The Connection

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…

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…

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…