The Connection

The first Castle Pines Library Mother/Daughter Book Club met on Monday, January 11. Article by Elean Gersack and photo by Tim Gamble Get your library cards ready and check-out some great books. The Castle Pines Library is bustling with activities and touting longer hours to start off the New Year. Browse the shelves on Mondays…

2010 Budget Highlights The 2010 budget for the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) was approved by the CPNMD Board at their December 7, 2009, meeting. Board President, Bill Santos, highlighted the primary goals for the coming year aimed at reducing Metro District expenses to continue pursuing renewable water solutions. Stabilize Costs One of the…

Pictured from left to right: Joe Franklin, Don Hansen, Sr., Dave Brewer, Don Hansen, Jr. Article by Tracy Dudley and photo provided by Joe Franklin Castle Pines North has its own group of table tennis fanatics. The Castle Pines Table Tennis Club (CPTTL) is a group of local residents who have been gathering together regularly…

Information submitted by CPN resident/ former City Council mayor pro-tem and Valor High School lacrosse coach, David Neely The Valor Youth Lacrosse program grew out of the huge success that Valor Christian High School lacrosse experienced last year. It was the first varsity season and the team ended up 11- 4, in just the second…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Even though Douglas County is a very mobile community, we do have a certain special population of citizens with disabilities and mobility problems. There are several programs and plans available to this special population that can help them prepare for an emergency or disaster. Special Needs Registry:…

Kim Hoffman (left) welcomes Shelley Hamilton-Bruer. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold After more than five years of dedicated volunteer service on the Parks Authority, city representative Kim Hoffman steps off the Board and welcomes newly-elected city council member Shelley Hamilton-Bruer to fill the city’s seat at the table. “I would like to express my…

Oak Hills resident Roxy Fredrickson leads a drum circle of children of National Guard troops preparing for deployment. The circle teaches participants life concepts including respect, belonging and generosity. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Oak Hills resident Roxy Fredrickson (pictured above) is not a trained music teacher, psychologist or social worker, but she knows…

by Elizabeth Wood West There will be no medical marijuana dispensaries within the city limits of Castle Pines North (CPN) at least until August 30, 2010. At the January 14 city council meeting, council unanimously passed emergency Ordinance 09-25 which immediately suspended the acceptance or review of any applications pertaining to medical marijuana dispensaries. The…

Article by Lisa Crockett Photos courtesy of Castle Pines Community Church After many years of renting space at a local elementary school, Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) is moving to a home of its own in the Shoppes at Castle Pines Shopping Center on Lagae Road (in the same shopping center as King Soopers.) While…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) spring term begins March 29 and is currently enrolling life long learners in a variety of classes. Spring classes will run through May 20. (To learn more about OLLI South, visit www.universitycollege.du.edu/olli/. Spring 2010 Classes America and the New Global Economy The Birth of the…

Douglas County Libraries has a new newsletter and blog just for parents! Geared for families with children from birth to 12 years of age, parents will find lots of fun ideas each month. Topics will include book and website recommendations and local places of interest. Keep an eye out for Healthy Snack recipes for kids…

by Paige Newman Rock Canyon High School Intern Writer Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about love. Whether you are celebrating your love for that special someone, your family, or your closest friends, it is supposed to be meaningful. So why is it that in high school, Valentine’s Day is simply about who gets the…

In an effort to provide speed reduction and traffic calming along Happy Canyon Road, the Castle Pines Metropolitan District presented the Douglas County Board of Commissioners with a proposal to install two roundabouts along Happy Canyon Road. The road serves as access to the Castle Pines Village community, as well as an east-west connector from…

By Chris Bonham, Intern Writer February. A simple mentioning of the month conjures up images of hearts, love, and having a great time with friends. We think of Valentine’s Day, and the joy and happiness that it brings. Okay, so maybe a few people won’t be feeling so romantic when this second month in the…

Article courtesy of Trish Cummings American Academy Charter School American Academy recently participated in a service program to help Colorado National Guard troops (Colorado Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery) currently deployed to Iraq. After being contacted by a National Guard parent at the school in October, American Academy parent and teacher, Wendy…

by Lisa Crockett A soldier who comes to the U.S. Military Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany is likely to need a lot of things – chiefly, medical attention. It is also distinctly possible that he or she will need other, more mundane things. A soldier evacuated from Iraq or Afghanistan will often arrive without a single…

Troop leader Paige Taylor Co-leader Jen Meinert-Larson and Daisies sing “Make new friends” at the closing of the meeting. by Anthonette Klinkerman At Buffalo Ridge Elementary, every other Wednesday afternoon, thirty-five girls in blue vests and smocks perch on the art room stools, having a snack before instruction. These Kindergarten and First Grade girls are…

