Read the stories from the latest issue:
To make holiday shipping easier, below is a list of Castle Pines North’s closest post office locations: Castle Pines Village, (Castle Pines Postal Center), 80108 862 W Happy Canyon Rd., Ste. 110 Lone Tree (Lone Tree Postal), 80124 8878 Maximus Dr. Highlands Ranch, 80130 9609 S University Blvd. Castle Rock, 80104 300 E Miller Ct.…
Presenters Victoria Torok, CPT and owner of Elite Mobile Fitness, and Dr. Clint Dickason, owner of Dickason Chiropractic, have teamed up to get CPN residents to new levels of fitness. Torok and Dickasen are offering a free lunchtime seminar series to begin soon after New Year’s Resolutions are made. Mark the calendar for these special…
Southeast Community Outreach (SECOR) is a nonprofit, non-denominational organization operating in the southeast Denver-Metro area dedicated to demonstrating God’s compassion for those in need by providing food, personal items, monetary and budgeting assistance to individuals and families experiencing financial insecurities. Founded by Southeast Christian Church, SECOR gives a helping had to families in the area…
by Terri Wiebold While there are those rare individuals who actually enjoy braving the chaotic mall parking lots and the crowds at the registers for holiday shopping, many prefer to shop in less congested environments with decreased stress. The Castle Pines North business district has the perfect solution to holiday shopping woes… Discover the convenience…
Fmr. City Clerk Carl Kollmar The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) expects to name a new City Clerk by December 8. City Clerk Carl Kollmar resigned from the position this fall and is now serving as Deputy City Clerk for CH2M HILL OMI. “I resigned to pursue a gainful opportunity with CH2M HILL and…
Special thanks to departing board members pictured below Anna Mallinson (left), Kim Hoffman (center), and David Necker (right) for their tireless work on the board, especially in these past few months of transition. article and photo by Terri Wiebold Castle Pines North (CPN) residents and homeowner association delegates joined at the CPN Community Center for…
by Anthonette Klinkerman SendOutCards has developed a new program to allow its distributors to donate their commissions to the charity of their choice. Currently the charities include eWomen Network, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, and the American Heart Association, but distributors are lining up to suggest more charities to be…
by Terri Wiebold Douglas County recently awarded a bid for the trail construction portion of the East-West Regional Trail expansion project, which once complete, will form one continuous trail from Highway 85 east to the Bluffs Regional Park. According to Douglas County Parks and Trails Planner, Randy Burkhardt, the County is still working through bonding…
Lost of found a pet in the community? No tags or other identifying information? Make sure to check the Castle Pines North (CPN) web site to see if someone has reported the missing pet. The home page of www.cpnhoa.org has an icon that directs users to all “lost and found” pet listings. Residents who have…
Community volunteers work together to remove dead scrub oak in the open space near Pine Ridge. (photos provided by Barb Saenger) Pine Ridge community volunteers left to right:? Dan McCracken, Loyd Saenger Kathy McCracken, Don VanPutten, Sondra Barry, Gail Murray, Gene Owen, Michael Mauck, Marilyn Emblen, Bill Gatrix, Char Nelson, Don Hahn, Sue Hahn, Frank…
Local Brownie Troop 628 invited Mayor Maureen Shul to their meeting on November 10. The group of third graders at Buffalo Ridge were working on their Citizens Near and Far badge and were learning about being a good citizen, voting and laws and rules. On November 12, the Troop sang The Star Spangled Banner and…
by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association Board of Directors held a special meeting on November 18 to discuss and adopt the proposed 2009 budget prior to its regularly scheduled annual meeting. Master Association board member Earl Millspaugh presented the proposed 2009 budget to the more than 65 residents and delegates in…
submitted by Lynn Pender/The Sanctuary Day Spa The Sanctuary Day Spa is offering all the help shoppers need for the holiday season. On special this month, purchase any 60 minute service or gift card and receive 20 percent off all additional services. Gift-givers can also purchase a Wellness Plan and receive two months of free…
by Lisa Crockett Despite a failed ballot measure aimed at providing the mechanism for transferring funding from the Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District to the City of Castle Pines North, the city is adequately funded and will be able to provide necessary services to its citizens, according to CPN Mayor Maureen Shul. “Although these…
CPN resident Sandra Kip by Lisa Crockett The defeat of a November ballot measure that was to provide funding for a new library in Castle Pines North (CPN) was a blow to the many volunteers in the community who worked to make that dream a reality. The grassroots organization of more than 80 local volunteers…
Timber Trail Elementary is offering gift cards to a variety of retailers – everything from movie tickets to Honeybaked Ham – as a fundraiser to benefit the school. Cards are purchased at face value and a portion of the proceeds goes to TTE. For more information, or to order cards, send an e-mail to: Contact…
Boy Scout Troop 316 is offering a Christmas Tree pickup service for Castle Pines North residents. As of press time, dates for pickup had not been determined – dates will be listed on the troop’s website closer to the holiday. Trees will be taken to Douglas County recycling facilities. There is no charge for the…
by Lisa Crockett In the wake of the Library District’s failure to receive a funding increase from voters for the second year in a row, hope for the possibility of a library in Castle Pines North (CPN) is growing dim. The proposed library was to have served as an “anchor” tenant for the commercial development…
by Terri Wiebold The Master Association Board of Directors adopted a revised dues collection policy at its monthly Board of Directors meeting in September. Annual dues notices for the Master Association will be mailed to homeowners in December and, in accordance with the new policy, dues will now be payable on January 1, 2009. This…
South Suburban Parks and Recreation will be offering all recreation center passes at a 10 percent discount from November 27 through December 31. Customers who purchase a multiple-use pass or punch card have access to all facility amenities and drop-in fitness classes at South Suburban’s Lone Tree, Goodson and Buck Recreation Centers. Drop-in group fitness…
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. With the High Holy days approaching what better time to get together.
