The Connection

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.…

Photo of a grass fire on September 16 in west Douglas County, approximately one mile southwest of the Shoppes at Castle Pines Village. This photo illustrates how quickly fire spreads and how hot it burns. Information provided by Douglas County On September 14, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners reinstated an ordinance restricting open fires…

by Lisa Crockett 5280 Magazine has named a Castle Pines area school as one of the best in the Denver area. Twenty-five public elementary schools in a one-county radius of Denver were chosen based on levels of academic proficiency in math, reading, writing and “growth.” Growth is defined as helping students catch up with, keep…

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…

By Lisa Crockett with photos and illustration courtesy of Real Colorado Real Colorado, a Douglas County non-profit that sponsors more than 450 youth and adult soccer teams, has made its first steps towards having its own playing facility. The organization has signed a contract to purchase 22 acres of land in Parker east of I-25.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Contributed by Patte Smith On Saturday, August 14, Boy Scout Troop 637, along with parents and Surrey Ridge resident volunteers, rebuilt the Surrey Ridge Estates horse riding arena. The Surrey Ridge HOA graciously provided lunch. A huge thank you goes to Troup 637, the volunteers for their time and talents, and everyone who donated funds…

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.…

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…

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…

Pictured above is the outlet tower which releases water from the reservoir through one of four gates. by Terri Wiebold with photos by Jeremy Gamble Castle Pines neighbors joined the more than 10,000 other Douglas County residents who participated in Parker Water and Sanitation District’s (PWSD) recent self-guided “Driving Tour” of Rueter-Hess Reservoir. Organizers of…

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…

Cindy (far left) with members of The Wellspring Wonders Choir. Article and photos by Patte Smith The sound of beautiful and upbeat music can be heard from Surrey Ridge resident Cindy Kessinger-Wenninger’s home at all times of the day. A local vocal coach and singer, Kessinger-Wenninger is an extremely talented and giving individual, who reaches…

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…

Drs. Jeffry Rayl and Mary Burns by Lisa Crockett A full-service dental and orthodontic office is opening in early September in The Village at Castle Pines shopping center. Dentistry at Happy Canyon (which is adjacent to Jimmy’s Photography in the center) will provide patients with comprehensive dental care including exams, cleaning, x-rays and other general…

Article by Terri Wiebold with photos submitted by adoring pet owners all throughout the Castle Pines community The Castle Pines Connetion partnered with The Pet Stuff Place in Castle Pines Village and went in search of the “Cutest Pet in the Pines.” Thanks to all who shared photos of your furry friends…here are our top…

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…

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…

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…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. While there are several outlets that provide email alerts to CPN residents, be sure you are receiving the emails being sent from the City of Castle Pines North. The City informs residents of emergencies, events, meetings, issues, and City updates. To sign up…

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…

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…

Who knew!? The Castle Pines Connection “School Scoop” section has a dedicated area for all Castle Pines schools, including RCHS and RHMS. Send us your pictures and story ideas and you, too, could be featured in an upcoming issue!

“Planet 51” was a crowd pleaser for viewers young and old. by Elean Gersack with pictures by Phil Archer Photography The night was bright, the kids snuggled up in sleeping bags and Chuck – the movie’s lead character – found his way back home. Ahh … life is good. The 2010 Summer Movie in the…

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…

Submitted by Taylor Goertz, Capital Improvements Manager Northbound I-25 Off-Ramp at Lincoln Avenue Night Closure Lone Tree, CO – Starting at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15th continuing until 2 a.m. on Thursday, September 16th, weather permitting, the ramp from northbound I-25 to Lincoln Avenue will be completely closed as part of the ongoing construction…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Julie Storick Castle Pines North resident Julie Storick was the proud winner of the needlepoint Best of Show award at this year’s Douglas County Fair in August. Since Storick began her hobby with classes in Sacramento and weekend stitching retreats to Napa Valley, it comes as no…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

Members of the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) board of directors were on hand to greet the public at the recent Rueter-Hess Reservoir open house. The CPNMD joined the Rueter-Hess project in 2006, and in 2008 purchased 1,500 acre-feet of water storage rights in the reservoir.

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…

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…