The Castle Pines Connection

The Castle Pines North Master Association has scheduled some of its annual events for 2004. Be sure not to miss them! Easter Egg Hunt This wonderful event will be held on Saturday, April 3, at 10:00 a.m. sharp. Meet at Coyote Ridge Park with your kids aged 12 and under. Bring baskets for collecting the…

U.S. residential construction was more active in 2003 than it had been in 25 years, and Castle Pines North was right in line. Denver-area figures, however, were down. The Castle Pines North Master Association reported 327 new homes closed in 2003, an increase of about 10% from 2002’s 294 new homes. Interestingly, our growth is…

Kings Crossing residents Sandy McFarland and her two children volunteer at “Friends of Horses Rescue and Adoption (FOHRAA),” a Denver-area non-profit organization that strives to place horses in adoptive loving homes. Most of the rescued horses are foals, retired thoroughbred racers, and horses that have been rescued from slaughterhouses. The McFarlands found out about FOHRAA…

Homeowners Attend Community Water Meeting On Monday, December 15th, more than 40 homeowners attended a meeting at the Community Center hosted by the Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD). “We decided to host this meeting following the November article in the Rocky Mountain News,” said Judy Dahl, CPNMD Manager. “We wanted to reassure our homeowners…

Castle Rock Bank, located at 501 Wilcox Street in downtown Castle Rock, is scheduled to open its first branch office in 2004. The Bank has purchased the vacant building known to residents as the old Total Station, at 506 Castle Pines Parkway. This first branch location was chosen because of its convenience to the growing…

Rodney’s, a “fashionable bar and restaurant featuring king crab legs to burgers,” according to a dining review on www.cherrycreeknorth.com, is slated to open its third Colorado location in February. Rodney’s will be located adjacent to Castle Pines Village, in the development currently under construction at the intersection of Santa Fe and Happy Canyon Road. The…

Business Leads Group meets at 7:15 a.m. every Wednesday, at Le Peep Restaurant on the SE corner of County Line & Quebec. Join area businesses who meet to develop word-of-mouth referrals and long-lasting business relationships. For more info, call Rita Coltrane at (303) 792-3587.

Kathy Crowley Salon 188 is pleased to announce that Kathy Crowley has joined the team, specializing in haircuts and haircolor. Call Kathy to make an appointment at 720-733-8550.

Are you interested in helping with clean-up, erosion control, or anything else that needs to be done in Daniels Park? Interested people or Homeowner Associations should contact the Master Association for more information, admin@cpnhoa.org.

Construction of one of the deepest and longest directional water wells in North America is underway in Castle Pines North. Construction will begin with the drilling of a vertical segment of the well, located southeast of Hidden Pointe Blvd. and Monarch Blvd. Drilling for the vertical well will be conducted 24-hours-a-day and is expected to…

Thank you to the Arapahoe County Chapter of the American Red Cross, which was involved in setting up the Evacuation Center at Douglas County High School. (This is the chapter for Douglas County.) Branch Manager Ron Liggett Liggett said that the Red Cross is set up to come into a community to give CPR and…

The Castle Rock Business Leads Group… …meets at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, at La Dolce Vita Restaurant in Castle Pines North. The group exists for area businesses to develop word-of-mouth referrals and long-lasting business relationships. Call Joann Bruso at (303) 799-8853 or Rita Coltrane (303) 792-3587.

The thick billows of smoke from the Cherokee Ranch fire got many residents to start packing even before the mandatory evacuation order came on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 29. And 16 hours later, the neighborhood was just about back to normal, thanks to the efforts of firefighters and a well-timed wintry blast from Mother…

South Metro Fire District Chief Robert Rinne presented a post-incident report about the Cherokee Ranch fire during the Annual Meeting of the Master Association on November 20. Among his comments were that the Fire District felt it had had good control of the fire by about 6:00 pm. the evening of October 29, and it…

Dear Castle Pines North Neighbor: By now we are all settled back into our homes after the Evacuation from the Cherokee Ranch fire on October 29th. We all realize how blessed we are have our homes (and our lives) spared from such tragedy. “Thank you” seems too simple to express our gratitude to the firefighters,…

Dr. John Stevens is the popular owner and director of Castle Pines Chiropractic Center, located inside the Bank West Building on Castle Pines Parkway. If you haven’t been adjusted by Dr. Stevens, chances are you know someone who has! Prior to opening his office here more than three years ago, John owned and operated clinics…

