Read the stories from the latest issue:
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce “Sparkling with Success” Annual Banquet was held at Sanctuary on Thursday, January 24. Pictured above (top row, left to right): Castle Pines Connection staff members celebrating “Godfather” style; Chamber staff members Carla Kenny and Sharon Kollmar; Award recipients Tim Gamble, Kyra Hahn, and Dr. Jason Ortman; (Bottom row, left…
By Lisa Crockett The Solheim Cup, a bi-annual golf tournament sponsored by the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour, between 12 players from the U.S. and 12 players from Europe, is seeking volunteers to help staff the event. The tournament will be held in August at the Colorado Golf Club in Parker. “We really rely…
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce has volunteer opportunities relating to office support including, but not limited to, clerical duties, answering the phone, and greeting visitors. Whether you are a student intern, retired, inbetween jobs, or looking for a chance to meet new people, just a few hours of your time would be of great…
Information provided by Anthontte Klinkerman The girls met on a Sunday at HOA 1 to be reminded of internet safety, practicing courtesy with friends and adults, and the importance of writing thank you notes. Klinkerman also shared her children’s book titled “Battle of the Grandmas,” and was thrilled to receive a thank you box of…
Fifteen talented seniors from Regis Jesuit confirmed their commitment to play their respective sports at the college level. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan On Wednesday, February 6, fifteen senior boys from Regis Jesuit High School (RJ) signed letters of intent to play sports at the college level. Among this group of gifted athletes was…
Article contributed by IREA The board of Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) voted to approve the retirement of $3.65 million worth of capital credit checks at its February board meeting on February 5. Board President Tim White said it was the sign of a financially healthy electric cooperative. “I can’t tell you the number of…
This historic landmark, easily visible from I-25 and surrounding communities, is maintained by the Keepers of the Rock. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of POST Partners When driving through Castle Rock, it is impossible to miss the town’s namesake jutting majestically into the sky. Whether you have gazed at the lighted star atop the…
Castle Pines Village resident Teresa Vidger is unassuming in person, but is highly successful in her professional life. Her passion for real estate and relocation services led her to create her own company, which has received national recognition. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Teresa Vidger Teresa Vidger is a wife, a wonderful mom to…
Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski For a limited time, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) has opened a temporary exhibit that has been thousands of years in the making. Mammoths and Mastodons is now open until May 27. Grab the family and plan a morning or afternoon at the museum. The museum’s…
Nancy Brown is the owner of Sparkles Bead Company in downtown Castle Rock. The shop hosts classes, birthday parties for kids, and girl’s night out. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Nancy Brown loves beads and she loves people. That much is clear. This past December, she opened Sparkles Bead Company (Sparkles) in downtown Castle…
Sixth grade REMS students about to leave for an adventure at Cameron Pass. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Rita Klement The Klement, Goodman, Lewis and Kadlacek families of Castle Pines all have children attending The Renaissance Expeditionary Learning and Outward Bound Magnet School (REMS) in Castle Rock. Rita Klement of BriarCliff has two children…
Article contributed by South Metro Fire Rescue Authority The South Metro Fire Rescue Authority is accepting applications for its citizen academy. The academy will run from April 10 through May 29 on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The deadline to apply for this opportunity is March 4. This will be the fourth…
Castle Pines Community Church Meets at 7280 Lagae Road, Suite O (King Soopers Plaza); www.castlepineschurch.org Good Friday service: March 29 at 7 p.m. Easter Sunday services: March 31 at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; children’s programming available for both services Cherry Hills Community Church Meets at 3900 Grace Boulevard, Highlands Ranch; www.chcc.org Holy Week communion…
Clark Wilhelm, an exemplary leader and educator. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Clark Wilhelm In today’s 21st –century learning environment, an outstanding educator is someone who is creative, empowering, collaborative, and a visionary. Clark Wilhelm, a counselor at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) for seven years, has been recognized by his peers as an…
Haselden Construction began drilling for caissons last month for the new AA facility in Parker. The school is slated to open in the fall of this year. Information provided by American Academy After a full year of planning and hard work, the new American Academy (AA) Parker building is going up, right on schedule. Located…
CDOT Mobile provides travelers with real-time information such as highway conditions and traffic information, allowing users to make better decisions about travel mode and route. “We first launched CDOT Mobile in September 2012 for the I-70 corridor and have experienced great success with 50,000 users to-date,” said Ryan Rice, CDOT Director of Operations. “By adding…
