The Connection

by Anthonette Klinkerman Mayor for a day. How does that sound? Now that Castle Pines North (CPN) is settling into city-hood, Mayor Maureen Shul is proposing an essay contest for area students to practice their writing skills this summer. Students in kindergarten through the fifth grade are encouarged to participate in the first heat of…

Mayor Maureen Shul (left) presents the city’s first building permit to Eric Dille and Greg Bickelhaupt (right) of B&D Professional Builders on May 21. The interim Building Permitting and Inspection Services department for the new city is located at the Castle Pines Executive Suites, 7437 Village Square Lane, Suite 210, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30…

by Lisa Crocket The Douglas County School District is considering ballot measures that will ask for a funding increase in this November’s election. The district is seeking monies to build new schools to alleviate rampant overcrowding as well as maintain or restore budgets for technology, transportation, gifted students, reading intervention programs and security. Though Douglas…

Victoria M. and her dad sneak a peak inside the South Metro Fire Rescue fire truck at CPN’s Community Child Safety Day. (photo by Carla Kenny) Quincy (right) enjoys face painting at CPN’s Community Child Safety Day. Special thanks to Kid’s Pages Family Media for sponsoring the face painting booths. (photo by Dennis Poffenroth) by…

Now more than ever, it is important to let our military service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan know that they are not forgotten. Letters, cards and care packages sent to troops mean more than words can say. AdoptaPlatoon is a national, non-profit organization serving the U.S. military by providing a program for Americans to…

Dear City of Castle Pines North Citizens, Since being sworn in March 10, your elected officials have been hard at work. Because of the volume of work in establishing our new city, we have been conducting Council meetings every week to ensure new city business is addressed as expeditiously as possible. To date the Council…

Rock Canyon Senior Mackenzie Guest with her favorite teacher, Mr. Darren Withey. Guest and her teacher participated in “Teacher Appreciation Night,” an annual event at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Castle Rock. (Photo courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) by Lisa Crockett Teaching school can be a…

Mayor Maureen Shul (left) meets with CPN resident Mary Kerch at the Starbucks located inside Safeway on May 17. Mayor Shul hosts these events monthly and encourages residents to stop by and share thoughts and ideas about the new city. (photo by Tim Gamble)

by Elean Gersack Pack a picnic and head out to the 2008 Summer Concert in the Park. This year’s event, sponsored by the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association and Castle Rock Bank, takes place on Sunday, July 13, at Coyote Ridge Park. Air castles and concessions will kick off the fun at 4 p.m.…

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…

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…

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 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…

Scrub Oak Clean Up in Forest Park 2007 by Anthonette Klinkerman An unusually dry winter and warm temperatures have brought fire concerns back to the forefront of homeowner concerns. Some of the scrub oak groves on homeowner property sustained damage during the winter and need to be cleaned up for safety issues. Scrub oak close…

by Lisa Crockett Drivers on the I-25 corridor between Castle Pines North (CPN) and Lincoln Avenue can expect continued slow-downs as construction on the Ridgegate interchange continues. “It appears now that the west side bridge will be completed in April and we will switch the detour to the other side of the road. Following that,…

Dr. Lisa Fox, DDS by Anthonette Klinkerman If there is one thing that Dr. Lisa Fox, DDS, could call a “life-changing experience,” it would be her work with impoverished children in Mexico. In February, Dr. Fox returned from her annual trip to Mexico, where she and a team of doctors and dentists travel once a…

by Terri Wiebold The beautiful landscape of more than 560 acres of open space, three local parks, and an excess of 13 miles of nature trails represent a few of the main attractions to the Castle Pines North (CPN) community. Unfortunately, recent incidents of vandalism at local parks and homeowner’s association clubhouses have marked up…

by Lisa Crockett Sally Wagner, a mother of three young children in Castle Pines North (CPN), says its time the new city had a recreation center of its own. Motivated by a desire to provide recreation opportunities for her children and all residents of CPN, she and a few other concerned residents have banded together…

by Terri Wiebold On March 8, 2008, a new alarm ordinance went into effect for residents of unincorporated Douglas County, Larkspur, and Castle Pines North (CPN). The ordinance was designed to reduce the number of false alarms in Douglas County and to assist the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) in being more efficient with law…

