Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
Article and photo by Kathy Dunker American Academy (AA) recently had three young trees planted in front of its cafeteria. The ornamental pear trees were donated by Alameda Wholesale, owned by AA parents Steve and Jackie Brown, and planted by AA parent John Gibson of Swingle Tree, Lawn and Landscape Care. The trees were in…
By Elizabeth Wood West Several months have passed since Sedalia and Castle Pines Village residents weighed in on whether to financially support a railroad quiet zone along Santa Fe Drive. The results from a telephone survey conducted by Douglas County indicated that although the train horn noise was disruptive and annoying, most affected residents were…
Students enjoy the new court and turf areas adjacent to the existing playground equipment at DCS Montessori Article and picture by Tracy Dudley After two years of planning, Castle Pines North’s expanding and flourishing DCS Montessori School has added more opportunity for fun to the school’s upper elementary playground. While the board of Directors had…
Information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The success of the August $20 on the 20th promotion, sponsored by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with The Castle Pines Connection, was just the beginning for boosting the economy in Castle Pines North (CPN). The goal of this program is to encourage…
Eagle scout candidate Kelby Gatrell and his dog Duke stand by his project for the Glendale Farm Open Space off-leash dog area. Article by Elizabeth Wood West with photo provided by the Gatrell family If you were to ask the average teenage boy how he spent his summer, you probably wouldn’t hear the words, “I…
BRE third grade teacher, Mrs. Brester squirts some students in retaliation for the dunking she just received. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Second Annual Buffalo Ridge Stampede proved to be another huge success for the local elementary school, raising more than $3,500 for the school’s parent-teacher organization, the Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance…
Submitted by Castle Pines Athletics Working to meet the needs of its growing children, Castle Pines Athletics is adding two new sports programs in 2011. Starting this spring, third and fourth graders can play competitive/developmental boys baseball and girls soccer in CPN. Registration for baseball for third and fourth grade boys will begin in January.…
Student count day is Friday, October 1. Final funding for schools is contingent upon actual student attendance. The attendance recorded that day will be used to reconcile per pupil funding compared to earlier enrollment projections. What does this mean for your student and your school? Students should make every effort to be at school on…
Magestic Mushroom Rock on the southern cliffs of Spruce Mountain, just east of Windy Point. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Douglas County ranks among the nation’s top 10 counties for income and growth. We know why we are here; it’s a quality of life thing. Since 1995, our county has acquired or protected $161…
Pictured above are ladies from the September gathering of Womenade of Castle Rock held at Castle Pines North resident, Mary Williams home. To date, the gathering has raised $1060. The quarter’s recipient is a family of four with two children ages five and nine. Both parents are unemployed and the father is legally blind. By…
Local sculptor Rhonda Vickers stands by her bronze of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Byron White, commissioned by the University of Colorado. Article and photos by Elizabeth Wood West “I believe you are born with it, but you have to learn and work at it,” said sculptor and Castle Pines Village resident Rhonda Vickers with a…
Article by Tracy Dudley with photo provided by the Westen family In September, the Athletics Department at Western Illinois University (WIU) selected local resident, Curt Westen, for induction into the school’s Hall of Fame. Westen played football for Western Illinois from 1978 to 1982 as an offensive lineman, at center. In addition to earning a…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The City of Castle Pines North financial position continues to remain strong thru the first seven months of the year. The latest fiscal updates include: Actual Compared to Budget – The City is in a favorable position to budget both at the revenue…
Information provided by Derek Kliner Derek Kliner, with RE/MAX Professionals, Inc., has been presented with the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors highly successful agents who have earned more than $3 million in commissions and have completed seven years of service with the company. Kliner has been working in the real estate industry for more…
by Patte Smith Go green, reduce, reuse, recycle, save the planet, hug a tree, waste not…want, not — these clichés, mottos and slogans are catchy, but truly actions speak louder than words. In Douglas County, residents have plenty of opportunity to put freecycling and recycling into action. Freecycling is exactly what it sounds like; people…
Article by Lisa Crocket with photo collage by Tim Gamble The community turned out in force for the annual OctoberFest celebration, sponsored by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office sponsored several hours of safety-related presentations, locals and visitors alike participated in a “Volksmarch” fun run/walk event through the community, and…
Information provided by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – A personal message from Sheriff Weaver October is national crime prevention month. Even though we need to practice good crime prevention common sense all year round, take the time this month to really think about what you can do personally to help prevent crime. If you haven’t…
