The Connection

Gary Ewing, RHMS Security (left) and George Mullens, Watch Dog Dad (right). Article and photo by Amy Shanahan, RHMS Volunteer Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is a proud participant of the Watch DOGS program. The Watch DOGS program is a nationwide program that involves fathers, grandfathers and other father figures to participate in school day…

DCS Montessori student Olivia W. has a great time dancing with teacher Glenn Albert at the school’s first sock hop. By Tracy Dudley In May, DCS Montessori hosted its first ever Sock Hop. All students in upper elementary grades 4, 5, and 6 were invited, and attendance was very high. In preparation for the event,…

Information provided by Douglas County To help residents clear their properties of dead tree branches and shrubbery, a slash/mulch site will open from May 22 through September 25. The site will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. Acceptable items are tree branches and…

Happy Canyon Road roundabout rendering provided by Castle Pines Metropolitan District by Elizabeth Wood West Nearly sixty people attended the Castle Pines Metropolitan District’s (CPMD) Happy Canyon Road roundabouts project open house in April. CPMD staff and board members discussed plans to construct two roundabouts along Happy Canyon Road as a means of providing better…

Douglas County is currently involved in two major roadway projects that will make access from the Castle Pines community east to Parker much easier in the coming months. The I-25 / Castle Pines Parkway interchange will extend on the east side of I-25 to connect with Hess Road in Parker, and the RidgeGate / I-25…

It was dog day in Washington Park! The Dumb Friends League hosted its 17th annual Furry Scurry, the largest dog walk in the nation, on May 1 and ended the day with a new record—raising more than $960,000 for homeless animals. The Dumb Friends League reached its $1 million goal by May 31. More than…

by Lisa Crockett with photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Budget cuts have affected students and teachers in the Douglas County School District (DCSD) in nearly every aspect of the school experience from decreased services, to larger class sizes, to increased fees for computers. A decision by the school board will now affect students getting to…

Jennifer Wayne’s fifth grade class composed and performed their own poetry pieces at Dazbog, the coffee house located at the corner of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway. The poetry reading was the culmination of a poetry unit the class had been studying. Each student wrote a collection of poems and was able to choose…

June 11, 2010 Families, Employees and Community Members of the Douglas County School District, The Board of Education serves the students, parents and patrons of the District by setting the policies that guide public education in our community. One of the most critical responsibilities of the Board is regularly assessing the District’s needs, together with…

Article by National American Miss with photo courtesy of Dawn Jacobsen Eleven year old Brooke Jacobsen, resident of Daniels Gate, has been chosen as a State Finalist in the National American Miss Colorado Pageant to be held on July 20 at the Marriott DTC. The National American Miss Pageants are held for girls ages 4-18,…

TTE and BRE fifth graders were welcomed by the RHMS Rock Stars on May 5 as they attended a sixth grade orientation assembly in the RHMS cafeteria.

Speed Raceway’s clean, environmentally-friendly facility features energy-efficient lighting and is free from oils and fuels. By Patte Smith with photos provided by Speed Raceway Tom Cruise made his mark on the big screen in the movie “Top Gun” with his famous words, “I feel the need…the need for speed!” Well, now there is a fun…

by Linda Nuzum Urban Renewal Triggers Controversy; Communication The Castle Pines North (CPN) City Council’s recent approval of an Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and Plan has triggered a number of responses, including a call for CPN citizens to vote on the URA Plan; three lawsuits; City negotiations with other local governments which could see their…

Fiske (pictured far right) shows astounded villagers the human anatomy model. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Patricia Fiske The idea began following a 2007 rotarian “group study exchange team” which involved five young professionals trading places between China and Colorado. The goal at the time was to bring the 9 News Health…

American Academy Charter School (AA) 6971 Mira Vista Lane Castle Pines North, CO 80108 Grades K – 8, Calendar: Traditional www.americanacademyk8.org Office: 720-292-5200 Attendance: 720-292-5200 option #2 School Hours: 8:40 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eighth Grade Graduation Congratulations eighth graders! The graduation ceremony is planned for Thursday, June…

The 2019 graduating fifth grade class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School don their caps and pose for a final photo as a class before moving on to middle school. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard The fifth grade class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) has completed their last gym class, written their last…

By Tracy Dudley The new youth sports organization headquartered in Castle Pines North, Five Stones Sports, continues its dedication to helping in local communities. On July 31, the Five Stones baseball team will participate in Reece’s Round Up, which is a baseball game with the children from Tennyson Center in Denver that supports Reece Rubino…

Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Beginning late this summer, Centura Health, the faith-based, non-profit hospital and health care provider, will start construction on phase one of its 50-acre medical campus. The campus will be located on the northeast corner of Meadows Parkway and Prairie Hawk Drive, in The Meadows development in Castle Rock.…

by Heather Halpape Colorado Department of Transportation Colorado DUI Enforcement Ignites this Fourth of July Weekend Tougher penalties for repeat DUI offenders begin as 100 Days of Heat continues July 1, 2010 Denver – As Coloradans make plans for the Fourth of July weekend, more than 76 law enforcement agencies across the state are firing…

Submitted by Beth Dalton, Librarian at Castle Pines Library Treasure It! Summer Reading Program – Register June 1 through July 13. The summer reading program begins June 1. Register online or at the library by July 13. Completed logs must be turned in by July 27. Programs are available for kids and adults: Youth Program…

Article and photo by Kathy Dunker The American Academy Board of Directors (AABOD) recently confirmed the selection of Erin Kane as the new head of school. Kane has been serving as the Interim Chief Administrative Officer since last November. Board President, Chad King stated, “After a lengthy search process, the Board has concluded, based in…

Eight-year-old Taylor explores the beauty of Colorado and her passion for horses atop Rosie. by Lisa Crockett with photo by Terri Wiebold The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) has teamed up with Bear Creek Stables to offer guided horseback rides along the Backcountry Wilderness area, which are available to both Highlands Ranch residents and non-residents…

Information provided by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics recently wrapped up the spring soccer season. The local league, which offers organized outdoor recreation to children ages four and older, had 20 teams this spring. “It was the largest soccer season on record for Castle Pines Athletics,” said league manager Emily Bishop. “Without…

Members of the lacrosse mullet gang. Left to right: Cameron Spies, Trey Buckland, Parker Jackson, Remington Caley, Nick Merrill. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Kevin Williams The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) lacrosse team wrapped up its season on May 13 with a team banquet in the school’s common area. Coach Louis Goldin…

Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Eight students from Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) had their artwork selected for the Douglas County School District (DCSD) art show displayed April 17 through April 23 at the Park Meadows Mall. According to Nancy MacIntosh, art teacher at BRE, choosing 8 to 12 pieces out of more…

by Einar Jensen, Life Safety Educator South Metro Fire Rescue Authority Although not everyone does it, most adults are familiar with the suggestion to change the batteries in their smoke alarms at least once if not twice each year and to test the smoke alarms monthly. A Coloradan – Duane Pearsall – invented the residential…

Newly-appointed Ward 1 representative, Tera Radloff, takes her oath of office. For the second time since November 2009, when residents in the City of Castle Pines North voted for elected officials to represent them, a vacant council seat has been filled by appointment of the existing city council. City council selected Tera Radloff to represent…

Castle Pines North is a small community with a bright future. We want to take a moment of your time simply to share a key part of our vision for the future of the community as it pertains to simplifying our governmental structures, minus political overtones, misinformation or mixed messages. Our plans are simple and…

Information from Leadership Douglas County website Strong community leaders make for a strong community. Area citizens seeking a hands-on community education and higher level of civic engagement are encouraged to consider applying to Leadership Douglas County (LDC), a program that offers an opportunity for those who want to become more knowledgeable about the community in…

Column by Anthonette Klinkerman Bill Cosby once said, “Fatherhood is pretending the gift you love best is Soap on a Rope.” To my poor dad’s credit, I think I may have actually given him that one Father’s Day. In reality, the favored gift must be the necktie, otherwise why would Baskin Robbins make an ice…

Information and statistics submitted by Doug Hutchins, Castle Pines Real Estate Specialist, Broker Associate – The Kentwood Company The performance of Castle Pines real estate in the first quarter of 2010 depended upon the price point of the home. Homes priced below $500,000 saw strong sales with prices holding steady or increasing slightly. Homes priced…

RCHS sophomore Jake Dysart wins the 800-meter race at the Continental League Championship and goes on to state finals with the Jaguars. by Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Todd Lytle Two members of the Rock Canyon High School track and field team won first place at the Continental League Championship, which was held on…

Information provided by South Metro Fire Rescue The 2164 Foundation will be holding a Dinner Auction July 12 at the Inverness Hotel in Englewood to raise money to help the families of fallen firefighters. The dinner will be after the Brian Kopp Memorial Golf Tournament which is already sold out! The buffet dinner will include…

