Read the stories from the latest issue:
April 21-24 Lights, Camera, Book Fair! The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) Spring Book Fair will be held Tuesday, April 21 through Friday April 24. The spring fair is an excellent time to stock up on summer reading. All money raised will go directly back to the school’s library to refresh the school’s book collection. To…
Cherokee Ranch Fire – October 29, 2003 Submitted by Becky O’Guin Community Relations Director South Metro Fire Rescue Authority The South Metro Fire Rescue Authority (SMFRA) will be expanding its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) to the I-25/Santa Fe corridors and surrounding areas and would like to invite community members to attend a public meeting:…
by Terri Wiebold Fetch your sneakers and your furry friends and join in the 2009 Furry Scurry. In its sixteenth year, this annual event helps the Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL) raise money through donations and pledges to care for thousands of homeless animals. The two-mile fun walk/run will take place from 9 a.m. to…
Owner Barbara Neff, photo by Terri Wiebold As of February 2012 Neff Staffing is no longer serving the Castle Pines community. Thank you for your past support. Information provided by Neff Staffing Services Neff Staffing Services opened its doors for business March 2, 2009 in Castle Pines North’s new Pinnacle Building, located at 7501 Village…
T-Mobile Tower at the Ridge by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North (CPN) resident Cheryl McDade wants to make a call using her cell phone, but sometimes finds that difficult to do. “We switched to Verizon last year from 15 years with AT&T,” said McDade in a letter to The Castle Pines Connection. “Verizon does not…
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and dozens of members held their official ribbon cutting ceremony at their new office in Castle Pines North in February. The new office is located at 562 Castle Pines Parkway, Suite C-1, in the Safeway Shopping Center. Learn more about the Chamber at www.castlepineschamber.com. (Photo by Tim Gamble)
Before you head to the garden to plant a new flowerbed or a crop of tomatoes this spring, take the time to call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado. Locators are allowed two business days to respond to requests to accurately mark the underground lines in an excavation area. Even a small garden job can…
Don Bobeda, Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Mayor Maureen Shul, City of Castle Pines North, and Jamie LaRue, Douglas County Libraries Director at the March 19 Douglas County Library District meeting. by Lisa Crockett and Terri Wiebold Where there is a will, there is a way! The tenacity and creativity of the Castle Pines…
by Lane Roberts Life long learning is a passion for Castle Pines North resident Galen Crowder. Crowder and his wife, Angie, participate in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offered by the University of Denver. OLLI, originally established as VIVA in 1996, provides educational opportunities to people ages 55 and “better.” Three eight-week terms each…
by Terri Wiebold Transitioning from one form of “green” to another, Village Books in Castle Pines Village was borne in December, 2008. Casualties of the banking industry and the current economy, husband and wife team Steven and Stephanie Alaniz decided to turn a passion they shared into an eco-friendly business venture. “We are the new…
by Denise Bassett, Castle Pines North Metro District Schmick Named Assistant District Manager The CPNMD board of directors recently announced the promotion of Dan Schmick to Assistant Manager. Schmick joined the CPNMD staff in January 2008 as Finance Manager and has been instrumental in the preparation of financial documents for CPNMD renewable water resource projects,…
by Terri Wiebold The vacant lot on the northeast corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Beverly Boulevard at I-25 (adjacent to the gas station) is currently being used by many as a used-car parking lot. According to city of Castle Pines North community development director, Sam Bishop, the location has been the topic of many…
by Carin Kirkegaard, Photo courtesy of Saralyn Crock 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 suggest workouts in preparation for the 14’er, guided training hikes in the…
by Terri Wiebold More than 185 children kicked off the first season with Castle Pines Athletics, a new recreational youth sports program for local children ages four to twelve. The spring season featured 13 soccer teams of children ages four to eight. All soccer practices are held in Castle Pines North (CPN) and games are…
Cyclists get your chains lubed and tires pumped. The Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival is registering riders for what is unofficially called the start of the Colorado cycling season. This event will take place Sunday June 7 at the Douglas County Fair Grounds in Castle Rock. Riders can choose between three distances for paved road…
Message provided by Sheriff David A. Weaver Community garage sales are a fun way to meet your neighbors and make a little extra cash. They are a great way to get rid of those extra items that have been taking up space in your garage or basement. The friendly atmosphere of the garage sale can…
by Carin Kirkegaard The 2009-2010 school year will begin with changes for many students at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS). Needing to cut $37 million from the budget, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) has decided to reduce credit requirements for graduation beginning with the class of 2012 and institute an open campus policy for…
Submitted by Coldwell Banker Castle Pines Breathing fresh life into one of the Front Range’s benchmark luxury home communities, veteran Castle Pines Village Realty has announced its newly-formed alliance with international powerhouse Coldwell Banker. The renamed Coldwell Banker Castle Pines venture brings “all of our local expertise and relationships, our love for the community and…