BRE Battle of the Books students get ready to take part in their second battle on February 12 against Flagstone Elementary. By Sean W., BRE Ridgeline staff reporter; photo courtesy of Laurie Jacobs Battle of the Books is a national reading program to inspire kids to read and have fun while competing against other kids. …
Above: Bryce Stutler visiting CU Boulder; Inset: Maddie Landis visiting California Polytechnic University. Article and photos by Lisa Nicklanovich Planning a college visit over the upcoming break to determine if the school is the right fit for your student? Make the most of your visit by following these tips: Be an Anthropologist: On campus, record…
By Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of the Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance It’s that time of year again. Tax season is in our midst and Checkoff Colorado makes it super easy to contribute to numerous charitable organizations with a simple check mark on your tax return. Checkoff contributions are voluntary donations from your tax refund…
Rock Canyon High School senior Coleman Squalls and Rocky Heights Middle School eighth grader, JT Snowden volunteer each week for BRE first grade teachers Terra Shaffner, Jennifer Miller, and Jennifer Murdock. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Classrooms at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) are full of busy little students. The younger ones are learning…
The Doo Wop Project sing classic songs from a very special era. By Shanahan; contributions and photos from Lone Tree Arts Center The Lone Tree Arts Center is offering a month packed with a variety of music and dance performances during the month of March. On Monday, March 11 “The Doo Wop Project” comes to…
Greg and Becky Boman, at center, celebrated the grand opening of their new store, The Emporium, last month in Castle Rock. The Emporium offers an eclectic mixture of merchandise from more than 25 vendors. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of The Emporium Downtown Castle Rock has a new shopping destination, one that offers something for…
Valor students took part in history when they travelled to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration of President Barack Obama. By Julie Montoya; photos courtesy of Terry Adams A part of history…that’s what a group of students and faculty from Valor Christian High School were, as they stood on the National Mall and watched the Inauguration…
Story and photo by Lisa Crockett The best meal I have ever eaten was served in my own kitchen. The cooking, however, wasn’t done by me, but by a friend in her kitchen and served to me in an assortment of tin-foil pans and paper plates. After doing an eight-day stint at Children’s Hospital with…
By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Three Peaks Capital Management About 250 miles east of Castle Pines, you’ll find Imperial, Nebraska. A small town of about 1,500 people, it may seem an unlikely place to sow the seeds of success. But as one of just 300 students at Chase County High School in Imperial, Castle…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Michelle Lynn Campbell With upbeat music blasting and strobe lights flashing, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) student models “rocked the runway” on February 10 to raise funds for the after prom party on April 13. Guests enjoyed a silent auction, the chance to win baskets overflowing with goodies, and…
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) participants (left to right) Joe Clements, Jenny Fortenberry, and Al Dugan. OLLI offers learning opportunities without grading for seniors 50 and better. Special to The Connection; by Ellen Sloan Three Castle Pines residents – Jenny Fortenberry, Al Dugan, and Joe Clements – have found a rewarding second chance at classroom…
By Chris Bonham On February 14th, people all across the world will take part in Valentine’s Day, a day predicated on the celebration of romantic love. This holiday is celebrated in the Americas, Europe, and even some parts of eastern Asia. In the United States alone, it’s estimated that more than 200 million people exchange…
Carrie Rotherham is the interim principal for BRE for the remainder of the 2012-2013 school year. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Carrie Rotherham has joined Buffalo Ridge Elementary School as interim principal for the remainder of the 2012-2013 school year. After the departure of former principal Ally Berggren in December, the district named Rotherham…
Douglas County’s new commissioner, Roger Partridge, was sworn into office on January 8 by 18th Judicial District Judge Paul King at the Philip S. Miller Building in Castle Rock. Partridge will serve the citizens of District II during his four-year elected term. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Chris Vodnik for Douglas County
Girl Scout Troop 4486 helps to feed pets of needy and disabled people By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Christy McDonald For more than 100 years, girl scouting has taught girls, in part, about making the world a better place. Under the guidance of co-leaders Brenda Ferguson and Trina Wegner, and assistant leader…
Regis Jesuit juniors Tim Shanahan, Jake Ciafone and Collin Stover spent two weeks working with abused and neglected children for their service project. Knowing what the kids have gone through and what they still face has definitely been the hardest part,” stated Ciafone. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan “Men and Women With and For…
Kindergarten registration for the 2013-2014 school year has begun. Eligible children must be five years of age by October 1, 2013. For registration, you will need to provide your child’s certificate of birth, immunization records, and your proof of residence (warranty deed, deed of trust, tax notice, lease agreement, assessor page, notarized letter from the…
