The Connection

More than 150 women attended the Fifth Great American Jacket Exchange at the Oxford Hotel in the heart of Denver. Funds from the annual event are used to directly support services that Warren Village provides to single parent families. Pictured above are Castle Pines women who came out to show their support. Article and photo…

Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Anthonette Klinkerman, a.k.a Courtesy Boot Camp’s “Colonel Klink” has a new addition to her manners seminars; a book. Klinkerman, a six-year resident of The Retreat neighborhood in Castle Pines North, has been hosting manners and etiquette seminars through her company Courtesy Boot Camp since February of last year. Klinkerman’s…

TTE students(from left) McKenna and Madison R. and Olivia and Ella M., making a donation at Timber Trail Elementary’s fall food drive. Food collected was given to needy families in Douglas County. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A new department in the Timber Trail Education Association (TTEA) is charged with helping students and their…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. Staff has prepared the draft 2011 budget for review by the City Council. The budget represents a phased approach to converting some current contracted services to “in-house”. The transition plan concept reduces the scope of the existing CH2M Hill contract, creates two internal…

Make sure your vote counts! Election Day is Tuesday, November 2. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Mail Ballots must be received before 7 p.m. on Election Day, either by mail (received, not postmarked) or at a ballot drop-off location. In Castle Pines North, ballots can be dropped of at 7501 Village…

Newman (pictured second from the right) and a group of her friends gathered together to raise money for childhood cancer. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Amy Shanahan Nikki Newman, an eighth grader at RHMS and Forest Park resident, recently hosted Alex’s Lemonade Stand in Castle Pines North (CPN) to raise money to fight…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The Castle Pines North City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 10-81 at the October 12 City Council Meeting, which allows the transition from the City Council serving at the Castle Pines Urban Renewal Authority Commission (URA) to a five member, citizen volunteer Commission.…

Dr. Andrew Dunbar Castle Pines Orthodontics Article and photo submitted byCastle Pines Orthodontics Congratulations to Castle Pines Orthodontics for exceeding expectations again and again! Dr. Andrew Dunbar and his team at Castle Pines Orthodontics has been chosen and recognized by 5280 Magazine as the top orthodontist in the Castle Pines/ Castle Rock area for 2010.…

Information provided by The Dumb Friends League There were hundreds of wagging tails and wet noses on the trail! The Dumb Friends League hosted its sixth annual Wag ‘n Trail on September 25 and exceeded its fundraising goal—raising more than $108,000 for homeless pets at the Buddy Center in Castle Rock. More than 1,500 people…

DCS Montessori students enjoyed a week-long retreat at the Estes Park YMCA in October Article by Tracy Dudley with photo by Matt Long Every year, the sixth graders at DCS Montessori spend five days away from home on a week-long field trip in the mountains. This year, the crew had a great time at the…

Sabrina (left) and Madison (right) Vachris Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Two girls from the Castle Pines community are getting one of the best presents of all this season: a dream come true. Madison and Sabrina Vachris, ages eleven and nine respectively, are members of the tap team at the Danza Dance Academy in…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photo collage by Tim Gamble On a blustery Autumn afternoon, the ghosts and goblins of the Castle Pines community came out in force. Trick or Treat Street, sponsored by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, was an enjoyable way to break into the Halloween weekend spirit. With 26 businesses participating,…

Jaguar Varsity Girls (left to right) Ali Will, Emily Huber, Phoebe Schneider, Leah Huber, Cassandra Hardy, Coach Anna Moseley, Sami Will, Sydney Fleecs, Kaylyn Mondschein-Snook. Photo courtesy of Dezi Kappes. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West After months of rigorous training, hard work, and unswerving competitive spirit, Rock Canyon High School’s Jaguars boys’ and girls’ varsity…

The book fair’s grand opening happened in conjunction with the Rock Slide and the Waffle Brother’s Waffle Breakfast. While runners stretched and prepared for the race start Clifford the Big Red Dog gave hugs while Lea M. carried a sign announcing that the book fair was open for business. Article and photo by Carin R.…

Julenn Lefgren Batchelor By Joe Gschwendtner with photo provided by Brenda Colling Julenn Lefgren Batchelor, 67, lost her fight against cancer on August 28. She was an active woman and Castle Pines North neighbor for fourteen years. Her impact on all was by example, and a driving energy infused her life at every waking hour.…

In the courtroom scene are actors (left to right) Cole Owens, Morgan Hayes, Louise Macdonald, Katt Domingue, Cristina Vazquez, Aimee Shnebeck, Jacob Donaldson, Hayley Zulkoski and Quinn Kennedy. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Alan Treibitz The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) thespians, led by instructor, Cindy Baker, did an outstanding performance last month…

