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Pictured above, the Good Witches of the North have cast their spell and pulled out the correct spelling for the word “why”, during the Spelling Challenge assembly. During the assembly Good Witches from the North and Bad Witches form the West cast spells to come up with the correct spelling of words in the game…
Practicing different moves on the pole during a pole instruction class are (left to right) Tisa Meisel, June Uralli, Sally Wagner and Mile High Pole Club owner and instructor Dionne Sieretzki. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard A new business recently opened just to the east of the Castle Pines community in Parker. Mile…
Article by Sharon Majetich with photo by Amy Shanahan Each year, eighth grade teachers are asked to nominate outstanding eighth grade students for the Douglas County Federation of Teachers Eighth Grade Student Recognition Award. The criteria for nomination is a student’s scholarship, creativity, responsibility, school and community involvement, and cooperation with students and teachers. Many…
This Douglas County Highway 85 Train Noise Study map covers the area of Castle Pines Village and Sedalia residents and businesses located one-half mile to two miles within the vicinity of the railroad tracks and crossings. by Elizabeth Wood West with graphic provided by Douglas County Engineering Douglas County is continuing to work on the…
Sky Ridge Medical Center will host the annual Kids Safety and Wellness Expo at The Lone Tree Recreation Center on Saturday, June 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This free event geared for children ages three to thirteen, and their parents, is a fun way to learn about being safe. Utilizing the newly completed…
Assistant Principal Russ Jenson and former Buffalo Ridge Safety Patrol member Valentino DiPasquale recognize 2009-2010 safety patrol members for their responsibility and hard work throughout the school year. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Members of the Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) Safety Patrol were recognized for their responsibility and hard work helping BRE students arrive and…
Information provided by Douglas County School District The Board of Education unanimously approved Dr. Elizabeth Celania-Fagen in April as the new Superintendent of the Douglas County School District. Celania-Fagen has broad experience in various educational roles. Beginning as a high school biology and chemistry teacher in Iowa, Celania-Fagen progressed into positions from associate principal and…
The Douglas/Elbert Task Force Food Bank has a new, spacious home at 1638 N. Park Street in Castle Rock. While some construction is still underway at the new location, the food bank set up temporary quarters in a finished section of the building and is operating Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-12 noon. The Thrift Store will be…
Jason Ortman, O.D., a Castle Pines optometrist, has been elected to serve a two-year term on the Colorado Optometric Association Board of Trustees. Dr. Ortman graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry where he received the Corning Low Vision Award for excellence in low vision care and served as President of the Beta…
Information provided by the Dumb Friends League Many may think that a cat cannot be trained, but felines prove that this belief is a myth through the Dumb Friends League Kitten Kindergarten class. During the three-week course, young cats become socialized and learn tricks that would impress any non-believer. “The goal of Kitten Kindergarten is…
Rock Canyon students turned out in force for the school’s annual prom in April. Following the dance, the school hosted its traditional after-prom party in the gym.
Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard To celebrate a great year in the newspaper business, the staff of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) online-student-run publication The Ridgeline was rewarded with a field trip to 5280 Magazine. The fourth and fifth graders, two RCHS volunteers, as well as their teaching advisors, Shannon Herzog and Jennifer…
Celebrate this magnificent day with stars and stripes, music, parades, and fireworks displays. Here are a few ideas to help plan your celebration. Baseball and Fireworks The Colorado Rockies will host the San Francisco Giants on Friday, July 2, and Saturday, July 3, at Coors Field in downtown Denver. There will be a spectacular fireworks…
by Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce will host an Independence Day Celebration at Coyote Ridge Park on Friday, July 2 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The party will include some traditional features like a pie contest, games and barbeque concessions as well as some more unusual features – “The Top Hogs,”…
Dr. Bryan J. Rudiak, D.C, owner of Canyon Ridge Chiropractic in Castle Pines North, is committed to providing his patients a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment for life. By Patte Smith Local Castle Pines North (CPN) business owner and author Dr. Bryan Rudiak held a book signing…
by Sally Uhrich Outdoor grilling is a welcome relief for many cooks, as there is little mess and easy cleanup. Yet, many people think of grilling only, with regard to sauces, rubs and marinades for meat. There are, however, many fine recipes for vegetables which cook on the grill. The “Taste of Home,” Easy Grilling…
Tri-County Health Department employees and volunteers dispose of the chemicals and hazardous waste at the roundups. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold According to the Tri-County Health Department, an estimated 1,900 vehicles participated in Douglas County’s Household Chemical Roundups in 2009, safely disposing of more than 84 tons of hazardous materials. This included 11,085 pounds…
