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Information submited by April Parcells Wow! We’re well into spring and summer is right around the corner. Mark your calendars… We will kick off our summer with our fantastic annual pool opening party on Saturday, June 5, 2010, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Join us for food, music, and lots of fun. We also…
Information provided by Renee Palmer, Broker Associate Renee Palmer, Broker Associate with Your Castle Real Estate, has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance, with a particular emphasis on short sales. At a time when millions of homeowners are struggling with the possibility of foreclosure, the…
Since last month’s article, Joe Gschwendtner moved forward on his race to become Governor. Due to his late entry into the race, he is petitioning in all congressional districts, and will be on the primary ballot on August 10th.
Solid Life Christian Center welcomed the largest crowd ever to participate in the annual Castle Pines North Easter Egg Hunt at Coyote Ridge Park on April 3. To read the story and view a complete slide show of the event, go to www.castlepinesconnection.com/pages/photo/2010/album10.html.
Bidders consider items for auction at Timber Trail Elementary’s year-end fundraiser. The event, held at Cielo at Castle Pines, featured an online auction, a silent auction and a live auction, raising which raised $35,000 to offset budget cuts at the school next year. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett About 200 parents, teachers, administrators and…
This greenfield space of The Canyons property was annexed into the City of Castle Pines North in October 2009, and is one area city council is considering in a “blight” study for the city. The blight study is a requirement for the city to be able to establish an Urban Renewal Authority (URA). If established,…
On May 17 at 7 p.m. the Rock Canyon Elementary Instrumental Music (RCEIM) program will perform the final concert of the 2009-2010 school year. The concert will be held at Rocky Heights Middle School. The young musicians will have the opportunity to perform alongside members from the Colorado Chamber Orchestra. RCEIM is a before and…
Information provided by American Academy American Academy (AA) is offering a new extracurricular activity that teaches real-life skills to teens to better prepare them for interacting with peers and adults. Led by AA parent Kara Good, the Leadership Program for Teens is a highly interactive three-week program developed for sixth through eighth grade students who…
Aerial view of Elk Ridge Park – photo courtesy of Bob Wiebold by Anthonette Klinkerman Castle Pines North (CPN) residents currently enjoy three beautiful parks, and the city’s newest park – Elk Ridge Park – will be a welcomed and well-funded addition. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) recently awarded the Castle Pines Parks Authority a $700,000…
Wines of the Pines and the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce wish to say thank you for making the first charity event, The French Wine Tour, such a great success. It is a privilege to be able to support and promote such charities as the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center, Douglas County Veteran’s Monument,…
Braving near-blizzard conditions in March, Maureen Shul (pictured above right) was sworn in by Castle Pines North City Clerk Sharon DeRouen (pictured above left) to represent Ward 1 on city council. This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North City Council appointed Maureen Shul as a Ward 1 council member at…
Article and illustration submitted by Mark Shively, Douglas County Water Resource Authority As spring weather returns and summertime is just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about firing up the sprinkler system again. Turning on your system may reveal some things have changed since the last time you watered the lawn. That…
This information has been provided by Castle Pines North Metro District. On January 26, 2010, the City of Castle Pines North (CPN) filed a petition in District Court to dissolve the Castle Pines North Metro District. The Metro District exists primarily to deliver drinking water, wastewater and storm water services, and parks and open space…
Information submitted by Keith Reeves, Columbine Printing Columbine Printing & Copy Center in Castle Rock’s owner, Keith Reeves, was honored for his company’s sales growth by CPrint® International. According to Todd Nuckols, CPrint® president, Columbine Printing & Copy Center is among an elite group of companies who are seeing sales increases in the slow economy.…
Article by Anthonette Klinkerman As the snow fell outside the day before spring break, inside Buffalo Ridge Elementary students were using magic words, saluting, and shouting out, “Ma’am, yes, ma’am!” as “Colonel Klinkerman” put them through their etiquette paces. “There’s no giggling in Courtesy Bootcamp!” she cried, causing the students to erupt in laughter. “I…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North The City of Castle Pines North is on strong financial footing. The latest fiscal update includes: January and February revenues exceeded expenditures by more than 10% each month (more than $60,000 per month) As of February 28, 2010, the City was at a…
Eighteen RCHS seniors participated in Signing Day. Not pictured: Ty Henry, Fort Lewis College; Steffani Meusburger, White Water College. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of RCHS National Signing Day is a big day for many high school seniors. It is the first day these seniors can sign a binding national letter of intent…
