The Connection

by Elean Gersack Tune your bike, strap your helmet, and get set for the Wacky W Cycling event on Saturday, September 10, at Rocky Heights Middle School. This first-time event will directly benefit Douglas County Schools. Avid cyclists parents of Douglas County students, along with 9News sports reporter Susie Wargin and her brother Ted, created…

by Kathy Dunker Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) will be holding a legal camp entitled Mock Trial Week from July 25 through July 29 with an exhibition trial on July 30. The week is geared for high school students at all skill levels from those with little or no experience as a trial team competitor…

Almost 100 kids attended each day at Castle Pines Community Church’s annual week-long Vacation Bible School. This year’s theme was “PandaMania – Where God is wild about you!” Thirty-eight volunteers, mostly teens from Castle Pines Community Church, assisted with games, skits, songs, and lessons during “PandaMania.” Photo by Nicole Zwick. For more information about Castle…

By Amy Shanahan The Counseling Staff at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is excited to offer a new program to parents of incoming sixth graders and students who are new to RHMS. Parent Boot Camp will take place on Wednesday, July 20, and will provide an opportunity for parents to learn the ins and outs…

RHMS sixth graders (pictured from left to right, front) Logan Fredericksen, Lauren Gregory, and Madison Drew along with mom, Kristina Gregory (back) had a blast promoting their Latin food creations at the district 5k this spring. By Amy Shanahan The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) sixth grade Rappeller team recently completed the “Chefs in Schools”…

by Eean Gersack The Sassy Soiree is the fall event in Douglas County.  It’s the place to shop, dine, visit with friends, and have fun all while supporting the Douglas/Elbert County Task Force (Task Force).  Women, men, friends, co-workers, families and businesses are all invited to take part in this great event for an even…

Barracuda, Ethan Dwyre, swimming breast stroke against the Stingrays Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Tracey Dwyre Brothers Jake Dwyre (back) and Ethan Dwyre (front) were partners in team tie-dye at the Willow Creek I swim meet against the Castle Pines Stingrays on June 18. Thirteen year old Ethan Dwyre, resident of Esperanza, has…

By Lisa Crockett Three civil liberties organizations filed suit in June against Douglas County School District (DCSD) to challenge a new school voucher plan. The American Civil Liberties Union, the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado and Americans United for Separation of Church and State sued on behalf of a group of parents, clergy and…

 A taste of… Boulevard Pizza Kitchen By Liane Marette Davis With over 30 years of being in the pizza business, Pullie and Kari Lusha brought their love for pizza and people to Castle Rock.   Thank you Boulevard Pizza Kitchen, we needed you!  Pullie was born in New York where his father had a pizza restaurant. …

‘Catalina Camp’ girls sit quietly looking out at the ocean during a hike at the Catalina Environmental Leadership Program. This scene played out to be one of the most memorable parts of their journey. Article by Elean Gersack photo courtesy of Paige Taylor In early June, a local group of fifth grade girls took a…

Second graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary enjoy a visit from 7News Meteorologist Maureen McCann. May is the beginning of severe weather month in Colorado. Second graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School kicked off a month long weather unit with a visit from 7News Meteorologist Maureen McCann on May 2. McCann, a weekend meteorologist at the…

By Elizabeth Wood West, photo provided by Lifetouch Photography In its first year of participating in the highly-competitive 5A state division, Rock Canyon High School’s Track Team stunned their coaches by setting 12 new school track records and having 10 athletes qualify for state track finals. Taylor Sheridan placed sixth for shot put; Ali Will…

Students at TTE, as well as Castle Pines city and metro district officials, at the Arbor Day tree planting. After raising $1,500 through a spare change drive, students at the school donated a seven-foot-tall Australian Pine tree. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Students at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) conducted a spare change drive and…

Sat, June 11, 9 a.m. to 10 am. at Cherry Knolls Park, located at 7077 S Elizabeth in Centennial Display throwing, running and hitting skills at event sponsored by Colorado Rockies and Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA). Winners in each age group advance to July regional competition. Winners of each region advance to state…

RHMS jazz musicians David Victery and Dana Daniels enjoying their night in the spotlight at Dazzle nightclub. By Joe Anderies On Tuesday, April 26th the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Jazz Ensemble was featured on the main stage at Denver’s premier jazz venue, Dazzle. Listed as one of the top ten jazz clubs in the…

     Youth invited to register for June 20-24 Career Academy Information provided by Douglas County Youth, ages 14 – 21, are invited to register for a no-cost Career Academy during the early afternoons of June 20 – 24 at the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center in Greenwood Village, with one day spent at College America in…

