The Connection

by Terri Wiebold When cars collide with pedestrians, there is high potential for serious injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Association and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, pedestrian fatalities account for 11 percent of motor vehicle deaths. On average, a pedestrian is injured in a traffic accident every eight minutes and one is…

Castle Rock resident Mary Rieth and her daughter Julia (age five) team up to put together the perfect Mesa Verde Flank Steak for dad’s birthday. According to Julia, he likes it with lots of mushrooms! by Terri Wiebold Greenbriar resident Kay Lynn Anderson and her family brought the innovative meal preparation franchise, Entrée Vous, to…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Colorado’s state rank in per capita suicide rate is sixth. The percentage of teens who have more than passing thoughts of suicide in a given year is 25 percent. These and other unnerving numbers regarding suicide stare from a green flier provided by Second Wind Fund. The Kiwanis Club of Castle Pines…

Caps and gowns, diplomas, tassels… Graduation. Rock Canyon High School sent off its second graduating senior class, the Class of 2008. May 23 marked the big day every high school student awaits, the ceremony and the diploma. Students and guest speakers commemorated the occasion at Shea Stadium in Highlands Ranch. A week of senior-specific celebrations…

by Terri Wiebold The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) joins the CPN Metro District Board of Directors as an official “member” of the Castle Pines Parks Authority (Authority). The City will now replace the Douglas County Commissioners who previously had final voting rights over the Authority’s board. In May, CPN Mayor Maureen Shul, along…

by Lane Roberts Looking for a place to take dead trees and scrub oak? Douglas County’s slash and mulch program opened May 31. The annual program is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until September 30, at the Castle Rock Water Treatment Plant, 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. Residents can drop…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Mayor for a day. How does that sound? Now that Castle Pines North (CPN) is settling into city-hood, Mayor Maureen Shul is proposing an essay contest for area students to practice their writing skills this summer. Students in kindergarten through the fifth grade are encouarged to participate in the first heat of…

Mayor Maureen Shul (left) presents the city’s first building permit to Eric Dille and Greg Bickelhaupt (right) of B&D Professional Builders on May 21. The interim Building Permitting and Inspection Services department for the new city is located at the Castle Pines Executive Suites, 7437 Village Square Lane, Suite 210, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30…

by Lisa Crocket The Douglas County School District is considering ballot measures that will ask for a funding increase in this November’s election. The district is seeking monies to build new schools to alleviate rampant overcrowding as well as maintain or restore budgets for technology, transportation, gifted students, reading intervention programs and security. Though Douglas…

Victoria M. and her dad sneak a peak inside the South Metro Fire Rescue fire truck at CPN’s Community Child Safety Day. (photo by Carla Kenny) Quincy (right) enjoys face painting at CPN’s Community Child Safety Day. Special thanks to Kid’s Pages Family Media for sponsoring the face painting booths. (photo by Dennis Poffenroth) by…

Now more than ever, it is important to let our military service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan know that they are not forgotten. Letters, cards and care packages sent to troops mean more than words can say. AdoptaPlatoon is a national, non-profit organization serving the U.S. military by providing a program for Americans to…

Dear City of Castle Pines North Citizens, Since being sworn in March 10, your elected officials have been hard at work. Because of the volume of work in establishing our new city, we have been conducting Council meetings every week to ensure new city business is addressed as expeditiously as possible. To date the Council…

Rock Canyon Senior Mackenzie Guest with her favorite teacher, Mr. Darren Withey. Guest and her teacher participated in “Teacher Appreciation Night,” an annual event at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Castle Rock. (Photo courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) by Lisa Crockett Teaching school can be a…

Mayor Maureen Shul (left) meets with CPN resident Mary Kerch at the Starbucks located inside Safeway on May 17. Mayor Shul hosts these events monthly and encourages residents to stop by and share thoughts and ideas about the new city. (photo by Tim Gamble)

by Elean Gersack Pack a picnic and head out to the 2008 Summer Concert in the Park. This year’s event, sponsored by the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association and Castle Rock Bank, takes place on Sunday, July 13, at Coyote Ridge Park. Air castles and concessions will kick off the fun at 4 p.m.…

Beginning May 3, CPN’s mobile library, the Bookmobile, will be open every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Located in the parking lot of the King Soopers Shopping Center, the Bookmobile is also open Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., and Mondays and Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Books and movies can…

