Read the stories from the latest issue:
Pictured above is Mrs. Kennedy’s third grade class from Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) following a performance of “The Polar Express,” The third grade team at BRE uses a reader’s theatre format for the play to emphasize the use of expression and intonation in reading. Each third grade class had several performances of the play for…
Submitted by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District Jim Worley Castle Pines North Metropolitan District Manager The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) Board appointed Jim Worley as its new District Manager. Mr. Worley is recognized throughout the region as an effective special district management veteran. He officially began working in CPNMD’s office on Monday,…
On December 16, Kristin Duran helps fourth grader, Zach, wrap a gift for the family his classroom adopted. Article and photo by Elean Gersack For twelve years, Kristin Duran has been a big part of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School. Yet, much of what she does is behind the scenes and is not well known. Depending…
Article by Amy Shanahan Every year around the holidays, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) sixth grade teacher Stacey Winsor organizes a “Blessings Brunch” for the students on her team. It is always a very special day for the kids and their parents or guardians, with this year being no exception! The parents or guardians of…
Students and their families enjoy a night of astronomy fun at one of the stations set up for Stargazing Night at DCS Montessori. Outside, the evening sky provided additional study. By Tracy Dudley; photo provided by DCS Montessori After dark on Wednesday, December 8, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade Montessori students returned to their school…
Representing the Citizens to Preserve Douglas County coalition, Donna Wilson, CEO of Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation (left), and Castle Pines Village resident Babetta Ferris (right) give a presentation to city officials. by Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Terri Wiebold A growing number of citizens and groups have joined with the Cherokee Ranch &…
It is a privilage to be able to share your stories and your photos in The Castle Pines Connection. The next time you attend an event or take fun snap shots of your life, please consider sending them to us for publication. Your stories and photos are what make this community newspaper unique. Thank you…
Patty Limerick and John Hendrick offer Insights on Front Range Water Issues Local residents were treated to a special “Insights on Front Range Water Issues,” offered at the Highlands Ranch library. Guest speakers at the forum were Patty Limerick, Chair of the Center of the American West at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and…
Timber Trail Elementary Choir’s winter concert was entertainment with a message – parents were challenged to sign a pledge promising not to use their cell phones while driving. By Lisa Crockett with photo courtesy Cynthia Berndt Like many famous performers, the Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) Choir uses a multitude of props to enhance its performance…
Submitted by Doug Hutchins, Castle Pines Real Estate Specialist, Broker Associate – The Kentwood Company Closed home sales in the Castle Pines area in 2010 exceeded the number sold in 2009 and inventory levels are at the lowest levels in the past two years. This is encouraging news, but prices continue to fall or stay…
by Kathy Dunker Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) eighth graders in Discovery Language Arts recently took an in-depth look at the educational voucher proposal that is currently being evaluated by the Douglas County School District. The class spent one week looking at both sides of the issue and debating it in class. At the end…
FOX31 on-air personalities enjoy some puppy time during last year’s Pledges for Pets. Information and photo provided by The Dumb Friends League Sit…Stay…Watch…and make a pledge to support homeless pets at the Dumb Friends League on Sunday, January 30. Tune into the 13th annual Pledges for Pets Telethon, sponsored by Hill’s Science Diet, on FOX31/KDVR…
Reprinted in part from August 2010 issue Make a pledge to hang up the phone and set a good example. It’s that simple. New drivers, and children who will be behind the wheel in the years to come, are paying attention. If mom and dad talk or text while driving, why should future generations…
Cut the calories; keep the flavor by Sally Uhrich The holidays are over and you have left-overs in the freezer, decorations to put away and, if you’re like most of us, a bit of an expanding waistline. Your first New Year’s resolution is to make exercise and healthy eating a priority. Now you begin thinking…
Sled Hill Fun The popular sledding hill at the corner of Monarch and Castle Pines Parkway draws kids and grown-ups whenever a dusting of white appears. But, only a sidewalk separates the top of the hill from the busy street. Please drive slowly whenever you near the intersection of Monarch and the Parkway on snowy…
Before you head to the garden to plant a new flowerbed or a crop of tomatoes this spring, take the time to call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado. Locators are typically on the job within 72 hours of a confirmed request to accurately mark the underground lines in an excavation area. Even a small…
by Casidee, Ridgeline Staff Reporter African Elephants are the largest land mammals. Their big ears help them keep cool in the hot African climate. They are just slightly larger then their Asian cousins and can be told apart by their larger ears. Elephants are fond of water and enjoy splashing and taking a shower. An…
Dumb Friends League Buddy Center volunteer open house Tuesday, January 25, 2011 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 4556 Castleton Court Castle Rock, CO 80109 RSVP at DFLOpenHouse.Eventbrite.com or 303- 751-5772, Ext. 7312 www.ddfl.org Become a volunteer at the Buddy Center! During the open house, pet lovers can learn more about Buddy Center volunteer opportunities, tour…