Pictured above, the Good Witches of the North have cast their spell and pulled out the correct spelling for the word “why”, during the Spelling Challenge assembly. During the assembly Good Witches from the North and Bad Witches form the West cast spells to come up with the correct spelling of words in the game…

Practicing different moves on the pole during a pole instruction class are (left to right) Tisa Meisel, June Uralli, Sally Wagner and Mile High Pole Club owner and instructor Dionne Sieretzki. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard A new business recently opened just to the east of the Castle Pines community in Parker. Mile…

Article by Sharon Majetich with photo by Amy Shanahan Each year, eighth grade teachers are asked to nominate outstanding eighth grade students for the Douglas County Federation of Teachers Eighth Grade Student Recognition Award. The criteria for nomination is a student’s scholarship, creativity, responsibility, school and community involvement, and cooperation with students and teachers. Many…

David A Weaver, Douglas County Sheriff It’s that time of year. Folks are out enjoying the spring weather, looking for bargains – bartering, just having a great time. My Community Resources Unit has put together a list of tips and do’s and don’t’s about conducting a garage sale. Take a minute to look them over.…

Information provided by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and best known crime prevention concepts in North America. In the late 1960s, an increase in crime heightened the need for a crime prevention initiative focused on residential areas and involving local citizens. The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) responded, creating the…

Provided by Joan Wills, Tri-County Health Department Article by Jake Rankin, MBA, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® As my parents and grandparents age, I often think about the comparison between the struggles they face as they age and the struggles I faced growing up. For example, when I was a child, they were always telling me…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North Moving into spring, Public Works crews will be transitioning from snow plowing and pothole patching to street sweeping, pavement/concrete repairs and street re-striping. Public Works is currently requesting proposals from consultants to perform a pavement management plan for the City. The plan, accounted…

The Wildlife Experience is pleased to announce it will participate in the Blue Star Museums program providing free admission to active military and their families between Memorial Day and Labor Day of this year. The Blue Star Museums program was created by The National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families. Blue Star Families…

by Elean Gersack Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9. Plan ahead and delight the special moms in your life with treats from the locals. From flowers and goodies to massages and brunch, everything you need for a wonderful Mother’s Day can be in Castle Pines. Read on to learn about the many great Mother’s Day…

Provided by Centennial Airport Community Noise Roundtable In an effort to gather as much input from the public as possible, the Centennial Airport Community Noise Roundtable (CACNR) will hold its second public hearing to identify and discuss aircraft-related noise issues. The session will be held on May 5 at 7 p.m. at the Ramada Hotel…

Eighth grade teacher, Holly Spurlin, with her RHMS PeaceJam Leaders.  PeaceJam meets for one period every Thursday morning. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) has a valuable enrichment class called RHMS PeaceJam Leaders. PeaceJam is an international organization that pairs Nobel Peace Prize winners with youth…

Submitted by Dep. Robert Rotherham, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up their efforts to apprehend intoxicated and impaired drivers during the up-coming Memorial Day Holiday weekend which takes place the weekend of May 28th. Deputies will be providing extra enforcement from Friday, May 28 at 6:00 pm through…

Paul J Miller Public Information Officer Douglas County Search and Rescue National Association for Search and Rescue’s Valor Award The National Association for Search and Rescue’s Valor Award was presented to Douglas County Search & Rescue and four other Colorado search and rescue teams at the association’s national conference in Tunica, Mississippi, on May 13,…

Mail ballots for the upcoming Castle Pines North Metropolitan District board of directors election have been mailed to registered, eligible voters in Castle Pines North. If you are a registered, eligible voter, you should have received your ballot. The election will be held May 4, 2010, to vote for candidates to fill two seats on…

Pictured above, students from Mrs. Shaffner’s first grade class e-mail their EPals from Saudi Arabia. The EPals Classroom Exchange is a program that connects students from BRE with students from all over the world. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Technology has made the world a smaller place. The Internet, handheld video cameras, iPods,…

To assist its residents with the high cost of prescription drugs, Douglas County is participating in the free prescription drug discount card program sponsored through the National Association of Counties (NACo). This free prescription drug discount card helps to reduce the cost of prescriptions not covered by insurance and has resulted in $250 million in…

Information submitted by Dennis Murray Free golf, free clubs for kids As the US Kids Golf Foundation’s Denver local tour director, and director of instruction for Troon Golf and The Ridge at Castle Pines North, Dennis Murray and his staff are continuing their ongoing efforts to grow the game of golf through youngsters and their…

