Read the stories from the latest issue:
Information provided by Douglas County If asked to share your opinion regarding your community’s wildfire protection plan, would you speak up? If the answer is, “yes,” now is your opportunity to join neighbors and friends in October for community meetings hosted by local fire districts throughout Douglas County, all part of developing a community wildfire…
Information provided by Derek Kliner Derek Kliner, with RE/MAX Professionals, Inc., has been presented with the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors highly successful agents who have earned more than $3 million in commissions and have completed seven years of service with the company. Kliner has been working in the real estate industry for more…
Information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The success of the August $20 on the 20th promotion, sponsored by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with The Castle Pines Connection, was just the beginning for boosting the economy in Castle Pines North (CPN). The goal of this program is to encourage…
By Liane M. Davis A professional airline pilot, who happens to be one of the owners of Lavishea lotion bars, was not a fan of lotions. The lotions always left a greasy feel. Because of airline restrictions or handling procedures on most lotion products, it made it difficult to use any type of lotion. Looking…
By Elizabeth Wood West Several months have passed since Sedalia and Castle Pines Village residents weighed in on whether to financially support a railroad quiet zone along Santa Fe Drive. The results from a telephone survey conducted by Douglas County indicated that although the train horn noise was disruptive and annoying, most affected residents were…
Column by Anthonette Klinkerman Fall is, without a doubt, my favorite time of year. The sugar maple outside is turning a fiery red, the acorns have popped out on the scrub oak, and there are Pumpkin Spice Lattes to be had at every coffee stop. Warm fuzzy feelings are everywhere. We hope. The season of…
Information provided by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – A personal message from Sheriff Weaver October is national crime prevention month. Even though we need to practice good crime prevention common sense all year round, take the time this month to really think about what you can do personally to help prevent crime. If you haven’t…
BRE third grade teacher, Mrs. Brester squirts some students in retaliation for the dunking she just received. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Second Annual Buffalo Ridge Stampede proved to be another huge success for the local elementary school, raising more than $3,500 for the school’s parent-teacher organization, the Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance…
Information provided by City of CPN The Castle Pines North (CPN) City Council will host a community meeting on Wednesday, October 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the CPN community center on the subjects of fire mitigation, wildfire preparedness and evacuation procedures. Einar Jensen, life safety educator with South Metro Fire Rescue Authority,…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. City Public Works crews are busy wrapping up summer maintenance projects and getting ready to outfit the dump trucks with snow plows and sanders. But before the winter snow, there are many fall projects to complete: Concrete Maintenance – In early October, City…
by Patte Smith Go green, reduce, reuse, recycle, save the planet, hug a tree, waste not…want, not — these clichés, mottos and slogans are catchy, but truly actions speak louder than words. In Douglas County, residents have plenty of opportunity to put freecycling and recycling into action. Freecycling is exactly what it sounds like; people…
Pictured above are ladies from the September gathering of Womenade of Castle Rock held at Castle Pines North resident, Mary Williams home. To date, the gathering has raised $1060. The quarter’s recipient is a family of four with two children ages five and nine. Both parents are unemployed and the father is legally blind. By…
Pictured above: Mrs. Phelan’s fifth grade class works on a writing lesson with one of the two SMARTboards purchased last year. The five new SMARTboards will beinstalled later this fall. The installation process will be completed with funds provided by the Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance, the school’s parent-teacher organization. Submitted by Buffalo Ridge Elementary Thanks…
by Sally Uhrich With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to begin planning your Thanksgiving dinner. Healthy holiday meals don’t have to expand your waistline or break the bank. Consider the addition of soup to your Thanksgiving feast. Roast buttenut squash soup with apples will enhance your meal, with it’s warm, rich, fall color…
The Castle Pines Wednesday referral group works together to help build referrals for each other’s business. While discussing issues, there is always time for a little humor and fun. Article and photo by Patte Smith The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce’s Wednesday referral group is a fun, humorous and intelligent group of individuals. These business…
The Halvas family at the Highlands Ranch Out of the Darkness walk for suicide prevention and awareness. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Jenn Halvas Losing a loved one is devastating. Losing a loved one to suicide is all the more traumatic since the grief is often combined with feelings of guilt, anger,…
A new Sprouts Farmers Market joins other merchants at Lincoln Commons shopping area. By Elizabeth Wood West with photos courtesy of Darryl Jones, Development Manager for RidgeGate Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for the grand opening of the new Lincoln Commons retail stores. Lincoln Commons is part…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The City of Castle Pines North financial position continues to remain strong thru the first seven months of the year. The latest fiscal updates include: Actual Compared to Budget – The City is in a favorable position to budget both at the revenue…
