The Connection

Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 303-660-7586 CONTACT #1: Deputy Rob Rotherham 303-814-7005 ext 6514 303-660-7500 (dispatch) Upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Parker Police Department will be stepping up their efforts to apprehend Intoxicated and Impaired drivers during the Memorial Day…

by Lane Roberts On Thursday, February 26, American Academy students walked away with an impressive number of awards at the Denver Metro Regional Science Fair. The event was held at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and featured projects from schools around the entire Denver-metro area. Congratulations to all American Academy students who participated…

In the February/March issue of The Castle Pines Connection “Our Opinion” editorial about business license fees, we reported that Joe the Plumber should “be prepared to pay about $155 ($55 for a business license and $100 for a master plumber license) for making a service call in Castle Pines North…” Upon further clarification from city…

Gov. Bill Ritter has ordered all U.S. and Colorado flags lowered on state and federal buildings inColorado on Monday, April 20, 2009, in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Columbine High Schoolshootings, and in remembrance of the innocent victims who died that day. On April, 20, 1999, 12 students and one teacher were killed…

Information Submitted by Carol Langley-Finnegan, CPN Safety Task Force Chair The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) Safety Task Force is taking steps to continue making our city a safer place for us all. While our law enforcement is in the capable hands of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, we as citizens must stand up…

Castle Pines North resident Tammy Abramovitz (right) uses the community garage sale to raise funds for non-profit The Picnic Foundation. (Photo by Tim Gamble) By Carin Kirkegaard For the past four years, local Castle Pines North (CPN) resident, Tammy Abramovitz, has utilized the CPN community garage sale to clean out closets and raise thousands of…

Message provided by Douglas County Assessor Teri Cox, guest editorial The 2009 reappraisal and notices of valuation On May 1, Notices of Valuation for the 2009 reappraisal will be mailed to all property owners in Douglas County. Every two years the assessor’s office revalues all real estate in the county as of an appraisal date…

The Castle Pines Connection recently published an article on our website regarding franchise fee agreements between the city of Castle Pines North (CPN) and local utility providers, causing residents to take a closer look at their utility bills and make note of these additional fees. One Castle Pines North resident wrote in and stated, “My…

by Terri Wiebold The city’s website has a new feature to help identify land use cases active in the city of Castle Pines North. An overview map populated with pine tree icons marks open land use cases within the city. Categories include site improvement plan applications, use by special review applications, subdivision aplications, rezoning applications,…

Information contributed by local resident and owner of Show Your Colors Flag Company, Jeff Tomzak For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of this nation’s strength and unity. It has been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens, and it has been a prominent icon in national…

by Lane Roberts The building is still under construction, but the enrollment lottery at American Academy is complete. To date, 131 children from Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) feeder areas have accepted positions at the K-8 public charter school. American Academy accepted a total of 242 new children for the 2009-2010…

by Carin Kirkegaard Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students will need to set alarm clocks a little earlier next fall. As part of the Douglas County School District (DCSD) budget cuts, the high school and middle school bus routes will be combined for RHMS and Rock Canyon High School (RCHS). There are many questions and…

Showing support for their teacher – Fifth grade boys at Timber Trail Elementary shaved their heads as a tribute to their teacher, Jesica Harrington, center, who is battling stage three breast cancer. Fellow fifth-grade teacher Tony Greene, left, organized a mass head shaving in the cafeteria as a show of support for Harrington. Article and…

Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Pictured left to right: Mayor Maureen Shul, Brian Goldberg, Timothy Bougan, Jack Berris, Conrad Berris, Ted Koerner, Connor Newell, Marston Tweed, Austin Matthys, Andrew Ewald, Ricky Talbot, Douglas County Sheriff Lieutenant Troy McCarty, and Scout Master (and city councilman for Ward 3) David Neely. Local Boy Scout Troop 637…

DCS Montessori students on a Mission at the Challenger Learning Center of Colorado. (Photo by Lisa Maas) by Tracy Dudley All upper elementary students from DCS Montessori recently participated in a space mission “Return to the Moon.” The simulated trip into space took place at the Challenger Learning Center of Colorado in Colorado Springs (www.clccs.org).…