Fires. Road closures. Gas leaks. How will you find out about countywide emergencies and disasters? Your safety is our top concern. Early warning helps save lives and property. That’s why the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office wants to make sure you know about emergencies and disasters as they happen. Douglas County will use the 3n InstaCom…
by The Colorado Division of Wildlife Coyotes in the Front Range? While coyotes are found throughout the West, they are extremely adaptable and can thrive in urban areas. From downtown Denver to the smallest suburb, coyotes are not new to residential communities. They can and will be found in any neighborhood that provides their basic…
DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE Sheriff David A. Weaver 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 CONTACT #1: Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer, 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822 CONTACT #2: RELEASE DATE: 03/30/09 RELEASE TIME: 12:30 pm CASE NUMBER: WHAT: Address canvassing has begun for 2010 Census NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY: Sheriff David A. Weaver would…
DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 CONTACT #1: Fran Santagata, Douglas County Emergency Management Director, 303-660-7589 CONTACT #2: Public Information Officer, Cocha Heyden, 303-660-7586. RELEASE DATE: 03/24/09 RELEASE TIME: 4:00 pm CASE NUMBER: WHAT: Douglas County Commissioners and Sheriff David Weaver Approve Stage 1 Fire Restrictions NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS…
DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer, 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822 RELEASE DATE: 03/09/09 RELEASE TIME: 9:30 am Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Increasing DUI Enforcement for Upcoming Holiday The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up their efforts to apprehend intoxicated and impaired…
Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822 Deputy Robert Rotherham Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit 303-660-7505 ext 6514 In an effort to save more lives on Colorado’s roadways, particularly at night, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will join forces with State and other local law enforcement…
The Barking Goat Tavern owner, Eric Warner, says he is excited to open for business in Castle Pines North. by Terri Wiebold Looking for somewhere to go to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day? As luck would have it, a new bar/restaurant is opening in Castle Pines North, and just in time to celebrate the first green…
This sign now posted at Castle Pines Parkway and Beverly Blvd, the east entry to the city, welcomes all to the new City of Castle Pines North. Mayor Maureen Shul and Council Members Ron Clark, Kim Hoffman and Chris Dooley pose with the new Castle Pines North Welcome sign.
Submitted by Joanna Flemons Castle Pines Counseling and Coaching opened its doors in October, 2008. Joanna Flemons is a licensed psychotherapist and coach who opened the new counseling center to work within the local community of Castle Pines and surrounding areas. The negative weight of the economy has added a new dynamic to the New…
Message provided by Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver, guest editorial With the growth of Douglas County comes the increase in traffic and of course traffic issues. I am a strong believer that if you are doing the right things, others will follow suit. I would hope this is true when it comes to your driving…
By Terri Wiebold Areas of future growth abound to the east and south of the City of Castle Pines North (CPN.) Potential areas for development include Lagae South, The Canyons, and Fresh Fields. Lagae South This 360-acre parcel of land is located east of Castle Pines Village, just north of Happy Canyon Road. This parcel…
Arlen Felsen (pictured far left), owner of Arlen’s American Bistro in Castle Pines North, was a part of the Presidential Inauguration celebration in Washington D.C. last month. Felsen plays the drums in a nine-piece old school funk, rhythm and blues band called Jakarta. The national corporate band played in downtown Denver during the Democratic National…
by Carin Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Renita Mundwiller The past three summers have found the children of Castle Pines North (CPN) connecting with friends, getting exercise, and learning swim strokes with the neighborhood swim team the Castle Crocs. As the team begins its fourth season, swimmers can expect to return to a swim program that…
by Lane Roberts The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce will host two EasterFest events this year – one in Castle Pines North (CPN) and one in Castle Pines Village. On Wednesday, April 1, EasterFest will be held at the Castle Pines Village Shopping Center located off Happy Canyon Road. (due to inclement weather the April…
Plans for an alternative access road from The Meadows in Castle Rock to U.S. 85 and I-25 are still underway. The Town of Castle Rock is currently analyzing two potential road alignments, Castlegate and Atrium. Both new roads would be located south of Castle Pines Village and north of the Outlets at Castle Rock, and…
by Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Linda Clure In Colorado, spirit is a sport. According to the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA), it is the perfect balance of crowd leadership, support, entertainment, sportsmanship, athleticism and competitiveness. Castle Pines’ very own Rock Canyon High School Varsity Cheer Team received recognition as a “champion” in their…
