The Connection

Boy Scout Troop 637 by Terri Wiebold Ten members of local Boy Scout Troop 637 attended the January 28 City of Castle Pines North City Council meeting, working toward achieving their “Citizenship in the Community” merit badge. The Scout Troop opened the meeting with a presentation of the colors (American and Colorado flags) and led…

By Lane Roberts The economic downturn seems to be slowing growth of the drugstore giant, Walgreens. In late December, the Deerfield, Illinois-based drugstore announced they are cutting corners by delaying new store openings, while also reporting a 10.5 percent drop in quarterly profits. Walgreens opened and acquired 212 stores in the first quarter of last…

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE 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: 01/13/09 RELEASE TIME: 3:00 pm CASE NUMBER: WHAT: County Sheriffs of Colorado Scholarship Program NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY: Sheriff David A Weaver announced today that County Sheriffs of…

by Terri Wiebold What is vandalism? Vandalism as we know it is legally defined as Criminal Mischief, and is outlined by Colorado Revised Statute CRS 18-4-501. The definition, roughly stated, is unlawfully and knowingly damaging the real or personal property of someone or something. The amount of damage caused determines the classification of the crime…

Lane and ramp closures are in place this week as part of two widening projects on Interstate 25 in northern Douglas County. Monday, January 26 – Thursday, January 29: Right land of southbound I-25 closed from Exit 191 (just south of RidgeGate Interchange – under construction) to Surrey Ridge (Exit 190) from 9:30 p.m. to…

Looking north on I-25 at Lincoln Ave by Lane Roberts Starting this week, drivers can expect delays on I-25 northbound near the new Ridgegate Parkway expansion, south of Lincoln Avenue. According to CDOT, lane closures will occur between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. Monday through Thursdays for striping and realignment. The Ridgegate project is expected…

Gov. Bill Ritter has ordered all U.S. and Colorado flags lowered in Colorado on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, in honor of Staff Sgt. Justin L. Bauer. The 24-year-old soldier from Berthoud was killed Jan. 10 in Baghdad. Bauer was a paratrooper assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, based at…

by Deputy Cocha Heyden Nine members of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post #10-4 participated in the 2009 Law Enforcement Explorer Tactical Competition held in Chandler, Arizona, January 16-18. The competition was fierce but they managed to come away with a medal. The post competed against over 900 explorers from around the nation. Due…

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 CONTACT #1: Dep. Robert Rotherham, 303-814-7005 ext 6514; 303-660-7500 (dispatch) RELEASE DATE: 01/28/09 RELEASE TIME: CASE NUMBER: N/A WHAT: DUI Enforcement during Super Bowl XLIII Party Weekend NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up their…

by Terri Wiebold Since E-470 opened in 1991, customers using the toll highway have had the option of paying either by cash or with EXpressToll transponders. 2009 will bring several changes to the way customers travel on, and pay for E-470 – including no more cash payments. On January 1, 2009, “License Plate Toll” was…

Winter is rapidly going by and HOA#1 is gearing up for a fantastic spring and summer! Front Range Recreation proved to be a great pool company to partner with and your HOA#1 pool committee is finalizing a contract with them for the 2009 season. HOA#1 will once again host a swim team at our pool.…

Dear IREA Castle Pines North Member: As the IREA Board member representing customers in Castle Pines North, I am pleased that the City and IREA’s staff were able to negotiate a mutually agreeable franchise agreement. We look forward to working with Town officials on planning, installation of electric facilities, addressing power supply, and serving the…

by Carin Kirkegaard The past three summers have found the children of Castle Pines North (CPN) connecting with friends, getting exercise and learning swim strokes with the neighborhood swim team the Castle Crocs. As the team begins its fourth season, swimmers can expect to return to a swim program that offers strong technical swim instruction…

Research conducted by and information submitted by Castle Pines North resident Linda Nuzum *A recent vote by the Senate postponing the upcoming transition of analog to digital television broadcasting from February 17 to June 12, gives those not prepared for the transition a chance to breathe a sigh of relief and get informed. The publicity…

