The Castle Pines Connection

By Elizabeth Wood West More than two years have passed since Castle Pines Village residents organized a petition drive and began working with Douglas County officials in an effort to eliminate, or at least mitigate, train whistle noise along the Santa Fe Drive corridor. Douglas County responded to residents’ concerns and initiated the lengthy and…

By Elizabeth Wood West with photo provided by Craig Williams II Western New York native and Castle Pines resident Craig Williams II is working to make his future and that of others a better place. Williams is the founder of Infinite Future, a company that specializes in environmental consulting services for businesses and residences. Williams’…

Shuler explains a software program to Bayleigh Arey, a graphic design student at Rock Canyon. By Patte Smith, photo contributed by Dr. Jackie Shuler Dr. Jacqueline Shuler is a shining example of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher, and art students at Rock Canyon High School know this to be a fact. “This is my favorite…

By Elean Gersack Kids in Castle Pines have a new and fun way to get active this winter. Evolve Lifestyle Fitness (Evolve) has teamed up with the Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) before and afterschool program (BASE) to offer weekly kids fitness classes to the entire community. The classes are open to all kids in…

By Elizabeth Wood West According to Douglas County Senior Planner Matthew Jakubowski, Northstar Land LLC’s proposal for a new 31-acre residential development is expected to be presented at a public hearing before the Douglas County Planning Commission on Monday, February 27 at 7 p.m. If approved, the proposal will be presented at another public hearing…

HighPointe was the recipient of the Frances Owens Family Involvement Award in 2010 by Developmental Pathways. Pictured above are Kim Ziel (left), Ken Ziel (center back), Frances Owens (right), and Austin Ziel (center front). By Elean Gersack with photo courtesy of Ken Ziel Ken Ziel’s life-course changed directions when his son, Austin, was born in…

City of Castle Pines, Town of Parker, Douglas County, and CDOT officials weathered the cold temperatures on January 24 to take place in the ribbon cutting ceremony to open the Hess Road Extension. By Lisa Crockett, graphic provided by Douglas County After a lengthy construction period and a few delays, the long-anticipated opening of a…

Schaefer works out with Mayerle Neher at Village Fitness. Neher, a 10-year resident of Castle Pines, is working to make physical changes in her life. Submitted by Stuart Schaefer – Personal Trainer New Year’s has come and gone, and so have many of the resolutions that we made. Whether it’s losing weight, improving finances, or…

Pictured above is Jake Garrett’s debut album, “The Hometown Remedy,” which features his vocals, guitar playing and song writing talents. By Chris Bonham with photos provided by the Garrett family Musically, Colorado is home to plenty of folks who’ve hit it big. The Fray, OneRepublic, and 3Oh!3 are just a few artists on the contemporary…

This red sea of students and staff attended the Jump Rope for Heart assembly at DCS Montessori on January 13 to celebrate heart health. Article submitted by Jodi Anderson with photo courtesy of DCSM What do rappers, dancers, and jive queens have in common with DCS Montessori Charter School (DCSM)? On Friday, January 13, students,…

RHMS and RCHS student mentors look forward to their weekly meetings with sixth grade students. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan Students mentoring younger students has proven beneficial to all those involved, and this is particularly evident with a new joint program at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) and Rock Canyon High School (RCHS). National…

Information provided by Douglas County Beginning the week of January 16, residential property owners in Douglas County began receiving one of two property tax information-types by U.S. mail – either a full property tax statement including all tax detail, or a postcard that invites the recipient to visit the County’s website for tax details. New…

Submitted by Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is forming a new committee to share ideas on the creation of a new event to increase sales opportunities for Chamber Members’ products and services, specifically to retail markets in Castle Pines and surrounding areas. This is a chance for the community…

Camp CALF campers took Cowboy the pony for a walk after they fed and groomed him. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos by Brooke Fox If your kids are interested in raising their own chickens, goats, sheep or other livestock, but don’t have the space or facilities, consider contacting the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF).…

left: Josh Dwyre, who has taken lessons since the age of eight, leaps with ease and grace as he executes his ballet moves. right: A senior at Regis, Dwyre creates fluid lines with his body for his performances. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the Dwyre family So you think you can dance?…

Submitted by the City of Castle Pines Please join the City of Castle Pines and Downtown Colorado Inc. (DCI) to participate in the Castle Pines Community Assessment. The community assessment is intended to analyze community preferences for commercial district revitalization, to provide recommendations for enhancing the town center while maintaining community character, and to provide…

Douglas County Libraries welcomes master magician Bruce Black and his kid-friendly program “The Magic of Reading.” Black will appear at the Castle Pines Library on Wednesday, March 14 at 6 p.m. For additional information, go to www. DouglasCountyLibraries.org