In one of a series of grocery store robberies to hit the Metro area in recent months, the Castle Pines King Soopers was targeted on January 8. At 7:40 p.m., deputies responded to a 911 call about a possible armed robbery. Two armed men were reported to have robbed the store and fled on foot.…

Christ the King Presbyterian Church has begun offering worship services at the DCS Montessori School at 311 East Castle Pines Parkway (I-25 exit 188, _ mile west). Sunday School for all ages will be at 9:30 AM, fellowship time at 10:30 AM, and worship at 11:00 AM. Worship nursery will be provided. Christ the King…

With the growth of our neighborhood has come welcome diversity. No longer is CPN just a cluster of families with young children. Every day, more retirees and grandparents are choosing to make Castle Pines North their home. Don’t be shy! If you think you might be among the older residents living here, The Connection wants…

Ballot Issue 1A was approved. In the off-year election held November 4, state voters generally chose “no.” No to expanding gambling in the state, no to shifting the tax burden from commercial to residential property, and no to the state water conservation board borrowing up to $2 billion. Douglas County voters said no to extending…

The Castle Pines North Master Association has filed a response to the Hidden Pointe Homeowner Association’s lawsuit in Douglas County District Court. The lawsuit required the Master Association to submit a written response to the court, answering Hidden Pointe’s charges. The Master Association has also filed counterclaims against the Hidden Pointe HOA, asking for reimbursement…

The immediate response of the Douglas County Sheriff’s office led to the arrest of two suspects who allegedly robbed the King Soopers at Castle Pines North. On Tuesday, January 8, at 7:40 p.m., deputies quickly responded to a 911 call on a possible armed robbery. Two armed men allegedly robbed the store and fled on…

Although most CPN residents didn’t realize it, CPN lost its local emergency medical service on December 1, 2003 when the South Metro Fire District transferred the ambulance and paramedics from Station #36 on Castle Pines Parkway and I-25 to Station #39 on Happy Canyon Road in Castle Pines Village. However, due to quick action by…

Dr. Dunbar and the staff at Castle Pines Orthodontics would like to thank the community and their patients for contributing to the holiday food drive. More than 400 cans of food were donated and distributed to families in need. Everyone who contributed to the food drive was entered into a raffle. Winners were selected through…

For months, Castle Pines North Master Association has been battling Xcel Energy over its plans to replace the power lines that run through CPN with taller, more powerful, noisier ones. Residents will know the final outcome soon. In the months since Xcel first announced its plans for the upgrade, the Master Association has formed committees…

Castle Pines North is a beautiful neighborhood of open space and varied topography. The beauty of our area is greatly enhanced by the abundant wildlife present in and around the community. However, when humans and wildlife live in close proximity encounters can occur. Where there are deer, raccoons, and rabbits, there are also animals that…

Comcast to Provide New Fiber Optic System in Castle Pines North In the next few weeks, Comcast will complete its conversion to a new fiber optic system, allowing CPN residents the ability to subscribe to high-speed cable Internet service, HDTV (high definition television), and expanded television channel choices/packages. If you currently subscribe to Comcast’s basic…

The Friends of Horses Rescue and Adoption’s (FOHRAA) first annual Horse Show last November 15 was a success! According to Sandy McFarland, a CPN resident who volunteers along with her children for this organization, “The horse show was great and the kids had a blast!” There were a few CPN residents in attendance who learned…

Xcel Energy has received support – but not yet final approval — for rebuilding one of the power lines along CPN’s eastern border, but CPN has won victories on some important legal points. The case is not fully settled, and contributions are still sought to pursue legal relief on critical issues that we have raised,…

On Saturday, November 22, the Rocky Mountain News targeted Castle Pines North as a community that is in danger of running out of water because water levels in wells are dropping. However, the article did not tell the entire story. In fact, the article left out key information, printed quotes and statistics out of context,…

Reports of both local and national telephone and e-mail scams are increasing, threatening the financial solvency of those who might be taken in by the sophistication of these recent frauds. In local cases, customers have been called by people claiming to be from the Security and Fraud Department of VISA or MasterCard. They ask if…

Dr. Andrew Dunbar and the staff at Castle Pines Orthodontics is hosting a Holiday Food Drive. Everyone is welcome to participate. Bring in non-perishable food items from now until December 22nd. For every item you bring in, receive one entry for our holiday raffle. Prizes include a gift certificate to Best Buy, a Hand-Held Karaoke…

