The Connection

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…

Information provided by Bark Busters USA As kids head back to school, families may experience behavior problems with their pets that often accompany this time of transition. By providing training and the right combination of food, shelter and entertainment, families can help their canine companions adapt to a new schedule. “When kids go back to…

by Chris Bonham, Intern writer For many people, and teens in particular, summer is an iconic period of freedom and relaxation. We all watch and wait for the first signs of the season. We eagerly anticipate and plan all that we want to accomplish during the short span of three months. Everyone loves the sound…

This is Chloe the cat; she was a rescue that was adopted at the Buddy Center in Castle Rock by the Dunbar family. Chloe is now a resident in Forest Park. Have an adorable photograph of your furry friend, or a very photogenic pooch, kitty or other critter? Here are two ways to make him/her…

Boutique IT firm recognized for growth By Terri Wiebold with photo provided by Eric Brown Notion ONE, a trusted provider of IT services and website design and hosting, was recently recognized by the Denver Business Journal as one of the fastest growing companies in Colorado. Castle Pines North resident Eric Brown is the chief delivery…

Budget cuts and larger class sizes mean that Timber Trail Elementary will be switching from its year-round, four-track schedule to a more traditional one, though it will still be slightly different from other schools in the Castle Pines community. Rather than the week-long fall break and spring break observed at other schools in the community,…

Join a vibrant and interactive learning community and discover the joy of learning in a fun, friendly, and intellectually stimulating environment. OLLI South is the south metro division of the University of Denver’s University College Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, a nationwide learning program with an active presence on more than 125 college campuses. OLLI’s mission…

SPORTea owners and Happy Canyon residents Keys and Elizabeth Allan enjoying a refreshing glass of their family-owned product rom their home in Happy Canyon. Article and photos by Elizabeth Wood West Ultimate Performance Products, Inc./dba SPORTea®, was founded and launched in the mid-1980s by Happy Canyon residents Keys and Elizabeth Allan. Their product, SPORTea, is…

by Terri Wiebold with photos by Tim Gamble If you haven’t attended a Wines of the Pines event, you are clearly missing out! The buzz is not just about the wine; it’s about all the terrific charitable organizations Wines of the Pines supports, and the local business sponsors who make the events possbile. Wines of…

by Sally Uhrich One of the newest additions to The Village at Castle Pines is The Pet Stuff Place. Although the store offers many pet items, the most appealing is the selection of canine and feline food. A wide variety of wholesome, natural foods are available for your pet. All food is preserved naturally and…

Information provided by Becky O’Guin South Metro Fire Rescue Authority South Metro Fire Rescue Authority firefighters with the help of the Castle Rock Fire Department responded to a large brush fire Aug. 21 at 10:07 a.m. The cause of the fire was due to a faulty catalytic converter on a vehicle. The vehicle catalytic converter…

Castle Pines North residents challenge the city’s establishment of Urban Renewal Authority; petition calls for vote of citizens The democratic process in action; petition gatherers present CPN City Manager Gary Suiter (center left) and City Clerk Carl Kollmar (center right) with the citizen’s petition containing nearly 500 signatures which, if verified and approved, will place…

Mary L. Pierce, CFP®, CLU®, Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial will host two Dream Book Workshop/dinners in September. These workshops will help provide focus on planning beyond the numbers and learn ways to define retirement goals and plans to reach them in today’s market environment. The first workshop will be September 9 and will focus…

Carson J. and his sister Maggie marvel at the new 3-D rattlesnale exhibit at The Wildlife Experience. Article and photos by Terri Wiebold Last month, The Wildlife Experience invited visitors to be the first in the nation to see an exhibit using 3D technology, taking visitors on virtual field trips around the world, enhancing how…

General Manager Mike Henritze, several volunteers, and Sea to Shining Sea riders had a good time at The Ridge rest stop. Article by Tracy Dudley with photos by Tim Gamble A group of athletes comprised largely of injured Iraq and Afghanistan veterans left their west-coast starting point at the Golden Gate Bridge on May 22…

‘Not Your Average Love Story’ creators (left to right) Paris Allred, Ashley Nuss, Tanner King, Evan Hunchar. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Amy Shanahan Once again, the students from the Nighthawk News at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) made news of their own. At the end of May, several Nighthawk News reporters created…

This information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Independence Day celebration in the Castle Pines community check us out!