Information provided by the DCSO The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is excited to announce its commitment to the education of the youth of Douglas County. Sheriff David A. Weaver has established a scholarship fund and will award ten scholarships in 2012, each valued at $750. The DCSO considers this an investment in the future…

Information provided by Mayor Jeff Huff The City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines North Metro District have entered into a resource sharing agreement whereby the district will share vehicles and personnel with the city for snow removal services. According to Mayor Jeff Huff, this will in no way change the snow removal contract,…

Ryan Nickell has discovered a way to make money by doing what he loves. “When I ride and have a fun time, there’s nothing that beats it for me. I can lose myself!” By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Renee Nickell Ryan Nickell, an eighth grade student at Rocky Heights Middle School, loves to spend…

Submitted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Safeway and several other local businesses in Castle Pines to conduct a mock child abduction field exercise in the City of Castle Pines on February 1 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The exercise will be used to test the…

By Patte Smith The Castle Pines Connection wants to hear from local entrepreneurs, retailers, and residents in the community who make or market products or goods made in the good ol’ USA. It is a well-known fact that many products that were previously manufactured in the United States are now made in other countries. So,…

By Patte Smith In December of 2011, construction began on a three-mile section of trail that will connect Bluffs Regional Park to the Ridgegate Parkway interchange. The trail is set to open in May, but with weather permitting, it may open sooner. The eight-foot wide trail will run east from the top of Bluffs Regional…

Castle Pines kids were stars in a recent production of “Annie.” From left to right: Kara Lencke, Taylor Muckel, Abby Fletcher, Keely Jester, Adison Hirsch. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Ten-year-old Taylor Muckel has a big personality and a voice to match. In January, she played the lead role in a community theater production…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Seven-year-old Nikki F. (pictured above) eats pancakes and sausage at the January breakfast to benefit the Castle Pines Library. “I really love the library,” said Nikki. “Clementine books are my favorite.” The breakfast, which was held at Applebee’s in Castle Rock, raised a little more than $4,000. Students at…

Photo and cutline by Amy Shanahan Known as the “SuperBowl of livestock shows”, the National Western Stock Show drew thousands of local residents who participated in the many rodeos, horse shows, livestock shows and other special events. Castle Pines Village residents Ciara J. (left), Lily T. (center), and Katie S. (right) attended the Super Dogs…

Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Each year, more than 20 million children register to play youth sports in this country. According to the National Alliance of Sports, 70 percent of these children quit playing league sports by age 13. They never play again. With figures like these, it is time to look at…

    Scot Woolley, CEO and Founder of CarePilot By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Scot Woolley Castle Pines resident Scot Woolley recognized a problem in the healthcare system and decided to fix it himself. CarePilot, based in the Denver Tech Center, is an internet-based company which provides an online marketplace for healthcare services, and allows…

Danielle von Lembke with her father, Marine Colonel (R), Ron von Lembke near the “Candy Castle,” one of the many Candy Land themed areas of Timber Trail Elementary’s annual father-daughter dance. By Lisa Crockett This year’s annual winter father-daughter dance at Timber Trail Elementary was, in a word, sweet. More than 400 people attended the…

Top left section RCHS honorees – Top Row, left to right: Allie Johnston, Meredith Micho, Taylor Phelps. Bottom Row: Taylor (left)Staab and Chloe Thorderson (right). These athletes represent the best of the best from their respective schools      Top right section RHMS honorees – Back row: Rachel Powner, Sarah Burke, Avery Lemler, and Ellie…

By Amy Shanahan As evidenced by the Republican debates and the campaigning by both political parties, the national elections are quickly approaching. At a local level, both the Republican and Democratic caucuses will take place during the next few weeks. It is important to note that due to census information, redistricting, and reapportionment, the Douglas…

TTE Spelling Bee winner, Max Graef (right) and first runner-up Grace Regnier (left). Article and photo by Lisa Crockett “Wasabi” isn’t the only thing that’s hot at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). After hours of practice and preparation, fifth grader Max Graef spelled the word (a spicy-hot root used as a condiment with Japanese food), blazing…

Host, Sam Adams and Lorrie Jingle Bell have some fun with the kids as they get up on stage for the Who’s Got Talent portion of the show on December 23. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Looking for a reason to get off the couch and have some good old fashioned family fun? Comedy…

Cameron McCrillis, pictured with ‘Head Bee’, Felicia Phelan, won the BRE Spelling Bee on Thursday, January 19, by spelling the word “fluoride” correctly in the championship round. By. Lily T., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter Over the last few weeks there was a buzz in the air around Buffalo Ridge Elementary School. Everyone was wondering who…

