Read the stories from the latest issue:
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North It has and continues to be City Council’s strong desire for the City and the Metro District to move expediently to cooperatively integrate the services of both entities in a manner that honors its fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers of the City and…
RHMS student, Henry working on a project. RHMS students Nathan and Brenna work together to get it right. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Amy Shanahan Some great minds at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) were hard at work during this year’s Science Olympiad Regional competition in Fort Collins last February. Of the…
by Chris Bonham, Intern Writer As Independence Day draws near, people all across the country will be celebrating and reflecting on the liberties that we have as American citizens. However, to really appreciate these liberties, it is important to gain a working knowledge regarding the document that ensures those freedoms. In light of this, we…
by Anthonette Klinkerman Let’s face it – Mother’s Day is a complete misnomer. Ask any mom out there if she gets an entire day to herself without someone needing something, or some domestic chore that needs doing, and she’ll probably laugh in your face. I propose renaming the day to more accurately portray what happens…
Castle Pines Athletics is hosting a variety of fun summer camps again this summer in Castle Pines North (CPN.) Camp Castle Pines, for children ages 6 to 12, will feature a host of exciting activities. Castle Pines All Stars is back again this year for the little campers ages 4 to 7. And, girls ages…
Jeffrey Huff, Mayor City of Castle Pines North by Elizabeth Wood West The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) recently established four new advisory committees “to promote and protect the best interests of the citizens of CPN with respect to community needs and to provide for more efficient operation and management of the city.” City…
Join Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) first grade teachers, Mrs. Shaffner and Mrs. Jacoway, for another fun-filled night of ice cream scooping. On Monday, May 3 the teachers will be serving up 31 flavors all for cause of raising money for BRE. In March the teachers, along with third grade teacher, Ms. Carter raised over $300…
by Elizabeth Wood West Rolling Thunder Comes to Castle Rock The national non-profit veterans’ motorcycle club Rolling Thunder will be hosting “Salute to America’s POWs” in honor of POWs from past and present wars. The event will be held on Saturday, May 15 at noon, at Festival Park (2nd Street between Wilcox and Perry) in…
Information submitted by Castle Pines Community Church After meeting at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School for the last 12 years, we are excited to announce that we have moved to our new location at 7280 Lagae Road in the King Soopers Plaza in Castle Pines North. We are thankful for our new church home and are…
by Elizabeth Wood West In its ongoing efforts to address the unwanted train horn noise in the Castle Pines Village and Sedalia area, Douglas County is planning to conduct a railroad quiet zone study. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved $100,000 to fund the U.S. Highway 85/Happy Canyon Road Quiet Zone Study. The comprehensive…
Great food, service and fabulous views at The Ridge By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of The Ridge Scrumptious food along with amazing views and terrific service await patrons at The Ridge Restaurant. The award-winning Ridge Restaurant has announced it will transition from its current winter hours of operation to seven days a week starting on…
by Carin R. Kirkegaard with photos provided by Jane Kelly This summer, special needs students between the ages of 10 and 17 years old will have an option for a summer day camp. Local Castle Pines community resident, Kelly McAlear will launch her academic special needs program, The Sky’s the Limit, with six sessions of…
by Elizabeth Wood West “I will do everything possible to stop this ridiculous noise,” declared Castle Pines Village resident and petition organizer Don Somsky. Last fall, Somsky and other Village residents worked with the Castle Pines Homes Association (CPHA) to circulate a petition for residents and businesses that are impacted by train whistle noise. The…
Band members from the Rock Canyon Band Feeder Festival Concert perform at the concert held March 16 at Rock Canyon High School. Buffalo Ridge Elementary, Redstone Elementary, Timber Trail Elementary, Wildcat Mountain Elementary, Rocky Heights Middle School and Rock Canyon High School performed songs separately as well as one collective song for the show’s conclusion.…
Submitted by Elizabeth Gee, Hughes & Stuart Marketing on behalf of Castle Pines Metro District ROUNDABOUTS PROPOSED TO MAKE HAPPY CANYON ROAD SAFE & EFFICIENT Paul Dannels, District Manager of the Castle Pines Metro District, has announced public safety funds, held by the Douglas County Special District, have been reserved to pay for two proposed…
Castle Pines Village resident Gina Gerken (right) assists HawkQuest founder, Kin Quitugua, during a presentation in Castle Pines Village. Article and photos by Tracy Dudley For the second year in a row, more than 200 Castle Pines Village residents and their families were treated to HawkQuest’s breathtaking exhibit of live raptors. The occasion? The Castle…
