The Connection

by Paige Newman, Student Intern from Rock Canyon High School There are numerous amounts of fears brought on by driving, felt particularly by parents of young drivers. As a new driver myself, I know that my parents worry about me talking on my cell phone, texting, or being distracted by the radio. While there is…

by Terri Wiebold Expanding upon a collaborative process that began more than five years ago with Douglas County and Denver Parks, the City of Castle Pines North (CPN) Landscape Committee is teaming up with the CPN Metro District and the City’s environmental task force “CP Green” to make the new entrance into the city from…

Open Enrollment: Parents wishing to enroll children in a Douglas County School District school, other than a designated neighborhood school, must complete an open enrollment form. Open enrollment forms can be downloaded from the district website at www.dcsdk12.org and parents can view a list of the schools available for open enrollment for the 2009-2010 school…

by Carin Kirkegaard Castle Pines North (CPN) residents are currently in the throws of winter activities, but the CPN summer swim team, the Castle Crocs is thinking of warmer days and preparing for the 2009 season. Coming up on the fourth season, the Crocs have been providing a healthy recreational experience in a fun and…

This holiday season there are countless needy families in the community. The Douglas/Elbert Task Force is seeking individuals or families to sponsor those in need. There are several ways to donate – direct sponsorship, indirect sponsorship, toy chest, cash or gift cards. Every little bit helps. To receive a sponsorship application, or to obtain more…

Dan Schatz by Anthonette Klinkerman For the last year, Sunday evenings have been a time for the gathering of citizens of Castle Pines North. The citizen advocacy group, CPN Homeowners for a Solid Foundation, meets to discuss concerns common to all residents, such as water conservation and the library initiative, as well as support the…

Cultural and educational events for Castle Pines North (CPN) residents at Cherokee Ranch and Castle may one day be a reality through the combined efforts of the new city and Cherokee Ranch. “Now that we are a city we have the opportunity to forge a partnership with Cherokee Ranch that never existed previously,” said CPN…

Settling in a sleeping bag in prepartion for the CPN’s Summer Movie in the Park. (photo by Tim Gamble) by Elean Gersack The Castle Pines North (CPN) Summer Movie in the Park and Dr. Andrew Dunbar – the two are becoming synonymous. For the fourth year, Castle Pines Orthodontics, in conjunction with the CPN Master…

Workers complete the new sidewalk on Monarch Boulevard between Oxford Drive and Shoreham Circle, making the route to school safer for children. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold Last December, The Connection reported on efforts to improve safety at the crosswalks near Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) School. Now, eight months later, the vision has…

BALLOT ISSUE 2D SHALL THE CITY OF CASTLE PINES NORTH, WITHOUT INCREASING AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES AUTHORIZED BY BALLOT QUESTION 2E APPROVED IN 2007 BY THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF CASTLE PINES NORTH, BE AUTHORIZED TO INSTITUTE A NEW AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX, ON ALL PROPERTY TAXABLE BY LAW, RESULTING IN AN INCREASE TO…

Mayor Shul with Eric Dille president, and Greg Bickelhaupt, vice president of construction B&D Professional Builders Submitted by B & D Professional Builders B&D Professional Builders, residential general contractors, relocated its office from Castle Rock to 7437 Village Square Lane in Castle Pines North in June of this year. Eric Dille president, and Greg Bickelhaupt…

Metro District Manager James McGrady (far left) joins District board members Bill Santos, Ted Lohr and Bruce Thompson (left to right) at the Rueter-Hess Reservoir expansion groundbreaking ceremony on September 5, 2008. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold Friday, September 5, 2008 marked a historic event for the Castle Pines North (CPN) Metropolitan District.…

Douglas County Clerk and Recorder Jack Arrowsmith (center) confers with Dick Lichtenheld (left) by Lisa Crockett With a history-making presidential race and several important local races and issues on the November ballot, Douglas County election officials are offering several ways for voters to cast their ballot. “We are encouraging voters to vote by mail, to…

by Elean Gersack Calling all book lovers! Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) is hosting a Reading Safari Book Fair from October 3 through October 9. Books for children and adults of all ages will fill the gymnasium and provide a great local venue for book buying. On Monday, October 6, from 6 p.m. to 8…

Submitted by Daz Bog Coffee / Geoff Newman Dazbog Coffee, a newcomer to the community, has taken the unique steps of partnering with local schools in an effort to introduce themselves to the city of Castle Pines North. Beginning September 5, and running through the holiday season, Dazbog in CPN, at Lagae Road and Castle…

Saving water can mean saving money on your water bill. The CPN Metro District offers a variety of water rebates on the following items: irrigation rain sensors, programmable irrigation clocks, ET controllers, low flow toilets, front loading low usage washing machines, water efficient shower heads. With proof of purchase and installation, credit can be applied…

by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District is responsible for maintaining and operating 10 wells within the CPN Metro District boundaries. The District’s wells range in depth from 693 feet to 2,361 feet. In order to pump well water to the surface, the District spends approximately $600,000 annually in electricity costs. This…

