Read the stories from the latest issue:
Left to right Polly Lestdikow, Jeff Hoskins – President EverStone, Sherri Johnson. (Photos by Tim Gamble) by Anthonette Klikermann The little orange signs pointed the way as the 2009 HBA Parade of Homes made a stop in Castle Pines North. Located in the gated community of Whisper Canyon, the luxury home at 6858 Twisted Oak…
Submitted by Suzanne Greene Families struggling financially in this economy are now receiving less food from the Douglas/Elbert County Food Bank as supplies dwindle. Clients needing food has increased by 30% over this time last year. This is traditionally the time of year from August through October when donations slow due to summer vacations. Grants…
Colorado bicyclists are celebrating the new Bicycle Safety Act, which went into effect August 5. The new laws are geared to improve road safety for bicyclists and motorists, including a minimum 3 feet of space when passing a bicyclist. The Bicycle Safety Act was made possible through the supportive grassroots efforts by Bicycle Colorado members.…
by Terri Wiebold The final DRAFT of the Douglas County 2030 Transportation Plan is currently available for review and comment. Public responses are due to Douglas County by August 18. The Douglas County 2030 Transportation Plan identifies future transportation needs and estimates short-term and long-term capital improvements needed to accommodate future growth. The 2030 Plan…
Coach Bishop blows the whistle and takes a “photo op” break during the three-day Camp Castle Pines activities. Coyote Ridge Park proved to be an ideal location for hosting the camps, and the kids had a blast. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Castle Pines Athletics kept children ages 4 to12 from the Castle Pines community busy…
Ladies from the CPN Empty Nester Group gather at the HOA2 clubhouse on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month to play Mah Jongg, an ancient Chinese tile game. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Castle Pines North (CPN) Empty Nesters have a group of ladies that meet twice a month to…
Jim Christensen August 24, 2009 The Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education announced today that it will have an emergency succession meeting tonight at 7:30 pm in the Board Room of the Douglas County School District building to accept the resignation of Jim Christensen, Superintendent of Douglas County School District (DCSD). The Board…
Submitted by Horizon Pain Center Golfers have a unique opportunity to tune-up their swings during special workshops hosted by The Ridge Golf Club. A Class IV K-Laser unit will be featured to immediately treat select participants. Dates and times are to be announced. Dennis Murray, Director of Instruction at The Ridge Golf Club, is teaming…
Submitted by Kristin Zagurski Rock your dollar begins Tuesday – use this guide to get ready Ready to Rock Your Dollar? It’s about time. The purchase and receipt redemption period for the program runs Sept. 1-30. Continue reading for a quick guide to the program. As always, any questions regarding Rock Your Dollar can be…
Submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Bicycle safety begins with wearing a properly fitted helmet, but wearing a helmet will not prevent you from getting hit by a motor vehicle. You, the cyclist, are responsible for avoiding cars. Ride with traffic on the right side of the road and cross intersections using crosswalks. Look both…
by Anthonette Klinkerman La Dolce Vita has been a Castle Pines fixture for many years. The Italian restaurant hosts celebrations of every kind, from anniversaries to graduations, as well as provides meeting space for many non-profit groups and business gatherings. They are also integrated in the local community by regularly donating to the nearby schools…
Breanna Markwell , Colorado Lottery; Ashley Sommer, Jenny’s Café; Jessica Downing and Paul Britt; King Mountain Ranch “givin’ away” freebies at customer appreciation day. Information submitted by Jenny’s Market After six hundred and twenty five free -scoops of the freshest, richest gelatto and two days of fun and free give aways, Jenny’s Market in Castle…
by Terri Wiebold Let me tell you…Solid Life Christian Center really knows how to throw a party! The much anticipated Castle Pines community summer movie in the park drew record crowds to Coyote Ridge Park on August 22. Neighbors in Castle Pines Village, Surrey Ridge, Charter Oaks, Beverly Hills, Oak Hills, and Surrey Ridge Estates…