Parks Authority President Sandy Colling presented preliminary conceptual design plans for Lagae Park to the Metro District on March 17. Colling also requested the Metro District transfer the $1 million allocated in the Metro budget for parks to the Parks Authority for use at Lagae Park. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold The Castle…

CPN’s Election Commissioners celebrate at their final meeting. Left to right: Sue Zloth, Jeff Huff, Keri Brehm, Mayor Maureen Shul, Earl Millspaugh, Galen Crowder, Eva Mitchell, Attorney Charles Norton, and Dick Lichtenheld. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold The seven-member Election Commission, charged with the responsibility of overseeing and planning the elections pertaining to…

by Lisa Crockett On its website, Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) is billed as “A Place To Call Home,” but the church still faces a long journey toward building a permanent home in Surrey Ridge. The church, which currently has an attendance of roughly 150 members at Sunday services, has submitted plans to Douglas County…

Before heading to the garden to plant a new flowerbed, add Xeriscape, or a crop of tomatoes, take the time to call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado. Locators are allowed two business days to respond to accurately mark the underground lines in an excavation area. Even a small garden job can be potentially hazardous,…

  Jim Varner of Edit Bay Communications (www.editbay.com) and his wife Laurie Anderson-Varner of Anderson & Associates Public Relations, Inc. (www.prexperts.com), will be exhibiting at EarthWorks Expo to showcase their web development and other marketing tools. In addition, Anderson & Associates Public Relations has been selected by EarthWorks Expo to provide public relations and marketing…

City Clerk Carl Kollmar has not been officially sworn in yet. He is currently on a medical leave of absence. Treasurer Doug Gilbert is currently serving as “interim clerk” until Kollmar returns. “We extend our best wishes to Carl for a speedy recovery and look forward to working with him soon,” said Mayor Shul.

by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North (CPN) resident Karen Schlidt is passionate about recycling. Every day, she looks for ways to reduce her garbage waste. “The more aware I am about this issue, the more I look for ways I can recycle everything I use,” she said. Something of a phenomenon in her HOA2 neighborhood,…

by Lisa Crockett Village Homes, the owner of the parcel of land being developed at the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard, is still hoping a library will come to Castle Pines North (CPN) to serve as the anchor tenant for the development. “Because of delays in construction, we still have a chance…

by Terri Wiebold In late February, officials with Douglas County and the City and County of Denver finalized a cooperative agreement for implementation of the Master Plan for Daniel’s Park. The 1000-acre historic park borders the City of Castle Pines North (CPN) to the west and is slated for renovations during the next 10 years.…

by Terri Wiebold At precisely 3:07 p.m. on Monday, March 10, the wheels of democracy started turning for the new City of Castle Pines North. Following a swearing-in ceremony earlier in the day and a preliminary study session, the mayor, treasurer, and six newly-elected council members sat down and began the business of the new…

Two South Metro Fire Rescue Candidate Forums Scheduled for April The Castle Pines North Master Association will host two “Candidate Forums” for all candidates running for the South Metro Fire Rescue Board of Directors. Mark the calendar and make sure to attend one of these two events: Friday, April 18, 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 29,…

by Terri Wiebold News of a potential merger between South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) and Parker Fire District (PFD) may cause additional delays for plans to build a new fire station in the Castle Pines North (CPN) community. The possibility of a merger between the two Districts opens new options for CPN. “One possible scenario…

Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Heritage Professional Pet Grooming is a full service pet salon, where pet grooming is considered an art and the stylists do the work for you. Whether bathing, brushing, clipping, styling, or simply pampering a pet, the staff at heritage Pet Grooming believes that humane and loving treatment is the…

by Terri Wiebold Collectively, more than seventy residents gathered at the February and March Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District board meetings to discuss a proposed multiple year fee schedule the Metro District is proposing. “Up to this point, the District has never really had a formalized fee schedule,” said Metro District Manager James McGrady.…

The Connection presented all candidates running for the South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) Board of Directors with the following question. Candidates were allowed to provide an answer in 100 words or less. The responses received are provided below. QUESTION: Now that Castle Pines North is a new city, we are very concerned about SMFR in…

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…