Read the stories from the latest issue:
Fall Festival Sunday, October 14 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of RidgeGate Development The public is invited to Schweiger Ranch’s annual Fall Festival for a day of seasonal family fun. Schweiger Ranch is located within the RidgeGate development at 10822 Valley Hwy., just south of Lincoln Avenue, on the…
By Amy Shanahan; graphic courtesy of the Lone Tree Arts Center New Year’s Eve is looking like a whole lot of fun thanks to a fabulous event being held at the Lone Tree Arts Center (LTAC). The LTAC has a very active Guild, which is organizing a grand event. The New Year’s Gala, called “A…
Date: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Location: American Academy Cafeteria Are you finding that it is increasingly difficult to know what your kids are up to online? Does the whole thing make your head spin? The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department will offer a Cyber Safety Presentation for Parents on October…
The annual Octoberfest in Castle Pines featured fun activities for families and friends of the area. The local business community was the theme of this year’s event and they were pleased to meet and greet the residents of Castle Pines. Local agencies, such as the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Douglas County Library, were…
Clyde Fessler’s home office in Castle Pines Village is decorated with Harley-Davidson memorabilia, and features a wall of photos which tell the story of a fascinating and exciting life. Being an author is his latest accomplishment. By Amy Shanahan, photo by Amy Shanahan and courtesy of Clyde Fessler “We fulfill dreams” is a mission statement…
Calvin Ko (left) and Nicholas Gaither (right) from Ms. Jennifer’s fourth grade class did their share of laps to help raise over $48,000 for their school. Article by Valerie Lockey; photos courtesy of Kristina Sheppard School funding has changed during the past few years, and DCS Montessori (DCSM) is finding creative ways to meet funding…
FREE Golf Lessons for Kids! Hosted by Director of Instruction Dennis Murray, PGA Mike Weingartner, Golf Professional Where: The Ridge @ Castle Pines, Practice Putting Green What: FREE Golf Lessons for Kids, $20 Lessons for Adults GET GOLF READY Clinic … Introduction to the game of Golf When: Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Noon For:…
Two of Surrey Ridge’s long-time residents, Margaret Miller and Maisie Choniski, enjoyed the fun evening out, even if they had to bundle up a bit. By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Valerie Miller Around seventy-five of Surrey Ridge’s families and friends enjoyed an evening of music and a movie in the neighborhood park. With the…
Left, Jeanne Gormley with her award-winning floral wedding bouquet. Right is close-up of her exquisite coordinated boutonniere. By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Jeanne Gormley Surrey Ridge resident and floral artist Jeanne Gormley won second place in the professional division for her bridal bouquet at the 2012 Floral Expo Bridal Bouquet Competition, hosted by the…
Photos by Julie Montoya On September 8, the owls of HawkQuest came to Cherokee Ranch and Castle to teach guests about some of the amazing creatures that roam our Colorado skies. This event was part of Cherokee Ranch’s ongoing cultural and education program. For more information on upcoming events, visit www.cherokeeranch.org. To learn more about…
Castle Pines Connection staff members (left to right) Liz Jurkowski, Cindy Cranstone, Julie Montoya, Kathy Dunker, and Terri Wiebold, along with Castle Pines Chamber President Sharon Kollmar and Vice President Carla Kenny, take a break from the Sassy Soiree luncheon at the Douglas County Fair Grounds to pose for the event photographer. Article and photos…
The Castle Pines Chamber celebrated the opening of Aspen Delikatessen with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 10. Younique Expressions celebrated its opening in Castle Pines with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 29.
