The Connection

Each issue of The Connection features current events, sports information, school awards, fundraisers and other important items about each of the six neighborhood schools in Castle Pines North. To share school information, please contact by email, or call 303-482-3078. by Lisa Crockett The Douglas County School Board will not officially decide on whether it will…

Members & Margaritas Business in the Pines members joined for the second annual Members and Margaritas bash on Thursday, May 22. Prudential Preferred Real Estate sponsored the event to help members get to know each other better, network, and have fun. Pictured above, Dan Cook. Pictured below (from the left): Ginny Wainright, Asa Cole and…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Golfers, grab those clubs for the Fourth Annual Second Wind Fund Golf Tournament. Monday, September 8 at The Ridge, join in for a day of golf to include a Best Ball contest, and a chance to win a BMW 330 from Ralph Schomp at the Hole-in-One contest. Key sponsors include Sky Ridge…

by Lisa Crockett A small group of people who live in Castle Pines North (CPN) are looking toward the future, and the city they envision will lead the way in environmental responsiblity. “Our mission is to add value to Castle Pines North through socially and environmentally responsible programs that enhance our community,” said Ryan Parker,…

Temperatures are heating up and Castle Pines North (CPN) is several inches behind in rainfall for the year. Residents should be aware of the hazards of fireworks and take precautions when using them. In fact, certain fireworks are illegal for use in the State of Colorado. The City Council has adopted the policy that prohibits…

The new Walgreens store on Castle Pines Parkway takes shape. (photo by Lisa Crockett)by Lisa Crockett Before year’s end, several thousand new square feet of retail space will open in Castle Pines North (CPN). CPN resident Chuck Barry and his two business partners are looking forward to the completion of their new building on Village…

by Anthonette Klinkerman In order for teenagers to feel they have a voice in the goings-on of the new city of Castle Pines North, Mayor Maureen Shul proposed organizing a Youth Advisory Commission in the last issue of The Connection. As the new city grows, the mayor feels it is important thTeens Asked to Join…

by Terri Wiebold In preparation for the new sales tax which took effect on July 1, the city of Castle Pines North (CPN) and the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted a series of informational tax seminars at DazBog Coffee in CPN. According to City Treasurer, Doug Gilbert, the seminars were designed to educate residents…

by Terri Wiebold Work continues on the upgrades to Daniels Park, including “Phase I” plans to pave the southern portion of the existing Daniel’s Park Road. Xcel Energy is currently in the process of lowering gas lines in the area, a task proving more challenging than originally anticipated, according to Douglas County Senior Development Review…

Castle Pines North youngsters gather around golden retriever “Ben Hogan Murray” – the camp mascot – to show enthusiasm for the sport of golf. Daniel’s Gate resident Elijah (7) perfects his sand shot from a bunker at The Ridge at Castle Pines North junior golf camp. Article and photos by Terri Wiebold Summer activities for…

Applicant Chris Fellows, HF Holdings by CPN Communications On Wednesday, August 27, more than 350 people filled the seats and lined the walls of the Castle Pines North (CPN) Community Center as the City Council held the public hearing for the re-zoning of the Lagae Ranch parcel. By a unanimous vote, the council approved the…

by Lisa Crockett Construction of 20 patio homes and 27 town homes at Village Homes “The Crossings” continues this summer near Monarch Boulevard just north of Castle Pines Parkway next to Stonecroft. A sprinkling of “for sale” and “sold” signs dot Castle Pines North’s (CPN) newest neighborhood. Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2009.…

by Lane Roberts Preliminary plans for the 8.5 mile “Centennial to Castle Rock Interconnect Pipeline Project” have been completed. The 30-inch pipeline will run from storage tanks on Griggs Road through Castle Pines North (CPN) along the Xcel power line corridor, and will end at a water storage facility in Castle Rock. The Castle Pines…

