The Connection

Community volunteer Warren Lynge joins the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce in cutting the ribbon to open the new library in Castle Pines North. By Lisa Crockett In place of the aging and often out-of-order bookmobile, the Castle Pines community has a new, and comparatively spacious, outlet for books. The community celebrated a grand opening…

submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff ‘s Office 303-660-7586 Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Launches On-line Crime Alerting and Mapping Service with CrimeReports.com Citizens empowered with near real-time neighborhood crime information available 24/7/365. Douglas County, Castle Rock CO. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and CrimeReports.com have announced a new On-line Crime…

Halloween safety tips from Sheriff David A. Weaver Halloween is an enjoyable holiday for kids and parents alike. It is important though, to take every precaution possible when it comes to your night of fun. Sheriff Weaver provides the following suggestions to keep your little monsters safe: Start at home: Turn on your exterior lights,…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard In August the Bicycle Safety Act went into effect across Colorado. The idea behind the new laws is to create a safer environment on the road for both cyclists and motorists. “Most people will use this as a guideline for how to interact with cyclists,” said local cyclist Dan Cook. With…

Boy Scouts of America Troop 316 Annual Sprinkler Blowout Castle Pines North Boy Scout Troop #316 will hold its annual sprinkler blowout fundraiser during the first three weekends (Saturday and Sunday) in October. Space is limited; make your reservations early. To schedule a blowout, call 303-408-3247 or e-mail contact by e-mail . Leave your name,…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Colorado Life Trak (formerly known as Project Lifesaver) is a high-tech tracking system used by law enforcement departments nationwide to locate adults and children suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, Down Syndrome, Autism and other related disorders. A person living with any of these disorders may have a propensity…

Submitted by Wells Fargo Advisor Wachovia Securities began using the Wells Fargo Advisors name last spring, officially rebranding its business under its new parent, Wells Fargo & Company. “Today, as Wells Fargo Advisors, we begin a new chapter in our storied brokerage history,” said Danny Ludeman, president and CEO of the brokerage firm. “Adopting the…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Stop by Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and check out the large selection of book titles available during the Fall Book Fair. The fair opens Saturday, October 3 with a waffle breakfast run by Denver’s Waffle Brothers and run through Thursday, October 8. On Monday night, plan to stop by the school…

by Tracy Dudley DCS Montessori gets mascot and official school colors Since its inception in 1996, DCS Montessori School has not had an official school mascot or official school colors. During a critical transitional period in 2008, school administration decided it was time for the school to solidify its image and identity. A key step…

by Terri Wiebold Front loaders began moving dirt this week to grade the approximately 63,830 square-foot vacant parcel of land located on the north end of the King Soopers Shopping Center, just east of Lagae Road in Castle Pines North. According to the project description posted on the City’s website, the land is the future…

The Waffle Brothers, typically found serving their unique brand of Belgium waffles on Denver’s 16th Street Mall, will be out in the suburbs Saturday, October 3 at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE). Known for a special recipe that was developed in Denver, the Waffle Brothers import a special sugar straight from Belgium that provides the…

Article and photo by Terri Wiebold After nearly four years, American Academy Charter School has opened its doors in Castle Pines North to the more than 800 students currently enrolled. Students, parents, school officials, community leaders, and local residents celebrated the school’s grand opening during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 18 before beginning…

Crosswalk by the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden submitted by The Castle Pines North Metro District Fourteen miles of trails traverse the Castle Pines North community, providing footpaths for recreational use and access to parks and schools. This network of paths is maintained by CPNMD, and staff of parks, open space and trails are always on the…

submitted by the City of Castle Pines North The Castle Pines Economic Development Council (CPEDC) is an extension of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce that works in partnership with the City of Castle Pines North Economic Development Committee (EDC). These three entities are the primary vehicle for promoting economic growth within the city and…

by Elizabeth Wood West Douglas County is approximately 842 square miles, with a population estimated to reach 280,000 by 2010. The County’s rural area is around 725 square miles. Almost 30,000 people, or nearly 12 percent of Douglas County’s total population, are considered rural water users and are served by 8,000 ground water wells. Until…

Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa Skip the lines at the mall this year and come meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Ridge for a holly, jolly breakfast. Saturday, December 58 a.m. and 10 a.m. $25 Adults $15 Youth Full Breakfast Buffet Entertainment with intimate setting of singing and story telling Holiday Carriage Rides at…