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce presented the first Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa at The Ridge at Castle Pines on Saturday, December 6. Dozens of children enjoyed stories from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a magician, and a fantastic breakfast. Special thanks to event sponsors: Castle Pines Orthodontics, Canyon Ridge Chiropractic, CH2M HILL OMI, Colorado…
by Lane Roberts The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to support area businesses by launching a new “Shop Local First” discount card campagin. A complimentary discount card, offering a variety of savings from more than 25 local Chamber businesses, is set to arrive in the mailboxes of Castle Pines North (CPN) residents…
by Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff David A. Weaver is pleased to announce that with the implementation of the new emergency notification system, citizens and businesses can sign up to receive critical alerts during emergencies. On February 1, 2009, all agencies in Douglas County began using 3n InstaCom™ Citizen…
Planning a team practice or party during the next few months? There are currently three parks in Castle Pines North (CPN) available by reservation: Coyote Ridge Park, Daniel’s Gate Park and The Retreat Park. The CPN Metro District owns and maintains all parks within the community. Soccer fields are available at all three parks and…
by Lane Roberts Budget cuts and the recent HOA annual dues reduction by the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association board of directors could potentially warrant the elimination of many community events. The holiday carriage rides, which sell out yearly, are just one of social events that will no longer be organized by the Master…
The Douglas County Water Resource Authority (DCWRA) will host three regional seminars on how to help HOAs conserve water and save money. The dates for the three programs this year are March 7, 11, and 19. The seminars will focus on the best landscape management practices, state of the art ET controllers, and Xeriscape techniques.…
Welcome to Our House H&R Block Open House – Valentines Day – February 14, 2009 (left to right) Dan Wittgartner, Tom Hall, Bob Wright, Kent Kochsmeier, Pat Proctor, and Dave Kalmbach
photo courtesy of Lisa Crockett Posing for the camera, this beautiful buck searches for a snack in a backyard in Winterberry. According to the Colorado Department of Wildlife, deer herds move to lower elevations closer to homes during the winter months. It is illegal in Colorado to intentionally place or distribute feed or salt blocks…
Arlen’s American Bistro celebrated their official ribbon cutting ceremony on January 13. Pictured from the left, Yolanda Bruce, Amy and Arlen Felsen, owner’s of Arlen’s American Bistro, and Don Bobeda, Chairman of the Board for the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. Arlen’s features live music on Friday and Saturday nights and is located at 562…
by Denise Bassett, Castle Pines North Metro District The proposed 2009 budget for the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District was presented to CPN residents and opened for public discussion at the CPNMD board meeting on November 17, 2008. Board President Bill Santos explained that the board went through an extensive line-by-line item review to keep…
In 1984, Castle Pines North (CPN) was a small community of about 300 homes and the CPN Metropolitan District (CPNMD) was established to provide water and wastewater and to maintain parks, trails and open spaces for the new community. Soon after, the economy experienced a dramatic slowdown (sound familiar?) and CPNMD was unable to generate…
Submitted by God’s Grace Community Church God’s Grace Community Church partners with Paris Elementary School and Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives. Each month during the school year, God’s Grace participants host the “Terrific Reader and Writer” program, honoring students in each grade that have improved reading and writing skills with a certificate and a book.…
Alan Lanning City Manager/Program Director The Castle Pines North (CPN) City Council recently approved the selection of . The Castle Pines Connection recently sent a few questions to the newly appointed City Manager, Alan Lanning. CPN will celebrate its first birthday on February 12. In your opinion, what has the new City accomplished during the…
By Lane Roberts On February 12, Castle Pines North (CPN) will officially celebrate its first birthday. Douglas County has continued to provide services to the community following the vote to incorporate on November 7, 2007. Now, with the one year anniversary rapidly approaching, the City is set to take the reigns. “As they take this…
Captain Susan Chesnick recently took over as the new station commander at South Metro Fire Rescue fire station 36 in CPN. Information provided by South Metro Fire Rescue Authority In January, Captain Susan Chesnick took over as the new station commander at fire station 36 in Castle Pines North. A 21-year veteran of the fire…
Bring the bunny ears and hop on over to the annual Easter Eggstravaganzia set for April 4 at Coyote Ridge Park. Submitted by Solid Life Christian Center Solid Life Christian Center invites the community for its second annual Easter Egg Hunt at Coyote Ridge Park on Saturday, April 4, starting promptly at 10 a.m. (due…
Janie Berry (right) is sworn in by Douglas County Clerk Jack Arrowsmith in a ceremony in January. Berry was appointed as the new clerk for Castle Pines North late last year. (photo by Tim Gamble) by Lisa Crockett In late 2008, Castle Pines North (CPN) city council members approved the appointment of a new city…
Castle Pines North Metro District Building by Lisa Crockett The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) is working toward finding a permanent home for its offices in the CPN Metro District Building, located at 7404 Yorkshire Drive. The arrangement would allow for both entities (the city and the metro district) to provide services in one…
