The Castle Pines Connection

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines Denver International Airport recently launched a new web site called WebTrak, which will allow Castle Pines residents to access information about flights taking off and landing from Centennial Airport, as well as Denver International Airport. “It is a benefit to Centennial Airport, as personnel can track noisy…

2011 Stingrays coaching team (pictured from left to right) back row: Junior Coach Even Lail, Junior Coach Nick Tinucci, Head Coach Jenny Anderson, Assistant Coach Holly Dawson, Lead Junior Coach Maddie Pluto; front row: Junior Coaches Erin Dooley, Kate South and Quincy Schurr. Article by Kathy Dunker; photos by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines Village…

The AYL Dolphin team wielding their championship trophies (pictured from left to right) back row: Dawson DeMier (CP), Nolan Moorhead, Blakely Stoughton (CP), Cade Hughey, Brant Kragel (CP), assistant coach Chase DeMier (CP), and assistant coach Johnny Stoughton (CP); front row: Riley “Rygo” Goings (CP), Kameron Butler (CP), Brayden Jez, Graham Avers (CP), Alec Lush…

Kangaroos foraging on Lucky Bay Beach in Cape le Grande N.P in Western Australia. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner The Pacific Rim’s economic success is undeniable. But the center of its physical beauty is Australia, hands down. Australia is up these days, way up. Its economy is whirring as virtually every imaginable mineral is…

The Stars team performing their award winning routine in Orlando earlier this year. Article and photos submitted by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students Jazmine Murphy and Taylor Farnsworth were recently rewarded for their athletic ability, dedication and hard work. Murphy and Farnsworth traveled to Orlando, Florida with their cheerleading team, The Stars,…

Andrew Abner, Principal, Rock Canyon High School by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Andrew Abner A new face will be seen in the principal’s office at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) this fall. As of July 1, Andrew Abner replaced Kim Rauh in leading the school’s administration. Rauh will now be the principal of…

By Lisa Crockett School is just getting started at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE), but the school’s fall fundraiser – the “Move-a-Thon” — is in full swing, thanks to several dedicated volunteers who have worked through the summer. In addition to the usual flyers and banners, the school has a promotional video for the event posted…

By Lisa Crockett Information has been sent to various community groups regarding plans to develop a project with a proposed name of “Castle Pines Town Center” on the southern portion of Lagae Ranch. The 350-acre parcel is bounded by “Lagae Ranch Filing 1” (home to Elk Ridge Park and American Academy Charter School) on the…

By Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines Library depends on the community in order to keep its doors open, and a group of dedicated volunteers have embarked on an ambitious campaign to raise $100,000 – enough to keep the library up and running for the next three years. In August, the community can support the library…

Nicole Given (center) receives her scholarship check from Zontians Rhonda Bolich-Lampo (left) and Christie Thakur. Article and photo submitted by Laurie W. Anderson Nicole Given, a recent graduate of Rock Canyon High School, received a $1,000 scholarship from the Zonta Club of Douglas County. A resident of Castle Pines, Given plans to attend Boston College,…

By Kathy Dunker with information courtesy of the HRCA website Saturday, August 20, promises to be a great day for triathletes of all ages. The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) will host an adult triathlon, a junior triathlon for 12 to 17-year olds, as well as a kids triathlon broken into two age groups: Five…

Pictured above: Jan Teague (right) and Kristin Mitchel (left) of Golly Gee Gourmet sell Jan’s Jams at the Castle PInes Independence Day celebration and other area events. The mother-daughter team donates a portion of their profits to amyloidosis research and patient support. by Lisa Crockett Nothing says summer like a beautiful jar of homemade jam.…

