The Connection

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.…

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…

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…

Christian Nicholson as Romeo and Logan Schurr as Juliet. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Rachel Zetwick Where was Romeo? In November he was found at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) in the school’s modern day approach to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” as seen through the eyes of drama teacher and show director, Mclain…

by Kathy Dunker Castle Pines North residents, Susanne Kabza and Michele Hayden, are hosting their 3rd annual holiday boutique, Party with a Purpose, at Kabza’s home, 5783 Amber Ridge Place in Castle Pines North, on Tuesday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ten percent of the profits will benefit The Women’s Crisis and…

Surrey Ridge kids, families, friends and relatives enjoyed the frightfully fun annual neighborhood Halloween hayrack ride. Sloppy joes, chips, pop and candy were served from a spooky black coffin manned by witches, ghouls and parents decked out for the dark and unusually warm night. More than fifty kids rode on hay-filled tractors that wound around…

by Patte Smith While on the way to the November Leadership Douglas County program, Health Care and Social Services Day, Carla Kenny didn’t realize she was about to hear some remarkable news. This news not only impacts Douglas County, but the entire country. Douglas County has been chosen to participate in The National Children’s Study…

Dr. Patrick Wilson and Dr. Lisa Fox of Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry stand in front of 2,000 pounds of candy collected during their annual Halloween candy buy-back program in November – well surpassing last year’s 1,100 pounds. Children received $1 for each pound of candy brought into the office. The USO will distribute this massive…

Operation Bright Star prepares to start the assembly line of filling boxes to create a Thanksgiving feast for those in need. This year the group was able to prepare 29 meals that were delivered to those who probably wouldn’t have otherwise had a Thanksgiving meal. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Operation Bright Star…

Douglas County commuters driving between Parker and I-25 will soon be able to access Parker’s Main Street via the Ridgegate exit. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the recently-developed road will be held on December 13. The new route should ease congestion on Lincoln Avenue. The construction of the alternate route was completed by a coalition…

Ken Hamblin, former liberal photojournalist (best known for his coverage of the civil rights riots of the late 60’s) – turned conservative Denver talk show host (aka: the “Black Avenger”), spends his time these days traveling with wife, Sue, and riding his Harley Davisdon motorcycle. At age 70, Hamblin appreciates not only where he is…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines North As of January 1, 2011, the City of Castle Pines North will be known simply as the City of Castle Pines. Voters in November approved more than three- to- one the ballot question to drop “North” from the city’s name, a move city officials believe will…

RCHS varsity pom team, UDA Champions (left to right) back row: Coach Alicia Heimerdinger, Kate Reisig, Amy Taylor, Kelsey Hofstetter, Alexis Todd, Ciara Stamper, Hannah Wilson, and Lauren Packer; front row: Ali Sunshine, Ivy Deibel (captain), Charity Sammons (captain), Sara Eldridge, and Sam Pusar. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Vanessa Pusar The Rock Canyon…

Lines of shoppers were constant throughout the grand opening day of the new task force thrift store. It was an overwhelmingly successful first day. Articles and photos by Patte Smith The Douglas/Ebert County Task Force celebrated the grand opening of its new thrift store on Saturday, October 23. All of the task force services are…

TR Ellis (pictured upper right) celebrates winning the Class 5A Volleyball State Championship with her girls’ varsity volleyball team. By Tracy Dudley with photos provided by KeyserImages.com TR Ellis has lived in the Castle Pines community for nearly 20 years, calling Knights Bridge in HOA1 home. She also happens to be the head coach of…

Second grader Owen Mullison and his teacher Kristen WardBrown display a Scandinavian tapestry, a family heirloom Owen included in his “Culture Trunk.” All second graders at Timber Trail Elementary assembled the trunks, including photographs and other items representing their cultural heritage. article and photo by Lisa Crockett Knowing where they come from may help second-graders…

Information and logo provided by Dumb Friends League Dumb Friends League is holding its annual Paws to Give fund drive now to help care for more than 25,000 homeless pets this coming year. “We need your help now more than ever,” said Bob Rohde, Dumb Friends League president and CEO. “Any amount you can give—whether…

Pictured above, Tucker Middleton stands with the 32 turkeys he collected to help the Denver Rescue Mission for Thanksgiving. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Tucker Middleton organized and collected 32 turkeys and raised more than $100 to help the Denver Rescue Mission with the organization’s annual Turkey Drive. Middleton, a Castle Pines resident…

Paul Romaine rocked the rhythm with the middle school musicians. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Joe Anderies On Thursday, November 11, the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) jazz ensemble was treated to a first class mentoring experience at a two hour evening practice. Organized by music teacher, Joe Anderies, international artists joined the…

Back Row: Mark Victery (Mr. Jenson); Grace Fling (Mrs. Jaramillo); Avery Tisdale (Mrs. Sedersten); Grace Owens (Mrs. Phelan); Kerst Meibos (Mrs. Pedrett); Thomas Waggett (Mrs. Herzog); Xander Keriazakos (Mrs. Pinke). Middle Row: Morgan Wright (Mrs. Coombs); Zander Danyliw (Mrs. Shaffner); Eliot Nelson (Mrs. Jacoway); David Wright (Mrs. Miller); Lexi Pendergraft (Mrs. Brester); Emily Everds (Mrs.…

Lincoln Meadows is a continuing care retirement community located at Lincoln Avenue and I-25.  Photo courtesy of Spectrum Retirement Communities  Marketing & Sales Coordinator Kim Goodwin. By Elizabeth Wood West What happens if you or a loved one has a serious illness or injury? Usually, you are treated at a hospital until you have recovered…

Article and photo submitted by Trish Cummings, American Academy American Academy (AA) has a reason to celebrate; its first athletic championship! The middle school boys’ soccer team won the South Metro Athletic Conference Soccer Championship. They have both giant smiles and bling to show for it. The AA soccer team beat out their opponents at…

Dion Boeke by Lisa Crockett with photo courtesy of Dion Boeke Art sometimes imitates life. Such is the case for writer Dion Boeke, Sapphire Point resident and owner of True Love Biography, Inc. Beoke partners with clients to write love stories about their lives. These love stories aren’t fictional accounts, but true stories of real…

The Canyons’ representative (and ballot question 300 opponent) Darren Everett (left) joins Happy Canyon HOA president (and ballot question 300 supporter) Les Lilly (right) on Election Day. The two were spotted waving at motorists on the corner of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway. by Elizabeth Wood West with contributions from Linda Nuzum In a…

by SimonBRE Ridgeline staff reporter Tim “the freak” Lincecum led his team, the San Francisco Giants to a win over the Texas Rangers in the 2010 World Series. Then he played in game five of the World Series and went on to win it. He did that with his freakishly long, intimidating hair. Even though…

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…

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…