Read the stories from the latest issue:
The League of Women Voters Hosted an incorporation debate forum for CPN residents on Friday, November 2, at 7 p.m. at Rocky Heights Middle School. More than 80 CPN residents attended the forum. Maureen Shul and Doug Gilbert (pictured above at the right) represented the pro-incorporation side. Debating against incorporation were Mark Shively and Ted…
by Lisa Crockett Continuing construction on the new Ridgegate freeway interchange, located at I-25 south of Lincoln Avenue, will mean mild traffic slowdowns for the months to come. A bridge at the interchange will be constructed over the next 12 months, bringing a “lane shift” and a slower, 55 m.p.h speed limit, which will be…
by Terri Wiebold & Lisa Crockett Considered by some to be a “jewel in the crown” of the Denver Mountain park system, historic Daniels Park is slated for some upgrades over the next 10 years as part of a proposed Master Plan that Douglas County is currently evaluating. On September 5, more than 40 residents…
Special thanks to Summer Movie co-sponsor Dr. Andrew Dunbar of Castle Pines Orthodontics. by Elean Gersack The 2007 Movie in the Park, co-sponsored by the Castle Pines North Master Association and Dr. Andrew Dunbar of Castle Pines Orthodontics, featured the 2006 version of “Charlotte’s Web.” Families snuggled in blankets and chairs under the stars to…
Officer Kevin Duffy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reviews traffic safety information with North Lynx HOA residents. Traffic Safety Reminders: • Traffic cones and other obstructions are illegal and may not be placed on streets by residents. There is some evidence that these tools actually make conditions more dangerous for children. • Drivers must…
Construction is underway to create the Ridgegate Interchange near the highly congested Lincoln Ave. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Lisa Crockett Construction adjacent to northbound I-25 may mean some minor delays for commuters from Castle Pines North (CPN) in the coming months. The long-anticipated Ridgegate interchange, designed to alleviate congestion on Lincoln Avenue, is finally…
Incorporation Election Commissioners for Castle Pines North and the Preservation Steering Committee meet with legal counsel to discuss the November 6 election details. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold and Lisa Crockett The long lines to vote can be avoided this November. For elections in odd years, Douglas County has the option to utilize…
Thistle and Knapweed by Lisa Crockett Many residents have expressed concerns regarding the spraying of noxious weeds in the open space areas around Castle Pines North (CPN). The majority of open space areas within CPN are maintained by the CPN Metro District. Herbicides applied to open space areas to control noxious weeds are safe and…
by Lisa Crockett Nine Douglas County residents will vie for three open spots on the Board of Education in this November’s election. School Board members are elected by the entire county, but once elected will represent a specific district. “Two of the open spots are in the Highlands Ranch area, and the third is in…
Janet Conner by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) community has lost one of its most ardent advocates. Janet Conner and her husband Keith have moved from CPN. In the past several years, Janet was very involved in the CPN community, especially the area of public safety. Until her move in mid-September, she was…
by Lane Roberts Castle Pines North (CPN) is at an important crossroads. The long-awaited vote on incorporation is finally approaching. After more than 11 months, CPN residents will cast their vote on incorporation in a mail ballot coordinated with Douglas County on November 6. At three community information meetings held at local schools on September…
Paul Arvidson from Castle Rock Bank thanks families for coming to the 2007 Concert in the Park. by Elean Gersack The Castle Pines North Master Association presented its annual Summer Concert in the Park on Sunday, July 22, at Coyote Ridge Park.? The event, co-sponsored by Castle Rock Bank at Castle Pines, featured British rock…
by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District continues to search for a reliable, renewable water source. In addition, the District is also responsible for other amenities in the CPN community such as parks, open space and other neighborhood-related issues. The District reviewed the following issues during its August board meeting: The upgrade…
Understanding the details presented on a ballot is never easy. Before casting a vote, please review the sample ballot below, along with the detailed explanations provided to fully understand the incorporation ballot. As mentioned in the TABOR article on page 3, three other questions must be addressed in voting on incorporation. For incorporation to be…