     Dave Bauer practices his technique at CPR. by Elizabeth Wood West with photos courtesy of SMFRA South Metro Fire Rescue Authority (SMFRA) held its citizen academy this spring for residents, providing them with an overview of emergency services and hands-on experience with firefighting, CPR, and other safety measures. SMFRA’s Training Bureau conducted the eight-week…

AA’s new landscape plan should be completed in the fall of 2011. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker When American Academy (AA) opened the doors of its new building in 2009, landscaping was not the top priority. With school budgets being what they are now, AA anticipated having to live with the bare minimum of…

Castle Rock Bridge Club Director, Curt Soloff, teaching a group of 49ers on Tuesday, May 24. By Kathy Dunker Do you want to learn how to play bridge? Are you in the market for a bridge club? Well, look no further. The Castle Rock Bridge Club is looking to expand its membership and would love…

Mattot Celebrates Great Character with characters. Left to right: Mattot, Mitch, Christina and Rebecca. Article and photos by Elean Gersack During March and April, students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) helped cap off a year full of great character. Congratulations to those receiving the honor of being recognized as their classroom character winner for…

Information and photo provided by The Dumb Friends League Homeless cats and dogs are on the rise in the Denver area. The Buddy Center and the Dumb Friends League (DFL) Denver shelter have received 1,500+ animals more in recent months compared to the same period last year. To help ease the load at the centers…

Zoe, born premature and weighing only 14 ounces, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Zoe came to SUF confined to a wheelchair and walker and is now taking steps on her own and controlling her muscular and skeletal systems head to toe. by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the SaddleUp! Foundation Stonecroft residents, Bryan Gray,…

Schuler with her college savings check in front of the Colorado State Capitol on April 28.  Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the Schuler family Kaylee Schuler, a fifth grader at DCS Montessori, won first place honors and a $250 college savings account for doing what she loves to do – write. “The…

Junior Croc Coaches rallied together for some fun as the Crocs kicked off their sixth season (pictured left to right): Maria, Chloe, Brooke, and Nicole.      Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Carin Kirkegaard Gearing up for their sixth summer season, the Castle Crocs Swim Team held its annual kickoff party on Sunday, May…

Photo of bison herd taken from Daniel’s Park Road looking into Amber Ridge By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Tim Gamble It is springtime at Daniels Park: Twenty five adult bison and eleven calves are happily grazing on 800 acres of pasture set aside for them in the 1,000-acre park owned by the City…

Fourth grader Josh Bullock feeds crayfish in his classroom at Timber Trail Elementary. The crayfish are part of a science unit designed to teach about the life cycle. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett In a science unit that is part class pet and part experiment, fourth graders at TTE are keeping live crayfish in…

RHMS eighth grader, Logan Schurr, in the leading role as Millie Dillmount. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Maclain Looper Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Drama Club performed its spring musical comedy last month, “Thoroughly Modern Millie Junior.” Led by director Maclain Looper and musical director Susie Ritter the production was quite impressive and…

By Kathy Dunker Get out your bikes and air up the tires! June is Colorado’s official Bike Month with the highlight being Bike to Work Day. Wednesday, June 22, is this year’s Bike to Work Day, and employees are encouraged to leave their cars at home and enjoy a nice bike ride to work. The…

    Information provided by Douglas County Prairie Canyon Ranch is the site of open space day in Douglas County, an event celebrating 16 years of open space preservation in the county. Since the inception of the county’s open space program, the county has protected a total of 46,220 acres of open space. Historic Prairie Canyon…

Information provided by Douglas County A residential-only electronics recycling, personal documents shredding and clothing donation event will be held on Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Sports Authority Stadium, 11901 Newlin Gulch Blvd., in Parker. For personal document shredding, up to three boxes or bags of paper will be shredded at…

Castle Pines Athletics “Soccer Tots” bundled up to show off their new trophies after finishing their last game on May 14 in the unusually cold spring weather. Brad and Mackenzie McDonald led a team of seven three-year-olds for the new program offered this spring. (Photo by Shannon Terry.) Information and photos provided by Lane Roberts,…

Team Segal (from left to right) Charlie, Marissa, Heather, and Greg. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of the Segal family Heather Segal, resident of Esperanza, was formally diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome three years ago. Sjogren’s (pronounced show-grins) is an incurable autoimmune disease in which white blood cells attack moisture glands. While dry eyes…

Brownie Troop 3719 celebrates Earth Day by helping pick-up trash around Castle Pines. -Photo courtesy of Cari Ogg