Information provided by Douglas County The U.S. Department of State has announced passport fee increases effective July 13 for a U.S. Passport book or card for first time applicants and minors, age 16 and older. The fee changes were not initiated by Douglas County. Fees charged by Douglas County – $25 processing fee and $8…

On Friday, August 13, DCS Montessori will hold a back-to-school open house. This is a chance for new and returning students to visit classrooms and meet teachers before the start of school. Lower and upper elementary students are also invited to drop off their school supplies during the visit so they do not have to…

Book Start volunteer Jim Clements reads to children in a Douglas County childcare center. Book Start, an early literacy program of Douglas County Libraries, is seeking more volunteers. Information provided by Nanci Marr, Community Relations Specialist, DC Libraries According to a recent Volunteering in America report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, and…

Carla Kenny by Terri Wiebold with photo provided by Carla Kenny For the past decade, Castle Pines North (CPN) resident Carla Kenny has been active in planning and coordinating events for residents in the Castle Pines community. She has dedicated countless hours on the planning side of events, and now it is her turn to…

This information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. The much-anticipated Castle Pines community event – $20 on the 20th has arrived! Here is how it works… Residents are encouraged to spend $20 they had not planned to spend on local goods or services in Castle Pines North. It’s that simple. When you begin…

Empty Nesters meet at the King Soopers parking lot in Castle Pines North before heading out to Meyers Ranch Park in Jefferson County for the group’s first hike of the season. By Carin Kirkegaard with information submitted by Jan Lorenzen and photo by Tim Gamble The Castle Pines North (CPN) Empty Nesters braved the record-breaking…

More than 140 Castle Pines Village residents and Castle Pines Metro District staff members showed their support by wearing red and wearing S.A.F.E. stickers at a recent Happy Canyon Road roundabouts public meeting. by Elizabeth Wood West with photo courtesy of Castle Pines Metro District More than 140 Castle Pines Village residents and Castle Pines…

Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Local Castle Pines North (CPN) swim team, the Castle Crocs, ended the summer on a high note taking 80 percent of the swimmers that signed up for the preliminary swim meet onto championships and finishing second overall in the “C” Division of the Mountain High Swim League (MHSL).…

Article by Lisa Crockett with photo courtesy of the Lee Family Amelia SahngEun Lee just finished the fifth grade at Timber Trail Elementary and is looking forward to starting middle school at Rocky Heights. This summer has also brought other new beginnings – the sixth grader, who studies TaeKwonDo under the tutelage of her father,…

by Lisa Crockett The difference between success and failure at school can be as simple as a pencil and paper. Each school year, Douglas County students receive a list of supplies they will need to complete their work throughout the school year – things like paper, rulers, glue, crayons and markers. For some students, buying…

Information provided by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines North was hopping with lots of baseball and T-ball players at the neighborhood parks this summer. For the second year, Castle Pines Athletics, a local recreational youth sports program, hosted an exciting summer of baseball for kids ages four and up. The program is set…

CPN’s Master Association Board Directors (left to right): Larry Cook, Jim Steavpack, Steve Labossiere, Jack Zelkin; and Forest Park Delegate, Keith Dodd. Article and photo by Kathy Dunker Discussions have taken place recently in Castle Pines North (CPN) regarding the responsibilities and the relevance of the Castle Pines North Association (Master Associaion). Under the direction…

Column by Anthonette Klinkerman A, B, C, D… You know the rest. And since A always gets top billing, I’m going to focus on B. B is for Back to School! It’s that time of year again. People are crawling the malls, looking for all the Back to School fashions they can find. Apparently looking…

Castle Pines Village resident Jim Hanrahan displays one of his hand-made Bluebird houses. by Elizabeth Wood West with photos provided by courtesy of Barbara Hanrahan All it took was attending a community wildlife committee meeting for longtime Colorado and Castle Pines Village resident Jim Hanrahan to become hooked on building Northern Flicker and Bluebird houses.…

by Sally Uhrich with photo provided by Beth Deuel, The Pooch Mobile The Castle Pines Canine Festival was held in conjunction with the European Market at the Village at Castle Pinesin June. The festival was organized by The Pet Stuff Place and provided an opportunity for visitors to mingle with different vendors, offering many services…