Brownie Troop 646 had a career try-it with Angie’s restaurant, located in Castle Rock. The girls had the opportunity to learn about being self-employed as well as how to juggle being a working mom from April McCaffrey, owner of Angie’s and resident of Castle Pines North. Mike McCaffrey showed the girls the kitchen and they…
RHMS student Sabrina Pham getting a face full of pie on Pi Day. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Amy Shanahan As you may or may not remember, pi is defined as a mathematical constant whose value is the ratio of any circle’s circumference to its diameter. Pi is an unusual number since…
Information provided by Carin R. Kirkegaard and photo by Vivian Jenner Pictured above, Marielle Renehen competes in the breaststroke at USA Swimming Sectionals held in Federal Way, Washington located just outside of Seattle. Renehen competed along with anywhere from 70 to 130 swimmers in the 100 and 200 yard breaststroke and in the 100 and…
Castle Pines North Ward 1 Council Member Jennifer Havercroft Information provided by City of Castle Pines North Castle Pines North Ward 1 Council Member Jennifer Havercroft has resigned her position effective April 14 due to a family move. Havercroft submitted a letter of resignation to the city council at its April 13 meeting. The council…
South Suburban Parks and Recreation celebrates three days of fitness and wellness during the first week of May. All events are free and open to the general public. On Tuesday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to noon at Lone Tree Recreation Center, 10249 Ridgegate Circle, attendees can visit a variety of booths with a myriad…
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…
Great food, service and fabulous views at The Ridge By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of The Ridge Scrumptious food along with amazing views and terrific service await patrons at The Ridge Restaurant. The award-winning Ridge Restaurant has announced it will transition from its current winter hours of operation to seven days a week starting on…
by Carin R. Kirkegaard with photos provided by Jane Kelly This summer, special needs students between the ages of 10 and 17 years old will have an option for a summer day camp. Local Castle Pines community resident, Kelly McAlear will launch her academic special needs program, The Sky’s the Limit, with six sessions of…
by Elizabeth Wood West “I will do everything possible to stop this ridiculous noise,” declared Castle Pines Village resident and petition organizer Don Somsky. Last fall, Somsky and other Village residents worked with the Castle Pines Homes Association (CPHA) to circulate a petition for residents and businesses that are impacted by train whistle noise. The…
Band members from the Rock Canyon Band Feeder Festival Concert perform at the concert held March 16 at Rock Canyon High School. Buffalo Ridge Elementary, Redstone Elementary, Timber Trail Elementary, Wildcat Mountain Elementary, Rocky Heights Middle School and Rock Canyon High School performed songs separately as well as one collective song for the show’s conclusion.…
Submitted by Elizabeth Gee, Hughes & Stuart Marketing on behalf of Castle Pines Metro District ROUNDABOUTS PROPOSED TO MAKE HAPPY CANYON ROAD SAFE & EFFICIENT Paul Dannels, District Manager of the Castle Pines Metro District, has announced public safety funds, held by the Douglas County Special District, have been reserved to pay for two proposed…
Castle Pines Village resident Gina Gerken (right) assists HawkQuest founder, Kin Quitugua, during a presentation in Castle Pines Village. Article and photos by Tracy Dudley For the second year in a row, more than 200 Castle Pines Village residents and their families were treated to HawkQuest’s breathtaking exhibit of live raptors. The occasion? The Castle…
by Joe Gschwendtner Ah, the ironies of life. Take the contrast between age and youth. When young, we think we know it all and would fly to the moon if we could. When we get older, genuine wisdom has settled in—but we lack the energy of youth. If only youth could have our understanding. Mere…
The Boys and Girls Club is to inspire and enable young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. In the photo above, CPN resident Chad Sanders poses with a group of children from one of the Denver clubs. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Chad Sanders, Castle…
by Sally Uhrich It’s that time again; April is national heartworm month. Pet owners need to begin treatment for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs. To jog the concern of clients, veterinary clinics often display a preserved heart infected with heartworm in a jar and hang posters about heartworm life cycles in examining rooms.…
Photo taken by Kay Kirkegaard Members from the Castle Pines community braved the chilly temperatures and even a little snow to support the 22nd Annual Denver Runnin’ of the Green. Proceeds from the event are used by the Volunteers of America to help the very young, the homebound elderly, and women and children who are…
Information provided by the Dumb Friends League Who would have guessed that a kitten named Queenie would be the first of more than 2 million animals helped by the Dumb Friends League? One hundred years ago (700 dog years), Queenie was found in a basket at the home of Margaret Bradey, one of the women…
by Sally Uhrich Baking from scratch in Colorado can be especially challenging, particularly for those of us living in higher altitudes. This is due to the decreased atmospheric pressure which can cause cakes to fall flat. The frustration is enough to make even the most “seasoned” cook resort to using store bought mixes. Although most…