City Council Meetings Continue Weekly Upcoming City Council Meetings All city council meetings are open to the public. Public comment is welcome during the 7 p.m. council meetings. Wednesday, June 4 6 p.m. (work session) 7 p.m. (council meeting) CPN Community Center 7404 Yorkshire Drive Wednesday, June 11 6 p.m. (work session) 7 p.m. (council…

by Terri Wiebold A fresher cup of coffee is what Geoff Newman, Forest Park resident and owner of the new Daz Bog Coffee in Castle Pines North (CPN), is offering to residents – young and old. “We are a local company and all our coffee is roasted in Denver,” said Newman. “Every coffee bean we…

by Elean Gersack Bring the kids, sleeping bags, and flashlights to a Castle Pines North (CPN) summer family tradition – Summer Movie in the Park. This year’s event will feature the G-rated film, “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium.” This whimsical story features a 243-year-old proprietor of the strangest, most fantastic, most wonderful toy store in the…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Swimmers of all ages are ready to hit the pool, but one group is already out of the water and toweling off. The Castle Crocs swim team, now in its third year, has participated in a few meets since the beginning of the season. Parents recognized a need for a swim team,…

by Terri Wiebold South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) and the Parker Fire Protection District (PFD) are now working as one consolidated department. While each department remains a separate legal entity, the two agencies formed a fire authority and are now sharing resources. A new seven-member board of directors governs the Parker-South Metro Fire Rescue Authority…

Two of Castle Pines North’s (CPN) churches are hosting Vacation Bible School this summer: “Power Lab” is the theme for VBS with Castle Pines Community Church, held June 23-27 from nine a.m. until noon each day at Buffalo Ridge Elementary. A final program will be held on Sunday, June 29. For details, visit www.castlepineschurch.org. “Jesus,…

by Lisa Crockett A final decision still has not been rendered as to whether or not the Castle Pines Parkway interchange at I-25 will get a metering light, but the traffic study to determine whether or not such a light is necessary has ended. “We are winding up the study,” said C-DOT project manager O.J.…

by Elean Gersack Round up the family and head out for a good time at the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo. The event takes place at the Douglas County Fair Grounds in Castle Rock during the week of August 2 – August 10. This year the festivities will include rodeos, carnival rides, 4-H events, tractor…

Jennifer Leete (left) and Teresa Bond (right) with Bubble Goddess Bath Co. meet Jack Canfield, Founder and CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul Enterprises. (photo courtesy of Jennifer Leete) Local business owners and residents Teresa Bond and Jennifer Leete represented Bubble Goddess Bath Co. at the Direct Selling Women Alliance Conference in Las Vegas,…

by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North (CPN) officially became a city in March, but Douglas County Public Works will handle street maintenance and certain other municipal functions until February, 2009. Road repairs and repaving are usually conducted during the summer months, but no maintenance projects are scheduled for CPN this summer. “We do not have…

by Terri Wiebold The 60-day public input period for the Part 150 Noise Study for Centennial Airport has concluded, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received more than 1,000 comments from concerned citizens regarding the study. The purpose of the Part 150 Study was to identify existing and future projected aircraft noise levels at Centennial…

by Terri Wiebold The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) continues to provides law enforcement services to the new City of Castle Pines North (CPN), as it has in the past. City officials recently established a Safety Task Force to work with the DCSO and the community. The Castle Pines North Safety Task Force identified as…

Attorney Erin M. Smith has been appointed to represent the City of Castle Pines North by Lane Roberts On April 2, the City Council voted to appoint Icenogle, North, Smith, Bliezner, Gilida and Pogue as the City’s legal counsel. Attorney Erin M. Smith has been appointed to represent the City of Castle Pines North. “When…

(photo by Terri Wiebold) A red fox (pictured above) stops in the open space near Buffalo Ridge Elementary in CPN. Red fox are spotted frequently throughout CPN. According to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, red fox are not pets and should not be fed, approached, harassed or captured. Residents are encouraged to keep lids secure…

by Kathleen Aubert We live in Brixham Court-HOA 1. Yesterday, June 23, we had a coyote pup hop/climb the 5+ wooden slat fence in our backyard. To get there, it had to have climbed/ hopped the neighbors’ fences as we do not back to open space. It was unable to climb the fence to get…

by Elean Gersack The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) and the CPN Master Association are planning an old fashioned Independence Day celebration for the entire community. The celebration is planned for Saturday, July 5, beginning at 3 p.m. at Coyote Ridge Park. This first time City of CPN event is sure to delight the…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Care for a favorite furry friend has another option in Castle Pines North (CPN). Dr. Sean Wayment, of the Animal Care Center in Castle Rock, has opened a satellite office in CPN. The Animal Care Center of Castle Pines North is now open in the Safeway Shopping Center, and is offering services…