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…
by Sally Uhrich With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to begin planning your Thanksgiving dinner. Healthy holiday meals don’t have to expand your waistline or break the bank. Consider the addition of soup to your Thanksgiving feast. Roast buttenut squash soup with apples will enhance your meal, with it’s warm, rich, fall color…
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…
Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Julie Storick Castle Pines North resident Julie Storick was the proud winner of the needlepoint Best of Show award at this year’s Douglas County Fair in August. Since Storick began her hobby with classes in Sacramento and weekend stitching retreats to Napa Valley, it comes as no…
A talented family, the Meisners – Ryan (left), Nancy (center), and Allyson (right), hold their entries for the Front Range Art Exhibit. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Sue Botero Local artist and mother of two, Nancy Meisner, will share the artistic spotlight with her children this fall. Not one, but three members of…
Staff of the Castle Pines Library celebrate the branch’s first year anniversary. Pictured left to right – Joanne Fields-Daley, Jill Swanstrom, Amy Long and Deidre VanRy. article and photo by Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines Library is small – just 2,300 square feet – but the space located in the Village Square Shopping Center on…
By Elizabeth Wood West Within the walls of South Metro Fire Rescue Authority’s (SMFR) headquarters, board members and staff are continuing to examine the long-term impacts the City of Castle Pines North’s Urban Renewal Authority will have on its ability to provide emergency services in the future. The city published a press release June 8…
Ready for take off… well, not just yet. Quam expects his plane to be completed in the summer of 2012. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker A lot of men have hobbies whether it is golf, wood working, or collections. However, Winter Berry resident, Mike Quam, has taken his hobby to a whole new level.…
Students enjoy the sun while setting up the life-size Tic-Tac-Toe challenge featured at the DCS Montessori Fall Festival in 2009. Article and photo by Tracy Dudley On Saturday, September 18, the sixth annual Fall Festival at local DCS Montessori School is open to the entire community. This year, the Fall Festival features a rocket demonstration,…
Saturday, September 11, Noon until 7 p.m. Chili Cook-Off competition – 8 a.m. to Noon Chili and Chocolate Tasting & Barbecue – Noon – 4 p.m. Chocolate Baked Goods (and other treats) Chili Feed Dinner – 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Children’s Activities – noon – 3 p.m. (tickets available from church members or at…
Members of the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) board of directors were on hand to greet the public at the recent Rueter-Hess Reservoir open house. The CPNMD joined the Rueter-Hess project in 2006, and in 2008 purchased 1,500 acre-feet of water storage rights in the reservoir.
Karen Thyfault, store manager of Green Earth Cleaners, was happy with the increased business on August 20th. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker On August 20th, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce partnered with The Castle Pines Connection to organize the first of a series of economic incentives called $20 on the 20th. The goal…
Principal Rauh welcomes RCHS parents at Back to School Night. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Back to School Night on August 24 was bustling with activity. Welcomed by principal, Kim Rauh, parents with schedules in hand, made their way through the building, meeting teachers, counselors and administrators. With…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The City of Castle Pines North’s financial position remains strong through the first half of the year. The latest fiscal updates include:Actual Compared to Budget: The City is in a favorable position to budget both at the revenue and net funds level. Total…
Information provided by Doug Hutchins, Castle Pines real estate specialist, broker associate The Kentwood Company How’s the real estate market? The answer depends on the neighborhood and price point for the home. Generally, sales and prices for homes priced under $500,000 were supported in the first half of 2010 by the federal tax credit offered…
by Sally Uhrich With the autumn season upon us, who can resist making a dessert with the natural goodness of apples? Autumn Apple Cake is featured in “Cooking Light Annual Recipes,” 2009 edition. The recipe is contained in the fall section of the book, which features several recipes derived from the unique American religious group,…
“Vote No” on Amendments 60 & 61 and Proposition 101 seems to be the resounding message from local community leaders. Many city officials, county representatives, law enforcement and public safety officers, libraries, schools, chambers of commerce, and businesses in Douglas County have all joined in opposition. By Lisa Crocket This fall, three initiatives are on…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. Members of the Castle Pines Economic Development Council and City Council recently formed the Castle Pines Community Partnership (CPCP), which brings together representatives from the governing and service entities of Castle Pines North. The intent of this group is to strengthen the lines…
Douglas County Sheriff Dave Weaver (left) is welcomed to the Castle Pines Chamber Board of Directors by Board Chairman Dan Cook (right). Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Terri Wiebold Recently appointed to the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is Douglas County’s own sheriff, David Weaver. Weaver said, “I am excited…