The Castle Pines Connection

Contributed by Patte Smith On Saturday, August 14, Boy Scout Troop 637, along with parents and Surrey Ridge resident volunteers, rebuilt the Surrey Ridge Estates horse riding arena. The Surrey Ridge HOA graciously provided lunch. A huge thank you goes to Troup 637, the volunteers for their time and talents, and everyone who donated funds…

By Elizabeth Wood West Before the end of the year, Happy Canyon Road will have two new fully-landscaped roundabouts constructed at Gates 1 and 2 in the Castle Pines Village community. Douglas County Commissioners gave their approval to Castle Pines Metro District (CPMD) for the construction of the roundabouts at the July 27 business meeting.…

Amy Shanahan, volunteer coordinator Article by Amy Shanahan with photo by Kathy Dunker The administration at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is excited to launch a new program called CommUNITY. Since its inception, RHMS has had a vested interest in engaging the community, and as a result, has a wonderful partnership with parents who are…

by Lisa Crockett The Constitution plays an important role in the life of every American. In recognition of that importance, Congress passed a joint resolution declaring that September 17 to the 23 would be observed as “Constitution Week.” A local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will host a week-long event in…

Pictured above is the outlet tower which releases water from the reservoir through one of four gates. by Terri Wiebold with photos by Jeremy Gamble Castle Pines neighbors joined the more than 10,000 other Douglas County residents who participated in Parker Water and Sanitation District’s (PWSD) recent self-guided “Driving Tour” of Rueter-Hess Reservoir. Organizers of…

Submitted by Andy Lyon South Metro Fire Rescue Approximately 60 personnel from seven Douglas County fire agencies worked to contain a brush fire near Castle Rock this afternoon. The fire burned 13 acres of brush and some trees after it broke out around 12:36 this afternoon. No structures were damaged though two homes were evacuated…

Cindy (far left) with members of The Wellspring Wonders Choir. Article and photos by Patte Smith The sound of beautiful and upbeat music can be heard from Surrey Ridge resident Cindy Kessinger-Wenninger’s home at all times of the day. A local vocal coach and singer, Kessinger-Wenninger is an extremely talented and giving individual, who reaches…

RidgeGate development is offering a series of free guided nature hikes on the Willow Creek public trail, located on their property. by Elizabeth Wood West with photos provided by RidgeGate Beginning in August, the RidgeGate development just north of Castle Pines started offering free guided nature hikes on its undeveloped property. The moderate two-mile hikes…

Drs. Jeffry Rayl and Mary Burns by Lisa Crockett A full-service dental and orthodontic office is opening in early September in The Village at Castle Pines shopping center. Dentistry at Happy Canyon (which is adjacent to Jimmy’s Photography in the center) will provide patients with comprehensive dental care including exams, cleaning, x-rays and other general…

Article by Terri Wiebold with photos submitted by adoring pet owners all throughout the Castle Pines community The Castle Pines Connetion partnered with The Pet Stuff Place in Castle Pines Village and went in search of the “Cutest Pet in the Pines.” Thanks to all who shared photos of your furry friends…here are our top…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A new store in the Village at Castle Pines shopping center is now offering a variety of business-related services. Village Postal, adjacent to MiYo bakery and café, offers U.S. Postal services, Fedex (express and ground services), copying, faxing, packing services, gifts, cards and gift wrap. In addition, Village Postal…

photos by Jeremy Gamble A fun time was had by all who participated in the Castle Pines “A fun time was had by all who participated in the Castle Pines “Hot Rods in the Village” car show last month. Special thanks to the Village at Castle Pines merchants and to the Vintage Car Club of…

Dr. Jason Ortman Submitted by Castle Pines Eye Care Dr. Jason Ortman was named the Colorado Optometric Association’s “Young Optometrist of the Year” in July. This is an annual award given to a member who has been in optometric practice for ten years or fewer. The award selection is based upon public service, the visual…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. While there are several outlets that provide email alerts to CPN residents, be sure you are receiving the emails being sent from the City of Castle Pines North. The City informs residents of emergencies, events, meetings, issues, and City updates. To sign up…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The Castle Pines North City Council in late August extended a moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries within the city limits, with an expectation the matter will be put to CPN voters in the November general election. On July 13, Council unanimously approved the…

Hike with your hound and help homeless pets. Follow the trail of wet noses and wagging tails at the Dumb Friends League Wag ‘n Trail! The 1.6-mile hike, for people and their dogs, takes place Saturday, September 25, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Glendale Farm Open Space on the west side of Surrey…

Who knew!? The Castle Pines Connection “School Scoop” section has a dedicated area for all Castle Pines schools, including RCHS and RHMS. Send us your pictures and story ideas and you, too, could be featured in an upcoming issue!