RHMS students sing Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold.” Left to right: Haley S., Michelle D., Brooke J., McKinsey A., Kristina V., and Sydney D. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Weekly middle school karaoke night started off with a bang on September 17 at Dazbog Coffee in Castle Pines North (CPN). Boys and girls alike…
Information submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Finding a balance between working full time and being a parent can be quite challenging. Throw in an extra eight to 10 kids, and things can get even more complicated. Twice a week, and even on Saturdays, dozens of dedicated working parents offer their time and talents…
Article by Tracy Dudley with photo provided by the Westen family In September, the Athletics Department at Western Illinois University (WIU) selected local resident, Curt Westen, for induction into the school’s Hall of Fame. Westen played football for Western Illinois from 1978 to 1982 as an offensive lineman, at center. In addition to earning a…
Article by Lisa Crocket with photo collage by Tim Gamble The community turned out in force for the annual OctoberFest celebration, sponsored by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office sponsored several hours of safety-related presentations, locals and visitors alike participated in a “Volksmarch” fun run/walk event through the community, and…
Fifth and sixth grade ski incentive programs By Terri Wiebold with photo by Colorado Ski Country USA Colorado unquestionably has the landscape for some amazing outdoor sports, especially in the winter months. Colorado Ski Country USA offers fifth and sixth graders incentive to learn to ski or snowboard through free and reduced-rate programs each season.…
Coffee performing with the Bronco Brass and Stampede Drum Line outside of Invesco Field at Mile High before a Bronco football game. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Holly Coffee Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) senior Rebecca Coffee, resident of HOA1, is quite a busy teenager. In addition to being part of the…
Information provided by The Kentwood Company Doug Hutchins, a leading broker associate with The Kentwood Company who specializes in Castle Pines, has been named a “Five Star Real Estate Agent” for 2010 by Denver’s 5280 Magazine. Hutchins and the 2010 list of top real estate agents are published in a special section of the September…
Dr. Jason Ortman, Castle Pines Eye Care CASTLE PINES EYE CARE GIVES GIFT OF VISION TO PEOPLE IN NEED Castle Pines Optometrist, Dr. Jason Ortman of Castle Pines Eye Care, is joining the World Sight Day Challenge to help give sight to people in developing countries. On World Sight Day, Tuesday, October 12, 2010, Dr.…
Article and photos by Tracy Dudley DCS Montessori students and other community members enjoy hands-on experience with a red-tailed boa constrictor. Canyon Critters, one of the many presenters at the Fall Festival, brought several reptiles for kids to interact with and learn about during the fun-filled afternoon outside the school. For the past six years,…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard In September, the local grassroots group, the Castle Pines Recreation Center group, formally dissolved and donated more than $1,000 to the Castle Pines North Foundation (CPNF). “We are grateful to have the donation and as yet have made no plans for where the money will be used,” said Tom Weldon, founding…
2009 Rock Canyon High School homecoming game with the seniors showing their solidarity during the coin toss. Information courtesy of the RCHS website with photos by Kevin Williams The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Jaguars will be participating in a new football conference for the 2010 season. The newly formed South Metro 4A Football Conference…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. Members of the Castle Pines Economic Development Council and City Council recently formed the Castle Pines Community Partnership (CPCP), which brings together representatives from the governing and service entities of Castle Pines North. The intent of this group is to strengthen the lines…
by Elizabeth Wood West The City of Castle Pines North may be changing its name this November. City council has drafted and approved a ballot question asking whether Castle Pines North (CPN) residents would like to change the city’s name to “The City of Castle Pines.” According to Councilperson Doug Gilbert, the idea of naming…
by Kathy Dunker Twelve months ago, American Academy (AA) opened the doors of their new building in Castle Pines North (CPN). Having come from a strip mall of classrooms with an asphalt playground in the parking lot, AA has come into its own with a three-story, 83,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility – and yes, with…
Xtreme Challenge founder Kyler Storm enjoys a joust demonstration during an adult teambuilding event. Article by Tracy Dudley with photos provided by Xtremee Challenge While a variety of sports organizations have come through the Sports Complex at Inverness during the last 12 months, the most recent addition is perhaps the most exciting yet says Castle…
Dr. Jason Ortman Submitted by Castle Pines Eye Care Dr. Jason Ortman was named the Colorado Optometric Association’s “Young Optometrist of the Year” in July. This is an annual award given to a member who has been in optometric practice for ten years or fewer. The award selection is based upon public service, the visual…