Douglas County School District is offering a new way to provide adult education courses that serve community interests and needs. Formerly known as The Parent University, The Community University is expanding its course offerings. In addition to the popular parenting courses that have been offered since 1997, there will be new courses in response to…

Information and photos submitted by Claudia Larson There are few resources for women and children who are experiencing poverty and homelessness. God’s Grace Community Church (GGCC) is pleased to partner with Denver’s only day shelter, The Gathering Place (TGP). GGCC hosts a monthly Bingo game to spend time with the women, offer a little fun…

by Elizabeth Wood West What do President Gerald Ford, movie director Steven Spielberg, and Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton have in common? They were all Eagle Scouts. Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouts of America. This organization has millions of members, but fewer than five percent of all Boy Scouts earn the rank…

Coach Erik Goodrich Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Lisa Kochevar Although it may seem like a long way off with the current cold temperatures and icy roads, Castle Pines North’s newest summer swim team, Castle Pines Storm, is gearing up for their second season. Storm got off to a great start in 2009…

CPN elected officials pictured left to right: Kim Hoffman (ward 2), John Ewing (ward 3), Mark Shively (treasurer), Jeff Huff (mayor), Darwin Horan (ward 1), Jennifer Havercroft (ward 1), Doug Gilbert (ward 3), and Shelley Hamilton-Bruer (ward 2).  

by Sally Uhrich Looking for a dessert to serve your loved ones this Valentine’s Day? Consider making beet cake, a healthier alternative to the more commonly served, red velvet cake. Beet cake derives its reddish/maroon color from beets, not food coloring. Beets have long been know for their amazing health benefits for almost every part…

by Anthonette Klinkerman The majority of people diet after the New Year, but one Castle Pines North (CPN) resident got a jump on a healthier lifestyle before the holidays. Tim Gamble, who is also The Castle Pines Connection photographer and webmaster, joined “The Biggest Loser” competition hosted by Village Fitness. He came away 32 pounds…

  by Anthonette Klinkerman Several residents of Castle Pines North have lost beloved pets to coyotes. A pack of coyotes in the vicinity has made the press before, but two particularly bold coyotes have snatched small dogs during daylight hours while helpless owners stood nearby. “We were shocked as it happened so quickly,” said Chris…

Sheriff David A. Weaver submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Whei Wong Douglas County Educational Foundation At the January 28th board meeting of the Douglas County Educational Foundation, Sheriff David A. Weaver was unanimously approved to serve on the Board as one of the Trustee Members. “Our School District…

A local grass roots movement is rethinking and exploring how Colorado funds education “The Wickerdale Walkers” are encouraging elected officials to do the same, and they welcome your participation. Simply send a RED crayon in an envelope with a note that says “Crayons 4 Education” to: Govenor Bill Ritter 136 State Capitol Denver, CO, 80203-1792…

Mother-daughter team and friend wearing their wares. Left Brooke Jacobsen, middle Dawn Jacobsen, right Michelle Dunker Article and photo by Kathy Dunker A very fun and funky new mother-daughter boutique is opening out of Daniels Gate called the Royal Chic Boutique. Inspired by her ten year old daughter, Brooke’s, desire to open her own boutique,…

Local businessman and Castle Pines North resident Dan Cook (pictured above with scissors) cuts the ribbon at his new office opening in Lone Tree. Cook Financial Associates was previously located off Happy Canyon Road in The Village at Castle Pines.

By Elean Gersack Spring break will be here before we know it. Plan ahead and enjoy some memorable family activities right here in Colorado. From state parks to museums, there is much to do and see close to home. Outdoor Recreation Castlewood Canyon State Park 2989 South State Highway 83, Franktown 303-688-5242 This beautiful retreat…

by Lisa Crockett Generous Castle Pines-area donors and members of the Castle Pines business community wanted to make sure that veterans in the area felt honored for Veteran’s Day this past November. The Bundt Shoppe, a specialty cake bakery on Village Square Drive, sold special edition chocolate, chocolate-chip cakes for just $10 as part of…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines North It is the City’s expectation that all public streets shall be plowed; however, crews will continue to plow these streets on a priority basis such that primary streets will be the highest priority, then residential streets. The City deploys three plow trucks all equipped with sanding…

Information and photo submitted by Linda Clure Linda Clure is proud to announce that she is now a senior real estate specialist (SRES). There are only 15,000 realtors in the country who have been awarded this prestigious designation. The SRES designation focuses on serving real estate buyers and sellers who are aged fifty-five and older,…

The Division of Wildlife is coming to Castle Pines North to discuss the recent reported coyote sightings, encounters and attacks in the Castle Pines area and how to handle these types of situations. Please plan to attend; there will be important information available. The meeting is scheduled for January 5th, 6pm, at the CPN Community…