DCS Montessori sixth graders Erin Z. (left) and Kira S. (right) are up to the challenge of creating the school’s yearbook. by Tracy Dudley Dedication is the word. When DCS Montessori decided to publish its school yearbook in-house this year, 22 sixth graders stepped up to the plate. Once the students had the photos and…

Bria Pellandini (left) and Guillermo Arribas Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A group of high school seniors who have spent the last four years on the stage at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) is preparing their grand finale – their last play before graduation. The play, “Beyond a Joke,” will run at the school…

Information provided by American Academy Thanks to our illustrious librarian, Juliann Brant, the American Academy (AA) library just received the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) We the People “More Perfect Union” Bookshelf grant. As a result, the AA library will be receiving a “bookshelf” of books and other materials pertaining to this year’s NEH…

May 8 and May 15 Douglas County invites residents to free mulch on Saturday, May 8 and on Saturday May 15, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Castle Rock Water Treatment Plant, 1400 Caprice Dr. in Castle Rock. The county will provide a front-end loader to help load mulch into pickups and…

By Elizabeth Wood West The Town of Castle Rock (Town) council members unanimously voted Refined Alternative 6 Castlegate Drive as the preferred alignment for the North Meadows Extension project at their April 8 special council meeting. The project is being planned to provide a second access between The Meadows development and U.S. Highway 85 and…

Information submited by April Parcells Wow! We’re well into spring and summer is right around the corner. Mark your calendars… We will kick off our summer with our fantastic annual pool opening party on Saturday, June 5, 2010, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Join us for food, music, and lots of fun. We also…

Information provided by Renee Palmer, Broker Associate Renee Palmer, Broker Associate with Your Castle Real Estate, has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance, with a particular emphasis on short sales. At a time when millions of homeowners are struggling with the possibility of foreclosure, the…

Since last month’s article, Joe Gschwendtner moved forward on his race to become Governor. Due to his late entry into the race, he is petitioning in all congressional districts, and will be on the primary ballot on August 10th.

Solid Life Christian Center welcomed the largest crowd ever to participate in the annual Castle Pines North Easter Egg Hunt at Coyote Ridge Park on April 3. To read the story and view a complete slide show of the event, go to www.castlepinesconnection.com/pages/photo/2010/album10.html.

Bidders consider items for auction at Timber Trail Elementary’s year-end fundraiser. The event, held at Cielo at Castle Pines, featured an online auction, a silent auction and a live auction, raising which raised $35,000 to offset budget cuts at the school next year. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett About 200 parents, teachers, administrators and…

This greenfield space of The Canyons property was annexed into the City of Castle Pines North in October 2009, and is one area city council is considering in a “blight” study for the city. The blight study is a requirement for the city to be able to establish an Urban Renewal Authority (URA). If established,…

On May 17 at 7 p.m. the Rock Canyon Elementary Instrumental Music (RCEIM) program will perform the final concert of the 2009-2010 school year. The concert will be held at Rocky Heights Middle School. The young musicians will have the opportunity to perform alongside members from the Colorado Chamber Orchestra. RCEIM is a before and…

Information provided by American Academy American Academy (AA) is offering a new extracurricular activity that teaches real-life skills to teens to better prepare them for interacting with peers and adults. Led by AA parent Kara Good, the Leadership Program for Teens is a highly interactive three-week program developed for sixth through eighth grade students who…

Aerial view of Elk Ridge Park – photo courtesy of Bob Wiebold by Anthonette Klinkerman Castle Pines North (CPN) residents currently enjoy three beautiful parks, and the city’s newest park – Elk Ridge Park – will be a welcomed and well-funded addition. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) recently awarded the Castle Pines Parks Authority a $700,000…

Wines of the Pines and the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce wish to say thank you for making the first charity event, The French Wine Tour, such a great success. It is a privilege to be able to support and promote such charities as the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center, Douglas County Veteran’s Monument,…

Braving near-blizzard conditions in March, Maureen Shul (pictured above right) was sworn in by Castle Pines North City Clerk Sharon DeRouen (pictured above left) to represent Ward 1 on city council. This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North City Council appointed Maureen Shul as a Ward 1 council member at…

Article and illustration submitted by Mark Shively, Douglas County Water Resource Authority As spring weather returns and summertime is just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about firing up the sprinkler system again. Turning on your system may reveal some things have changed since the last time you watered the lawn. That…