Diane Naylor works with her granddaugher Robin in the classroom at Buffalo Ridge Elementary. Naylor is one of many grandparents volunteering in the local schools. (Photo by Carin Kirkegaard) by Carin Kirkegaard Volunteering in a child’s classroom is a luxury that not every parent is able to indulge. With full time jobs and demanding schedules,…

by Lane Roberts The Castle Pines North Metro District is moving forward with the installation of a 12-inch water main along a portion of Mira Vista Lane to service the American Academy charter school, currently under construction on Lagae Ranch. Despite setbacks of the residential component of the development, the Metro District will fund the…

Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822 and Whei Wong, Communications Director Douglas County School District, 303.387.0033 Douglas County Sheriff and School District Launching New Texting Program in High Schools Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver and Superintendent of Schools Jim Christensen are proud to announce the…

Save time and gas. Attend a neighborhood preschool! Children’s Place at Wembley Place offers preschool for 3,4 and 5-year olds. Morning sessions available with a warm, caring and experienced teacher. Contact Terry Matzat at 303-688-9187. Extended Kindergarten Program has four openings for the 2009-2010 school year. Tuesday and Thursday mornings are available. Call Sarah Byrne…

by Denise Bassett, Castle Pines North Metro District Burnham named treasurer of AWWA Rocky Mountain Section Customer Service Committee Janet Burnham, District Administrator, has been named Treasurer of the American Water Works Association Rocky Mountain Section Customer Service Committee. Burnham participated as a panelist in the Committee’s 2009 first quarter meeting, which was attended by…

Shelley Hamilton Bruer by Terri Wiebold While the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association had big shoes to fill with the departure of community advocate and City Council member Jennifer Havercroft, her replacement comes with a closet of more than 600 options. “Those who know me well will always comment on my shoes, which can…

God’s Grace Community Church (GGCC) is moving closer to its eventual home. The church, which has been meeting in Lone Tree, will begin holding services at Rock Canyon High School in April. The first worship services at the high school will be held on Sunday, April 5, at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. “We are…

by Lane Roberts The liveBIG Fund, in memory of Nicholas Speights, will host the third annual 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, May 3, at the Butterfield Park in The Meadows. Proceeds support the mission of the liveBIG Fund. The liveBIG Fund provides education for youth, helps strengthen family relationships, and provides outdoor activities for youth. Nicholas…

by Terri Wiebold The much-anticipated April 2 community meeting regarding the Town of Castle Rock’s North Meadows Extension project brought in between 500-600 people, according to estimates from Town of Castle Rock Community Relations Manager, Angela Copeland. “The process of sorting the comments is under way, but has not been finished,” stated Copeland. “A first-blush…

The merchants in The Village at Castle Pines will sponsor their first “wine walk” on Wednesday, May 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will take place at the shopping center off Happy Canyon Road. All proceeds will benefit the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

Unaware of the dangers around them… residents in the Castle Pines community may be at risk if hunting on an 88-acre parcel of land adjacent to Castle Pines Village and I-25 is allowed to continue. The Castle Pines Homes Association filed for – and was granted – a temporary injunction to prevent hunting on the…

Douglas County will host three household chemical roundups to allow safe disposal of hazardous materials. Three separate roundups are set for: April 25 Parker Joint Services Center 17801 East Plaza Drive, Parker; August 8 Shea Stadium 3270 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch; September 12 Town of Castle Rock Utilities 175 Kellogg Court, in Castle Rock.…

Submitted by Jane Damsgard-Cronin Ink Boutique is excited to celebrate its fifth year in business. Established March 1, 2004 and located in Castle Pines North, this In-Home Studio business is owned and operated by Jenny Hanna and Joy Damsgard. “We still have the same energy and excitement for our clients and business (that we had)…

by Terri Wiebold Ongoing road construction along I-25 means changes are coming. The new RidgeGate exit is expected to open in May, weather permitting. Construction continues on the new frontage road that will connect RidgeGate exit 192 to the Surrey Ridge underpass and ultimately connect with Castle Pines Parkway exit 188. Drivers wanting to access…