Information courtesy of Solar Novus Today with photos by Michelle Dunker What were the cranes doing in front of Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) and Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) who may be wondering? They are busy installing solar panels on the roofs of the two schools. According to an article published on August 26,…
Information submitted by The Wildlife Experience Test your sports skills with the quarterback toss, free throw challenge, bowling blitz and more at the sixth annual Kids Bowl VI presented by The Children’s Hospital. It’s the children’s interactive sporting event of the year at The Wildlife Experience – Saturday, February 5 from 10 a.m. to 5…
The Brown family – Mika, left (age 6), mom Shawna and Carson (age 8) help organize gifts at Timber Trail Elementary to be given to families at the Crisis Center. (Photo by Lisa Crockett) By Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students and their families donated nearly $4,500 to a holiday campaign run by student…
BellaRock Adventurers pause for a photo outside of Walter’s Cabinat Shrine Mountain Inn during a snowshoe hut trip. Article by Carin R. Kirkegaard and photos submitted by BellaRock Venturing into the backcountry of the Rocky Mountains, to many, is a daunting enterprise, but BellaRock Adventures help make such a trip accessible even for a novice.…
Column by Anthonette Klinkerman “Whatever you do, don’t cross the streams.” Bonus points for those of you who recalled this line from the movie “Ghostbusters.” I couldn’t help but recall it myself when I inadvertently crossed my holiday decorations this year. Pumpkins and Christmas lights? Well, the stores can get away with it (sort of)…
The Buffalo Ridge Elementary School Dream Team pose with their harvest bags of pennies. The school’s goal is to raise 750 pounds of coins by the end of November. Article and phots by Carin R. Kirkegaard This holiday season Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) School has stepped up to the plate and taken on some commendable…
By Lisa Crockett with photo by Tim Gamble Sedalia Nursery will offer fresh-cut Christmas trees in the community this year, at a tree lot on the northwest corner of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway (in the Walgreens shopping center). Tree sales begin just after Thanksgiving and run through Christmas Eve. “We will be offering…
by Lisa Crockett ‘Tis the season to send packages around the country. Here are some ways you can make this item on your holiday “to-do” list a little easier: Post Office locations and other mail service providers in or near the Castle Pines community include: Castle Pines North, (Castle Pines Postal Center), 80108 – 7280…
Pictured above from left to right are Kim Gilliom, Trent Writer hugging Rose Writer, Ashley Gilliom, Daren Writer and Alexandra Gilliom. Trent and Daren, fourth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School, recently completed a book drive for the library in Ojochal. The boys created their storyboards, approached their teachers and presented their cause to their…
Photo by Elean Gersack Thirty-one fourth and fifth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) participated in the World Sport Stacking Association’s “Stack Up” on November 18. The goal was to have the most people sport stacking at multiple locations on one day for a new Guinness Book of World Records record. Students stacked cups…
Information provided by E-470 The E-470 Public Highway Authority board of directors in November approved a toll increase for both License Plate Toll (LPT) and EXpressToll customers that will take effect January 1, 2011. It will be the first toll increase since January 2009. E-470 is not tax-funded and tolls are the largest source of…
By Elizabeth Wood West Members of Boy Scout Troop 316 of Castle Pines donned their uniforms and headlamps to lend a hand with the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce’s 75th annual star lighting ceremony on November 20. Susan Thayer, member of the chamber’s board of directors and 2010 star lighting committee, came up with the…
Third grader Keely Jester dissects an owl pellet to learn more about bones, joints, muscles and coordination as part of her science studies at Timber Trail Elementary. The rodent bones allow students to study skeletal structures. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Third graders at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) spent some time learning about owls…
Bullyproofing BRE (from left to right): Lynn Bisesi, Jen Jacoway, Ally Berggren, Leslie Clemensen and Christy McDonald. Article and photo by Elean Gersack October was National Bully Awareness Month and all across America, news media focused on tragic outcomes when bullying took its toll. Bullying grows as children grow, so what may start as verbal…
By Elizabeth Wood West with artist’s rendering courtesy of Centura Health Construction is well underway on phase one of Centura Health’s new 50-acre medical campus. The campus is located just south of the Castle Pines community on the northeast corner of Meadows Parkway and Prairie Hawk Drive, west of Santa Fe Drive in Castle Rock.…
Seated is Melissa Howard and standing behind her is Linda Bulmer, Castle Pines residents who recently opened their own specialty shop, Bellezza Boutique, located at the Streets of Southglenn at the corner of University Boulevard and Arapahoe Road. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Linda Bulmer and Melissa Howard, two Castle Pines residents and…
Step aside Charlie’s Angels…you’ve got nothing on these RHMS Neon Party goers! Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students took some time out in November for some good, clean, colorful fun. A great time was had by all at the school’s first school social of the year, better known as…
by Sally Uhrich So you’re making the final preparations for your holiday meal, carving the turkey and making gravy. Your guests have gathered in the kitchen, anxiously awaiting dinner. Why not take the edge off their hunger, by serving a tasty tidbit, known as the appetizer? Although there are many recipes for stuffed mushrooms, my…
The Intermountain Champion Women’s Tennis Team, from the Colorado Athletic Club Inverness, (left to right), Jennifer Brockel, Bernadette Bille, Mary Evilsizer, Deb Boyle, Kim Reed, Lisa Herz, Diane Levy, Diana Zoeller, Lori Ann Emlong, Wendy Divita, and Kris Staaf. Kim Reed of Castle Pines serving to her opponent in Nationals. By Liane M. Davis with…