By Patte Smith Castle Pines Trick or Treat Street Once again the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Trick or Treat Street for the children of Castle Pines. Bring your ghosts and goblins to trick or treat at businesses throughout Castle Pines from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Halloween evening, October…
Join Douglas County Coroner Lora Thomas at her “Thursday Night with the Coroner” on October 25. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Douglas County Coroner’s Office Are you a forensic fan who is interested in learning what a coroner really does? Douglas County Coroner Lora Thomas is inviting the public to spend a few…
City of Castle Pines Mayor Jeffrey Huff making a presentation to the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce board of directors on August 22 regarding the city’s proposed TABOR ballot question for this November’s election. City officials and staff held an open house in August to meet with residents and answer questions regarding the upcoming TABOR…
Article by Lisa Crockett with graphic by Tim Gamble The Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is celebrating its twentieth Race for the Cure event in October. The race, which will be held on Sunday, October 7, will take place at the Pepsi Center and will feature a 5K competitive run this…
By Terri Wiebold Thank you to our dedicated readers and to all of you who contribute stories, photos and ideas to the paper each and every month. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to share your stories with the Castle Pines community. You voted The Castle Pines Connection newspaper number one…
Left: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mike Garcia gets bombarded with questions by Castle Pines kids while on patrol on August 2 in the Briar Cliff neighborhood. Right: Garcia and Castle Pines resident Jack Zelkin pose for a photo op after the deputy spent close to an hour educating kids about police officers and the…
Metzler Memory Care owners (left to right, Denny and Patty Southwick, daughter Katie Gray, and Iram Din (husband Aamer Masood not pictured). Photos and story by Elizabeth Wood West Metzler Memory Care Assisted Living Residences, located at 864 Barranca Drive in Castle Rock, is now open. Metzler Memory Care is owned and operated by local…
Pictured left to right: Dr. Jason Ortman (Castle Pines Eye Care); Drs. Jeff and Stephanie Scheich (Castle Pines Family Dentistry); Dr. Matthew Rolfson (Castle Pines Dental Care); Dr. Andrew Dunbar (Castle Pines Orthodontics); and Jeffrey Huff, mayor of Castle Pines. Article and photo by Elean Gersack On Friday, August 24, the proud owners of the…
Photos by Julie Montoya On Friday, August 17, more than 500 Castle Pines residents of all ages gathered at Coyote Ridge Park to watch a movie in the park. “We Bought a Zoo” was a big hit, and residents really enjoyed the movie. The Castle Pines North Master Association sponsored this community event. In addition,…
Castle Pines resident Edgardo Torres enjoying breakfast. By Elizabeth Wood West What could be better than a great Mexican food restaurant in the neighborhood? How about a great Mexican food restaurant that serves a delicious breakfast menu? Las Fajitas is now serving breakfast Friday through Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Owner Alberto Granados…
Castle Pines Village residents Heidi and Maggie Zeh were the first to “see the E” and send in their photo to the Castle Pines Connection! Their geo-cache search led them to the light post by the entrance to Surrey Ridge. “This was a fun letter to find,” remarked Maggie. “It took us a minute to…
Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Devils Head Lookout is a terrific destination right here in Douglas County. Grab the kids and the dog and head out for a fun hike through some great scenery with some history thrown in. In 1912, the National Forest Service built a lookout tower at the top of a…
On Thursday, August 23, the Castle Pines Chamber hosted a luncheon with Congressman Corey Gardner, who represents the Fourth Congressional District of Colorado. Pictured to the right, left to right: Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver, Castle Pines Chamber Vice President Carla Kenny, Congressman Corey Gardner, Castle Pines Chamber Chairman Glen Hagan, State Representative for…
Rocky Heights Middle School seventh and eighth grade students who traveled to Costa Rica made new friends and learned a great deal about the culture. The seventh and eighth grade students had the opportunity to aid in the protection and conservation of the area by planting a tree. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Kay…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett In case it escaped your notice, this summer has been hot. Exceptionally, meltingly hot. And while the heat has wreaked havoc on air conditioning bills and left me breathless and cranky more than a few nights this summer, it has had at least one pleasant side effect. This summer,…
A taste of … Café Monet These local ladies are all smiles about the menu options at Café Monet in Parker. Article and photos by Liane Marette Davis Looks might be deceiving when you pull into the parking lot of Café Monet in Parker, but inside is a cozy, quaint restaurant featuring authentic French and…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The liquor store adjacent to $1.99 Cleaners in the Safeway shopping center in Castle Pines has a new owner, a new name, and an emphasis on friendly service and value. True Liquors is celebrating its grand opening during the entire month of September. “We have store-wide price cuts on…
Brian Olcott displays the soccer gear he collected for his Eagle Scout project. Olcott donated the cleats, balls and shin guards to a Boys and Girls club in northeast Denver. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett The girls soccer team sponsored by the Denver Bronco’s Branch of the Boys and Girls Club in northeast Denver…
The event tent was a full house, first with dinner and then a show. Country superstar Willie Nelson was scheduled to perform, but had to cancel do to health concerns. A local acoustic band filled in, and the show was a complete success! Article and photos by Julie Montoya On Saturday, August 18, Jana and…
