March 2002 Newsletter
Volume 26; Issue No. 2

PHA  HOMEOWNER

PUBLISHED BY THE PINERY HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION

What if we simply said…Best wishes to you…?
What Then?

The Pinery community is made up of over 2,000 single-family dwellings. The Board of Directors of the Pinery Homeowners’ Association (PHA) consists of eight volunteers who, like you, have families and are busy running households while also volunteering to solve issues facing the Pinery.

One of the issues that looms large is that of vandalism. Vandalism in the Pinery is on the rise and continues to escalate. On a weekly basis, the PHA office answers numerous calls from PHA and non-PHA members in the Pinery about complaints of vandalism.

During the past several Pinery Homeowner newsletters, you have read the articles about the vandalism that has occurred in the Pinery. A few volunteers wanting to take a stand and get involved with the "Neighborhood Watch" program have come forward. However, there are currently too few volunteers to make a difference. We are losing this war to the vandals. If this is not what you wish to read, then please read on because it gets worse.

Therefore, this message is to inform you that currently the apathy in the Pinery dwarfs the action to take a stand to protect our community. The PHA and its few volunteers alone are not able to take action in thwarting the vandalism. The number of telephone calls that the PHA receives in complaint about the outcomes of destruction far exceeds the PHA's ability to minimize or prevent these acts of violence.

The outcome of this outcome is that if you call the PHA about a problem and you cannot also participate in a solution, the response that you will receive from the PHA is "Thank you for the information and best wishes to you."

We reiterate the words of Deputy Chocha Heyden of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office:

“As Pinery residents, if you do not take pride in your community and neighborhood, then the Pinery will be known as a place that can be victimized and where residents will do nothing about it.”

Also further to our last newsletter, Ranger Welle is still awaiting calls (303-660-7500) from concerned Pinery residents:

“Take ownership beyond your own yard. It takes work to protect and preserve our surroundings and everybody in the Pinery has to be a partner in this!”

Please volunteer so that we may help you rather than having to say,

“Best Wishes to you.”

Volunteers’ Corner

Community Kudos!

The PHA would like to recognize and thank Randy Thompson, our wonderful “WebMaster.” Randy volunteers his time and expertise to create and update our web page. Please check it out at pinery.org. It is truly worth a visit!

Ponderosa High School’s 2001 yearbook earned third place in its division of the Colorado High School Press Assoc. Yearbook Sweepstakes annual statewide contest. Congratulations to PHS yearbook advisor, Carrie Denman and her yearbook staff members!

Kudos also to Sunny Kruschwitz, Ponderosa French teacher, on winning an Excellence in Teaching award from the Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers. Keep up the great work, Ms Kruschwitz!

RV Lot Lock Changes

Due to security breaches outlined in our January issue, in order to strengthen security at the Pinery Storage Lot, a new type of lock is being used.  Lessees should know that the combination given them at the beginning of the current lease term is still valid with these locks.  The locks work the same as before but the shank area is smaller. 

Please take some time to go to the lot and familiarize yourself with the working of the lock sometime soon. This may keep you from a last-minute, after office hours access problem!  If you find you need pointers, please call the PHA office (303-841-8572). 

Announcing… 

 

 

The 2nd Annual Pinery Art Show.
    Saturday and Sunday
March 16th and 17th, 2002
1:00 PM until 6:00 PM

Community Room
Pinery Fire Station
(North Pinery Parkway and Hillcrest Way)

PHA Election Results

Following is the new slate of Directors of your PHA Board:

Fred Slick President / Director
Jeff Kroll Vice President / Director
Ron Henkel Treasurer / Director
Tom Kimball Secretary / Director
Lillie Ben Director
Joann & Garth Farrend Director
Don Reschke Director

Thanks to all those who voted at the January General Meeting and Election. We appreciate your support!

Community Service Opportunities!

Are you a high school student looking for ways to fulfill community service requirements? Please check the HS Comm Service page for opportunities right here in the Pinery!

Please read the Drive Smart article to see how you can serve your community, earn the requisite community service credit, and a scholarship to Drive Smart all at once! 303-841-8572

Coming Soon to a Neighborhood Near You!

Yippy! Douglas County has finally given us approval on the plans to expand the RV lot as of Feb. 14, 2002.

What now happens, is that we get bids from sub contractors to do what is necessary to have the lot ready by the end of May. How hard the ground is frozen will determine how soon the excavation will begin.