by Elean Gersack With the holidays near, take time to slow down and enjoy the season. From music and theater to nature and children’s events, there are numerous happenings around town for little ones, adults and families. Breakfast with Santa at The Ridge Saturday, December 6, at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. The CPN Chamber…
by Terri Wiebold, with contributions from Neil Preister In October, guest speaker Neil Preister attended the Master Association Board of Director’s meeting to discuss the organization IREA Voices and to solicit candidates for the Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) Board of Director’s election, to be held in April 2009. IREA Voices is a nonprofit, nonpartisan…
When asked what she thought of the work Colleen Carlson (right) of Carlson Homescapes did in her newly-designed room, Debbie Kirwin (left) said, “Oh my gosh it’s beautiful! (photo by Tim Gamble) by Terri Wiebold In an environment where the economic market causes people to tighten purse strings and re-evaluate spending priorities, an optimistic new…
by Anthonette Klinkerman The unusually warm autumn weather cooperated and brought out a host of little goblins to the second annual Castle Pines North Trick or Treat Street. On Wednesday, October 29, 33 Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce businesses participated to create a safe Halloween environment filled with candy, goodies, and activities for the young…
If you missed the November 15 registration of Castle Pines North’s new recreational youth sports program, there is still time to register for spring and summer sports. Castle Pines Athletics is a new non-competitive youth sports program offering children the opportunity to play on fields right here at home in CPN. A few spaces for…
by Anthonette Klinkerman Women have the edge when it comes to networking. Naturally social beings, women have started such movements as Angie’s List on the Internet and thousands of various MeetUp groups to cater to unique needs. It was therefore only a logical step for Maria Lee and Alane Wetzel to create the first ever…
by Lisa Crockett Douglas County School District (DCSD) is facing a budget shortfall of $16 million in coming years, which will likely result in continued overcrowding, larger class sizes and an inability to upgrade technology. “Election Day was a tough one for us in Douglas County School District,” said DCSD Superintendent James Christensen. “Our families,…
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 Lisa Crockett No need to leave Castle Pines North (CPN) this holiday season for beautiful fresh cut Christmas trees. The Ridge Golf Course is teaming up with Sedalia Nursery to offer the CPN community Christmas trees that will benefit both a local charity and the environment. Trees went on sale on Friday, November 28.…
Construction is finally underway for American Academy’s new 83,000 square foot school on Lagae Ranch in CPN. The K-8 Charter School will be the first middle school in CPN and will have more than 700 students making it the largest Charter School in Douglas County. The school plans to open September 7, 2009. (design provided…
The double turn lane at the northbound intersection of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway has been permanently removed. Per the approved construction plans, the double left turn lane off Lagae Road has now been changed to a single left turn lane. The previous left turn lane will be converted to a “straight-through only” lane…
by Lisa Crockett Village Homes of Colorado, Inc., announced in early November that it has filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Colorado. Village built nearly a quarter of the homes in Castle Pines North (CPN), most of which are less than…
by Lisa Crockett The new Walgreens store is ready and waiting to open its doors; construction was completed in mid-October. Castle Pines North (CPN) residents will have to wait until the new year, however, to shop its aisles. “We plan to open the [CPN] location in January,” said Walgreens company spokesperson, Carol Hively. The Walgreens…
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…
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…