Ballot Issue 2D – This question asks the voters to broaden the authorizations granted under Ballot Question 2E passed by the Castle Pines North voters in 2007. Ballot Issue 2D, if passed, would broaden the purposes for which the City may use the mill levy authorized by the Castle Pines North voters in 2007 from…

The CPN Chamber of Commerce and The Ridge will present a Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 6, at 8 a.m. and at 10 a.m. Tickets are $22 for adults, and $11 for children and reservations are required. Call 303-688-4575 for reservations.

by Terri Wiebold For the past 23 years, the Parker-South Metro Fire Rescue Authority’s (PSMFRA) Fire Station 36 has been providing fire and emergency medical services to the residents of Castle Pines North (CPN). There have been several changes in the past two years that have the PSMFRA staff evaluating the services it provides, as…

Food bank pantries around Douglas County are empty. In an effort to help restock the shelves, all Douglas County Libraries, including the Bookmobile, will waive library fines in exchange for non-perishable food items until Monday, October 20. This offer does not include charges related to lost or damaged items. The libraries will collect the food…

by Elean Gersack It is time to register for the 2008 Rock Slide! The race is planned for Saturday, November 8, at 9 a.m. at Rock Canyon High School. This one-mile fun run and 5K race provide a perfect opportunity to inspire children with the love of physical fitness. Proceeds from the event will support…

(photo provided by Tom Maxwell, Serena resident) by Terri Wiebold Speeding in the Serena neighborhood of Daniel’s Gate has been a mounting problem for quite some time according to residents, but the recent rollover accident of this SUV on a quiet residential street has neighbors looking for help. According to Douglas County Traffic Lieutenant Troy…

Let’s get together! We’ll eat (naturally), play and socialize, study and learn, all in celebration of our Jewish heritage. If you are interested in joining the Castle Pines Chavura, please call Shirley Beer-Powell at 303-725-7702.

by Terri Wiebold Imagine saving gas, time and money. Imagine not having to drive children to sports programs all over Douglas County. Imagine never paying “non-resident” fees to play soccer, t-ball or other sports. Imagine having sports practice and games at local parks right here in Castle Pines North (CPN.) If this sounds like what…

Faith Luthern Preschool is hosting their 2008 Fall Festival on Saturday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival will feature a bungee trampoline, giant inflatable slide, bounce castle, an obstacle course, train rides, a dunking booth, games and crafts. A magic show will begin at noon and the fire truck will visit…

by Terri Wiebold For residents in Castle Pines North (CPN) who have been following the Centennial airport Part 150 Noise Abatement Study for the past several years, the wait is over. In August, the Federal Aviation Administration ruled on the Airport Authority’s 12 recommendations, approving eight and denying only four. The FAA findings are great…

by Terri Wiebold The Douglas County Alarm Ordinance that became effective in March of 2008 has caused some confusion for Castle Pines North (CPN) residents who have begun receiving bills from alarm companies for the $40 registration fee. According to the ordinance, the fee only applies to “unincorporated areas of Douglas County,” and since CPN…

The annual Old Fashioned Holiday Christmas Boutique will be held Thursday through Saturday, November 20, 21 and 22, at the Castle Pines North (CPN) Community Center. The upscale boutique event celebrates thirteen years and is a local holiday favorite for CPN residents. Crafters from years past, as well as new crafters, will be on hand…

by Lisa Crockett Looking good and being comfortable can often be a contradiction in terms. “I like to have something I can wear either at the gym, or throughout the rest of the day and feel good about the way it looks,” said Castle Pines North (CPN) resident Stacia Wilkins. In her search for clothes…

Are you a senior living in Castle Pines North (CPN)? CPN is home to many seniors, so why not get connected? From playing cards and golf outings to social lunches, there are many great ways to get acquainted with others in the community. If you are interested in getting involved or have other ideas for…

by Anthonette Klinkerman It is important for all residents of a new city to feel that they have a voice in the local proceedings. Most notably, veterans of military service are an integral part of a community, though often they are not given ample opportunity to contribute. For this reason, Mayor Maureen Shul is seeking…

Information provided by the DCSO The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has a Traffic Safety Hotline 303-660-7539 where citizens can leave a recorded message on specific traffic concerns. Citizens utilizing the traffic hotline will not only help the traffic division effectively deal with traffic complaints in a timely manner, it will also allow them to…