by Joe Gschwendtner Ah, the ironies of life. Take the contrast between age and youth. When young, we think we know it all and would fly to the moon if we could. When we get older, genuine wisdom has settled in—but we lack the energy of youth. If only youth could have our understanding. Mere…
The Boys and Girls Club is to inspire and enable young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. In the photo above, CPN resident Chad Sanders poses with a group of children from one of the Denver clubs. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Chad Sanders, Castle…
by Sally Uhrich It’s that time again; April is national heartworm month. Pet owners need to begin treatment for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs. To jog the concern of clients, veterinary clinics often display a preserved heart infected with heartworm in a jar and hang posters about heartworm life cycles in examining rooms.…
Photo taken by Kay Kirkegaard Members from the Castle Pines community braved the chilly temperatures and even a little snow to support the 22nd Annual Denver Runnin’ of the Green. Proceeds from the event are used by the Volunteers of America to help the very young, the homebound elderly, and women and children who are…
Information provided by the Dumb Friends League Who would have guessed that a kitten named Queenie would be the first of more than 2 million animals helped by the Dumb Friends League? One hundred years ago (700 dog years), Queenie was found in a basket at the home of Margaret Bradey, one of the women…
by Sally Uhrich Baking from scratch in Colorado can be especially challenging, particularly for those of us living in higher altitudes. This is due to the decreased atmospheric pressure which can cause cakes to fall flat. The frustration is enough to make even the most “seasoned” cook resort to using store bought mixes. Although most…
Douglas County School District will hold three meetings to discuss charging fees to ride District buses. The proposed fee would be $.50 per ride, per child and would begin in the 2010-11 school year. All School Advisory Councils, parents and the community are invited and encouraged to attend. The meetings are scheduled for April 29…
Girls and boys alike had a blast strutting their stuff on the catwalk. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students rocked a full house on February 21 at the Marriott Denver Tech Center with their Fifth Annual RCHS Fashion Show, Luncheon and Silent Auction. The fashion show, consisting of 123…
Submitted by Rock Swim Team Pictured above are members from the Rock club swim team who qualified for the state and silver state swim meets at the end of the short course-swimming season. Back row from left to right: Chloe Civello, Marielle Renehan, Abby Kochevar, Garrett Durie, Jared Jordan; Front row from left to right:…
Pam Anderson prepares to give away a door prize at the February meeting of the Douglas County Divas. Article and photos by Anthonette Klinkerman Women are born networkers. They tell each other where the sales are, what shops to patronize, and which restaurants to avoid if such is the case. So it makes sense that…
Castle Pines community members take a break from skating to pose with the birthday girl, Tammy Abramovitz, at her birthday party skate for Warren Village. By Carin R. Kirkegaard Warren Village, a nationally recognized award-winning program that helps low-income, previously homeless single-parent families transition into self-sufficiency, is looking to connect with the communities in the…
Local kids and adults enjoyed the first Five Stones Sports dodgeball tournament at Inverness Sports Complex.
by Patte Smith Piper’s Pantry is a nonprofit organization, established by Tim and Eric Hannon, in honor of their two-year-old daughter, Piper. “We have been so blessed with Piper we wanted to share our good fortune with the community. A basic need is food, so we decided that is where we would put our efforts,”…
Article by Kathy Dunker Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is very proud to be a finalist for the National School of Character award. Three Colorado schools were submitted for national consideration, the other two being charter and private schools. RHMS was the only Colorado school chosen out of the three and was also one out…
Registration for the fifth annual kids triathlon, Tri the Rock is currently underway. The race, designed to benefit youth health and fitness, will take place on May 23 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 $35 for…
Information provided by Jon Gray, CPMD The Castle Pines Metro District (CPMD), in cooperation with the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, has engaged Fox-Higgins Transportation Group and P B S & J Incorporated to design two traffic roundabouts along Happy Canyon Road at Gates 1-2 and Gates 3-4. This project is a direct response by…
by Anthonette Klinkerman The Beatles sang about him: “’Cause I’m the tax man…” Most people, however, are not in a singing mood come April 15. So it goes without saying that having a birthday on April 15 is far worse than having one on Christmas. Your holiday birthdays may be up to your ears in…
by Tracy Dudley When Karen DePretis started working at DCS Montessori five years ago, she would see girls out at recess trying to do cartwheels. Because she has been dancing, baton twirling, and teaching dance most of her life, her natural inclination was to step in and help. “When they asked how I knew so…
Alexis on her 18th birthday A book review by Joe Gschwendtner with photos and illustrations submitted by Margaret Rhyne A white cottage with red trim sits pertly at the south entrance to the Allis Ranch in Sedalia. It’s Alexis’ House, a memorial to the daughter of Margaret Marshall Rhyne. A single glance does not suffice.…
