The Castle Pines Connection

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…

Castle Rock resident Mary Rieth and her daughter Julia (age five) team up to put together the perfect Mesa Verde Flank Steak for dad’s birthday. According to Julia, he likes it with lots of mushrooms! by Terri Wiebold Greenbriar resident Kay Lynn Anderson and her family brought the innovative meal preparation franchise, Entrée Vous, to…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Colorado’s state rank in per capita suicide rate is sixth. The percentage of teens who have more than passing thoughts of suicide in a given year is 25 percent. These and other unnerving numbers regarding suicide stare from a green flier provided by Second Wind Fund. The Kiwanis Club of Castle Pines…

Caps and gowns, diplomas, tassels… Graduation. Rock Canyon High School sent off its second graduating senior class, the Class of 2008. May 23 marked the big day every high school student awaits, the ceremony and the diploma. Students and guest speakers commemorated the occasion at Shea Stadium in Highlands Ranch. A week of senior-specific celebrations…

by Terri Wiebold The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) joins the CPN Metro District Board of Directors as an official “member” of the Castle Pines Parks Authority (Authority). The City will now replace the Douglas County Commissioners who previously had final voting rights over the Authority’s board. In May, CPN Mayor Maureen Shul, along…

by Lane Roberts Looking for a place to take dead trees and scrub oak? Douglas County’s slash and mulch program opened May 31. The annual program is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until September 30, at the Castle Rock Water Treatment Plant, 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. Residents can drop…

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…

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…

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…

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…