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE 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: 01/16/09 RELEASE TIME: 9:30 am CASE NUMBER: WHAT: Douglas County Sheriff Pleads with Community to “Lock It or Lose It”. NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY: Douglas County Sheriff David…

The Douglas County Public Works Department is repairing areas along Castle Pines Parkway where potholes have developed in the concrete pavement. The westbound lanes have been completed and the crew is now working on the eastbound lanes. This construction is scheduled for completion the week of January 19, weather permitting. Unfortunately, this work is weather-sensitive,…

by Anthonette Klinkerman That REM song with the lyrics, “It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine”, was a great party tune. If there was ever a more appropriate song for the beginning of 2009, I don’t know what it could be. All the gloom and doom about this…

by Terri Wiebold On January 20, 2009, the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Castle Pines North and Douglas County concerning snow removal services. The City of Castle Pines North requested that the County enter into an intergovernmental agreement setting forth the terms and…

From the left: Shelly Hall, Tim Brown, and Dawn McIntosh submitted by Timothy Brown/American Family Insurance Timothy Brown, an American Family Insurance agent in Castle Rock has been recognized for customer satisfaction excellence under the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Insurance Agency Program.SM Brown has been an agent for American Family since August, 2004. His…

by Elean Gersack Are you a stay at home mom looking to connect with other moms in the area? Well, look no further. MOMS Club® of Castle Rock NW offers lots of great activities and service projects for stay-at-home moms in Castle Pines North, Castle Pines Village, Surrey Ridge, Happy Canyon and The Meadows. Each…

To make holiday shipping easier, below is a list of Castle Pines North’s closest post office locations: Castle Pines Village, (Castle Pines Postal Center), 80108 862 W Happy Canyon Rd., Ste. 110 Lone Tree (Lone Tree Postal), 80124 8878 Maximus Dr. Highlands Ranch, 80130 9609 S University Blvd. Castle Rock, 80104 300 E Miller Ct.…

Presenters Victoria Torok, CPT and owner of Elite Mobile Fitness, and Dr. Clint Dickason, owner of Dickason Chiropractic, have teamed up to get CPN residents to new levels of fitness. Torok and Dickasen are offering a free lunchtime seminar series to begin soon after New Year’s Resolutions are made. Mark the calendar for these special…

Southeast Community Outreach (SECOR) is a nonprofit, non-denominational organization operating in the southeast Denver-Metro area dedicated to demonstrating God’s compassion for those in need by providing food, personal items, monetary and budgeting assistance to individuals and families experiencing financial insecurities. Founded by Southeast Christian Church, SECOR gives a helping had to families in the area…

by Terri Wiebold While there are those rare individuals who actually enjoy braving the chaotic mall parking lots and the crowds at the registers for holiday shopping, many prefer to shop in less congested environments with decreased stress. The Castle Pines North business district has the perfect solution to holiday shopping woes… Discover the convenience…

Fmr. City Clerk Carl Kollmar The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) expects to name a new City Clerk by December 8. City Clerk Carl Kollmar resigned from the position this fall and is now serving as Deputy City Clerk for CH2M HILL OMI. “I resigned to pursue a gainful opportunity with CH2M HILL and…

Special thanks to departing board members pictured below Anna Mallinson (left), Kim Hoffman (center), and David Necker (right) for their tireless work on the board, especially in these past few months of transition. article and photo by Terri Wiebold Castle Pines North (CPN) residents and homeowner association delegates joined at the CPN Community Center for…

by Anthonette Klinkerman SendOutCards has developed a new program to allow its distributors to donate their commissions to the charity of their choice. Currently the charities include eWomen Network, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, and the American Heart Association, but distributors are lining up to suggest more charities to be…

by Terri Wiebold Douglas County recently awarded a bid for the trail construction portion of the East-West Regional Trail expansion project, which once complete, will form one continuous trail from Highway 85 east to the Bluffs Regional Park. According to Douglas County Parks and Trails Planner, Randy Burkhardt, the County is still working through bonding…