If you do volunteer work with animals (such as animal rescue, adoption, training service animals, animal therapy at nursing home(s)/hospital(s), etc…), The Connection newsletter wants to hear from you! Writers for the newsletter are in the process of compiling a feature article on CPN residents who do volunteer work with animals. If you are a…

In the off-year election held November 4, state voters generally chose “NO.” No to expanding gambling in the state, no to shifting the tax burden from commercial to residential property, and no to the state water conservation board borrowing up to $2 billion. Locally, voters were in favor of schools and roads. Results of voting…

Residents Needed to Work for Traffic Signal Change, Other Safety Issues The two-vehicle crash on Thursday morning, October 23, was caused by a driver failing to yield to oncoming traffic, said Lt. Tim Moore of Douglas County Sheriff’s Dept. A vehicle that was heading south on Monarch attempted to turn left onto the Parkway, and…

Cougars Lacrosse emphasizes teaching the players proper fundamentals along with emphasizing good sportsmanship and team play. The Cougars offer teams for boys 2nd through 8th grade and girls 4th through 8th grade. The season starts mid to late February and runs through the month of May with an optional end of season tournament the first…

While we appreciate the efforts of those who helped during the fire, the CPN Master Association and Metro District will be joining forces with other neighborhoods in our area to work with public service agencies to review lessons learned from the Cherokee Ranch fire, so that all will be better prepared in case of another…

CPN residents are asked to attend the Douglas County Planning Commission meeting on Monday, November 17, to oppose Xcel Energy’s application to replace an existing power line with taller metal poles that would carry higher voltage – 345kV, the most powerful transmission lines used in the state of Colorado. Instead of planning additional power transmission…

CPN residents are looking for ways to express thanks to those who assisted us during the Cherokee Ranch fire. Fire stations have already had many visits from thankful residents, and have received more than enough gifts of food. There have been suggestions as to how others can show appreciation. Some ideas are: Do what others…

If you love horses, you’ll want to mark your calendar for November 15! Friends of Horses, a horse rescue and adoption organization, is hosting its first “FOHRAA Horse Show,” which will take place from 10 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. Friends of Horses is based in Metropolitan Denver, and strives to place foals and horses…

The Hidden Pointe Homeowners Association has summoned the Castle Pines North Master Association to District Court to address the 1999 contract between the Hidden Pointe HOA and the Master Association. This contractual agreement that is now in question: · Includes a commitment that Hidden Pointe homeowners will pay the same dues to the CPN Master…

XCEL Energy’s plan to replace the power lines that run through Castle Pines North with taller, more powerful, noisier ones is in progress. However, XCEL still needs to get a permit from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) before moving forward. The CPN Master Association will participate in the PUC hearings, and has secured a lawyer…

The negotiations to purchase the Myrick property as open space are progressing THANKS, in large part to the community support shown by your pledges! In August, the Lone Tree City Council deferred the FINAL VOTE on Bill Myrick’s annexation proposal until Tuesday, October 7th. Now WE NEED YOUR HELP to write, phone, or e-mail the…

DCS Montessori is kicking off its fall fundraising event. The school is selling Entertainment Books, a nice, thick coupon book providing discounts on dining, family entertainment, skiing, home and garden, not to mention coupons for local businesses such as Coffee Cravings, Little Italy and Safeway. The Safeway coupons alone pay for the book! Entertainment Books…

Kick off the holiday season with your neighbors on Saturday evening, December 6, at 7:00 p.m. The 2003 Holiday Cocktail Party will be held at the CPN Community Center on Yorkshire Drive. Bring an appetizer to share, and HOA#2 will provide the wine. Flyers for the event will go out in November.

Ever wanted to know more about various topics in “Art”? This series offers a group of slide lectures and plain and elegant talks and discussions about topics that run the gamut of art of the past-and-present. They are sure to interest and stimulate, and are presented by people with experience and insight in their fields,…

Many pre-driving teens in Castle Pines North have be seen traveling around on go-peds, which are those motorized scooters that seem to be the craze with many kids. The sheriff’s office has received many questions about whether these scooters can be legally operated on public streets. The short answer is no. Go-peds are considered “toy…

The next organized Chemical Roundup in Castle Rock is scheduled for September 27, 2003. It will be held at the Castle Rock Maintenance Yard, 675 Justice Way. For more information on the Chemical Roundup, call Justin at 720-322-1541. For additional information about the PCWA, call 303-688-1991 EXT 114.

