Read the stories from the latest issue:
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.
BRE Fall Book Fair is October 5-10 It’s going to be a reading oasis come October at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE). The school will host its annual Scholastic Fall Book Fair from October 5 through October 10. The community is invited to stop by and browse the extensive collection of books and gifts for…
A little – no make that a lot of rain didn’t stop the action as the DCSM fun run moved indoors this year to raise funds for the school. By Kathy Dunker; photos courtesy of DCSM Friday, September 13 was not unlucky for the DCS Montessori Charter School (DCSM) as it held its 3rd annual…
Chairperson Paige Taylor congratulates then-kindergartener Grant with a hug and a medal as he finished the race in 2011! Article and photo by Elean Gersack Buffalo Ridge Rock Slide is October 5 Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) will host its annual Rock Slide Fun Run on Saturday, October 5, at 9 a.m. The race will…
Information provided by RTD The citizen’s group responsible for advising the Regional Transportation District (RTD) on its FasTracks program is seeking new committee members who are interested in public transit issues. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is looking for individuals interested in serving on this all-volunteer panel. Applicants will be considered for positions expiring in December…
A new approach to learning and teaching is under way at RHMS, whereby students are being taught through collaborative, project-based methods. Currently, the eighth grade students are working on a Denver tourism challenge in which groups of students are tasked with putting together a multimedia presentation based on bringing tourism to Denver. Article and photo…
Congressman Cory Gardner spoke to Castle Pines Chamber members and local business leaders at the Rockyard American Grill and Brewing Company in Castle Rock. By Steve Baska; photo courtesy of Carla Kenny U.S. Representative Cory Gardner spoke to Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce members and local business leaders about tax reform and other issues at…
Players on the Castle Pines Athletics kindergarten team Blue Sharks focus on the game at Daniels Gate Park. By Liz Jurkowski Once again, Saturdays are filled with the sound of cheering parents and kicking balls at every park and playground in Castle Pines. Soccer season is in full swing now, with young athletes in the…
Volunteers in 19th century costumes are preparing to make ketchup on the 1860s farm. The barn and old windmill is next to the Blacksmith’s shop at the Littleton Museum. Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Who knew that an outstanding living history museum exists less than a half hour from the City of Castle Pines?…
Information provided by CRCGT The Castle Rock Community Green Team (CRCGT) needs volunteers to work one, two-hour shift per month at the Castle Rock reclying center. The Community Recycling Center, located at 701 Prairie Hawk Drive, is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., year round. Contact volunteer coordinator Peggy…
The lovely Sanctuary Golf Course was the setting for the ninth annual Fall Classic Charity Golf Tournament in support of Regis Jesuit. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The ninth annual Regis Jesuit (RJ) Fall Classic Golf Tournament was held on September 11 at the beautiful Sanctuary Golf Course in Castle Pines. The rainy day…
The middle school building at DCS Montessori is under construction and is expected to be finished after the winter break. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Seventh and eighth graders at the DCS Montessori (DCSM) in Castle Pines should have a new place to call home by the first of the year, according to Mike…
Master gardeners of Castle Pines contest judges (left to righ): Harriette Einolf, 11-year Forest Park resident, 7-year master gardener; Ellie Landry, 15-year Royal Hill resident, 6-year master gardener; Cathy Robinson, 15-year Glen Oaks resident, 3-year master gardener; Margaret Hayward, 1-year Hidden Pointe resident, 10-year master gardener; Carol Grant, 17-year Retreat resident, 2-year master gardener; and…
Carriage rides, pumpkin patch picking, and much more at the Colorado Agriculture Leadership Foundation’s (CALF) annual Harvest Day. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of CALF The Colorado Agriculture Leadership Foundation (CALF) invites the public to celebrate fall ranching and farming traditions at its annual Harvest Day. This popular family event will be held on…
Information provided by The Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center The Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center (TWCFOC) will be holding its 6th Annual Future for Families Gala on Friday, November 8 at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center in Englewood. The event will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This year’s Mistress of…
Castle Pines residents came out to get colorful during theCastle Pines second annual Run Wild event. The much-anticipated color run was the main event, with volunteers lining the route outfitted with paint powder to decorate the runners. Article and photos by Julie Montoya After what many called the five-hundred-year flood, Mother Nature didn’t stop more…
Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Call your babysitter now. Douglas County Libraries is inviting you to join in for Books, Bites and Brews on November 9 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cielo at Castle Pines. The event will feature tastes and demonstrations from locally-authored cookbooks and local chefs, as well as a…
Open house set for October 12 By Elean Gersack It’s time to celebrate! The Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines is now open for business. Bring the whole family and join in on the grand opening festivities planned for Saturday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be plenty of fun…
By Steve Baska The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD)’s effort to transition the residents of Castle Pines from unsustainable well water in the Denver Basin Aquifer System to renewable water has resulted in its necessity to develop, refine, and adopt a comprehensive and actionable Strategic Renewable Water Implementation Program. CPNMD is currently holding a…