Bella Rock hikers perform Tai Chi at 8,500 feet. On June 20, seven women hiked through the wild flowers in Elk Meadow Park and then climbed Bergen Peak with Bella Rock Adventures. by Carin R. Kirkegaard In June, Bella Rock Adventures along with seven women hiked through Elk Meadow Park in Jefferson County open space…
Information provided by the Castle Pines North Metro District The state of the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District from nearly 20 years ago to today could not be more opposite than the North and South Poles. During the early ninety’s, Castle Pines North was suffering through an economic slow down and its impact on the…
by Carin R. Kirkegaard Revenge on Schulte, a band comprised of local Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students has been making a name for itself while playing various Denver venues. Lead singer Ben Hilzer and Chris Battin, lead gutarist, founded Revenge on Schulte nine months ago with fellow RCHS classmates Andrew Wilson, rhythm guitarist, Ryan…
Information submitted by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is proud to announce the newly created Youth Education and Safety in Schools (Y.E.S.S.) program that will kick off in August for the 2009/2010 school year. The Y.E.S.S. program is a collaborative effort between the Douglas County School District, the DCSO, and…
Information provided by the Douglas County Water Resource Authority As water costs continue to rise and the available resource itself becomes harder to get, a not-so-new practice of using treated wastewater from household or commercial properties for irrigation of public landscapes, commercial lots, and golf courses is gaining new momentum. To maximize the efficient use…
Despite a chilly and blustery day, the bake sale for the Castle Pines Library was held during the dual swim meet between the two CPN swim teams. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Members of local area Brownie and Girls Scouts troops partnered with members from the Douglas County Libraries Foundation and held an old-fashioned bake sale…
Executive Director of the Colorado Municipal League, Sam Mamet, presented information to the City of Castle Pines North City Council in May regarding Colorado Municipal Home Rule. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold The Colorado Municipal League (CML) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has served and represented Colorado’s cities and towns since 1923. Its…
The bulldozers and the dust kicking up at Lagae Ranch are a result of Castle Pines North residents’ Master Association dues hard at work. After eight years of contributing to a parks fund, residents are witnessing a new park underway in Castle Pines North. The City of Castle Pines North held a ground breaking ceremony…
Information and photo provided by the Castle Pines North Metro District The first phase of the Master Landscape Plan has wrapped up and, like any construction project, the results were well worth waiting for. The roundabout at Daniel’s Park Road is graced with Colorado Green Moss and Rounded River Granite boulders, trees, shrubs, grasses, perennial…
by Chris Bonham, Castle Pines North Youth Advisory Council Chair It’s something that we’ve been promised again and again by politicians who claim to be on our side. Congress has even passed laws to protect this invaluable principle. Yet, it always seems to evade us. We’re constantly caught demanding more of it because we feel…
Margie Woodruff Foundation Manager Douglas County Libraries Foundation 303-688-7638 Contact by e-mail 100 South Wilcox Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 Castle Pines Authors’ Reception featuring John Shors & Dave Cullen John Shors and Dave Cullen will be the featured at an Authors’ Reception on August 20, 2009, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Cherokee Ranch…
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Take Home Many Trophies from State Competition Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 303-660-7586 Members of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post #10-4 participated in the 2009 Regional Explorer Conference held in Gunnison, CO, during the week of July 6th. The Douglas County…
Submitted by Kristin Hayek Publicity & Outreach Coordinator Douglas County Libraries 303-688-7642 100 South Wilcox Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 Fundraising efforts by the residents in Castle Pines have paid off — the Board of Douglas County Libraries voted in May to sign a lease for a library to open in September at Village Square…
