The Connection

by Anthonette Klinkerman Let’s face it – Mother’s Day is a complete misnomer. Ask any mom out there if she gets an entire day to herself without someone needing something, or some domestic chore that needs doing, and she’ll probably laugh in your face. I propose renaming the day to more accurately portray what happens…

Castle Pines Athletics is hosting a variety of fun summer camps again this summer in Castle Pines North (CPN.) Camp Castle Pines, for children ages 6 to 12, will feature a host of exciting activities. Castle Pines All Stars is back again this year for the little campers ages 4 to 7. And, girls ages…

Jeffrey Huff, Mayor City of Castle Pines North by Elizabeth Wood West The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) recently established four new advisory committees “to promote and protect the best interests of the citizens of CPN with respect to community needs and to provide for more efficient operation and management of the city.” City…

Join Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) first grade teachers, Mrs. Shaffner and Mrs. Jacoway, for another fun-filled night of ice cream scooping. On Monday, May 3 the teachers will be serving up 31 flavors all for cause of raising money for BRE. In March the teachers, along with third grade teacher, Ms. Carter raised over $300…

by Elizabeth Wood West Rolling Thunder Comes to Castle Rock The national non-profit veterans’ motorcycle club Rolling Thunder will be hosting “Salute to America’s POWs” in honor of POWs from past and present wars. The event will be held on Saturday, May 15 at noon, at Festival Park (2nd Street between Wilcox and Perry) in…

Information submitted by Castle Pines Community Church After meeting at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School for the last 12 years, we are excited to announce that we have moved to our new location at 7280 Lagae Road in the King Soopers Plaza in Castle Pines North. We are thankful for our new church home and are…

by Elizabeth Wood West In its ongoing efforts to address the unwanted train horn noise in the Castle Pines Village and Sedalia area, Douglas County is planning to conduct a railroad quiet zone study. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved $100,000 to fund the U.S. Highway 85/Happy Canyon Road Quiet Zone Study. The comprehensive…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard BellaRock Adventures, in its fifth year of providing women’s outdoor adventures for the Castle Pines community, is gearing up for summer with BellaRock’s signature event the “Women’s Tenderfoot 14’er Training Class.” Beginning in a classroom setting on June 5, hikers will be given information about what gear to have when hiking…

Photos by Angela Carlson The Robinson family pictured above waits for their dinner at Angie’s Restaurant during Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) night. Held in April, the McCaffrey family, owners of Angie’s Restaurant and residents of Castle Pines North, partnered with BRE to sponsor a fun family evening. The restaurant donated 10 percent of all proceeds…

Article by Anthonette Klinkerman with photo by Carla Kenny David Avrin resides in Castle Pines Village when he is not on a global speaking tour. Better known as The Visibility Coach, Avrin recently published a book titled, “It’s Not Who You Know It’s Who Knows You.” The premise of the book is that for a…

by Lisa Crockett A new nail salon in Castle Pines North (CPN) is now welcoming customers for manicures, pedicures and waxing services. Classy Nails is located at 556 Village Square Lane, Suite 300, in the Green Earth Cleaners building. “We were attracted to Castle Pines North because my mom used to work here at a…

Jennifer Havercroft Member North Lynx Homeowners Association Board of Directors submitted by Anna Mallinson It is with regret that I am letting you know the North Lynx Homeowners Association Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Board member Jennifer Havercroft last week. She and her family are moving out of the neighborhood. Jennifer has served…

by Lisa Crockett Coupons can be a great money saver, but a group of Castle Pines-area entrepreneurs know they can also be a real hassle to manage and they decided to do something about it. To help consumers better take advantage of available offers – and allow businesses to reach a more targeted audience –…

by Anthonette Klinkerman There is a book club for everyone, and now there is one for business people in Castle Pines. The Castle Pines Business Book Club is only two meetings old, but has already read two business-themed books and is starting on its third. Douglas County Libraries determined a need for such a group…

Kids from the 9-10 age group wait their turn to get in the pool during the 2009 Kids Tri Fall Frenzy. The kids triathlon is held in conjunction with the adult triathlon in its 10th year this fall. The adult triathlon is on September 12 at the Parker Recreation Center. Article and photo by Carin…

RCHS seniors from BRE’s first kindergarten class in 1997 are back hanging out at the BRE playground. Back row from left to right: Kipling Grey, Kelsey Krueger,Erik Wetzel; Middle row from left to right: Amanda Davanzo, Brooke Skinner, Erin Oehm; Front row from left to right: Matthew Porter, Tanner Krietemeier, and Austin Enterline. Castle Pines…

