Read the stories from the latest issue:
Information and photos submitted by Claudia Larson There are few resources for women and children who are experiencing poverty and homelessness. God’s Grace Community Church (GGCC) is pleased to partner with Denver’s only day shelter, The Gathering Place (TGP). GGCC hosts a monthly Bingo game to spend time with the women, offer a little fun…
by Elizabeth Wood West What do President Gerald Ford, movie director Steven Spielberg, and Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton have in common? They were all Eagle Scouts. Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouts of America. This organization has millions of members, but fewer than five percent of all Boy Scouts earn the rank…
Coach Erik Goodrich Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Lisa Kochevar Although it may seem like a long way off with the current cold temperatures and icy roads, Castle Pines North’s newest summer swim team, Castle Pines Storm, is gearing up for their second season. Storm got off to a great start in 2009…
CPN elected officials pictured left to right: Kim Hoffman (ward 2), John Ewing (ward 3), Mark Shively (treasurer), Jeff Huff (mayor), Darwin Horan (ward 1), Jennifer Havercroft (ward 1), Doug Gilbert (ward 3), and Shelley Hamilton-Bruer (ward 2).
by Sally Uhrich Looking for a dessert to serve your loved ones this Valentine’s Day? Consider making beet cake, a healthier alternative to the more commonly served, red velvet cake. Beet cake derives its reddish/maroon color from beets, not food coloring. Beets have long been know for their amazing health benefits for almost every part…
by Anthonette Klinkerman The majority of people diet after the New Year, but one Castle Pines North (CPN) resident got a jump on a healthier lifestyle before the holidays. Tim Gamble, who is also The Castle Pines Connection photographer and webmaster, joined “The Biggest Loser” competition hosted by Village Fitness. He came away 32 pounds…
by Anthonette Klinkerman Several residents of Castle Pines North have lost beloved pets to coyotes. A pack of coyotes in the vicinity has made the press before, but two particularly bold coyotes have snatched small dogs during daylight hours while helpless owners stood nearby. “We were shocked as it happened so quickly,” said Chris…
Sheriff David A. Weaver submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Whei Wong Douglas County Educational Foundation At the January 28th board meeting of the Douglas County Educational Foundation, Sheriff David A. Weaver was unanimously approved to serve on the Board as one of the Trustee Members. “Our School District…
A local grass roots movement is rethinking and exploring how Colorado funds education “The Wickerdale Walkers” are encouraging elected officials to do the same, and they welcome your participation. Simply send a RED crayon in an envelope with a note that says “Crayons 4 Education” to: Govenor Bill Ritter 136 State Capitol Denver, CO, 80203-1792…
Mother-daughter team and friend wearing their wares. Left Brooke Jacobsen, middle Dawn Jacobsen, right Michelle Dunker Article and photo by Kathy Dunker A very fun and funky new mother-daughter boutique is opening out of Daniels Gate called the Royal Chic Boutique. Inspired by her ten year old daughter, Brooke’s, desire to open her own boutique,…
Local businessman and Castle Pines North resident Dan Cook (pictured above with scissors) cuts the ribbon at his new office opening in Lone Tree. Cook Financial Associates was previously located off Happy Canyon Road in The Village at Castle Pines.
