Read the stories from the latest issue:
An aerial photograph of Rueter-Hess Reservoir captured on October 16 shows a slight increase in the water level from previous months. By Steve Baska; photo courtesy of Keith Craw Rueter-Hess Reservoir, located east of I-25 and Castle Pines Parkway, filled with enough water from recent heavy rains to provide water to 500 homes for a…
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Fifth grader Claire Isert makes a donation to Timber Trail Elementary’s “Coins for Compassion” drive to benefit the United Way of Weld County flood relief fund. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Small change can make a big difference, especially when a whole community comes together to collect it. Small people can make a big…
Information provided by Bill Sparkman, PSAC*/DCSO If you have an e-mail account, it’s likely you have received correspondence from the Nigerian lottery, the Canadian lottery, your long lost nephew now stranded in Mexico or some other country. Perhaps FedEx or UPS has contacted you to let you know that they tried to deliver a package…
By Elizabeth Wood West Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) is inviting the public to participate in Operation Christmas Child (OCC). OCC is an annual international holiday gift drive for needy children and a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse – a Christian non-profit international relief organization that began the shoebox gift ministry in 1993. Last year, the…
Canyon Fitness owners Kyle and Michelle Hettinger are very proud of their new state-of-the-art health club. “It’s a dual environment,” remarked Michelle. “We have high energy classes and cutting edge equipment, yet also offer an atmosphere to unwind in the spa and whirlpool.” Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Canyon Fitness (formerly Village Fitness) is…
Matt and Lara Lane, along with partners Paul and Tami Gerrard (not pictured) started SafeSplash swim schools in 2006 and now have eight locations throughout Colorado. Article and photos by Amy Shanahan In 2004 when Castle Pines Village residents Matt and Lara Lane investigated swim schools for their two daughters, they were unable to find…
Take flight without leaving the ground Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Take a trip out of this world. Have you ever wanted to see an F-14? How about a B-1A Lancer? Or, do you want to take the kids to see a real X-Wing Fighter from the movie “Star Wars?” Luckily, there is a…
A Taste of The Tilted Kilt The weather is chilly outside, perfect for great food and great sports on television inside. At the Tilted Kilt, with locations in Denver and Greenwood Village, great food and great sports are what they do. It’s cozy and comfy, and a little bit like home, if home were always…
The owners of the Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines: Dr. Jason Ortman, Dr. Matthew Rolfson, Drs. Stephanie and Jeff Scheich and Dr. Andrew Dunbar. Photos by Elean Gersack On October 10, the Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines was officially welcomed into the city with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Castle…
Eagle Scout Luke Zahorik sits on one of the benches he designed and built for Lincoln Mountain open space park. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Lynn Zahorik and Lisa Bartmann Luke Zahorik Castle Pines resident Luke Zahorik has spent most of his 18 years of life in Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Zahorik,…
Avalanche Captain Gabriel Landeskog takes a casual approach to ball handling – far less aggressive than his nature on the ice. Avalanche head coach and former goalie Patrick Roy shares a laugh with media at the annual charity golf event in Castle Pines. The 18th fairway welcomes guests to the official golf course of the…
View looking north on North Meadows Drive Information provided by The Town of Castle Rock The Town of Castle Rock and its partners are ready to break ground on the Town’s number one priority (and largest ever) transportation project – the North Meadows Extension from The Meadows to U.S. Highway 85 and I-25. The Town…
Tam Bentley (back row turquoise sweatshirt, ball cap and black pants) with her team, Tam’s Easy Breathin’ Buddies. The team raised more than $2,100 at an event last month to benefit the National Lung Cancer Partnership. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Tam Bentley In an effort to double lung cancer survival by 2022, the…
Refreshed interiors and new decor are prominent features at Ambiance Nails & Spa. The nail salon, next to Safeway offers a wide variety of manicure and pedicure services. Ambiance Nails & Spa is now open in Castle Pines in the Safeway shopping center on Castle Pines Parkway. The salon is under new ownership and is…
By Lisa Crockett Families who wish to enroll students in a public school other than their designated neighborhood school must complete an open enrollment application, available online through the Douglas County School District website. Applications for the first round are accepted November 1 through January 5. Round one applications are accepted for the following school…
The Castle Pines Village ladies 2.5 red tennis team celebrated a state victory on October 2. Pictured left to right: Katie Van Houten, Katya Duncan, Julie Berris, Carrie Manion, Merry Kaminsky, and Beth Markowski. Not pictured: Amy Sutherland. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Julie Berris The Castle Pines Village (CPV) ladies 2.5 tennis teams,…