KeyBank construction is underway. The bank will open its doors May 25 and host a grand opening celebration on June 5. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The final nails are being hammered, paint touched up, and surfaces shined and cleaned for the opening of the newest business in the Castle Pines community. KeyBank, which…

Welcome first quarter new members: Red Umbrella Deli Catering Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty – Terry Kelly Southside Senior Care JRG Design The Denver Post Cherry Creek Mortgage Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County Living American Pacific Mortgage Retirement Strategies and Investments Ameriprise Financial Money4Metals, LLC Shoppes at Castle Pines Cielo at Castle Pines The Visibility…

Michael Oher visits Valor Christian School Michael Oher (pictured above right), tackle for the Baltimore Ravens and inspiration for the movie “The Blind Side,” participated in an interview to help raise funds for the scholarship program at Valor Christian School, located in Highlands Ranch. During the interview, Oher discussed his journey from the projects in…

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…

You may have heard recent rumors about a drastically increased enrollment and an additional fourth floor at American Academy (AA). However, they are exactly that; rumors. Expected enrollment at AA for 2010-2011 is 875, a seven percent increase from this year’s enrollment total of 820. This is neither a large nor a significant increase for…

by Terri Wiebold For more than 25 years, Colorado’s largest non-profit, volunteer-driven health fair program has been promoting health awareness and encouraging individuals to assume responsibility for their own health by offering free and low-cost health and educational screenings. Take time to get checked out. A complete blood chemistry analysis – including heart, kidney, muscle…

Information provided by Castle Pines Academy Castle Pines Academy, the first locally owned and operated child care center, is now open for business. The school offers programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, pre-kindergartners, kindergartners, and school age children. The management team of Castle Pines Academy emphasizes that the goal is to provide high quality services to…

by Anthonette Klinkerman During the month of March, area schools were silent for periods of time as students took the annual CSAP exams. The Colorado Student Assessment Program tests begin for students in third grade, and continue through tenth grade, measuring student performance in reading, math, writing and science. As in years past, Castle Pines…

Members of RCHS Student Council surround Harley during an assembly to present her with the Make-A-Wish gifts. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Kim Rauh The Make-A-Wish Foundation recently recognized Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) for its generous and record breaking donation to fulfill the once-in-a lifetime wishes for three kids, Harley, Landin,…

Pictured above are members of the BRE Brainstormers and the team coaches: Front row from left to right are Megan O’Donnell, Molly Steavpack, Katie Shanahan, Katie Carlson, Logan Jacobs and Samuel Hilgendorf. Back row from left to right are Christine O’Donnell and Laurie Jacobs. By Carin R. Kirkegaard Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) sent a team…

Dr. Clint Dickason, D.C. Information provided by Clint Dickason Dr. Clint Dickason, D.C., Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce member and founder of Dickason Chiropractic in Castle Rock has been selected as the official chiropractor for the Rocky Mountain Renegade – the new Castle Rock adult amateur football team in the Western Conference of the North…

By Terri Wiebold with contributions from Elizabeth Wood West, Happy Canyon HOA resident and board member The City of Castle Pines North Council voted five to one this week to establish the Castle Pines Urban Redevelopment Authority at its regular city council meeting, which was designated as a public hearing on the matter. The council…

Information provided by Douglas County Animal Services The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment lab confirmed a rabies infection in Douglas County on March 16. This marks the arrival of the rabies in Douglas County. Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals resulting in a fatal disease.…

by Tracy Dudley The cycling season in Colorado is just around the corner, and cyclists in the Castle Pines community can look forward to a wide variety of trails, paths, and organized riding events to enjoy all summer. For road cyclists, Castle Pines offers easy access to a variety of paved trail systems, as well…

Audrey, Ashlyn and Gabrielle with their American Girl dolls Article and photos by Elean Gersack American Girl® began as a catalog retailer in 1986 with the purpose of celebrating girls. Twenty-four years later, it has grown into a mega icon that now includes eight stores, a vast collection of dolls, books, clothing, accessories and more.…

Mywedding.com staff (back row, left to right) Damien Hutchins, President and CEO Woody Pastorius, (center row) Sara Bunke, Katie Lenchuk, (front row) Kelsey Beytien, Brittany Leedahl. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Tim Gamble One of the largest online wedding resources in the country, Mywedding.com, opened a new office in March and is now…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) is seeking sponsors for the Second Annual Buffalo Stampede, the school’s annual fall carnival. The Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance (BREA), the school’s parent teacher organization, is currently offering sponsorships to help offset costs of the carnival, including inflatable structures, dunk tank, carnival games, face painting, refreshments and…