Lost of found a pet in the community? No tags or other identifying information? Make sure to check the Castle Pines North (CPN) web site to see if someone has reported the missing pet. The home page of www.cpnhoa.org has an icon that directs users to all “lost and found” pet listings. Residents who have…

Community volunteers work together to remove dead scrub oak in the open space near Pine Ridge. (photos provided by Barb Saenger) Pine Ridge community volunteers left to right:? Dan McCracken, Loyd Saenger Kathy McCracken, Don VanPutten, Sondra Barry, Gail Murray, Gene Owen, Michael Mauck, Marilyn Emblen, Bill Gatrix, Char Nelson, Don Hahn, Sue Hahn, Frank…

Local Brownie Troop 628 invited Mayor Maureen Shul to their meeting on November 10. The group of third graders at Buffalo Ridge were working on their Citizens Near and Far badge and were learning about being a good citizen, voting and laws and rules. On November 12, the Troop sang The Star Spangled Banner and…

by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association Board of Directors held a special meeting on November 18 to discuss and adopt the proposed 2009 budget prior to its regularly scheduled annual meeting. Master Association board member Earl Millspaugh presented the proposed 2009 budget to the more than 65 residents and delegates in…

submitted by Lynn Pender/The Sanctuary Day Spa The Sanctuary Day Spa is offering all the help shoppers need for the holiday season. On special this month, purchase any 60 minute service or gift card and receive 20 percent off all additional services. Gift-givers can also purchase a Wellness Plan and receive two months of free…

by Lisa Crockett Despite a failed ballot measure aimed at providing the mechanism for transferring funding from the Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District to the City of Castle Pines North, the city is adequately funded and will be able to provide necessary services to its citizens, according to CPN Mayor Maureen Shul. “Although these…

CPN resident Sandra Kip by Lisa Crockett The defeat of a November ballot measure that was to provide funding for a new library in Castle Pines North (CPN) was a blow to the many volunteers in the community who worked to make that dream a reality. The grassroots organization of more than 80 local volunteers…

Timber Trail Elementary is offering gift cards to a variety of retailers – everything from movie tickets to Honeybaked Ham – as a fundraiser to benefit the school. Cards are purchased at face value and a portion of the proceeds goes to TTE. For more information, or to order cards, send an e-mail to: Contact…

Boy Scout Troop 316 is offering a Christmas Tree pickup service for Castle Pines North residents. As of press time, dates for pickup had not been determined – dates will be listed on the troop’s website closer to the holiday. Trees will be taken to Douglas County recycling facilities. There is no charge for the…

by Lisa Crockett In the wake of the Library District’s failure to receive a funding increase from voters for the second year in a row, hope for the possibility of a library in Castle Pines North (CPN) is growing dim. The proposed library was to have served as an “anchor” tenant for the commercial development…

by Terri Wiebold The Master Association Board of Directors adopted a revised dues collection policy at its monthly Board of Directors meeting in September. Annual dues notices for the Master Association will be mailed to homeowners in December and, in accordance with the new policy, dues will now be payable on January 1, 2009. This…

South Suburban Parks and Recreation will be offering all recreation center passes at a 10 percent discount from November 27 through December 31. Customers who purchase a multiple-use pass or punch card have access to all facility amenities and drop-in fitness classes at South Suburban’s Lone Tree, Goodson and Buck Recreation Centers. Drop-in group fitness…

Let’s get together! We’ll eat (naturally), play and socialize, study and learn, all in celebration of our Jewish heritage. If you are interested in joining?the Castle Pines Chavura, please call Shirley Beer-Powell at 303-725-7702. With the High Holy days approaching what better time to get together.