CPN residents Keri Brehm (top) and Crista Huff (below) will represent Colorado’s Republican Party at the Republican National Convention in September. (photo by Lisa Crockett and courtesy of Keri Brehm) by Lisa Crockett When the GOP convenes in September to nominate a candidate for President of the United States, Castle Pines North (CPN) will be…

by Anthonette Klinkerman 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 wishes to create a Veteran’s Affairs Committee specific to the burgeoning city of Castle Pines North. Shul is interested in seeing veterans gather to decide…

by Elean Gersack Plans are underway for the 2008 Rock Slide. Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) and its feeder schools, including all Castle Pines North area elementary and middle schools, participate in this annual event to raise money and support physical fitness. This year’s race is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, at 9 a.m. beginning…

by Elean Gersack The 2008 Summer Movie in the Park is just around the corner. Bring the family to Coyote Ridge Park on Saturday, August 9, for a night under the stars watching the G-rated film, “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” featuring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman. The show will begin at dusk – about 8:30…

Tri County Health Department employees and volunteers dispose of the chemicals and hazardous waste at the Household Chemical Roundups. (photo by Terri Wiebold) There is one remaining opportunity for the Household Chemical Roundup for 2008: Saturday, September 20 – Castle Rock Utilities Building, 175 Kellogg Drive 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For maps to the…

by Terri Wiebold More than thirty concerned citizens gathered at the Castle Pines North (CPN) Community Center on August 7 to hear the Parker-South Metro Fire Authority’s (PSMFRA) recommendations for improved fire and emergency medical services to the Castle Pines North community. A new station in CPN has been the topic of discussion for several…

From left to right around the table, Lindsay Kamel, Bob Hanak, Sandra Kip, Laurel Mueller, Sue Wagoner, Corbin Wagoner, Warren Lynge, Aspen Walker, Justin Van Landschoot, Lisa Albro by D. Corbin Wagoner In the classic 1948 movie, “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” directed by John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, a now famous line was…

by Terri Wiebold November 2007 was the beginning of the Castle Pines North (CPN) story. Now, six months after formally becoming a city, officials are busy writing CPN’s next chapter. Revisiting the Incorporation Process During the incorporation process that spanned more than 12 months, a team of seven CPN residents including representatives from the CPN…

Breanna Duran (above), third place essay contest winner, shakes hands with Metro District President Ted Lohr at the June 16 award presentation. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District Board of Directors announced the winners of the WARP (Water Awareness Responsibility Program) high school essay contest during its…

September 12 Mark the calendar for Friday, September 12, and attend the Sassy Soiree luncheon benefiting the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. The luncheon – with silent auction, fashion show and door prizes – will take place at the Douglas County Events Center. Advance tickets are $35, reserved runway tables for eight are $400, and reserved tables…

September 5 – 6 Families 4 New Hope (a non-profit) will be hosting a children’s consignment sale at the Castle Pines North Community Center Friday, September 5th and Saturday, September 6th from 8am to 4pm each day. All proceeds from the event go towards projects in need locally, regionally and internationally. We are committed to…

CPN residents, John and Margita Torres, enjoy their first “Concert in the Park” with their daughter, Angie, and grandkids, Dylan, Roman, Brianna and Lucas. (photo by Elean Gersack) Boy Scout Troop 316 grills up meal deals for the crowd at the 2008 Concert in the Park. (photo by Tim Gamble) by Elean Gersack Reckless Abandon…

Park illustration provided by Design Concepts by Terri Wiebold Plans for the approximately 37-acre park on the Lagae Ranch parcel between the proposed American Academy Charter School and God’s Grace Community Church are moving forward and the park design is beginning to take form. “The new park will be an amenity that has something for…