by Elizabeth Wood West Village resident and long-time railroad quiet zone advocate Don Somsky may soon be able to rid Castle Pines Village of some of the unwanted train horn noise. Somsky, the Castle Pines Homes Association (CPHA), and other Village residents have worked this past year with Douglas County engineering staff member Sean Owens…
New furniture, cabinetry and consignment artwork add to the sleek surroundings. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker The familiar Salon 188 at the Village Square in Castle Pines North may not be so familiar anymore. New owner, Judy Krowiec, resident of Esperanza, has put the salon through a major transformation in preparation for its grand…
A taste of … Augustine Grill by Liane M. Davis On the corner of 6th and Wilcox Street in Castle Rock, you will find a quaint Victorian home that was built in the early 1900’s. What waits for you inside will delight your palette and senses with its cozy, charming, elegant design and atmosphere. Family…
The end-of-year holiday season is already upon us. With all the distractions and celebrating, we sometimes forget the need to keep safe on the streets and at home. Criminals are always looking for an opportunity to victimize us, especially during such a busy time of year. By staying alert and following a few crime prevention…
Castle Pines North Mayor Jeff Huff gives the “state of the city” address at the Castle Pines Chamber annual meeting at The Ridge. The Castle Pines Chamber, established in 2008, is now nearly 200 members strong! Dear Chamber Members, It seems as if our year has just begun, but we are fast approaching the…
By Elean Gersack The Douglas/Elbert Task Force is seeking individuals, families, and groups to support its Santa’s Sharing sponsorship program. Many families served by The Douglas/Elbert Task Force are single parents raising children alone who won’t be able to afford the joys of the holiday season without the generosity of those in the community. There…
Churches in the Castle Pines community have a lot planned for the upcoming holiday season. Here are some of the highlights (events listed are at the Church’s regular meeting place unless otherwise noted). Castle Pines Community ChurchMeets at 7280 Lagae Road, Suite O (King Soopers Plaza), www.castlepineschurch.org * “Christmas With Friends” The community is invited…
Submitted by Darren Everett, The Canyons Update from the east side of the interstate – A message from the developer As the snow begins to fall, we would like to take a minute to give a brief update on The Canyons development. Since being annexed and zoned into the City of Castle Pines in 2009,…
by Linda Nuzum The Castle Pines North Municipal Court is now a year old. Last month, city council reviewed first year of operations and explored the potential for adding other types of cases for the court. To date, the court has focused solely on traffic citations. It now offers online payment of tickets,…
Gold Crown’s 8 Gold team (left to right) back row: Rose Thompson, Madison Courtney, Antonia Fornaro, Brooke McBride, Baylee Olejnik and Devin Hartwig; front row: Bailey Zagar, Madison Mitzner and Lauren Chauvin. Information submitted by Gold Crown parent with photo provided by Dawn Mitzner The Gold Crown volleyball organization for middle school girls wrapped up…
RCHS varsity softball team, second place in state, (left to right) back row: Kaitlyn Miller, Katie Cook, Zayne Blumberg, and Shen Lu Swartout; middle row: Taylor Pettaway, Alli McCloskey, Brooke Wakefield, Shannon Lieber, Remy Mooney, Taylor Dunn, and Brooklyn Travis; front row: Lauren Yacks, Melanie White, Hannah Gunther, and Alexa Vareldzis. Article by Kathy…
DCS Montessori students perform at a special patriotic concert in honor of our country’s veterans. Article by Tracy Dudley with photo provided by DCS Montessori While visiting with good friend and war veteran Scott Shires LTC USAR Retired, DCS Montessori music teacher Lorraine Cooper had a brainstorm. What if a group of students at the…
AA first grader, Aurora Brady, holding a squid found in a dog shark’s stomach during dissection. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Kristi Doke During their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) unit in November, American Academy (AA) first grade students had the opportunity to think like marine biologists. They used their knowledge of…
Pictured above are Sharon Majetich (right) and Josh Lencke (left) sorting out candy for the troops. Article by Sharon Majetich with photo by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) showed that kindness and a healthy lifestyle really do go together. Sharon Majetich, eighth grade social studies teacher, initiated a request to the RHMS community…
DAR scholarships available to high school seniors College scholarships are available to high school seniors for fields of study as diverse as law, nursing, education and more. Scholarship applicants must have a sponsorship letter from a local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. For assistance in locating your local chapter, you may contact…
Holiday events are plentiful this December By Patte Smith Santa, colorful lights, cocoa and cookies, movies, music, plays and more — this holiday season is jam-packed with all kinds of events for families, friends, relatives and visitors from out-of-town. Children can take advantage of the many programs offered by the various local recreation centers as…
Paige Taylor, from Evolve Lifestyle Training (bottom left) and her crew of BRE staff take a photo break after “workout Wednesday.” Work-out Wednesdays at Buffalo Ridge Elementary promotehealth, wellness and fun camaraderie Article and photos by Elean Gersack The staff at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) is getting in shape, taking charge of their health,…
From left to right Miss Teen Colorado 2011 – Caley Pavillard, Blair Griffith – Miss Colorado USA 2011, Kent Paul, former Mr. Colorado, Kathy Pallaoro – Mrs. Colorado United States 2010. Congratulations Kent on your grand opening celebration of Turbo Training Fitness Center . Check it out at www.turbotrainingfitness.com.