Castle Pines Athletics’ kindergartners run through a parent tunnel and celebrate the end of a soccer game at Daniels Gate Park. (Photo by Chad Maurer.) Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Twenty-seven teams of local children ages three to third grade enjoyed playing soccer in Castle Pines this spring. Castle Pines Athletics hosted the…

by Sally Uhrich The month of June brings with it warmer weather, blooming flowers and Father’s Day. Mark your calendar on the 19th and begin planning how you will honor the special father(s) in your life. While mothers usually prefer to dine out on their special day, it’s a surefire bet that most fathers prefer…

Lin Miklas of Remax Alliance (right) wins a complimentary ad from The Castle Pines Connection’s publisher Terri Wiebold (left), during several drawings at the Castle Pines multi chamber event. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Tim Gamble More than 100 business people enjoyed lively conversation and a delicious buffet at Castle Pines Chamber of…

Rocky Heights seventh grade stock market sharks (pictured from left to right): Lexi Wynne, Allison Janedis, Emilee Nelson, and Avery Lemler took second place in state. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The seventh grade Adventurer’s team from Rocky Heights recently participated in a statewide spring Stock Market Game sponsored by the Colorado Council for…

Dennis Murray, PGA pro and director of instruction at The Ridge at Castle Pines North (The Ridge) is set to offer junior golf camps, along with a multitude of other instruction options this summer. With a big smile, a great attitude, and a true love of the game, Murray’s approach is all about having fun.…

Alex Gray and Avalon Kirby perfecting their ballet moves in the studio. By Kathy Dunker The International Youth Ballet has a brand new production coming to Denver University (DU) this month; namely “Cinderella.” Led by the company’s Artistic Directors Mark and Sandra Carlson, the performances will be at the Newman Center Gates Concert Hall on…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Holly Coffee Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2011 on Wednesday, May 18, at Shea Stadium in Highlands Ranch. This rite of passage from student to young adulthood was well attended and culminated a full week of senior activities at the…

Castle Pines resident and recent Lutheran High School Parker graduate Colt Olson will be headed to Montana State University – Billings in the fall on a baseball scholarship to pitch for the Yellow Jackets. By Nate King, senior sports editor, Lutheran High School Parker; Photo provided by Marla Olson Lutheran High School Parker (LHSP) is…

Members of the Castle Pines Garden Club, a Castle Pines Village group dedicated to gardening, education and charitable work, breaks ground on its new “Serenity Garden.” Located on the banks of Village Lake, the new garden provides a showcase for water-conserving plants and gardening techniques. By Lisa Crockett with photos provided by Kathy Dennis, Castle…

Fourth-grader Trent and others look on as they learn about the multi-color press. (photo by Elean Gersack). By Elean Gersack with photos by Tim Gamble and Elean Gersack Neighborhood printer Unique Litho, located in the Inverness Business Park, hosted a special tour on Thursday, May 5. Dan Prehn, manager of mailing operations, helped create a…

By Kathy Dunker The Spring edition of Party with a Purpose was held at the Kabza residence in Amber Ridge in April. Party with a Purpose raised $554 and collected 474 toiletry items for The Gathering Place in Denver. Pictured left: Suzanne Kabza displayed her wares from Wildtree. To learn more about Party with a…

Eagle Scout Will Stopps sits on one of the benches in the newly-landscaped area he built and installed for Faith Lutheran Church. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos courtesy of the Stopps family Members of Faith Lutheran Church in Castle Rock are enjoying new benches and landscaping, thanks to 17-year old Will Stopps, Castle Pines…

Article and photos by Elean Gersack The Buffalo Ridge Elementary School’s Dream Team (DT) is just people helping people. The fifth grade crew, with the help of teacher leaders Jen Jacoway and Jolie Pinke, spent this year finding simple ways to help others. “We help instill our school’s character pledge and make sure people are…

Information provided by Wendy Aiello for Sterling Ranch The Board of Douglas County Commissioners on May 11 approved both the Sterling Ranch rezoning and the water appeal. Approval signals the start of the next phase for the 3,400-acre planned community, which is located northwest of the Castle Pines community. The vote comes following the recommendation…

Mike Moroni enjoying dinner with his daughters Gabrielle (12) pictured on the far left, Isabella (6) in the center, and Allie (4) on the right at La Dolce Vita on June 7. (Picture by Terri Wiebold)

Brickelle Bro, a fourteen-year-old freestyle swimmer and bilateral amputee, was recently awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation. by Lisa Crockett with photos provided by the Bro family Brickelle Bro, a 14-year-old eighth grader at Rocky Heights Middle School and a resident of Castle Pines, is a bilateral amputee –…

Carla Kenny learns how to handle a fire hose flowing at full bore.   by Patte Smith, photos by Carla Kenny “Crawling on my hands and knees in a pitch black room, I held my hand out to feel the side of the wall in order to get my bearings. It was so hot and…