Kids get a break from the heat with a spray from South Metro Fire Rescue during the July 5 celebration. A youngster anticipates the egg being tossed his way during the egg toss event. Campbell D. takes a bite of pie during the pie tasting contest. Best Pie Winner Pam Dolan is congratulated by Mayor…

by Terri Wiebold This is the rough Russian translation for, “I messed up!” In the June-July issue of The Connection, it was reported that the hours of operation for DazBog Coffee were Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In reality, the hours of operation are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. – much…

by Terri Wiebold A third T-Mobile cellular tower is proposed in the Daniel’s Gate neighborhood of Castle Pines North (CPN), according to CPN Metro District Manager, James McGrady. Senior Project Manager representing T-Mobile, Matt Butler, reports that the proposed 45-foot, 18-inch diameter tower will be similar in shape and size to the existing towers at…

by Lisa Crockett A towering power pole that was placed in CPN adjacent to Coyote Ridge park is slated to come down, but perhaps not before year’s end. “When we talked to Xcel, they said the pole would come down no later than January,” said Jennifer Havercroft, the city council’s liaison to the citizen’s task…

by Terri Wiebold It has been said that a dog is a man’s best friend. Well, in Castle Pines North and surrounding communities, a dog’s best friend is a man – Dr. John Vickers at Castle Pines Veterinary Clinic. Colorado native and former school teacher, Vickers left the student classroom for the pet operating room…

CPN residents may now enter the Wildcat Mountain Trail if they are willing to pay for a horseback ride. Access to the trail on foot or bicycle is still prohibited to CPN residents. (photo by Lisa Crockett) by Lisa Crockett It’s been more than a year since Castle Pines North (CPN) residents clashed with their…

CPN Safety Task Force Chair Carol Langley-Finnegan by Lisa Crockett Nearly everyone knows someone who seems to accomplish the impossible. Someone who can take the same number of hours in the day as everyone else and do three times as much. And anyone who is a friend to Carol Langley-Finnegan knows that she is that…

photo by Laura Gooding  

by Terri Wiebold Founded in 1923, the Colorado Municipal League (CML) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents and serves Colorado’s cities and towns. Currently, more than 95 percent of Colorado communities are members of CML and benefit from its informational and advocacy services – Castle Pines North (CPN) being one of the newest members.…

by Terri Wiebold The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) Safety Task Force has jumped right into action, working diligently on areas of safety concern for the City. Committee members have been working with HOAs to establish “USA on Watch” (formerly Neighborhood Watch) programs and organizing block captains for the program. Ultimately, the committee would…

by Terri Wiebold Thrive – the latest beverage to hit the booming energy drink market is changing the way consumers think about energy drinks, and it is changing the lives of three Castle Pines North residents in the process. Patrick Drawe of Forest Park, Doug Emerson of Greenbriar, and Rich Marshall of WinterBerry are three…

by Lisa Crockett The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) is hosting a Candidate Forum on July 22, at 7:00 p.m., at the CPN Community Center located at 7404 Yorkshire Dr. The forum will allow each candidate to present a brief opening statement and then to respond to questions from the audience. Candidates participating in…

Colorado Department of Revenue Taxpayer Service Division 1375 Sherman St. Denver, Colorado 80261 Forms and other services: (303) 238-FAST (3278) Assistance: (303) 238-SERV (7378)www.taxcolorado.com GENERAL INFORMATION The Colorado Department of Revenue is responsible for collecting and administering local sales taxes for all counties, statutory cities and special districts that impose a sales tax. Sales taxes…

by Bill Porter – City Safety Task Force Everyone hears about the Mountain Pine Beetles that are devastating the forests in the mountain areas of our state.  These and other beetles will also attack other varieties of pine trees in our own back yards.  The following are articles from Colorado State University Extension Horticulture Department. …

by Lisa Crockett The summer time temperatures weren’t the only things heating up during July in Castle Pines North. This year’s primary election, already one of the most-watched contests in recent history, is kicking in to high gear and CPN residents are at the forefront of the action. More than 100 people were in attendance…

by Terri Wiebold and information provided by Parker-South Metro Fire Authority It began with a community meeting in May of 2004 to gain support for a South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) special district mill levy increase. Now, more than four years later, residents are still recounting promises of a new fire station in Castle Pines…

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…