McCarty at the varsity football game, Shea Stadium, wearing her royal sash. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Kathy Dunker and Sherry McCarty “It is our pleasure to inform you that your daughter has been nominated for Rock Canyon High School’s 2010 Homecoming Royalty Court!” So began the McCarty family’s, CPN II residents, voyage…

In the month of November, Douglas County Libraries will gather gently used and new coats for those in need this winter as part of the Coats for Colorado program. Please bring your used coats to any library location, November 1-30: Castle Pines Library (7437 Village Square Dr.) Parker Library (10851 S. Crossroads Dr.) Highlands Ranch…

TTE Book Fair “Saves the Day” The Timber Trail Elementary Book Fair, which has a theme of “Reading Saves the Day,” will be held from November 8 through 12. The Book Fair will be open: Monday and Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. –…

American National bank associates enjoy a martini before viewing the thriller “Psycho” on the IMAX screen at The Wildlife Experience Martini and a Movie. For information about movies and showtimes, go to www.wildlifeexperience.org.

Artist Suzanne Dutcher displays her hand-painted antique tea set, clock, and child’s tea set. Article and photos byElizabeth Wood West Colorado native and Castle Pines North resident Suzanne Dutcher has turned her love of tea sets and antiques into a unique art form. Dutcher transforms every day and heirloom-quality serving pieces into one-of-a-kind functional art…

Tris and Vickie Bars recently became owners of Fish Window Cleaning® in Castle Pines and are new members of the Castle Pines North Chamber of Commerce. The Bars also own a business that installs interlocking concrete pavers for businesses and residences, and have owned that business for 13 years. Currently this company is the largest…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard This Thanksgiving, plan to attend the Turkey Rock Trot and work up an appetite for the big holiday meal. The proceeds from the event will benefit the Douglas/Elbert County Task Force. The event takes place at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Race day registration for $30 per runner begins at 8:30 a.m.…

The RHMS gang gathered around the firepit to start day three. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Steve Green What is the sixth grade experience? Three cheers for outdoor ed! Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) newbies got the chance for some mountain fun with a three day, two night stay at YMCA of the…

Buffalo Ridge fourth grader, Josh Harmon participates in reading assessments with the Reading Plus Program using the Visigraph goggles. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) started the school year with a new reading software program called Reading Plus. The program is designed to help students achieve a higher fluency rate…

A new Sprouts Farmers Market joins other merchants at Lincoln Commons shopping area. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos courtesy of Darryl Jones, Development Manager for RidgeGate Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for the grand opening of the new Lincoln Commons retail stores. Lincoln Commons is part…

Dr. Jason Ortman, Castle Pines Eye Care CASTLE PINES EYE CARE GIVES GIFT OF VISION TO PEOPLE IN NEED Castle Pines Optometrist, Dr. Jason Ortman of Castle Pines Eye Care, is joining the World Sight Day Challenge to help give sight to people in developing countries. On World Sight Day, Tuesday, October 12, 2010, Dr.…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. City Public Works crews are busy wrapping up summer maintenance projects and getting ready to outfit the dump trucks with snow plows and sanders. But before the winter snow, there are many fall projects to complete: Concrete Maintenance – In early October, City…

Pictured above is Buffalo Ridge Dream Team teacher sponsors, Jennifer Jacoway and Jolie Pinkie with members from the 2010-2011 Dream Team. The group raised $350 running Alex’s Lemonade Stand at the Second Annual Buffalo Stampede. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Buffalo Ridge Dream Team, the elementary school’s student council, raised $350 with…

by Linda Nuzum Election season is in full swing! See below for resources to find information on the ballot issues: How to get educated on STATEWIDE issues: The official ballot information booklet (aka “Blue Book”) in regard to state issues has been sent to Colorado voters. Click to review PDF and audio versions available online.…

By Elean Gersack with information and photo provided by Colorado Ski County USA Colorado Ski Country USA’s exclusive Colorado Gold Pass is now available for the 2010-11 ski season. The fully transferable pass, good for unlimited skiing and riding at member resorts, costs $3,000. Only 100 passes are available this season. The Colorado Gold Pass…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. As many residents have inquired, the City is limited in its ability to disseminate information to CPN residents on pending ballot questions, which include the issue of the Urban Renewal Authority and City-Metro District dissolution/integration efforts, due to Colorado’s campaign law known as…

by Linda Nuzum Election season is in full swing!  Connection readers have been asking how, when and where to vote, see below for the basics on the three ways to vote –for other questions about voting, go to www.douglasvotes.com, or call the Douglas County Clerk at 303.660.7444. Mail: Voters who had signed up for mail…

Turner’s book entitled “Mommy and Daddy are Getting a Divorce” is on the shelves. Here is Turner at Borders Book Store signing copies and promoting her children’s book. Article by Kathy Dunker, photos provided by Kristine Turner Saturday, September 11, was a big day for Stonecroft resident, Dr. Kristine Turner, as she held her first…