Photojournalism by Julie Montoya Recently, neighbors in Forest Park have noticed there is a new member of their community, and he is making a lot of noise. This new resident is a fledgling red tail hawk. Accompanied by his parents, this youngster has ventured out of the nest, but is not quite ready to move…
DCSM’s first ever seventh grade class hit the mountains last month for an adventure in outdoor education at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. By Jodi Anderson Each school year is unique and brings its own joys and challenges, but this year DCS Montessori (DCSM) is overflowing with excitement and energy. As our new…
Autumn is a splendiferous time of year. Warm during the day and cool evenings, it is a time of the year to get out and enjoy the many seasonal activities in the Castle Pines area and the surrounding areas. First and foremost is a Castle Pines tradition presented by The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce: …
Taylor Kelly was crowned Miss Colorado Teen in June. “Achieving this goal was truly an amazing experience!” By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of the Kelly family Taylor Kelly, a sophomore at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), and resident of Castle Pines Village, had a very exciting summer! In June, Kelly was crowned Miss Colorado Teen…
By Kathy Dunker Colorado big game hunting seasons are now underway. Opening and closing days for all types of big game hunts are determined by the Colorado Department of Wildlife (CDOW) and vary for each animal including bear, deer, desert bighorn sheep, elk, moose, mountain goats, pronghorn, and rocky mountain bighorn sheep. They also vary…
By Elean Gersack The halls at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) are bustling with plenty of new faces. During new family registration on August 8 and 9, more than 60 new students enrolled. Only days later, the first bell of the school year rang on Monday, August 13, and students had the chance to locate…
By Elizabeth Wood West with photos by Shelly Barnes It is hard to say what Younique Expressions Art & Wine Bar’s (Younique) CEO, Shelly Barnes, prefers – providing an enjoyable environment for would-be artists or supporting special charities close to her heart. Fortunately for Barnes, her new business venture will let her do both. Younique…
Sixth grade student and Castle Pines resident Seth Bowen has loved his first few weeks of middle school, and is finally getting used to his heavy backpack and huge binder. “I think it’s really fun but really different – there are so many more people, and so many more teachers! I love it! It’s fun…
By Elean Gersack It’s not too late to improve your swing this year. Ladies, now that the kids are back in school, why not get together with friends and neighbors and learn to play golf at The Ridge Golf Course at Castle Pines? The weather is not too hot and not too cold – ideal…
By Elean Gersack Follow the trail of wagging tails and wet noses to the Dumb Friends League’s Wag ‘n Trail and help support homeless pets. This 1.6-mile hike, for people and their dogs, takes place Saturday, September 22, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Glendale Farm Open Space on the west side of Surrey…
The Wilkins family in Forest Park witnessed the nesting, hatching, and growth of two baby hummers right in their own backyard this summer. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Mark Wilkins In the Colorado springtime, many people anxiously await the return of migrating birds. Especially fun to watch are the hummingbirds. Colorado has four…
By Chris Bonham Castle Pines is a terrific place to live because there is something for everyone of all ages. An organization that is contributing to the all-inclusiveness of the senior community at large is the Highlands Ranch Senior Club. An organization built on encouraging people in the community ages fifty and older to…
The life experience and passion of two friends has come together to create world-class, award-winning red wines – right here in our own backyard. Ruby Trust Celalrs is a Castle Pines Village-based company making wine locally with the help of family and friends. By Amy Shanahan with photos courtesy of JimmysPhoto.com Hidden in the obscure…
Information and photo provided by Douglas County Officials from Douglas County, the City of Lone Tree, and Coventry Development Corporation celebrate the public private partnership that resulted in the new 3.1 mile East West Regional Trail Extension. The extension runs from Bluffs Regional Park to the RidgeGate Interchange. The allseason trail surface is designed for…
Bears are seen in and around the Castle Pines community. Here, a bear recently seen in Castle Pines Village finds the contents of abirdfeeder potentially appetizing. By Liz Jurkowski and photos sent in by Laura Zeh As Coloradans, wildlife surrounds us. We do not have to go far to enter habitats of many wild animals.…
Sixty-four women joined in the The Red Hawk Ridge Ladies’ Golf Club’s Nine Hole Better Ball Tournament to raise more than $4,600 for The Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center and The Douglas/Elbert Task Force and Food Bank. Information and photo sent in by Sharon Ferris, tournament co-chairperson On July 25, The Red Hawk Ridge…
Article and photo by Julie Montoya August saw some crazy weather with thunderstorms, hail, funnel clouds, and fierce rain. But there is still time to get out and enjoy the good weather, with a mild fall ahead. The Farmers Almanac predicts that September 2012 will see warmer temperatures then on average. After the first week…
These fifth grade buddies are all grins, some more colorful than others from snow cones. Article by Elean Gersack with photo by Cari Ogg The fourth annual Buffalo Ridge Stampede & Carnival, held on Friday, August 24, was full of fun, laughter, wet teachers, and new friendships in the making. More than 450 students and…
Information provided by Douglas County Castle Pines residents looking to renew vehicle registrations or visit the Department of Motor Vehices (DMV) now have a closer option, thanks to the relocation of the Parker DMV. In August, Douglas County moved its motor vehicle operations from Parker to the Lone Tree location. The new office is located…