On October 4, the City of Castle Pines North will host “Fit 4 Colorado,” a local community walk sponsored by CBS News 4. The walk will take place in the CPN community and residents of all ages are invited to participate. Mark the calendar now and make plans to attend this event and show support…

by Terri Wiebold Colorado unquestionably has the landscape for some amazing outdoor sports, especially in the winter months. Colorado Ski Country USA offers fifth and sixth graders incentive to learn to ski or snowboard through free and reduced-rate programs this season. A “Fifth Grade Passport” provides three child lift tickets for fifth graders to each…

by Anthonette Klinkerman While it is never an easy decision to resign from a position to which one has contributed so much, it is sometimes a necessary move. Recently, Master Association Vice President Doug Gilbert resigned his position with the Master Association after almost five years of volunteer service with the board. Last November, Gilbert…

Correction to Newsletter Article Understand the City’s Finances In the October-November issue of The Connection, an error was incorrectly submitted to and was printed in the article entitled, “Understanding the City’s Finances.” The last item of this article should read: Myth: The Metro District needs all of the funds generated by the 24 mills to…

Halloween. A time for Tricks and Treats and Things That Go Bump in the Night. But according to Dr. Jason Ortman, Therapeutic Optometrist, Halloween can also be a time of sight-related hazards. Dr. Ortman offers these tips to ensure a safe and happy Halloween. “Decorating the face with makeup approved for the skin is almost…

by Lane Roberts On Tuesday, October 14, there was an attempted burglary on Oak Hills Dr., in the Oak Hills neighborhood near the Surrey Ridge community. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) there were two separate vehicles stolen and four male suspects involved. The DCSO was called to West Oak Hills Dr at…

Now that the word is out, CPN Green is making headway on our sustainability goals for the City. Its current project of focusing on community-wide recycling with a unified single stream recycling and trash program is one step closer to reality. “We’ve enjoyed meeting with business and civic leaders who have a common goal to…

by Lisa Crockett The fate of the land at the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard – land known as “CC-20” – has been a subject of debate in Castle Pines North (CPN) for several years. Now, on the eve of the election, an important chapter in CPN history is about to…

by Lane Roberts Prior to the Lagae Ranch re-zoning public hearing in late August, a letter distributed by the Douglas County School District (DCSD) brought attention to the serious overcrowding issues that currently exist in Castle Pines North (CPN) area schools. The letter, distributed via e-mail to parents with children at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE),…

The Pinnacle Building is now open for business. The building, which is on Castle Pines Parkway adjacent to the Village Square Shops, is home to several business and consulting ventures. Space is still available. (courtesy photo) by Lisa Crockett The first of four businesses in a new shopping center on Castle Pines Parkway is nearly…

In August, the Castle Pines North City Council unanimously approved CH2M HILL OMI as the city’s partner to provide a range of municipal services. The contract, which took effect Aug. 15, calls for CH2M HILL OMI to operate, maintain and manage several city services in a phased approach as Castle Pines North continues to grow,…

by Elean Gersack The committee for the CPN 5K Fun Run has been hard at work planning this first running event for Castle Pines North (CPN). After considerable thought and community input, the committee has decided to postpone the event until next spring. According to David Neely, CPN city councilmember and CPN 5K Fun Run…

by Lisa Crockett New legislation in Colorado seeks to promote the installation of energy-saving devices in private residences. The purpose of the legislation, known as House Bill 1270, was to clarify and extend homeowners rights to make their homes more energy efficient and to install renewable-energy generating devices wherever safe and practical. Energy saving devices…

Team Tolson includes David (left) and Kristin (right) and their two children. (photo courtesy of the Tolson family) by Elean Gersack HOA2 resident, David Tolson, will have his family cheering for him as he competes in Ironman Florida on November 1. He will swim 2.4 miles in open Gulf Coast water, bike 112 miles and…

The Douglas County Library District hosted the first story time in CPN on September 8 at the Community Center. Spellbinder master story teller Priscilla Queen (far left), literacy coordinator for the Library District, presented stories to CPN children. The outcome of the Library District’s one mill bond initiative in November will determine if CPN gets…

by Lisa Crockett When residents of Castle Pines North (CPN) voted last November to incorporate, they also overwhelmingly passed three tax questions – one sales tax and two property taxes. Each of the property tax questions on the ballot last year simply transferred existing taxes to the new city. As a result, CPN became a…

by Elean Gersack Make plans now for the 2008 Holiday Carriage Rides, brought to you by the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association. The rides are planned for Monday through Wednesday, December 1-3 and Monday though Wednesday, December 8-10 in the beautiful HOA2 neighborhood. Rides will run every half hour from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30…

by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North residents will soon have a new option for dry cleaning, one that features “green” techniques. In the near future, Green Earth Dry Cleaners will open its doors in a new building adjacent to the Safeway shopping center. “Most dry cleaners use petroleum-based cleaning agents,” said Green Earth owner, Chuck…

