The Connection

Students enjoy the new court and turf areas adjacent to the existing playground equipment at DCS Montessori Article and picture by Tracy Dudley After two years of planning, Castle Pines North’s expanding and flourishing DCS Montessori School has added more opportunity for fun to the school’s upper elementary playground. While the board of Directors had…

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…

Eagle scout candidate Kelby Gatrell and his dog Duke stand by his project for the Glendale Farm Open Space off-leash dog area. Article by Elizabeth Wood West with photo provided by the Gatrell family If you were to ask the average teenage boy how he spent his summer, you probably wouldn’t hear the words, “I…

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…

Submitted by Castle Pines Athletics Working to meet the needs of its growing children, Castle Pines Athletics is adding two new sports programs in 2011. Starting this spring, third and fourth graders can play competitive/developmental boys baseball and girls soccer in CPN. Registration for baseball for third and fourth grade boys will begin in January.…

Student count day is Friday, October 1. Final funding for schools is contingent upon actual student attendance. The attendance recorded that day will be used to reconcile per pupil funding compared to earlier enrollment projections. What does this mean for your student and your school? Students should make every effort to be at school on…

Magestic Mushroom Rock on the southern cliffs of Spruce Mountain, just east of Windy Point. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Douglas County ranks among the nation’s top 10 counties for income and growth. We know why we are here; it’s a quality of life thing. Since 1995, our county has acquired or protected $161…

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…

Local sculptor Rhonda Vickers stands by her bronze of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Byron White, commissioned by the University of Colorado. Article and photos by Elizabeth Wood West “I believe you are born with it, but you have to learn and work at it,” said sculptor and Castle Pines Village resident Rhonda Vickers with a…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Buffalo Ridge fourth grader, Josh Harmon participates in reading assessments with the Reading Plus Program using the Visigraph goggles. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) started the school year with a new reading software program called Reading Plus. The program is designed to help students achieve a higher fluency rate…

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…

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.…

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…

Pictured above is Buffalo Ridge Dream Team teacher sponsors, Jennifer Jacoway and Jolie Pinkie with members from the 2010-2011 Dream Team. The group raised $350 running Alex’s Lemonade Stand at the Second Annual Buffalo Stampede. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Buffalo Ridge Dream Team, the elementary school’s student council, raised $350 with…

by Linda Nuzum Election season is in full swing! See below for resources to find information on the ballot issues: How to get educated on STATEWIDE issues: The official ballot information booklet (aka “Blue Book”) in regard to state issues has been sent to Colorado voters. Click to review PDF and audio versions available online.…

By Elean Gersack with information and photo provided by Colorado Ski County USA Colorado Ski Country USA’s exclusive Colorado Gold Pass is now available for the 2010-11 ski season. The fully transferable pass, good for unlimited skiing and riding at member resorts, costs $3,000. Only 100 passes are available this season. The Colorado Gold Pass…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. As many residents have inquired, the City is limited in its ability to disseminate information to CPN residents on pending ballot questions, which include the issue of the Urban Renewal Authority and City-Metro District dissolution/integration efforts, due to Colorado’s campaign law known as…

by Linda Nuzum Election season is in full swing!  Connection readers have been asking how, when and where to vote, see below for the basics on the three ways to vote –for other questions about voting, go to www.douglasvotes.com, or call the Douglas County Clerk at 303.660.7444. Mail: Voters who had signed up for mail…

Turner’s book entitled “Mommy and Daddy are Getting a Divorce” is on the shelves. Here is Turner at Borders Book Store signing copies and promoting her children’s book. Article by Kathy Dunker, photos provided by Kristine Turner Saturday, September 11, was a big day for Stonecroft resident, Dr. Kristine Turner, as she held her first…

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…

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 Courtyard Gallery’s new director Diana Barajon Cole. by Elizabeth Wood West There is a new and exciting reason to visit historic downtown Castle Rock. The Courtyard Gallery, located at 333-A Perry Street in Castle Rock, recently opened its doors for business. The new art gallery features works by a variety of gifted Colorado artists,…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The City of Castle Pines North is actively seeking civic-minded residents to serve on a number of recently formed boards and commissions. Qualifications may vary, depending upon the board, but you must be a resident of the City, and be able to commit…