Information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (CPCC)is partnering with Douglas County Living Magazine to produce a 2010 membership directory. The new directory will be 8 1/2” X 11” and will be distributed to CPCC members as well as to businesses throughout Douglas County. The chamber will…
Budding artists in grades first through fifth can register for a four-week art camp held at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE). Each week students will complete a new project. The class, taught by Nancy Macintosh, BRE art teacher, will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from June 7 through July 30. Students will have the opportunity to participate…
Friday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, June 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Why: Helping Hands mission is to help those in need within our community with home improvement projects to better a family’s quality of life. Helping Hands supports the elderly, the young, the disabled, the economically challenged, and those…
Information submitted by Cherokee Ranch & Castle “Besides Cherokee Ranch and Castle, the only other public appearance internationally known jazz pianist Henry Butler has on his June calendar is the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. — I point this out not only to toot Henry’s horn, but Cherokee’s as well,” said Cherokee Ranch and Castle…
More than 200 people gathered outside Castle Pines Community Church on May 16 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the church’s new location. Mayor Jeffrey Huff and Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce representatives joined Senior Pastor Tom Curtright as he gave the invocation and cut the ribbon. After the ceremony, visitors and church members…
Proposed signage changes at the Outlets in Castle Rock may dramatically change the view of the shopping complex from I-25. Pictured above are renderings of the existing signage as well as what the proposed LED signage may look like from vehicles traveling along I-25. by Elizabeth Wood West The Outlets at Castle Rock is considering…
by Sally Uhrich There is now a new addition to the many fine pet daycare and boarding facilities in and around Castle Rock. Tails Up Deluxe Pet Hotel and Daycare has been in operation since July ’08. Co-founders and owners, Marc and Jill Sousa, are Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) Certified Advanced Pet Care Technicians,…
Charlie, played by Jake Mullins, and Grandpa Joe, played by Ian Nouss, being airlifted from fizzy drinks. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Desi Lederman The American Academy (AA) gymnasium was transformed last month into a spectacular setting, a chocolate factory! The Willy Wonka Jr. play, directed by AA’s music teacher Mark Middlebrooks, was…
CPN Metro District Board Files Lawsuit Against City’s Urban Renewal Authority “Blight” Designations Raise Concern With unanimous support of its five-member publicly elected Board of Directors, Metro District President Steve Labossiere downplayed the lawsuit’s significance and expressed the Board’s willingness to work directly with the Mayor and City Council to resolve issues without litigation. Citing…
by Elizabeth Wood West It appears that not everyone in and around the Castle Pines Village and Sedalia area is bothered by train horn noise. A recent telephone survey, sponsored by Douglas County, indicates there is not enough local support for the creation of a public improvement district (PID) and an assessment to pay for…
Castle Pines Athletics and the Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) PTO will host a week-long summer camp designed exclusively for BRE kids ages 5 and older. The camp, led by BRE staff members and Coach Emily Bishop, will feature different sports each day, along with other exciting activities. The entire week will be full of organized…
Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) student Bray P. displays his first-place-winning invention, “The Pickle Picker” at TTE’s Invention Convention. TTE hosted the event to encourage students to learn more about simple machines as part of the science curriculum. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Fourth graders in Douglas County learn about simple machines as part of…
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release June 30, 2010 DEATH OF SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD, PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE – – – – – – – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service…
As of press time, the water was still at the HOA1 pool – just waiting for swimmers to jump in and start practicing their strokes and starts and turns. By Carin R. Kirkegaard The pools in the Castle Pines community opened with the Memorial Day weekend and will soon be churning with swimmers as the…
by Chris Bonham, Intern Writer with a teen’s perspective America has often been called the greatest nation on Earth. But what made our country what it is today? Many people would argue many things, but one commonly agreed upon source is the United States Constitution. Last month we explored the environment into which this document…
Gary Ewing, RHMS Security (left) and George Mullens, Watch Dog Dad (right). Article and photo by Amy Shanahan, RHMS Volunteer Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is a proud participant of the Watch DOGS program. The Watch DOGS program is a nationwide program that involves fathers, grandfathers and other father figures to participate in school day…
DCS Montessori student Olivia W. has a great time dancing with teacher Glenn Albert at the school’s first sock hop. By Tracy Dudley In May, DCS Montessori hosted its first ever Sock Hop. All students in upper elementary grades 4, 5, and 6 were invited, and attendance was very high. In preparation for the event,…