Aloe Modzelewska and her horse “Red” hang out together in their pasture in Surrey Ridge. By Patte Smith with photos by Sandi Modezeleska “Whoa” is not in 12-year old Hailey Modzelewska’s vocabulary when galloping her horse Boo at full speed around barrels, flags and poles. “I love the thrill of riding fast when competing,” laughs…

by Kathy Dunker Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), with an expected enrollment of 1745 students this year, will be back in business beginning on Monday, August 8, for all freshmen and new students and on Tuesday, August 9, for all remaining students. Student pictures will be take on August 8 for all students including seniors.…

     by Patte Smith Congratulations to Jill Noyes, the Independence Day 2011 pie contest winner! An avid baker, Noyes decided at the last minute to enter the pie contest which was held at Coyote Ridge Park on July 1. “I have never entered a pie baking contest before and I wanted to get more involved…

by Elizabeth Wood West Texting while driving can be a fatal combination. That’s why Allstate Insurance agent (and mother of three boys) Mary MacDonald said putting the Teen Driving Event together was a no brainer. “Texting and driving can increase your risk of crashing by 23 times! That’s incredible! Hopefully, with the information we’ll be…

Franklin Graham, son of renowned evangelist Billy Graham, will be bringing “Rock the Range” festival to Denver on Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28. The festival will be held at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way in Commerce City. Saturday’s programs include the fun-filled children’s KidzFest at 10 a.m. and a high energy…

by Kathy Dunker Douglas County School District’s (DCSD) Express Check In is open now for DCS Montessori (DCSM) families. Online registration for DCSM will close on Friday, August 5. DCSM will hold its annual open house for families of students in first through fourth grades and those new to the school or with new teachers…

RHMS students, thanks to their filmmaking and performing experiences on the middle school’s Nighthawk Television show, were the proud recipients of the 2011 Teen Short Film Festival awards (pictured from left to right): Brooke Duran, Logan Schurr, Kirbi Spanbauer, and Emily Haigh. By Kathy Dunker with photo by Amy Shanahan The Phillip S. Miller Library…

Tickets are now on sale for the Lone Tree Arts Center’s inaugural season, which begins on September 9, 2011. A season ticket package with a theater series and the option to purchase priority seating to up to seven additional single performance events is available, as well as tickets for single performances. Season ticket packages may…

Ready to plant trees in the Costa Rican Rain Forest (pictured from left to right) are Nick Chavasse, Grace Serianne, Christina Chavasse, Brianna Cooke, Shane Johnson, Katie Mueller, Ryan Betthauser, Kay Peterson Kaul, Clark Wilhelm, Lynette Cooke, and Stephanie Betthauser. Article by Amy Shanahan with photo courtesy of Kay Kaul In early June, six students…

AA’s planting portion of their new front landscaping was completed just in time for the start of the 2011-2012 school year. In addition, the school’s PTO is selling memorial bricks which will be installed beginning in October. By Kathy Dunker with information courtesy of the AA website American Academy (AA) students make sure your online…

In a Potter-ized twist of a traditional party game, witches and wizards attempt to pin the scar on Harry, played by Teen Volunteer Group member Hunter Gill. Teen Volunteer Group member Larissa Rosendale samples her highly potent layered love potion brewed up during Potions class.     In Potions class, witches and wizards get their hands…

Buffalo Ridge Elementary ‘super dads’ use donated resources from Castle Rock Lowe’s to create planting beds for the new school garden. BRE is one of several district schools participating in the “Garden to Chef” program. by Elean Gersack with photo courtesy of Principal Berggren Buffalo Ridge Elementary School starts in a just a few short…

The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) year is about to begin. Nighthawks should be sure to pick up schedules on Tuesday, August 2 and remember to comb your hair since photos will be taken at the same time. Schedule pick up will be from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will be closed from noon…

     The State of Colorado is consistently voted as having the most physically fit residents. As we are out and about we can all see activities that contribute to our overall fitness, walking, jogging, swimming, and bicycling. We are all accustomed to sharing the road with bicyclists and we have all seen the signs, but…

