The Connection

Rock Canyon lacrosse will be led by CPN residents Austin Fisher (left) and Kacy Carter, here celebrating a goal last season. (Photo by Kevin Williams) by Scott Lasher Every spring in Colorado, it seems as though when flowers should be blooming and birds ought to be chirping, the snow and cold of winter put a…

by Terri Wiebold There are now more ways to get information about what’s happening in your community. A New Newspaper – A new, independently owned and operated community newspaper is now serving the greater Castle Pines community. The Castle Pines Connection is a bi-monthly newspaper focusing on all things local; not just Douglas County-local, but…

by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) city council voted in February to establish a City Economic Development Committee. According to council member Chris Dooley, this five-member advisory committee of city council members, business leaders, and CPN residents will advance the interests of the community by promoting economic growth in the city of Castle…

Information submitted by the Douglas/Ebert Task Force Now more than ever our Douglas County neighbors need our help. The Douglas/Elbert Task Force’s mission is to provide for those in need. To do that, the Task Force is hosting “A Reason to Wine,” a wine tasting with an art and silent auction, to raise money toward…

Submitted by CPN Master Association President, Earl Millspaugh During the January Master Association (MA) meeting, it was decided that several committees comprised of delegates and a Board liaison would be formed to address some issues facing the MA. One of these committees was to address the issue of collecting the funds expended by the MA…

Local Brownie Troop 628 smiles for the camera after a presentation of the colors (American and Colorado flags) and after leading the audience in The Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the Star Spangled Banner at the February 11 Castle Pines North City Council meeting. The Troop earned their “Citizens Near and Far” Try-It (badge)…

by Carin Kirkegaard For children not riding a school bus, arriving at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) School can be a maze of walkers, skateboards, scooters, walkers, dogs and vehicles. At times, navigating this maze can be perilous according to some BRE parents. “Parents park their vehicles on sidewalks and in cross walks, execute U-turns in…

by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) city council voted in February to approve two ordinances granting franchise fee agreements with Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) and Xcel Energy. Both ordinances call for a three percent (3%) franchise fee agreement for a term of twenty years. What is a Franchise Fee? Franchise fees are…

Lt. Troy McCarty and Mayor Shul Article and photo by Terri Wiebold In late February, the City of Castle Pines North council voted to pass a resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Board of County Commissioners on behalf of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office regarding public safety. The IGA provides the city of…

Local Castle Pines North artist Nancy Meiser will host an art show called, “Wildflowers in the Springtime.” More than 30 acrylic paintings of floral arrangements will be on display April 25, at 6:30 p.m. Fifteen percent (15%) of the total proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation. The show will be held in…

These photos are conceptual and intended to display before (below) and after (above) examples of an area to be redesigned with Xeriscape features. (Photos courtesy Norris Design.) By Denise Bassett, Castle Pines North Metro District Landscape Master Plan – Construction plans for Phase One of the District’s Landscape Master Plan are currently being drawn up…

South Metro Fire Rescue Authority firefighters put out hot spots after containing a brush fire in Parker earlier this year. Information submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Little moisture in Douglas County this winter and spring have created extremely dry conditions which could worsen. The South Metro Fire Rescue offers the following information to help…

Kelly Durie, Steve Durie and Mary Williams celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Castle Pines North’s newest restaurant – The Barking Goat. (Photo by Tim Gamble) by Lisa Crockett A new eatery is open in Castle Pines North (CPN). Dubbed The Barking Goat Tavern, the establishment opened in March in the former Celtic Crossing location, 363…

by Lisa Crockett After years, the long process of making plans, submitting them to Douglas County, then re-submitting plans, Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) has moved one step closer to building a permanent home in Surrey Ridge. In March, Douglas County approved plans for a 344-seat church in Surrey Ridge at 9009 Clydesdale Road. “I…

by Carin Kirkegaard The Empty Nesters coordinates two Bridge groups in the Castle Pines North community – a singles ladies bridge group and a couples bridge group. The singles ladies bridge group meets the third Monday of the month and has eight ladies that rotate hosting the game in her home. Currently, there is a…

  Castle Pines Community Spellers pictured above Bergen Templin (TTE), Victoria Vanderpoel (RHMS) and J.T. Snowden (BRE). (Photo by Carin Kirkegaard) by Carin Kirkegaard The Castle Pines community sent three spellers to the Douglas County School District (DCSD) Spelling Bee on February 18 at Northeast Elementary School in Parker. J.T. Snowden, a fourth grader from…