By Birgit Moran It’s back to school time, and with that comes another year of opportunities and challenges. An emerging field is developing to help students who want an extra edge and for those who struggle in school. Rather than, or in complement to tutoring, now there is brain training. “Just as new knowledge and…
Information and photo provided by Douglas County Experience living circa 1880 in Huntsville, the site of Douglas County’s first post office, at the Crull/Hammond Cabin open house on Saturday, September 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by the Larkspur Historical Society, open house guests will learn about the history of Huntsville and some…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary librarian Dawn Smith (left) and music teacher Cindy Berendt (right) lead TTE students in a cheer at an assembly last month to introduce this year’s Move-a-Thon Fundraiser. The theme of the Move-a-Thon, “Move and Groove to Support our School,” reflects the active nature of the fundraiser,…
By Lisa Crockett with photo courtesy of the Bro family Brickelle Bro, pictured here at a sendoff parade held in her honor in Castle Rock, will compete in the Paralympic Games in late August and early September. Bro qualified to compete early in the summer and spent two weeks in Germany with Team USA just…
A relaxing rose petal pedicure tailored specifically for teens and tweens By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of the Woodhouse Day Spa The Woodhouse Day Spa, located in the Village shops at Castle Pines, is excited to offer a new program designed specifically for young spa customers, ages six to 16. Young Woodhouse is a…
By Elizabeth Wood West Beginning the first part of October, drivers may want to avoid the vicinity of the Quebec and Lincoln-University intersection and find roadway alternatives. Douglas County is scheduled to begin work on a 60-day multi-phase operational and maintenance roadway project that will focus on improvements and approaches to this busy intersection, causing…
By Elizabeth Wood-West In his August 21 letter addressed to the Town of Castle Rock council members, John Medved formally withdrew his application to install a large LED sign at his Medved Autoplex dealership located near I-25 and Plum Creek Parkway in Castle Rock. The overall size of the sign would have been 760 square…
Five years of great customers and cakes By Julie Montoya with photo courtesy of The Bundt Shoppe Our favorite Castle Pines Bundt Shoppe is turning five years old, and is celebrating with two days of fun and prizes! The Bundt Shoppe’s anniversary celebration is September 20 and 21, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In…
Submitted by DC Veterans Monument Foundation William Hueg, designer and sculptor, holds the main body of the eagle that will be the most striking point of the Douglas County Veterans Monument. Bill delivered the clay model on July 12 for the next step in the process, making the molds for the foundry. In addition to…
By Lisa Crockett August. The month of the tomato. Warm and just-picked, nothing speaks more to the bounty of the harvest than a fresh, ripe tomato. A sprinkle of salt and pepper dresses it up quite nicely, but I think the Italians have the right idea when it comes to tomatoes. They’re great solo, but…
RHMS held a ten-year logo design contest at the end of the last school year. Incoming seventh grade student Christopher Theodore created this design, which will be used to represent the school throughout the year. By Amy Shanahan, logo designed by incoming seventh grade student Christopher Theodore The staff at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS)…
By Order of Sheriff David A. Weaver, Stage 2 fire restrictions, have been rescinded. Stage One Fire Restrictions are still in effect. General guidance on Stage One restrictions: Prohibited Activities include open burning of any kind and use and sale of fireworks. Allowable Activities include 1) fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fireplaces within buildings,…
The Castle Pines Village Stingrays got in the spirit of the moment at one of their home meets last month. By Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Castle Pines Village Stingrays The Castle Pines Village Stingrays moved up to Division B this year with 126 kids on the team. That meant tough competition from much…
Anastacia Bodnar loves to visit her favorite coffee shop in Castle Pines, Starbucks, equestrian style. By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the Bodnar family The Douglas County Fair is just around the corner, running from August 7 to 11. Oak Hills resident Anastacia Bodnar will be there – not just for the corn…
A rendering of Health One’s Sky Ridge Medical Center that was built in 2003. The hospital web site offers a virtual to for online visitors to look throughout the hospital. After a record of nearly 170,000 votes — more than double last year’s tally — the results are in for Soliant Health’s 4th annual list…
The Orchard Day Spa in Castle Rock offers something for everyone in a warm and welcoming environment. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Lisa and Ted Manzanares The Orchard Day Spa opened in Castle Rock in May, and is the only spa of its kind in the area. The day spa offers both medical and…
Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver was proud to accept the NACo 2012 County Courthouse Award for Innovative Governance. He is pictured here with a vehicle purchased with asset funds from narcotics seizures. Information provided from the The National Association of Counties (NACo) The National Association of Counties (NACo) has recognized Douglas County Sheriff David…
Brickelle Bro, center, surrounded by supporters at a fundraising event in July. Bro has been named to Team USA and will compete in the Paralympics in London later this summer. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child, and Brickelle Bro – the Castle Pines…
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 Information provided from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The purpose of this event is to reduce property crime, through neighbors getting out of their houses, turning on their porch lights, and getting to know each other as well as local emergency service providers. This happens through neighborhoods hosting block parties, which…