This annual fashion show, boutique and silent auction will include a luncheon again this year. Tickets go on sale in July—this event sells out. Live Auction includes a NEW 42” flat screen TV! Friday, September 17, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Douglas County Events Center For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.detaskforce.org…

by Lisa Crockett Something for everyone. That’s the goal of the executive director of the new Lone Tree Arts Center, Lisa Rigsby Peterson. The Arts Center is currently under construction in RidgeGate (adjacent to Super Target in Lone Tree) and is slated for completion in Fall 2011. “My hope is that we can keep the…

Tammy Lopez Information and photo provided by Tammy Lopez Allstate Insurance Company is proud to announce the opening of a new office in Castle Pines North. The Lopez Agency, LLC, is independently owned and operated by Agent Tammy Lopez. Located at 562 E Castle Pines Pkwy, Unit C2, office hours are 8 a.m. to 5…

By Carin R. Kirkegaard Kids ages six to fourteen can register to compete in the Fall Frenzy Kid’s Triathlon. The event will take place August 21 at the Grange Pool in the Meadows, located in Castle Rock. The event divides the kids into groups with appropriate distances for each age. Triathlon Distances: Ages 6-8: 25…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The incorporation of Castle Pines North in 2008 presents City residents with a unique opportunity to develop a sustainable community, remaining small enough to retain its rural-urban lifestyle while providing local opportunities to live, work and play. Creating a balanced, livable community is…

Article by Lisa Crockett with photos by Terri Wiebold Giving to charity can be the right thing to do – both because it provides for the greater good and because it provides individuals and businesses with valuable tax advantages. But in uncertain economic times, making good decisions about how money is allocated can be tough.…

by Lisa Crockett Voters will cast their primary election votes this month, deciding on candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, as well as Colorado Governor and various other state and county offices. In order to vote in the summer primary, voters must be registered and be affiliated with either the Democratic, Republican…

Information provided by Berith Jacobson, Colorado Golf trails Colorado Golf Trails (CGT) is pleased to announce that it has built out all ten Golf Trails, two years ahead of schedule. As an organizer of custom and preplanned golf packages, Colorado Golf Trails include: Aspen Peaks Golf Trail; Durango-Four Corners Golf Trail; Grand County Golf Trail;…

John Newkirk sings a heart-felt song of America and “the Old Man’s” ride across it By Patte Smith, photos by Tim Gamble and Patte Smith Feel it…the wind at your back, the road flying by, home behind you and ahead — freedom, fun, and a grand adventure — a dream for any young man. The…

Jamie LaRue, Douglas County Library Director Editorial by Jamie LaRue, Douglas County Library Director It was just a matter of time. Libraries generate a lot of traffic – from 1,000 to 2,000 people a day depending on the library’s size. Our patrons represent a good cross-section of the community. Library users tend to be engaged…

The City of Lone Tree is building a new state-of-the-art performing arts center one-half mile west of I-25 off of Lincoln Avenue just north of Castle pines in the RidgeGate development. Designed to serve residents throughout the region, the Lone Tree Arts Center will feature a 500-seat main theatre; a 150 – 225 seat multipurpose…

Modern technology brings the history of Douglas County to life withGoogle Earch imaging. Douglas County History Research Center archivist Shaun Boyd spearheaded an effort to transfer large format aerial photographs of Douglas County to a digital format now available on Google Earth.   Information provided by Nanci Marr, Community Relations Specialist, DC Libraries For Castle…

Information provided by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics is accepting registrations for fall soccer now through August 1st. Children ages 4 years to fourth grade are welcome in this recreational co-ed program now entering its sixth season. The fall soccer season runs August 23 to October 9. All weekday practices and Saturday…

by Elizabeth Wood West If you attend Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) or attend another high school but live in the RCHS attendance area, you are invited to join the RCHS Inline Hockey Club. RCHS Inline Hockey is a co-ed sport. The RCHS Inline Hockey Club plays in two seasons – Fall and Winter/Spring. Separate…

