The Castle Pines Connection

Photo taken by Kristi Lindquist. Pictured above from left to right Castle Pines kids Lauren Olczak, Sydney Lindquist, Eric Lindquist, John Dennen and Will Dennen proudly display their medals after finishing Tri the Rock held at the Butterfield pool and park located in the Meadow’s subdivision of Castle Rock. By Carin R. Kirkegaard The fifth…

By Kathy Dunker The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Science Olympiad teams rocked the state tournament at the Colorado School of Mines last April. Out of the original 65 middle school teams who entered Science Olympiad, the two RHMS team finished 13th place and 28th place overall which is rare for first year teams to…

By Terri Wiebold with contributions from Anthonette Klinkerman Castle Country Assisted Living in Castle Rock is the proud recipient of another Best of the Best Award, thanks to an assist from Castle Pines North resident Anthonette Klinkerman and her Courtesy Bootcamp. This is the second year in a row that CCAL has taken one of…

This information has been provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. Business Accounting Seminar he Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce will host a “Business Accounting Seminar” Tuesday, July 20th beginning at 8:00am. The seminar will be presented by Bill Schwartz of Cook Financial Associates and include accounting procedures and year-end responsibilities among other topics.…

Kirsten Lumsden pictured with Congressman Mike Coffman (center) and her art teacher, Drew Walter. Lumsden’s pastel piece “Great Sand Dunes”. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Rosanne Lumsden Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) is very proud of aspiring young artist, Kirsten Lumsden, who won first place in the Sixth Congressional District’s High School Art…

By Terri Wiebold with information provided by Thomas Carter, Leadership Douglas County The Leadership Douglas County (LDC) graduating class of 2010 released the results of a six-month quantitative and qualitative analysis entitled “Human Needs and Services in Douglas County: A Stakeholders’ Assessment.” Local Castle Pines Village resident Thomas Carter was among the graduating class of…

This information has been provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce will host an Independence Day Celebration at Coyote Ridge Park on Friday, July 2 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The party will include some traditional features like a pie contest, games and barbeque concessions as well…

Submitted by Taylor Goertz Capital Improvements Manager City of Lone Tree The City of Lone Tree has scheduled concrete repairs on Lincoln Avenue between I-25 and Oswego Street beginning on July 23 (weather dependent) for 60 days. The construction activity will require the closure of the right and center lane of westbound Lincoln Avenue on…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines North In a move to ensure collaboration and consensus surrounding the formation of an Urban Renewal Authority (URA), the Castle Pines North City Council has signed Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) with the Castle Rock Fire District, Parker Water and Sanitation and the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority. The…

This information has been provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. Mark your calendars for Castle Pines North (CPN) new boost to our local economy. It kicks off on Friday, August 20, and it is called “$20 on the 20th.” The idea is to spend $20 you had not planned to spend on local…

The 2019 graduating fifth grade class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School don their caps and pose for a final photo as a class before moving on to middle school. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard The fifth grade class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) has completed their last gym class, written their last…

By Tracy Dudley The new youth sports organization headquartered in Castle Pines North, Five Stones Sports, continues its dedication to helping in local communities. On July 31, the Five Stones baseball team will participate in Reece’s Round Up, which is a baseball game with the children from Tennyson Center in Denver that supports Reece Rubino…

Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Beginning late this summer, Centura Health, the faith-based, non-profit hospital and health care provider, will start construction on phase one of its 50-acre medical campus. The campus will be located on the northeast corner of Meadows Parkway and Prairie Hawk Drive, in The Meadows development in Castle Rock.…

by Heather Halpape Colorado Department of Transportation Colorado DUI Enforcement Ignites this Fourth of July Weekend Tougher penalties for repeat DUI offenders begin as 100 Days of Heat continues July 1, 2010 Denver – As Coloradans make plans for the Fourth of July weekend, more than 76 law enforcement agencies across the state are firing…

Submitted by Beth Dalton, Librarian at Castle Pines Library Treasure It! Summer Reading Program – Register June 1 through July 13. The summer reading program begins June 1. Register online or at the library by July 13. Completed logs must be turned in by July 27. Programs are available for kids and adults: Youth Program…