Information submitted by Ellen Sloan, OLLI-South Recognizing that lifelong learning “dramatically enhances the life of older people, both physically and mentally,” Governor Hickenlooper has proclaimed August 1 through 6 “Lifelong Learning Week.” To celebrate that recognition and to highlight local opportunities for lifelong learning, OLLI-South will be offering “sneak peeks” of its upcoming course fare.…

By Kathy Dunker The Castle Crocs finished up their 2011 season on a very high note. With roughly 200 swimmers and brand new to the B Division of the Mountain High Swim League, the Crocs finished with four wins and only one loss, with a remarkable 83 swimmers going on to Championships on July 16…

by Chris Bonham Two thousand and ten; 2010. This configuration of numbers means something a little different to each of us. The start of a new decade. Or perhaps the end of an old one. A new chapter. Another chance. Either way, last year was significant for everyone because the United States government conducted its…

by Patte Smith While there are many homeowner’s associations (HOAs) in the Castle Pines community and each one handles trash removal and recycling independently for its members, there are three main waste companies that serve the communities of Castle Pines Village, the City of Castle Pines, Happy Canyon, Surrey Ridge, and many of the unincorporated…

Bob Sims Information and photos submitted by Bob Sims Bob Sims of Castle Pines won the golf National Championship in the 65-69 age group at the National Senior Games held June 21-24, at Blackhorse Golf Club South Course in Cypress, Texas. Fifty-five golfers participated in 54 holes of medal play on the Par 72 South…

Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Another school year is just around the corner, so make sure to sign up today for fall soccer with Castle Pines Athletics. The fall season, which usually has much better weather than spring soccer, runs from August 22 to October 15. Children of all skill levels ages four…

By Terri Wiebold with information provided by Douglas County Director of Public Affairs As the summer comes to a close and Castle Pines families gear up for fall, there is one final event to close out the summer, and this year it is free! To help commemorate Douglas County’s 150th Anniversary, the Board of County…

By Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary School is planning to raise funds for vital school services this year – and help a needy school in Denver do the same. “We’re using the tagline ‘Healthy Hearts, Caring Hearts’” said Kevin Warnke, parent of a Timber Trail first grader and chairperson of the fundraiser. “Students will raise…

Barracuda, Ethan Dwyre, swimming breast stroke against the Stingrays Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Tracey Dwyre Brothers Jake Dwyre (back) and Ethan Dwyre (front) were partners in team tie-dye at the Willow Creek I swim meet against the Castle Pines Stingrays on June 18. Thirteen year old Ethan Dwyre, resident of Esperanza, has…

By Lisa Crockett Three civil liberties organizations filed suit in June against Douglas County School District (DCSD) to challenge a new school voucher plan. The American Civil Liberties Union, the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado and Americans United for Separation of Church and State sued on behalf of a group of parents, clergy and…

 A taste of… Boulevard Pizza Kitchen By Liane Marette Davis With over 30 years of being in the pizza business, Pullie and Kari Lusha brought their love for pizza and people to Castle Rock.   Thank you Boulevard Pizza Kitchen, we needed you!  Pullie was born in New York where his father had a pizza restaurant. …

‘Catalina Camp’ girls sit quietly looking out at the ocean during a hike at the Catalina Environmental Leadership Program. This scene played out to be one of the most memorable parts of their journey. Article by Elean Gersack photo courtesy of Paige Taylor In early June, a local group of fifth grade girls took a…

by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines resident Mary Riccelli is a psychiatric nurse practitioner. In March, she launched a new business venture in Lone Tree, called the Neuro Behavioral Institute of Colorado, to provide mental health services for a variety of conditions. Riccelli is an expert in her field, relying heavily on evidence-based treatment to improve…

     STEM Academy students participated in the BEST Robotics Competition (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology), including Castle Pines resident, Ryan Bacon, (pictured on the far right in the green shirt.) Darrell Phippen, ULA Aerospace Engineer and STEM School and Academy Board Member, coached the STEM Academy Robotics Team. By Tracy Dudley A local group of…