By Lisa Crockett Five area businesses have closed their doors in recent months including: Entrée Vous, Jimmy’s Steakhouse, Rejuvinations Spa, Jasmine Boutique and Castle Pines Chiropractic. Though economic times are precarious for many, Castle Pines area businesses aren’t without a support network. Sharon Kollmar, the president of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, sees continued…

by Carin Kirkegaard Tri the Rock returns for its fourth year of benefiting youth health and fitness on May 17 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 $30 for registration prior to May 11 and after is…

by Tracy Dudley In the spring of 2007, a local grassroots group rallying for a recreation center in Castle Pines North (CPN) commissioned a survey that found 81 percent of CPN residents in favor of a recreation center for the community. This was nearly two years ago, and Castle Pines Recreation (CPR) has since paused…

Birds of a Feather: (from left) Skyler Draper, Nathan Cook, Cameron Lindemann and Chase Bell all received their Eagle Scout awards on the same day. All four of the boys are students at Rock Canyon High School. The boys are scouts in troops 365 and 530. (Photo by Lisa Crocket) by Lisa Crockett The journey…

by Lisa Crockett Another hurdle on the long route to a library for the Castle Pines community has been cleared. At its regular meeting on April 16, the Library Board of Trustees instructed Douglas County Libraries Director, Jamie LaRue, to pursue lease negotiations for a library space here. “We are giving our permission to our…

Submitted by Dr. Bryan Rudiak, Canyon Ridge Chiropractic The Rock Canyon High School choirs joined forces with local doctor, Dr. Bryan Rudiak of Canyon Ridge Chiropractic, to raise $1,000 for the school program. The students were able to raise the money rather easily and in a rather short period of time. Dr. Rudiak donated a…

by Carin Kirkegaard Longer daylight hours and warmer weather have Castle Pines North (CPN) neighbors taking advantage of Colorado’s early spring days. Whether riding a bike, taking a jog, or walking a dog on CPN’s 13.5 miles of recreational trails, many residents have been out enjoying spring. In addition to these walking trails CPN residents…

Submitted by Heather Halpape, CDOT 9484 or 303-888-6319 (cell) CSP PIO, 303-239-4583 The Colorado State Patrol and 40 law enforcement agencies wrote 2,761 seat belt tickets during a week-long, nighttime Click It or Ticket enforcement that occurred April 1-7 in 11 counties. The special overtime traffic enforcement took place between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.…

by Lisa Crockett With no confirmed tenants for the parcel of land at the corner of Monarch Boulevard and Castle Pines Parkway – a parcel known as “CC-20”, construction plans that were introduced more than two years ago remain unchanged but also unrealized. The site, which is owned by Pinark, LLC, was to have been…

by Denise Bassett, Castle Pines North Metro District On average more than eight percent of residential water use is lost through leaking fixtures or pipes! Knowing how much water you use is the first step toward getting a handle on water consumption. As you evaluate your water use, try to look for ways to reduce…

April Parcells Article and photo by Carin Kirkegaard MacKenzie Rae Parcells was born a perfectly healthy baby to Castle Pines North residents, April and Bill Parcells. It was at her two-month check-up, when MacKenzie received her DTap immunization that things began to change. According to April Parcells, co-founder of the MacKenzie Grace Foundation, MacKenzie had…

by Lane Roberts On Thursday, March 5, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted its first membership meeting at The Ridge in Castle Pines North (CPN.) Don Bobeda, chairman for the Chamber, gave the introductions and welcomed more than 60 businesses in attendance. Dr. Jason Ortman of Castle Pines Eye Care sponsored the event.. Guest…

by Lane Roberts Verizon Wireless has been working with the Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District to add a new flag pole cell tower at the Community Center located on Yorkshire Drive at Castle Pines Parkway. The nation’s largest wireless telecommunications provider has determined that wireless coverage in the CPN area, primarily to the west…

Fires. Road closures. Gas leaks. How will you find out about countywide emergencies and disasters? Your safety is our top concern. Early warning helps save lives and property. That’s why the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office wants to make sure you know about emergencies and disasters as they happen. Douglas County will use the 3n InstaCom…

by The Colorado Division of Wildlife Coyotes in the Front Range? While coyotes are found throughout the West, they are extremely adaptable and can thrive in urban areas. From downtown Denver to the smallest suburb, coyotes are not new to residential communities. They can and will be found in any neighborhood that provides their basic…

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE Sheriff David A. Weaver 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 CONTACT #1: Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer, 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822 CONTACT #2: RELEASE DATE: 03/30/09 RELEASE TIME: 12:30 pm CASE NUMBER: WHAT: Address canvassing has begun for 2010 Census NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY: Sheriff David A. Weaver would…

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 CONTACT #1: Fran Santagata, Douglas County Emergency Management Director, 303-660-7589 CONTACT #2: Public Information Officer, Cocha Heyden, 303-660-7586. RELEASE DATE: 03/24/09 RELEASE TIME: 4:00 pm CASE NUMBER: WHAT: Douglas County Commissioners and Sheriff David Weaver Approve Stage 1 Fire Restrictions NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS…