By Elean Gersack Spring break will be here before we know it. Plan ahead and enjoy some memorable family activities right here in Colorado. From state parks to museums, there is much to do and see close to home. Outdoor Recreation Castlewood Canyon State Park 2989 South State Highway 83, Franktown 303-688-5242 This beautiful retreat…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Sanctuary is a vivid word: a refuge; safe haven; shelter. Life offers few openings to pause, reflect, and heal from within. Ten years ago, neighbors Sue and Jack Pfeiffer of Castle Pines Village decided to do something about it, and single-mindedly set about making that vision of a refuge…
by Lisa Crockett Generous Castle Pines-area donors and members of the Castle Pines business community wanted to make sure that veterans in the area felt honored for Veteran’s Day this past November. The Bundt Shoppe, a specialty cake bakery on Village Square Drive, sold special edition chocolate, chocolate-chip cakes for just $10 as part of…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines North It is the City’s expectation that all public streets shall be plowed; however, crews will continue to plow these streets on a priority basis such that primary streets will be the highest priority, then residential streets. The City deploys three plow trucks all equipped with sanding…
Information and photo submitted by Linda Clure Linda Clure is proud to announce that she is now a senior real estate specialist (SRES). There are only 15,000 realtors in the country who have been awarded this prestigious designation. The SRES designation focuses on serving real estate buyers and sellers who are aged fifty-five and older,…
Article by Sally Uhrich and photo by Terri Wiebold It’s good news for pet owners. Dr. John Vickers of the Castle Pines Veterinary Clinic is offering a 10 percent discount on pet dental cleanings during the month of February. As pet owners, we should be aware that cats and smaller dogs are known to have…
South Metro Fire Rescue Authority personnel practiced ice rescue techniques in January at a frozen pond on the Meridian golf course. Information and photos submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Icy ponds and lakes are attractions that lead to life-threatening situations almost every winter. If someone falls through the ice, they can succumb to the…
by Lisa Crockett In December, the city council of Castle Pines North (CPN) approved Resolution 09-91, declaring the property known as Lagae South eligible for annexation into the city of Castle Pines North. Lagae South – currently in unincorporated Douglas County – is an area of approximately 354 acres, located west of Interstate 25, north…
The Castle Cappellas, a volunteer ladies chorus is seeking Soprano I, II and Alto I, II voices. We have sung at a few political events, local churches, The Wildlife Experience Christmas Lights event and at the Denver Tea Party. We also sang at the city of Castle Pines July 4th celebration and the recent mayoral…
Article by Sally Uhrich with photos by Jeremy Gamble “An Evening of Inspiration,” was the theme for the very first fundraising event for Wellspring Community, a nonprofit whose mission is to empower adults with special needs to live full and productive lives. More than 250 guests gathered at Cielo at Castle Pines, including Carole Murray,…
The Rock Canyon Elementary Instrumental Music (RCEIM) program held a winter concert at Wildcat Elementary School. Band and orchestra members from Buffalo Ridge Elementary and Timber Trail Elementary performed a variety of musical numbers designed around a humorous skit as well as four other individual songs. Sage Kemp, Brad Zakrzewski, Kathryn Pietra, John Koerner, Connor…
Information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. As the newly-seated Castle Pines North City Council begins 2010, the City Council is continuing its efforts from the previous two years to integrate operations of the Castle Pines North Metro District (Metro District) and the City of Castle Pines North. The City Council’s…
RHMS Robotics Club, team #2. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Amy Shanahan Robots are not just part of science fiction anymore. Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) offers a Robotics Club to its students for the third consecutive year. Under the leadership of seventh grade Social Studies teacher, Cameron Randolph, the club continues…
Come join us! The Douglas County Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of each month from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. For meeting location and additional club information, call 303-727-0484 or go to www.douglascountygardenclub.org.