Business in the Pines guest speakers Meme Martin (left) and Bart Sayyah (right) shared economic development information with members. Story and photo by Terri Wiebold Business in the Pines formed last December to help promote and enhance future growth of Castle Pines North (CPN) area businesses, and what better way to accomplish that than to…
by Lisa Crockett After extensive work on infrastructure and drainage, models for town homes and patio homes on “CC-20” – the land at the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard – could be ready for public tours by late this year or early next year. “Some of the timing will depend on…
On Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4, Pax Christi Catholic Church will sponsor a Third World Market. All proceeds will go back to the countries from where the products were made. Pax Christi Catholic Church is located at 5761 McArthur Ranch Road – just north of Rock Canyon High School. For more information, please…
The Retreat Park upgrade is complete. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Lane Roberts The Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District has completed the upgrade at The Retreat Park. The oldest park in CPN received a face-lift this summer. All of the old equipment was removed and replaced with a new, state-of-the-art playground facility. The much-needed…
by Lane Roberts Chances are, most Castle Pines North residents struggle their way through the Lincoln Avenue and I-25 interchange sometime during their day. Construction on the Ridgegate interchange will help minimize congestion at Lincoln, but will not be complete until late 2008 or in 2009. Douglas County and the City of Lone Tree have…
by Terri Wiebold In September, Centennial Airport announced it anticipates completion of the Part 150 Noise Study contour maps in October, at which time they will go back to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for approval. The maps depict various noise thresholds (70Db at the high end to 50Db at the low end.) They are…
The Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association will host its annual board meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at 7 p.m. at the Community Center, 7404 Yorkshire Drive. The annual meeting is open to all residents of CPN. All delegate representatives from each neighborhood HOA are encouraged to attend the annual meeting. Delegates will vote for…
by Terri Wiebold Individuals who wish to participate in the Douglas County coordinated election on November 6, MUST be registered to vote by October 8, 2007. Residents in Douglas County can register to vote at the Castle Rock, Parker, or Larkspur town halls, or at the Douglas County Clerk and Recorder’s Office at the county…
by Terri Wiebold and Elean Gersack The Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association is thrilled to announce Holiday Carriage Rides at the Ridge Golf Course in December. This annual event is a favorite among CPN residents and The Ridge is the perfect venue to make this year’s carriage rides the best ever. In addition to…
by Elean Gersack The Town of Castle Rock will kick off the holiday season on Saturday, November 17 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…
The Ridge General Manager, Mike Henritze Article and photo by Terri Wiebold The Ridge at Castle Pines North Golf Course (The Ridge) recently welcomed a new general manager, Michael Henritze, who replaced former manager of four years, Darrell Fuston. Henritze brings valued experience to The Ridge after serving as general manager and director of golf…
Several unique cultural events are planned for children at the Lone Tree Recreation Center this fall. The events do not require registration and are free to the public. For more information, visit the South Suburban Parks and Recreation website at www.sspr.org. In Search of Giants On October 21 at 3 p.m. the Lone Tree Recreation…
Get the Facts Before You Vote Dear Castle Pines North Residents: For almost a year, our community has explored the proposed incorporation of Castle Pines North (CPN). Last December, the Master Association formed the Castle Pines North Preservation Committee in an effort to determine if incorporation of our community is economically feasible. It has been…
All mail ballots for the upcoming election must be received (not postmarked) by November 6, at 7 p.m. Voted ballots may be mailed, or hand carried to any of the following locations: Wilcox Administration Building 301 N. Wilcox St. Castle Rock Town of Castle Rock 100 N. Wilcox St. Castle Rock Highlands Ranch Motor Vehicle…
by Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association welcomed Rex Lucas to its Board of Directors in September. Lucas, who also serves as Treasurer for the Brambleridge HOA, comes to the position with a wealth of community volunteer experience. He has been involved in the CPN community since moving here four years ago…
by Elean Gersack Little ghosts and goblins are invited to Trick or Treat Street on Monday, October 29. Business in the Pines will sponsor this new event for children in the Castle Pines North (CPN) Business District from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by Nick-N-Willy’s and Little Italy Pizzeria during Trick or Treat Street…
by Terri Wiebold The upcoming general election on November 6 will list several TABOR (Tax Payers Bill of Rights) questions along with the issue of the incorporation of Castle Pines North (CPN) on the ballot. Many residents have asked, “What is TABOR, and how will it affect CPN?” TABOR essentially limits how much total revenue…
Susie Typher – Senior at Rock Canyon High School Article and photo by Elean Gersack Susie Typher, a senior at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), has joined The Connection as student intern for the 2007-2008 school year. Typher is currently the Executive Editor for the award winning RCHS student newspaper, The Rock. Beginning with the…
by Lisa Crockett Two Castle Pines North (CPN) businesses have called it quits. Handmade Colorado, a showcase for local artists, and Castle Cones, an ice-cream parlor, are no longer in business. “In a nutshell, there wasn’t enough business to keep us going,” said Chris Ogilve, who owned and operated Handmade Colorado with his wife, Becky.…
Photo provided by Douglas County Public Works by Terri Wiebold It is only October and Castle Pines North (CPN) residents are already reading about snow – well, welcome to Colorado! The CPN community rests at a chilly 6,210 feet above sea level, considerably higher than our “mile high” neighbors to the north, and October is…
by Elean Gersack Business in the Pines is now accepting applications for vendors and sponsors for OctoberFest, which will be held in the Castle Pines North (CPN) business district on Saturday, October 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This annual CPN tradition features food, unique artisan vendors, music, climbing walls, bungee jumps, bounce castles,…
by Elean Gersack Amazing Animals – Pangi the Parrott, Drifter the Dog and Mudslinger the Pot Belly Pig – wowed the crowd in HOA2 on Sunday, June 10. The animals performed with their trainer, John Vincent. The HOA2 Social Committee sponsored this free event for their neighborhood. Mudslinger the Pot Belly Pig (above) jumps the…
by Terri Wiebold Until funding for a permanent library facility in Castle Pines North (CPN) is approved (see article front page), CPN residents continue to regularly visit the Douglas County Library District’s Bookmobile. The Bookmobile has a collection of more than 3,000 items, but has complete access to everything within the Douglas County Library system.…
by Lisa Crockett The Citizens for the Preservation of Castle Pines North committee (CPNPC) is a group of citizens working together to advocate and inform all residents of Castle Pines North (CPN) of all the facts pertaining to the question of incorporation. CPNPC welcomes participation from any concerned citizens in CPN in the following areas:…
Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Castle Pines North Wine & Spirits and Canyon Ridge Chiropractic celebrated a joint re-grand opening on Saturday, June 23. Both businesses are located in the King Sooper’s Shopping Center in Castle Pines North. The businesses provided free barbecue and lots of free give-aways to residents who stopped by for…
by Lorraine Masonheimer Background – – In the last five years, Xcel Energy has applied and been granted two expansions to increase voltage in the Castle Pines North (CPN) transmission corridors. In 2005, Xcel requested a significant increase in audible noise levels for the second expansion. Bruce Thompson, as a board member of the Master…
Castle Rock Star Lighting November 2005 by Lane Roberts Congratulations to the Town of Castle Rock. Family Circle magazine recently selected the Town of Castle Rock as one of the “10 best Towns for Families” in the United States. The article, which appeared in the August edition of the magazine, shares the results of the…
Michaels Craft Store is just one of many new shopping options under construction in Castle Rock’s northern quadrant. (photo by Lisa Crockett) by Lisa Crockett Whether looking to cash a check, knit a sweater or build an addition to a home, new shopping options in Castle Rock abound. A flurry of construction in Castle Rock’s…