A taste of…Chinook Tavern By Liane Marette Davis, photos by Manfred George From the garden level “tavern” feel of its original quaint Cherry Creek location, Chinook Tavern has moved up by moving south – to the Village Center Station by the Arapahoe Light Rail station in Greenwood Village. Owner Clemens Georg said he toyed with…
Philip and Camille Moore, owners of the new Papa Murphy’s Pizza in Castle Pines, celebrated their store’s official grand opening weekend with friends, Mayor Jeff Huff, Sheriff Dave Weaver, and members of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. Papa Murphy’s Pizza offers a wide variety of freshly-made take-and-bake pizza, salads, and take-and-bake chocolate chip cookie…
Nothing is better than candy By Rhett Jurkowski, age 9 Would you like some sweet candy for your Valentine? I know the perfect place to find some. Hammond’s Candy Factory is a place to find candy for everybody on your Valentine list. I went to Hammond’s Candy Factory with my family and went on a…
By Lynne Marsala Basche Local teens, do you want a fun, friendly, creative way to get involved in your neighborhood and earn school community service hours? If so, the Teen Library Council (TLC) is looking for volunteers like you! Created in 2008, the TLC encourages teens to get involved in their community through the…
The pastry case at The Cakery in downtown Castle Rock is close to home and full of wonderful, homemade donuts and other tasty treats thanks to owner Tiffany Johnson. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan If you are a fan of freshly-made donuts, you need to make a stop at The Cakery in downtown Castle…
iGrow’s solar panel converts the sun’s energy into negative ions that help plants absorb minerals from the soil more effectively. by Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of iGrow Gretta Hawkins of Castle Pines is carrying out a vision she and her late husband Victor had of bringing innovative, green technologies to revolutionize the home gardening market.…
The Town of Castle Rock is hosting an open house for the public to review the overpass design for The Meadows at U.S. Highway 85, as part of the Town’s North Meadows Extension roadway project. By Elizabeth Wood West; Vicinity Map provided by Town of Castle Rock The Town of Castle Rock (Town) will be…
The Pet Stuff Place owner Mike Froelich is pictured here with his knowledgeable staff, mother and daughter, Michele and Allana Kephart. Froelich’s dog “Bob” insisted on being a part of the picture as well. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The Pet Stuff Place, located in The Village at Castle Pines, is much more than…
Contributed by the DC Rotary Youth Expo public relations committee Fun for the whole family and good information will be on tap for free at the Douglas County Rotary Youth Expo, February 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Douglas County Event Center in Castle Rock. The Expo’s goal is to connect families…
Amelia Salsbury has three full notebooks of original songs that she has been writing and performing since the age of seven. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Marian Salsbury Amelia Salsbury is an accomplished singer, songwriter, pianist, and guitar player, and she is only 13 years old. Salsbury, a resident of Castle Pines Village,…
School spirit is on display every Friday when the staff at RHMS wears their purple and black football jerseys. “Our students, our community, our staff, and the partnership all three of those groups create, make our learning environment a cut above the rest!” remarked Principal Mike Loitz. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights…
Press release provided by Park Meadows Mall Park Meadows has partnered with the American Heart Association and Macy’s in the fight against heart disease with Go Red for Women and Girls Night Out on February 2, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. During February, American Heart Month, the American Heart Association asks women in particular…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines Castle Pines City Council is seeking to fill a vacancy in the city clerk position. The term of office will commence upon appointment by city council and will continue until November, 2013. Any registered elector of the city who is at least 18 years of age is…
By Elizabeth Wood West Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) recently launched a new program for students interested in pursuing college majors in general business, marketing, management, finance, economics, accounting, and real estate upon graduation. The RCHS School of Business is designed to introduce students to many areas within the world of business and provide hands-on…
David Miller, M.D. is a top-ranked Denver-area pediatric cardiologist. He sees patients at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree and at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children in Denver (rockymountain.pediatrix.com). The Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado is among the top pediatric heart programs in the nation, with nearly 250 cardiac experts working together to…
Neighborhood kids enjoy a great day on the soccer field in Castle Pines. Information submitted by Castle Pines Athletics; photo courtesy of Jen Kliewer This year, Castle Pines Athletics will kick off its fifth year of bringing sports to local families. “We are so excited about this year,” said Castle Pines Athletics manager, Shannon Terry.…
The RCHS Jazz Choir performed for orientation night welcoming the soon-to-be Freshman class of 2017 and their parents on January 16 in the school’s gym.