by Elean Gersack With the holidays near, take time to slow down and enjoy the season. From music and theater to nature and children’s events, there are numerous happenings around town for little ones, adults and families. Breakfast with Santa at The Ridge Saturday, December 6, at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. The CPN Chamber…

by Terri Wiebold, with contributions from Neil Preister In October, guest speaker Neil Preister attended the Master Association Board of Director’s meeting to discuss the organization IREA Voices and to solicit candidates for the Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) Board of Director’s election, to be held in April 2009. IREA Voices is a nonprofit, nonpartisan…

When asked what she thought of the work Colleen Carlson (right) of Carlson Homescapes did in her newly-designed room, Debbie Kirwin (left) said, “Oh my gosh it’s beautiful! (photo by Tim Gamble) by Terri Wiebold In an environment where the economic market causes people to tighten purse strings and re-evaluate spending priorities, an optimistic new…

by Anthonette Klinkerman The unusually warm autumn weather cooperated and brought out a host of little goblins to the second annual Castle Pines North Trick or Treat Street. On Wednesday, October 29, 33 Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce businesses participated to create a safe Halloween environment filled with candy, goodies, and activities for the young…

If you missed the November 15 registration of Castle Pines North’s new recreational youth sports program, there is still time to register for spring and summer sports. Castle Pines Athletics is a new non-competitive youth sports program offering children the opportunity to play on fields right here at home in CPN. A few spaces for…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Women have the edge when it comes to networking. Naturally social beings, women have started such movements as Angie’s List on the Internet and thousands of various MeetUp groups to cater to unique needs. It was therefore only a logical step for Maria Lee and Alane Wetzel to create the first ever…

by Lisa Crockett Douglas County School District (DCSD) is facing a budget shortfall of $16 million in coming years, which will likely result in continued overcrowding, larger class sizes and an inability to upgrade technology. “Election Day was a tough one for us in Douglas County School District,” said DCSD Superintendent James Christensen. “Our families,…

by Paige Newman, Student Intern from Rock Canyon High School There are numerous amounts of fears brought on by driving, felt particularly by parents of young drivers. As a new driver myself, I know that my parents worry about me talking on my cell phone, texting, or being distracted by the radio. While there is…

by Terri Wiebold Expanding upon a collaborative process that began more than five years ago with Douglas County and Denver Parks, the City of Castle Pines North (CPN) Landscape Committee is teaming up with the CPN Metro District and the City’s environmental task force “CP Green” to make the new entrance into the city from…

Open Enrollment: Parents wishing to enroll children in a Douglas County School District school, other than a designated neighborhood school, must complete an open enrollment form. Open enrollment forms can be downloaded from the district website at www.dcsdk12.org and parents can view a list of the schools available for open enrollment for the 2009-2010 school…

by Lisa Crockett No need to leave Castle Pines North (CPN) this holiday season for beautiful fresh cut Christmas trees. The Ridge Golf Course is teaming up with Sedalia Nursery to offer the CPN community Christmas trees that will benefit both a local charity and the environment. Trees went on sale on Friday, November 28.…

Construction is finally underway for American Academy’s new 83,000 square foot school on Lagae Ranch in CPN. The K-8 Charter School will be the first middle school in CPN and will have more than 700 students making it the largest Charter School in Douglas County. The school plans to open September 7, 2009. (design provided…

The double turn lane at the northbound intersection of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway has been permanently removed. Per the approved construction plans, the double left turn lane off Lagae Road has now been changed to a single left turn lane. The previous left turn lane will be converted to a “straight-through only” lane…

by Lisa Crockett Village Homes of Colorado, Inc., announced in early November that it has filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Colorado. Village built nearly a quarter of the homes in Castle Pines North (CPN), most of which are less than…

by Lisa Crockett The new Walgreens store is ready and waiting to open its doors; construction was completed in mid-October. Castle Pines North (CPN) residents will have to wait until the new year, however, to shop its aisles. “We plan to open the [CPN] location in January,” said Walgreens company spokesperson, Carol Hively. The Walgreens…