Storm swimmers during an opening flag ceremony. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Lisa Kochevar The Castle Pines North (CPN) Storm Swim Team just finished up its second season as part of the Mountain High Swim League D Division. A young team with only a handful of teenagers, the kids performed well with…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A new store in the Village at Castle Pines shopping center is now offering a variety of business-related services. Village Postal, adjacent to MiYo bakery and café, offers U.S. Postal services, Fedex (express and ground services), copying, faxing, packing services, gifts, cards and gift wrap. In addition, Village Postal…
Karen Thyfault, store manager of Green Earth Cleaners, was happy with the increased business on August 20th. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker On August 20th, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce partnered with The Castle Pines Connection to organize the first of a series of economic incentives called $20 on the 20th. The goal…
Hike with your hound and help homeless pets. Follow the trail of wet noses and wagging tails at the Dumb Friends League Wag ‘n Trail! The 1.6-mile hike, for people and their dogs, takes place Saturday, September 25, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Glendale Farm Open Space on the west side of Surrey…
by Lisa Crockett The Constitution plays an important role in the life of every American. In recognition of that importance, Congress passed a joint resolution declaring that September 17 to the 23 would be observed as “Constitution Week.” A local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will host a week-long event in…
Dr. Elizabeth Celania-Fagen DCSD Superintendant Dear Douglas County School District Families: I want to welcome you to what I believe will be an excellent school year in the Douglas County School District. This is one of my favorite times of year – when our students and staff return and fill quiet buildings with energy and…
photos by Jeremy Gamble A fun time was had by all who participated in the Castle Pines “A fun time was had by all who participated in the Castle Pines “Hot Rods in the Village” car show last month. Special thanks to the Village at Castle Pines merchants and to the Vintage Car Club of…
by Elizabeth Wood West with above photo by Tim Gamble “We’ve been doing this for more than ten years and we always wear pink,” said Donna Belber, president of the Castle Pines Country Club Ladies 9-Hole Golf Association. Forty or so women golfers recently gathered at the Castle Pines Country Club after their annual “Susan…
by Chris Bonham, Intern writer With so many students heading back to school, it’s important to realize and appreciate different forms of education. Most people are familiar with the obvious, more traditional types of schooling, such as public, private, and charter schools. However, there is another system that is often overlooked when talking about education:…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The Castle Pines North City Council in late August extended a moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries within the city limits, with an expectation the matter will be put to CPN voters in the November general election. On July 13, Council unanimously approved the…
The Lederman family was busy unpacking their school supplies with their son, Joshua, and daughter, Ellianna, inside Ellianna’s new classroom with teacher Ms. Best-Bockting. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker American Academy’s (AA) parent teacher organization (PTO) added a little flavor to this year’s open house on August 18; namely ice cream. Parents and kids…
Saturday, September 11, Noon until 7 p.m. Chili Cook-Off competition – 8 a.m. to Noon Chili and Chocolate Tasting & Barbecue – Noon – 4 p.m. Chocolate Baked Goods (and other treats) Chili Feed Dinner – 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Children’s Activities – noon – 3 p.m. (tickets available from church members or at…
By Elizabeth Wood West Within the walls of South Metro Fire Rescue Authority’s (SMFR) headquarters, board members and staff are continuing to examine the long-term impacts the City of Castle Pines North’s Urban Renewal Authority will have on its ability to provide emergency services in the future. The city published a press release June 8…
Douglas County Sheriff Dave Weaver (left) is welcomed to the Castle Pines Chamber Board of Directors by Board Chairman Dan Cook (right). Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Terri Wiebold Recently appointed to the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is Douglas County’s own sheriff, David Weaver. Weaver said, “I am excited…
Owner Roger Hurst (left) shares his love for the Nebraska Cornhuskers with patrons at his sports-themed restaurant and bar. Article and photo by Liane M. Davis The Fowl Line, your warm and friendly, upscale, neighborhood sports bar is located in Castle Rock, right off Founders Parkway. Owner Roger Hurst knows how to make you feel…
The Douglas County Educational Foundation (DCEF) is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Douglas County School District Colorado Rapids Community Night. The DCEF will once again be sponsoring an event for DCSD to enjoy a family night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, September 18 at 7 p.m.. The Rapids will play the New…
by Carin R. Kirkegaard On October 2 the Rock Slide, a family-centered 5k run, will return to the streets of Castle Pines North and Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE). In 2004, the idea for the Rock Slide was planted in the community fun run, the Buffalo Stampede, and was held in conjunction with BRE and what…
by Carin R. Kirkegaard Mark the calendar and plan on attending the fifth annual Great American Jacket Exchange October 14 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Oxford Hotel located at 1600 17th Street in Denver. This symbiotic event partners professionals from all over the Denver metropolitan area with Warren Village to help raise…
