The Connection

by Lisa Crockett Some snow storms slow things down around town, and some stop them altogether – especially if you are a student or the parent of a student in the Castle Pines community. So when weather suddenly hits in a big way like it did in October and again in November, how do you…

Submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Roasting, baking, candy-making?  Here are safety steps worth taking! Cooking is a holiday tradition…and a leading cause of residential fires in the United States. In fact, hundreds of thousands of them each year. Cooking is also a major cause of burn injuries to children. Many of those fires and…

The importance of physical exercise should never be underestimated, when it comes to our pets. Benefits include increased physical and mental health well-being. Many behavior problems can be helped if not eliminated simply by increasing your dog’s exercise time. For those outdoor enthusiasts who wish to venture from walking paths, Douglas County offers three fenced-in-off-leash…

by Lisa Crockett As the holidays approach, many, if not most residents in the Castle Pines community will send and receive more mail than usual. As a result, mail delivery times will fluctuate. According to a statement submitted by the United States Postal Service (USPS), this fluctuation is a part of normal delivery service, not…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard With heavy snow threatening to blanket the racecourse, the Rock Slide, Douglas County Schools 5K fun-run fundraiser, was rescheduled for Saturday, December 12. The 5K run will begin at 9 a.m. with the 1-mile run/walk to begin following the finish – and don’t forget the Kiwanis Club pancake breakfast after the…

The Castle Pines Parks Authority (PA) is applying for a state lottery grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to help pay for development of “spade ready” parks in the state. The park at Lagae Ranch (recently named Elk Ridge Park) could earn up to $750,000 toward construction of the new park. The PA is requesting…

Front Row (left to right): Jennie Schaaf, Heather Griffin, Theresa McDowell, Jill Johnson, Linda Day. Back Row (left to right): Sheila Fuselier, Abigail Fuselier, Amy Hogsett, April McCaffrey, Beth England, Julie Lamb, Nicole Wight, Michelle Perovich. by Carin R. Kirkegaard and photos provided by Linda Day Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.…

Article by Carin R. Kirkegaard with photos provided by Kathy Werbick Late last summer, up on Copper Mountain, in a local pub, a test was held to see who of three winning contestants could drive a nail into a log first and then win in a rousing bout of Rochambeau. Castle Pines North resident Kathy…

Submitted by April Parcels, HOA1 Daybreak Meadows, also known as the Dead Zone, is a triangle shaped parcel of land of slightly more than 10 acres on the easterly side of HOA1. The story of the tracts begins with the original intent of the developer of the subdivision, Writer Corporation, to build homes on the…

Kathi Mercer (left) and Saralyn Crock (right) show-off some of the great finds at the Fall Clothing Exchange on November 5.Cloth Article and photo by Elean Gersack It does not take long for good ideas to fly rampant when moms start talking. But, actually doing something about them can be another story. Not so for…

by Lisa Crockett Open Enrollment: Parents wishing to enroll children in a Douglas County School District school, other than a designated neighborhood school, must complete an open enrollment form. Open enrollment forms can be downloaded from the district website at www.dcsdk12.org and parents can view a list of the schools available for open enrollment for…

Article by Lisa Crockett with photo provided by C. Hubbs Charlotte Hubbs heads Colorado’s State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). It’s a group with chapters nationwide comprised entirely of descendants of the revolutionary patriots who helped the United States achieve independence. In July, Hubbs, who lives in Castle Pines North, was…

Pictured above are members from the Castle Pines Community who made it out for the event. Front Row (from left to right): Tisa Meisel, Sally Wagner, Kelly Durie, Linda Day and Eileen White Back Row (from left to right); June Uralli, Terra Shaffner, Jen Jacoway, Mary Williams, Tammy Abramovitz. Article and photo by Carin R.…

by Elean Gersack Now more than ever, families are struggling financially. This holiday season will prove especially difficult for many within the community. To help ease the burden, The Douglas/Elbert Task Force is seeking individuals, families, and groups to support Santa’s Sharing sponsorship program. There are several ways to donate, and every little bit helps.…

by Lisa Crockett ‘Tis the season to send packages around the country. Here are some ways you can make this item on your holiday “to-do” list a little easier: Post office locations in or near the Castle Pines community : Castle Pines Village, (Castle Pines Postal Center), 80108 – 862 West Happy Canyon Road, Suite…

