The Connection

by Lisa Crockett Years after volunteers in the Castle Pines Community decided to pursue the possibility of a library, residents and local business people have come together to make the dream a reality. In late September, the Castle Pines Library will open in the Village Square Shopping Center and begin operation as the newest branch…

By Terri Wiebold The question as to whether or not to restrict access on Happy Canyon Road between US 85 and I-25 as part of the North Meadows Extension Project has been the subject of much debate recently. The people have spoken, and what they have said is they want to keep it open. The…

Fifth-grade teacher Jesica Harrington and some of her students at Timber Trail Elementary’s “Carnival for the Cure.” All proceeds from the event went to benefit Harrington’s family. Harrington has been battling an aggressive form of breast cancer for the last year.   Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A school carnival is a long-standing tradition…

Left to right Polly Lestdikow, Jeff Hoskins – President EverStone, Sherri Johnson. (Photos by Tim Gamble) by Anthonette Klikermann The little orange signs pointed the way as the 2009 HBA Parade of Homes made a stop in Castle Pines North. Located in the gated community of Whisper Canyon, the luxury home at 6858 Twisted Oak…

Submitted by Suzanne Greene Families struggling financially in this economy are now receiving less food from the Douglas/Elbert County Food Bank as supplies dwindle. Clients needing food has increased by 30% over this time last year. This is traditionally the time of year from August through October when donations slow due to summer vacations. Grants…

Colorado bicyclists are celebrating the new Bicycle Safety Act, which went into effect August 5. The new laws are geared to improve road safety for bicyclists and motorists, including a minimum 3 feet of space when passing a bicyclist. The Bicycle Safety Act was made possible through the supportive grassroots efforts by Bicycle Colorado members.…

Coach Bishop blows the whistle and takes a “photo op” break during the three-day Camp Castle Pines activities. Coyote Ridge Park proved to be an ideal location for hosting the camps, and the kids had a blast. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Castle Pines Athletics kept children ages 4 to12 from the Castle Pines community busy…

Ladies from the CPN Empty Nester Group gather at the HOA2 clubhouse on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month to play Mah Jongg, an ancient Chinese tile game. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Castle Pines North (CPN) Empty Nesters have a group of ladies that meet twice a month to…

Jim Christensen August 24, 2009 The Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education announced today that it will have an emergency succession meeting tonight at 7:30 pm in the Board Room of the Douglas County School District building to accept the resignation of Jim Christensen, Superintendent of Douglas County School District (DCSD). The Board…

Submitted by Horizon Pain Center Golfers have a unique opportunity to tune-up their swings during special workshops hosted by The Ridge Golf Club. A Class IV K-Laser unit will be featured to immediately treat select participants. Dates and times are to be announced. Dennis Murray, Director of Instruction at The Ridge Golf Club, is teaming…

Submitted by Kristin Zagurski Rock your dollar begins Tuesday – use this guide to get ready Ready to Rock Your Dollar? It’s about time. The purchase and receipt redemption period for the program runs Sept. 1-30. Continue reading for a quick guide to the program. As always, any questions regarding Rock Your Dollar can be…

Submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Bicycle safety begins with wearing a properly fitted helmet, but wearing a helmet will not prevent you from getting hit by a motor vehicle. You, the cyclist, are responsible for avoiding cars. Ride with traffic on the right side of the road and cross intersections using crosswalks. Look both…

by Anthonette Klinkerman La Dolce Vita has been a Castle Pines fixture for many years. The Italian restaurant hosts celebrations of every kind, from anniversaries to graduations, as well as provides meeting space for many non-profit groups and business gatherings. They are also integrated in the local community by regularly donating to the nearby schools…

Breanna Markwell , Colorado Lottery; Ashley Sommer, Jenny’s Café; Jessica Downing and Paul Britt; King Mountain Ranch “givin’ away” freebies at customer appreciation day. Information submitted by Jenny’s Market After six hundred and twenty five free -scoops of the freshest, richest gelatto and two days of fun and free give aways, Jenny’s Market in Castle…

by Terri Wiebold Let me tell you…Solid Life Christian Center really knows how to throw a party! The much anticipated Castle Pines community summer movie in the park drew record crowds to Coyote Ridge Park on August 22. Neighbors in Castle Pines Village, Surrey Ridge, Charter Oaks, Beverly Hills, Oak Hills, and Surrey Ridge Estates…