CPCC’s Summit Sunday school class and adult volunteers deliver more than 1,000 food items and serve meal at the Denver Rescue Mission. (Left to right) Carter Almquist, Sam Prosser, Elaina Muterspaugh, Hope Larson, Chris Prosser, Marlayna Prosser, Elizabeth Curtright, Jamie Laraia, Bella Schneider, and Candis Gaerte. Photo by Emily Hibpshman. By Elizabeth Wood West After…

Midfielder, No. 20, Ben Naylor, runs toward the goal attempting to score against the Parker Hawks during the boys’ second grade “blue” championship game during the Jamboree Lacrosse tournament on June 5. Article and photo by Elean Gersack The second grade boys Cougars “Blue” lacrosse team, lead by head coach Andrew Paredes, played hard, played…

Article by Kathy Dunker The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Principal’s Jaguar Award represents the top senior that demonstrates outstanding commitment to leadership, citizenship, academics, athletics and activities. Many students are nominated but only one is selected.  This year’s award went to Matthew Morgan who will be honored with a perpetual plaque displayed in the…

Kate and Nick Krumenauer, soon to be first and fourth graders, take time for a photo after hand delivering school supplies to La Libertad School in Costa Rica. (photo provided by the Krumenauer family) by Elean Gersack In late May and early June, the Krumenauer family took a special two week vacation to the Guanacaste…

Castle Pines outstanding students for 2011 Articles by Lisa Crockett, Elean Gersack, and Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the families The 39th Annual Student Awards for the Douglas County Federation was held on Wednesday, May 11, at Rock Canyon High School.  Students were nominated based on the following qualities: scholarship, creativity, responsibility, school and…

Timber Trail art teacher Peggy Jensen gets a big send-off to celebrate her retirement after a 25-year career in Douglas County. Fifth  graders Chaz Biondino (at left) and Derrick Frasier were on hand to supply tissues during a farewell assembly. Articles and photos by Lisa Crockett The end of the school year is all about…

Eagle Scout Brandon Bulmer, Castle Pines Troop 316       Brandon Bulmer stands with his Eagle Scout project, one of two therapy boards for Praying Hands Ranch.    by Elizabeth Wood West; photos provided by Bulmer family It is beautifully ironic that a healthy seventeen-year-old young man would come to understand the value of meeting…

by Elean Gersack Tune your bike, strap your helmet, and get set for the Wacky W Cycling event on Saturday, September 10, at Rocky Heights Middle School. This first-time event will directly benefit Douglas County Schools. Avid cyclists parents of Douglas County students, along with 9News sports reporter Susie Wargin and her brother Ted, created…

by Kathy Dunker Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) will be holding a legal camp entitled Mock Trial Week from July 25 through July 29 with an exhibition trial on July 30. The week is geared for high school students at all skill levels from those with little or no experience as a trial team competitor…

Almost 100 kids attended each day at Castle Pines Community Church’s annual week-long Vacation Bible School. This year’s theme was “PandaMania – Where God is wild about you!” Thirty-eight volunteers, mostly teens from Castle Pines Community Church, assisted with games, skits, songs, and lessons during “PandaMania.” Photo by Nicole Zwick. For more information about Castle…

By Amy Shanahan The Counseling Staff at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is excited to offer a new program to parents of incoming sixth graders and students who are new to RHMS. Parent Boot Camp will take place on Wednesday, July 20, and will provide an opportunity for parents to learn the ins and outs…

RHMS sixth graders (pictured from left to right, front) Logan Fredericksen, Lauren Gregory, and Madison Drew along with mom, Kristina Gregory (back) had a blast promoting their Latin food creations at the district 5k this spring. By Amy Shanahan The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) sixth grade Rappeller team recently completed the “Chefs in Schools”…

by Eean Gersack The Sassy Soiree is the fall event in Douglas County.  It’s the place to shop, dine, visit with friends, and have fun all while supporting the Douglas/Elbert County Task Force (Task Force).  Women, men, friends, co-workers, families and businesses are all invited to take part in this great event for an even…

