The Connection

More than 140 Girl Scouts, including many from Castle Pines, attended Power Up on February 6 at the Castle Rock Recreation Center. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Bullying, teasing, gossiping, being left out — no way, no more! On Saturday, February 6, fourteen area Girl Scout Troops with girls ranging from third to sixth…

Troop 316 new Eagle Scouts (from left to right) Michael Phillip Elmore, Connor Scott Smith, Lucas Wood West, Samuel Ryan Classen, Emerson Paul Steinberg, and Jacob Bailey Dysart. Article by Elizabeth Wood West It is rare to see a bald eagle. It is also rare to have six young men from the same Boy Scout…

Officer Joe Stafford Douglas County Animal Services Field Services Manager Officer Lisa Massie Douglas County Animal Services, Field Services Supervisor On March 15, 2010 Douglas County Animal Services (DCAS) was contacted regarding a skunk that exhibited uncoordinated and aggressive behavior east of Parker, CO. The skunk was collected and submitted for rabies testing. The Colorado…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines North Castle Pines North Municipal Court held its first session 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 24 with Judge Louis Gresh presiding. Court takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month starting at 5:30 p.m. at 7404 Yorkshire Drive. The Ausmus law firm is providing prosecution services. The…

Kevin Hyland, an agent with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Identity Theft and Financial Crimes Unit will be presenting facts and tips to prevent identity theft on Wednesday, March 10 at 6 p.m. in the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce office. A light meal will be provided. Seating is limited, so please RSVP to…

Castle Pines North resident and Stantec engineer Dan Baxter Information and photo provided by Danny Craig via press release, Stantec media relations The Freeway Operations Committee of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), in conjunction with Attica Tollway bestowed its special leadership award on Glen Oaks resident Dan Baxter, a principal in the transportation practice of…

Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County Deputies are investigating a traffic crash that involved a stolen vehicle that had been warming up in a driveway this morning. At around 6:30 am, deputies received a call that a vehicle had just been stolen from the driveway of a…

By Patte Smith When first driving through the community of Surrey Ridge, it’s surprising to see the residents, whether in a car or on foot, waving at everyone. This is common in the 120-plus-home equestrian neighborhood that was started in the late ’60s. Residents love the area for the open space, the equestrian property, the…

Information provided by Douglas County Residents of Douglas County have until March 31 to take advantage of Insulate Colorado rebates, available to homeowners for insulation installation. Homeowners may apply for a rebate of 20 percent off the cost of installation of either attic or exterior wall insulation and basic recommended air sealing measures, or $300…

CASTLE PINES NORTH, Colo., March 17, 2010—Castle Pines North City Council and Castle Pines North Metropolitan District Board held a joint meeting, open to the public, March 16 to discuss potential cooperative integration options. This was the first of a series of joint meetings on this topic. The public will be made aware of additional…

Nurse Ray Levesque (right) and a would-be traveler go over immunization information at the Tri-County Health Department office in Lone Tree. Article by Tracy Dudley with photo by Tim Gamble Traveling outside of the United States presents increased risk for infectious diseases, no matter how carefully you plan your accommodations. Fortunately, there is an international…

by Elizabeth Wood West In spite of several attempts made over the past year, the Town of Castle Rock and Union Pacific Railroad have been unable to come to agreement on the possibility of the railroad relocating approximately one mile of its existing tracks. The relocation of the railroad tracks would have allowed construction of…

Information provided by Jim Steavpack, CPN resident The Fourth Annual Castle Rock Recreation HOOPLA Basketball Event was held February 12-13. The fun-filled weekend encouraged kids in fourth through eighth grades to show off their basketball abilities in individual skills challenges, a three-on-three tournament, and a league all-star game. The individual skills challenges tested participants in…

Jack Arrowsmith Douglas County Clerk and Recorder Information provided by Douglas County Seeking public input on the distribution of tax dollars for services provided by the office of the clerk and recorder, Douglas County Clerk and Recorder Jack Arrowsmith has scheduled a series of community meetings in which he hopes to engage county residents in…

Mothers and sons pose for a photo after graduation from Marine Corps Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton, CA. Pictured left to right: Robyn and Jake McElroy and Joey Riplinger and Kelly Wirkus. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard In January, Jake McElroy and Joey Riplinger, both Castle Pines North (CPN) residents and graduates from…