Rock Canyon swimmers (left to right): Coach Nicole Vanderpoel, Maddie Vanderpoel, Mattie Nobles, Sarah Classen, Abigail Fuselier. Not Pictured Rock Canyon Swimmers: Rachel Berensen, Chelsea Dome, Kelly Everds, Arielle Harrison, Katie Kennedy, Heather Morrison, Erin Oehm, Taylor Renda, Lauren Scheirman, Ellen Strampel, Tia Totura, Jennifer Welden, Meredith Wilemon, Kaitlin Zindel. Article and photo by Carin…

Bruce Springsteen by Paige Newman, Rock Canyon High School Intern Writer The Boss runs my family. When the Boss is speaking, we are all ears. When the Boss plays guitar, we listen in silence. When the Boss is singing, God forbid a distraction interrupts a single note. The Boss is Bruce Springsteen. Some of the…

Castle Crocs swimmers from left to right: Andrew Steavpack, Molly Steavpack, Chole Civello, Ellie Fox, Johnny Koerner, Reid Warburton, Eddy Warburton. Article and photo by Carin Kirkegaard The Castle Croc swim team registration arrived early this year, but that didn’t stop an overwhelming response from Castle Pines North (CPN) swimmers who lined up to join…

by Terri Wiebold The Village Homes Association held its annual meeting of the members on March 9th at the Village Country Club with approximately 200 members in attendance. Various board and committee members contributed to a slide show presentation highlighting active committees and the work each committee has accomplished to date. Topics of discussion included…

Left to Right: Susan Waltermire, Lesia Rehl, Becky Schmeits, Sara Tibby, Tracey McCarthy (Photo by Lesia Rehl) by Carin Kirkegaard Each summer a group of neighbors from Castle Pines Village (CPV) ride as the Village Idiots and tackle the Courage Classic Bike Tour, raising thousands for Denver Children’s Hospital. The idea to form the team…

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…

Rock Canyon lacrosse will be led by CPN residents Austin Fisher (left) and Kacy Carter, here celebrating a goal last season. (Photo by Kevin Williams) by Scott Lasher Every spring in Colorado, it seems as though when flowers should be blooming and birds ought to be chirping, the snow and cold of winter put a…

by Terri Wiebold There are now more ways to get information about what’s happening in your community. A New Newspaper – A new, independently owned and operated community newspaper is now serving the greater Castle Pines community. The Castle Pines Connection is a bi-monthly newspaper focusing on all things local; not just Douglas County-local, but…

by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) city council voted in February to establish a City Economic Development Committee. According to council member Chris Dooley, this five-member advisory committee of city council members, business leaders, and CPN residents will advance the interests of the community by promoting economic growth in the city of Castle…

Information submitted by the Douglas/Ebert Task Force Now more than ever our Douglas County neighbors need our help. The Douglas/Elbert Task Force’s mission is to provide for those in need. To do that, the Task Force is hosting “A Reason to Wine,” a wine tasting with an art and silent auction, to raise money toward…

Submitted by CPN Master Association President, Earl Millspaugh During the January Master Association (MA) meeting, it was decided that several committees comprised of delegates and a Board liaison would be formed to address some issues facing the MA. One of these committees was to address the issue of collecting the funds expended by the MA…

Local Brownie Troop 628 smiles for the camera after a presentation of the colors (American and Colorado flags) and after leading the audience in The Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the Star Spangled Banner at the February 11 Castle Pines North City Council meeting. The Troop earned their “Citizens Near and Far” Try-It (badge)…

by Carin Kirkegaard For children not riding a school bus, arriving at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) School can be a maze of walkers, skateboards, scooters, walkers, dogs and vehicles. At times, navigating this maze can be perilous according to some BRE parents. “Parents park their vehicles on sidewalks and in cross walks, execute U-turns in…

by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) city council voted in February to approve two ordinances granting franchise fee agreements with Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) and Xcel Energy. Both ordinances call for a three percent (3%) franchise fee agreement for a term of twenty years. What is a Franchise Fee? Franchise fees are…