Bella Rock hikers perform Tai Chi at 8,500 feet. On June 20, seven women hiked through the wild flowers in Elk Meadow Park and then climbed Bergen Peak with Bella Rock Adventures. by Carin R. Kirkegaard In June, Bella Rock Adventures along with seven women hiked through Elk Meadow Park in Jefferson County open space…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Revenge on Schulte, a band comprised of local Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students has been making a name for itself while playing various Denver venues. Lead singer Ben Hilzer and Chris Battin, lead gutarist, founded Revenge on Schulte nine months ago with fellow RCHS classmates Andrew Wilson, rhythm guitarist, Ryan…

Information submitted by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is proud to announce the newly created Youth Education and Safety in Schools (Y.E.S.S.) program that will kick off in August for the 2009/2010 school year. The Y.E.S.S. program is a collaborative effort between the Douglas County School District, the DCSO, and…

Information provided by the Douglas County Water Resource Authority As water costs continue to rise and the available resource itself becomes harder to get, a not-so-new practice of using treated wastewater from household or commercial properties for irrigation of public landscapes, commercial lots, and golf courses is gaining new momentum. To maximize the efficient use…

Despite a chilly and blustery day, the bake sale for the Castle Pines Library was held during the dual swim meet between the two CPN swim teams. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Members of local area Brownie and Girls Scouts troops partnered with members from the Douglas County Libraries Foundation and held an old-fashioned bake sale…

Executive Director of the Colorado Municipal League, Sam Mamet, presented information to the City of Castle Pines North City Council in May regarding Colorado Municipal Home Rule. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold The Colorado Municipal League (CML) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has served and represented Colorado’s cities and towns since 1923. Its…

The bulldozers and the dust kicking up at Lagae Ranch are a result of Castle Pines North residents’ Master Association dues hard at work. After eight years of contributing to a parks fund, residents are witnessing a new park underway in Castle Pines North. The City of Castle Pines North held a ground breaking ceremony…

Information and photo provided by the Castle Pines North Metro District The first phase of the Master Landscape Plan has wrapped up and, like any construction project, the results were well worth waiting for. The roundabout at Daniel’s Park Road is graced with Colorado Green Moss and Rounded River Granite boulders, trees, shrubs, grasses, perennial…

by Chris Bonham, Castle Pines North Youth Advisory Council Chair It’s something that we’ve been promised again and again by politicians who claim to be on our side. Congress has even passed laws to protect this invaluable principle. Yet, it always seems to evade us. We’re constantly caught demanding more of it because we feel…

by Lisa Crockett A newly-formed group of young people is learning about local government, while providing a valuable service to the Castle Pines North (CPN) community. The City of Castle Pines North Youth Advisory Council (YAC), comprised of eight teenagers ranging in age from 13 to 18, meets weekly to discuss matters of importance to…

Members of the Castle Pines North Metro District gather at the Community Center for an open house in June. Information provided by the Castle Pines North Metro District The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District hosted an open house on June 24th for customers to meet and become acquainted with staff members and to view an…

Article by Terri Wiebold; photos by Tim Gamble Independence Day came early this year for residents of the City of Castle Pines North. The City held its Fourth of July festivities on July 3 at Coyote Ridge Park. Early-on rain and gusty winds did not stop local businesses and merchants from displaying their fares and…

Bella Rock Adventures is leading a hike through the foothills to catch the changing Aspens and glimpse the amazing fall colors Colorado has to offer. Saralyn Crock will be the lead guide for the hike. She has more than 18 years of experience in hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing. The hike will take place September…

Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver Information submitted by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office It seems that when we have nice weather we tend to see an increase of door-to-door salespeople in our Castle Pines neighborhoods. Many of these people are legitimate employees trying to advertise their business. Unfortunately, many of these people can be con…

By Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines Village merchants are partnering with the Cherokee Ranch and Castle to host a summer wine walk and Celtic concert on Wednesday, August 12. The annual wine walk will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the added entertainment this year of a Celtic concert in the plaza from…

by Lisa Crockett The Oak Hills Owners Association was unsuccessful in its bid to block the building of a 344-seat church in the community. After a hearing with the Douglas County Board of Adjustment in June, Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) is approved to begin the process of constructing a church building. The 12.5-acre site…

Information submitted by Big O Tires Big O Tires was very proud to bring the Alive at 25 Premier Program to Castle Pines North this past May. Big O Tires (along with the Center for Transportation Safety) have supplemented the Premium program so that the students and their parents can attend this very important training…