For three years this project has been spearheaded by Dave Kristick, who has kept us focused and driven. Recent assistance by Dave Perkins has helped finalize the planning. These two, plus the recent addition of PHA Board Members Tom Kimball and Don Reschke, will make this critical project a reality.

Drive Smart

For several years, the Pinery Homeowners’ Association has been a member of the Drive Smart coalition. This group meets on a regular basis and focused on helping teens become safer drivers in Douglas County. At the January General Meeting the group presented an overview of the key elements in the program for 2002.

New Driver Training: On behalf of Miller Safety Center and Master Drive, Ronn Langford reviewed the program for new driver training which will be offered at Ponderosa High School this year. This widely acclaimed program goes beyond the normal ABC’s necessary to get a Driver’s license, and adds a strong focus on vehicle control into the program. Normal cost for the 2-day program is $325, which is reduced through the Miller Safety Center to $275 for students attending the sessions at Ponderosa. For further information, please contact the Miller Safety Center at 303-841-2608 or go to www.millersafetycenter.org on the web.

In response to this presentation, the PHA Board of Directors is offering a full scholarship for the two-day program to the high school student with the highest number of volunteers in the Pinery for the year 2002 (see Volunteer Opportunities on previous page for further details.)

Graduated Driving License Program: Jim Marot from the Miller Safety Center, reviewed the State program for issuing new driver licenses. In summary, new drivers are now required to log a minimum of 50 hours under supervision before receiving their licenses.

Beyond Blind Faith: This program aimed at teenage drivers and their parents was widely broadcast on local television last summer. Developed by the Driving Skills Institute, and presented by Miller Safety Center and Master Drive there are two sessions scheduled at Ponderosa during 2002. The next session will take place at 6:30 PM on April 10th, 2002. Please contact Miller Safety Center for further details.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office: Bob Kraus, Chief of Operations, reviewed the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) programs applicable to our area. Through Drive Smart, officers from the Sheriff’s office make regular presentations at local high schools on safe driving and the dangers of substance abuse.

Overall, Drive Smart initiatives were well received by both the PHA Board and residents in attendance. Board members reiterated that teen driving safety remains one of the top priorities in the Pinery.

Residents with question on the Drive Smart program and related activities should contact Don Jacobsen, 303-805-3580.

Pinery Bird Sanctuary News

Happy New Year everyone! 
   After a brief absence over the holiday season, we’re back! For new residents, I’ll start with a quick history of the sanctuary. We are coming up on our 4th anniversary!! The sanctuary was started by Pinery residents on Homeowner’s Association land adjacent to NE Elementary. We have several goals:

We have planted trees, bushes, native grasses and wildflowers. Thanks to a lot of research, all but the wildflowers have done well. Our efforts have been aided by donations, discounts, and much hard work.

Thank you, everyone!!
Our biggest challenge has been noxious knapweed. We have dug, pulled, mowed—even used goats!!
This spring we hope to spend more time on the plants we like, thanks to imported Boulder bugs who love knapweed and Tim Seastedt, University of Colorado.

Now it’s time to turn to more exciting endeavors! If you are interested in helping, please call me!
Deb Dieter 303.840.4360.

Pinery History—Article No. 6...

BINGHAM LAKE by Ruth L. Miller

In April, 1979, the Pinery was hit by a snowstorm, causing cancellation of the April Homeowners' meeting, as well as the first scheduled "Park Kick-Off." The latter was rescheduled. County Commissioner Carl Winkler turned the first shovel of dirt, and money was collected from Terracor and various Pinery residents to further the project. At this same time, Walt Mueller was chairing a committee to ensure enjoyment of Bingham Lake for all Pinery residents. The June Newsletter noted that Walt's committee had received more than $1000 in pledges from homeowners, but needed more to fund what was necessary at the site. Their plans included not only restocking the lake, but trash collection, tables, parking, erosion elimination, proper signs, an aeration system, planting of trees, and more - a lot of work for the volunteer homeowners!

The August Newsletter told of improvements: new picnic benches had been installed, the dock was cleaned, and grass mowed around the lake. Terracor and the Pinery Country Club had helped with the finances, and homeowners had donated over $1300 for an aeration system.

But Walt was concerned: teenage vandalism and alcohol consumption were taking place at night by the lake. Terracor established operation hours for the area and the sheriff's department instituted regular patrols to enforce good behavior and the curfew hours. A word of caution was added: parents were liable for the acts of minors.

