The Castle Pines Connection

by Terri Wiebold The City of Castle Pines North has postponed increasing the speed limit on Yorkshire Drive from 25 mph to 30 mph following calls from concerned citizens. According to the City Director of Public Works Eric Guth, the city received a few calls from concerned residents about the increase. Guth stated, “It was…

Ebenezer Norman, a Liberian who has dreams of opening the first public library in his home country, picks up remaining books from the Castle Pines North library fundraiser. by Carin R. Kirkegaard In August, the Douglas County Libraries Foundation, in conjunction with fundraising efforts in the Castle Pines community, held a used book sale at…

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…

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…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard When Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) returns to school August 10 it will be with fewer buses and more parents driving, walking and biking their students to and from school. According to BRE Principal, Ally Berggren, BRE will be a pilot school working along with the Douglas County School District (DCSD) to…

Submitted by Deputy Ann Walton, Community Resources Unit, 303-814-7001 Deputy Ron Hanavan, Community Resources Unit, 303-814-7089WHAT Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to Host First “One Day Citizen Academy” The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, is now accepting applications for its first “One Day Citizen Academy”. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Sheriff’s Office,…

South Suburban Parks and Recreation continues its special 50¢ Friday activities commemorating 50 years of service to the community on August 14 at Family Sports Center, 6901 S. Peoria Street in Centennial. Visitors will enjoy 50¢ public skating and 50¢ skate rental at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.; plus 50¢ entertainment rides all…

The highlight of my summer was being back stage with my cousins, Micha & Davis at the Jonas Brothers “Jo Bros” Concert. I will never forget meeting Joe, Kevin & Nick!  It was soooo AMAZING! Katie Kenny, age 10 (pictured bottom left).

With hundreds of participants from eight local schools, the Rock Slide remains a highly anticipated community event. The race raises funds for local participating schools through advertising sponsorships and provides local businesses a unique venue to reach customers. Founded on promoting the importance of healthy living for children and families, the Rock Slide is an…

It isn’t just through monetary donations that the girls give back; they give of their time and talents too. by Carin R. Kirkegaard During the past year, Brownie Troop 1891 has been providing young ladies from the Castle Pines area opportunities and experiences that not only enhance personal growth, but give back to the community.…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard The laughter could be heard ringing as it drifted over the gate at the HOA2 pool each morning during the Castle Croc swim practice. The Crocs wrapped up season four over the summer and had a great time in the process. The team, run by head coach Paul Whitaker, spent the…

School finance has quickly become the hot topic for the Douglas County School District (DCSD). With a huge deficit in our Colorado State budget, and kindergarten through twelfth grade education making up approximately 40 percent of that budget, you can imagine where some of the cuts will need to occur. DCSD receives a little more…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Starting August 3 through August 15, Clothes to Kids (CTK) of Denver is coming to Douglas County. CTK is a non-profit organization that provides new and quality used clothing to low-income school aged children, free of charge. Currently donations are being taken. CTK is looking for quality used and new clothing…

Elected officials from the City of Castle Pines North and the Town of Castle Rock gathered to discuss sharing resources and expertise. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Elected officials from the City of Castle Pines North joined elected officials from the Town of Castle Rock in June for an evening of casual conversation and…

by Anthonette Klinkerman There was a big box office supply store commercial that came out at the end of the summer that never failed to make me laugh. A traditional winter holiday carol (politically correct terminology) rang out, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” A man went joyously sailing by on a shopping…

The Castle Cappellas performing at the City of Castle Pines North Independence Day celebration on July 3 at Coyote Ridge Park. Members include (pictured left to right) Crista Huff, Keri Brehm, Lynne Snyer, Rebecca Larson, Michelle Thurston, Jan Page, Mary Barnes, Teri Bultemeier, Cindy Kessinger-Wenninger, and (not pictured) Diane Burns. by Sally Uhrich Singing without…

Margie Woodruff Foundation Manager Douglas County Libraries Foundation 303-688-7638 Contact by e-mail 100 South Wilcox Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 August Fundraising Events for New Library The Castle Pines community has pulled together to help Douglas County Libraries open a small library at 7437 Village Square Drive in September. So far, nearly $36,000 has been…

Shannon McFarland poses with her REAL Colorado Soccer friend Kellsie Rector after qualifying for the State Hershey track and field meet. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Shannon McFarland, Castle Pines North youth, competed in the Hershey’s Track and Field Games through South Suburban Parks and Recreation (SSPR) and qualified for the state track meet. McFarland competed…

submitted by Alison Lammot, Counselor/Trauma Therapist It is that time of year when kids get ready to go back to school. The stores are full of families shopping for new outfits and school supplies. Kids are full of anticipation about friends, teachers, sports, and other issues like acceptance and the ability to perform. Would you…