By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Chad Chisholm The first Urban Nights event to benefit the homeless youth of Urban Peak was a huge success! Thanks to Castle Pines Village residents Cheryl and Gary Joseph, son Justin Joseph, and son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Kirby Joseph, Urban Nights raised a total of $337,000. The Castle…
By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Laurie Jacobs Friends and neighbors on Turweston Lane in Castle Pines enjoyed a Sunday afternoon together sharing good times and eating lots of good chili. Despite the time overlap with the infamous Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys match-up, many joined in on the fun. Top chili honors went to…
photos by Amy Shanahan Saturday, October 5 was a beautiful day in The Village at Castle Pines, and many neighbors and community members came out to taste amazing homemade chili at the fifth annual Chili Cook Off! Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Castle Pines, the event included fun for the whole family with a…
The 60-member team at Madison & Company, a Denver area real estate firm founded in 2008 by Castle Pines resident Todd Narlinger, celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Madison & Company Madison & Company Properties, a Denver real estate firm owned and operated by Castle Pines resident Todd Narlinger,…
This first-time flyer is having a blast riding the air! SkyVenture Colorado is open Monday – Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is located at 9230 Park Meadows Drive in Lone Tree. Visit www.skyventurecolorado.com or call 303-768-9000. By Cindy Kessinger; Photos courtesy of SkyVenture Colorado and The Perfect Landing Are you sometimes at…
Senior Pastor Shane Farmer By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Cherry Hills Community Church Senior Pastor Shane Farmer Thirty-one years after its founding by Senior Pastor Dr. Jim Dixon, Cherry Hills Community Church held installation services for a new senior pastor, Shane Farmer, last month. Dixon announced plans to retire in March, launching a national…
The Catch for the Cure softball game between Rock Canyon High School and Regis Jesuit was a success due to the commitment and passion of two schools working together for a great cause. Miss Colorado Christian Schwiegerath and Miss Teen Colorado BreeAnna Hilsenrath made an appearance and received pink softballs signed by both teams from…
It’s official … the judge swears in the mayor at Ameritowne on Thursday, October 3. By Jenna P., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter On October 3, the fifth graders of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School went to Ameritowne, a place set up to be a town that students run and learn about economics and how to spend…
Looking for the perfect gift to give your loyal customers, business partners and staff? The Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation (CPACF) is selling commemorative holiday ornaments. Ornaments are now on sale at the Castle Pines Library (between Thanksgiving and Christmas), The Ridge at Castle Pines North Golf Course, The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce,…
The star atop Castle Rock represents far more than the coming of the holiday season. The annual starlighting ceremony and holiday activities will be held Saturday, November 23, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce Castle Rock merchants and business leaders invite the public…
Kindergarteners in Mrs. Herzog’s class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School work on designing and building with shapes as part of a recent geometry unit. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Shannon Herzog Little minds at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) are seeing shapes in everything, thanks to a recent kindergarten geometry project. Instead of a…
Paolo Bettoni who is originally from Italy, enjoys living in the Castle Pines community with his wife and two young sons. Bettoni is committed to spreading the word about fatigue awareness and the consequences of fatigue. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Paolo Bettoni Surrey Ridge resident Paolo Bettoni is a software architect who is…
By Steve Baska with contribution by Terri Wiebold Nearly four years to the day after approving its annexation agreement with The Canyons, the City of Castle Pines received the final $1 million impact fee payment from the developers. According to the city’s 2009 annexation agreement with The Canyons developers, nearly $3 million was to paid…
Courtesy photos The RCHS softball team won the regional tournament recently and are headed to state! Coach Debora Kortbawi said, “The team has a goal and regionals was the first step to ‘finishing out’ and doing what they are capable of doing. The leadership of the seniors is fantastic and we are counting on that…
By Patte Smith Each year as the holidays draw near, families are busy planning get-togethers, cleaning the house for guests, shopping for the traditional Thanksgiving fixings and special Christmas gifts. The reality is that many people are struggling to just get by on a daily basis. This year, start a new family tradition and take…
By Lynne Marsala Basche There are several food banks in Douglas County that serve our neighbors, but they need community support to be sustainable and reach as many people as possible. Consider supporting one of the following food banks or another in the area with either sample donations noted below or with time. Douglas /…