The Colorado School Accountability Reports (SAR) have listed American Academy’s middle school as number six in the state. According to American Academy Chief Administrative Officer Roberta Harrell, eight of the top 10 schools on the SAR list were charter schools. “We are proud of both our elementary and middle school for receiving a “high” and…
by Lane Roberts With the expansion of the service road along I-25 from RidgeGate in Lone Tree to Castle Pines Parkway, the addition of the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) light rail to this area might be considered a plus for the new city. However, expansion of the RTD light rail may be light years from…
First grade teacher Jennifer Jacoway was nominated for the Apple Award. by Carin Kirkegaard Jennifer Jacoway, a first grade teacher at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE), was nominated to represent the school at the 2008-2009 Douglas County Educational Foundation (DCEF) Apple Awards ceremony on March 14. Jacoway comes from a family of educators and has…
In an effort to provide accurate information to the community regarding the North Meadows Extension project, the Commissioners wanted to issue the following statement: Douglas County has been in discussions with the Town of Castle Rock for more than seven years regarding the need for another connection to Interstate 25 in the area north of…
By Terri Wiebold The Town of Castle Rock (Town) continues to move forward with plans to construct a second access from the Meadows area to US 85 and on to I-25. A recent decision from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to allow an at-grade intersection at the Atrium Drive alternative until such time as…
Submitted by Kevin Millerick A new summer swim program is coming to Castle Pines in 2009. Castle Pines Storm Swimming will open its doors this summer, based at the HOA1 pool. Due to the increasing demand for summer swimming the past few years, this new program will welcome all residents of Castle Pines who want…
Infrastructure of Lagae Ranch faces Challenges The collaborative efforts of American Academy Charter School, the Castle Pines Parks Authority, HF Holdings, R.I. Management, and the City of Castle Pines North, along with possible financial assistance from the Castle Pines Metro District could expedite plans for a new park and school on Lagae Ranch. by Terri…
The Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) results for the 2007-2008 school year have been distributed and the fifth grade class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) is one of three fifth grade classes in the Douglas County School District (DCSD) that tied for first place in reading. BRE fifth graders finished with 96 percent of the…
The Castle Pines Parkway exit 188 at I-25 could expect to see more traffic. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) plans to close the Surrey Ridge exits off I-25 with the completion of the new service road currently under construction from Lincoln Avenue in Lone Tree to Castle Pines North by Lisa Crockett Surrey Ridge…
Douglas County Commissioner Steve Boand (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Lane Robers and Terri Wiebold Douglas County Commissioner Steve Boand (pictured right) took the oath of office for a second term on January 13, as a commissioner in District II which includes the Castle Pines area. Preceding the swearing-in ceremony, Commissioner Boand sat down with…
by Elean Gersack No need to venture far to celebrate the holiday of love. Check out local businesses for gifts, dinner, flowers and more. The Bundt Shoppe Those who have not yet tried a cake from The Bundt Shoppe are missing out. The delectable cakes are perfect for any occasion. In honor of Valentine’s Day,…
T-mobile Tower at the Ridge by Lisa Crockett T-Mobile will soon petition the city council for approval of a new, 45-foot cell phone tower in Daniel’s Gate, near the intersection of Daniels Gate Road and Ocaso Drive. The tower, which will be disguised as a light pole, and an equipment enclosure would be built near…
Submitted by Kristi Doke of American Academy American Academy is currently preparing to compete in the Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC). The TARC is the world’s largest rocket contest, sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association and the National Association of Rocketry. Each year, approximately 7,000 students compete in the TARC. The top 100 teams throughout…
Juli Adams (left) and CPN resident Elean Gersack recently launched a new e-commerce store for Firefly Furnishings (photo courtesy of Elean Gersack) Firefly Furnishings, a distinctive children’s furnishings boutique recently launched a new e-commerce store – www.fireflyfurnishings.com. Last year, store owner and founder, Juli Adams, partnered with Castle Pines North resident Elean Gersack, to build…
Warren Lynge by Lisa Crockett A solid defeat for the library district in the last election may have seemed like the final word on a library in Castle Pines North (CPN), but a group of citizen volunteers isn’t giving up the fight. “The possibility of a library in Castle Pines North still exists,” said dedicated…
Maureen Shul, former Master Association Board President Maureen Shul, Master Association board president for the past three years, stepped down from her role as a homeowner advocate to focus her energies as mayor for the City of Castle Pines North. Shul served on the Master Association for several years before taking the reins as president.…
Dwight Zemp by Denise Bassett, Castle Pines North Metro District Dwight Zemp was sworn in to fulfill a two-year vacancy on the CPNMD board at the December 8, 2008 board meeting. Zemp views the decision made by the citizens of Castle Pines North to incorporate as bringing new planning and operating challenges to the CPN…