Submitted by SOUTH METRO FIRE RESCUE AUTHORITY 9195 East Mineral Avenue, Centennial, Colorado 80112 Phone: 720/989/2000 Fax: 729/989-2001 July 13, 2009 Dear Colleague: The South Metro Fire Rescue Authority desires to achieve the highest level of professionalism and efficiency on behalf of those it serves. I’m writing to ask you for your help in this…
Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Announces its Newest Vehicle to the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, The Y.E.S.S. (Youth Education and Safety in Schools) car The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce its newest vehicle to the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, the Y.E.S.S. (Youth Education and…
By Tracy Dudley Back by request, South Metro Volleyball (SMVB) will again offer its adult women’s grass volleyball league this summer here in Castle Pines North (CPN). SMVB is a small, locally-owned adult sports organization that hosts numerous adult volleyball events at various venues throughout the year. However, come summertime, there is a strong demand…
Castle Pines Athletics and Dazbog Coffee are celebrating summer in CPN on Sunday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join us at Dazbog for a fun day of jump castles, face painting, bungee relay, music, raffle prizes , coupons and more! Bring the children and celebrate summer in CPN! Summer camps now offered…
by Terri Wiebold No more cash or coin payments accepted Since E-470 opened in 1991, customers using the toll highway have had the option of paying either by cash or with EXpressToll transponders. Beginning in July, that will change, and customers can keep their change. Effective July 4, 2009, coin and currency payment will no…
Sixteen-year-old Mike Elmore (second from left) and his fellow troop members from Boy Scout Troop 316 erect a “hawk house” in Castle Pines North for Elmore’s Eagle Scout project. The houses encourage vole- and rabbit-eating hawks to spend time in the area to keep pests under control. (Photos courtesy of Wayne Elmore) by Lisa Crockett…
By Scott Lasher Rock Canyon High School will send off it’s third graduating class, the Class of 2009 on Friday, May 22. The class is the first to have gone through both seventh and eighth grade at Rocky Heights Middle School, so the occasion marks a big day for schools serving the Castle Pines North…
WARP Ambassadors join Colorado State Representative Frank McNulty for a photo after being recognized for their efforts in raising water conservation awareness. By Carin R. Kirkegaard WARP Ambassadors from Rock Canyon, Douglas County, Chaparral and Castle View High Schools were recognized for their efforts in raising water conservation awareness at Colorado’s House of Representative’s general…
By Lane Roberts American Academy students recently placed eighth in the Math Counts state competition. The students competed with 25 other teams from schools throughout the state. Congratulations to Shawn Ong, Nick Collins, JD Gordon and Matthew Haney. “Making it to the state competition, both individually and as a team is an enormous achievement,” said…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard The Castle Pines North (CPN) Empty Nesters golf group have teed off for the season. In May, the group held their first social golfing event at The Ridge Golf Course. The golf group meets twice a month at either The Ridge in CPN, Red Hawk in Castle Rock and Bear Dance…
Mark the calendar and plan to attend the swim clinic featuring triathlon coach Rich Kline on Monday June 8 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Kline will be providing swim tips for those that are just beginning to those that are seeking to swim faster. Fast Lane Jane is a local Castle Pines business that…
Submitted by Horizon Pain Center Horizon Pain Center is showcased for applying innovative healing technologies in patient therapy on the KUSA Channel 9, June 13, 6 pm episode of “American Health Front.” This medical news program educates viewers about important advances in medical techniques and technologies. Horizon is featured for treating acute and chronic pain…
by Terri Wiebold The Kiwanis Club of Douglas County will host its fifth annual golf tournament at the Perry Park Country Club in Larkspur on August 31. The cost is $175 per person, which includes an amazing day of golf – including cart, range balls, a “goodie bag” and lunch. Proceeds from the tournament go…
By Lisa Crockett Summer is just starting, but for most students at Timber Trail Elementary School (TTE), classes will begin soon. Because TTE operates on a four-track calendar, the first day of school is July 6 for more than three quarters of the student body. Budget cuts district wide have dictated changes in the school…