Laurie W. Anderson, President, Anderson & Associates Submitted by Laurie W. Anderson Anderson & Associates, a local public relations and marketing communications firm, marked 20 years in business in October, according to President Laurie W. Anderson (pictured right). Anderson started her firm in 1989.  She then partnered with Fred Hobbs from 1994 to 1999 when…

by Chris Bonham, Intern Writer Presents. Shopping. Singing carols at a family get-together with hot drinks near at hand. Nearly everyone in the United States can immediately recognize the sights, smells, and sounds of the holiday season. It is a time to laugh, love, and focus on what is important. It is a time of…

Daniel V. recites the life of a mystery figure from the Dark Ages Article and photo by Tracy Dudley Since the induction of Mystery History in 2001, once a year DCS Montessori students dress up as famous personalities from the distant past. As part of this event, students choose historical figures from a given time…

by Tracy Dudley From music and theater to nature and children’s events, there are numerous happenings around town for little ones, adults and families to take time to slow down and enjoy the upcoming holiday season. Holiday Concerts at the Castle December 6, 12, 18 and 20 The Cherokee Ranch & Castle will host several…

Article by Anthonette Klinkerman with photo by Tim Gamble Sue Lee, a Castle Pines Village resident, recognized the opportunity for a new kind of education when she left the elementary classroom and began teaching adults life management skills. “I was teaching little boys and girls in grown-up bodies,” she said, and identified a need for…

by Lisa Crockett The Ridge Golf Course is teaming up with Sedalia Nursery to offer Christmas Trees to the Castle Pines community. Trees sales will begin on Saturday, November 28, at The Ridge and run through Christmas Eve. “In addition to conventionally-cut trees, we’re offering live Christmas trees which can be re-planted after the holiday,”…

Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate Debbie Boyle-Grimwood Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff David A. Weaver was very pleased to hear that one of his employees was recognized for her work, at the annual conference for victim advocates. Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate Debbie Boyle-Grimwood was presented with the Wendy…

Castle Pines Athletics hosted a camp to welcome new families to CPN. The American Academy Kids Camp at Castle Pines raised $2,000 for the newly opened school. Pictured above the new Kindergartners take a break at camp with Coach Emily Bishop and parent volunteer Paige Brandon. (photo by Lane Roberts.) by Carin R. Kirkegaard In…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard The holidays are typically a time where families come together to celebrate through tradition, whether its reading a favorite story, cooking a recipe that has been passed down through generations, or driving up to the mountains to find the perfect Christmas tree. The Rocky Mountain Region of the United States Forest…

by Terri Wiebold More than 300 residents and neighbors attended the City of Castle Pines North (CPN) public hearing last week at the DCS Montessori School in CPN. After nearly six hours of presentations from city staff, the developer, and public comment, City Council voted unanimously to approve the annexation of The Canyons property into…

Information provided by Town of Castle Rock After receiving public input, the Town of Castle Rock Council directed its staff to resume attempts to have Union Pacific railroad tracks moved so a new road between The Meadows and I-25 could be built at-grade. It was previously thought the at-grade alignment for the North Meadows Extension…

Community volunteer Warren Lynge joins the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce in cutting the ribbon to open the new library in Castle Pines North. By Lisa Crockett In place of the aging and often out-of-order bookmobile, the Castle Pines community has a new, and comparatively spacious, outlet for books. The community celebrated a grand opening…

submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff ‘s Office 303-660-7586 Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Launches On-line Crime Alerting and Mapping Service with CrimeReports.com Citizens empowered with near real-time neighborhood crime information available 24/7/365. Douglas County, Castle Rock CO. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and CrimeReports.com have announced a new On-line Crime…

Halloween safety tips from Sheriff David A. Weaver Halloween is an enjoyable holiday for kids and parents alike. It is important though, to take every precaution possible when it comes to your night of fun. Sheriff Weaver provides the following suggestions to keep your little monsters safe: Start at home: Turn on your exterior lights,…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard In August the Bicycle Safety Act went into effect across Colorado. The idea behind the new laws is to create a safer environment on the road for both cyclists and motorists. “Most people will use this as a guideline for how to interact with cyclists,” said local cyclist Dan Cook. With…