As the seasons begin to change, Castle Rock Fire and Rescue wants you to help prevent home fires. October is Fire prevention month. This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Month is “Prevent Home Fires.” Three out of four fire injuries reported each year occur in the home. It is vital to stress the importance of…

by Elean Gersack Arlen’s American Bistro – the newest restaurant in Castle Pines North (CPN) – is open and ready to impress. Owners Arlen and Amy Felsen have created a simple and delicious menu, along with a warm atmosphere they hope will bring guests back again and again. Arlen’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. All…

by Terri Wiebold In late August, the Douglas County Commissioners passed a resolution to keep Castle Pines Parkway from Buffalo Trail west to Daniels Park Road and south on Daniel’s Park Road to the existing end of pavement closed until the end of March 2009. The closure is to allow for the continued construction of…

Information provided by Douglas County Traffic Engineer, Alex Larson: I am writing to inform the City of CPN of two issues related to the construction of the traffic signal for the new Walgreens site at Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae. 1) A temporary sidewalk closure that has become necessary during the construction and 2) striping…

by Terri Wiebold It is October; the leaves are starting to turn colors, and Castle Pines North (CPN) residents are already preparing for snow. The city of Castle Pines North rests at a chilly 6,210 feet above sea level, considerably higher than our “mile high” neighbors to the north, and October is a big snow…

The Town of Castle Rock will kick off the holiday season on Saturday, November 22 by lighting the star in historic downtown. Come enjoy festivities and special events leading up to the star lighting, which is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the old courthouse building on Wilcox Street in downtown Castle Rock.…

by Terri Wiebold American Academy, a K-8 public charter school, will return home to CPN in the fall of 2009. The school is building an 83,000 square foot facility on the Lagae Ranch development in CPN. Local CPN students interested in attending the new school will now get more priority in the enrollment lottery, thanks…

(photo by Jeremy Gamble) by Terri Wiebold It will not be long until the 560 acres of open space and the 13.5 miles of natural trails that surround Castle Pines North (CPN) will be covered with the most beautiful blanket of snow imaginable. With the snowfall comes the opportunity for fun and recreation for young…

Rain or shine, Galen Crowder and Anna Decker report precipitation stats from their homes in Castle Pines North for the CoCoRaHS. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold No, CoCoRaHS is not a local cheerleading squad, but the function they serve in the Castle Pines North community is certainly worth shouting about. CoCoRaHS is an acronym…

The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) has been working for the past few months to create new web site. The site, created by City Manager CH2M HILL OMI, features detailed city contact information, the latest city news, along with City Council agendas and minutes. The web site also features a list of all city…

by Lisa Crockett Douglas County School District is looking for much-needed funds and is asking voters to bolster their bank accounts by approving a four mill increase in the upcoming election. In August, the School Board decided to place a $395 million bond and $17 million override measure on the November ballot. The override measure,…

by Anthonette Klinkerman/Elean Gersack For the second summer, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (formerly Business in the Pines) hosted Market in the Pines. Special thanks to the Presenting Sponsor, Prudential Preferred Real Estate, the music sponsor, Castle Pines North Master Association and the Air Castle sponsors, IREA and Bumgarner & Linn Orthodontics. Additional thanks…

Brad Clemons and Dana Hall, co-founders of HomeAssume.com (photo provided by Timi Aguilar) by Terri Wiebold The adage “everything old is new again” holds true for most things, including the mortgage industry – or so are the hopes of Castle Pines North residents and co-founders of HomeAssume.com, Brad Clemons and Dana Hall. Clemons and Hall…

OCT 6 – WAS THE LAST DATE TO REGISTER TO VOTE OCT 13 THROUGH NOV 3 – MAIL-IN BALLOT DROP BOX AVAILABLE AT CASTLE ROCK BANK, 506 CASTLE PINES PKWY, MON-FRI 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. OCT 20 – EARLY VOTING BEGINS (THROUGH OCT 31) – VILLAGE SQUARE OFFICES, 7437 VILLAGE SQUARE DR., UNIT 105.…

The Rev. Tom Curtright is the new Senior Pastor at Castle Pines Community Church. The Church is celebrating a decade of service in the CPN community. (Courtesy Photo) by Lisa Crockett A Castle Pines North (CPN) church is celebrating an important anniversary. Ten years ago, 35 people met in the CPN Community Center to found…

by Lane Roberts One of the primary goals of the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association is to provide communication to the 3,300 residents within the community. This goal is accomplished through three main communications tools including: community-wide e-mail alerts, the CPN website (www.cpnhoa.org) and CPN’s bi-monthly newspaper, The Connection. Recently, the CPN Master Association…

by Terri Wiebold Dating back to Barney Fife and the early days of Dragnet, “calling all cars” was a police officer’s distress call for help and assistance. While the city of Castle Pines North Safety Task Force is not in distress, it could use the help and assistance of a few more community volunteers. The…