The Pfeiffer family gathered around their trusty turkey fryer this Thanksgiving (left to right) Susan, Sam, Tim, Ally, and Drew. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos provided by Susan Pfeiffer Deep fried turkey may not seem like the typical tradition, but Tim and Susan Pfeiffer, residents of Stonecroft, are on their fifth year of deep…
Christian Nicholson as Romeo and Logan Schurr as Juliet. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Rachel Zetwick Where was Romeo? In November he was found at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) in the school’s modern day approach to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” as seen through the eyes of drama teacher and show director, Mclain…
by Kathy Dunker Castle Pines North residents, Susanne Kabza and Michele Hayden, are hosting their 3rd annual holiday boutique, Party with a Purpose, at Kabza’s home, 5783 Amber Ridge Place in Castle Pines North, on Tuesday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ten percent of the profits will benefit The Women’s Crisis and…
Surrey Ridge kids, families, friends and relatives enjoyed the frightfully fun annual neighborhood Halloween hayrack ride. Sloppy joes, chips, pop and candy were served from a spooky black coffin manned by witches, ghouls and parents decked out for the dark and unusually warm night. More than fifty kids rode on hay-filled tractors that wound around…
by Patte Smith While on the way to the November Leadership Douglas County program, Health Care and Social Services Day, Carla Kenny didn’t realize she was about to hear some remarkable news. This news not only impacts Douglas County, but the entire country. Douglas County has been chosen to participate in The National Children’s Study…
Dr. Patrick Wilson and Dr. Lisa Fox of Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry stand in front of 2,000 pounds of candy collected during their annual Halloween candy buy-back program in November – well surpassing last year’s 1,100 pounds. Children received $1 for each pound of candy brought into the office. The USO will distribute this massive…
Operation Bright Star prepares to start the assembly line of filling boxes to create a Thanksgiving feast for those in need. This year the group was able to prepare 29 meals that were delivered to those who probably wouldn’t have otherwise had a Thanksgiving meal. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Operation Bright Star…
Douglas County commuters driving between Parker and I-25 will soon be able to access Parker’s Main Street via the Ridgegate exit. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the recently-developed road will be held on December 13. The new route should ease congestion on Lincoln Avenue. The construction of the alternate route was completed by a coalition…
Ken Hamblin, former liberal photojournalist (best known for his coverage of the civil rights riots of the late 60’s) – turned conservative Denver talk show host (aka: the “Black Avenger”), spends his time these days traveling with wife, Sue, and riding his Harley Davisdon motorcycle. At age 70, Hamblin appreciates not only where he is…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines North As of January 1, 2011, the City of Castle Pines North will be known simply as the City of Castle Pines. Voters in November approved more than three- to- one the ballot question to drop “North” from the city’s name, a move city officials believe will…
RCHS varsity pom team, UDA Champions (left to right) back row: Coach Alicia Heimerdinger, Kate Reisig, Amy Taylor, Kelsey Hofstetter, Alexis Todd, Ciara Stamper, Hannah Wilson, and Lauren Packer; front row: Ali Sunshine, Ivy Deibel (captain), Charity Sammons (captain), Sara Eldridge, and Sam Pusar. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Vanessa Pusar The Rock Canyon…
Lines of shoppers were constant throughout the grand opening day of the new task force thrift store. It was an overwhelmingly successful first day. Articles and photos by Patte Smith The Douglas/Ebert County Task Force celebrated the grand opening of its new thrift store on Saturday, October 23. All of the task force services are…