Top to bottom: Andy Rhodes, Bill Santos and Mark Carlson by Lisa Crockett On Tuesday, May 6, three new members were elected to the Metro District Board of Directors. Only 319 of more than 5,000 registered CPN voters took time to stop by the polling place and cast their vote in this important election. Mark…

by Lisa Crockett A task force of Castle Pines North (CPN) citizens continues to negotiate with Xcel Energy regarding the installation of new poles near Coyote Ridge Park. The tallest pole, which stands a towering 180 feet and sits atop a hill, drew complaints from all parts of CPN. The pole will come down sometime…

by Lane Roberts The 2.75 percent city sales tax approved by the citizens of the City of Castle Pines North (CPN) in November 2007 is set to go into effect as of July 1, 2008. (see article on page 1) The City Council has enacted a sales tax ordinance designed to be consistent with existing…

by Anthonette Klinkerman/Vicki Bougan Admit it. There is a shoebox filled with old photos in the garage. Or perhaps a filled memory card in the digital camera? Getting around to getting them into a scrapbook seems a daunting task, but there is someone who can help. Enter Vicki Bougan. As a Creative Memories unit leader,…

All residents of Douglas County are eligible to participate in a free prescription-drug discount program, which offers a 20 percent discount on retail prescriptions at designated locations throughout the county. The program, which is sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NaCo), is open to all county residents regardless of age, income, or existing health…

Rocky Mountain Tennis will begin their spring tennis program in CPN on April 28. Classes are available for all ages and ability levels, with short three week sessions. To view classes, times and prices, visit www.rockymountaintennis.com or call 303-791-6720.

by Lane Roberts The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) is working to create a Youth Commission, where high school students will be asked to provide input to the new city. Mayor Maureen Shul has expressed a desire to form this commission for young CPN residents to assist, organize and help implement programs that will…

by Lane Roberts Each summer, CPN receives a few sighting of black bears in the community. While bird feeders bring colorful feathered friends to yards, they can also bring an unexpected guests. According to the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDW) bears that become accustomed to bird feeders must often be destroyed as they become more…

CPN resident Dick Lichtenheld (left) confers with Douglas Couty Clerk Jack Arrowsmith (right) by Lisa Crockett During the 2006 election, many Douglas County voters put in long hours in line in order to exercise their right to cast a ballot. “We had high voter turnout and a very long ballot,” said Douglas County Clerk and…

by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North (CPN) is home to two grocery stores and both of them are working to protect the environment. Both King Soopers and Safeway offer in-store recycling of plastic bags. “Plastic bags can come from any store, not just Safeway,” said CPN Safeway manager Celeste Davis. In addition to plastic bag…

by Lane Roberts Rising gas prices are not the only reason to shop local businesses. In fact, shopping right here in Castle Pines North (CPN) will soon benefit the entire city. Effective July 1, the new sales and use tax for the City is set to take effect. In the 2007 November election, voters supported…

by Lisa Crockett The shopping center on the north side of Castle Pines Parkway at the intersection of Lagae Road is beginning to take shape. “A cold winter delayed our construction a bit,” said Max Heitzmann, who is managing the project for Mineappolis-based developer Anxon, Inc. “The store should be open some time in the…

Artist’s rendering of planned development on the commercial portion of CC-20, slated for construction at the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard. (design courtesy of The Laramie Company) by Lisa Crockett Stymied by a failed library funding measure on last year’s ballot and a sluggish real estate market, the commercial portion of the…

by Lane Roberts Exciting things are happening in the new City of Castle Pines North (CPN). The development of a brand new school, the City’s first permanent church building, and a long-awaited community park are now moving forward at a rapid pace. So quickly, in fact, it is causing a few “growing pains” for the…

Doug Glibert Treasurer City of Castle Pines North The work of the Treasurer has begun. Key items at city start up for a treasurer are to start the process of revenue collection (sales tax, property tax, fees, etc.) and start to develop policies around revenue and expenses. The Treasurer must work with several groups outside…

