The Connection

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…

This sign now posted at Castle Pines Parkway and Beverly Blvd, the east entry to the city, welcomes all to the new City of Castle Pines North. Mayor Maureen Shul and Council Members Ron Clark, Kim Hoffman and Chris Dooley pose with the new Castle Pines North Welcome sign.

Fires. Road closures. Gas leaks. How will you find out about countywide emergencies and disasters? Your safety is our top concern. Early warning helps save lives and property. That’s why the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office wants to make sure you know about emergencies and disasters as they happen. Douglas County will use the 3n InstaCom…

by The Colorado Division of Wildlife Coyotes in the Front Range? While coyotes are found throughout the West, they are extremely adaptable and can thrive in urban areas. From downtown Denver to the smallest suburb, coyotes are not new to residential communities. They can and will be found in any neighborhood that provides their basic…

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE Sheriff David A. Weaver 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 CONTACT #1: Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer, 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822 CONTACT #2: RELEASE DATE: 03/30/09 RELEASE TIME: 12:30 pm CASE NUMBER: WHAT: Address canvassing has begun for 2010 Census NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY: Sheriff David A. Weaver would…

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 CONTACT #1: Fran Santagata, Douglas County Emergency Management Director, 303-660-7589 CONTACT #2: Public Information Officer, Cocha Heyden, 303-660-7586. RELEASE DATE: 03/24/09 RELEASE TIME: 4:00 pm CASE NUMBER: WHAT: Douglas County Commissioners and Sheriff David Weaver Approve Stage 1 Fire Restrictions NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS…

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer, 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822 RELEASE DATE: 03/09/09 RELEASE TIME: 9:30 am Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Increasing DUI Enforcement for Upcoming Holiday The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up their efforts to apprehend intoxicated and impaired…

Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822 Deputy Robert Rotherham Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit 303-660-7505 ext 6514 In an effort to save more lives on Colorado’s roadways, particularly at night, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will join forces with State and other local law enforcement…

The Barking Goat Tavern owner, Eric Warner, says he is excited to open for business in Castle Pines North. by Terri Wiebold Looking for somewhere to go to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day? As luck would have it, a new bar/restaurant is opening in Castle Pines North, and just in time to celebrate the first green…

The Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) results for the 2007-2008 school year have been distributed and the fifth grade class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) is one of three fifth grade classes in the Douglas County School District (DCSD) that tied for first place in reading. BRE fifth graders finished with 96 percent of the…

The Castle Pines Parkway exit 188 at I-25 could expect to see more traffic. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) plans to close the Surrey Ridge exits off I-25 with the completion of the new service road currently under construction from Lincoln Avenue in Lone Tree to Castle Pines North by Lisa Crockett Surrey Ridge…

Douglas County Commissioner Steve Boand (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Lane Robers and Terri Wiebold Douglas County Commissioner Steve Boand (pictured right) took the oath of office for a second term on January 13, as a commissioner in District II which includes the Castle Pines area. Preceding the swearing-in ceremony, Commissioner Boand sat down with…

by Elean Gersack No need to venture far to celebrate the holiday of love. Check out local businesses for gifts, dinner, flowers and more. The Bundt Shoppe Those who have not yet tried a cake from The Bundt Shoppe are missing out. The delectable cakes are perfect for any occasion. In honor of Valentine’s Day,…

T-mobile Tower at the Ridge by Lisa Crockett T-Mobile will soon petition the city council for approval of a new, 45-foot cell phone tower in Daniel’s Gate, near the intersection of Daniels Gate Road and Ocaso Drive. The tower, which will be disguised as a light pole, and an equipment enclosure would be built near…

Submitted by Kristi Doke of American Academy American Academy is currently preparing to compete in the Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC). The TARC is the world’s largest rocket contest, sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association and the National Association of Rocketry. Each year, approximately 7,000 students compete in the TARC. The top 100 teams throughout…

Juli Adams (left) and CPN resident Elean Gersack recently launched a new e-commerce store for Firefly Furnishings (photo courtesy of Elean Gersack) Firefly Furnishings, a distinctive children’s furnishings boutique recently launched a new e-commerce store – www.fireflyfurnishings.com. Last year, store owner and founder, Juli Adams, partnered with Castle Pines North resident Elean Gersack, to build…