“Planet 51” was a crowd pleaser for viewers young and old. by Elean Gersack with pictures by Phil Archer Photography The night was bright, the kids snuggled up in sleeping bags and Chuck – the movie’s lead character – found his way back home. Ahh … life is good. The 2010 Summer Movie in the…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard On October 2 the Rock Slide, a family-centered 5k run, will return to the streets of Castle Pines North and Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE). In 2004, the idea for the Rock Slide was planted in the community fun run, the Buffalo Stampede, and was held in conjunction with BRE and what…

Submitted by Taylor Goertz, Capital Improvements Manager Northbound I-25 Off-Ramp at Lincoln Avenue Night Closure Lone Tree, CO – Starting at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15th continuing until 2 a.m. on Thursday, September 16th, weather permitting, the ramp from northbound I-25 to Lincoln Avenue will be completely closed as part of the ongoing construction…

Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Julie Storick Castle Pines North resident Julie Storick was the proud winner of the needlepoint Best of Show award at this year’s Douglas County Fair in August. Since Storick began her hobby with classes in Sacramento and weekend stitching retreats to Napa Valley, it comes as no…

A talented family, the Meisners – Ryan (left), Nancy (center), and Allyson (right), hold their entries for the Front Range Art Exhibit. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Sue Botero Local artist and mother of two, Nancy Meisner, will share the artistic spotlight with her children this fall. Not one, but three members of…

Staff of the Castle Pines Library celebrate the branch’s first year anniversary. Pictured left to right – Joanne Fields-Daley, Jill Swanstrom, Amy Long and Deidre VanRy. article and photo by Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines Library is small – just 2,300 square feet – but the space located in the Village Square Shopping Center on…

By Elizabeth Wood West Within the walls of South Metro Fire Rescue Authority’s (SMFR) headquarters, board members and staff are continuing to examine the long-term impacts the City of Castle Pines North’s Urban Renewal Authority will have on its ability to provide emergency services in the future. The city published a press release June 8…

Ready for take off… well, not just yet. Quam expects his plane to be completed in the summer of 2012. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker A lot of men have hobbies whether it is golf, wood working, or collections. However, Winter Berry resident, Mike Quam, has taken his hobby to a whole new level.…

Students enjoy the sun while setting up the life-size Tic-Tac-Toe challenge featured at the DCS Montessori Fall Festival in 2009. Article and photo by Tracy Dudley On Saturday, September 18, the sixth annual Fall Festival at local DCS Montessori School is open to the entire community. This year, the Fall Festival features a rocket demonstration,…

Saturday, September 11, Noon until 7 p.m. Chili Cook-Off competition – 8 a.m. to Noon Chili and Chocolate Tasting & Barbecue – Noon – 4 p.m. Chocolate Baked Goods (and other treats) Chili Feed Dinner – 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Children’s Activities – noon – 3 p.m. (tickets available from church members or at…

Members of the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) board of directors were on hand to greet the public at the recent Rueter-Hess Reservoir open house. The CPNMD joined the Rueter-Hess project in 2006, and in 2008 purchased 1,500 acre-feet of water storage rights in the reservoir.

Karen Thyfault, store manager of Green Earth Cleaners, was happy with the increased business on August 20th. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker On August 20th, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce partnered with The Castle Pines Connection to organize the first of a series of economic incentives called $20 on the 20th. The goal…

Principal Rauh welcomes RCHS parents at Back to School Night. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Back to School Night on August 24 was bustling with activity. Welcomed by principal, Kim Rauh, parents with schedules in hand, made their way through the building, meeting teachers, counselors and administrators. With…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The City of Castle Pines North’s financial position remains strong through the first half of the year. The latest fiscal updates include:Actual Compared to Budget: The City is in a favorable position to budget both at the revenue and net funds level. Total…

Information provided by Doug Hutchins, Castle Pines real estate specialist, broker associate The Kentwood Company How’s the real estate market? The answer depends on the neighborhood and price point for the home. Generally, sales and prices for homes priced under $500,000 were supported in the first half of 2010 by the federal tax credit offered…