Information submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Finding a balance between working full time and being a parent can be quite challenging. Throw in an extra eight to 10 kids, and things can get even more complicated. Twice a week, and even on Saturdays, dozens of dedicated working parents offer their time and talents…

The Castle Pines Wednesday referral group works together to help build referrals for each other’s business. While discussing issues, there is always time for a little humor and fun. Article and photo by Patte Smith The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce’s Wednesday referral group is a fun, humorous and intelligent group of individuals. These business…

The Courtyard Gallery’s new director Diana Barajon Cole. by Elizabeth Wood West There is a new and exciting reason to visit historic downtown Castle Rock. The Courtyard Gallery, located at 333-A Perry Street in Castle Rock, recently opened its doors for business. The new art gallery features works by a variety of gifted Colorado artists,…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The City of Castle Pines North is actively seeking civic-minded residents to serve on a number of recently formed boards and commissions. Qualifications may vary, depending upon the board, but you must be a resident of the City, and be able to commit…

Coffee performing with the Bronco Brass and Stampede Drum Line outside of Invesco Field at Mile High before a Bronco football game. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Holly Coffee Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) senior Rebecca Coffee, resident of HOA1, is quite a busy teenager. In addition to being part of the…

Information provided by The Kentwood Company Doug Hutchins, a leading broker associate with The Kentwood Company who specializes in Castle Pines, has been named a “Five Star Real Estate Agent” for 2010 by Denver’s 5280 Magazine. Hutchins and the 2010 list of top real estate agents are published in a special section of the September…

Anderies at the Youth Culture Festival in Chicago last July. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Joe Anderies New to Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) this year is band and orchestra director Joe Anderies. Seventeen years at Heritage Elementary School, Anderies is a welcome addition to the RHMS band room. In addition to…

Information provided by Douglas County If asked to share your opinion regarding your community’s wildfire protection plan, would you speak up? If the answer is, “yes,” now is your opportunity to join neighbors and friends in October for community meetings hosted by local fire districts throughout Douglas County, all part of developing a community wildfire…

By Carin R. Kirkegaard In September, the local grassroots group, the Castle Pines Recreation Center group, formally dissolved and donated more than $1,000 to the Castle Pines North Foundation (CPNF). “We are grateful to have the donation and as yet have made no plans for where the money will be used,” said Tom Weldon, founding…

Owner of Duke’s Steakhouse, Neil Minarick (left), shakes hands with Chuck Lowen, the leasing agent for the space Duke’s will soon occupy in the Village Square Shopping Center. Duke’s was formerly located in south Castle Rock. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The change of seasons heralds a change in the Castle Pines dining scene.…

Zwick, climbing the face of the rock where he slept on a man-made ledge that he carried in his 200 pounds of gear. by Carin R. Kirkegaard with pictures submitted by Kevin Zwick In July, local resident Kevin Zwick achieved a dream that had been haunting him for the past 10 years. In the process,…

Column by Anthonette Klinkerman Fall is, without a doubt, my favorite time of year. The sugar maple outside is turning a fiery red, the acorns have popped out on the scrub oak, and there are Pumpkin Spice Lattes to be had at every coffee stop. Warm fuzzy feelings are everywhere. We hope. The season of…

RHMS Principal, Patricia Dierberger (left) with drama teacher, Susie Ritter (right). Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Principal, Patricia Dierberger will be awarded with the Alliance of Colorado Theater (ACT) award for Distinguished Service within the Profession, on September 24. This award is given to a person…

Information provided by Douglas County When seconds count, do you have a plan for how you would evacuate your home during an emergency? Take the first step in emergency preparedness by watching a new informational video, “Evacuation Planning in Douglas County Colorado.” The video can be found at www.dcsheriff.net/emergencymanagement/. Produced following the multi-agency April wildland…

By Liane M. Davis A professional airline pilot, who happens to be one of the owners of Lavishea lotion bars, was not a fan of lotions. The lotions always left a greasy feel. Because of airline restrictions or handling procedures on most lotion products, it made it difficult to use any type of lotion. Looking…

Information provided by City of CPN The Castle Pines North (CPN) City Council will host a community meeting on Wednesday, October 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the CPN community center on the subjects of fire mitigation, wildfire preparedness and evacuation procedures. Einar Jensen, life safety educator with South Metro Fire Rescue Authority,…

by Chris Bonham, intern writer Everyone has heard the clichéd question, “Is the glass half full or half empty” at least once in their lives. Because we’ve heard it so often, we tend to brush it aside. But have you ever wondered if a person’s outlook on life really makes that much of a difference?…

by Lisa Crockett with information provided by Douglas County and contributions by Linda Nuzum Colorado voters have big decisions to make. The new governor will take office next year in Colorado, and that’s just the beginning of a long list of decisions voters will make this fall. Seats in the U.S. House and Senate are…