Warren Lynge by Lisa Crockett A solid defeat for the library district in the last election may have seemed like the final word on a library in Castle Pines North (CPN), but a group of citizen volunteers isn’t giving up the fight. “The possibility of a library in Castle Pines North still exists,” said dedicated…

Maureen Shul, former Master Association Board President Maureen Shul, Master Association board president for the past three years, stepped down from her role as a homeowner advocate to focus her energies as mayor for the City of Castle Pines North. Shul served on the Master Association for several years before taking the reins as president.…

Dwight Zemp by Denise Bassett, Castle Pines North Metro District Dwight Zemp was sworn in to fulfill a two-year vacancy on the CPNMD board at the December 8, 2008 board meeting. Zemp views the decision made by the citizens of Castle Pines North to incorporate as bringing new planning and operating challenges to the CPN…

by Terri Wiebold Eight members of local Brownie Troop 628 attended the February 11 Castle Pines North (CPN) City Council meeting to help celebrate the city’s one-year anniversary of officially becoming a city and to work toward earning their “Citizens Near and Far” Try-It (badge). The Brownie Troop opened the meeting with a presentation of…

Information submitted by Carol Langley-Finnegan Safety Task Force Chair The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) Safety Task Force (STF) has reorganized. During 2009, the STF will focus its attention on four major areas of concern for the residents of CPN. The goal?of the STF is that focusing on these specific areas will have a…

by Paige Newman, RCHS student intern Each year in the Denver-metro area, hundreds of thousands of cats are brought into shelters lost and separated from their owners. Of these thousands of lost cats, only a mere 10 percent are ever reunited. To help solve the problem of the reunification of cats and their owners, a…

Stacie Sneider (left) and Shawn Hulsizer created the Water Awareness and Responsibility Program to educate water users and promote conservation. Article and photo by Carin Kirkegaard If green is the new black, then Castle Pines North (CPN) residents Shawn Hulsizer and Stacie Sneider are definitely in vogue. Hulsizer and Sneider are the co-owners of the…

by Terri Wiebold Step aside Craig’s List…the Castle Pines community now has its very own local Business Directory, Classifieds postings, and Review Forum specific to Castle Pines North and surrounding areas. Who knew!? The Castle Pines Connection new website, www.castlepinesconnection.com, is a one-stop-shop for all things Castle Pines. The Marketplace listing on the left column…

Submitted by Elite Mobile Fitness & Dickason Chiropractic Presenters Victoria Torok, certified personal trainer and owner of Elite Mobile Fitness, and Dr. Clint Dickason, owner of Dickason Chiropractic, have teamed up to get Castle Pines residents to new levels of fitness in 2009. Torok and Dickason are offering free lunchtime seminars to help achieve those…

by Lane Roberts On December 19, 2008, the City of Castle Pines North (CPN) announced a new business and contractor licensing program. Businesses who conduct activities within CPN were originally required obtain the appropriate license(s) by January 1, 2009. According to City License Office Patrick Howell, the deadline was extended to February 1. “To date…

from Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office CONTACT #1: Sergeant Jeff Egnor, Public Information Officer, dispatch: 303-660-7500, pgr. 303-206-4416 RELEASE DATE: 02/20/09 RELEASE TIME: 5:15 pm CASE NUMBER: 0901770 WHAT: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Publics’ Help in Locating Missing/Endangered Person The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance…

Abby Kochevar by Carin Kirkegaard Castle Pines North (CPN) resident, Abby Kochevar, age 10 was selected to represent the state at the 25th Annual Midwest Regional All-Star Invitational Swim Meet held January 17-18 in Lawrence, Kansas. Colorado finished in first place, a long standing record for the state. At the meet, Kochevar competed in six…

The Castle Pines Village (CPV) Stingrays will start online registration March 1 for the summer swim team. Interested swimmers must be a CPV resident and HOA member, and be able to swim one length of the pool without stopping and tread water for 45 seconds. The Stingrays is designed first for fun and to provide…

by Terri Wiebold Many residents have inquired about the status of the 80108 zip code for Castle Pines North (CPN), and whether to address labels with “Castle Rock” or “Castle Pines North.” According to the USPS, The zip code of 80108 has remained unchanged and will continue to be the zip code in CPN until…

by Lane Roberts & Terri Wiebold On Wednesday, February 11, the Castle Pines North (CPN) city council will vote on the final reading of three ordinances that would grant new franchise fee agreements with Comcast, Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) and Xcel Energy. If passed, CPN residents would most likely see an increase in monthly…