“Vote No” on Amendments 60 & 61 and Proposition 101 seems to be the resounding message from local community leaders. Many city officials, county representatives, law enforcement and public safety officers, libraries, schools, chambers of commerce, and businesses in Douglas County have all joined in opposition. By Lisa Crocket This fall, three initiatives are on…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. Members of the Castle Pines Economic Development Council and City Council recently formed the Castle Pines Community Partnership (CPCP), which brings together representatives from the governing and service entities of Castle Pines North. The intent of this group is to strengthen the lines…

Douglas County Sheriff Dave Weaver (left) is welcomed to the Castle Pines Chamber Board of Directors by Board Chairman Dan Cook (right). Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Terri Wiebold Recently appointed to the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is Douglas County’s own sheriff, David Weaver. Weaver said, “I am excited…

by Kathy Dunker Twelve months ago, American Academy (AA) opened the doors of their new building in Castle Pines North (CPN). Having come from a strip mall of classrooms with an asphalt playground in the parking lot, AA has come into its own with a three-story, 83,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility – and yes, with…

Submitted by Nanci Marr, Community Relations Specialist Nominate your favorite librarian for a national I Love My Librarian Award Librarians touch the lives of the people they serve every day. But time is running out to nominate your librarian for the national Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award! The…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. The Castle Pines North City Council has had significant discussions about their citizen committee structure and its overall effectiveness. At a recent retreat, the City Council decided to restructure all of their committees in order to clarify their roles, make them more streamlined,…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Mark the calendar and plan on attending the fifth annual Great American Jacket Exchange October 14 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Oxford Hotel located at 1600 17th Street in Denver. This symbiotic event partners professionals from all over the Denver metropolitan area with Warren Village to help raise…

Dr. Elizabeth Celania-Fagen DCSD Superintendant Dear Douglas County School District Families: I want to welcome you to what I believe will be an excellent school year in the Douglas County School District. This is one of my favorite times of year – when our students and staff return and fill quiet buildings with energy and…

2009 Rock Canyon High School homecoming game with the seniors showing their solidarity during the coin toss. Information courtesy of the RCHS website with photos by Kevin Williams The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Jaguars will be participating in a new football conference for the 2010 season. The newly formed South Metro 4A Football Conference…

This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North. Implemented in early 2009, the group disbanded early this year throughout the process of the council revising their committee structure. The purpose of the Youth Advisory Council is to give teens in our community a voice on issues they are concerned about, and…

Taylor W. celebrated her ninth birthday with friends at Speed Raceway, located in Englewood just around the corner from American Furniture Warehouse. They say that girls just wanna have fun, and this group of eight and nine year old local residents will have to agree! Article and photos by Terri Wiebold Step aside Danika, a…

by Chris Bonham, Intern writer With so many students heading back to school, it’s important to realize and appreciate different forms of education. Most people are familiar with the obvious, more traditional types of schooling, such as public, private, and charter schools. However, there is another system that is often overlooked when talking about education:…

Xtreme Challenge founder Kyler Storm enjoys a joust demonstration during an adult teambuilding event. Article by Tracy Dudley with photos provided by Xtremee Challenge While a variety of sports organizations have come through the Sports Complex at Inverness during the last 12 months, the most recent addition is perhaps the most exciting yet says Castle…

Castle Pines North resident Jack Goodrich by Patte Smith with photo provided by Jack Goodrich Many people appreciate the beauty of wood, but true craftsmen are enthralled with it from its beginning form as a tree to a piece of fine furniture. These wood workers, crafts people with an eye for detail and patience to…

Information provided by South Suburban Parks & Recreation South Suburban Parks and Recreation will host the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition Saturday, September 18 at David A. Lorenz Regional Park, located at 8560 S. Colorado Blvd. New this year, the age range has been expanded to include boys and girls as young as age…

SPORTea owners and Happy Canyon residents Keys and Elizabeth Allan enjoying a refreshing glass of their family-owned product rom their home in Happy Canyon. Article and photos by Elizabeth Wood West Ultimate Performance Products, Inc./dba SPORTea®, was founded and launched in the mid-1980s by Happy Canyon residents Keys and Elizabeth Allan. Their product, SPORTea, is…

by Terri Wiebold with photos by Tim Gamble If you haven’t attended a Wines of the Pines event, you are clearly missing out! The buzz is not just about the wine; it’s about all the terrific charitable organizations Wines of the Pines supports, and the local business sponsors who make the events possbile. Wines of…

by Sally Uhrich One of the newest additions to The Village at Castle Pines is The Pet Stuff Place. Although the store offers many pet items, the most appealing is the selection of canine and feline food. A wide variety of wholesome, natural foods are available for your pet. All food is preserved naturally and…

