Read the stories from the latest issue:
Workers complete the new sidewalk on Monarch Boulevard between Oxford Drive and Shoreham Circle, making the route to school safer for children. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold Last December, The Connection reported on efforts to improve safety at the crosswalks near Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) School. Now, eight months later, the vision has…
BALLOT ISSUE 2D SHALL THE CITY OF CASTLE PINES NORTH, WITHOUT INCREASING AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES AUTHORIZED BY BALLOT QUESTION 2E APPROVED IN 2007 BY THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF CASTLE PINES NORTH, BE AUTHORIZED TO INSTITUTE A NEW AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX, ON ALL PROPERTY TAXABLE BY LAW, RESULTING IN AN INCREASE TO…
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…
by Lisa Crockett The fate of the land at the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard – land known as “CC-20” – has been a subject of debate in Castle Pines North (CPN) for several years. Now, on the eve of the election, an important chapter in CPN history is about to…
by Lane Roberts Prior to the Lagae Ranch re-zoning public hearing in late August, a letter distributed by the Douglas County School District (DCSD) brought attention to the serious overcrowding issues that currently exist in Castle Pines North (CPN) area schools. The letter, distributed via e-mail to parents with children at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE),…
The Pinnacle Building is now open for business. The building, which is on Castle Pines Parkway adjacent to the Village Square Shops, is home to several business and consulting ventures. Space is still available. (courtesy photo) by Lisa Crockett The first of four businesses in a new shopping center on Castle Pines Parkway is nearly…
In August, the Castle Pines North City Council unanimously approved CH2M HILL OMI as the city’s partner to provide a range of municipal services. The contract, which took effect Aug. 15, calls for CH2M HILL OMI to operate, maintain and manage several city services in a phased approach as Castle Pines North continues to grow,…
by Elean Gersack The committee for the CPN 5K Fun Run has been hard at work planning this first running event for Castle Pines North (CPN). After considerable thought and community input, the committee has decided to postpone the event until next spring. According to David Neely, CPN city councilmember and CPN 5K Fun Run…
by Lisa Crockett New legislation in Colorado seeks to promote the installation of energy-saving devices in private residences. The purpose of the legislation, known as House Bill 1270, was to clarify and extend homeowners rights to make their homes more energy efficient and to install renewable-energy generating devices wherever safe and practical. Energy saving devices…
Team Tolson includes David (left) and Kristin (right) and their two children. (photo courtesy of the Tolson family) by Elean Gersack HOA2 resident, David Tolson, will have his family cheering for him as he competes in Ironman Florida on November 1. He will swim 2.4 miles in open Gulf Coast water, bike 112 miles and…
The Douglas County Library District hosted the first story time in CPN on September 8 at the Community Center. Spellbinder master story teller Priscilla Queen (far left), literacy coordinator for the Library District, presented stories to CPN children. The outcome of the Library District’s one mill bond initiative in November will determine if CPN gets…
by Lisa Crockett When residents of Castle Pines North (CPN) voted last November to incorporate, they also overwhelmingly passed three tax questions – one sales tax and two property taxes. Each of the property tax questions on the ballot last year simply transferred existing taxes to the new city. As a result, CPN became a…
by Elean Gersack Make plans now for the 2008 Holiday Carriage Rides, brought to you by the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association. The rides are planned for Monday through Wednesday, December 1-3 and Monday though Wednesday, December 8-10 in the beautiful HOA2 neighborhood. Rides will run every half hour from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30…
by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North residents will soon have a new option for dry cleaning, one that features “green” techniques. In the near future, Green Earth Dry Cleaners will open its doors in a new building adjacent to the Safeway shopping center. “Most dry cleaners use petroleum-based cleaning agents,” said Green Earth owner, Chuck…
As the seasons begin to change, Castle Rock Fire and Rescue wants you to help prevent home fires. October is Fire prevention month. This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Month is “Prevent Home Fires.” Three out of four fire injuries reported each year occur in the home. It is vital to stress the importance of…
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.
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The Slash & Mulch Program drop-off is at the Plum Creek Wastewater Authority, located at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. Visitwww.douglas.co.us/publicworks/operations for information or call the Douglas County Operations Division at 303-660-7480. Remaining Slash & Mulch dates and times for 2008 are as follows: Saturday, August 9 – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday,…
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…
by Terri Wiebold The business association for the city of Castle Pines North, Business in the Pines, announced in July that it was changing its name to the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. Founded in January 2007, Business in the Pines was established to promote an environment of communication, cooperation and support for local businesses…
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…
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…