Article and photo by Kathy Dunker The American Academy Board of Directors (AABOD) recently confirmed the selection of Erin Kane as the new head of school. Kane has been serving as the Interim Chief Administrative Officer since last November. Board President, Chad King stated, “After a lengthy search process, the Board has concluded, based in…

Eight-year-old Taylor explores the beauty of Colorado and her passion for horses atop Rosie. by Lisa Crockett with photo by Terri Wiebold The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) has teamed up with Bear Creek Stables to offer guided horseback rides along the Backcountry Wilderness area, which are available to both Highlands Ranch residents and non-residents…

Information provided by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics recently wrapped up the spring soccer season. The local league, which offers organized outdoor recreation to children ages four and older, had 20 teams this spring. “It was the largest soccer season on record for Castle Pines Athletics,” said league manager Emily Bishop. “Without…

Members of the lacrosse mullet gang. Left to right: Cameron Spies, Trey Buckland, Parker Jackson, Remington Caley, Nick Merrill. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Kevin Williams The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) lacrosse team wrapped up its season on May 13 with a team banquet in the school’s common area. Coach Louis Goldin…

Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Eight students from Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) had their artwork selected for the Douglas County School District (DCSD) art show displayed April 17 through April 23 at the Park Meadows Mall. According to Nancy MacIntosh, art teacher at BRE, choosing 8 to 12 pieces out of more…

by Einar Jensen, Life Safety Educator South Metro Fire Rescue Authority Although not everyone does it, most adults are familiar with the suggestion to change the batteries in their smoke alarms at least once if not twice each year and to test the smoke alarms monthly. A Coloradan – Duane Pearsall – invented the residential…

Newly-appointed Ward 1 representative, Tera Radloff, takes her oath of office. For the second time since November 2009, when residents in the City of Castle Pines North voted for elected officials to represent them, a vacant council seat has been filled by appointment of the existing city council. City council selected Tera Radloff to represent…

Castle Pines North is a small community with a bright future. We want to take a moment of your time simply to share a key part of our vision for the future of the community as it pertains to simplifying our governmental structures, minus political overtones, misinformation or mixed messages. Our plans are simple and…

Information from Leadership Douglas County website Strong community leaders make for a strong community. Area citizens seeking a hands-on community education and higher level of civic engagement are encouraged to consider applying to Leadership Douglas County (LDC), a program that offers an opportunity for those who want to become more knowledgeable about the community in…

Column by Anthonette Klinkerman Bill Cosby once said, “Fatherhood is pretending the gift you love best is Soap on a Rope.” To my poor dad’s credit, I think I may have actually given him that one Father’s Day. In reality, the favored gift must be the necktie, otherwise why would Baskin Robbins make an ice…

Information and statistics submitted by Doug Hutchins, Castle Pines Real Estate Specialist, Broker Associate – The Kentwood Company The performance of Castle Pines real estate in the first quarter of 2010 depended upon the price point of the home. Homes priced below $500,000 saw strong sales with prices holding steady or increasing slightly. Homes priced…

RCHS sophomore Jake Dysart wins the 800-meter race at the Continental League Championship and goes on to state finals with the Jaguars. by Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Todd Lytle Two members of the Rock Canyon High School track and field team won first place at the Continental League Championship, which was held on…

Information provided by South Metro Fire Rescue The 2164 Foundation will be holding a Dinner Auction July 12 at the Inverness Hotel in Englewood to raise money to help the families of fallen firefighters. The dinner will be after the Brian Kopp Memorial Golf Tournament which is already sold out! The buffet dinner will include…

Pictured above, the Good Witches of the North have cast their spell and pulled out the correct spelling for the word “why”, during the Spelling Challenge assembly. During the assembly Good Witches from the North and Bad Witches form the West cast spells to come up with the correct spelling of words in the game…

Practicing different moves on the pole during a pole instruction class are (left to right) Tisa Meisel, June Uralli, Sally Wagner and Mile High Pole Club owner and instructor Dionne Sieretzki. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard A new business recently opened just to the east of the Castle Pines community in Parker. Mile…

Article by Sharon Majetich with photo by Amy Shanahan Each year, eighth grade teachers are asked to nominate outstanding eighth grade students for the Douglas County Federation of Teachers Eighth Grade Student Recognition Award. The criteria for nomination is a student’s scholarship, creativity, responsibility, school and community involvement, and cooperation with students and teachers. Many…

