The Castle Pines Connection

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 Elizabeth Wood West After a lengthy and controversial final public meeting, Town of Castle Rock council members voted four to three to approve an ordinance that will allow Medved Autoplex (Medved) to amend its Planned Development zoning regulations in order to build a large LED sign. Current regulations allow for a sign of up…

Castle Pines Athletics is offering a variety of sports this season. Make sure to remember to sign up for fall sports now to secure a spot in this local program. All practices and games are held in the City of Castle Pines. www.castlepinesathletics.com Fall Soccer Sign up now for fall soccer in Castle Pines. This…

The recent Waldo Canyon fire hit especially close to home for many area residents. The power of social media and the generosity of residents resulted in this show of support for local firefighters. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Erin Moroni “To give without any reward, or any notice, has a special quality of its…

Front row, left to right: Lynn Bisesi (BRT), Jennifer Jacoway (1st), Monica Harmon (Tech), Caitlin Streich (5th), Heather O’Brien (6th-RHMS), Jolie Pinke (4th), Terra Shaffner (1st), Felicia Phelan (5th), Kayleen Kennedy (3rd), and Ally Berggren (principal). Back row, left to right: Amy Jaramillo (4th), Jennifer Miller (1st), Dawn Lang (2nd), and Dana Sedersten (5th). Photo…

Information provided by the Town of Castle Rock The Douglas County School District (DCSD) has conditionally approved funding for Aspen View Academy (AVA), a K-8 charter school that plans to open in Castle Rock for the 2013-14 school year. The school plans to build a 76,000-square-foot, three-story school building in The Meadows, near Low Meadow…

Submitted by Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce In the September issue of 5280 Magazine, Linda Clure with Prudential Preferred Real Estate in Castle Pines will be featured as a 2012 Five Star Real Estate Agent named in providing exceptional service and overall satisfaction as indicated by clients, peers and industry experts! How was she chosen?…

By Kathy Dunker American Academy (AA) is ready and waiting for the start of the new school year. If you are in need of some threads, the school’s PTO will be holding a uniform resale in the AA cafeteria on Saturday, August 4. School start date for all middle schoolers will be Thursday, August 16.…

By Lisa Crockett For the second year in a row, Timber Trail Elementary School is holding a “Move-a-Thon” fundraiser to help raise money to fund school programs. The event, called “Move and Groove to Support our School,” will be held in September and will feature a variety of movement and exercise activities for students to…

     Dr. Brad Draper, a dermatologist who lives in Castle Pines, is now practicing in Castle Rock. Dr. Draper is fellowship trained in Mohs surgery, a technique which offers favorable outcomes for patients. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Dr. Brad Draper, a dermatologist who lives in Castle Pines, is now practicing at Alta Vista…

by Lisa Crockett A new location on the Castle Pines dining scene will soon offer a tasty, quick alternative to fast food for families on the go. The concept of “food fast” will soon be on offer at The Aspen Delikatessen, opening at 363 Village Square Lane, suite 145, between Castle Pines Orthodontics and New…

By Elean Gersack and logo and star photo provided by Stars for Castle Rock Stars for Castle Rock, a volunteer board and chapter of the Douglas County Educational Foundation, is advocating for arts in education and providing financial support for the visual arts in Douglas County Schools. During the next few months, the group will…

Submitted by Paul Suter, Suter Media Relations Chateau Ridge, a well-established neighborhood located in Castle Pines Village, is now constructing two of the neighborhood’s final six homes. These two parcels feature sprawling views of the Rocky Mountains and are tucked away in a private, gated community. “We’re building much more than homes in the Chateau…

Contributed by Dennis Murray, Director of Golf Instruction, The Ridge at Castle Pines North Junior Golfers can continue developing their skills at The Ridge Golf Course at Castle Pines after school and on weekends in the Golf After School Program scheduled for August, September and October. Program includes 1-hour clinics, Parent-Child 9-hole play lessons, 2-hour…

Construction renovation for the new University Hospital Medical facililty is underway. Located on Park Meadows Drive, it is on the south side of the street across from the movie theater and east of Brunswick Zone. Contributed by Patte Smith schoolThe construction renovation is underway for a multi-specialty University of Colorado Hospital clinic and medical building…

Douglas County Household Chemical Roundups Saturday, August 11, 2012 Shea Stadium, 3270 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch Saturday, September 15, 2012 Castle Rock Utilities, 175 Kellogg Court, Castle Rock 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Open to all residents of Douglas County We will accept: House, garden, and pool chemicals • Paint and paint products •…