Lt. Troy McCarty and Mayor Shul Article and photo by Terri Wiebold In late February, the City of Castle Pines North council voted to pass a resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Board of County Commissioners on behalf of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office regarding public safety. The IGA provides the city of…

Local Castle Pines North artist Nancy Meiser will host an art show called, “Wildflowers in the Springtime.” More than 30 acrylic paintings of floral arrangements will be on display April 25, at 6:30 p.m. Fifteen percent (15%) of the total proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation. The show will be held in…

These photos are conceptual and intended to display before (below) and after (above) examples of an area to be redesigned with Xeriscape features. (Photos courtesy Norris Design.) By Denise Bassett, Castle Pines North Metro District Landscape Master Plan – Construction plans for Phase One of the District’s Landscape Master Plan are currently being drawn up…

South Metro Fire Rescue Authority firefighters put out hot spots after containing a brush fire in Parker earlier this year. Information submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Little moisture in Douglas County this winter and spring have created extremely dry conditions which could worsen. The South Metro Fire Rescue offers the following information to help…

Kelly Durie, Steve Durie and Mary Williams celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Castle Pines North’s newest restaurant – The Barking Goat. (Photo by Tim Gamble) by Lisa Crockett A new eatery is open in Castle Pines North (CPN). Dubbed The Barking Goat Tavern, the establishment opened in March in the former Celtic Crossing location, 363…

by Lisa Crockett After years, the long process of making plans, submitting them to Douglas County, then re-submitting plans, Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) has moved one step closer to building a permanent home in Surrey Ridge. In March, Douglas County approved plans for a 344-seat church in Surrey Ridge at 9009 Clydesdale Road. “I…

by Carin Kirkegaard The Empty Nesters coordinates two Bridge groups in the Castle Pines North community – a singles ladies bridge group and a couples bridge group. The singles ladies bridge group meets the third Monday of the month and has eight ladies that rotate hosting the game in her home. Currently, there is a…

  Castle Pines Community Spellers pictured above Bergen Templin (TTE), Victoria Vanderpoel (RHMS) and J.T. Snowden (BRE). (Photo by Carin Kirkegaard) by Carin Kirkegaard The Castle Pines community sent three spellers to the Douglas County School District (DCSD) Spelling Bee on February 18 at Northeast Elementary School in Parker. J.T. Snowden, a fourth grader from…

By Lisa Crockett Five area businesses have closed their doors in recent months including: Entrée Vous, Jimmy’s Steakhouse, Rejuvinations Spa, Jasmine Boutique and Castle Pines Chiropractic. Though economic times are precarious for many, Castle Pines area businesses aren’t without a support network. Sharon Kollmar, the president of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, sees continued…

by Carin Kirkegaard Tri the Rock returns for its fourth year of benefiting youth health and fitness on May 17 at Butterfield Park in Castle Rock. A USA Triathlon sanctioned event, Tri the Rock is open to all kids ages five through 14. Cost is $30 for registration prior to May 11 and after is…

by Tracy Dudley In the spring of 2007, a local grassroots group rallying for a recreation center in Castle Pines North (CPN) commissioned a survey that found 81 percent of CPN residents in favor of a recreation center for the community. This was nearly two years ago, and Castle Pines Recreation (CPR) has since paused…

Birds of a Feather: (from left) Skyler Draper, Nathan Cook, Cameron Lindemann and Chase Bell all received their Eagle Scout awards on the same day. All four of the boys are students at Rock Canyon High School. The boys are scouts in troops 365 and 530. (Photo by Lisa Crocket) by Lisa Crockett The journey…

by Lisa Crockett Another hurdle on the long route to a library for the Castle Pines community has been cleared. At its regular meeting on April 16, the Library Board of Trustees instructed Douglas County Libraries Director, Jamie LaRue, to pursue lease negotiations for a library space here. “We are giving our permission to our…