This Douglas County Highway 85 Train Noise Study map covers the area of Castle Pines Village and Sedalia residents and businesses located one-half mile to two miles within the vicinity of the railroad tracks and crossings. by Elizabeth Wood West with graphic provided by Douglas County Engineering Douglas County is continuing to work on the…

Sky Ridge Medical Center will host the annual Kids Safety and Wellness Expo at The Lone Tree Recreation Center on Saturday, June 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This free event geared for children ages three to thirteen, and their parents, is a fun way to learn about being safe. Utilizing the newly completed…

Assistant Principal Russ Jenson and former Buffalo Ridge Safety Patrol member Valentino DiPasquale recognize 2009-2010 safety patrol members for their responsibility and hard work throughout the school year. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Members of the Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) Safety Patrol were recognized for their responsibility and hard work helping BRE students arrive and…

Information provided by Douglas County School District The Board of Education unanimously approved Dr. Elizabeth Celania-Fagen in April as the new Superintendent of the Douglas County School District. Celania-Fagen has broad experience in various educational roles. Beginning as a high school biology and chemistry teacher in Iowa, Celania-Fagen progressed into positions from associate principal and…

The Douglas/Elbert Task Force Food Bank has a new, spacious home at 1638 N. Park Street in Castle Rock. While some construction is still underway at the new location, the food bank set up temporary quarters in a finished section of the building and is operating Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-12 noon. The Thrift Store will be…

Jason Ortman, O.D., a Castle Pines optometrist, has been elected to serve a two-year term on the Colorado Optometric Association Board of Trustees. Dr. Ortman graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry where he received the Corning Low Vision Award for excellence in low vision care and served as President of the Beta…

Information provided by the Dumb Friends League Many may think that a cat cannot be trained, but felines prove that this belief is a myth through the Dumb Friends League Kitten Kindergarten class. During the three-week course, young cats become socialized and learn tricks that would impress any non-believer. “The goal of Kitten Kindergarten is…

Rock Canyon students turned out in force for the school’s annual prom in April. Following the dance, the school hosted its traditional after-prom party in the gym.

Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard To celebrate a great year in the newspaper business, the staff of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) online-student-run publication The Ridgeline was rewarded with a field trip to 5280 Magazine. The fourth and fifth graders, two RCHS volunteers, as well as their teaching advisors, Shannon Herzog and Jennifer…

Celebrate this magnificent day with stars and stripes, music, parades, and fireworks displays. Here are a few ideas to help plan your celebration. Baseball and Fireworks The Colorado Rockies will host the San Francisco Giants on Friday, July 2, and Saturday, July 3, at Coors Field in downtown Denver. There will be a spectacular fireworks…

by Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce will host an Independence Day Celebration at Coyote Ridge Park on Friday, July 2 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The party will include some traditional features like a pie contest, games and barbeque concessions as well as some more unusual features – “The Top Hogs,”…

Dr. Bryan J. Rudiak, D.C, owner of Canyon Ridge Chiropractic in Castle Pines North, is committed to providing his patients a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment for life. By Patte Smith Local Castle Pines North (CPN) business owner and author Dr. Bryan Rudiak held a book signing…

Tri-County Health Department employees and volunteers dispose of the chemicals and hazardous waste at the roundups. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold According to the Tri-County Health Department, an estimated 1,900 vehicles participated in Douglas County’s Household Chemical Roundups in 2009, safely disposing of more than 84 tons of hazardous materials. This included 11,085 pounds…

Friday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, June 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Why: Helping Hands mission is to help those in need within our community with home improvement projects to better a family’s quality of life. Helping Hands supports the elderly, the young, the disabled, the economically challenged, and those…

Information submitted by Cherokee Ranch & Castle “Besides Cherokee Ranch and Castle, the only other public appearance internationally known jazz pianist Henry Butler has on his June calendar is the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. — I point this out not only to toot Henry’s horn, but Cherokee’s as well,” said Cherokee Ranch and Castle…

More than 200 people gathered outside Castle Pines Community Church on May 16 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the church’s new location. Mayor Jeffrey Huff and Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce representatives joined Senior Pastor Tom Curtright as he gave the invocation and cut the ribbon. After the ceremony, visitors and church members…