Workers complete the new trail to Coyote Ridge Park in November (photo by Tim Gamble) by Terri Wiebold Residents in the northern neighborhoods of Castle Pines North (CPN) are celebrating safer passage to Coyote Ridge Park, thanks to plans for a new sidewalk extending from the underpass at Monarch Boulevard between Esperanza Drive and Winterberry…

GreenEarth Cleaners celebrated their grand official ribbon cutting celebration on Nov. 19 with the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. Pictured from the left: Sandy Colling, Kim Taqita, GreenEarth owner Chuck Barry, and Chamber of Commerce Chairman Don Bobeda. (photo by Tim Gamble)

(photo by Tim Gamble) On November 8, 896 runners and walkers hit the pavement at Rock Canyon High School to raise money for local schools during the 2008 Rock Slide. The annual school 5K and one mile fundraiser brought together students, teachers, families, and friends from eight area schools including: American Academy Charter School, Buffalo…

The giant power pole finally comes down near Coyote Ridge Park (photo by Tim Gamble) by Lisa Crockett It has been a long wait, but Castle Pines North (CPN) has finally bid a not-so-fond farewell to an 180-foot utility pole which has towered over the city for nearly a year. Last winter, residents from across…

by Lane Roberts Now that Castle Pines North (CPN) is a new city, many residents have expressed concerns about snow removal for 2009. Snow removal services that were previously provided to unincorporated CPN by Douglas County will become the responsiblity of new city beginning February 12, 2009. Douglas County was required to continue to provide…

submitted by Mark and Kristen Adams Elements Therapeutic Massage is now open in Castle Rock. Mark and Kristin Adams, two local entrepreneurs, have opened Castle Rock’s first Elements Therapeutic Massage studio at 323 Metzler Drive, near the Target Shopping Center, where every customer will receive professional massage services from a certified massage therapist in a…

Castle Pines North Councilman David Neely of Ward 3 encourages South Metro Fire Rescue Board of Directors and staff at a CPN community meeting about the proposed relocation of Fire Station 36 to “think out of the box and look at some of the other alternatives.” by Terri Wiebold The South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR)…

Enjoy a visit with Santa at the Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock. Enjoy holiday stories, activities and take pictures with Santa. Santa will visit the Castle Rock library on December 16, 17 and 19 at 10:30 a.m. Reservations are required. Call 303-791-READ. Santa will also visit the libraries in Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch…

by Lisa Crockett Churches in Castle Pines North have a lot planned for the upcoming holiday season. Here are some of the highlights (events listed are held at the Church’s regular meeting place, unless otherwise noted): Castle Pines Community Church Meets at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School; www.castlepineschurch.org Children’s Program, The Christmas Present: December 14 at…

Empty Nesters gather at the HOA2 Clubhouse for Book Club. (photo by Elean Gersack) by Elean Gersack A simple idea from a local retiree has turned into something much bigger than ever imagined. Castle Pines North (CPN) resident, Jan Lorenzen, and her husband once had the opportunity to spend time in a forty plus community.…

Sandy Colling by Terri Wiebold Since the inception of the Castle Pines Parks Authority in 2000, Sandy Colling has been an influential and inspirational presence on the Parks Authority Board of Directors. In October, Colling stepped down from his position as president of the Parks Authority to further pursue outside endeavors. “It was a labor…

Little Italy Pizzeria has teamed up with GreenEarth Cleaners and The UPS Store to collect, clean, and ship coats to adults and children in Zanesville, Ohio. Lisa Towne, owner of Little Italy Pizzeria, is an Ohio native who is very familiar with the needs of the small town, which is located at the foothills of…

The Castle Rock Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites the community to participate in an Interfaith Community Messiah Sing-in on Sunday, December 14, at 7 p.m. The annual event, now in its fifth year, will be held at 3301 Meadows Blvd. in Castle Rock. The event features guest vocal soloists…

First Place: 7260 Brixham Circle Second Place: 7350 Berkeley Circle Third Place: 7320 Brixham Circle Solid Life Christian Center Youth Group Sings Chrismas Carols