WARP Ambassadors from Rock Canyon High School conduct water conservation awareness assembly for Buffalo Ridge Elementary School fourth graders. Photo by Tim Gamble
by Terri Wiebold On the heels of celebrating its one-year anniversary of becoming a city, the Castle Pines North City Council is taking steps to ensure that city financial information remains open, accessible, and timely. At the May 14 City Council meeting, council unanimously passed a resolution to appoint a deputy treasurer, citing a lack…
by Terri Wiebold with information provided by Douglas County County residents living and working in the southern areas of Douglas County can renew their driver’s license, change their address, and get a Colorado ID at Douglas County’s new Driver’s License Office in Castle Rock. The Castle Rock driver’s license office handles renewals, out-of-state transfers, and…
Pictured left to right – Sammy Fox, Chloe Civello, Jared Jordan, Nicole Jordan, Teddy Koerner. Inset: Erin Riner, Marielle Renehan, Abby Kochevar. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Castle Pines club swimmers from both Colorado Athletic Club and the Rock Swim team shined at the end of the short-course swimming season by qualifying and…
Rocky Mountain Tennis Academy (RMTA), Denver’s largest community-based tennis program, is offering classes again this year in Castle Pines North and Castle Pines Village. RMTA serves hundreds of adults and youth students and offers instruction from beginners to tournament level players. RMTA provides fully staffed programs at the HOA1 and HOA 2 tennis courts in…
Jeff Huff, the president of the Hidden Pointe Metro District and Horticulture Specialists, Gary LeCaptain by Lisa Crockett Spruce trees in the Castle Pines community are threatened by infestation from a new culprit, the White Pine Weevil, and Jeff Huff, the president of the Hidden Pointe Metro District, is working with local experts to do…
Students will create a new project each week Small classes mean more one on one time with teacher Who and when? 1st – 5th Graders June 8th – July 2nd (8 Classes) (Mondays and Wednesdays) 9:00 – 10:30 or 10:30 – 12:00 Limited to first 15 students in each session Where and how much? Buffalo…
Metro District Utilities Supervisor Andrew Romano is coordinating a curb stop program in CPN. It’s late in the afternoon, you have standing water in your basement and your plumber doesn’t have good news. The source of the leak is between the isolation valve in your house and the shut off at the curb, or “curb…
By order of the Governor, please lower your flags on July 1, 2009, in honor of BLM Fire Capt. Brett Stearns, 29.
by Scott Lasher The old adage “Do something you love and you will never have to work a day in your life” is more like a motto for Castle Pines North resident Dennis Murray. For the past 10 years, Murray has served as the Director of Golf Instruction at The Ridge at Castle Pines North.…
Rock Canyon High School students battled the elements in order to attend prom on April after a sudden snow storm hit the Castle Pines communtiy. Pictured above are Kaitlyn Clure, senior at Rock Canyon and her date Ben.
(Photo courtesy of Lynniel Van Benschoten) Update by Lane Robets San Juan Pools of Colorado uses a crane to deliver a new pool to The Retreat. The Retreat HOA began renovations to their neighborhood pool in April. The 20+ year old pool received a face lift by Sterling Custom Homes, Inc. “We have been on…
Storefront for new library in Castle Pines North, located at 7437 Village Square Lane. (Photo by Tim Gamble) by Lisa Crockett After countless hours of work and planning, volunteers working to bring a library to the Castle Pines community have cause for celebration. Jamie LaRue, Douglas County Libraries Director, has been given unanimous approval from…
by Lisa Crockett Just a few short months ago, the City of Castle Pines North (CPN) celebrated its first birthday. Next month, our Nation will celebrate its 233rd birthday, otherwise known as Independence Day. Residents in CPN are invited to join neighbors and friends in Coyote Ridge Park on Friday, July 3 for an old-fashioned…
Epsilon founders Jim Masson (left) and Erin Kane by Lane Roberts The Pinnacle Building in Castle Pines North (CPN) is now home to Epsilon Solutions, LLC. A technology consulting company, Epsilon Solutions provides a variety of services including web site design, database design, office productivity solutions, and a variety of data analysis and graphic design…
Submitted by Kristin Hayek Publicity & Outreach Coordinator 303-688-7642 100 South Wilcox Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 Library to Open in Castle Pines Fundraising efforts by the residents in Castle Pines have paid off — the Board of Douglas County Libraries voted in May to sign a lease for a library to open in early…