The LiveStrong cycling studio is just one of the new exercise studios at Village Fitness. Spin classes are one of the most popular classes offered. Article and photos by Amy Shanahan It’s time to take a new look at Village Fitness. Whether you are new to the area, thinking about starting an exercise program, or…

By Chris Bonham Perhaps William Shakespeare said it best when he wrote, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts …” This is just one of the many truths that Colorado non-profit organization, Inspire…

Knuckles and Bones was a gambling game the fourth grade students learned to play at AA as they completed their unit on the Middle Ages. Article submitted by Tami Bostick with photos courtesy of American Academy American Academy (AA) fourth grade students and their teachers, Tami Bostick, Mandy Smith, Katie Bland, and Angela Martinez, celebrated…

  Information provided by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Xcel Energy wishes to alert its customers to an illegal customer contact effort that may target senior citizens in Colorado, particularly in the Denver metro area. As part of the scam, a phony customer service agent may contact an Xcel Energy customer to explain that his or…

By Elean Gersack On Friday, March 16, Buffalo Ridge Elementary will host an anniversary gala to commemorate fifteen years. The adult-only celebration and silent auction will take place at Sanctuary Golf Club. “The 15th Anniversary is a true milestone for our community.  The first kindergarten students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary are now in their 20’s…

Brown gets down to business as Editor-in-Chief from her home office in Castle Pines (photo by Trish Eberlein) By Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Chris Brown Chris Brown, resident of Esperanza, loves to quilt. Depending on the intricacy, completing a quilt can take her anywhere from two months to a year. Brown has made…

By Lisa Crockett The Douglas County Educational Foundation (DCEF) is hosting the Seventh Annual Apple Awards in March. The pool of teacher representatives who are eligible for the awards – which honor excellence in teaching – comes from nominations by parents, students, school faculty and staff. This year, DCEF received roughly 5,300 nominations. Each school…

The Baker, his Wife and the Mysterious Man help to weave the plot together in this fun twist on the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. Left to right: Sam Hulsizer, Emily Klein, and Noah Fullerton Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The drama department at Rocky Heights Middle School recently performed the musical production…

Castle Pines Village SB2011-036 illustration showing the proposed road configuration and lot placement. The proposed development is located in the southeast portion of Castle Pines Village, adjacent to I-25. By Elizabeth Wood West with sketch plan provided by Northstar Land LLC Northstar Land LLC (Northstar) has submitted a sketch plan to Douglas County Community Planning…

Happy Canyon resident Andy Cornella demonstrates his ice skating skills on the new rink he built for his family and grandchildren next to their home in Happy Canyon. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo provided by Thomas P. Matthews, Jr. Perhaps the best way to share childhood memories is to recreate them with your children…

Assistant Superintendents Dan McMinimee and Christian Cutter lead the discussion in “Let’s Talk Education” – a new segment on Douglas County television channel 54. By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Randy Barber For up to date information, resources and news about the Douglas County School District, check out Comcast cable channel 54. The school district’s…

RCHS students pose in front of the Christmas tree at the Mall of America in Minneapolis during the convention. Article by Charlie Melbye with photo by Rob Rathbun Eleven student journalists from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) attended the JEA/NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota November 17 through November 20. Staff…

Rocky Heights Middle School was excited to enter two teams from the Robotics Club into the Colorado School of Mines Qualifier tournament, held on Sunday November 20. Team purple finished 2nd out of 48 entrants in the Teamwork Challenge, and brought home a beautiful trophy. Way to go Nighthawks! Pictured are the participants from the…

By Chris Bonham Gone are the days of decking the halls with boughs of holly and asking for a bit of figgy pudding. Today, Christmas has become, in many places, about consumerism. What we can get. What we can give. But one Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) student is making a difference by going beyond…

AA student, Alex Dillon, pictured with Dolores Barela from the bi-lingual liaison migrant education program, just after delivering the gifts to Molholm Elementary School last month. By Kathy Dunker American Academy’s (AA’s) PTO sponsored Molholm Elementary School this year for its fourth consecutive year. Molholm Elementary is part of Jeffco School District and is in…

The Wellspring Wonders Choir performs for guests. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Damon Edmond Wellspring Community’s third annual “Evening of Inspiration” exceeded all expectations regarding attendance, impact, and donations. Wellspring founder Mary Lou Fenton said, “We have received amazing feedback from guests – that the evening was truly ‘honoring’ to our participants and…

Brownie Troop 4128 proudly delivers their handmade quilt to Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s Pediatric Surgery Clinic on December 21. Surrounding the troop are: RMHC Pediatric Surgery Nurse Practitioner, Anna Cardinell, NP; Troop Leader, Cindy Lombardi; RMHC Chief Medical Officer, Reggie Washington, M.D; RMHC Pediatric Surgery Clinic Manager, Jessica Spencer; Troop Leader, Adrianne Geyer (photo…