Information provided by Leigh Brown, owner of Exclusive Tans After seven years in Castle Pines North (CPN), Exclusive Tans has moved! Just a few miles south on I-25, it has consolidated its CPN store with its Castle Rock store to bring you one larger facility with all the beds and all the spa services under…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The City of Castle Pines North’s financial position remains strong through the first half of the year. The latest fiscal updates include:Actual Compared to Budget: The City is in a favorable position to budget both at the revenue and net funds level. Total…
Taylor W. celebrated her ninth birthday with friends at Speed Raceway, located in Englewood just around the corner from American Furniture Warehouse. They say that girls just wanna have fun, and this group of eight and nine year old local residents will have to agree! Article and photos by Terri Wiebold Step aside Danika, a…
Information provided by Douglas County A flood insurance rate map (FIRM) and zone information are available by request from Douglas County’s Engineering Division to residents of unincorporated Douglas County. The following is provided as a public service to Douglas County residents upon request: Whether or not a property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area…
Principal Rauh welcomes RCHS parents at Back to School Night. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Back to School Night on August 24 was bustling with activity. Welcomed by principal, Kim Rauh, parents with schedules in hand, made their way through the building, meeting teachers, counselors and administrators. With…
Amy Shanahan, volunteer coordinator Article by Amy Shanahan with photo by Kathy Dunker The administration at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is excited to launch a new program called CommUNITY. Since its inception, RHMS has had a vested interest in engaging the community, and as a result, has a wonderful partnership with parents who are…
RidgeGate development is offering a series of free guided nature hikes on the Willow Creek public trail, located on their property. by Elizabeth Wood West with photos provided by RidgeGate Beginning in August, the RidgeGate development just north of Castle Pines started offering free guided nature hikes on its undeveloped property. The moderate two-mile hikes…
Information provided by Doug Hutchins, Castle Pines real estate specialist, broker associate The Kentwood Company How’s the real estate market? The answer depends on the neighborhood and price point for the home. Generally, sales and prices for homes priced under $500,000 were supported in the first half of 2010 by the federal tax credit offered…
Information provided by South Suburban Parks & Recreation South Suburban Parks and Recreation will host the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition Saturday, September 18 at David A. Lorenz Regional Park, located at 8560 S. Colorado Blvd. New this year, the age range has been expanded to include boys and girls as young as age…
By Elizabeth Wood West Before the end of the year, Happy Canyon Road will have two new fully-landscaped roundabouts constructed at Gates 1 and 2 in the Castle Pines Village community. Douglas County Commissioners gave their approval to Castle Pines Metro District (CPMD) for the construction of the roundabouts at the July 27 business meeting.…
A talented family, the Meisners – Ryan (left), Nancy (center), and Allyson (right), hold their entries for the Front Range Art Exhibit. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Sue Botero Local artist and mother of two, Nancy Meisner, will share the artistic spotlight with her children this fall. Not one, but three members of…
Eighth graders Avery Jones (left) and Maria Emanuel (right) at RHMS schedule pick up. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Kathy Dunker and Amy Shanahan The students and staff at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) are excited about the new school year. Schedule pick up was held on July 28 with more than 1,100…
Ready for take off… well, not just yet. Quam expects his plane to be completed in the summer of 2012. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker A lot of men have hobbies whether it is golf, wood working, or collections. However, Winter Berry resident, Mike Quam, has taken his hobby to a whole new level.…
Students enjoy the sun while setting up the life-size Tic-Tac-Toe challenge featured at the DCS Montessori Fall Festival in 2009. Article and photo by Tracy Dudley On Saturday, September 18, the sixth annual Fall Festival at local DCS Montessori School is open to the entire community. This year, the Fall Festival features a rocket demonstration,…
Castle Pines North resident Jack Goodrich by Patte Smith with photo provided by Jack Goodrich Many people appreciate the beauty of wood, but true craftsmen are enthralled with it from its beginning form as a tree to a piece of fine furniture. These wood workers, crafts people with an eye for detail and patience to…
In August, school hallways were stacked with supplies for the upcoming school year. Assistance came for families in need in the form of neighbors helping neighbors through The Giving Tree school supply drive. by Lisa Crockett with photo by Terri Wiebold A group of alumni from Leadership Douglas County – a coalition of civic and…
Submitted by Andy Lyon South Metro Fire Rescue Approximately 60 personnel from seven Douglas County fire agencies worked to contain a brush fire near Castle Rock this afternoon. The fire burned 13 acres of brush and some trees after it broke out around 12:36 this afternoon. No structures were damaged though two homes were evacuated…
Staff of the Castle Pines Library celebrate the branch’s first year anniversary. Pictured left to right – Joanne Fields-Daley, Jill Swanstrom, Amy Long and Deidre VanRy. article and photo by Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines Library is small – just 2,300 square feet – but the space located in the Village Square Shopping Center on…