Will it be a relaxing, lay-low kind of summer or one packed with fun things to do? For those wanting to keep kids busy with tons of action this summer, there is a run-down of some great camp options close-by and around town. If you have a favorite or know of one that we have…
New Cell Site Activated as Part of Ongoing AT&T Investment in Local Wireless Network As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced mobile devices and applications, AT&T* today announced the activation of a new 3G cell site in Sedalia that will enhance coverage for area residents and businesses. With 3G…
The Honorable Jeff Huff, Mayor City of Castle Pines North This year, citizens will see the initial results of the cost-saving efforts of various community organizations. Homeowner association fees have declined along with property taxes, and the City Council and the CPN Metro District are diligently working to create efficiencies in operations. However, we need…
Darwin Horan by Terri Wiebold One of the City of Castle Pines North’s newly-elected council members for Ward 1, Darwin Horan, recently resigned from his position on council. Horan provided the following letter to The Castle Pines Connection regarding his departure: “Dear residents and fellow neighbors, It has been an honor and a privilege to…
Submitted by Paula Lasky Vice Regent, Piney Creek Chapter NSDAR The Colorado State Society, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, honored Juliet Madsen of Parker, Colorado, for the Colorado DAR Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award at its 107th Annual State Conference. This award is “presented to a veteran-patient in recognition of outstanding achievement in personal,…
Leading Edge Physical Therapy, LLC opened for business on January 13 and offers the latest technology and treatment in physical therapy. Pictured above are Sharon Wheeler, Operations Manager (left) and Sara Tibby, Physical Therapist (right). In addition to offering physical therapy treatments, Leading Edge will also hold health related seminars. Article by Carin R. Kirkegaard…
More than one hundred Solid Life Christian Center church members join hearts and effort to stuff more than 15,000 eggs for this year’s Easter Egg Hunt for CPN. This is the third year that Solid Life has sponsored this community event in its entirety in hopes to continue to bring the community together for this…
April 25 The 28th Annual Cherry Creek Sneak is currently taking registrations for the annual walk or run event. Join more than 10,000 participants in welcoming spring and kicking off the racing season in what has become a Denver area tradition. The race takes participants through the streets of Cherry Creek North on April 25.…
by Elizabeth Wood West “Whiskey is for drinking, but water is for fighting,” is an old west saying that could ring true today. Ask any water expert familiar with the Denver Basin and they will tell you that its long-term ability to provide water is limited. Many large water providers, including Castle Pines North Metro…
Swimmers with the Castle Crocs warm-up and dream of summer while parents register for the upcoming season. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Snow was falling but that didn’t stop the members from Castle Pines North (CPN) from lining up out the door of Dazbog to register for the upcoming swim season for the Castle Crocs. In…
Information provided by SMFR with photo by Timothy Toole South Metro Fire Rescue Authority (SMFR) firefighters rescued a dog from a pond in Castle Pines Village at 4300 Prospect, February 27 at 10:45 a.m. The owner reported that the dog had gone out onto the ice and then went into the open water. It then…
Fuller Sotheby’s broker associates Linda Houston (left) and Chris Haught (right) welcome guests at the Fuller Castle Pines Sotheby’s International Realty office grand opening. by Terri Wiebold with information provided by Fuller Castle Pines Sotheby’s International Realty Fuller Castle Pines Sotheby’s International Realty celebrated the grand opening of its new office in Castle Pines Village…
Information provided by South Metro Fire Rescue When you are driving and you hear sirens behind you, do you know what to do? You should pull to the right as far as you can and stop to allow emergency vehicles to pass. Somewhere every day, emergency responses are delayed, or worse, emergency vehicles are involved…
by Carin R. Kirkegaard In February the Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance (BREA) along with Joe Eidel from the Grizzly Rose put on a Family Fun Night that had Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) families tapping their boots and having some fun. The gym at BRE was swinging with around 50 people, both parents and kids, learning…
Information provided by Jennifer K. Pingrey, Village Homes Construction in CPN resumes Village Homes is building and selling new homes again in The Crossings at Castle Pines North with the help of two real estate powerhouses, Homebuilder Capital Solutions and Lowe Enterprises. In December 2009, Homebuilder Capital Solutions, an affiliate of Colorado & Santa Fe…
by Scott Lasher The largest crowd ever to participate in the annual Castle Pines North Easter Egg Hunt filled their colorful baskets to the brim with eggs and prizes at Coyote Ridge Park on April 3. The event was sponsored by Solid Life Christian Center. Over 15,000 candy-filled eggs and 1,000 other prizes blanketed the…
DCS Montessori students enjoy a live demonstration during the school’s annual science fair in March.