Members of the Castle Pines Garden Club, a Castle Pines Village group dedicated to gardening, education and charitable work, breaks ground on its new “Serenity Garden.” Located on the banks of Village Lake, the new garden provides a showcase for water-conserving plants and gardening techniques. By Lisa Crockett with photos provided by Kathy Dennis, Castle…

Fourth-grader Trent and others look on as they learn about the multi-color press. (photo by Elean Gersack). By Elean Gersack with photos by Tim Gamble and Elean Gersack Neighborhood printer Unique Litho, located in the Inverness Business Park, hosted a special tour on Thursday, May 5. Dan Prehn, manager of mailing operations, helped create a…

By Kathy Dunker The Spring edition of Party with a Purpose was held at the Kabza residence in Amber Ridge in April. Party with a Purpose raised $554 and collected 474 toiletry items for The Gathering Place in Denver. Pictured left: Suzanne Kabza displayed her wares from Wildtree. To learn more about Party with a…

Eagle Scout Will Stopps sits on one of the benches in the newly-landscaped area he built and installed for Faith Lutheran Church. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos courtesy of the Stopps family Members of Faith Lutheran Church in Castle Rock are enjoying new benches and landscaping, thanks to 17-year old Will Stopps, Castle Pines…

Article and photos by Elean Gersack The Buffalo Ridge Elementary School’s Dream Team (DT) is just people helping people. The fifth grade crew, with the help of teacher leaders Jen Jacoway and Jolie Pinke, spent this year finding simple ways to help others. “We help instill our school’s character pledge and make sure people are…

Information provided by Wendy Aiello for Sterling Ranch The Board of Douglas County Commissioners on May 11 approved both the Sterling Ranch rezoning and the water appeal. Approval signals the start of the next phase for the 3,400-acre planned community, which is located northwest of the Castle Pines community. The vote comes following the recommendation…

Mike Moroni enjoying dinner with his daughters Gabrielle (12) pictured on the far left, Isabella (6) in the center, and Allie (4) on the right at La Dolce Vita on June 7. (Picture by Terri Wiebold)

Brickelle Bro, a fourteen-year-old freestyle swimmer and bilateral amputee, was recently awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation. by Lisa Crockett with photos provided by the Bro family Brickelle Bro, a 14-year-old eighth grader at Rocky Heights Middle School and a resident of Castle Pines, is a bilateral amputee –…

Carla Kenny learns how to handle a fire hose flowing at full bore.   by Patte Smith, photos by Carla Kenny “Crawling on my hands and knees in a pitch black room, I held my hand out to feel the side of the wall in order to get my bearings. It was so hot and…

Flag Day is held every year on June 14. The holiday, signed into law in 1949 by President Harry Truman, is a national day of patriotism and pride. Though the holiday has been “official” for just 61 years, it has been observed throughout the country since the 1800s. At a time when many immigrant school…

Local Tri the Rock triathletes (pictured from left to right): Will Dennen from Castle Pines Village; Lauren Olczak from Buffalo Trail Estates; Sydney Lindquist from Kings Crossing; Myki Timlin from Hidden Pointe; and John Dennen from Castle Pines Village. By Kathy Dunker with one photo courtesy of the Lindquist family It was a 60 degree…

Submitted by James LaRue, Director of Douglas County Libraries Let’s keep a good thing going Castle Pines; library looks to the community for funding In 2007 and 2008, the library sought additional funding to build new libraries in Lone Tree and Parker, and open a new service location in Castle Pines. Both years, voters defeated…

Second graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary enjoy a visit from 7News Meteorologist Maureen McCann. May is the beginning of severe weather month in Colorado. Second graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School kicked off a month long weather unit with a visit from 7News Meteorologist Maureen McCann on May 2. McCann, a weekend meteorologist at the…