The Connection

Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Elizabeth Mowry, a renowned pastel painter moved to Castle Pines Village nearly three years ago from a pre-Revolutionary War stone house in the Hudson Bay area of New York State. Caring for a 35-acre agricultural home required a lot of time and hard labor. There were days when…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard The date is set and registration is underway for the Douglas County Rock Slide. Mark the calendar for November 14 and plan to be at Rock Canyon High School with running shoes laced and ready to go. The Rock Slide is a one-mile fun run and 5K race that was designed…

Timber Trail boys compete in the inaugural mother-son kickball tournament at Coyote Ridge Park in August. Submitted By Jenny Hanna and Kathy Werbick Timber Trail Elementary hosted its first ever Mother and Son Kickball tournament on August 21 at Coyote Ridge Park. The idea sprung from the Father/Daughter Snowball Dance. They wanted to have an…

The fall season offers us a variety of delicious and healthy fruits and vegetables, such as fuji apples and butternut squash. They are not only pleasing to the palate, but are excellent, nutritional choices. Fuji apples provide us with vitamins A and C, along with some calcium, iron and fiber. They are just as important…

The Castle Pines North Master Association Board will soon hold an election to fill two vacancies. November is when the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association’s Annual meeting has traditionally been held, though as of press time a date had not yet been determined. When a date is decided upon, it will be posted on…

by Scott Lasher Are you ready for some football? Ready or not, high school football kicked off at Rock Canyon for another season on September 4th against Castleview. Rock Canyon will be returning several key players, including senior wide receiver Keith Link and senior quarterback Drew Sandlin. Head Coach Tom Lynch however, is reluctant to…

Warren Lynge by Anthonette Klinkerman If you don’t know Warren Lynge, sit down for coffee with him sometime; it is guaranteed you won’t leave feeling like a stranger. He has the kind of personality that is instantly welcoming, instantly familiar. Lynge is a relative newcomer to Castle Pines North, but he dove into his new…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Nearly 12 years ago the Castle Pines North Foundation (CPNF) was created as a way to provide monetary, land and other forms of gifts for the growth and betterment of current and future parks in Castle Pines North. In the beginning, the board for the CPNF encouraged developers, builders and individuals…

Sam Classen stands near a cross on the St. Francis of Assisi Prayer Path. Classen completed his Eagle Scout project by directing the efforts of roughly 80 volunteers in extension and refurbishment of the path in a wooded area next to the church. by Lisa Crockett: photo courtesy of the Classen family It’s now a…

Timi Aguilar President of Aguilar Public Relations Information and photos submitted by Aguilar Public Relations Timi Aguilar of Aguilar Public Relations has been selected as one of ten entrepreneurs across the United States to receive the Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund. The Anna Maria Arias Fund was created to recognize the accomplishments of Anna…

Tyler T. throws a ball to dunk BRE Principal, Ally Bergren. Children read to choose which staff member of the school would be in the dunk tank. by Carin R. Kirkegaard The BRE Family Stampede kicked off the Family Night events at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) with a huge success. Families gathered at the school…

submitted by Colorado Ski Country USA Colorado Ski Country USA’s (CSCUSA) exclusive Colorado Gold Pass is now available for the 2009-10 ski season. The transferable pass, good for unlimited skiing and riding at member resorts, can be purchased for $2,750. Unlike many lift tickets, the Colorado Gold Pass does not have any black-out dates, therefore…

by Terri Wiebold Residents who have been wondering why there are tall metal flags attached to the 485 fire hydrants in Castle Pines North (CPN) need ponder no more. According to CPN Metro District Parks and Open Space Manager, Charlie Fagan, the answer is as simple as the solution was. In recent winters, snow levels…

The Castle Pines Connection welcomes baby girl Keaton. Born July 30 at 2:30pm. Weight 7lbs. 9oz., 19.5 inches long. Proud parents are Greg Miller and Jennifer Havercroft-Miller.

Castle Pines Village friends and neighbors joined to help support the Sassy Soiree fundraising event. by Terri Wiebold Approximately two hundred and seventy-five people attended the Sixth Annual Sassy Soiree fundraising event to benefit the Douglas/Elbert Task Force this year, raising nearly $34,000. Event goers shopped in the “thrift boutique” and perused the silent auction…

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…

Election season is here Voters in Castle Pines North (CPN) will vote to fill vacancies in every city council position, as well as mayor, city clerk, and treasurer. This year’s election will be conducted entirely by mail for all voters in the county. Voters must be registered by October 5, 2009 in order to vote…

by Scott Lasher The way water and parks services are administered in Castle Pines North could potentially change. A group of Castle Pines North (CPN) residents has formally filed a petition for the dissolution of the Castle Pines North Metro District, which has to date provided water, wastewater and storm water services, as well as…

by Sara Edwards The City of Castle Pines North staff received an annexation petition on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from A and A investments for annexation of land known as Lagae South. City staff informed City Council of receipt of the petition at last night’s council meeting. The official petition will be presented to City Council…

Pictured here from left to right are Mark Shively, candidate for City Treasurer, Jeff Huff, Candidate for Mayor, Maureen Shul, candidate for Mayor, and Jennifer Havercroft, candidate for Ward 1 City Council. The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted the first of its three candidate forums at the CPN community center. The discussions lasted the…

Greg Miller, co-chair of the CPNCTR by Scott Lasher Mayor says integration discussions have begun The debate surrounding the proposed dissolution of the Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) took further shape Tuesday night [September 15, 2009] as representatives of the Castle Pines North Citizens for Tax Relief (CPNCTR) held a community meeting surrounding the…

Annexation Agreement 242k pdf The Canyons Referral and Narrative 119k pdf The Canyons Rezone to Plan Development Referral 1900k pdf Canyons Development Agreement – Draft 476k pdf (8-31-2009) Comments Beverly Hills HOA 807k pdf Castle Pines Metro District 860k pdf Castle Pines North Master – Design Review Board 168k pdf Centennial Airport 172k pdf Cherry…

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…