The Connection

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…

Article by Sally Uhrich and photo by Terri Wiebold It’s good news for pet owners. Dr. John Vickers of the Castle Pines Veterinary Clinic is offering a 10 percent discount on pet dental cleanings during the month of February. As pet owners, we should be aware that cats and smaller dogs are known to have…

South Metro Fire Rescue Authority personnel practiced ice rescue techniques in January at a frozen pond on the Meridian golf course. Information and photos submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Icy ponds and lakes are attractions that lead to life-threatening situations almost every winter. If someone falls through the ice, they can succumb to the…

by Lisa Crockett In December, the city council of Castle Pines North (CPN) approved Resolution 09-91, declaring the property known as Lagae South eligible for annexation into the city of Castle Pines North. Lagae South – currently in unincorporated Douglas County – is an area of approximately 354 acres, located west of Interstate 25, north…

The Castle Cappellas, a volunteer ladies chorus is seeking Soprano I, II and Alto I, II voices. We have sung at a few political events, local churches, The Wildlife Experience Christmas Lights event and at the Denver Tea Party. We also sang at the city of Castle Pines July 4th celebration and the recent mayoral…

Article by Sally Uhrich with photos by Jeremy Gamble “An Evening of Inspiration,” was the theme for the very first fundraising event for Wellspring Community, a nonprofit whose mission is to empower adults with special needs to live full and productive lives. More than 250 guests gathered at Cielo at Castle Pines, including Carole Murray,…

The Rock Canyon Elementary Instrumental Music (RCEIM) program held a winter concert at Wildcat Elementary School. Band and orchestra members from Buffalo Ridge Elementary and Timber Trail Elementary performed a variety of musical numbers designed around a humorous skit as well as four other individual songs. Sage Kemp, Brad Zakrzewski, Kathryn Pietra, John Koerner, Connor…

Information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. As the newly-seated Castle Pines North City Council begins 2010, the City Council is continuing its efforts from the previous two years to integrate operations of the Castle Pines North Metro District (Metro District) and the City of Castle Pines North. The City Council’s…

RHMS Robotics Club, team #2. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Amy Shanahan Robots are not just part of science fiction anymore. Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) offers a Robotics Club to its students for the third consecutive year. Under the leadership of seventh grade Social Studies teacher, Cameron Randolph, the club continues…

Come join us! The Douglas County Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of each month from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. For meeting location and additional club information, call 303-727-0484 or go to www.douglascountygardenclub.org.

The Timber Trail Education Association (TTEA) will be hosting a fundraising gala on Friday, April 9, 2010 at Cielo at Castle Pines. The committee planning the event, headed by TTEA member Kristen Narlinger, is currently accepting donations to be used at auction. Donation deadline is March 9, 2010. Also, sponsorship opportunities are available at all…

by Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines North city council voted unanimously in December to renew public safety and animal control services with the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners through Dec. 31, 2010. “The city of Castle Pines North is very pleased to continue our strong partnership with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office,” said former…

Information provided by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver was pleased to hear that he was selected to serve on the Board of Directors for County Sheriffs of Colorado. Sheriff Weaver is one of five sheriffs who was elected as at-large board members to County Sheriffs of Colorado (CSOC) Board of…

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…

Douglas County Libraries has a new newsletter and blog just for parents! Geared for families with children from birth to 12 years of age, parents will find lots of fun ideas each month. Topics will include book and website recommendations and local places of interest. Keep an eye out for Healthy Snack recipes for kids…

by Paige Newman Rock Canyon High School Intern Writer Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about love. Whether you are celebrating your love for that special someone, your family, or your closest friends, it is supposed to be meaningful. So why is it that in high school, Valentine’s Day is simply about who gets the…

In an effort to provide speed reduction and traffic calming along Happy Canyon Road, the Castle Pines Metropolitan District presented the Douglas County Board of Commissioners with a proposal to install two roundabouts along Happy Canyon Road. The road serves as access to the Castle Pines Village community, as well as an east-west connector from…

By Chris Bonham, Intern Writer February. A simple mentioning of the month conjures up images of hearts, love, and having a great time with friends. We think of Valentine’s Day, and the joy and happiness that it brings. Okay, so maybe a few people won’t be feeling so romantic when this second month in the…