Information provided by Linda Nuzum, CPN resident You may soon lose access to popular channels on some (or all) of your TV’s unless you act now to obtain equipment from Comcast. On March 22, the Comcast service in our area will switch more than 40 channels from analog to digital, and thus will only be…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Chris Cooke It’s 7:15 a.m. on a school day, and the technology lab at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is buzzing with activity! Seventh and eighth graders make their way in to prepare to deliver the Nighthawk News to their fellow classmates. The Nighthawk News is a daily…

Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County Deputies Worked Hard to Keep Others Safe during St. Patrick’s Day Holiday Deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office made a total of thirteen DUI arrests during the St. Patrick’s Day Holiday from 03/12/2010 through 03/18/2010. Here is a quick breakdown…

Tyler Joy Tankersley delivers medical supplies for Project Cure and the Mile High Haiti Project on February 6. Article by Elean Gersack and photo by the Tankersley family One doesn’t have to be very old to understand when others are in need. Tyler Joy Tankersley, a seven-year-old from Noble Ridge, got inspired to help victims…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Big O Tires, located just south of Castle Pines Parkway near the Safeway shopping plaza, is collecting necessary toiletry items and comforts from home for military troops serving overseas. Robyn McElroy, owner and mother of a recent Marine boot camp graduate (to learn more see the article on page 12) discovered…

by Lisa Crockett Students at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) in Castle Pines North will no longer head back to school in early July. Budget cuts at the state level and the school district level mean increased class sizes and decreased ability to run buses and other school services year-round. “I have mixed feelings about the…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines North City staff presented the city council with two draft plans addressing coyote management in Castle Pines North on February 9, both of which provide for community education, hazing and lethal control. Council will now consider the plans, one patterned after the City of Centennial’s and Town…

by Sally Uhrich The practice of eating corned beef and cabbage as a St. Patrick’s Day holiday meal is actually more Irish-American than Irish-Isle. Although corned beef and cabbage is a traditional Irish meal, it was the Irish-American immigrants who turned it into a St. Patrick’s Day tradition, not the residents of the Emerald Isle.…

BRE teachers from the 2009 Spelling Challenge kick-off assembly take a bow after a fun-loving and inspiring performance. By Carin R. Kirkegaard In April, Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) will once again celebrate an entire month devoted to promoting literacy throughout the school. On April 2, the students at BRE will be inspired to become great…

Photos submitted by Buffalo Ridge Elementary In December, students from BRE created cards and composed letters to be sent to the United States military serving overseas during the holidays. To show the sincere appreciation for the kind words and thoughtful cards, pictures were sent back to the students. Pictured here are soldiers as they open…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines North The City of Castle Pines North filed an application for dissolution with the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District on February 5. The city council had the authority to take the first step to initiate dissolution proceedings because the district is located entirely within the city limits.…

By Tracy Dudley According to David Callan, Douglas County School District’s director of athletics, it is important for women to participate in sports. “Women involved in sports are 41 percent more likely to graduate from college in five years, have higher grade-point averages, and are more responsible and productive citizens,” said Callan. “Participation in sports…

By Carin R. Kirkegaard The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) library will be holding its annual spring book fair to raise funds to purchase new books. The Book Fair Diner All You Can Read will be held in the BRE library from April 12 through April 15. The fair will open each morning at 8:30 a.m.…

Board position vacant The Castle Pines Homes Association’s (CPHA) annual meeting of the members will be held on Monday, March 8 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cielo at Castle Pines, located at 485 West Happy Canyon Road. This will be a great time to meet new neighbors, visit with old acquaintances, become more…

Dawn Lang poses with her class. This school year, Lang was the proud recipient of a grant for a SMARTboard, which she uses daily to help her second graders learn. The “Apple” of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School’s eye – Dawn Lang named finalist By Carin R. Kirkegaard Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) is proud to have…

Dr. Kristine Turner hit the airwaves in Castle Rock in January with her talk show “New Beginnings, Life After Divorce.” Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Kristine Turner Castle Pines North (CPN) resident, Kristine Turner, also known as the “divorce doctor”, specializes in helping families cope with divorce and has done so for…