by Tracy Dudley The Intel Foundation recently named Rocky Heights Middle School a finalist for the Intel Schools of Distinction Award in the Math Excellence category. The annual program honors schools across the United States for implementing innovative programs that inspire students to excel in math and science. Rocky Heights was recognized specifically for its…
by Anthonette Klinkerman Summer social events in Castle Pines North (CPN) are looking at bit different this year. The Master Association, CPN’s community-wide HOA, reduced dues for 2009 and transitioned from planning and implementing community-wide social events, to sponsoring events coordinated and hosted by other entities. For the past 10 years, the Master Association has…
Hikers with Bella Rock Adventures pause on the trail during a wildflower and meditation day hike. Tenderfoot 14’er Training Class Bella Rock Adventures is offering a Tenderfoot 14’er Training class starting in June and running through July. The class is designed to introduce women to training and preparing to climb Colorado’s 14’ers. The course will…
Submitted by Task Force Chair Carol Langley-Finnegan The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) Safety Task Force is comprised of dedicated and committed volunteers from CPN with varied backgrounds and interests, as well as representatives from city council. Anyone interested in helping to keep CPN a safe place to live and work is welcome to…
C-SPAN’s mobile production unit joined the Douglas County Kiwanis Club at La Dolce Vita restaurant in Castle Pines North as part of their Service America project. Pictured here, C-SPAN representative Rebecca Stewart presents Highlands Ranch student Hunter Gill with an award for “Outstanding Documentary” for his analysis of education and how to improve our schools.…
Submitted by Shirley Beer Powell Spring and summer is the time of the year that our attention is drawn to the outside of our homes. Any changes, additions or work done to the outside of your home and lot must be approved first by the Design Review Committee (DRC). An HOA’s main purpose is to…
by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Douglas County School District (DCSD) made changes to proposed 2009-2010 bus routes. Taking into consideration feedback provided at informational meetings held in late April, as well as phone calls and emails from parents throughout the district changes were made to include the addition of stops throughout the district. The greatest…
Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 303-660-7586 Final Douglas County “Blue Thunder Memorial Ride” Was a Huge Success The 10th Annual “Blue Thunder Memorial Ride” took place on Saturday, May 30th and was a huge success. Over $4,600 was raised for a fund that was named in honor of…
Letter to the Editor from City Treasurer Doug Gilbert The city has now entered a phase when its budgeted expenses need reduction. In Colorado, cities cannot spend more than revenue. Current revenues do not support budgeted expenses so adjustments must be made. Managing the finances in a start up city is fraught with unpredictability in…
Platte River at the exact point where the Platteville Ditch diverts from the Platte River. by Lane Roberts During the past four years, Castle Pines North Metro District has been crafting numerous plans to secure renewable water for Castle Pines North (CPN). Now, for the first time, the Metro District has acquired senior water rights…
CPN resident Mariah D. picks up trash during a soccer game at Daniel’s Gate Park. Article and photo by Tracy Dudley About once a week there is a new pile of mysterious doggy droppings on my front lawn. How can responsible members of our community allow their pets to wander onto private property, do their…
Our hearts are saddened with the sudden passing of Castle Pines North resident Earl Millspaugh. Earl was an integral part of our CPN community, serving on numerous boards, committees, and as current president of the CPN Master Association. A loving husband to Joan, devoted father, wonderful friend, and involved citizen, Earl’s warmth, integrity, and dedication…
by Lane Roberts The 54th Colorado Science and Engineering Fair was held April 9-11 at Colorado State University. American Academy eighth grade students received the following awards: Matthew Haney was awarded first place in the Junior Division of Mathematics and Computer Sciences for his project entitled, “A Taste of Code: An Analysis of Security of…