An Old Fashioned Holiday Christmas Boutique will be held Thursday through Saturday, November 19, 20 and 21, at the Castle Pines North Community Center. The upscale boutique event celebrates fourteen years and is a local holiday favorite for Castle Pines residents. Crafters from years past, as well as new crafters, will be on hand with…

In recognition of all who gave of their time, talents and money, the Castle Pines Connection presented a framed list of contributors to the Douglas County Library District at the September 19 library ribbon cutting ceremony.  The list will hang in the new library, as well as be included in the Oct/Nov issue of the…

Submitted by Fuller Castle Pines Sotheby’s International Realty The brokerage firm representing Colorado’s most celebrated golf community, Castle Pines Village Properties, is joining forces with the area’s most prestigious real estate firm, Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty to provide a new level of service to prospective clients in the luxury home market in Colorado. The new…

by Lisa Crockett With leaves falling and a hint of cool in the air, snow season will soon come to the Castle Pines community. What can you expect when the flakes start to fall? All communities follow similar protocols when prioritizing the order in which streets are plowed: main arterial roads first, then collector roads…

Submitted by Terri Wiebold, Owner As you read this, the fifth issue of The Castle Pines Connection community newspaper, plans are already underway for our transition to a monthly publication. Beginning in January 2010, The Castle Pines Connection will be delivered to homes and businesses in the Castle Pines community every month! Thank you to…

The editorial page of a newspaper is not about news. It is about personal views and the freedom to share them responsibly. Letters printed in The Castle Pines Connection do not reflect in any way the personal views and/or opinions of The Castle Pines Connection, LLC, its newspaper editor/publisher, or its staff. Thus far, process…

submitted by the City of Castle Pines North As mayor of the City of Castle Pines North, it is a privilege to serve you and an even greater honor to inform citizens that the state of our city is strong and growing stronger. Because your elected officials have put a responsible and coherent financial plan…

Information provided by the ASPCA The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) provides the following information and tips to help ensure your pet’s safety this Halloween: 1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. * Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking…

submitted by the City of Castle Pines North Thursday October 29th 2009 marks the six-year anniversary of the Cherokee Ranch Fire. Do you remember that day? The entire community of CPN was evacuated as flames came dangerously close to several houses and neighborhoods. Yes, CPN is part of the Wildland Urban Interface, where residences are…

by Lisa Crockett A months-long process of negotiating the height of towers installed along the Xcel Corridor in Castle Pines North (CPN) has finally come to its conclusion. Citizens in the area did not respond favorably when Xcel erected a 180 foot tower at the top of the ridge line above Coyote Ridge Park and…

Thomas Carter by Sally Uhrich The Board of Directors of the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) named Castle Pines Village resident Thomas Carter as Executive Director. DCCF creates permanent charitable funds, primarily from local businesses, families and individuals, which the Foundation then invests and administers in the form of grants to nonprofit organizations. The Foundation…

Submitted by Jim Christensen, Douglas County School Superintendent* The beginning of August for school districts in Colorado is a time we begin our focus on the year ahead and the next phase of educating our students. It is also the time we have an opportunity to reflect on how our kids in each school and…

by Terri Wiebold The City of Castle Pines North has postponed increasing the speed limit on Yorkshire Drive from 25 mph to 30 mph following calls from concerned citizens. According to the City Director of Public Works Eric Guth, the city received a few calls from concerned residents about the increase. Guth stated, “It was…

Ebenezer Norman, a Liberian who has dreams of opening the first public library in his home country, picks up remaining books from the Castle Pines North library fundraiser. by Carin R. Kirkegaard In August, the Douglas County Libraries Foundation, in conjunction with fundraising efforts in the Castle Pines community, held a used book sale at…

Bubble Goddess owner, Jennifer Leete, sharing the benefits of her natural products with a resident during a Castle Pines community event. by Anthonette Klinkerman “A woman on a mission” is a perfect phrase to describe Jennifer Leete. In September, Leete was the guest speaker at the Denver Tech Center Business and Professional Women’s Network monthly…

Aerial photography by Bob Wiebold and Jeff Lewis By Terri Wiebold For the past eight years, Castle Pines North (CPN) residents have been digging into their wallets and contributing $151.20* per household, per year to the Master Association to fund the Castle Pines Parks Authority and to bring a new park to CPN. That digging…

Tired of taking that family vacation and leaving part of your family at home? Pet Airways, the pet-only airline, has now been unleashed in Denver. Canine and feline companions can now experience true creature comforts, while flying the friendly skies. The airline is located at the Rocky Mountain Airport in Broomfield. Travel destinations include New…

