The Connection

The Leading EdgeSharon Wheeler (left) and Sara Tibby (right) Physical Therapy owners. Submitted by The Leading Edge Physical Therapy Located in the King Soopers shopping plaza in Castle Pines, Leading Edge has a constant hum of patients at any given time of the day. Perhaps this is because they offer the latest technology and treatment…

by Sally Uhrich Find yourself dealing with a bit of holiday let-down, along with a few of the winter blues? Consider spending an evening, entertaining with recipes from The Fort restaurant’s cookbook, Shinin’ Times at The Fort. The 160 featured recipes range from appetizers to desserts. One of my favorite recipes is, “Elk Chops St.…

Dr. Bryan Rudiak D.C. and Rudolph Gallegos, Food Bank Manager, Douglas County Task Force Submitted by Dr. Bryan Rudiak Canyon Ridge Chiropractic in Castle Pines held its annual Food Drive during the holidays. Last year, the chiropractic patients helped raise 100 pounds of non-perishable food items, which were passed along to the Douglas County Task…

by Elizabeth Wood West The Town of Castle Rock has approved its first LED sign. The new LED sign will be for the Outlets Mall in Castle Rock. The sign’s applicant, Craig Realty Group (Outlets’ owner), submitted its signage proposal to Town officials in 2010. The proposal included replacing its existing 42’ tall main sign…

Denver Restaurant Week coming February 26 through March 11 Enjoy a two-week celebration of culinary creations throughout Denver. More than 350 participating restaurants will offer a multi-course dinner for the fixed price of $52.80 for two, or $26.40 for one (not including tax or gratuity). Several nearby restaurants are participating in Denver Restaurant week, including:…

Submitted by Trish Cummings Student achievement comes in many forms. Though the teachers and administrators at American Academy work very hard to make sure students excel academically, they also strive to create a culture of respect, responsibility and exceptional character among even the youngest students. That kind of self-control and intentional behavior indicates great leadership…

By Linda Nuzum Prepared in response to a Letter to the Editor dated January 5, 2011 (Excerpt) Editor Wiebold, … My letter was intended to lend a unfiltered voice to, and encourage the citizens of Castle Pines, to be aware of the ongoing “gut fight” between the City and the Metro District.  Both are directing…

by Terri Wiebold On January 7, the Douglas County Business Alliance (DCBA) hosted a breakfast forum at Sky Ridge Medical Center featuring guest speakers from the Douglas County delegation, including Speaker of the House-elect Frank McNulty, Representative Carol Murray, Representative-elect Chris Holbert, and Senator Ted Harvey. Business leaders from all over Douglas County joined in…

Pine Crest Investors’ underpass alternative for North Meadows Extension Project. Schematic drawings provided by Pine Crest Investors. By Elizabeth Wood West While the Town of Castle Rock continues to move forward with the proposed North Meadows Extension Project, there may be a new alternative to the previously-selected Castlegate Drive preferred alignment in the works; an…

Pizza Chef and Owner, Sang Duong of Nick-N-Willy’s Pizza with their new gluten free pizza creation Submitted by Joe Gschwendtner; Photo by Tim Gamble Nick-N-Willys at King Soopers on Lagae Road is now offering gluten-free pizza. The thin crust is from The Gluten Free Bistro in Boulder in medium size only. Compared to other gluten-free…

Goodwill employee Axel Caraballo greets donors at Goodwill’s newest donation center, located in Castle Pines. The donation center offers a quick and convenient way to recycle clothing and household items. By Lisa Crockett A Goodwill donation center is now open in Castle Pines in the Castle Pines Marketplace Shopping Center, just a few doors down…

After a several year hiatus, friends and neighbors on and near Turweston Lane in Castle Pines recently started up monthly bunko gatherings again. Old and new faces are coming together each month to talk, laugh and play the famous dice game – this time setting aside half of the pot for charity. (Photo provided by…

  Research conducted by, and article prepared by Linda Nuzum Castle Pines taxpayers are footing the bill for attorneys, consultants, and communications efforts related to the City of Castle Pines’ 2010 court filing, which orders the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) to submit a dissolution plan to the judge, and ultimately Castle Pines voters,…

Jamie Larue In college, I got a bean bag chair. I also gave up the daily exercise program I’d followed for years. There was neither privacy nor room in my dorm. By the end of the second semester, suddenly, I had a problem. I was in constant lower back and limb pain. I started to…

Winter Berry resident and artist Nancy Meisner helped contribute to the party’s success. Article by Kathy Dunker Susanne Kabza and Michele Hayden had a successful day on December 14 with their third annual “Party with a Purpose” at Kabza’s home in Amber Ridge. More than $1,100 was raised to benefit The Women’s Crisis and Family…

Castle Pines Athletics soccer players take a break to hang out after a game last fall. Playing with friends, neighbors and classmates is partof what makes Castle Pines Athletics so special. Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Beginning in March, Castle Pines Athletics will kick off its third consecutive year of bringing sports to…

Article by Patte Smith photo by Carla Kenny Government day, held in January for the members of Leadership Douglas County (LDC), was a refresher course in what many of us learned in middle and high school. “We revisited a lot of useful information about our government and the difference in governing at the state and…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Kristi Doke Kindergartners at American Academy (AA) got put on their engineering hats last month with their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) week for mechanical engineering. The Kindies got to think like mechanical engineers as they used the force of wind to power their mechanical creations. With…

By Pacey, Ridgeline Staff Reporter Did you know that Cripple Creek had one of the biggest gold strikes in history? $500,000,000 worth of gold was found at Cripple Creek in 1890. The population of the town went from 500 people to 10,000 people in just 3 years. After the Gold Rush, many people left the…

While many across the country find themselves indoors with a cup of hot chocolate near a fireplace when the snow hits big, we here in Colorado head to the hills. Whether it is skiing, tubing, snow boarding, sledding or just playing in the snow, the Castle Pines community makes the most of the winter fun.…

Information submitted by DC Libraries In addition to The Wildlife Experience and Dinosaur Ridge, Douglas County Libraries now offers library card holders Adventure Passes to the Denver Art Museum. The partnership is the first of its kind among Colorado libraries. Denver Art Museum passes are available starting January 11. The Denver Art Museum seeks to…

Back Row: Nicole (Mrs. Kennedy); Lexi Wirkus (Ms. Carter); Elizabeth Curtright (Mrs Phelan); Chelsea Gause (Mr. Jenson); Lawrence Shook (Mrs. Sedersten). Middle Row: Jameson Shanahan (Mrs. Shepherd); Jessica Bentley (Mrs. Brester); Rachel Ansay (Mrs. Pedrett); Ashley Zbylski (Mrs. Pinke); Madison Pickett (Mrs. Jaramillo); Megan Golba (Mrs. Herzog). Front Row: Zachary Ruggee (Mrs. G.); Caden Brester…

Candidate Forum – Castle Pines – July 22, 2008 by Joe Gschwendtner Arnold Schwarzenegger recently proved a good “terminator” does not necessarily make a good “governator.” Much admired by many Americans, polls indicate he is seen as having failed California. I’ve been involved in governance for 30 years. To be fairly governed requires electing good,…

Chris Bonham Column by Chris Bonham, intern writer I recently attended a Civil War Ball, a rather large event held for homeschoolers at the DC Fairgrounds every year. It’s a time when teens get dressed up in period-type clothing and dance the night away. Unfortunately, my dancing skills are somewhat lacking. My night was spent…

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…

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