The Connection

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…

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…

Even a tired little one has a smile after a fun time.Santa and Mrs. Claus pose by the cozy fireplace.Penguin Pete and his new friend at the Santa breakfast.The boys liked the light saber balloon sculptures.Ho, ho, ho…The Ridge staff joins in the fun. By Patte Smith Santa brought excitement and wonder for many children…

RHMS seven hour film award winners (pictured left to right): Krishan Gopal, Gredigan Wade, Luke Sheperd, and Sam Arellano. by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) recently held its third annual Film Festival featuring the students from Nighthawk TV. Nighthawk TV is a class of 50 kids who meet daily to produce films and…

Santa & Mrs. Claus, kids and families celebrated the holiday season with hay wagon rides through the HOA#2 community during a fun-filled evening in December. Treats were available for the children and appetizers and wine for the adults .       

By Terri Wiebold; photo by Bob Wiebold In December, The Castle Pines Connection staff gathered at Dukes Steakhouse to celebrate the holidays and the successful completion of another year of bringing an independent news and information source to the Castle Pines community. “When we began this journey two years ago, we were just trying to…

In accordance with the Executive Orders of President Obama, flags on all state and federal buildings should be lowered to half staff until sunset on Friday, January 14, 2011 in honor of the victims of the tragedy in Tucson, Arizona. Presidential Proclamation

An avid runner, Balman was named All American for the Junior Olympic program. RHMS seventh grader, Mackenna Balman, coming into the finish line at the regional meet in Arizona. Article by Kathy Dunker; photos by Cindy Balman Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) seventh grader, Mackenna Balman, has a passion for running. She began running five…

Brooke Jacobsen at Nationals in the holiday spirit. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Dawn Jacobsen We all know the stereotypes surrounding girls and beauty pageants. The image of young girls with heavy make up and dressed as if they were much older than they are. Well, not so for Brooke Jacobsen, resident of…

Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Music is an important part of the educational experience for students at Timber Trail Elementary. At the school’s annual holiday sing-in, students sang songs about many winter holidays including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. A student favorite? “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” featuring groups from each grade level acting out…

Submitted by South Suburban Parks & Recreation Did you resolve to become more fit in 2011? Have you been hesitant to use the elaborate strength-building and cardiovascular fitness-enhancing equipment at your local recreation center? If so, South Suburban has the help you need. In January, three of South Suburban’s recreation centers: Buck, 2004 W. Powers…

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.…

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…

A taste of … Augustine Grill by Liane M. Davis On the corner of 6th and Wilcox Street in Castle Rock, you will find a quaint Victorian home that was built in the early 1900’s. What waits for you inside will delight your palette and senses with its cozy, charming, elegant design and atmosphere. Family…

The end-of-year holiday season is already upon us.  With all the distractions and celebrating, we sometimes forget the need to keep safe on the streets and at home.    Criminals are always looking for an opportunity to victimize us, especially during such a busy time of year.  By staying alert and following a few crime prevention…

  Castle Pines North Mayor Jeff Huff gives the “state of the city” address at the Castle Pines Chamber annual meeting at The Ridge. The Castle Pines Chamber, established in 2008, is now nearly 200 members strong! Dear Chamber Members, It seems as if our year has just begun, but we are fast approaching the…

By Elean Gersack The Douglas/Elbert Task Force is seeking individuals, families, and groups to support its Santa’s Sharing sponsorship program. Many families served by The Douglas/Elbert Task Force are single parents raising children alone who won’t be able to afford the joys of the holiday season without the generosity of those in the community. There…

Churches in the Castle Pines community have a lot planned for the upcoming holiday season.  Here are some of the highlights (events listed are at the Church’s regular meeting place unless otherwise noted). Castle Pines Community ChurchMeets at 7280 Lagae Road, Suite O (King Soopers Plaza), www.castlepineschurch.org * “Christmas With Friends” The community is invited…

Submitted by Darren Everett, The Canyons Update from the east side of the interstate – A message from the developer As the snow begins to fall, we would like to take a minute to give a brief update on The Canyons development.  Since being annexed and zoned into the City of Castle Pines in 2009,…

    by Linda Nuzum The Castle Pines North Municipal Court is now a year old. Last month, city council reviewed first year of operations and explored the potential for adding other types of cases for the court. To date, the court has focused solely on traffic citations. It now offers online payment of tickets,…

Gold Crown’s 8 Gold team (left to right) back row: Rose Thompson, Madison Courtney, Antonia Fornaro, Brooke McBride, Baylee Olejnik and Devin Hartwig; front row: Bailey Zagar, Madison Mitzner and Lauren Chauvin. Information submitted by Gold Crown parent with photo provided by Dawn Mitzner The Gold Crown volleyball organization for middle school girls wrapped up…

  RCHS varsity softball team, second place in state, (left to right) back row: Kaitlyn Miller, Katie Cook, Zayne Blumberg, and Shen Lu Swartout; middle row: Taylor Pettaway, Alli McCloskey, Brooke Wakefield, Shannon Lieber, Remy Mooney, Taylor Dunn, and Brooklyn Travis; front row: Lauren Yacks, Melanie White, Hannah Gunther, and Alexa Vareldzis. Article by Kathy…

DCS Montessori students perform at a special patriotic concert in honor of our country’s veterans. Article by Tracy Dudley with photo provided by DCS Montessori While visiting with good friend and war veteran Scott Shires LTC USAR Retired, DCS Montessori music teacher Lorraine Cooper had a brainstorm. What if a group of students at the…

AA first grader, Aurora Brady, holding a squid found in a dog shark’s stomach during dissection. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Kristi Doke During their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) unit in November, American Academy (AA) first grade students had the opportunity to think like marine biologists. They used their knowledge of…

Pictured above are Sharon Majetich (right) and Josh Lencke (left) sorting out candy for the troops. Article by Sharon Majetich with photo by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) showed that kindness and a healthy lifestyle really do go together.  Sharon Majetich, eighth grade social studies teacher, initiated a request to the RHMS community…

DAR scholarships available to high school seniors College scholarships are available to high school seniors for fields of study as diverse as law, nursing, education and more. Scholarship applicants must have a sponsorship letter from a local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. For assistance in locating your local chapter, you may contact…

Holiday events are plentiful this December By Patte Smith Santa, colorful lights, cocoa and cookies, movies, music, plays and more — this holiday season is jam-packed with all kinds of events for families, friends, relatives and visitors from out-of-town.  Children can take advantage of the many programs offered by the various local recreation centers as…

Paige Taylor, from Evolve Lifestyle Training (bottom left) and her crew of BRE staff take a photo break after “workout Wednesday.” Work-out Wednesdays at Buffalo Ridge Elementary promotehealth, wellness and fun camaraderie Article and photos by Elean Gersack The staff at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) is getting in shape, taking charge of their health,…

From left to right Miss Teen Colorado 2011 – Caley Pavillard, Blair Griffith – Miss Colorado USA 2011, Kent Paul, former Mr. Colorado, Kathy Pallaoro – Mrs. Colorado United States 2010. Congratulations Kent on your grand opening celebration of Turbo Training Fitness Center . Check it out at www.turbotrainingfitness.com.

The Pfeiffer family gathered around their trusty turkey fryer this Thanksgiving (left to right) Susan, Sam, Tim, Ally, and Drew. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos provided by Susan Pfeiffer Deep fried turkey may not seem like the typical tradition, but Tim and Susan Pfeiffer, residents of Stonecroft, are on their fifth year of deep…