Information provided by the Castle Pines North Metro District Water delivered to customers of the Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) will be disinfected using a new process beginning in July 2009. The change is necessary to prepare for the integration of the treatment process with the District’s future water provider partners. In the past,…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Rock Canyon High School sent 315 eager graduates out into the world in May. Scholarships for everything from academics to athletics were abundant, the weather was perfect, and the optimism was tangible. For the Class of ‘09, things were fine. Hard as it is to think about the Class of 2013, Rock…

By Terri Wiebold with information submitted by The Canyons The Canyons community continues to progress through the annexation process for the City of Castle Pines North. Council members agreed in June that The Canyons’ application for annexation into the City of Castle Pines North met the eligibility requirements laid out under state law. The Canyons…

American Academy students have an extended summer while they await the completion of their new school. Castle Pines Athletics will offer a week long camp from August 17 through August 21 designed for American Academy families. The camp will feature a different sport each day along with organized games and relays. Campers will meet at…

by Lisa Crockett The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) has teamed up with Bear Creek Stables to offer guided horse back rides, which are available to both Highlands Ranch residents and non-residents alike. “Tuesday through Thursday, people can ride for $35 for an hour and Friday through Sunday, they can ride for $50 for ninety…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard Castle Pines Athletics had its inaugural summer season of t-ball and baseball practicing and playing games on the local parks in the Castle Pines community. With 20 teams filled with local Castle Pines children, ages four to eight, Castle Pines residents were able to play at home this summer, and the…

by Terri Wiebold Mark your calendar for September 18 and attend the Sassy Soiree, a lively mid-day fundraiser to raise funds for the Food Bank. The luncheon – with a silent and live auction, jewelry and clothing boutique, “sassy” fashion show, and door prizes take place at the Douglas County Events Center. Advance tickets are…

Cinda BlockYa with CPN fans who came to support her in the Castle Rock n’ Rollers inaugural bout. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Cynthia M., aka Cinda BlockYa, Castle Pines North resident, stay-at-home mom, recreational enthusiast and volunteer also just happens to play the position of jammer/blocker for Castle Rock’s roller derby team,…

by Lisa Crockett Construction is underway on a childcare center in Castle Pines North in the Walgreen’s Shopping Center on Castle Pines Parkway. Opening for the center is tentatively slated for November. The Center, which will be called the Castle Pines Academy, will have the capacity to serve 173 children. Full-time programs will be offered…

Students enjoy one of the many attractions at last year’s DCS Montessori Fall Festival (Photo by Tracy Dudley) by Tracy Dudley For the past several years, DCS Montessori has hosted a fun-filled and child-oriented outdoor Fall Festival on the school campus in the heart of Castle Pines North. For 2009, the Fourth Annual DCS Montessori…

by Lisa Crockett Being in foster care means a lot of things. First, it means that something has gone awry in your family life. Second, it means that you probably don’t have much in the way of earthly possessions. Third, it likely means you’ll be moving from place to place without a good way to…

Information submitted by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute An OLLI South Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 10 am – noon at their south metro campus at Valley View Christian Church. Designed for older and more “seasoned” learners (50 yrs+), the OLLI South daytime learning program is offered by the University College at the…

After months of discussions and meetings, the Castle Pines Parks Authority voted once again to move forward with building a park at Lagae Ranch. According to Parks Authority President Anna Mallinson, the board agreed at its July 23 meeting to accept the contract with Design Concepts for building the park, as well as the grading…

Submitted by Kristine Turner, Douglas County School Board President The 2009 CSAP (Colorado Student Assessment Program) results are in. For another year, Douglas County School District exceeded the state average in every grade and every subject tested by 11 to 21 percentage points! Compared to 2008, DCSD maintained or gained in 20 of 27 tests.…

Dr. Audrey Dockins Submitted by Castle Rock Eye Wear “There is more to vision than meets the eye,” says Dr. Audrey Dockins, developmental optometrist at Castle Rock Eye Wear in the Village. “Regular school vision screenings don’t test for many visual problems related to learning. Some of these visual skills include visual tracking of the…

Members of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, The Castle Pines Connection, and friends of Cielo celebrate Schroeder’s grand opening. The evening’s entertainment included magicians, the walking and talking Mona Lisa picture, portable Black Jack, a live bronze statue, and more. by Terri Wiebold Cielo at Castle Pines opened its doors for business in April,…