By Kathy Dunker The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) jags have a few things on the calendar this month before hitting the books. Monday, August 13 is the first day of school for all Freshmen and new students. Tuesday, August 14 is the first day of school for all other students. Wednesday, August 29 is…

Castle Pines residents Harrison and Lily Wells were “D-lighted” to be the first readers to “C” the letters C and D and submit their photo to The Castle Pines Connection! Their geocaching for the letters led them to the front door of Dazbog coffee shop in Castle Pines and earned them each a $5 gift…

Castle Pines Athletics summer basketball camp crew 2012 (photo by Lisette Lederman). Article and graphics submitted by Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics hosted a summer basketball skills camp on July 23-27 at the DCS Montessori School in Castle Pines. Coaches Lorri Hodges and Cari Ogg led the camp, with help from Rock Canyon students…

By Patte Smith A frosty mug of beer, yummy food, live music and exceptional art exhibits — sounds terrific! Join in the fun at the Art and Ale Brew Festival at the Wildlife Experience from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 17. World-class beer from some of the finest local breweries (and boy…

Petroglyphs can be readily seen in several locations along the Tour of the Tilted Rocks auto tour in Dinosaur National Monument. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway for the family, Dinosaur National Monument is one to consider. Located on the western border of Colorado crossing into Utah,…

Article and Photos by Terri Weibold Welcome back, dear friend! If the pages of The Castle Pines Connection seem a little brighter this issue, it is not because we are using a new printing vendor or a whiter stock of paper, it is because (after a recent medical scare) the creative lifeblood of the paper…

Castle Pines resident Sally Mason (left), Castle Pines Village author Jude Randazzo (center), and Castle Pines resident Carla Kenny (right) celebrated on July 14 with wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a reading by Randazzo from his new book. Randazzo held a private book launch in his Castle Pines Village home with colleagues friends, and family to…

Local artist Douglas Wodark captures the essence of the American Indian experience in this oil on canvas piece. By Amy Shanahan with photos by Julie Montoya The first annual Art Show in the Village in June was a great success for the almost 20 artists who displayed their beautiful works of art, including sculptures, paintings,…

Andrew, resident of Bristle Cone, wearing the boys lacrosse gear appropriate for a contact sport including a helmet, mouthpiece, pads, and gloves. By Kathy Dunker with photos by Kathy Dunker and Julie Montoya Soccer moms move over! Lacrosse is here and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. So get out your sticks…

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,…

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…

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…

Storm had an exciting season and celebrated their first win ever on July 7. Storm had 13 swimmers qualify for All Stars during the 2012 season. By Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Storm Swim Team The Castle Pines Storm Swim Team finished up the summer season with a pool party at Daniel’s Gate pool…

The six and unders getting ready to swim at the Castle Crocs home meet against the Castle Rock Cruisers on June 23. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker The Castle Crocs Swim Team wrapped up its seventh season with an end-of-year potluck party at Coyote Ridge Park on July 15. The Crocs finished off its…

Christian Brochey is not only a talented musician, but also a master at piano rebuilding.     By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Julia Brochey Christian and Julia Brochey make beautiful music together and are spreading the wealth. Not only are the couple music professionals and private music teachers out of their home in Serena,…

An incredible view of Chatfield Reservoir photograhed at sunset. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo provided by Thaddeus Roan The Chatfield Reservoir Storage Reallocation Study (Study) is a federal study designed to assess the feasibility of reallocating some of the water storage space in Chatfield Reservoir (Chatfield) from flood control use to multi-purpose uses, including…

By Chris Bonham The results are in! On June 26, Republicans in Douglas County selected Roger Partridge as their candidate for County Commissioner District 2, which serves the greater Castle Pines community. Partridge beat out his Republican opponent Randy Reed by a narrow 316 votes. Partridge will face Democratic nominee Terry Krow in the General…

2012 Ducky Derby first place winner Heather Wood with husband Robert Wood, daughter Haylee, and son Landon. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos by Julie Montoya The 16th Annual Ducky Derby and street festival far exceeded the expectations of Rotarians from the Castle Pines Rotary Club, the Castle Rock Rotary Club, and the Castle Rock…

Douglas County and the City of Lone Tree cordially invite you to celebrate the opening of the 3.1 mile East West Regional Trail Extension – from Bluffs Regional Park to the RidgeGate Interchange. The all-season trail surface is designed for pedestrian, equestrian and cycling usage. The opening will be held at Bluffs Regional Park, 10099…

Article and photo by Liane Marette Davis With more than 18 years of combined superior culinary experience and service, chef/owner Richard Esper and executive chef/partner Alec Erickson teamed together to bring you a place where the creativity in their cuisine and commitment to your experience in dining shine. Elevation 5900 is located on Mainstreet in…