Boy Scouts of America Troop 316 Annual Sprinkler Blowout Castle Pines North Boy Scout Troop #316 will hold its annual sprinkler blowout fundraiser during the first three weekends (Saturday and Sunday) in October. Space is limited; make your reservations early. To schedule a blowout, call 303-408-3247 or e-mail contact by e-mail . Leave your name,…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Colorado Life Trak (formerly known as Project Lifesaver) is a high-tech tracking system used by law enforcement departments nationwide to locate adults and children suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, Down Syndrome, Autism and other related disorders. A person living with any of these disorders may have a propensity…

Submitted by Wells Fargo Advisor Wachovia Securities began using the Wells Fargo Advisors name last spring, officially rebranding its business under its new parent, Wells Fargo & Company. “Today, as Wells Fargo Advisors, we begin a new chapter in our storied brokerage history,” said Danny Ludeman, president and CEO of the brokerage firm. “Adopting the…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Stop by Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and check out the large selection of book titles available during the Fall Book Fair. The fair opens Saturday, October 3 with a waffle breakfast run by Denver’s Waffle Brothers and run through Thursday, October 8. On Monday night, plan to stop by the school…

by Tracy Dudley DCS Montessori gets mascot and official school colors Since its inception in 1996, DCS Montessori School has not had an official school mascot or official school colors. During a critical transitional period in 2008, school administration decided it was time for the school to solidify its image and identity. A key step…

by Terri Wiebold Front loaders began moving dirt this week to grade the approximately 63,830 square-foot vacant parcel of land located on the north end of the King Soopers Shopping Center, just east of Lagae Road in Castle Pines North. According to the project description posted on the City’s website, the land is the future…

The Waffle Brothers, typically found serving their unique brand of Belgium waffles on Denver’s 16th Street Mall, will be out in the suburbs Saturday, October 3 at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE). Known for a special recipe that was developed in Denver, the Waffle Brothers import a special sugar straight from Belgium that provides the…

Article and photo by Terri Wiebold After nearly four years, American Academy Charter School has opened its doors in Castle Pines North to the more than 800 students currently enrolled. Students, parents, school officials, community leaders, and local residents celebrated the school’s grand opening during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 18 before beginning…

Crosswalk by the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden submitted by The Castle Pines North Metro District Fourteen miles of trails traverse the Castle Pines North community, providing footpaths for recreational use and access to parks and schools. This network of paths is maintained by CPNMD, and staff of parks, open space and trails are always on the…

submitted by the City of Castle Pines North The Castle Pines Economic Development Council (CPEDC) is an extension of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce that works in partnership with the City of Castle Pines North Economic Development Committee (EDC). These three entities are the primary vehicle for promoting economic growth within the city and…

by Elizabeth Wood West Douglas County is approximately 842 square miles, with a population estimated to reach 280,000 by 2010. The County’s rural area is around 725 square miles. Almost 30,000 people, or nearly 12 percent of Douglas County’s total population, are considered rural water users and are served by 8,000 ground water wells. Until…

Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa Skip the lines at the mall this year and come meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Ridge for a holly, jolly breakfast. Saturday, December 58 a.m. and 10 a.m. $25 Adults $15 Youth Full Breakfast Buffet Entertainment with intimate setting of singing and story telling Holiday Carriage Rides at…

An Old Fashioned Holiday Christmas Boutique will be held Thursday through Saturday, November 19, 20 and 21, at the Castle Pines North Community Center. The upscale boutique event celebrates fourteen years and is a local holiday favorite for Castle Pines residents. Crafters from years past, as well as new crafters, will be on hand with…

In recognition of all who gave of their time, talents and money, the Castle Pines Connection presented a framed list of contributors to the Douglas County Library District at the September 19 library ribbon cutting ceremony.  The list will hang in the new library, as well as be included in the Oct/Nov issue of the…

Submitted by Fuller Castle Pines Sotheby’s International Realty The brokerage firm representing Colorado’s most celebrated golf community, Castle Pines Village Properties, is joining forces with the area’s most prestigious real estate firm, Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty to provide a new level of service to prospective clients in the luxury home market in Colorado. The new…

by Lisa Crockett With leaves falling and a hint of cool in the air, snow season will soon come to the Castle Pines community. What can you expect when the flakes start to fall? All communities follow similar protocols when prioritizing the order in which streets are plowed: main arterial roads first, then collector roads…