Information provided by Becky O’Guin South Metro Fire Rescue Authority South Metro Fire Rescue Authority firefighters with the help of the Castle Rock Fire Department responded to a large brush fire Aug. 21 at 10:07 a.m. The cause of the fire was due to a faulty catalytic converter on a vehicle. The vehicle catalytic converter…

Castle Pines North residents challenge the city’s establishment of Urban Renewal Authority; petition calls for vote of citizens The democratic process in action; petition gatherers present CPN City Manager Gary Suiter (center left) and City Clerk Carl Kollmar (center right) with the citizen’s petition containing nearly 500 signatures which, if verified and approved, will place…

Mary L. Pierce, CFP®, CLU®, Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial will host two Dream Book Workshop/dinners in September. These workshops will help provide focus on planning beyond the numbers and learn ways to define retirement goals and plans to reach them in today’s market environment. The first workshop will be September 9 and will focus…

Carson J. and his sister Maggie marvel at the new 3-D rattlesnale exhibit at The Wildlife Experience. Article and photos by Terri Wiebold Last month, The Wildlife Experience invited visitors to be the first in the nation to see an exhibit using 3D technology, taking visitors on virtual field trips around the world, enhancing how…

General Manager Mike Henritze, several volunteers, and Sea to Shining Sea riders had a good time at The Ridge rest stop. Article by Tracy Dudley with photos by Tim Gamble A group of athletes comprised largely of injured Iraq and Afghanistan veterans left their west-coast starting point at the Golden Gate Bridge on May 22…

‘Not Your Average Love Story’ creators (left to right) Paris Allred, Ashley Nuss, Tanner King, Evan Hunchar. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Amy Shanahan Once again, the students from the Nighthawk News at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) made news of their own. At the end of May, several Nighthawk News reporters created…

This information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Independence Day celebration in the Castle Pines community check us out!

Information provided by Douglas County The U.S. Department of State has announced passport fee increases effective July 13 for a U.S. Passport book or card for first time applicants and minors, age 16 and older. The fee changes were not initiated by Douglas County. Fees charged by Douglas County – $25 processing fee and $8…

On Friday, August 13, DCS Montessori will hold a back-to-school open house. This is a chance for new and returning students to visit classrooms and meet teachers before the start of school. Lower and upper elementary students are also invited to drop off their school supplies during the visit so they do not have to…

Book Start volunteer Jim Clements reads to children in a Douglas County childcare center. Book Start, an early literacy program of Douglas County Libraries, is seeking more volunteers. Information provided by Nanci Marr, Community Relations Specialist, DC Libraries According to a recent Volunteering in America report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, and…

Carla Kenny by Terri Wiebold with photo provided by Carla Kenny For the past decade, Castle Pines North (CPN) resident Carla Kenny has been active in planning and coordinating events for residents in the Castle Pines community. She has dedicated countless hours on the planning side of events, and now it is her turn to…

This information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. The much-anticipated Castle Pines community event – $20 on the 20th has arrived! Here is how it works… Residents are encouraged to spend $20 they had not planned to spend on local goods or services in Castle Pines North. It’s that simple. When you begin…

Empty Nesters meet at the King Soopers parking lot in Castle Pines North before heading out to Meyers Ranch Park in Jefferson County for the group’s first hike of the season. By Carin Kirkegaard with information submitted by Jan Lorenzen and photo by Tim Gamble The Castle Pines North (CPN) Empty Nesters braved the record-breaking…

More than 140 Castle Pines Village residents and Castle Pines Metro District staff members showed their support by wearing red and wearing S.A.F.E. stickers at a recent Happy Canyon Road roundabouts public meeting. by Elizabeth Wood West with photo courtesy of Castle Pines Metro District More than 140 Castle Pines Village residents and Castle Pines…

Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Local Castle Pines North (CPN) swim team, the Castle Crocs, ended the summer on a high note taking 80 percent of the swimmers that signed up for the preliminary swim meet onto championships and finishing second overall in the “C” Division of the Mountain High Swim League (MHSL).…

Article by Lisa Crockett with photo courtesy of the Lee Family Amelia SahngEun Lee just finished the fifth grade at Timber Trail Elementary and is looking forward to starting middle school at Rocky Heights. This summer has also brought other new beginnings – the sixth grader, who studies TaeKwonDo under the tutelage of her father,…

by Lisa Crockett The difference between success and failure at school can be as simple as a pencil and paper. Each school year, Douglas County students receive a list of supplies they will need to complete their work throughout the school year – things like paper, rulers, glue, crayons and markers. For some students, buying…