In accordance with today’s presidential proclamation ordering U.S. flags lowered to half-staff on all federal facilities through Aug. 30 to honor U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, Gov. Ritter has also directed that U.S. and Colorado flags be lowered to half-staff on state facilities through sunset on the 30th. Earlier today, Gov. Ritter issued a statement praising…

American Academy charter school plans to open its 83,000 square foot facility in Castle Pines North for families to tour on September 18. The first day of school for students in grades K-8 will be September 21. (photo by Jeremy Gamble) by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines community welcomes the completion of its first middle…

CPA teammates high five following a soccer game Castle Pines Athletics (CPA) is now accepting registration forms for fall soccer. The fall season runs August 24 through October 10. All practices and games are played in the fields located in Castle Pines North (CPN). The cost for soccer is $75 for CPN residents and $95…

by Paige Newman, Intern Writer, Rock Canyon High School An eyelash. A fountain. A broken wishbone. Dropping a penny in the well. The birthday candles on a cake. A star shooting across the sky. Why are these things important? Why do we wish on them? Why do we wish at all? Why, each year on…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard When Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) returns to school August 10 it will be with fewer buses and more parents driving, walking and biking their students to and from school. According to BRE Principal, Ally Berggren, BRE will be a pilot school working along with the Douglas County School District (DCSD) to…

Submitted by Deputy Ann Walton, Community Resources Unit, 303-814-7001 Deputy Ron Hanavan, Community Resources Unit, 303-814-7089WHAT Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to Host First “One Day Citizen Academy” The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, is now accepting applications for its first “One Day Citizen Academy”. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Sheriff’s Office,…

South Suburban Parks and Recreation continues its special 50¢ Friday activities commemorating 50 years of service to the community on August 14 at Family Sports Center, 6901 S. Peoria Street in Centennial. Visitors will enjoy 50¢ public skating and 50¢ skate rental at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.; plus 50¢ entertainment rides all…

The highlight of my summer was being back stage with my cousins, Micha & Davis at the Jonas Brothers “Jo Bros” Concert. I will never forget meeting Joe, Kevin & Nick!  It was soooo AMAZING! Katie Kenny, age 10 (pictured bottom left).

With hundreds of participants from eight local schools, the Rock Slide remains a highly anticipated community event. The race raises funds for local participating schools through advertising sponsorships and provides local businesses a unique venue to reach customers. Founded on promoting the importance of healthy living for children and families, the Rock Slide is an…

It isn’t just through monetary donations that the girls give back; they give of their time and talents too. by Carin R. Kirkegaard During the past year, Brownie Troop 1891 has been providing young ladies from the Castle Pines area opportunities and experiences that not only enhance personal growth, but give back to the community.…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard The laughter could be heard ringing as it drifted over the gate at the HOA2 pool each morning during the Castle Croc swim practice. The Crocs wrapped up season four over the summer and had a great time in the process. The team, run by head coach Paul Whitaker, spent the…

School finance has quickly become the hot topic for the Douglas County School District (DCSD). With a huge deficit in our Colorado State budget, and kindergarten through twelfth grade education making up approximately 40 percent of that budget, you can imagine where some of the cuts will need to occur. DCSD receives a little more…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Starting August 3 through August 15, Clothes to Kids (CTK) of Denver is coming to Douglas County. CTK is a non-profit organization that provides new and quality used clothing to low-income school aged children, free of charge. Currently donations are being taken. CTK is looking for quality used and new clothing…

Elected officials from the City of Castle Pines North and the Town of Castle Rock gathered to discuss sharing resources and expertise. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Elected officials from the City of Castle Pines North joined elected officials from the Town of Castle Rock in June for an evening of casual conversation and…

by Anthonette Klinkerman There was a big box office supply store commercial that came out at the end of the summer that never failed to make me laugh. A traditional winter holiday carol (politically correct terminology) rang out, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” A man went joyously sailing by on a shopping…

The Castle Cappellas performing at the City of Castle Pines North Independence Day celebration on July 3 at Coyote Ridge Park. Members include (pictured left to right) Crista Huff, Keri Brehm, Lynne Snyer, Rebecca Larson, Michelle Thurston, Jan Page, Mary Barnes, Teri Bultemeier, Cindy Kessinger-Wenninger, and (not pictured) Diane Burns. by Sally Uhrich Singing without…

Margie Woodruff Foundation Manager Douglas County Libraries Foundation 303-688-7638 Contact by e-mail 100 South Wilcox Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 August Fundraising Events for New Library The Castle Pines community has pulled together to help Douglas County Libraries open a small library at 7437 Village Square Drive in September. So far, nearly $36,000 has been…