The United States Postal Service has provided further clarification on its preferred and acceptable city uses for the 80108 zip code. According to the acting manager of consumer affairs for the Colorado/Wyoming district, Alex Turner, “Castle Rock” is the proper city for uses in Castle Pines Village, the City of Castle Pines North, and unincorporated…
You may have heard recent rumors about a drastically increased enrollment and an additional fourth floor at American Academy (AA). However, they are exactly that; rumors. Expected enrollment at AA for 2010-2011 is 875, a seven percent increase from this year’s enrollment total of 820. This is neither a large nor a significant increase for…
by Terri Wiebold For more than 25 years, Colorado’s largest non-profit, volunteer-driven health fair program has been promoting health awareness and encouraging individuals to assume responsibility for their own health by offering free and low-cost health and educational screenings. Take time to get checked out. A complete blood chemistry analysis – including heart, kidney, muscle…
Information provided by Castle Pines Academy Castle Pines Academy, the first locally owned and operated child care center, is now open for business. The school offers programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, pre-kindergartners, kindergartners, and school age children. The management team of Castle Pines Academy emphasizes that the goal is to provide high quality services to…
by Anthonette Klinkerman During the month of March, area schools were silent for periods of time as students took the annual CSAP exams. The Colorado Student Assessment Program tests begin for students in third grade, and continue through tenth grade, measuring student performance in reading, math, writing and science. As in years past, Castle Pines…
Members of RCHS Student Council surround Harley during an assembly to present her with the Make-A-Wish gifts. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Kim Rauh The Make-A-Wish Foundation recently recognized Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) for its generous and record breaking donation to fulfill the once-in-a lifetime wishes for three kids, Harley, Landin,…
Pictured above are members of the BRE Brainstormers and the team coaches: Front row from left to right are Megan O’Donnell, Molly Steavpack, Katie Shanahan, Katie Carlson, Logan Jacobs and Samuel Hilgendorf. Back row from left to right are Christine O’Donnell and Laurie Jacobs. By Carin R. Kirkegaard Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) sent a team…
Dr. Clint Dickason, D.C. Information provided by Clint Dickason Dr. Clint Dickason, D.C., Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce member and founder of Dickason Chiropractic in Castle Rock has been selected as the official chiropractor for the Rocky Mountain Renegade – the new Castle Rock adult amateur football team in the Western Conference of the North…
By Terri Wiebold with contributions from Elizabeth Wood West, Happy Canyon HOA resident and board member The City of Castle Pines North Council voted five to one this week to establish the Castle Pines Urban Redevelopment Authority at its regular city council meeting, which was designated as a public hearing on the matter. The council…
Information provided by Douglas County Animal Services The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment lab confirmed a rabies infection in Douglas County on March 16. This marks the arrival of the rabies in Douglas County. Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals resulting in a fatal disease.…
by Tracy Dudley The cycling season in Colorado is just around the corner, and cyclists in the Castle Pines community can look forward to a wide variety of trails, paths, and organized riding events to enjoy all summer. For road cyclists, Castle Pines offers easy access to a variety of paved trail systems, as well…
Audrey, Ashlyn and Gabrielle with their American Girl dolls Article and photos by Elean Gersack American Girl® began as a catalog retailer in 1986 with the purpose of celebrating girls. Twenty-four years later, it has grown into a mega icon that now includes eight stores, a vast collection of dolls, books, clothing, accessories and more.…
Mywedding.com staff (back row, left to right) Damien Hutchins, President and CEO Woody Pastorius, (center row) Sara Bunke, Katie Lenchuk, (front row) Kelsey Beytien, Brittany Leedahl. By Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Tim Gamble One of the largest online wedding resources in the country, Mywedding.com, opened a new office in March and is now…
by Carin R. Kirkegaard Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) is seeking sponsors for the Second Annual Buffalo Stampede, the school’s annual fall carnival. The Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance (BREA), the school’s parent teacher organization, is currently offering sponsorships to help offset costs of the carnival, including inflatable structures, dunk tank, carnival games, face painting, refreshments and…
Steve Labossiere by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Steve Labossiere Former Master Association Board member – now mayor, Jeff Huff, was replaced recently by an intriguing member of the Castle Pines North (CPN) community. Steve Labossiere (pictured left), a six-year resident of Forest Park, has stepped up to serve as the newest Master Association…
Press release provided by Kristin Zagurski, Town of Castle Rock The Environmental Assessment of the benefits and impacts the North Meadows Extension project could have on the surrounding area has been completed. An open house to provide information and get feedback on the assessment and the alternatives being considered will be held from 5 p.m.…
Drew Webster (4) shaves his head for the second time in support of the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser and his sister Bella (3) who is is remission from leukemia. by Patte Smith with photos submitted by Jennifer Havercroft Playing with big brother Drew is one of Bella Webster’s favorite activities, along with dance class, art, and…
Supporters gather at the tenth annual Empty Bowl fundraiser for the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center of Douglas County. by Tracy Dudley On March 5, the Douglas County Events Center hosted the Tenth Annual Empty Bowl, where nearly 1,000 supporters – including many Castle Pines North residents – came out to help raise funds…