by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North (CPN) residents now have one less local banking option. The Washington Mutual (WAMU) branch on Lagae Road closed its doors on July 20. WAMU customers will now have to travel to the bank’s location on Milestone Lane in Castle Rock (near WalMart and Kohl’s.) “Accounts will automatically transfer to…
by Lisa Crockett Douglas County residents received a newsletter this summer entitled Douglas County Connection, which reports funding sources and expenditures on road projects from 1996 to 2006. The newsletter details road and bridge funding, road sales and use tax, as well as other quality of life issues relating to roads in Douglas County. The…
by Lane Roberts As of press time, Douglas County District Court was set to hold a brief hearing on the “Revenue Sharing and Settlement Agreement” between Castle Pines North (CPN) and Castle Pines Village (VILLAGE). The agreement, heard by the court on July 25, was signed on June 7 by representatives from both CPN and…
by Terri Wiebold South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) has undergone some major changes in the past few months, but one change is of particular interest and benefit to residents in the Castle Pines North (CPN) community. On July 15, the ambulance once based at Station 36 – located at 421 Castle Pines Parkway – returned…
by Terri Wiebold Earlier this year, The Connection reported on a new cellular tower proposed to be built at the south end of The Ridge Golf Course parking lot. The 19-inch diameter, 35-foot tall tower was designed with a shoe-box style light mounted near the top, similar to those found in grocery store parking lots.…
by Lorraine Masonheimer Esperanza, a peninsula of 58 homes nestled in a valley between WinterBerry and Tapadero, is a gated community developed by Richmond Homes. The signature gates recently received medallions with a cursive “E” at Esperanza’s entrance located at Monarch Boulevard and Esperanza Drive. Mike Dunker has served as president of the Homeowners Association…
by Elean Gersack Business in the Pines was created earlier this year by the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association to promote an environment of communication, cooperation and support for local storefront and home-based businesses. The membership-based organization has grown to more than 60 members to date. As a networking, cooperative marketing and advertising group,…
by Elean Gersack Effective June 1, 2007, Jason Ortman, O.D., assumed Castle Pines Family Eye Care from prior owner, Jeffrey Butts, O.D., who has relocated outside of Colorado. During the past five years, Dr. Ortman practiced in Lakewood, Colorado. He completed undergraduate studies at Indiana University and received his Doctor of Optometry at The Ohio…
by Elean Gersack The Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association will present the 2007 Summer Movie in the Park, featuring “Charlotte’s Web” at Coyote Ridge Park on Saturday, August 25. The movie will begin around 8:30 p.m. This 2006 G-rated version, starring Dakota Fanning, is a remake of the story by E.B. White. Bring the…
by Elean Gersack The Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association presented its annual Summer Movie in the Park on August 25, at Coyote Ridge Park. The movie, co-sponsored by Dr. Andrew Dunbar of Castle Pines Orthodontics, featured the 2006 version of “Charlotte’s Web”. Families brought sleeping bags, blankets, and chairs and sat back to enjoy…
Carl Lowman, new Metro District Board Member (photo by Tim Gamble) by Lorraine Masonheimer The Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District Board of Directors recently appointed Carl Lowman as a volunteer member-at-large replacing Jonette Brown Eyes who recently moved from the community. Lowman’s term expires in May 2008. “We received many qualified applicants and they…
Xcel North-South Powerline Corridor by Lane Roberts Xcel Energy is set to begin construction at the Daniel’s Park substation the week of August 6. Initial work on the project includes the installation of grading, erosion and sedimentation control measures approved by Douglas County. Grading at the substation is scheduled for the week of August 13.…
by Lisa Crockett The planned Ridgegate interchange, located South of Lincoln and north of the Surrey Ridge exit was slated to begin construction in June, but has been temporarily put on hold. The Ridgegate project will handle the increase in traffic that will result from the planned closure of exit 191 and the Surrey Ridge…
by Lane Roberts After months of careful research and evaluation, CH2M HILL OMI will present the final results of the long-awaited economic feasibility study in August. Results of the “Revenue Sharing and Settlement Agreement” were included in the final numbers recently completed by CH2M HILL OMI. Community forum dates and locations were not finalized as…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Wendy Manitta Holmes Director of Public Affairs Douglas County (303) 880-7785 OR Susan Baird Denver Parks and Recreation (720) 913-0617 August 22 Event Hosted By Douglas County and Denver Parks and Recreation Castle Rock, CO……A jewel in the crown of the Denver Mountain Parks System in Douglas County…