Fast Lane Jane owner Meredith Woodrow of Castle Pines Village works to connect women while promoting health living and fitness. by Carin Kirkegaard (photo courtesy of Fast Lane Jane) From the Cherry Creek Sneak to the Boulder Peak Triathlon, Colorado women start training for the many races offered in the Denver Metropolitan area in February.…

Construction continues in the open space area adjacent to Monarch Boulevard just across from StoneCroft. The CPN Metro District is conducting several upgrades to the wastewater system which delivers sewage to the Plum Creek Wastewater Authority in Castle Rock. (photo by Tim Gamble) Submitted by James McGrady, CPN Metro District Manager Additional pipeline construction planned…

Timber Trail Elementary Fourth Grade Teacher Kimberly Kurtzuba is the school’s nominee for this year’s Apple Awards. by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary’s (TTE) Kimberly Kurtzuba has been nominated to represent the school as their outstanding teacher this year. Kurtzuba will join the ranks of teachers from other schools all over Douglas County School District…

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple calls in the last few weeks about coyote sightings and encounters in the higher populated areas of Douglas County. Sheriff David A. Weaver wants citizens to become educated about these animals as well as the do’s and don’ts when encountering a coyote. The following are things you…

by Lisa Crockett The failure of ballot measures 3A and 3B last November means that schools all over Douglas County will be tightening their belts. With the failure of the measures, Douglas County School District (DCSD) begins its process of identifying an additional $16 million in budget reductions for the 2009-10 school year. These reductions…

by Carin Kirkegaard The Empty Nesters are planning their 2009 calendar with many activities for retirees living in Castle Pines North (CPN). All CPN retirees are invited to come and join in the fun and fellowship throughout the year. The Empty Nesters is a social group designed to connect retirees with common interests. Groups currently…

By Terri Wiebold Nestled in the majestic pines along Happy Canyon Road is the architectural elegance of Ceilo at Castle Pines, scheduled to open in April 2009. Cielo at Castle Pines will offer a peaceful place to gather for weddings, private parties, corporate events, business meetings, or any other special occasion. Whether booking a small,…

The brand new Timber Trail Elementary choir held its first performance last December. TTE Music Teacher Cindy Berndt is looking forward to the spring season, which will culminate with a special year-end concert of fourth and fifth graders. (photo courtesy of Mark Wilkins) by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) is still a relatively new…

Residents and businesses who signed up to receive community e-mail alerts from the City of Castle Pines North received a notice on December 19 stating they must obtain a business license by January 1, 2009. The e-mail stated that the City approved a “reasonable business and contractor license fee schedule.” The Castle Pines Connection wanted…

Helping those less fortunate –  A group from Castle Pines North recently spent the day working on a house for Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. The home, which is for a single mother and her two children, is located in Commerce City.  (Photo by Carin Kirkegaard) (photo below courtesy of Tammy Abramovitz) by Carin…

by Terri Wiebold E-470 recently announced rate increases for tolls effective January, 2009, and customers with EXpressToll transponders will receive discounted rates. However, starting in July, E-470 will no longer be accepting cash payments at any toll locations. Safeway and King Soopers stores in Castle Pines North (CPN) bring new meaning to “one-stop shopping,” with…

by Lane Roberts Castle Pines residents should get used to seeing additional orange cones along I-25. In spring 2009, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin widening 10.3 miles of I-25 from three to four lanes between Lincoln Avenue and the Founders/Meadows Parkway exit in Castle Rock. According to CDOT, the work will consist…

by Terri Wiebold While pranks and incidents of vandalism occur on occasion in almost every community in Colorado and across America, local homeowner’s associations in Castle Pines North (CPN) are aggressively pursuing a solution, as vandalism incidents in the community continue to rise. Recent incidents of vandalism to neighborhood playgrounds and open space trails in…

Submitted by Allstate Insurance Allstate Insurance Company is proud to announce the opening of a new office in Castle Rock, which is independently owned and operated by Agent Steve Dow. Located at 753 Maleta Lane, Suite 202, office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and by appointment on Saturday. “My staff…