Steve Labossiere by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Steve Labossiere Former Master Association Board member – now mayor, Jeff Huff, was replaced recently by an intriguing member of the Castle Pines North (CPN) community. Steve Labossiere (pictured left), a six-year resident of Forest Park, has stepped up to serve as the newest Master Association…

Press release provided by Kristin Zagurski, Town of Castle Rock The Environmental Assessment of the benefits and impacts the North Meadows Extension project could have on the surrounding area has been completed. An open house to provide information and get feedback on the assessment and the alternatives being considered will be held from 5 p.m.…

Drew Webster (4) shaves his head for the second time in support of the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser and his sister Bella (3) who is is remission from leukemia. by Patte Smith with photos submitted by Jennifer Havercroft Playing with big brother Drew is one of Bella Webster’s favorite activities, along with dance class, art, and…

Supporters gather at the tenth annual Empty Bowl fundraiser for the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center of Douglas County. by Tracy Dudley On March 5, the Douglas County Events Center hosted the Tenth Annual Empty Bowl, where nearly 1,000 supporters – including many Castle Pines North residents – came out to help raise funds…

By Kathy Dunker Child Find is a wonderful service provided by Douglas County. Part of the Early Childhood Education Program, Child Find’s goal is to identify any delays in children age birth to five years old. If delays are found, Child Find provides support to the child through any needed therapy. These services including the…

Since February 2005, James McGrady has led the Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District on quite a journey. McGrady announced his retirement from the district last month. Much has been accomplished during the five years with McGrady at the helm as district manager. Working from the Ground Up When McGrady signed on as manager in…

Bobby Lewis with Wellstone, Barb Dolan and Chugs tie for first place, Buena Vista Gold Rush Days. Article by Carin R. Kirkegaard with photo by Ed Kosmicki Since 1949 pack burro races have been run throughout Colorado, mostly in mountain towns like Fair Play and Leadville, but Morrison holds bragging rights for the race to…

By Elean Gersack Fetch your sneakers, grab a leash and bring your furry friends to the 2010 Furry Scurry. This marks the 100th year of The Dumb Friends League (DFL) helping pets and people and has inspired a centennial goal of raising $1 million in donations. The two-mile fun walk/run is planned for 9 a.m.…

The Governor has ordered the flags on all public buildings lowered to half staff for today, April 19, 2010, at the request of the President, for victims and survivors of terrorism.

Family owned and operated Blue Spruce Assisted Living Facility opened for business in March in Castle Pines North. The 3,400 square-foot facility has six residential bedrooms and facilities for caregivers. by Sally Uhrich Adele and Morris Barbera opened Blue Spruce Assisted Living Facility in Castle Pines North in March. The residential home is located at…

Award-winning DC Dolphins first-time cheerleaders with head coach Stephanie Collins and assistant coach Jen Walters by Tracy Dudley Among a wide variety of other sports, the Douglas County Dolphins youth athletic club offers competitive cheerleading. However, Castle Pines North resident Stephanie Collins felt there should be a more recreational option for those who wanted to…

Paul J Miller Public Information Officer Douglas County Search and Rescue Douglas County Search and Rescue successfully passed their Mountain Rescue Association Re-Accreditation tests on April 24th and 25th. The testing process was conducted at Castlewood Canyon State Park on Saturday with three different scenarios. Two winter scenarios were performed at Berthoud Pass on Sunday.…

by Tracy Dudley Since Kevin Brown moved to Castle Pines North in 1998, he has coached local baseball from t-ball to competitive teams at Rock Canyon High School. However, this will be his first year without coaching, as he is now focusing on helping student athletes with their college recruiting by way of highlight video…

Our Role in the CPN Community The primary function of the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District outlined in 1984 when the District was established, was to provide the residents of Castle Pines North with water, wastewater, and storm water services, and to maintain District owned parks, trails and open space. Of equal importance, CPNMD has…

Andy Rhodes Dwight Zemp Information provided by the CPNMD The Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) board of directors voted in February to elect new officers. The board elected Andy Rhodes as president and Dwight Zemp as vice president. Rhodes has been a resident of Castle Pines North since 2003, and was elected to the…

Castle Pines Village resident and local businessman Joe Gschwendtner announced his exploratory campaign for governor of Colorado. The self-described “anti-politician” made the decision to run following caucuses, and he is looking to expand the current field of candidates. Gschwendtner will now focus on fundraising efforts and gathering signatures on a petition for the primary ballot.…