Submitted by Terri Wiebold, Owner As you read this, the fifth issue of The Castle Pines Connection community newspaper, plans are already underway for our transition to a monthly publication. Beginning in January 2010, The Castle Pines Connection will be delivered to homes and businesses in the Castle Pines community every month! Thank you to…

The editorial page of a newspaper is not about news. It is about personal views and the freedom to share them responsibly. Letters printed in The Castle Pines Connection do not reflect in any way the personal views and/or opinions of The Castle Pines Connection, LLC, its newspaper editor/publisher, or its staff. Thus far, process…

submitted by the City of Castle Pines North As mayor of the City of Castle Pines North, it is a privilege to serve you and an even greater honor to inform citizens that the state of our city is strong and growing stronger. Because your elected officials have put a responsible and coherent financial plan…

Information provided by the ASPCA The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) provides the following information and tips to help ensure your pet’s safety this Halloween: 1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. * Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking…

submitted by the City of Castle Pines North Thursday October 29th 2009 marks the six-year anniversary of the Cherokee Ranch Fire. Do you remember that day? The entire community of CPN was evacuated as flames came dangerously close to several houses and neighborhoods. Yes, CPN is part of the Wildland Urban Interface, where residences are…

by Lisa Crockett A months-long process of negotiating the height of towers installed along the Xcel Corridor in Castle Pines North (CPN) has finally come to its conclusion. Citizens in the area did not respond favorably when Xcel erected a 180 foot tower at the top of the ridge line above Coyote Ridge Park and…

Thomas Carter by Sally Uhrich The Board of Directors of the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) named Castle Pines Village resident Thomas Carter as Executive Director. DCCF creates permanent charitable funds, primarily from local businesses, families and individuals, which the Foundation then invests and administers in the form of grants to nonprofit organizations. The Foundation…

Submitted by Jim Christensen, Douglas County School Superintendent* The beginning of August for school districts in Colorado is a time we begin our focus on the year ahead and the next phase of educating our students. It is also the time we have an opportunity to reflect on how our kids in each school and…

by Terri Wiebold The City of Castle Pines North has postponed increasing the speed limit on Yorkshire Drive from 25 mph to 30 mph following calls from concerned citizens. According to the City Director of Public Works Eric Guth, the city received a few calls from concerned residents about the increase. Guth stated, “It was…

Ebenezer Norman, a Liberian who has dreams of opening the first public library in his home country, picks up remaining books from the Castle Pines North library fundraiser. by Carin R. Kirkegaard In August, the Douglas County Libraries Foundation, in conjunction with fundraising efforts in the Castle Pines community, held a used book sale at…

Bubble Goddess owner, Jennifer Leete, sharing the benefits of her natural products with a resident during a Castle Pines community event. by Anthonette Klinkerman “A woman on a mission” is a perfect phrase to describe Jennifer Leete. In September, Leete was the guest speaker at the Denver Tech Center Business and Professional Women’s Network monthly…

Aerial photography by Bob Wiebold and Jeff Lewis By Terri Wiebold For the past eight years, Castle Pines North (CPN) residents have been digging into their wallets and contributing $151.20* per household, per year to the Master Association to fund the Castle Pines Parks Authority and to bring a new park to CPN. That digging…

Tired of taking that family vacation and leaving part of your family at home? Pet Airways, the pet-only airline, has now been unleashed in Denver. Canine and feline companions can now experience true creature comforts, while flying the friendly skies. The airline is located at the Rocky Mountain Airport in Broomfield. Travel destinations include New…

Angela Walker and Marcy Stone By Terri Wiebold Sassy Sisters is a trendy, hip, chic, and sassy clothing company created by Castle Pines Village resident Angela Walker and Marcy Stone. Not really biological sisters, Walker and Stone met on line, and the connection between these two entrepreneurial women could not have been more natural, nor…

by Tracy Dudley In 2007, the Castle Pines Homes Association (CPHA) reorganized and established an over arching goal of educating new and existing residents about wildlife in the Village and addressing issues concerning increased wildlife encounters. As an active volunteer in several wildlife organizations, Wildlife Committee member and Village resident Gina Gerken came up with…

Water Distribution/Wastewater Collection Supervisor Dwayne Davis submitted by The Castle Pines North Metro District 485 fire hydrants serviced All fire hydrants in Castle Pines North have been inspected and serviced by the utilities staff of CPNMD. Each hydrant was pressure tested and painted. Homeowners can help both the Metro District and the fire department by…