The Timber Trail Education Association (TTEA) will be hosting a fundraising gala on Friday, April 9, 2010 at Cielo at Castle Pines. The committee planning the event, headed by TTEA member Kristen Narlinger, is currently accepting donations to be used at auction. Donation deadline is March 9, 2010. Also, sponsorship opportunities are available at all…
by Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines North city council voted unanimously in December to renew public safety and animal control services with the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners through Dec. 31, 2010. “The city of Castle Pines North is very pleased to continue our strong partnership with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office,” said former…
Information provided by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver was pleased to hear that he was selected to serve on the Board of Directors for County Sheriffs of Colorado. Sheriff Weaver is one of five sheriffs who was elected as at-large board members to County Sheriffs of Colorado (CSOC) Board of…
Information submitted by Doug Hutchins, Castle Pines Real Estate Specialist Broker Associate – The Kentwood Company The most common question being asked about the local real estate market is whether or not home prices have stabilized in the Castle Pines community. It is easy to find predictions about the real estate market, but generally these…
Judy Brand (center) Chairman of the Mt. Rosa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, presents a Community Service Award to Castle Pines North residents Vicky and Frank Kellen. The Kellens were honored in January for their contributions in support of the Castle Pines Library. Courtesy of the DAR, Mount Rosa Chapter In January,…
Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff David A. Weaver would like to remind the community that the United States Census Bureau employees may be back in your neighborhood in the next few months working on the next phase of the 2010 Census. The Census data can be used…
Municipal Judge Lewis Gresh congratulates Jeff Huff after taking the oath as the new mayor of the City of Castle Pines North. Information provided by the City of Castle Pines North, photos by Tim Gamble Municipal Judge Lewis Gresh officially swore in six new Castle Pines North (CPN) city officials in January at the Castle…
Information provided by Douglas County The Douglas County Treasurer’s Office reminds property owners that payments to their property tax statements – mailed in January 2010 – can be paid: in person; by mail; at three different drop box locations; toll-free by automated telephone with credit card or electronic check/savings withdrawal; with credit card by telephone;…
by Anthonette Klinkerman Valentine’s Day is this month, in case you haven’t noticed. You didn’t make dinner reservations back in 2009? Or pick out heart-felt cards by the fourth day of January? Or order roses, select chocolates, or purchase a spa gift certificate for your sweetheart? Valentine’s Day has taken on tones of America’s favorite…
Left to right: Isaac, Brad and Mitchell, third graders from Mrs. Brester’s class, get ready to serve up hot cocoa and chocolate during the production of The Polar Express on December 15. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Ah… the magic. The Polar Express is for those who truly believe. This holiday season, third graders…
Carol Langley-Finnegan Information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The City Safety Task Force (STF) would like to thank Carol Langley-Finnegan for serving as the chair of the STF. According to City Council, Langley-Finnegan has put in countless volunteer hours and her efforts have made Castle Pines North a stronger and…
The Division of Wildlife is coming to Castle Pines North to discuss the recent reported coyote sightings, encounters and attacks in the Castle Pines area and how to handle these types of situations. Please plan to attend; there will be important information available. The meeting is scheduled for January 5th, 6pm, at the CPN Community…
Eagle Scout Connor Smith stands in the gazebo he built at the Lowell Ranch in Castle Rock. by Elizabeth Wood West Connor Smith has been a Scout most of his life, having joined the Cub Scouts in first grade. A Rock Canyon High School senior and Oak Hills resident, Smith completed all Cub Scout rank…
Help Colorado’s less fortunate by donating winter clothing at this year’s Treads for Threads. Bring in your coats, boots, hats, gloves and sweaters to Big O Tires and receive a $5 off coupon, now through January 18th. Big O Tires is located at 508 E. Castle Pines Parkway.