by Lorraine Masonheimer The Castle Pines North Metro District Board of Directors recently voted to approve an $18,000 landscaping project in the Esperanza “S” curve open space. The Board awarded the contract to Rainbow Landscape, the lowest of three bidders, to add 30 trees, 59 shrubs, bark mulch, edging, native grass seed and temporary irrigation…
The new CPN bakery also sells gifts, greeting cards and books. (photo by Lorraine Masonheimer) The Bundt Shoppe 7437 Village Square Drive—Castle Pines North Telephone – 303-814-0149 Web – www.thebundtshoppe.com Open – Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost $3.25—$38.95 by Lorraine Masonheimer Castle Pine North’s (CPN)…
by Lane Roberts Summer in Castle Pines North – – what better place to be a kid? Thoughout the community, children of all ages have enjoyed many activities. From soaking up the sun at neighborhood pools, riding bikes, playing at CPN parks, or attending many exciting community events – – it has been a great…
by Lisa Crockett Personal training and fundraising do not often intersect. When the annual Rock Slide race needed a new coordinator, Jenny Brett, member of the Wildcat Mountain Elementary PTO, seemed tailor-made for the job. “As a personal trainer and a parent, I love the mission of the race,” said Brett. Bringing families and the…
by Lorraine Masonheimer The fledgling blades of native grasses clinging to the side of the eroding WinterBerry hill just received a lifeline. In June, the Metro District Board of Directors approved a $20,000 hillside erosion project for the WinterBerry community located at Monarch Boulevard and Buffalo Trail. The twenty-five homes affected back to Buffalo Trail…
Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver by Terri Wiebold A citizen’s committee formed by Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver recently presented two recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration as ballot issues for this November 2007 election: The LEA (Law Enforcement Authority) Mill Levy should be increased 1.5 mills (from 4.5 to 6.0) for…
Saturday, August 11 – Shea Stadium, located at 3720 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 22 – Castle Rock Utilities Building, 175 Kellogg Drive, Castle Rock – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For maps to the drop-off locations or for more information about what items will and will…
CPN resident Jeremy Gamble (right) earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do with the help of friend Taylor Moudy. by Lisa Crockett Taking a test is not something that most kids would think of as fun, but for Castle Pines North (CPN) resident Jeremy Gamble, it is just part of a process he enjoys.…
by Elean Gersack Introducing Bubble Goddess Bath Company Bubble Goddess Bath Company provides “Natural Bath Products for Your Inner Goddess.” Natural and organic bath products created and manufactured right here in Castle Pines North are a great choice for the whole family and those with dry, sensitive skin. Visit Bubble Goddess Bath Company at Market…
Business in the Pines will host this year’s OctoberFest in Castle Pines North (CPN). Mark the calendar for Saturday, October 13, and plan to attend this annual CPN tradition. Food, drinks, vendors and activities make this a great family outing. Vendors interested in booth space should contact Carla Kenny at Contact by email.
by Lorraine Masonheimer Daniel’s Gate residents recently asked the Metro District to relocate the “vault” restroom facility planned for Daniel’s Gate Park to lessen the impact for homes in the area. The original site placed the facility next to the parking lot. In June, the Metro District Board of Directors unanimously agreed to move the…
by Lisa Crockett Representatives from Village Homes are working hard to get the building process underway on the site known as “CC-20” at the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard. The site has been undergoing grading and infrastructure improvements since spring and Village Homes is eager to begin the first phase of the…
Business in the Pines board members include: (Pictured above left to right) Jessica Schwartz, Branch Supervisor – 1stBank of Douglas County, Carla Kenny, Administrator – Business in the Pines Association (former-Officio), Julie Sequeira, Owner/President – Julie Sequeira Agency / American Family Insurance, Shelly Kliner, Broker Associate – Prestige Real Estate, Sharon Kollmar, Administrator – Business…