Proposed signage changes at the Outlets in Castle Rock may dramatically change the view of the shopping complex from I-25. Pictured above are renderings of the existing signage as well as what the proposed LED signage may look like from vehicles traveling along I-25. by Elizabeth Wood West The Outlets at Castle Rock is considering…

by Sally Uhrich There is now a new addition to the many fine pet daycare and boarding facilities in and around Castle Rock. Tails Up Deluxe Pet Hotel and Daycare has been in operation since July ’08. Co-founders and owners, Marc and Jill Sousa, are Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) Certified Advanced Pet Care Technicians,…

Charlie, played by Jake Mullins, and Grandpa Joe, played by Ian Nouss, being airlifted from fizzy drinks. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Desi Lederman The American Academy (AA) gymnasium was transformed last month into a spectacular setting, a chocolate factory! The Willy Wonka Jr. play, directed by AA’s music teacher Mark Middlebrooks, was…

CPN Metro District Board Files Lawsuit Against City’s Urban Renewal Authority “Blight” Designations Raise Concern With unanimous support of its five-member publicly elected Board of Directors, Metro District President Steve Labossiere downplayed the lawsuit’s significance and expressed the Board’s willingness to work directly with the Mayor and City Council to resolve issues without litigation. Citing…

by Elizabeth Wood West It appears that not everyone in and around the Castle Pines Village and Sedalia area is bothered by train horn noise. A recent telephone survey, sponsored by Douglas County, indicates there is not enough local support for the creation of a public improvement district (PID) and an assessment to pay for…

Castle Pines Athletics and the Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) PTO will host a week-long summer camp designed exclusively for BRE kids ages 5 and older. The camp, led by BRE staff members and Coach Emily Bishop, will feature different sports each day, along with other exciting activities. The entire week will be full of organized…

Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) student Bray P. displays his first-place-winning invention, “The Pickle Picker” at TTE’s Invention Convention. TTE hosted the event to encourage students to learn more about simple machines as part of the science curriculum. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Fourth graders in Douglas County learn about simple machines as part of…

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release June 30, 2010 DEATH OF SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD, PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE – – – – – – – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service…

As of press time, the water was still at the HOA1 pool – just waiting for swimmers to jump in and start practicing their strokes and starts and turns. By Carin R. Kirkegaard The pools in the Castle Pines community opened with the Memorial Day weekend and will soon be churning with swimmers as the…

by Chris Bonham, Intern Writer with a teen’s perspective America has often been called the greatest nation on Earth. But what made our country what it is today? Many people would argue many things, but one commonly agreed upon source is the United States Constitution. Last month we explored the environment into which this document…

Gary Ewing, RHMS Security (left) and George Mullens, Watch Dog Dad (right). Article and photo by Amy Shanahan, RHMS Volunteer Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is a proud participant of the Watch DOGS program. The Watch DOGS program is a nationwide program that involves fathers, grandfathers and other father figures to participate in school day…

DCS Montessori student Olivia W. has a great time dancing with teacher Glenn Albert at the school’s first sock hop. By Tracy Dudley In May, DCS Montessori hosted its first ever Sock Hop. All students in upper elementary grades 4, 5, and 6 were invited, and attendance was very high. In preparation for the event,…

Information provided by Douglas County To help residents clear their properties of dead tree branches and shrubbery, a slash/mulch site will open from May 22 through September 25. The site will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. Acceptable items are tree branches and…

Happy Canyon Road roundabout rendering provided by Castle Pines Metropolitan District by Elizabeth Wood West Nearly sixty people attended the Castle Pines Metropolitan District’s (CPMD) Happy Canyon Road roundabouts project open house in April. CPMD staff and board members discussed plans to construct two roundabouts along Happy Canyon Road as a means of providing better…

Douglas County is currently involved in two major roadway projects that will make access from the Castle Pines community east to Parker much easier in the coming months. The I-25 / Castle Pines Parkway interchange will extend on the east side of I-25 to connect with Hess Road in Parker, and the RidgeGate / I-25…

It was dog day in Washington Park! The Dumb Friends League hosted its 17th annual Furry Scurry, the largest dog walk in the nation, on May 1 and ended the day with a new record—raising more than $960,000 for homeless animals. The Dumb Friends League reached its $1 million goal by May 31. More than…