Douglas County School District will hold three meetings to discuss charging fees to ride District buses. The proposed fee would be $.50 per ride, per child and would begin in the 2010-11 school year. All School Advisory Councils, parents and the community are invited and encouraged to attend. The meetings are scheduled for April 29…
Girls and boys alike had a blast strutting their stuff on the catwalk. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students rocked a full house on February 21 at the Marriott Denver Tech Center with their Fifth Annual RCHS Fashion Show, Luncheon and Silent Auction. The fashion show, consisting of 123…
Submitted by Rock Swim Team Pictured above are members from the Rock club swim team who qualified for the state and silver state swim meets at the end of the short course-swimming season. Back row from left to right: Chloe Civello, Marielle Renehan, Abby Kochevar, Garrett Durie, Jared Jordan; Front row from left to right:…
Pam Anderson prepares to give away a door prize at the February meeting of the Douglas County Divas. Article and photos by Anthonette Klinkerman Women are born networkers. They tell each other where the sales are, what shops to patronize, and which restaurants to avoid if such is the case. So it makes sense that…
Castle Pines community members take a break from skating to pose with the birthday girl, Tammy Abramovitz, at her birthday party skate for Warren Village. By Carin R. Kirkegaard Warren Village, a nationally recognized award-winning program that helps low-income, previously homeless single-parent families transition into self-sufficiency, is looking to connect with the communities in the…
Local kids and adults enjoyed the first Five Stones Sports dodgeball tournament at Inverness Sports Complex.
by Patte Smith Piper’s Pantry is a nonprofit organization, established by Tim and Eric Hannon, in honor of their two-year-old daughter, Piper. “We have been so blessed with Piper we wanted to share our good fortune with the community. A basic need is food, so we decided that is where we would put our efforts,”…
Article by Kathy Dunker Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is very proud to be a finalist for the National School of Character award. Three Colorado schools were submitted for national consideration, the other two being charter and private schools. RHMS was the only Colorado school chosen out of the three and was also one out…
Registration for the fifth annual kids triathlon, Tri the Rock is currently underway. The race, designed to benefit youth health and fitness, will take place on May 23 at Butterfield Park in Castle Rock. A USA triathlon sanctioned event, Tri the Rock is open to all kids ages five through 14. Cost is $35 for…
Information provided by Jon Gray, CPMD The Castle Pines Metro District (CPMD), in cooperation with the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, has engaged Fox-Higgins Transportation Group and P B S & J Incorporated to design two traffic roundabouts along Happy Canyon Road at Gates 1-2 and Gates 3-4. This project is a direct response by…
by Anthonette Klinkerman The Beatles sang about him: “’Cause I’m the tax man…” Most people, however, are not in a singing mood come April 15. So it goes without saying that having a birthday on April 15 is far worse than having one on Christmas. Your holiday birthdays may be up to your ears in…
by Tracy Dudley When Karen DePretis started working at DCS Montessori five years ago, she would see girls out at recess trying to do cartwheels. Because she has been dancing, baton twirling, and teaching dance most of her life, her natural inclination was to step in and help. “When they asked how I knew so…
Alexis on her 18th birthday A book review by Joe Gschwendtner with photos and illustrations submitted by Margaret Rhyne A white cottage with red trim sits pertly at the south entrance to the Allis Ranch in Sedalia. It’s Alexis’ House, a memorial to the daughter of Margaret Marshall Rhyne. A single glance does not suffice.…
Will it be a relaxing, lay-low kind of summer or one packed with fun things to do? For those wanting to keep kids busy with tons of action this summer, there is a run-down of some great camp options close-by and around town. If you have a favorite or know of one that we have…
New Cell Site Activated as Part of Ongoing AT&T Investment in Local Wireless Network As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced mobile devices and applications, AT&T* today announced the activation of a new 3G cell site in Sedalia that will enhance coverage for area residents and businesses. With 3G…
The Honorable Jeff Huff, Mayor City of Castle Pines North This year, citizens will see the initial results of the cost-saving efforts of various community organizations. Homeowner association fees have declined along with property taxes, and the City Council and the CPN Metro District are diligently working to create efficiencies in operations. However, we need…
Darwin Horan by Terri Wiebold One of the City of Castle Pines North’s newly-elected council members for Ward 1, Darwin Horan, recently resigned from his position on council. Horan provided the following letter to The Castle Pines Connection regarding his departure: “Dear residents and fellow neighbors, It has been an honor and a privilege to…
Submitted by Paula Lasky Vice Regent, Piney Creek Chapter NSDAR The Colorado State Society, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, honored Juliet Madsen of Parker, Colorado, for the Colorado DAR Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award at its 107th Annual State Conference. This award is “presented to a veteran-patient in recognition of outstanding achievement in personal,…