Pictured left to right: David Bowman – director of the childcare program at BRE, Ally Berggren – principal and Russ Jenson – assistant principal dressed in chicken suits and danced “The Chicken Dance” at an assembly held in the BRE gymnasium. The assembly was the reward for BRE students reading more than 7,500 hours during…

This information has been provided the Castle Pines North Metro District. One of the most common and costly wastes of money is a leaky toilet. A toilet may leak a gallon of water per minute and over a one week period that can add up to a loss of 10,080 gallons of water. Often the…

Artist’s rendering of Castle Pines Academy, a day care facility slated to open in February in the Walgreen’s Shopping Center in CPN. Article by Lisa Crockett Conceptual rendering provided by Studio DH Architecture A new childcare center and preschool will soon be open in Castle Pines North (CPN) in the Walgreen’s Shopping Center on Castle…

Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County Sheriff to Break Ground on New Substation in Highlands Ranch Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver is very excited to break ground on the new Sheriff’s Office Substation, which will bring many government services to the citizens of Highlands Ranch. The…

Middle School students performing the classic “A Chorus Line.” Article and photos by Kathy Dunker American Academy students dazzled audiences in December with their delightful Broadway Revue: Let’s Make a Scene! Performed in the school gym and led by kindergarten through fifth grade music teacher Mark Middlebrooks and middle school music teacher Reece Livingstone, it…

Home builder Woody Howarth (left) stands with homeowners Jean and Nick Domico in their new, custom designed kitchen. Home in Castle Pines Village experiences “extreme makeover” Local builder quickly rebuilds a home lost to fire By Scott Lasher There wasn’t a huge bus. There was no Ty Pennington. There was no trip to Disneyworld while…

Students warm up with a “G” Scale at orchestra practice at Timber Trail Elementary. Rock Canyon Elementary Instrumental Music program offers before and after music instruction in local schools Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Budding cellists, drummers, clarinetists, and horn players from Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) have been…

by Scott Lasher In the movie “The Perfect Storm” starring George Clooney, the perfect storm that the movie references is capped by an unbelievable tidal wave that crashes down over the ship Clooney pilots. For the Rock Canyon Girls Swim Team last year, their opponents were the ship and they were the tidal wave in…

Article by Carin R. Kirkegaard, photos provided by Steve & Jody Robinson A group of families from Castle Pines North (CPN), two CPN Girl Scout troops, a CPN Brownie troop, as well as a group of families from Founders Village in Castle Rock formed “Operation Bright Star” to help gather food and create a Thanksgiving…

Home builder Woody Howarth (left) stands with homeowners Jean and Nick Domico in their new, custom designed kitchen. By Scott Lasher There wasn’t a huge bus. There was no Ty Pennington. There was no trip to Disneyworld while they waited for their home to be rebuilt. Nonetheless, an extreme makeover of sorts took place in…

Head of School Jeromy Johnson showed his school spirit with students by dressing as a clown after the students broke school records for book sales at the annual book fair. Article and photo by Tracy Dudley Although DCS Montessori has never sold more than $10,000 at its annual book fair, this year administration set a…

Don’t delay … now is the perfect time to register for spring sports and activities. Here is a quick reference guide to some of the most popular leagues and recreational activities around. Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics is dedicated to Castle Pines North (CPN) youth. Practices and games are all played in CPN. Register…

Mrs. Wedge’s second grade class with packages they purchased and wrapped to help an adopted family at Buffalo Ridge. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard During the holiday season, the spirit of giving burst from many classrooms at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE). “Buffalo Ridge has been adopting families for 10 years now during the…

Information provided by DCSD A community survey is currently underway and is open to the public – and TOMORROW is the last day to provide your input. This survey is intended to collect valuable community feedback that will be used by the Douglas County School Board of Education, the District Advisory Council, and the Douglas…

The Castle Pines Connection staff joins at Sienna at the Courtyard in Castle Rock to celebrate the holidays and also the one-year anniversary of its inception. Pictured above back row left to right: Elean Gersack (writer), Lisa Crockett (writer), Tracy Dudley (writer), John Kenny (proofreader), and Tom Ballantine (ad sales). Front row left to right:…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Here we are, ten years into the millennium. It doesn’t feel much different, really. Food is still in food-form, and no one is flying around Jetsons-style. And most likely, humanoids all over the planet are partaking in the traditional ritual of making New Year’s resolutions. Especially since food is not in pill…

Five Stone Sports founders Craig Lumsden (left) and Kent Lansville (right) are geared up to bring competitive and recreational sports programming to the community. Article and photo by Tracy Dudley Two Castle Pines North residents have been involved in numerous sports organizations through the years as youth and now as parents of young athletes. Craig…