The Outlets’ proposed new LED sign will be 70 feet tall compared to its existing 42 feet tall sign. Graphics by Studio Progetti. Article by Elizabeth Wood West with graphics provided by Allison Towe, General Manager of The Outlets at Castle Rock The Outlets at Castle Rock (Outlets) formally submitted an application to the Town…

by Elean Gersack Make a pledge to hang up the phone and set a good example. It’s that simple. New drivers, and children who will be behind the wheel in the years to come, are paying attention. If mom and dad talk or text while driving, why should teens do any differently? According to the…

Information provided by Dr. Grant McKernan, Kai Medical Waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) have been studied as reliable indicators of disease risk. Simply stated, an individual can be highly susceptible to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, and Type 2 diabetes, depending on their waist circumference and/or BMI). According to…

Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is happily preparing for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year. The school administration is already back at it while awaiting the arrival of the new and returning students. With an anticipated enrollment of approximately 1,323 students, RHMS will experience its biggest and possibly best year ever. RHMS, proud of their high…

Shannon McFarland sprints to the finish of the Colorado Half Marathon. Shannon was one of two 12-year-old girls competing in the event. Carol McFarland and daughter Shannon gut through the miles of the Colorado Half Marathon. The event was held on Mother’s Day. By Carin R. Kirkegaard with Photos provided by Carol McFarland Castle Pines…

KeyBank celebrated its Grand Opening in June. Branch Manager Yurich Cline greets customers at the celebration along with the Denver Nuggets mascot, Rocky. Information and photos by Lisa Crockett KeyBank, the newest business in the Castle Pines community, is now open to serve customers in the Shoppes at Castle Pines Shopping Center on Lagae Road.…

This photo, taken from the rooftop of Cherokee Ranch & Castle looking west, visually demonstrates the location of the existing Sedalia Recycling Center and Depository, as well as the site of the proposed Sedalia Sustainability Center. Both the existing site and the proposed relocation site are east of U.S. Highway 85, contiguous to the Cherokeee…

by James LaRue, Director Douglas County Libraries Dean Ruppelt is a patriot. He served in the Army Reserves from 1982-1987. He served another stint in the Navy from 1987-1991. In September of 2007, he joined the National Guard. In August of 2008, he got married (on 08/08/08, in fact – a brilliant stratagem to make…

by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North City Council was effective in establishing an Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and adopting a URA Plan in late May, prior to HB1107’s June 1 cutoff which would prohibit the inclusion of agriculturally-zoned land into an URA’s boundaries. City Council contends that the establishment of the URA and the…

Left to right: Sheriff Dave Weaver, Sgt. Gary Butler (behind), Lt. Alan Stanton, Audra Garton (behind), Sam Stairs, Deputy Heyden, Sgt. Ron Hanavan, Deputy Ann Walton (front), Deputy Micheller Rademacher (sunglasses), CSV Jill Jaltuch (hat), Phyllis Harvey (back), Toni Reynolds (hidden), CSV Stephanie Trotter (front-long hair), Explorer Newby, Chief Holly Nicholson-Kluth. By Terri Wiebold with…

By Anthonette Klinkerman Being a SAHM, or Stay At Home Mom, can be an isolating experience, but fortunately help is on the way in the form of MOMS Club. If you are a SAHM and are not yet a member, mark your calendar for the August 7 membership drive from 10 a.m. to noon at…

Article by Kathy Dunker Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is introducing a new program which will be open to all parents and guardians for the upcoming school year. The “WalkAbout Program,” inspired by the success of the Watch DOGS program, is a school supported, parent staffed group that provides a positive adult presence on campus…

Information provided by Douglas County Recognizing the value of their generation’s voice, Douglas County’s teens are speaking out about the County’s economic, environmental and community sustainability … and asking their peers and others to join them in the discussion – online. It is called the Douglas County Sustainability Youth Zone – a blog featuring video…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard with photo by Nicole Chillino Parker found a sense of purpose and fulfillment when the idea for the reality television show, “Backyard Genius,” took root following a neardeath car accident. Parker rolled his truck on an icy road, and the experience changed the way he looked at life. Parker has been…

Each year, DCS Montessori holds field Day at Retreat Park. Students walk from the school to the park early in the morning, then spend the day participating in fun team events, eating healthy snacks, and celebrating with a group picnic lunch. Each event is typically class-based fun and games, and students often chant cheers to…