Shannon McFarland poses with her REAL Colorado Soccer friend Kellsie Rector after qualifying for the State Hershey track and field meet. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Shannon McFarland, Castle Pines North youth, competed in the Hershey’s Track and Field Games through South Suburban Parks and Recreation (SSPR) and qualified for the state track meet. McFarland competed…

submitted by Alison Lammot, Counselor/Trauma Therapist It is that time of year when kids get ready to go back to school. The stores are full of families shopping for new outfits and school supplies. Kids are full of anticipation about friends, teachers, sports, and other issues like acceptance and the ability to perform. Would you…

Information provided by the Castle Pines North Metro District Water delivered to customers of the Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) will be disinfected using a new process beginning in July 2009. The change is necessary to prepare for the integration of the treatment process with the District’s future water provider partners. In the past,…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Rock Canyon High School sent 315 eager graduates out into the world in May. Scholarships for everything from academics to athletics were abundant, the weather was perfect, and the optimism was tangible. For the Class of ‘09, things were fine. Hard as it is to think about the Class of 2013, Rock…

By Terri Wiebold with information submitted by The Canyons The Canyons community continues to progress through the annexation process for the City of Castle Pines North. Council members agreed in June that The Canyons’ application for annexation into the City of Castle Pines North met the eligibility requirements laid out under state law. The Canyons…

American Academy students have an extended summer while they await the completion of their new school. Castle Pines Athletics will offer a week long camp from August 17 through August 21 designed for American Academy families. The camp will feature a different sport each day along with organized games and relays. Campers will meet at…

by Lisa Crockett The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) has teamed up with Bear Creek Stables to offer guided horse back rides, which are available to both Highlands Ranch residents and non-residents alike. “Tuesday through Thursday, people can ride for $35 for an hour and Friday through Sunday, they can ride for $50 for ninety…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Castle Pines Athletics had its inaugural summer season of t-ball and baseball practicing and playing games on the local parks in the Castle Pines community. With 20 teams filled with local Castle Pines children, ages four to eight, Castle Pines residents were able to play at home this summer, and the…

by Terri Wiebold Mark your calendar for September 18 and attend the Sassy Soiree, a lively mid-day fundraiser to raise funds for the Food Bank. The luncheon – with a silent and live auction, jewelry and clothing boutique, “sassy” fashion show, and door prizes take place at the Douglas County Events Center. Advance tickets are…

Cinda BlockYa with CPN fans who came to support her in the Castle Rock n’ Rollers inaugural bout. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Cynthia M., aka Cinda BlockYa, Castle Pines North resident, stay-at-home mom, recreational enthusiast and volunteer also just happens to play the position of jammer/blocker for Castle Rock’s roller derby team,…

by Lisa Crockett Construction is underway on a childcare center in Castle Pines North in the Walgreen’s Shopping Center on Castle Pines Parkway. Opening for the center is tentatively slated for November. The Center, which will be called the Castle Pines Academy, will have the capacity to serve 173 children. Full-time programs will be offered…

Students enjoy one of the many attractions at last year’s DCS Montessori Fall Festival (Photo by Tracy Dudley) by Tracy Dudley For the past several years, DCS Montessori has hosted a fun-filled and child-oriented outdoor Fall Festival on the school campus in the heart of Castle Pines North. For 2009, the Fourth Annual DCS Montessori…

by Lisa Crockett Being in foster care means a lot of things. First, it means that something has gone awry in your family life. Second, it means that you probably don’t have much in the way of earthly possessions. Third, it likely means you’ll be moving from place to place without a good way to…

Information submitted by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute An OLLI South Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 10 am – noon at their south metro campus at Valley View Christian Church. Designed for older and more “seasoned” learners (50 yrs+), the OLLI South daytime learning program is offered by the University College at the…

After months of discussions and meetings, the Castle Pines Parks Authority voted once again to move forward with building a park at Lagae Ranch. According to Parks Authority President Anna Mallinson, the board agreed at its July 23 meeting to accept the contract with Design Concepts for building the park, as well as the grading…

Submitted by Kristine Turner, Douglas County School Board President The 2009 CSAP (Colorado Student Assessment Program) results are in. For another year, Douglas County School District exceeded the state average in every grade and every subject tested by 11 to 21 percentage points! Compared to 2008, DCSD maintained or gained in 20 of 27 tests.…