The Connection

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…

Five year old Alex, picks up his Get WARPed t-shirt from the CPN Metro District (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) started the spring off with a splash, introducing a Water Awareness and Responsibility Program (WARP) to the Castle Pines North (CPN) community – its schools, residents,…

Dear Castle Pines Resident: As your Sheriff, I would like to inform you of certain criminal activities that are occurring throughout Douglas County as well as the area of Castle Pines. There has been an increase in criminal activity to include residential and commercial burglaries, as well as vehicle trespasses and stolen vehicles in the…

2008 Douglas County School District’s Apple Award winner and CPN resident Kristie Krier. Krier, who teaches second grade at CPN’s Timber Trail Elementary School, won the award’s elementary education division. (photo courtesy of Douglas County School District) by Lisa Crockett Red carpets, cheering fans, flashbulbs and fabulous prizes. Teaching school is not always this glamorous,…

by Terri Wiebold In the summer months, the Douglas County Animal Services Department and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office frequently respond to calls of dogs or other animals that have been left unattended in vehicles with little or no airflow on hot days. This can prove to be deadly. The Humane Society of the United…

Tri County Health Department employees and volunteers dispose of the chemicals and hazardous waste at the Household Chemical Roundups. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold According to the Tri-County Health Department, a total of 3,064 Douglas County households participated in Douglas County’s Household Chemical Roundups in 2007, safely disposing of more than 135 tons…

by Terri Wiebold Douglas County plans to begin construction late this spring on three additional sections of the East-West Regional Trail project that, once complete, will form one continuous trail from Highway 85 east to the Bluffs Regional Park. This phase will complete the western portion (approximately 50 percent) of the planned East-West Regional Trail…

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…

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 An independently-owned day care center has signed a purchase agreement for a pad currently under development on the north side of Castle Pines Parkway at Lagae Road. Max Heitzmann, vice president at Anxon, Inc., which is developing the property, said that three of the four pads planned for the site are now…

Crews work to install new “vault” restroom facilities at The Retreat Park in CPN. (photo by Terri Wiebold) The completed restroom facility at The Retreat Park. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold The much-anticipated “vault” restroom facilities at The Retreat Park, Coyote Ridge Park, and Daniels Gate Park are installed and available for public…

Two Metro District Candidate Forums Scheduled for April The Castle Pines North Master Association will host two “Candidate Forums” for all candidates running for the Metro District Board of Directors. Mark the calendar and make sure to attend one of these two events: Monday, April 14, 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m. Both events…

The Boards of Directors for SMFR and Parker Fire met March 18 to discuss the potential consolidation of both departments. (photo by Terri Wiebold) Parker Fire Chief Dan Qualman, who is acting chief for SMFR (left), and SMFR Assistant Chief Mike Dell’Orfano may soon be working together under one unified department if the two agencies…

The Castle Pines North Master Association sent out annual dues invoices in February which were due March 31, 2007. All CPN homeowners (with the exception of Hidden Pointe residents) should have received one. This bill is in addition to any individual neighborhood association dues homeowners pay, and it is only billed once a year. For…

by Terri Wiebold Servicing more than 3,000 men, women, and children in the Castle Pines North community since 2000, Salon 188 specializes in the latest cuts, color, perms, and texturizing and finishing touches for hair. The Salon 188 styling team features experienced stylists who maintain ongoing education in classic and progressive cutting and coloring techniques.…

Financial Advisor Steve Zahorik has been a Castle Pines North resident for ten years. He is proudly serving the Castle Rock area investors from the A.G. Edwards office located in the Denver Tech Center. Now that A.G. Edwards has joined forces with Wachovia Securities, Zahorik is still committed to putting the needs of his clients…

Renee Palmer – Keller Williams Real Estate by Anthonette Klinkerman Renee Palmer with Keller Williams Real Estate – Park Meadows recently completed the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist training, offered by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. The course, which covered such topics as demographics of the affluent, lifestyle segmentation, trends and amenities in today’s…

The new T-Mobile cellular tower is up and functional in the parking lot at The Ridge. The light on the tower was initially met with resistance from members of the community, but the Master Association Design Review Committee worked with all parties involved for an amicable resolution. T-Mobile is currently working with the Metro District…

Xcel Meeting Planned The CPN Master Association has invited Xcel Energy to a second community meeting to discuss plans related to the installation of future poles near Coyote Ridge Park and Daniel’s Gate. As of press time, the meeting was planned for Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m. at the CPN Community Center, 7404 Yorkshire…