Members of the fundraising committee who helped raise more than $100,000 in just 15 months to benefit the Castle Pines Library were honored at a celebration last month. Thank you to the committee and to the hundreds of other volunteers! Article and photos by Lisa Crockett A campaign to raise $90,000 for the Castle Pines…
Boy Scout Troop 637 presented retired Corporal Nick Orchowski with the flag that now flies over his specially-adapted home in Parker. The ceremony was inspirational for all who attended. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Lisa Bartmann In December of 2011, The Castle Pines Connection ran a cover story featuring the work of the organization…
by Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Lin Giampietro You may enjoy Valentine’s Day at a candlelit table for two and give or receive chocolates, roses, and a heartfelt card, but consider the month of February an opportunity to add a new tradition to this month that celebrates love. Here are a few ideas: Everyone loves…
Seventeen-year-old Addison is surrounded by her brother and sister heroes, Quinn and Sophia, while she holds her family’s personal Automated External Defibrillator (AED). By Elean Gersack; courtesy photo Most of us think of adults when we think of heart disease, but kids have heart problems, too. Several kids in the Castle Pines community were diagnosed…
By Julie Montoya A new standard in education has been set with the opening of the Arma Dei Academy in Highlands Ranch. This classical, Christian school is the passion of four Douglas County families who were looking for more when it came to the education of their children. The Vigil and Nossaman families of…
Story and photo by Lisa Crockett Sugar cookies figure heavily in my memories of childhood special occasions: Jack-o-lanterns with orange frosting for Halloween, Christmas trees and stars, hearts in February. I even remember occasionally decorating a Thanksgiving turkey cookie or an egg-shaped cookie for Easter. It was natural, then, that when I had children of…
Left: Mr. Digit, who got his name for having more than the usual number of toes, is one of many cats in need of a loving home at CCS. Right: Kittens are also available for adoption at CCS off and on throughout the year. By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of CCS On Thursday, February…
Our local Walgreens is now offering City of Castle Pines merchandise for sale. Please stop by Walgreens and show your support for a local business and the City of Castle Pines. Walgreens has a variety of t-shirts and sweatshirts to choose from: long sleeves, short sleeves, and hoodies. Walgreens is marketing the shirts with permission…
By Terri Wiebold As reported in the January issue of the paper, The Castle Pines Connection is in the process of becoming certified as a paper of record for the community. A special thank you to the hundreds of readers who have already returned their voluntary subscription pledges. We must receive forms from at least…
Castle Pines jewelry designer Tracy Graef at work in her home studio. Graef’s work is featured in Handmade Colorado at DIA through March 31. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Tracy Graef, a jewelry designer who works out of her Castle Pines home, is featured in Handmade Colorado, a special exhibit at Denver International Airport…
By Lisa Crockett Castle Pines Academy (CPA), a private preschool, kindergarten and childcare center in Castle Pines, started with just 15 students when it opened three years ago. Today, roughly ten times that number of children attend classes in nine classrooms and the school has earned a “Best of the Best Preschool” award in Douglas…
The Impact edVenture “Ski ‘n’ Serve” group pose with Elliot, who won everyones’ hearts with his spirit and courage. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Impact edVentures Three Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students – Joe Giampietro, Ethan Thompson, and Christian Herman – along with other students from Highlands Ranch, spent part of their holiday…
Left to Right: Landon Holderness, Tanner Hickman, Audrey Myers, Samuel Hilgendorf By Liz Jurkowski In honor of President’s Day this month, a few of our young residents were asked to choose who ranks best as our country’s top executive. With much insight, Audrey Myers said, “One thing Americans are so consumed by today is the…
Fifth grader Kylee Ingram puts the finishing touches on her portrait of Richard Nixon. Ingram’s work was part of Timber Trail’s “Wall of Presidents” exhibit, which combined art with historical research. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Abraham Lincoln was the tallest president. John F. Kennedy could read and comprehend 2,000 words per minute. Grover…
By Lisa Nicklanovich The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Annual Fashion Show will take place on February 10 at the DTC Marriot. The theme this year is “Rock the Runway” and celebrates the school’s 10-year anniversary. The show is the primary fundraiser for the RCHS after prom party on April 13, which ensures that students…
Article by Robin D., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’d like to thank…” is what our staff and students said here at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE). We have won the Colorado Department of Education’s John Irwin Award two years in a row. But it’s not like only one award is…