Article by Lisa Crockett with photo by Tim Gamble The Douglas County Planning Commission has approved a proposal by Xcel Energy to upgrade transmission lines from the Daniels Park substation heading west, skimming the northern border of Castle Pines North (CPN) and extending roughly nine miles to the Waterton Substation on Rampart Range Road. The…

Submitted by Heather Halpape CDOT CSP PIO Don’t Be Fooled By Darkness. Nighttime Click It or Ticket Begins April 1st Law enforcement in 11 counties buckle down on those not buckled up. DENVER — The Colorado State Patrol and 48 law enforcement agencies are not fooling this week when they step up enforcement of the…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Amy Shanahan Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is proud to announce its first Apple Award finalist in the school’s five year history. Mike Stroman, the band, orchestra and jazz band teacher for sixth through eighth grades at RHMS, is in his thirtieth year of teaching and is…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines North The city recently implemented several measures designed to address traffic congestion and safety issues at the southern end of Monarch Boulevard. Citizens in HOA 1, HOA 2 and Noble Ridge have expressed concerns about the dead-end area, which serves as a drop off and pickup location…

By Tracy Dudley Every year, excited DCS Montessori students get moving for the Jump Rope For Heart (JRFH) program. Sponsored by the American Heart Association (AHA), fundraising from JRFH supports the AHA mission of reducing disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. In fact, the AHA recently stated their impact goal is to reduce…

Lois Autterson (front left) went to Haiti with one other lady from God’s Grace Community Church in 2009. The kids in this picture were trying to teach Lois Haitian Creole. They are from a center called Tetkole (means “heads together” ) based in Jacmel. Tetkole is run by Verbo Jean Julien, a Haitian lawyer who…

Dear residents and fellow neighbors, It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your city council representative for Ward 1 these past few months. I appreciate you placing your trust in me, and it is with great regret that I must now resign my position. The very reasons you elected me to…

By Sally Uhrich Thinking of acquiring a dog? If you are like most potential pet owners, you dream of leisurely walks, time spent playing fetch, cuddling and caressing your most loving, loyal and of course, obedient, canine companion. Unfortunately for some pet owners, the dream becomes more of a nightmare. Although most puppies will initially…

Girl Scout Troop 628 from Buffalo Ridge Elementary School collected $2,449.29 for the Haiti Relief Fund. Article by Elean Gesack and photo provided by Annette Loomis Haiti… it’s a battleground of disaster. Just days after the devastating earthquake took place, Girl Scout Troop 628 from Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) took action. The fourth graders knew…

Five year old Chelbi has Ewing’s sarcoma and wishes to go to Disney World. Article by Kathy Dunker and photo courtesy of Melissa Hawken Morris This year, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado was chosen to be one of the fourteen nonprofit organizations in Checkoff Colorado. This innovative program enables Colorado taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to…

David Klinkerman Article and photo by Anthonette Klinkerman Each year, the Douglas County Educational Foundation bestows an Apple Award to a teacher from the Douglas County School District. One teacher is nominated from each school, and in a celebration akin to the Academy Awards, nominees will find out the Apple Award winner in March. Local…

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…

Information and photo submitted by Canyon Ridge Chiropractic Dr. Bryan Rudiak, owner of Canyon Ridge Chiropractic in Castle Pines North, extends a very big “Thank You” to all his patients who did an awesome job of donating non-perishable food items. The office held a food drive over the Thanksgiving holiday and was able to raise…

The Buffalo Ridge spellers from left to right: Brandon Oehm, Cameron Sanders, Karlee Shaffner, J.T. Snowden, Skylar Motlong, SydneyDozois, Charlie Keely, Truman Westberg, Rebecca Teeter, Jaiden Boyle, and Olivia Voss. Not pictured are Caroline Kampschroeder, Keara Werth, Kayte Mundwiller, Peter VanBenthuysen, Josh Martelon, and Sydney Emerson. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard During January,…

Submitted by Celeste Siade VP of Forest Park HOA Once again, on the first Friday of December, Cindy Hamilton hosted her Annual Ladies Luncheon at her home in Forest Park. What started out six years ago as a social event- for friends to exchange unique gift ideas in order to help each other out with…