By Patte Smith Martin Luther King Day commemorates an American leader and social activist who worked tirelessly throughout his life to unite all people, regardless of color or faith. He believed in educating people on the importance of truth, justice, peace and the dignity of all people. King, a Baptist minister, led the non-violent civil…

Gretta Hawkins stands in front of a wall honoring patients with Leukemia and those who have lost their battle.” By Tricia Wackerly with photo submitted by Gretta Hawkins Experiencing the loss of a loved one or watching them battle a life threatening illness can be overwhelming and leave one feeling hopeless. Castle Pines resident Gretta…

By Tricia Wackerly Talk about a strong neighborhood connection … That’s what you felt when you drove by Cerney Circle in the Royal Hill neighborhood of Castle Pines in December. Of the 48 houses on Cerney Circle, 33 connected to each other with a strand of lights in a sign of neighborhood spirit and unity,…

Submitted by the Castle Pines Library staff According to a summer 2011 poll by Harris Interactive, one in six Americans use eReaders, and another one in six is likely to purchase an eReader within the next six months. Given holiday marketing by eReader giants Amazon (Kindle) and Barnes and Noble (Nook), it’s likely that many…

Read more about the Rojas story – Search “Rojas”at www.CastlePinesConnection.com. Sent in from The Rojas family to residents in the Ventana/Amber Ridge neighborhood of Castle Pines Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dahl, Please know I have tried to write this letter a zillion times and not once could I express my feelings of gratitude. What you…

By Lisa Crockett The road is paved; the dedication ceremony planned … and yet, the barriers still prohibit entrance to the much-anticipated Hess Road extension. The new roadway, which will provide an east-west connection between Parker and Castle Pines is nearly complete. The road did not open in December as originally scheduled. The final phase…

Members of the BRE Dream Team surround the more than 3,500 non-perishable food items collected at the school for the Salvation Army Food By Katie S., BRE Ridgeline Staff Reporter This season at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) had many inspiring examples of students sharing and caring for one another.  The third graders celebrated the holidays…

Jimmy Dozer found his niche photographing people. His passion shows in the personalities he captures. By Amy Shanahan, photos courtesy of Jimmy Dozer If you have attended an event in the Village shops at Castle Pines, or just taken time to browse the shops and restaurants, chances are you have come into contact with Jimmy…

David John Reed “Mr. O” By Chris Bonham with photo provided by the Reed family Legacy. It is a word that invokes the images of gods and kings; great men throughout history who have shaped the world to be what it is today. But legacy is not just a word reserved for men and women…

The $50 budget for this little girl was too small, so these shoppers financed the shopping list with their own money.  They were able to provide everything including a brand new bike, helmet, and bike pump.  “I am so impressed by the generosity of our students and this community!” said Explorer teacher Holly Spurlin.  (left…

Article by Joe Gschwendtner with photos provided by the Castle Pines Motorcycle Club Little captures the American spirit better than a Harley Davidson on the open road. To this image, add a heavy-leathered male specimen with a sculpted female wrapped tightly into bike and body contours. Now that’s a serious formula for adventure. If you…

By Lisa Crockett After six weeks of Holiday feasting and celebrating (more if you include Halloween) most of us make resolutions that include dropping a few pounds and moving a little more. Gym parking lots overflow and low-fat and low-cal snacks dominate grocery store displays. And while it’s a great idea to make a fresh…

By Elean Gersack Planning a team practice, family gathering or party during the next few months? There are many great parks in Castle Pines available by reservation. The Castle Pines North Metro District manages Coyote Ridge, Daniel’s Gate, and The Retreat parks, while the City of Castle Pines manages the newest park, Elk Ridge. Coyote…

By Lisa Crockett Open Enrollment – Parents wishing to enroll children in a Douglas County School District school other than a designated neighborhood school, must complete an open enrollment form. Open enrollment forms can be completed the district website at www.dcsdk12.org (click on “o” and then select “Open Enrollment” to access the form; paper forms…

The Flower Shop at Castle Pines owners Sherry Lea and Tim Hannon show their love and passion for floral design. By Lisa Crockett with photo by Tim Gamble The Flower Shop at Castle Pines will no longer have a store front on Village Square Lane, but most all the services customers have come to enjoy…

The kids loved getting copies of the photos Butorac took of them; smiles, laughter and excitement abound! Father Ulrick, the priest in the village of Anse Au Veau and a teachers tries out the new keyboard. By Patte Smith with photos provided by Kim Butorac Surrey Ridge resident Kim Butorac (pictured above left) returned from…