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer, 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822 RELEASE DATE: 03/09/09 RELEASE TIME: 9:30 am Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Increasing DUI Enforcement for Upcoming Holiday The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up their efforts to apprehend intoxicated and impaired…

Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822 Deputy Robert Rotherham Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit 303-660-7505 ext 6514 In an effort to save more lives on Colorado’s roadways, particularly at night, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will join forces with State and other local law enforcement…

The Barking Goat Tavern owner, Eric Warner, says he is excited to open for business in Castle Pines North. by Terri Wiebold Looking for somewhere to go to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day? As luck would have it, a new bar/restaurant is opening in Castle Pines North, and just in time to celebrate the first green…

This sign now posted at Castle Pines Parkway and Beverly Blvd, the east entry to the city, welcomes all to the new City of Castle Pines North. Mayor Maureen Shul and Council Members Ron Clark, Kim Hoffman and Chris Dooley pose with the new Castle Pines North Welcome sign.

by Terri Wiebold Many residents have inquired about the status of the 80108 zip code for Castle Pines North (CPN), and whether to address labels with “Castle Rock” or “Castle Pines North.” According to the USPS, The zip code of 80108 has remained unchanged and will continue to be the zip code in CPN until…

by Lane Roberts & Terri Wiebold On Wednesday, February 11, the Castle Pines North (CPN) city council will vote on the final reading of three ordinances that would grant new franchise fee agreements with Comcast, Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) and Xcel Energy. If passed, CPN residents would most likely see an increase in monthly…

Fast Lane Jane owner Meredith Woodrow of Castle Pines Village works to connect women while promoting health living and fitness. by Carin Kirkegaard (photo courtesy of Fast Lane Jane) From the Cherry Creek Sneak to the Boulder Peak Triathlon, Colorado women start training for the many races offered in the Denver Metropolitan area in February.…

Construction continues in the open space area adjacent to Monarch Boulevard just across from StoneCroft. The CPN Metro District is conducting several upgrades to the wastewater system which delivers sewage to the Plum Creek Wastewater Authority in Castle Rock. (photo by Tim Gamble) Submitted by James McGrady, CPN Metro District Manager Additional pipeline construction planned…

Timber Trail Elementary Fourth Grade Teacher Kimberly Kurtzuba is the school’s nominee for this year’s Apple Awards. by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary’s (TTE) Kimberly Kurtzuba has been nominated to represent the school as their outstanding teacher this year. Kurtzuba will join the ranks of teachers from other schools all over Douglas County School District…

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple calls in the last few weeks about coyote sightings and encounters in the higher populated areas of Douglas County. Sheriff David A. Weaver wants citizens to become educated about these animals as well as the do’s and don’ts when encountering a coyote. The following are things you…

by Lisa Crockett The failure of ballot measures 3A and 3B last November means that schools all over Douglas County will be tightening their belts. With the failure of the measures, Douglas County School District (DCSD) begins its process of identifying an additional $16 million in budget reductions for the 2009-10 school year. These reductions…

by Carin Kirkegaard The Empty Nesters are planning their 2009 calendar with many activities for retirees living in Castle Pines North (CPN). All CPN retirees are invited to come and join in the fun and fellowship throughout the year. The Empty Nesters is a social group designed to connect retirees with common interests. Groups currently…

By Terri Wiebold Nestled in the majestic pines along Happy Canyon Road is the architectural elegance of Ceilo at Castle Pines, scheduled to open in April 2009. Cielo at Castle Pines will offer a peaceful place to gather for weddings, private parties, corporate events, business meetings, or any other special occasion. Whether booking a small,…

The brand new Timber Trail Elementary choir held its first performance last December. TTE Music Teacher Cindy Berndt is looking forward to the spring season, which will culminate with a special year-end concert of fourth and fifth graders. (photo courtesy of Mark Wilkins) by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) is still a relatively new…

Residents and businesses who signed up to receive community e-mail alerts from the City of Castle Pines North received a notice on December 19 stating they must obtain a business license by January 1, 2009. The e-mail stated that the City approved a “reasonable business and contractor license fee schedule.” The Castle Pines Connection wanted…