Submitted by Suzanne Greene There is cause for much celebration at 404 Jerry Street because the Douglas/Elbert Task Force has found a suitable building for their operations and is finally moving out of the cramped quarters it has occupied for many years. It is a timely move for them because their client base is growing…

Information submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics, a local recreational youth sports program, has announced dates for the 2010 spring and summer season. All practices and games are held at the three neighborhood parks located in the City of Castle Pines North (CPN.) Spring Soccer – The co-ed spring soccer program…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Pilates in the Pines relocated to the Village at Castle Pines, found just off Happy Canyon Road and Sante Fe (Highway 85), in January. With the move, the studio will keep the current class schedule and plans to add more classes. “This is an exciting occasion for the studio,” said Alana…

Fifth grade Dream Team members and their leaders, Jennifer Jacoway (back left) and Jolie Pinke (back right) load up packages to deliver to kids at Children’s Hospital for the holidays. Article and photo by Elean Gersack The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) Dream Team put their heads together and opened their hearts for sick kids at…

Submitted by Deputy Robert Rotherham, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up their efforts to apprehend intoxicated and impaired drivers during the up-coming Super Bowl weekend which takes place the weekend of February 6th. Deputies will be providing extra enforcement from Saturday, February 6th at 6:00 pm through Monday,…

The first Castle Pines Library Mother/Daughter Book Club met on Monday, January 11. Article by Elean Gersack and photo by Tim Gamble Get your library cards ready and check-out some great books. The Castle Pines Library is bustling with activities and touting longer hours to start off the New Year. Browse the shelves on Mondays…

2010 Budget Highlights The 2010 budget for the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) was approved by the CPNMD Board at their December 7, 2009, meeting. Board President, Bill Santos, highlighted the primary goals for the coming year aimed at reducing Metro District expenses to continue pursuing renewable water solutions. Stabilize Costs One of the…

Pictured from left to right: Joe Franklin, Don Hansen, Sr., Dave Brewer, Don Hansen, Jr. Article by Tracy Dudley and photo provided by Joe Franklin Castle Pines North has its own group of table tennis fanatics. The Castle Pines Table Tennis Club (CPTTL) is a group of local residents who have been gathering together regularly…

Information submitted by CPN resident/ former City Council mayor pro-tem and Valor High School lacrosse coach, David Neely The Valor Youth Lacrosse program grew out of the huge success that Valor Christian High School lacrosse experienced last year. It was the first varsity season and the team ended up 11- 4, in just the second…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Even though Douglas County is a very mobile community, we do have a certain special population of citizens with disabilities and mobility problems. There are several programs and plans available to this special population that can help them prepare for an emergency or disaster. Special Needs Registry:…

Kim Hoffman (left) welcomes Shelley Hamilton-Bruer. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold After more than five years of dedicated volunteer service on the Parks Authority, city representative Kim Hoffman steps off the Board and welcomes newly-elected city council member Shelley Hamilton-Bruer to fill the city’s seat at the table. “I would like to express my…

Oak Hills resident Roxy Fredrickson leads a drum circle of children of National Guard troops preparing for deployment. The circle teaches participants life concepts including respect, belonging and generosity. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Oak Hills resident Roxy Fredrickson (pictured above) is not a trained music teacher, psychologist or social worker, but she knows…

by Elizabeth Wood West There will be no medical marijuana dispensaries within the city limits of Castle Pines North (CPN) at least until August 30, 2010. At the January 14 city council meeting, council unanimously passed emergency Ordinance 09-25 which immediately suspended the acceptance or review of any applications pertaining to medical marijuana dispensaries. The…

Article by Lisa Crockett Photos courtesy of Castle Pines Community Church After many years of renting space at a local elementary school, Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) is moving to a home of its own in the Shoppes at Castle Pines Shopping Center on Lagae Road (in the same shopping center as King Soopers.) While…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) spring term begins March 29 and is currently enrolling life long learners in a variety of classes. Spring classes will run through May 20. (To learn more about OLLI South, visit www.universitycollege.du.edu/olli/. Spring 2010 Classes America and the New Global Economy The Birth of the…