The Metro District is pleased that residents took water conservation efforts to heart! This year’s consumption during the irrigation season was 27,438,000 gallons less than last year’s, or an average of 18,600 gallons per family. (10-1) The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their cooperation in…

Two locals students are holding a food drive to benefit the Task Force of Douglas County. Melinda LaVelle of Knights Bridge and Rebecca Von Duerring of Noble Ridge, both Douglas County High School Juniors, will be placing empty King Soopers bags at 450 homes in Knights Bridge, Royal Hill, and Noble Ridge on September 6.…

Susan Novreske, Claremont resident and CPNHOA’s webmaster for the last four years says goodbye to the post on July 31. “Thanks to all the community who participated in growing this web site – it could not have happened without your support. It has been a wonderful opportunity to meet so many CPN neighbors committed to…

Xcel’s plans to install larger power lines through Castle Pines are continuing. At this time, Xcel has filed its application with the PUC; the CPN Master Association has requested a hearing; and Xcel has not yet filed for a land-use permit with Douglas County. E-mail alerts and the newsletter will keep you updated. Read the…

Mark your calendars now for the August 18 public meeting on the new “South Park”. This meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. at the CPN Community Center, 7404 Yorkshire Drive. This is thethird public meeting, and Axel Bishop of Design Concepts, will be continuing the process of refining the amenities of the new park. The…

The following is a response to the article about alternative phone service in the last issue of The Connection. Hi folks: The service mentioned is from a company called Vonage (http://www.vonage.com). Unfortunately, the CPN newsletter piece was published, perhaps, somewhat prematurely. Here’s the story: Vonage offers phone service using a technology called Voice over IP…

This year’s Master Association Summer Picnic and BBQ for all CPN residents will be held on Saturday, August 23, at Coyote Ridge Park, from 4:00 to 7:00. All residents are welcome to attend. Buy your meal tickets now at BankWest, or, if you prefer not to eat barbecue, pack your own picnic and come along…

CPN launched the inaugural season of its all-neighborhood swim team this summer. Under the mangement of Team Colorado, dozens of neighborhood kids improved their strokes Monday through Thursday afternoons (except during thunderstorms!) at the HOA#1 and HOA #2 pools. The first meet was held at the North Ridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch in June.…

Wastewater from Castle Pines North doesn’t stay in our Metro District. From our water treatment plant, it subsequently flows into the Plum Creek Wastewater Authority’s system. The PCWA recently provided these tips for helping to keep the system running smoothly: Household Dangers for Sewage Systems Fats, Oils & Greases: A by-product of cooking, grease comes…

School District for CPN: Castle Pines North community is in the Douglas County School District , and more specifically, is served by schools in the Rock Canyon feeder district. School enrollment period: Douglas County School Open enrollment is generally in January. Kindergarteners and students requesting open enrollment must apply during this time. Check with Douglas…

One of the last remaining areas of undeveloped land between Lone Tree and Castle Pines North is being considered for annexation and rezoning by the City of Lone Tree to build 88 luxury homes atop the bluffs. This subdivision, previously denied by Douglas County, could be rolled into the massive Ridgegate development, where the new…

Based on figures from 2000 through 2002, Douglas County still leads the nation in “rooftop counts,” with 13,761 new units. That represents an increase of 21.7 percent according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Cheryl McDade, Castle Pines North’s Finance Manager, says that our area’s growth is a reflection of the county’s. “June (2003) was a…

The Battle is On! You see it every month on your bill: Qwest’s $12 per month “distance charge” per wired phone line, an established yet outdated tariff for Qwest telephone service. This charge was put in place years ago and was intended to compensate Qwest for the greater expense of providing service to “rural” customers.…

Qwest will drop the “Distance Charge” from resident’s phone bills, effective August 1. The fees might be gone by the time of your August billing, or it may appear as an adjustment on your September bill. This will save most CPN residents $144 per year for each phone line that you have. Residents of Castle…

How do parks, trails and open space fit into the overall plan for our neighborhoods? How can we link with other communities? If you had a magic wand, what would you do with Daniels Park? A group of citizens is getting together to discuss the possibilities and options for Castle Pines North. Interested parties are…

There have been at least 3 bear sightings in Forest Park in the last month. Bears at this time of year are foraging to fatten up for hibernation. The bear sightings have been at all times of day. All of the bears seen in Forest Park have been non-aggressive; lets hope it stays that way.…

The second public meeting was held on July 14th with Axel Bishop of Design Concepts, who showed preliminary sketches of the park with two design styles. Both the needs of athletic playfields and stylized park architecture were addressed in these preliminary concept plans. The park will serve as a focal point to our community. The…