There may be a new pride of cougars in wildcat country if considerations to sell a portion of land in the Highlands Ranch “backcountry” wildnerness area come to fruition. Colorado Christian University has expressed interest in the property, located just west of Monarch Boulevard south of Rocky Heights Middle School, as well as exploring other…
by Scott Lasher The word “rotate” is used quite often in the sports world, particularly in the game of basketball. “Rotate to the weak side!” a coach might yell to one of his defenders. “Rotate to the basket!” a coach might yell on a pick-and-roll play. The Rocky Heights Middle School eighth grade boy’s basketball…
by Kathy Dunker The recent Master Association annual meeting included an interesting announcement from HOA1 Board member, Dick Lichtenheld. The Board of HOA1 would like to separate from the Castle Pines North Master Association. According to Lichtenheld, the withdrawal would result in an 18 percent reduction in HOA dues for the residents without any reduction…
by Elizabeth Wood West One Castle Pines Village petitioner is oblivious to it, having tuned it out completely, like you would a ticking clock: “I live in Castle Pointe, the nearest community to the trains. The train whistle noise is NOT an issue. One can barely hear the noise, even at night. The whistle is…
Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County residents can now take their neighborhood crime map with them wherever they go. The new iPhone application will provide citizens with local crime mapping and national sex offender data. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office already publishes their crime data on the…
Information provided by God’s Grace Community Church God’s Grace Community Church (GGCC) had the joy of once again helping to host the Annual Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives Christmas Party for inner city kids on December 19. More than 200 families from Five Points in Denver attended the event. Festivities included cookie and card decorating,…
Reprinted from an e-mail correspondence dated January 22, 2010 Michele Radke, TTE Principal Molly Gnaegy, TTE Assistant Principal Douglas County School District has reviewed its calendar assignments for next school year and has determined that Timber Trail Elementary will depart from the year round calendar beginning with the 2010-2011 school year. Recent developments have resulted…
Submitted by Kristin Zagurski Town Council will be asked to decide Tuesday in which direction the North Meadows Extension project should proceed. The project would provide a second access between The Meadows and U.S. Highway 85 and Interstate 25, relieving congestion on Meadows Parkway and improving traffic flow on I-25. Three alternatives for the road…
Information submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue with contributions from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Everyone knows the number, but do you know how it works? When you call 9-1-1 from either a land line or a cell phone, your call will most likely go to a law enforcement agency dispatch center. In the Castle…
Ten-year-old Ashley M. with Timber Trail Elementary art teacher Peggy Jensen. Ashley participated in a fall art show at TTE which was held in conjunction with the school’s book fair fund raiser. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Inspiration is nearly everywhere, especially for budding artists at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). In November, the school…
Local disc jockey Dom Testa gives an inspirational presentation to American Academy students. by Kathy Dunker Excitement was in the air at American Academy for a December assembly led by local disc jockey, Dom Testa, from the Dom & Jane morning show on Mix 100 (FM100.3). Testa, an award winning writer for young adults, spoke…
Local land developers Darwin Horan and Chris Fellows of HF Holdings, LLC partnered with the Douglas County Board of Commissioners and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) to bring holiday joy to more than fifty families and more than seventy-five children in need in Douglas County. In addition to gift certificates and toys, Horan and…
A community knows how valuable volunteers are in day to day operations. Parents regularly flood schools to help out classroom teachers, and in libraries volunteers reshelf books or assist in reading programs. In Douglas County, high school students are required to have 20 community service hours in order to graduate. A Castle Pines North parent…
Photo provided by Paige Newman, RCHS For the second consecutive year, the girls POMS team has captured the State Title. Championship Team: Ivy Deibel, Paige Hesen (Capt.), Kelsey Hofstetter, Bri Johnson, Cody Ann LaCouture, Lauren Packer, Amanda Ross, Charity Sammons, Amy Taylor, Lizzy Van Dyke, Brittney Webber (co-Capt.), and Hannah Wilson. Not pictured are Jordan…
All I wanted for Christmas… …was what every child ages four to twelve wants, and that is to play sports locally with friends and classmates this spring. The spring soccer registration deadline for Castle Pines Athletics is MARCH 1, 2010. Teams are first come, first serve, so make sure to enroll today to reserve your…
Calling all book lovers, local business owners and those who simply love a lively discussion. The first meeting of the Castle Pines Business Book Club will be held at the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, January 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided for the first meeting. Not much of a…
by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Douglas County School District (DCSD) family fun run and fund raiser for local schools in the Rock Canyon High School area was cancelled this year. The Rock Slide had originally been scheduled for November 14, but due to inclement weather the race was postponed until December 12. In an e-mail…
Fifth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School gathered at Young AmeriTowne to apply concepts they learned by working together to operate a 17-business town. For weeks prior, the students learned lessons and did activities that introduced them to concepts such as supply and demand, job skills and work habits, banking procedures, democratic process, civic consciousness,…
Castle Pines Jewelers owner Jeffrey Rein works on a piece of custom jewelry for a customer in is store in the Village at Castle Pines. By Anthonette Klinkerman It is said that opportunity knocks all the time, but people often do not recognize the sound. Jeffrey Rein is a person who has become more than…
by Kathy Dunker This year the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) eighth grade classes worked on team service projects to help people in need both inside and outside of the Douglas County school community. Some 422 students participated in the “Penny Wars.” In this competition, pennies earned the classes positive points, while silver and paper…
Recent legislation enables the Douglas County Clerk and Recorder to conduct the Primary Election by mail ballot only. A public hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2010 to discuss how this might impact Douglas County voters and the County budget. For additional information call 303-660-7444 or go to www.douglas.co.us.