Information provided by Douglas County Libraries; photo rendition by Tim Gamble Douglas County Libraries recently launched a multi-year campaign to fund and build three new libraries, one of which is in the City of Castle Pines. The City purchased the land for a combined city offices and library. The new library is scheduled to open…
Before their first matches of the day, players Andrew Merone, Mike Ryazantsev, Michael Shapiro, Eric Stopps, and Matt Givin pose with Coach Manuel Gonzales for a photo at the state tournament. By Michael Shapiro, Intern Writer; photo courtesy of Manuel Gonzales Despite the damp weather, nothing could dampen the mood of the five members of…
Rock Canyon High School’s Golden Boys enjoy getting the crowd of cheering Jag fans excited for the game. Pictured in the front in overalls from left to right are Evan Hunchar, Andrew Nicklanovich, Bryce Stutler, Matt Vernon, Chris Schneider, Eli Hersh, and Kyle Love. Not pictured is Max Pederson. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo art courtesy of Jan Reagan Bright pink flamingos are making appearances on lawns all around Castle Pines. The “Flock A Friend” fundraiser supports Rock Canyon High School’s after prom party, which provides a safe and fun environment for our kids after the prom dance. Purchase a flock of bright pink flamingos…
Chase Wilner, son of Dr. Larry Wilner (owner of Castle Pines Urgent Care and Family Practice) was the youngest and the cutest golfer at A Day on the Greens, the Castle Pines Chamber’s annual golf tournament. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Carla Kenny The weather was warm and the skies were blue. Combined with…
Bring canned and non-perishable food items and run/walk in the ninth annual Turkey Rock Trot 5K race on Thanksgiving Day in Castle Rock. Looking for a healthy and fun way to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and help others? Sign up for the Douglas/Elbert Task Force’s ninth annual Turkey Rock Trot 5K race. This year’s race will…
By Lisa Crockett Solid Life Church has a new home at Rocky Heights Middle School. Roughly a year after leaving Timber Trail Elementary in Castle Pines for a location in Lone Tree, the church will officially celebrate its new home during regular services on November third. “We really look forward to being back in the…
RCHS Head Baseball Coach Tyler Munro poses in his math classroom in front of many baseball photos from when he coached 2008-2010. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Tyler Munro was named head baseball coach for Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) for the second time in his coaching career. Munro was the varsity head baseball…
Shannon Jiang, Shivani Chauhan, and Dane Burkholder were recently named National Merit semifinalists. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of RCHS Three Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students – Dane Burkholder, Shivani Chauhan and Shannon Jiang were recently named National Merit semifinalists, an honor in academic excellence. The three students performed in the top one percent…
By Lisa Nicklanovich The upswing in teen cyber bullying across the nation is just one example of how navigating the teen years can be challenging for both parents and teens. Many resources exist here in Douglas County thanks to Deputy Ann Walton of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Staci McCormack, student wellness coordinator of…
Pictured left to right: Coach Dunkle, Max Pederson (senior), Josh Pusar (freshman) and Coach Handy. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Coach Dunkle Max Pederson and Josh Pusar, both Rock Canyon High School students and Castle Pines residents, qualified to play in the state golf tournament. Coach Dunkle said, “We expected to qualify one individual…
By Lisa Crockett Taylor Morrison, which was named “Builder of the Year” by Builder Magazine, will soon have homes to show in a new subdivision consisting of 52 homes in Castle Pines Village. Homes in the new development will range in size from 2,500 – 3,500 square feet with two ranch plans and four two-story…
Castle Pines resident Dick Leenvaart has spent more than a decade serving those in need at the Christ’s Body Ministries. By Julie Montoya; photos courtesy of Christ’s Body Ministries When your heart is filled with purpose, anything is possible. That’s how life feels for Castle Pines resident Dick Leenvaart, who has spent the past eleven…
Metro District Manager Jim Nikkel Information provided by CPNMD The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) has hired Jim Nikkel as its new full-time, in-house district manager. Nikkel served 14 years as a district engineer, and more recently as assistant district manager for the Parker Water and Sanitation District. He spearheaded the design and construction…
It’s almost time to hit the slopes, so get your passes now! By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Colorado Ski Country USA In just a few short weeks, the hills will be covered in fresh snow and it will be time to hit the slopes! Make plans now to get pass ready so you can…
President of the Castle Pines Rotary Club Elaine Love (left) made her sassy modeling debut at the tenth annual Sassy Soiree on September 13. A crowd favorite, Bella DiVita (center) came back for her tenth consecutive year and was greeted by a dozen red roses from men in the audience. Nicole Moses (right), owner of…