  The One-Kick Wonders, winners of Timber Trail Elementary’s annual Mother-Son Kickball tournament. Left to right (front row): Gabe Ziegler (K), Ryan Lenke (5th), Luke Ziegler (5th), Kaden Armbrecht (1st), Adam Wilmsen (4th), Kyle Woods (1st), Nathan Hoggard (3rd), Makayla Hoggard (1st), Ty Hall – (2nd) (back row): Renee Ziegler, Tammi Lencke, Shannon Armbrecht, Tammie…

Pictured above: Mrs. Phelan’s fifth grade class works on a writing lesson with one of the two SMARTboards purchased last year. The five new SMARTboards will beinstalled later this fall. The installation process will be completed with funds provided by the Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance, the school’s parent-teacher organization. Submitted by Buffalo Ridge Elementary Thanks…

Sierra Dunbar on her horse, Grace, during a dressage test at Colorado Horse Park in Parker this summer. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Jennifer Dunbar Castle Pines North orthodontist and Forest Park resident, Andrew Dunbar, and his wife, Jennifer, have a lot to brag about with two talented young equestrians in their family.…

Photo of a grass fire on September 16 in west Douglas County, approximately one mile southwest of the Shoppes at Castle Pines Village. This photo illustrates how quickly fire spreads and how hot it burns. Information provided by Douglas County On September 14, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners reinstated an ordinance restricting open fires…

by Lisa Crockett 5280 Magazine has named a Castle Pines area school as one of the best in the Denver area. Twenty-five public elementary schools in a one-county radius of Denver were chosen based on levels of academic proficiency in math, reading, writing and “growth.” Growth is defined as helping students catch up with, keep…

RHMS students sing Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold.” Left to right: Haley S., Michelle D., Brooke J., McKinsey A., Kristina V., and Sydney D. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Weekly middle school karaoke night started off with a bang on September 17 at Dazbog Coffee in Castle Pines North (CPN). Boys and girls alike…

By Lisa Crockett with photos and illustration courtesy of Real Colorado Real Colorado, a Douglas County non-profit that sponsors more than 450 youth and adult soccer teams, has made its first steps towards having its own playing facility. The organization has signed a contract to purchase 22 acres of land in Parker east of I-25.…

Jason, wife Deena, son and first year t-Baller Anthony, and daughter Grace. Article by Tracy Dudley with photo by Tim Gamble This past summer, former major league baseball player Jason Woodring decided to get back into the sport by coaching a Castle Pines Athletics kindergarten t-ball team in Castle Pines North (CPN). Though Jason has…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Eric Carlson The Carlson family, 12-year residents of Forest Park in Castle Pines North, are beside themselves with excitement. Their two sons, Nathan (17) and Alex (12) each got a hole in one while golfing on September 7 and September 8 respectively. Nathan, a senior at Regis Jesuit…

Fifth and sixth grade ski incentive programs By Terri Wiebold with photo by Colorado Ski Country USA Colorado unquestionably has the landscape for some amazing outdoor sports, especially in the winter months. Colorado Ski Country USA offers fifth and sixth graders incentive to learn to ski or snowboard through free and reduced-rate programs each season.…

Elementary and middle school girls taken with the silicone craze. Trading, stacking, mixing and matching .. the possibilities are endless with these silicone bracelets and rings. Article and pictures by Kathy Dunker What comes in numerous colors and shapes and has quickly become the next overnight sensation for boys and girls of all ages? Call…

The Halvas family at the Highlands Ranch Out of the Darkness walk for suicide prevention and awareness. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Jenn Halvas Losing a loved one is devastating. Losing a loved one to suicide is all the more traumatic since the grief is often combined with feelings of guilt, anger,…

The 2010-2011 Ridgeline Staff: Front Row – Ashley, Logan, Cody, Bryce, Travis and Xander; Second Row – Patrick, Simon, Trent, Pacey, Molly, Caroline, Mara, Emily, Casidee and Darren; Third Row – Maddie, Ashley, Sophie and Katie; Back Row Standing – Shannon Herzog, Felicia Phelan, Jason, Isaac, Brie, Nicholas, Aubrey, Oliver, Thomas, Josh, Ava, Monica Harmon…

Article and photos by Tracy Dudley DCS Montessori students and other community members enjoy hands-on experience with a red-tailed boa constrictor. Canyon Critters, one of the many presenters at the Fall Festival, brought several reptiles for kids to interact with and learn about during the fun-filled afternoon outside the school. For the past six years,…

Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network (ADMHN) will host its Sixth Annual “Raising Spirits Wine Tasting and Auction” on October 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Sanctuary Golf Course. Proceeds from the event provide critically needed mental health and substance abuse treatment to low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals in Arapahoe and Douglas counties. A hallmark…