Angela Walker and Marcy Stone By Terri Wiebold Sassy Sisters is a trendy, hip, chic, and sassy clothing company created by Castle Pines Village resident Angela Walker and Marcy Stone. Not really biological sisters, Walker and Stone met on line, and the connection between these two entrepreneurial women could not have been more natural, nor…

by Tracy Dudley In 2007, the Castle Pines Homes Association (CPHA) reorganized and established an over arching goal of educating new and existing residents about wildlife in the Village and addressing issues concerning increased wildlife encounters. As an active volunteer in several wildlife organizations, Wildlife Committee member and Village resident Gina Gerken came up with…

Water Distribution/Wastewater Collection Supervisor Dwayne Davis submitted by The Castle Pines North Metro District 485 fire hydrants serviced All fire hydrants in Castle Pines North have been inspected and serviced by the utilities staff of CPNMD. Each hydrant was pressure tested and painted. Homeowners can help both the Metro District and the fire department by…

By Tracy Dudley Users of the East-West regional trail, located near the restricted Highlands Ranch trail in Daniel’s Gate may have noticed some recent changes. A large 12-mile extension of the East-West trail that will connect Red Stone Park on the west to Bluffs Regional Park on the east is near completion. In fact, from…

Submitted by Andy Lyon, South Metro Fires Rescue Authority Because of numerous on-going problems with the recycle dumpsters at neighborhood fire stations, the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority has ended the recycling program at Station 36 in Castle Pines North and also at Station 33 in Centennial. “We would like to be supportive of our…

Information submitted by the American Academy PTO Finally, after four years of dreaming, planning, fundraising and an incredible two day community build, the American Academy parent teacher organization (PTO) is thrilled to reveal our new playgrounds. In late August, more than 250 parent, staff and community volunteers worked more than 1,100 combined hours to build…

Election season is here Voters in Castle Pines North (CPN) will vote to fill vacancies in every city council position, as well as mayor, city clerk, and treasurer. This year’s election will be conducted entirely by mail for all voters in the county. Voters must be registered by October 5, 2009 in order to vote…

by Scott Lasher The way water and parks services are administered in Castle Pines North could potentially change. A group of Castle Pines North (CPN) residents has formally filed a petition for the dissolution of the Castle Pines North Metro District, which has to date provided water, wastewater and storm water services, as well as…

by Sara Edwards The City of Castle Pines North staff received an annexation petition on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from A and A investments for annexation of land known as Lagae South. City staff informed City Council of receipt of the petition at last night’s council meeting. The official petition will be presented to City Council…

Pictured here from left to right are Mark Shively, candidate for City Treasurer, Jeff Huff, Candidate for Mayor, Maureen Shul, candidate for Mayor, and Jennifer Havercroft, candidate for Ward 1 City Council. The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted the first of its three candidate forums at the CPN community center. The discussions lasted the…

Greg Miller, co-chair of the CPNCTR by Scott Lasher Mayor says integration discussions have begun The debate surrounding the proposed dissolution of the Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) took further shape Tuesday night [September 15, 2009] as representatives of the Castle Pines North Citizens for Tax Relief (CPNCTR) held a community meeting surrounding the…

Annexation Agreement 242k pdf The Canyons Referral and Narrative 119k pdf The Canyons Rezone to Plan Development Referral 1900k pdf Canyons Development Agreement – Draft 476k pdf (8-31-2009) Comments Beverly Hills HOA 807k pdf Castle Pines Metro District 860k pdf Castle Pines North Master – Design Review Board 168k pdf Centennial Airport 172k pdf Cherry…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard When Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) returns to school August 10 it will be with fewer buses and more parents driving, walking and biking their students to and from school. According to BRE Principal, Ally Berggren, BRE will be a pilot school working along with the Douglas County School District (DCSD) to…

Submitted by Deputy Ann Walton, Community Resources Unit, 303-814-7001 Deputy Ron Hanavan, Community Resources Unit, 303-814-7089WHAT Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to Host First “One Day Citizen Academy” The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, is now accepting applications for its first “One Day Citizen Academy”. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Sheriff’s Office,…

South Suburban Parks and Recreation continues its special 50¢ Friday activities commemorating 50 years of service to the community on August 14 at Family Sports Center, 6901 S. Peoria Street in Centennial. Visitors will enjoy 50¢ public skating and 50¢ skate rental at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.; plus 50¢ entertainment rides all…

The highlight of my summer was being back stage with my cousins, Micha & Davis at the Jonas Brothers “Jo Bros” Concert. I will never forget meeting Joe, Kevin & Nick!  It was soooo AMAZING! Katie Kenny, age 10 (pictured bottom left).