The November Newsletter reported that the lake had been stocked with trout. Many residents had donated in excess of $1000, and the committee had installed more lights, additional landscaping. and a workable set of rules and regulations to make Bingham Lake a prime place for recreation.

Unfortunately, 23 years later new delinquents' vandalism continues. Parents, do you know where your children are?

COVENANT CORNER

The Pinery Architectural Control Committee

The Pinery Architectural Control Committee in 2001

We are happy to report that your Pinery Architectural Control Committee is alive and well and working to maintain the standard of quality and beauty we all appreciate here in the Pinery.

The Pinery ACC is comprised of six members who are elected for alternative two-year terms. Election for three board positions is held each April. The ACC meets the first Tuesday of every month (unless otherwise announced via this newsletter) at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Pinery Fire Station. The Pinery ACC has covenant enforcement responsibility for Pinery Filings 1 through 8A, Fairway Ridge and (as of 2001) Pinery Estates.

The board serves without compensation, but does employ a part-time administrative assistant. Office hours are Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In an effort to address homeowner issues as expeditiously as possible at meetings, homeowner submittals are reviewed from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with builder submittals beginning at 7:30 p.m. Submittals received by noon on the Friday prior to the meeting receive priority handling at the meeting.

Following is a summary of 2001 activity by the ACC:

Homeowner Submittals Reviewed:
 New Paint Color  32
 Re-Roofing  10
 Re-Siding  4
 Deck/Hot Tub/Patio  24
 18” Satellite Dish  5
 Room Additions (including garages)  4
 Sheds  4
 Landscaping/Paving additions  31
 Fencing/Kennels  21
 Windows  5 
 Misc. (e.g. play equipment, post lights, etc.)  15

Violations Acted on:

 Parking/RV  73
 Unapproved Exterior Modifications  29
 Dead Trees/Yard Maintenance  6
 House Maintenance  4

 

New Home Plans Reviewed and Approved:  2
Covenant Violation Notices Filed with DC  2
Previously Filed Violation Notices Released  1

As we approach the busy, warmer months of 2002, we want to thank Pinery residents for the pride they express in their community through compliance with Covenants intended to maintain the unique qualities that led us all to select our Pinery homes.

Please call the ACC office at 303-841-5305 if you have questions, or feel free to attend any of our open meetings. We welcome your interest.

2002 ACC Election

The election announced in the January 2002 PHA newsletter will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2002 beginning at 6:30 p.m. as part of the monthly Architectural Control Committee board meeting held in lower level of the Pinery Fire Station. A good response to the call for candidates has been received and you, the community, are encouraged to respond by participating in the election process. The election is being held to fill three expiring terms on the six-member board. All property owners in Pinery filings 1-8 (excluding 8B, Pinery South HOA), filing 21 and Pinery Estates are eligible to vote (one vote per household). Property owners who are unable to attend the meeting may also vote early during PHA office hours (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) on Tuesday, April 9, 2002 in the same location.

Effective with this election, the terms of three board members expire. We wish to sincerely thank Jeff Meyers and Kate Dukes for this contribution to the community. See the printed copy of the newsletter for information on the residents that have placed their names in consideration as candidates for the three open positions.

NEWS FROM THE WATER BOARD:

   Judging from the nice weather in January and February, one might almost think that spring has come, but it is not quite here. We are still working on many long overdue projects on the water system and you may have noticed these activities around Bingham Lake and at the Pump Station above Pinery Pointe. These actions were long past due but can now be completed thanks to the built in additional capacity and supply lines that we put in the over the past couple of years. While we have installed this additional capacity, our peak damage period in 2001 was still above 98 percent of our capacity, so there is yet a ways to go in order to either meet system demands, or to encourage additional conservation and xeriscaping when major landscaping changes occur at established home sites. The District has recently implemented water conservation guidelines to comply with Colorado State regulations for systems using as much water as we do. I would encourage those interested in learning more to contact the District Office for a copy of these guidelines. It provides many helpful suggestions on how to make maximum use of our valuable water resources.

I would like to thank the residents who make use of the Bingham Lake area and those who live adjacent to it for tolerating the staging and drilling of the new well there. This well will be over 1900 feet deep and will allow the District to meet the demands of the Pinery Country Club irrigation needs without having to draw upon our alluvial water resources and potable water supplies in the South Pinery area. While the drilling rig has been removed, it will be replaced with a setup to further develop the well, allowing it to be outfitted for operation later this year. We therefore beg your continued patience until completion.