Harlan (far right) with fellow scouts (from left) Sean Neely, Alexander Harlan, and Jason Nock. by Lisa Crockett Phil Harlan, a Castle Pines North (CPN) resident, is a senior at Regis Jesuit High School, where the school motto encourages students to be a “man for others.” In choosing his Eagle Scout project, Phil took these…

Part of the fun of the summer swim team is the ritual of marking of swimmers. Kids of all ages adorn their bodies with sayings like, “Eat my bubbles,” “Kiss my splash,” and the all-time favorite (pictured above) on Niko, “Partly sunny with 100% chance of STORM!” (Photo by Mark Meredith) submitted by Lorrie Ball…

  by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Castle Pines Village Stingrays finished the summer swim season undefeated in the Mountain High Swim League (MHSL) B2 division. Not only did the Stingrays win each dual meet of the regular season, they also took home the division trophy at championships after narrowly beating the Dam West Dolphins. “With…

Helping Parents and Teens Navigate their way through those “exciting” years! Lisa A. Rue, Ph.D. has a degree in Educational Leadership and is a certified health educator with 22 years in public education. She is a popular trainer conducting workshops for teachers, parents and other health education professionals both nationally and internationally for over 13…

The question of where to find the right caregiver for pet(s) when we are unavailable can be quite the dilemma for pet owners. Thankfully, there are a number of viable options to choose from today. Gone are the days where the only choice is to put our beloved pet in a kennel, with attention focused…

Information provided by the Town of Castle Rock A specialty grocery store has long been on the wish list of many in the Castle Pines community. Not far to the south, the Town of Castle Rock is working toward that end. The Castle Rock Town Council approved an economic development assistance agreement in July to…

Director of Transportation for Douglas County School District, Paul Balon, answers bus routing questions at the Daniels Gate Club House. by Tracy Dudley A combination of recent state funding reductions and the failure of education bond issues 3A and 3B this past November has brought about deep budget cuts for the Douglas County School District…

by Elizabeth Wood West Comprehensive Plan and Three-Mile Plan What will the City of Castle Pines North (CPN) look like in the next twenty years? This is a question the City of Castle Pines North Council is in the process of evaluating. The City’s Proposed Comprehensive Plan and Three-Mile Plan offer a snapshot into the…

CPN residents walked in the Strides for Epilepsy event. “Carly’s Crusaders” walked for five-year-old CPN resident, Carly, who suffers from epilepsy. Submitted by Edward Jones Financial W. Rey Cinocco, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, and BOA Jessie Belmont are taking advantage of new state-of-the-art financial assessment tools to better serve clients in Douglas County.…

by Terri Wiebold Sponsored Publications, publisher of Castle Pines North’s “Our Neighborhood Directory,” as well as the Castle Pines Village Homes Association Directory, recently completed updates and corrections for the 2009-2010 editions, to be published in August 2009 and distributed in early September…be sure to watch for it! “The difference between a group of like-value…

Information provided by the Town of Castle Rock A second route from The Meadows to US 85 and I-25 is needed to relieve traffic congestion on Meadows Parkway and improve traffic flow on I-25. The Town of Castle Rock has been evaluating the best location for the road, which would extend from the current end…

American Academy Charter School to Host Ribbon Cutting Celebration at New Facility American Academy, a K-8 public charter school in Douglas County, will host an official ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new 83,000 square foot facility on Friday, September 18, at 4:00 p.m. The event will be held at the…

“Good organization before you begin cooking is one secret to successful grilling. Proper planning can make a big difference between cooked and burned, and between safety and danger,” says Fred Simon, owner of Omaha Steaks and contributing author of “Omaha Steaks Let’s Grill Book.” A clean grill is essential to safe grilling. A thorough once…

Submitted by God’s Grace Community Church God’s Grace Community Church invites the community of Castle Pines to help encourage Terrific Readers and Writers at Paris Elementary School in Aurora. At Paris Elementary, 90 percent of the school’s 415 students qualify for free or reduced lunch and speak a language other than English at home. At…

by Lisa Crockett Years after volunteers in the Castle Pines Community decided to pursue the possibility of a library, residents and local business people have come together to make the dream a reality. In late September, the Castle Pines Library will open in the Village Square Shopping Center and begin operation as the newest branch…

By Terri Wiebold The question as to whether or not to restrict access on Happy Canyon Road between US 85 and I-25 as part of the North Meadows Extension Project has been the subject of much debate recently. The people have spoken, and what they have said is they want to keep it open. The…

Fifth-grade teacher Jesica Harrington and some of her students at Timber Trail Elementary’s “Carnival for the Cure.” All proceeds from the event went to benefit Harrington’s family. Harrington has been battling an aggressive form of breast cancer for the last year.   Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A school carnival is a long-standing tradition…