Koby Dudley of Winter Berry may be following in his father’s footsteps as a top-notch high jumper. Submitted By Parker Panthers Secretly tucked inside the Winter Berry neighborhood is a former Olympic-caliber high jumper named Jason Dudley. While the Dudley family has lived in Castle Pines for nearly ten years, not many residents are privy…

A quick photo of friends before the 2012 Bolder Boulder 10K begins from left to right), Tanya McNellis, Corey McNellis, Melissa Sebold, Scott Davis and Castle Pines Connection staff writer Liane Davis. By Liane Marette Davis If you don’t have plans for Memorial Day next year, mark your calendar now to participate in the Bolder…

These incoming Sixth grade girls are excited to begin middle school at Rocky Heights Middle School in the fall. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Incoming sixth grade students at Rocky heights Middle School (RHMS) have the opportunity to participate in the Nighthawk Early Flight program offered by the school on July 31, August 1…

By executive order of Govenor Hickenlooper and Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver This year, absolutely no fireworks will be allowed in Douglas County, including legal fireworks and professional fireworks displays. The Board of County Commissioners for Douglas Country has issued a Stage 2 Fire Ban for all of Douglas County, banning all personal fireworks displays…

The historic Schweiger Ranch, located south of Lincoln Avenue on the east side of I-25 at RidgeGate Parkway (frontage road), is now open to the public. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos provided by Darryl Jones, Coventry Development Corporation After several years of extensive restoration efforts, the historic Schweiger Ranch at RidgeGate is open to…

Sean Nasseth received a new lap top computer and was congratulated by the District Attorney, Carol Chambers. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of the Office of the District Attorney The District Attorney’s office covering Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties recently held its annual art contest for middle school students. Each year, the winning 13…

The Country Club at Castle Pines revealed its multi-million dollar renovation and expansion project to guests at an open house on June16. (Photo courtesy of JimmysPhoto.com) By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Peter Cranstone The Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP) is full of new beginnings, and Saturday June 16 was testimony to how impressive…

By Elizabeth Wood West with rendering provided by the Town of Castle Rock The Town of Castle Rock may have a new colorful LED sign along I-25, just south of Wilcox Street and Plum Creek Parkway, to welcome visitors and dazzle drivers. The 45 ft. tall LED sign will belong to Medved Autoplex (Medved), located…

More than 90 girls from kindergarten through sixth grade participated at the RCHS poms cheer camp last month in the Jaguar gymnasium. The next clinic will be held October 17 and 18 for kindergarten through eighth grade girls. For information, contact Terri Bell by e-mail rtbellfamily@hotmail.com. Photos by Stacia Wilkins The 80’s theme Junior Jag…

Green products and modern materials inspire the “mountain modern” feel of the Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines. By Elean Gersack; Rendering courtesy of Juan Gabriel Luna, AIA, NCARB, architect and principal of Rogue Architecture Ground breaking is expected this month for the Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines (MedDentCP). This two-story 25,000…

RHMS eighth graders Abby Adams (left) and Hannah Phillip (right) show the official longboarder stance which showcases the boards’ under deck design. By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Michelle Dunker What is faster than jogging but a little slower than a bike and all the rage with teens this summer? Longboarding! And what is…

By Kathy Dunker with book cover graphic provided by book publisher, Books to Believe It Not your average Joe, Castle Pines Village resident, Jude Randazzo, is a notable author who is about to publish his second book. Randazzo’s books are a fictional series featuring his main character, Tess Kincaid, an accomplished Ladies Professional Golf Association…

By Elizabeth Wood West with sketch plan provided by Northstar Development LLC After receiving an approval vote of two-to-one from the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for the Castle Pines Village Sketch Plan #038, Northstar Development LLC (Northstar) is moving forward with its project and is now seeking approval for a combined preliminary…

Culture comes closer to Castle Pines with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra’s recent announcement that the Lone Tree Arts Center will be its new south Denver home. The symphony’s first performance will take place on the terrace on July 12 to an already sold-out crowd. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Don Casper and the Lone…

By Karissa Kelly It is a hot July day and you and your friends stop to purchase a nice, big Sprite to refresh you. But wait! You may not have the privilege to indulge in this for long… At least not if you are in New York. The mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg,…

    Fifteen-year-old Brickelle Bro will travel to London in August to swim on the U.S. Paralympic swim team. By Lisa Crockett, photos courtesy of the Bro Family The countdown is on for 15-year-old Brickelle Bro, a Castle Pines resident and champion swimmer. Last month at the aralympic Swim Trials in Bizmark, South Dakota, Bro…