Magnified view of an adult Mountain Pine Beetle – actual size of an adult is around the size of a grain of rice. “Pitch tubes” – the telltale sign of beetles, usually on the lower 25’of a tree trunk. by Joe Gschwendtner with photos provided by the Colorado State Forest Service Castle Pines residents enjoy…
Young Life took to the water as the group stopped for some whitewater rafting on the way to summer camp last July. By Kathy Dunker; courtesy photos Young Life is celebrating 20 years in western Douglas County with its annual fundraising concert and silent auction this month. YoungLife anticipates raising more than $50,000 to support…
GoGi Cellars owner Kurt Russell showcased two pinot noirs and a chardonnay called “Goldie” during the first “Meet the Winemaker” event held by Village Wines at Castle Pines. Owners Brad (left) and Braden (right) Dodds were encouraged by the feedback they received from the attendees, and plan to host similar events each month. By Amy…
The volunteer team for Timber Trail Elementary’s Mother-Son Kickball Tournament takes a minute to clown around with a special guest from one of the event’s sponsors, Chick fil-A. Brothers Callum (left) and Liam (right) Cook take a time out just before their first game of the tournament. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett For the…
The Skyline Soccer International u13 team. Neil Alvarado (left) with teen soccer players (from left to right) Gavin, Netra, Prakrash, Bhola, Anit, Buddy, and Sudir. Except for Buddy, who is from Burma, all the other players are from Nepal. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Neil Alvarado Neil Alvarado’s El Salvadorian roots, upbringing in Los…
The RCHS Jaguars rallied together at the half as they were down to the HRHS Falcons 14 to 3. By Kathy Dunker; photo courtesy of RCHS The RCHS Jaguars rallied together at the half as they were down to the HRHS Falcons 14 to 3. It was a warm Friday night at Shea Stadium on…
Make quick work of the evening meal with a slow cooker Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The days are shorter and cooler temperatures are here. Leaves are falling off the trees and pumpkins and scarecrows dot the neighborhoods of Castle Pines, an announcement of the coming of fall. Something about this time of year…
Parents of athletes at RCHS attended the Positive Coaching Alliance workshop entitled “the second-goal parent” presented by Amy Manson, a former elite runner. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of PCA Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) kicked off the school year for athletes and their parents with a Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) workshop on August 20.…
Information and photo provided by American Academy First grader Cal Stotler, resident of Winter Berry, will help choose and name the winning flavor for the AA STEM project this month, partnering with the Bundt Shoppe in Castle Pines. When you hear the term “chemical engineering” you may think of test tubes, bubbly liquids in neon…
The East/West Regional Trail is approximately 20 miles long and will eventually connect Highlands Ranch to Lone Tree and Parker. Above: red designates the East/West Regional Trail and blue designates connecting trails. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo and map courtesy of Douglas County On September 14, Douglas County Parks, Trails, and Building Grounds (DC Parks)…
Several members of the Castle Pines Village 6.5 mixed doubles tennis team stand proud and a little exhausted, while holding a United States Tennis Association (USTA) Championship banner after taking state on September 15. By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Anthea Gerberg One of the Castle Pines Village (CPV) tennis teams has a big reason…
The powwow is held at Tall Bull Memorial Park, just off of Daniels Gate Road. The traditional attire and dancing are amazing! Two Lakota Sioux, also Vietnam War veterans, competed in the intertribal dance competitions at the powwow. Native Americans from many local and state-wide tribes were at the powwow. Article and photos by Liz…
The fifth grade teacher team at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School collaborates to build lesson plans rich with rigor and relevancy to promote 21st century learners. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) has always prided itself on its talented and dedicated teacher base and warm and caring atmosphere. However, a new…
By Elizabeth Wood West If you are looking for lots of Halloween fun for all ages this year, visit Castle Pines and Castle Rock and enjoy these different Halloween events. The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce invites kids to stop by the Castle Pines business district for Trick or Treat Street on Wednesday, October 30,…
By Lisa Crockett; photos by Tim Gamble, Cindy Cranstone, Lisa Crockett and courtesy of Jon Radloff Any Octoberfest celebration should include good food, beer, and a festive atmosphere. This year’s celebration in Castle Pines offered all those things in abundance. Neighbors gathered to enjoy the sunshine and each other’s company, but to add to the…
By Lisa Crockett Laura Olson of Douglas County Libraries hosted a special “sensory-enhanced story time” at Timber Trail Elementary School last month. “This story time is for all ages, but is geared for kids on the Autism spectrum and for differently-abled kids,” said Olson.