I don’t know how many of you have noticed, but the Canada geese and ducks that make use of the lake in the winter have certainly not been bothered by the activity. In fact, it seems to have attracted more this year than in past years and hopefully everyone has had a chance to go by the lake and see this wonderful collection of wildlife. Our transient Bald Eagle has even been seen in the area, seeing if it can pick up an easy meal from the flocks there.

As always, you are cordially invited to attend any of our monthly meetings. These are held monthly, at the District Offices, the second Tuesday of every month, at 7 o’clock in the evenings. If this is not possible, then please stop by the District Office during the week, Monday through Friday, 8-4 daily, or give us a call at (303) 841-2797. Someone is always available to meet with you and discuss your concerns.

David C. Eyre, Civil Engineer, P.E.
Director

Women’s Health Day to be Held in Douglas County

Women of all ages are invited to share the day exploring and learning about women’s health and wellness issues. The event will take place on May, 2002 at the Parker United Methodist Church beginning at 7:45 a.m. with registration and continental breakfast.

Topics for the 2002 Women’s Health Day will include:

Your registration fee of $17 includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Childcare is available with advance registration and a nominal fee.

For more information and to request a registration packet, please call the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension office at 720-733-6926.

PARKER AAUW

The Parker Branch of The American Association of University Women is an active group of women and men in the Parker Area. Any woman or man who has graduated from an accredited 4-year college or university is eligible for membership. All AAUW meetings are open to the public and guests are cordially invited.

The next meeting is scheduled for:

Gourmet Group—Sat., Mar. 9th
“Italian”

Wills, Trusts, etc — Legal Issues for Women
with Susan Elkins– Wed., Mar. 13th, 7pm

Book Group—Tues., Apr. 2nd, 7 pm
The Sweeter The Juice, by Shirley Taylor Haizlip

Women’s Health Day—Sat., May 4th
Parker Methodist Church

Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at:
     Fire Stn. 5 on Keystone north of Lincoln.

For information about the alternate location for the January Meeting, please call Betty Anne Budy 303-841-4395 or Connie Stephenson 303-841-3524

Castle Rock / Parker Chapter of Mothers & More
 March 14th Meeting Topic: “Stranger Danger”

Our March 14th meeting topic will be “Stranger Danger,” and our speaker will be Natalie Young. Natalie has been teaching at the Little Bears Pre-School for 14 years, and has taught Tae Kwon Do for 6 years (she has a Black Belt). We welcome all members and guests to attend this informational meeting at the First United Methodist Church in Castle Rock from 7p.m.- 9p.m.

The Castle Rock/Parker chapter of Mothers & More is part of the national nonprofit group for at-home mothers, which advocates wider options for women balancing work and family.

Mothers & More features a variety of activities for you and your family. Our meetings offer child safety tips, women’s health issues, guest speakers, charity events or just someone to talk to. The chapter offers mom’s night out and weekend retreats, couple events, playgroups for the kids, book clubs, dinner club and more.

Meetings are held the second and fourth Thursday of the month in either Castle Rock or Parker. Castle Rock meetings are held at the First United Methodist Church from 7p.m.-9p.m. and at Parker they are held at the Jordan Road Fire Station from 7p.m.-9p.m.

For more information on the Castle Rock/Parker Chapter of Mothers & More call 303-285-3484 X 1460 or visit our website at www.mothersandmore195.org.

PINERY PLAYGROUP

Playgroup for pre-school aged children. For information call Laura at 303-840-6324 or Shelli at 303-805-0530. If interested in babysitting jobs, please call.

Annual Pinery Spring Cleanup
Saturday, April 20th
9:00 A.M.

Come help clean up your community!
Earn Community Service Credits!

Make the Pinery a community  to be proud of!
We need YOU!!!!!!!!!

Please come to the Pinery Fire Station on North Pinery Parkway and Hillcrest Way to meet with your crew and get assignments. If you would like to volunteer, please do so by calling the Pinery Homeowners’ Association Office at 303-841-8572.

Veterans of Foreign Wars
Join the Parker VFW Post #4266

Participate in the following community activities:

Post meetings are at 1900 on the second Monday of every month, for approximately 1 hour.

Location:
   Parker Fire Station No. 5
   Keystone north of Lincoln

Further information:
   Whit Miller—Adjutant 303-841-6530
   Ron Henkel—First Trustee 303-841-5061