Article courtesy of Trish Cummings American Academy Charter School American Academy recently participated in a service program to help Colorado National Guard troops (Colorado Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery) currently deployed to Iraq. After being contacted by a National Guard parent at the school in October, American Academy parent and teacher, Wendy…

by Lisa Crockett A soldier who comes to the U.S. Military Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany is likely to need a lot of things – chiefly, medical attention. It is also distinctly possible that he or she will need other, more mundane things. A soldier evacuated from Iraq or Afghanistan will often arrive without a single…

Troop leader Paige Taylor Co-leader Jen Meinert-Larson and Daisies sing “Make new friends” at the closing of the meeting. by Anthonette Klinkerman At Buffalo Ridge Elementary, every other Wednesday afternoon, thirty-five girls in blue vests and smocks perch on the art room stools, having a snack before instruction. These Kindergarten and First Grade girls are…

Douglas County School District is offering a new way to provide adult education courses that serve community interests and needs. Formerly known as The Parent University, The Community University is expanding its course offerings. In addition to the popular parenting courses that have been offered since 1997, there will be new courses in response to…

Information and photos submitted by Claudia Larson There are few resources for women and children who are experiencing poverty and homelessness. God’s Grace Community Church (GGCC) is pleased to partner with Denver’s only day shelter, The Gathering Place (TGP). GGCC hosts a monthly Bingo game to spend time with the women, offer a little fun…

by Elizabeth Wood West What do President Gerald Ford, movie director Steven Spielberg, and Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton have in common? They were all Eagle Scouts. Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouts of America. This organization has millions of members, but fewer than five percent of all Boy Scouts earn the rank…

Coach Erik Goodrich Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Lisa Kochevar Although it may seem like a long way off with the current cold temperatures and icy roads, Castle Pines North’s newest summer swim team, Castle Pines Storm, is gearing up for their second season. Storm got off to a great start in 2009…

CPN elected officials pictured left to right: Kim Hoffman (ward 2), John Ewing (ward 3), Mark Shively (treasurer), Jeff Huff (mayor), Darwin Horan (ward 1), Jennifer Havercroft (ward 1), Doug Gilbert (ward 3), and Shelley Hamilton-Bruer (ward 2).  

by Sally Uhrich Looking for a dessert to serve your loved ones this Valentine’s Day? Consider making beet cake, a healthier alternative to the more commonly served, red velvet cake. Beet cake derives its reddish/maroon color from beets, not food coloring. Beets have long been know for their amazing health benefits for almost every part…

by Anthonette Klinkerman The majority of people diet after the New Year, but one Castle Pines North (CPN) resident got a jump on a healthier lifestyle before the holidays. Tim Gamble, who is also The Castle Pines Connection photographer and webmaster, joined “The Biggest Loser” competition hosted by Village Fitness. He came away 32 pounds…

  by Anthonette Klinkerman Several residents of Castle Pines North have lost beloved pets to coyotes. A pack of coyotes in the vicinity has made the press before, but two particularly bold coyotes have snatched small dogs during daylight hours while helpless owners stood nearby. “We were shocked as it happened so quickly,” said Chris…

Sheriff David A. Weaver submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Whei Wong Douglas County Educational Foundation At the January 28th board meeting of the Douglas County Educational Foundation, Sheriff David A. Weaver was unanimously approved to serve on the Board as one of the Trustee Members. “Our School District…

A local grass roots movement is rethinking and exploring how Colorado funds education “The Wickerdale Walkers” are encouraging elected officials to do the same, and they welcome your participation. Simply send a RED crayon in an envelope with a note that says “Crayons 4 Education” to: Govenor Bill Ritter 136 State Capitol Denver, CO, 80203-1792…

Mother-daughter team and friend wearing their wares. Left Brooke Jacobsen, middle Dawn Jacobsen, right Michelle Dunker Article and photo by Kathy Dunker A very fun and funky new mother-daughter boutique is opening out of Daniels Gate called the Royal Chic Boutique. Inspired by her ten year old daughter, Brooke’s, desire to open her own boutique,…

Local businessman and Castle Pines North resident Dan Cook (pictured above with scissors) cuts the ribbon at his new office opening in Lone Tree. Cook Financial Associates was previously located off Happy Canyon Road in The Village at Castle Pines.