Flag Day is held every year on June 14. The holiday, signed into law in 1949 by President Harry Truman, is a national day of patriotism and pride. Though the holiday has been “official” for just 61 years, it has been observed throughout the country since the 1800s. At a time when many immigrant school…

Local Tri the Rock triathletes (pictured from left to right): Will Dennen from Castle Pines Village; Lauren Olczak from Buffalo Trail Estates; Sydney Lindquist from Kings Crossing; Myki Timlin from Hidden Pointe; and John Dennen from Castle Pines Village. By Kathy Dunker with one photo courtesy of the Lindquist family It was a 60 degree…

Submitted by James LaRue, Director of Douglas County Libraries Let’s keep a good thing going Castle Pines; library looks to the community for funding In 2007 and 2008, the library sought additional funding to build new libraries in Lone Tree and Parker, and open a new service location in Castle Pines. Both years, voters defeated…

by Kathy Dunker Steve and Karen Miller will host the 3rd annual “Wines in the Pines” event to raise support for Western Douglas County YoungLife at their home in Castle Pines Village on Saturday, May 7, from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The yearly event is an effort to provide not only a memorable night…

Submitted by Doug Hutchins, Castle Pines Real Estate Specialist, Broker Associate – The Kentwood Company The performance of the Castle Pines real estate market continues to vary depending on the price point of the home. Sales of homes priced under $500,000 continue to stay stable while sales of homes priced above $1,000,000 continue to be…

by Patte Smith After twenty five years of selling real estate in the Denver-metro area, Fuller Sotheby’s International Broker Associate Linda Houston retired last month. “It’s bittersweet retiring from a wonderful company and from the real estate profession,” smiles Houston. “I’ve made many friends throughout the industry and across the state during my years as…

Allie Johnston     by The Rock writer Erin Snyder, reprinted courtesy of Rock Canyon High School She took second place in the Girl’s Golf 4A State Championships last year; she’s ranked 52nd out of every single Junior in the country; she’s placed first at two qualifying tournaments for the AGJA; she’s already been told by…

Kids … get ready to swim, bike and run your way to the finish line during Tri the Rock at Butterfield Crossing Park and Pool in Castle Rock on Sunday, May 22. This kids’ mini marathon event helps promote wellness and supports physical education programs at participating schools. Children ages 5 to 14 are encouraged…

The majority of petrified logs in the area are of the laurel family. Occasionally you can find a conifer, like this one which retains its cell & bark structure and the seasonal growth rings. by Patte Smith with contributions and photos by a Castle Pines resident Ken Turnbull Our community and county are full of…

Doctors Jeff and Stephanie Scheich of Castle Pines Family Dentistry with Joy Demmler (center) after her Mom Makeover. By Elizabeth Wood West “I was just overwhelmed – I actually burst out crying!” said 72-year old “Mom Makeover” recipient Joy Demmler. The Mom Makeover is a full dental makeover provided by Castle Pines Family Dentistry’s doctors…

AA’s fourth grade DI team celebrating with their third place medals (pictured from left to right) Audrey Baker, Gabby Cox, Morgan Hamler, Avery, and Laryssa Myers. by Trish Cummings The fourth grade American Academy (AA) Destination ImagiNation (DI) team, The Yadda Yadda Yaa-Hoos, have put AA on the Destination map this year. The team, comprised…

DCSM students showing off their handiwork. Information and photos provided by DCS Montessori After the massive tsunami destroyed many coastal towns of northern Japan on March 11, many nations and organizations came together. Locally, at DCS Montessori (DCSM), students showed their cougar school spirit and started to help rebuild Japan. By learning the legend of…

It was a fun-filled day for neighborhood girls and their American Girl dolls at the Castle Pines Library on Sunday, April 17. This group of friends came together and enjoyed making several crafts for their dolls, including sandals, scarves, cork boards and yoga mats. Pictured above: Back row: Lucy, Ellery, Emersen, Cailin and Savannah. Front…

Freshly geled toenails will last two to three weeks without chipping. by Kathy Dunker It’s that time of year again when the weather is warming up and clothes are getting lighter. Flip flops are coming out of storage which means, you guessed it, pedicure time. So what is all the hub bub about with the…

By Lisa Crockett Frozen yogurt “bars” — places like Yogurt Land, Yogurt Guru, Peachwave and B.T.O. — seem to be popping up everywhere, and Castle Pines is no exception. Now, thirty flavors and a multitude of toppings are available right here in town at Daz Bog Coffee. The yogurt is self serve. Simply select the…