Submitted by Dr. Bryan Rudiak, Canyon Ridge Chiropractic The Rock Canyon High School choirs joined forces with local doctor, Dr. Bryan Rudiak of Canyon Ridge Chiropractic, to raise $1,000 for the school program. The students were able to raise the money rather easily and in a rather short period of time. Dr. Rudiak donated a…

by Carin Kirkegaard Longer daylight hours and warmer weather have Castle Pines North (CPN) neighbors taking advantage of Colorado’s early spring days. Whether riding a bike, taking a jog, or walking a dog on CPN’s 13.5 miles of recreational trails, many residents have been out enjoying spring. In addition to these walking trails CPN residents…

Submitted by Heather Halpape, CDOT 9484 or 303-888-6319 (cell) CSP PIO, 303-239-4583 The Colorado State Patrol and 40 law enforcement agencies wrote 2,761 seat belt tickets during a week-long, nighttime Click It or Ticket enforcement that occurred April 1-7 in 11 counties. The special overtime traffic enforcement took place between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.…

by Lisa Crockett With no confirmed tenants for the parcel of land at the corner of Monarch Boulevard and Castle Pines Parkway – a parcel known as “CC-20”, construction plans that were introduced more than two years ago remain unchanged but also unrealized. The site, which is owned by Pinark, LLC, was to have been…

by Denise Bassett, Castle Pines North Metro District On average more than eight percent of residential water use is lost through leaking fixtures or pipes! Knowing how much water you use is the first step toward getting a handle on water consumption. As you evaluate your water use, try to look for ways to reduce…

April Parcells Article and photo by Carin Kirkegaard MacKenzie Rae Parcells was born a perfectly healthy baby to Castle Pines North residents, April and Bill Parcells. It was at her two-month check-up, when MacKenzie received her DTap immunization that things began to change. According to April Parcells, co-founder of the MacKenzie Grace Foundation, MacKenzie had…

by Lane Roberts On Thursday, March 5, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted its first membership meeting at The Ridge in Castle Pines North (CPN.) Don Bobeda, chairman for the Chamber, gave the introductions and welcomed more than 60 businesses in attendance. Dr. Jason Ortman of Castle Pines Eye Care sponsored the event.. Guest…

by Lane Roberts Verizon Wireless has been working with the Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District to add a new flag pole cell tower at the Community Center located on Yorkshire Drive at Castle Pines Parkway. The nation’s largest wireless telecommunications provider has determined that wireless coverage in the CPN area, primarily to the west…

by Carin Kirkegaard Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) is promoting literacy throughout the school and tying in a fundraising component through learning. With budget cuts looming across the Douglas County School District, the parents from the parent/teacher organization, the Buffalo Ridge Educational Alliance (BREA), decided to be proactive and start raising money for the coming year…

Workers continue the foundation for a pedestrian/bicycle/equestrian underpass. Article and photo Terri Wiebold As construction continues on the Daniel’s Park Improvement Project, local residents anxiously await the reopening of road closures on the west ends of Buffalo Trail and Castle Pines Parkway. Detours were put into place and roads closed in late February for construction…

Information provided by South Suburban Recreation Center On Friday April 17, 2009, South Suburban Parks and Recreation celebrates 50 years of service with 50-cent Friday at the all four South Suburban Golf Courses. Warm up your swing and get into your game with a bucket of balls for only 50 cents all day on Friday,…

Big O repersentatives Brandon Elder (left) and Robyn McElroy with Little O (Photo by Steve Severin, Avocet Communications) by Terri Wiebold Castle Pines North (CPN) Big O Tires mascot, Little O, joined The Children’s Miracle Network and Alice 105.9 radio station for the annual “36 Hours for Kids” event, which is a live radio broadcast…

by Lane Roberts The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce recently mailed 3,300 shop local first discount cards to Castle Pines North (CPN) residents. The complimentary discount card offers a variety of savings from more than 25 local CPN businesses. “Following the announcement of this program, we had many requests for cards from residents outside of…