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…

Anderies at the Youth Culture Festival in Chicago last July. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Joe Anderies New to Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) this year is band and orchestra director Joe Anderies. Seventeen years at Heritage Elementary School, Anderies is a welcome addition to the RHMS band room. In addition to…

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…

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…

Owner of Duke’s Steakhouse, Neil Minarick (left), shakes hands with Chuck Lowen, the leasing agent for the space Duke’s will soon occupy in the Village Square Shopping Center. Duke’s was formerly located in south Castle Rock. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The change of seasons heralds a change in the Castle Pines dining scene.…

Zwick, climbing the face of the rock where he slept on a man-made ledge that he carried in his 200 pounds of gear. by Carin R. Kirkegaard with pictures submitted by Kevin Zwick In July, local resident Kevin Zwick achieved a dream that had been haunting him for the past 10 years. In the process,…

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…

RHMS Principal, Patricia Dierberger (left) with drama teacher, Susie Ritter (right). Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Principal, Patricia Dierberger will be awarded with the Alliance of Colorado Theater (ACT) award for Distinguished Service within the Profession, on September 24. This award is given to a person…

Information provided by Douglas County When seconds count, do you have a plan for how you would evacuate your home during an emergency? Take the first step in emergency preparedness by watching a new informational video, “Evacuation Planning in Douglas County Colorado.” The video can be found at www.dcsheriff.net/emergencymanagement/. Produced following the multi-agency April wildland…

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…

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,…

by Chris Bonham, intern writer Everyone has heard the clichéd question, “Is the glass half full or half empty” at least once in their lives. Because we’ve heard it so often, we tend to brush it aside. But have you ever wondered if a person’s outlook on life really makes that much of a difference?…

by Lisa Crockett with information provided by Douglas County and contributions by Linda Nuzum Colorado voters have big decisions to make. The new governor will take office next year in Colorado, and that’s just the beginning of a long list of decisions voters will make this fall. Seats in the U.S. House and Senate are…

  The One-Kick Wonders, winners of Timber Trail Elementary’s annual Mother-Son Kickball tournament. Left to right (front row): Gabe Ziegler (K), Ryan Lenke (5th), Luke Ziegler (5th), Kaden Armbrecht (1st), Adam Wilmsen (4th), Kyle Woods (1st), Nathan Hoggard (3rd), Makayla Hoggard (1st), Ty Hall – (2nd) (back row): Renee Ziegler, Tammi Lencke, Shannon Armbrecht, Tammie…

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…

Sierra Dunbar on her horse, Grace, during a dressage test at Colorado Horse Park in Parker this summer. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Jennifer Dunbar Castle Pines North orthodontist and Forest Park resident, Andrew Dunbar, and his wife, Jennifer, have a lot to brag about with two talented young equestrians in their family.…

“Vote No” on Amendments 60 & 61 and Proposition 101 seems to be the resounding message from local community leaders. Many city officials, county representatives, law enforcement and public safety officers, libraries, schools, chambers of commerce, and businesses in Douglas County have all joined in opposition. By Lisa Crocket This fall, three initiatives are on…

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…

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…

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…

Submitted by Nanci Marr, Community Relations Specialist Nominate your favorite librarian for a national I Love My Librarian Award Librarians touch the lives of the people they serve every day. But time is running out to nominate your librarian for the national Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award! The…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The Castle Pines North City Council has had significant discussions about their citizen committee structure and its overall effectiveness. At a recent retreat, the City Council decided to restructure all of their committees in order to clarify their roles, make them more streamlined,…

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…

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…

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. Implemented in early 2009, the group disbanded early this year throughout the process of the council revising their committee structure. The purpose of the Youth Advisory Council is to give teens in our community a voice on issues they are concerned about, and…

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…

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:…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

Lower right corner: A rendering of the Castle Pines community’s newest park -Elk Ridge Park, which is scheduled to open in 2011. by Patte Smith with aerial photograph by Bob Wiebold In early August, at a special Parks Authority board meeting, the board unanimously voted to award the contract for building Elk Ridge Park –…

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…

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…

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…