Article by Terri Wiebold and photo by Tim Gamble Court allows continued big game hunting in Castle Pines; imposes restrictions Nearly one year following the Castle Pines Homes Association, Inc.’s (CPHA) filing of a complaint for an injunctive relief to prohibit hunting with firearms on 88 acres of land nestled in the Castle Pines community,…

Pastors Russ and Becky Stutzman being honored at a dessert reception at the Inverness Hotel in Englewood in October. By Scott Lasher Solid Life Christian Center appreciates its pastors Russ and Becky Stutzman honored in unique way In a church filled with an abundance of love and appreciation, something modeled by its pastors, how does…

Eagle Scout Connor Smith stands in the gazebo he built at the Lowell Ranch in Castle Rock. by Elizabeth Wood West Connor Smith has been a Scout most of his life, having joined the Cub Scouts in first grade. A Rock Canyon High School senior and Oak Hills resident, Smith completed all Cub Scout rank…

Help Colorado’s less fortunate by donating winter clothing at this year’s Treads for Threads. Bring in your coats, boots, hats, gloves and sweaters to Big O Tires and receive a $5 off coupon, now through January 18th. Big O Tires is located at 508 E. Castle Pines Parkway.

There may be a new pride of cougars in wildcat country if considerations to sell a portion of land in the Highlands Ranch “backcountry” wildnerness area come to fruition. Colorado Christian University has expressed interest in the property, located just west of Monarch Boulevard south of Rocky Heights Middle School, as well as exploring other…

by Scott Lasher The word “rotate” is used quite often in the sports world, particularly in the game of basketball. “Rotate to the weak side!” a coach might yell to one of his defenders. “Rotate to the basket!” a coach might yell on a pick-and-roll play. The Rocky Heights Middle School eighth grade boy’s basketball…

by Kathy Dunker The recent Master Association annual meeting included an interesting announcement from HOA1 Board member, Dick Lichtenheld. The Board of HOA1 would like to separate from the Castle Pines North Master Association. According to Lichtenheld, the withdrawal would result in an 18 percent reduction in HOA dues for the residents without any reduction…

by Elizabeth Wood West One Castle Pines Village petitioner is oblivious to it, having tuned it out completely, like you would a ticking clock: “I live in Castle Pointe, the nearest community to the trains. The train whistle noise is NOT an issue. One can barely hear the noise, even at night. The whistle is…

Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County residents can now take their neighborhood crime map with them wherever they go. The new iPhone application will provide citizens with local crime mapping and national sex offender data. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office already publishes their crime data on the…

Information provided by God’s Grace Community Church God’s Grace Community Church (GGCC) had the joy of once again helping to host the Annual Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives Christmas Party for inner city kids on December 19. More than 200 families from Five Points in Denver attended the event. Festivities included cookie and card decorating,…

Reprinted from an e-mail correspondence dated January 22, 2010 Michele Radke, TTE Principal Molly Gnaegy, TTE Assistant Principal Douglas County School District has reviewed its calendar assignments for next school year and has determined that Timber Trail Elementary will depart from the year round calendar beginning with the 2010-2011 school year. Recent developments have resulted…

Submitted by Kristin Zagurski Town Council will be asked to decide Tuesday in which direction the North Meadows Extension project should proceed. The project would provide a second access between The Meadows and U.S. Highway 85 and Interstate 25, relieving congestion on Meadows Parkway and improving traffic flow on I-25. Three alternatives for the road…

Information submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue with contributions from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Everyone knows the number, but do you know how it works? When you call 9-1-1 from either a land line or a cell phone, your call will most likely go to a law enforcement agency dispatch center. In the Castle…

Ten-year-old Ashley M. with Timber Trail Elementary art teacher Peggy Jensen. Ashley participated in a fall art show at TTE which was held in conjunction with the school’s book fair fund raiser. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Inspiration is nearly everywhere, especially for budding artists at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). In November, the school…

Local disc jockey Dom Testa gives an inspirational presentation to American Academy students. by Kathy Dunker Excitement was in the air at American Academy for a December assembly led by local disc jockey, Dom Testa, from the Dom & Jane morning show on Mix 100 (FM100.3). Testa, an award winning writer for young adults, spoke…

Local land developers Darwin Horan and Chris Fellows of HF Holdings, LLC partnered with the Douglas County Board of Commissioners and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) to bring holiday joy to more than fifty families and more than seventy-five children in need in Douglas County. In addition to gift certificates and toys, Horan and…

A community knows how valuable volunteers are in day to day operations. Parents regularly flood schools to help out classroom teachers, and in libraries volunteers reshelf books or assist in reading programs. In Douglas County, high school students are required to have 20 community service hours in order to graduate. A Castle Pines North parent…