Helping those less fortunate –  A group from Castle Pines North recently spent the day working on a house for Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. The home, which is for a single mother and her two children, is located in Commerce City.  (Photo by Carin Kirkegaard) (photo below courtesy of Tammy Abramovitz) by Carin…

by Terri Wiebold E-470 recently announced rate increases for tolls effective January, 2009, and customers with EXpressToll transponders will receive discounted rates. However, starting in July, E-470 will no longer be accepting cash payments at any toll locations. Safeway and King Soopers stores in Castle Pines North (CPN) bring new meaning to “one-stop shopping,” with…

by Lane Roberts Castle Pines residents should get used to seeing additional orange cones along I-25. In spring 2009, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin widening 10.3 miles of I-25 from three to four lanes between Lincoln Avenue and the Founders/Meadows Parkway exit in Castle Rock. According to CDOT, the work will consist…

by Terri Wiebold While pranks and incidents of vandalism occur on occasion in almost every community in Colorado and across America, local homeowner’s associations in Castle Pines North (CPN) are aggressively pursuing a solution, as vandalism incidents in the community continue to rise. Recent incidents of vandalism to neighborhood playgrounds and open space trails in…

Submitted by Allstate Insurance Allstate Insurance Company is proud to announce the opening of a new office in Castle Rock, which is independently owned and operated by Agent Steve Dow. Located at 753 Maleta Lane, Suite 202, office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and by appointment on Saturday. “My staff…

Submitted by Castle Rock EyeWear Join Castle Rock EyeWear on Saturday February 21, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., for a glass of wine and some fun as they proudly present the FRED and TAG Heuer collections. Both of these luxury eyewear lines have unique attributes to the industry. Come and try on the TAG…

Douglas County’s newest Commissioner Jill Repella (left) was sworn in on January 13. Pictured with local developer and Castle Pines North resident Darwin Horan (center) and Honorable Judge Paul King, Repella joins the Board of County Commissioners to serve a four year term along with Steve Boand and Jack Hilbert. (Photo by Terri Wiebold)

by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North Master Association mailed out annual homeowner association dues invoices in December and, in accordance with its new collection policy, payments were due by January 1, 2009. February 15 marks the end of the 15-day grace period the Master Association granted residents for payment of annual Master Association dues…

Kidde 900-0146-UK Carbon Monoxide Detector by Terri Wiebold The recent tragedies of a DU student and a Denver area family have many Castle Pines residents asking the question, “What do I need to know to protect myself and my family from Carbon Monoxide poisoning?” Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning…

Message provided by Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver, guest editorial With the growth of Douglas County comes the increase in traffic and of course traffic issues. I am a strong believer that if you are doing the right things, others will follow suit. I would hope this is true when it comes to your driving…

By Terri Wiebold Areas of future growth abound to the east and south of the City of Castle Pines North (CPN.) Potential areas for development include Lagae South, The Canyons, and Fresh Fields. Lagae South This 360-acre parcel of land is located east of Castle Pines Village, just north of Happy Canyon Road. This parcel…

Arlen Felsen (pictured far left), owner of Arlen’s American Bistro in Castle Pines North, was a part of the Presidential Inauguration celebration in Washington D.C. last month. Felsen plays the drums in a nine-piece old school funk, rhythm and blues band called Jakarta. The national corporate band played in downtown Denver during the Democratic National…

by Carin Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Renita Mundwiller The past three summers have found the children of Castle Pines North (CPN) connecting with friends, getting exercise, and learning swim strokes with the neighborhood swim team the Castle Crocs. As the team begins its fourth season, swimmers can expect to return to a swim program that…

by Lane Roberts The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce will host two EasterFest events this year – one in Castle Pines North (CPN) and one in Castle Pines Village. On Wednesday, April 1, EasterFest will be held at the Castle Pines Village Shopping Center located off Happy Canyon Road. (due to inclement weather the April…

Plans for an alternative access road from The Meadows in Castle Rock to U.S. 85 and I-25 are still underway. The Town of Castle Rock is currently analyzing two potential road alignments, Castlegate and Atrium. Both new roads would be located south of Castle Pines Village and north of the Outlets at Castle Rock, and…

by Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Linda Clure In Colorado, spirit is a sport. According to the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA), it is the perfect balance of crowd leadership, support, entertainment, sportsmanship, athleticism and competitiveness. Castle Pines’ very own Rock Canyon High School Varsity Cheer Team received recognition as a “champion” in their…

The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce presented the first Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa at The Ridge at Castle Pines on Saturday, December 6. Dozens of children enjoyed stories from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a magician, and a fantastic breakfast. Special thanks to event sponsors: Castle Pines Orthodontics, Canyon Ridge Chiropractic, CH2M HILL OMI, Colorado…

by Lane Roberts The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to support area businesses by launching a new “Shop Local First” discount card campagin. A complimentary discount card, offering a variety of savings from more than 25 local Chamber businesses, is set to arrive in the mailboxes of Castle Pines North (CPN) residents…

by Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff David A. Weaver is pleased to announce that with the implementation of the new emergency notification system, citizens and businesses can sign up to receive critical alerts during emergencies. On February 1, 2009, all agencies in Douglas County began using 3n InstaCom™ Citizen…