. McGinley, born and raised…
Provided by and space purchased by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Wings of Hope, a benefit for increased awareness and research for pancreatic cancer, will have as its special guest speaker SR-71 Pilot Brian Shul, author of the nationally acclaimed “Sled Driver.” A highly sought and renowned speaker throughout the country, Brian Shul will share…
By Elizabeth Wood West (Artist’s rendering provided by Bonaventure Senior Living) Bonaventure of Castle Rock has begun construction on its new 9.3-acre continuing care campus and is hosting a post-groundbreaking party for the public on Thursday, October 27 at 11 a.m. The campus is located at 1855 Low Meadow Boulevard, just south of The Meadows…
By Lisa Crockett If you buy groceries or fill your gas tank, then you can support a good cause. Several community groups, including the Castle Pines Library and all four of the Castle Pines Elementary Schools (American Academy, Buffalo Ridge, DCS Montessori, and Timber Trail), offer “scrip” cards that can be used to purchase groceries…
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…
We will be performing a program at a local elementary school again this year, sponsoring two local high school US History classes, and sponsoring three displays in the local library branches, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree, where we will be offering free copies of the Constitution and Preamble Bookmarks at each location. The…
RHMS seventh and eighth grade students got in the swashbuckler spirit when they attended the Real Pirates exhibit last month at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Kelly Corr In a combined field trip for Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) seventh and eighth graders, the students explored…
Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) welcomes a new face to its administrative team. Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Mike Loitz is new to the middle school, replacing Assistant Principal James McMurphy, who went on to become the principal of Ranch View Middle School High for the…
Gina Kaelin-Westcott, owner of Connect Selling and a 2010 graduate of the Success Tracks program, is publishing her first book! Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Gina Kaelin-Westcott, owner of Connect Selling and a 2010 graduate of the Success Tracks program, has published her first book! “Creating a Bond Beyond the Handshake” aims…
This architectural renderring was part of the City of Lone Tree’s referral package for the site improvement plan of Hampton Inn and Suites at RidgeGate. By Patte Smith RidgeGate development continues, as a new a 106-room, four-story Hampton Inn has been approved by the city of Lone Tree and will be located at the southwest…
By Elean Gersack Bring your dog and head over to O’Brien Park in Parker on September 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the most fun a dog can have in one day! The park is located at 10795 Victorian Drive, at the northeast corner of Parker Road and Main Street. As summer draws…
By Amy Shanahan with photos courtesy of Sibby Dawson “What off-season?” is the slogan on Christopher Dawson’s new favorite t-shirt. Dawson, a sophomore at Regis Jesuit High School, started swimming competitively at age ten, and he’s been in the water ever since. He is a resident of Castle Pines Village and swims for the Village…
Brian Rojas Family members, neighbors, and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Brian Rojas during a a Rosarie that will take place at Notre Dame Catholic church 2190 S. Sheridan Blvd, Friday evening, September 9, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Brian died after a tragic accident in the Amber Ridge/Ventana neighborhood of…
By Elizabeth Wood West Beginning in January 2012, area residents will have an opportunity to earn a master’s degree in Castle Rock. Webster University’s Denver Metropolitan Campus is partnering with the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center (Chamber) to offer an on-site cohort program for Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and Masters of…
Damage to the wood shingle roof from a lightning strike. South Metro Fire Rescue units responded to the 911 call. By Amy Shanahan with photos provided by South Metro Fire Rescue Shana Nelson, a resident of Castle Pines will never forget her experience on August 3rd. Nelson had gone out for a run shortly…
A taste of… Las Brisas By Liane Marette Davis with photos provided by Las Brisas Special thanks to Castle Pines area resident Rosie Michaels for e-mailing our editor requesting we feature Las Brisas: “We’d love to see a feature on Las Brisas restaurant. It’s one of our favorite local places where it’s like ‘Cheers’ and…
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 Patte Smith with photos provided by DERA Renee Gorman is a wonderful woman, a great mom, and she has Stage IV breast cancer. Like most moms she is crazy about her two kids, a daughter age 12, and a son age 15, and loves her home in Castle Rock where the family has lived…
Cadet, Junior, Brownie, and Daisy troops all joined forces to honor the flag in AA’s first flag raising ceremony. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by ReaMichelle Jakubowski American Academy (AA) held its open house on Wednesday, August 17, which included the school’s first ever flag raising. Part of the school’s improved front landscaping included…
by Mary Elizabeth Johnson and submitted by Marti Bacon STEM Hybrid (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is a new school connected to the STEM Academy located in Highlands Ranch. Its doors opened on August 24, with more than 45 students attending. Hybrid offers math, writing, literature, science, and applied science ~ including electricity/ circuitry, flight,…
Ten-year-old Taylor Muckel (seated, at left), along with her friend Kara Lencke (seated, at right) and younger brother Kyle (seated, front) sold lemonade to friends and neighbors to raise money for the Castle Pines Library’s fundraising campaign. By Lisa Crockett, photo courtesy of Alison Muckel Ten-year-old Taylor Muckel loves to read. So it’s not surprising…
by Elizabeth Wood West The Town of Castle Rock will be hosting a public open house on Thursday, September 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the commons area at Castle Rock Middle School, located at 2575 Meadows Blvd. in The Meadows Development in Castle Rock. The purpose of the open house is to…
by Patte Smith Soon the leaves with be turning colors and the days will cool down — time for families, friends and residents of Douglas County to strap on those hiking shoes, pack a picnic and head outdoors. Open space areas and trails abound in this beautiful county and details about all of them can…
No carnival would be complete without cotton candy, and this BRE third grader is enjoying his. These good friends are enjoying the night while wearing matching smiles and purple fifth grade school spirit shirts. Article and photos by Elean Gersack It has become a welcome back to school tradition at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School…
Bob Ferraro, VP of Sales Eat Well Enjoy Life by Tricia Wackerly Castle Pines resident Bob Ferraro and his partners at Tryst Gourmet are delivering innovation to the hummus trend that has been exploding on grocery store shelves during the past decade. In 2006, Ferraro and his current partners were let go by their…
by Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines City Council has unanimously approved a $50,000 contribution to the Castle Pines Library; funds will be contributed to a campaign to raise $100,000 to keep the library operating for the next three years. Half of the contribution will be presented to the Library in September, and the other half…