The first elected representatives of the City of Castle Pines North were sworn in at a ceremony on March 10. Top row from the left: Treasurer Doug Gilbert, Ron Clark, City Council Ward 3, Kim Hoffman, City Council Ward 2, Jennifer Havercroft, City Council Ward 1, Mayor Maureen Shul. Seated from the left: Chip Coppola,…

by Jean Flynn, South Suburban Parks and Rec South Suburban Parks and Recreation’s Lone Tree Recreation Center, 10249 Ridgegate Circle, offers superior summer camp opportunities. Athletically-minded boys and girls, ages 4-10, will delight in weekly, half-day Multi-Sport & Splash Champs Camps that operate June through August. Experienced instructors focus on the basic sport fundamentals of…

by Lisa Crockett Are your closets and basement full of treasures you no longer have use for? Then roll up your sleeves, grab some sunscreen and a water bottle and get ready for this year’s community garage sale. The sale is set for May 16 and 17, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. both days.…

Residents of all ages are invited to Walk for the Library on Saturday, September 20. The route will begin at Market in the Pines at Village Square Shopping Center and travel to the proposed library location at Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard, and return to the Market. The CPN Library Committee has created a…

Centennial Airport Manager of Planning and Development Michael Fronapfel explains the Centennial Airport influence area map at a Castle Pines North Master Association sponsored community meeting. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold Residents from Castle Pines North (CPN) and surrounding communities gathered at the CPN Community Center on March 28 to learn more about…

Dave Jackson I first became interested in SMFR in 2004, after retiring from a 37-year management career with a top five Fortune 500 company. Subsequently, I have attended many Board meetings, becoming a kind of citizen “understudy and advisor”. My experience as a former first responder–having worked as an ambulance attendant (predating paramedics) during college–provides…

Business in the Pines held the second annual EasterFest on Thursday, March 13 at the CPN business district. The event featured Easter goodies, games, cookie decorating, and the Easter Bunny. More than 30 CPN businesses participated in the annual event. (photos by Tim Gamble)

Jason Carroll (right) and Dawn Jones (rear) from Clifton Gunderson address the CPN Metro District board in February to discuss financing options for renewable water. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold For the past several years, the Castle Pines North Metro District has been working toward the development and purchase of a renewable water…

by Scott Lasher Hundreds of kids and parents hippity-hopped their way to Coyote Ridge Park on Saturday, March 15, for the annual Castle Pines North Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Solid Life Christian Center (SLCC.) Twelve-thousand candy-filled eggs were dispersed throughout the park and chants of “We want eggs! We want eggs!” filled the brisk…

by Lisa Crockett After a disappointing loss last November, Douglas County Library District Director Jamie LaRue is seeking another bite at the apple. LaRue met with interested community volunteers at a meeting in February to explore ways Castle Pines North (CPN) residents could aid in a second effort to bring a library to CPN. Polling…

Wildlife Experience 10035 S. Peoria St., Parker weeklong wildlife camps for ages 4-10: www.wildlifeexperience.org 720-488-3300 South Suburban Parks & Recreation various locations in South Suburban district – a large variety of camps for ages 6 and up: www.ssprd.org 303-708-9500 Primrose Schools Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker a variety of themed camps for younger kids: www.primroseschools.com…

Owner J. McElroy (right) and his son Jake hang out in front of the family business. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Big O Tires Let’s face it – getting your car worked on is right up there with having your teeth pulled! The team at Big O Tires gets that. They also understand that you…

Lisa Towne – Little Italy by Little Italy/Anthonette Klinkerman When is a pizzeria not just a pizzeria? When it is Little Italy Pizzeria of Castle Pines North (CPN). This establishment has been an active part of the community in the past, and has further ramped up its efforts in the last few months. Little Italy…

Sky Ridge Medical Center will host a Women’s Symposium on Saturday, May 17, at the Marriott in Lone Tree from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interactive discussions with physicians and lectures will include breast health, colon health, aging gracefully and menopause survival and more. Lunch with red wine and dessert will be served. For more…

by Elean Gersack The 2008 Furry Scurry two mile fun walk will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Washington Park in Denver. According to the Denver Dumb Friends League, more than 25,000 cats and dogs, as well as rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils and other small pets, are brought to the shelters…

Jimmy’s Steakhouse – 660 Happy Canyon Road, Suite 150 Jimmy’s Steakhouse is proud to add some new items to its dinner menu – a juicy buffalo burger, a succulent grilled chicken sandwich and a crisp, chilled wedge salad. Jimmy’s would like everyone to mark their calendars, starting March 3, for Martini Mondays – $5 all…

by Anthonette Klinkerman One of the bigger honors a teacher can earn is an Apple Award. Teachers are nominated by peers and community members, as well as by their most important fans, their students. This year, the Douglas County Educational Federation chose the theme “A World of Possibilities.” More than 60 teachers throughout the district…

by Anthonette Klinkerman The Castle Pines North swim team, the Castle Crocs will hold registration for new families Sunday, April 13, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Safe Splash Swim School, located next to the Wildlife Experience near I-25 and Lincoln, 12240 Lioness Way. Swimmers should arrive with swim suits and goggles and be…

Business in the Pines is set to host four summer markets in CPN again this summer. CPN’s unique Farmer’s Market, “Market in the Pines” will feature fresh produce, artisan vendors, live music and more. Make sure to mark the calendar for June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 20. The markets are held from…