Information provided by Douglas County To help residents clear their properties of dead tree branches and shrubbery, a slash/mulch site will open from May 22 through September 25. The site will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. Acceptable items are tree branches and…
Happy Canyon Road roundabout rendering provided by Castle Pines Metropolitan District by Elizabeth Wood West Nearly sixty people attended the Castle Pines Metropolitan District’s (CPMD) Happy Canyon Road roundabouts project open house in April. CPMD staff and board members discussed plans to construct two roundabouts along Happy Canyon Road as a means of providing better…
Douglas County is currently involved in two major roadway projects that will make access from the Castle Pines community east to Parker much easier in the coming months. The I-25 / Castle Pines Parkway interchange will extend on the east side of I-25 to connect with Hess Road in Parker, and the RidgeGate / I-25…
It was dog day in Washington Park! The Dumb Friends League hosted its 17th annual Furry Scurry, the largest dog walk in the nation, on May 1 and ended the day with a new record—raising more than $960,000 for homeless animals. The Dumb Friends League reached its $1 million goal by May 31. More than…
by Lisa Crockett with photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Budget cuts have affected students and teachers in the Douglas County School District (DCSD) in nearly every aspect of the school experience from decreased services, to larger class sizes, to increased fees for computers. A decision by the school board will now affect students getting to…
Photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fifth graders sang, danced, hula hooped and balanced on balls all to entertain the BRE community. Two performances were held Thursday, April 15, one as an all-school assembly and another that evening for BRE families. The school’s specials teachers produced the show and art walk. The…
Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Community Safety Volunteer program (Volunteer In Policing program in the City of Lone Tree) is community policing in its most basic form – a structured way for citizens to participate in helping provide for the safety and security of their own community.…
By Elizabeth Wood West After three hours of presentations, questions, answers, rebuttals, and public testimony, Castle Pines North City Council members voted five to one to approve the city’s proposed urban renewal plan (URP). The council’s adoption of the URP is the final step in a process that began a few short months ago with…
Douglas County Commissioner Steven A. Boand Information provided by Wendy Holmes; photo by Terri Wiebold Committed to representing the interests of local government in Colorado’s emergency planning, Douglas County Commissioner Steven A. Boand has been appointed by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., to serve on the Colorado Emergency Planning Commission (CEPC). Chair of the Board…
A local teen was driving this vehicle on the 7300 block of Shoreham Drive in Castle Pines North last August when she lost control of the vehicle and rolled it. The teen crash avoidance skills classes are designed to better prepare teens for handling situations such as this. Information provided by South Metro Safety Foundation…
by Sally Uhrich Winter’s demise leads us into two of the most anticipated seasons of all; spring and summer. Warmer weather lends itself to outdoor entertaining for such events as graduation parties and bridal showers. If you are hosting a social gathering and are in need of a light, but tasty appetizer, consider, “Rosemary and…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North City Council recently adopted a coyote management plan, providing guidelines for responses to conflicts with coyotes while maintaining public safety as its primary emphasis. The plan seeks to identify and achieve a balance between the importance of human safety and the native ecology…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North It has and continues to be City Council’s strong desire for the City and the Metro District to move expediently to cooperatively integrate the services of both entities in a manner that honors its fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers of the City and…
RHMS student, Henry working on a project. RHMS students Nathan and Brenna work together to get it right. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Amy Shanahan Some great minds at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) were hard at work during this year’s Science Olympiad Regional competition in Fort Collins last February. Of the…
by Chris Bonham, Intern Writer As Independence Day draws near, people all across the country will be celebrating and reflecting on the liberties that we have as American citizens. However, to really appreciate these liberties, it is important to gain a working knowledge regarding the document that ensures those freedoms. In light of this, we…
by Anthonette Klinkerman Let’s face it – Mother’s Day is a complete misnomer. Ask any mom out there if she gets an entire day to herself without someone needing something, or some domestic chore that needs doing, and she’ll probably laugh in your face. I propose renaming the day to more accurately portray what happens…
Castle Pines Athletics is hosting a variety of fun summer camps again this summer in Castle Pines North (CPN.) Camp Castle Pines, for children ages 6 to 12, will feature a host of exciting activities. Castle Pines All Stars is back again this year for the little campers ages 4 to 7. And, girls ages…
Jeffrey Huff, Mayor City of Castle Pines North by Elizabeth Wood West The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) recently established four new advisory committees “to promote and protect the best interests of the citizens of CPN with respect to community needs and to provide for more efficient operation and management of the city.” City…