With hundreds of participants from eight local schools, the Rock Slide remains a highly anticipated community event. The race raises funds for local participating schools through advertising sponsorships and provides local businesses a unique venue to reach customers. Founded on promoting the importance of healthy living for children and families, the Rock Slide is an…

It isn’t just through monetary donations that the girls give back; they give of their time and talents too. by Carin R. Kirkegaard During the past year, Brownie Troop 1891 has been providing young ladies from the Castle Pines area opportunities and experiences that not only enhance personal growth, but give back to the community.…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard The laughter could be heard ringing as it drifted over the gate at the HOA2 pool each morning during the Castle Croc swim practice. The Crocs wrapped up season four over the summer and had a great time in the process. The team, run by head coach Paul Whitaker, spent the…

School finance has quickly become the hot topic for the Douglas County School District (DCSD). With a huge deficit in our Colorado State budget, and kindergarten through twelfth grade education making up approximately 40 percent of that budget, you can imagine where some of the cuts will need to occur. DCSD receives a little more…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Starting August 3 through August 15, Clothes to Kids (CTK) of Denver is coming to Douglas County. CTK is a non-profit organization that provides new and quality used clothing to low-income school aged children, free of charge. Currently donations are being taken. CTK is looking for quality used and new clothing…

Elected officials from the City of Castle Pines North and the Town of Castle Rock gathered to discuss sharing resources and expertise. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Elected officials from the City of Castle Pines North joined elected officials from the Town of Castle Rock in June for an evening of casual conversation and…

by Anthonette Klinkerman There was a big box office supply store commercial that came out at the end of the summer that never failed to make me laugh. A traditional winter holiday carol (politically correct terminology) rang out, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” A man went joyously sailing by on a shopping…

The Castle Cappellas performing at the City of Castle Pines North Independence Day celebration on July 3 at Coyote Ridge Park. Members include (pictured left to right) Crista Huff, Keri Brehm, Lynne Snyer, Rebecca Larson, Michelle Thurston, Jan Page, Mary Barnes, Teri Bultemeier, Cindy Kessinger-Wenninger, and (not pictured) Diane Burns. by Sally Uhrich Singing without…

Margie Woodruff Foundation Manager Douglas County Libraries Foundation 303-688-7638 Contact by e-mail 100 South Wilcox Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 August Fundraising Events for New Library The Castle Pines community has pulled together to help Douglas County Libraries open a small library at 7437 Village Square Drive in September. So far, nearly $36,000 has been…

Shannon McFarland poses with her REAL Colorado Soccer friend Kellsie Rector after qualifying for the State Hershey track and field meet. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Shannon McFarland, Castle Pines North youth, competed in the Hershey’s Track and Field Games through South Suburban Parks and Recreation (SSPR) and qualified for the state track meet. McFarland competed…

submitted by Alison Lammot, Counselor/Trauma Therapist It is that time of year when kids get ready to go back to school. The stores are full of families shopping for new outfits and school supplies. Kids are full of anticipation about friends, teachers, sports, and other issues like acceptance and the ability to perform. Would you…

Information provided by the Castle Pines North Metro District Water delivered to customers of the Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) will be disinfected using a new process beginning in July 2009. The change is necessary to prepare for the integration of the treatment process with the District’s future water provider partners. In the past,…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Rock Canyon High School sent 315 eager graduates out into the world in May. Scholarships for everything from academics to athletics were abundant, the weather was perfect, and the optimism was tangible. For the Class of ‘09, things were fine. Hard as it is to think about the Class of 2013, Rock…

By Terri Wiebold with information submitted by The Canyons The Canyons community continues to progress through the annexation process for the City of Castle Pines North. Council members agreed in June that The Canyons’ application for annexation into the City of Castle Pines North met the eligibility requirements laid out under state law. The Canyons…

American Academy students have an extended summer while they await the completion of their new school. Castle Pines Athletics will offer a week long camp from August 17 through August 21 designed for American Academy families. The camp will feature a different sport each day along with organized games and relays. Campers will meet at…

by Lisa Crockett The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) has teamed up with Bear Creek Stables to offer guided horse back rides, which are available to both Highlands Ranch residents and non-residents alike. “Tuesday through Thursday, people can ride for $35 for an hour and Friday through Sunday, they can ride for $50 for ninety…