Article by Carin R. Kirkegaard Photos by Sandy Keorner Cub Scouts from Pack 826 and Boy Scouts from Pack 637 brought more than 100 pounds of food to donate to the Douglas/Elbert County Task Force. While dropping off the food, scouts were given a tour of the facility and learned about how the food bank…
Castle Pines North Mayor Maureen Shul speaks at the annual Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce luncheon at The Ridge. The Chamber celebrated its second successful year. The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce invites you to visit its new “Elite” Referral Group. The group meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8 a.m.…
by Sally Uhrich So it’s New Year’s day and it’s your turn to host the holiday dinner. What to do? You’re tired of turkey and not yet ready for ham. Consider a delectable, beef rib roast. The meat is coasted with an herb, garlic and horseradish butter paste to form an irresistible, caramelized edge. This…
Brownies Molly and Rachel get a hug from Valley House resident, Betsy, during Troop 881’s outreach visit. Article and photos by Elean Gersack On Monday, November 23, Buffalo Ridge Elementary School Brownie Troop 881 made a special visit to Valley House Elderly Assisted Living in Castle Rock. Two weeks prior, the third graders met with…
Eagle Scout candidate Emerson Steinberg during renovation and reorganization of Douglas County High School’s theater. Article and photos by Elizabeth Wood West Eagle Scout candidate Emerson Steinberg, 18, has been very involved in the theater program at Douglas County High School (DCHS) since the ninth grade. Steinberg recently found a way to give back to…
by Terri Wiebold with information provided by Emily Coll, Castle Pines Metropolitan District Castle Pines Metropolitan District completes Water Conservation Plan Village residents support conservation The Castle Pines Metropolitan District (Metro), a quasi-governmental Special District under Colorado law, was established in 1973 for the purpose of providing water, wastewater collection, storm drainage services, and operation…
If you’re looking for a great pet bakery fairly close in proximity to Castle Pines consider the For Paws Bakery and Pet Spa, located at 19565 E. Main Street in Parker. There is a vast array of treats, named after the owner’s pets such as Maggie’s gourmet cookies or Mia’s munchies. The canine confections use…
by Elean Gersack Planning a team practice or party during the next few months? There are currently three parks in Castle Pines North (CPN) available by reservation: Coyote Ridge Park, Daniel’s Gate Park and The Retreat Park. Soccer fields are available at all three parks and baseball fields are available at Coyote Ridge Park and…
Former Master association president Jim Steavpack discussing policy at the annual meeting held in November. Article by Kathy Dunker and photos by Tim Gamble At the November 19 Master Association annual meeting, Jack Zelkin and Larry Cook were elected to the Board of Directors. The Board also thanked Rex Lucas and Shelley Hamilton-Bruer for their…
Information provided by Douglas County Centennial Airport recently completed a Part 150 Study, which included 12 recommendations for noise mitigation. One of the recommendations was the formation of a community roundtable to address the noise impact of Centennial Airport traffic on communities surrounding the airport. The roundtable has the charge to discover possible noise mitigation…