Join Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) first grade teachers, Mrs. Shaffner and Mrs. Jacoway, for another fun-filled night of ice cream scooping. On Monday, May 3 the teachers will be serving up 31 flavors all for cause of raising money for BRE. In March the teachers, along with third grade teacher, Ms. Carter raised over $300…
by Elizabeth Wood West Rolling Thunder Comes to Castle Rock The national non-profit veterans’ motorcycle club Rolling Thunder will be hosting “Salute to America’s POWs” in honor of POWs from past and present wars. The event will be held on Saturday, May 15 at noon, at Festival Park (2nd Street between Wilcox and Perry) in…
Information submitted by Castle Pines Community Church After meeting at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School for the last 12 years, we are excited to announce that we have moved to our new location at 7280 Lagae Road in the King Soopers Plaza in Castle Pines North. We are thankful for our new church home and are…
by Elizabeth Wood West In its ongoing efforts to address the unwanted train horn noise in the Castle Pines Village and Sedalia area, Douglas County is planning to conduct a railroad quiet zone study. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved $100,000 to fund the U.S. Highway 85/Happy Canyon Road Quiet Zone Study. The comprehensive…
by Carin R. Kirkegaard BellaRock Adventures, in its fifth year of providing women’s outdoor adventures for the Castle Pines community, is gearing up for summer with BellaRock’s signature event the “Women’s Tenderfoot 14’er Training Class.” Beginning in a classroom setting on June 5, hikers will be given information about what gear to have when hiking…
Photos by Angela Carlson The Robinson family pictured above waits for their dinner at Angie’s Restaurant during Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) night. Held in April, the McCaffrey family, owners of Angie’s Restaurant and residents of Castle Pines North, partnered with BRE to sponsor a fun family evening. The restaurant donated 10 percent of all proceeds…
Article by Anthonette Klinkerman with photo by Carla Kenny David Avrin resides in Castle Pines Village when he is not on a global speaking tour. Better known as The Visibility Coach, Avrin recently published a book titled, “It’s Not Who You Know It’s Who Knows You.” The premise of the book is that for a…
by Lisa Crockett A new nail salon in Castle Pines North (CPN) is now welcoming customers for manicures, pedicures and waxing services. Classy Nails is located at 556 Village Square Lane, Suite 300, in the Green Earth Cleaners building. “We were attracted to Castle Pines North because my mom used to work here at a…
Jennifer Havercroft Member North Lynx Homeowners Association Board of Directors submitted by Anna Mallinson It is with regret that I am letting you know the North Lynx Homeowners Association Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Board member Jennifer Havercroft last week. She and her family are moving out of the neighborhood. Jennifer has served…
by Lisa Crockett Coupons can be a great money saver, but a group of Castle Pines-area entrepreneurs know they can also be a real hassle to manage and they decided to do something about it. To help consumers better take advantage of available offers – and allow businesses to reach a more targeted audience –…
by Anthonette Klinkerman There is a book club for everyone, and now there is one for business people in Castle Pines. The Castle Pines Business Book Club is only two meetings old, but has already read two business-themed books and is starting on its third. Douglas County Libraries determined a need for such a group…
Kids from the 9-10 age group wait their turn to get in the pool during the 2009 Kids Tri Fall Frenzy. The kids triathlon is held in conjunction with the adult triathlon in its 10th year this fall. The adult triathlon is on September 12 at the Parker Recreation Center. Article and photo by Carin…
RCHS seniors from BRE’s first kindergarten class in 1997 are back hanging out at the BRE playground. Back row from left to right: Kipling Grey, Kelsey Krueger,Erik Wetzel; Middle row from left to right: Amanda Davanzo, Brooke Skinner, Erin Oehm; Front row from left to right: Matthew Porter, Tanner Krietemeier, and Austin Enterline. Castle Pines…
KeyBank construction is underway. The bank will open its doors May 25 and host a grand opening celebration on June 5. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett The final nails are being hammered, paint touched up, and surfaces shined and cleaned for the opening of the newest business in the Castle Pines community. KeyBank, which…
Welcome first quarter new members: Red Umbrella Deli Catering Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty – Terry Kelly Southside Senior Care JRG Design The Denver Post Cherry Creek Mortgage Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County Living American Pacific Mortgage Retirement Strategies and Investments Ameriprise Financial Money4Metals, LLC Shoppes at Castle Pines Cielo at Castle Pines The Visibility…
Michael Oher visits Valor Christian School Michael Oher (pictured above right), tackle for the Baltimore Ravens and inspiration for the movie “The Blind Side,” participated in an interview to help raise funds for the scholarship program at Valor Christian School, located in Highlands Ranch. During the interview, Oher discussed his journey from the projects in…
David A Weaver, Douglas County Sheriff It’s that time of year. Folks are out enjoying the spring weather, looking for bargains – bartering, just having a great time. My Community Resources Unit has put together a list of tips and do’s and don’t’s about conducting a garage sale. Take a minute to look them over.…