RE/MAX Elite is announcing new ownership, a new name, and a new office in Castle Pines North, featuring state of the art technology that will not only give customers extraordinary value, but also keep the company at the forefront of the industry. RE/MAX Elite Broker/Owners Sandi Zimmerman, Elizabeth Owens, and Mary Anne DeYoung see the…

Business in the Pines members joined for lunch and fellowship at the annual meeting in May. Left to right: Cathy Anderson, Deborah Johansen, Linda Watson and Linda Clure. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold Business in the Pines (BIP) celebrated a successful first year of enterprise in Castle Pines North (CPN) during its annual…

Information provided by Douglas County Public Works The plans for the proposed improvements in Daniels Park are proceeding as planned. Road closures in the area will begin on June 16, 2008, and could last for up to five weeks. The first closure is on Olde Happy Canyon Road, also known as Castle Pines Parkway from…

A large bobcat walks behind a home in Forest Park last winter. (photo courtesy of Chip Coppola) by Terri Wiebold In Castle Pines North, natural open space provides peace and beauty. It also provides homes for a number of wild animals including bobcats, coyote, fox, deer, mountain lions, and bears. In the past few years,…

The CPN Master Association will plant a tree in Castle Pines North to honor Royann Cygan’s commitment to the community and her service to the Castle Pines Parks Authority. by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines Parks Authority says goodbye to one of the community’s greatest advocates for parks and recreation. Members of the Parks Authority…

McGruff the Crime Dog and Deputy Charles Vernier of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office meet two-year-old CPN resident, Stevie, during CPN’s “Ask A Cop” Event at Safeway. (photo by Terri Wiebold) CPN Mayor Maureen Shul stands with DCSO Deputy Charles Vernier in front of a newly-decaled DCSO vehicle that features “Serving Castle Pines North” on…

by Terri Wiebold With one of the most recognized jingles in Colorado, FirstBank in Safeway strives to be the Castle Pines North (CPN) bank for you. FirstBank is Colorado’s largest locally owned banking organization and is well established in the marketplace as a premier consumer bank. Headquartered in Lakewood, FirstBank has been providing full-service banking…

by Lane Roberts This fall, residents can expect to see construction in the Xcel power line corridor that runs through the City of Castle Pines North (CPN). No, the power lines are not being buried. Instead, the Castle Pines North Metro District is partnering with the Centennial Water and Sanitation District and the Town of…

POOLS – The CPN Master Association does not own or maintain any property or pools in CPN. To report pool problems, contact the Neighborhood HOA. Find a complete list of HOAs at www.cpnhoa.org (click on neighborhoods.) PARK ISSUES – The CPN Metro District owns and maintains all CPN parks. To report problems, or to reserve…

Due to recent car break-ins in the area, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) reminds citizens of these important crime prevention tips to reduce and avoid vehicle-related crimes. When at home: Park cars in the garage. Keep the garage door closed, even if you are at home. Always lock your car doors, even if the…

Arapahoe County Court Judge Christopher Cross swears in the newly-elected members of the SMFR Board of Directors on May 8, 2008. Left to right: David Jackson, Henry Eng, and Laura Simon. Photo by Terri Wiebold by Terri Wiebold South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) is a special taxing district established under Title 32 of the Colorado…

by Lisa Crockett Village Homes, the owner of the parcel of land being developed at the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard, is still hoping a library will come to Castle Pines North (CPN) to serve as the anchor tenant for the development. “Because of delays in construction, we still have a chance…

by Terri Wiebold In late February, officials with Douglas County and the City and County of Denver finalized a cooperative agreement for implementation of the Master Plan for Daniel’s Park. The 1000-acre historic park borders the City of Castle Pines North (CPN) to the west and is slated for renovations during the next 10 years.…

by Terri Wiebold At precisely 3:07 p.m. on Monday, March 10, the wheels of democracy started turning for the new City of Castle Pines North. Following a swearing-in ceremony earlier in the day and a preliminary study session, the mayor, treasurer, and six newly-elected council members sat down and began the business of the new…

Two South Metro Fire Rescue Candidate Forums Scheduled for April The Castle Pines North Master Association will host two “Candidate Forums” for all candidates running for the South Metro Fire Rescue Board of Directors. Mark the calendar and make sure to attend one of these two events: Friday, April 18, 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 29,…

by Terri Wiebold News of a potential merger between South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) and Parker Fire District (PFD) may cause additional delays for plans to build a new fire station in the Castle Pines North (CPN) community. The possibility of a merger between the two Districts opens new options for CPN. “One possible scenario…