The Connection

CPN eighth graders from Rocky Heights Middle School recently ran into to Governor Bill Ritter while on a scavenger hunt field trip to Denver. The hunt was designed to teach students about the history of Colorado and the City of Denver. From the left – Karli, Lauren, Morgan, Gov. Ritter, Mary Jane and Jenn. (photo…

by Terri Wiebold For the past several months, the Castle Pines North Metro District board meeting audience had been entertained and educated on one CPN resident’s efforts to decrease his electric bill and to reduce his water consumption. Ron Clark, CPN resident of 22 years and city council representative for ward 3, opens the public…

by Elean Gersack Ghosts and goblins will be looking for tricks and treats. Here are some fun alternatives or additions to traditional Halloween trick-or-treating: Trick or Treat Street in Castle Pines North CPN Business District Wednesday, October 29 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Children in costume can visit local businesses to trick or treat. In…

(photo by Terri Wiebold) by Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association has hired a new management company. Client Preference, a realty and management company, will now handle day-to-day operations and business matters — administrative support, accounting services and governance guidance — for the CPN Master Association. Anna Mallinson, treasurer of the Master…

by Terri Wiebold In August 2008, the FAA published its final determination on the 12 recommendations brought about by the Centennial Airport Part 150 Noise Abatement Study.

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…

City council members Chris Dooley and Ron Clark participate in the city’s first golf tournament. (photo by Terri Wiebold) Tournament flight winner, Charles Schwartz, with a net score of 63 accepts his award. (photo by Tim Gamble) Barbara Saenger, Pine Ridge resident and employee at The Ridge, found a creative way to keep the tournament…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Two hundred and ten people decided the outcome last year. The issue of the library initiative not passing in the last election lost by 210 votes. It was not the populus of Castle Pines North (CPN), but the surrounding parts of Douglas County that determined they already had new libraries and did…

For Immediate Release Contact: James McGrady General Manager Castle Pines North Metropoliatan District (303) 242-3262 7404 Yorkshire Drive Castle Rock, CO 80108 September 3, 2008—Castle Pines North, Colo.— Castle Pines North Metropolitan District has reached one of its most significant milestones in its procurement of renewable water.. The agreement with the Parker Water and Sanitation…

by Anthonette Klinkerman and Mayor Maureen Shul Giving local students the topic “If I were Mayor for a Day” as an essay contest seemed certain to generate some creative ideas. What arrived were thoughtful and well-constructed responses, most of which were concerned with safety for pedestrians and the health and fitness of all age groups.…

by Terri Wiebold Family owned and operated by mother-son team Sherry Lea and Castle Pines North resident Tim Hannon, the Flower Shop at Castle Pines is the alternative to mainstream creations and grocery store flower arrangements. Hannon is an award winning pastry chef who brings his creative instincts to the flower industry for a beautifully…

The City of Castle Pines North fun run, “Running in the Pines” is being planned for Saturday, September 20. This combination 5K and one-mile run/walk will take participants throughout the city. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. and the one-mile event will start at 9 a.m. Residents of all ages are invited to participate.…

by Terri Wiebold 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. Today, more than four years later, residents are still recounting promises of a new fire station in Castle Pines North (CPN) and SMFR is continuing to work…

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,  (photos courtesy of Renita Mundwiller) Of the three meets the Castle Crocs swam in this season, two were gobbled up as victories. The meets against Canterbury and Life Time Fitness in Parker were wracked up as wins, but once again a victory against the Village remained illusive. Yet, it was not all…

by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association has received several inquiries about the Douglas County Alarm Ordinance that became effective in March of 2008. Alarm companies have been educated about the enforcement of the ordinance and they are starting to bill CPN residents for the $40 annual registration fee. Residents of CPN…

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 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…

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…