July 2003 Pinery HOA Newsletter

The Pinery Summer Bash –
fun, food, fair, and fishing
Including Kids’ Fishing Derby & a Carnival!!!

Changes, changes, changes! While the location will be the same, Lakeshore Park, there are some exciting changes to what is known as the “Pinery Pedal and Picnic”. This year we have decided to have a carnival and incorporate the “Kids’ Fishing Derby”! To help make a festive atmosphere we will have the following:

As mentioned in the last newsletter, improvements have been made to Lakeshore Park including improvement to the electrical capacity and a new pavilion. Due to these changes, we will be able to add exciting new improvements to the event.
There will not be a formal bike ride this year, but feel free to bring your bike and ride along Cherry Creek Bike path!

Kids’ Fishing Derby – last year the weather was rather warm in the late afternoon, so we have changed the derby to the early morning. Hopefully, this will make it more comfortable for the participants. The fish should still be biting as the best time for fishing is early morning and late afternoon. Even if you have never fished before come out for all the fun! Resident fishing experts will be on hand to provide assistance. Sign-up will be at the Bingham Lake shelter upon arrival or by using the enclosed form.

Carnival activities – all the fun will begin at 10 a.m. at Lakeshore Park. We will have face painters, midway games, a dunk tank, snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn and adult trikes. Wondering what adult trikes are? They are tricycles designed for the weight of an adult, but sized not much bigger than a child's trike. Watching adult riders’ knees coming up to their chests while pumping furiously is what makes this trike so much fun. We hope to have some children challenge their parents to an obstacle race.

Coffee, coffee – cannot move without that morning jolt of caffeine? No worries as they say! We are happy to announce that Java Mountain will be providing delicious, gourmet lattes (plain and chocolate) from 8 – 10 a.m. at the Bingham Lake shelter. We are also very excited that Capri Coffee, the new coffee store in the King Soopers’ shopping center, will be on hand with fresh brewed coffee. Note: coffee and lattes will be provided from 8 – 10 a.m. or until we run out which ever comes first!

Food – along with the changes for the carnival we have a new caterer – Paul’s Catering! As a result of the change we should have something for everyone - including vegetarians. This year’s menu will feature the usual picnic fare of hotdogs and 1/3 lb Char burgers, along with grilled, boneless chicken breast and grilled balsamic Portobello mushroom sandwiches. A summer outing is not official unless you have corn on the cob. So we will have corn on the cob with drawn butter along with additional sides and an assortment of gourmet cookies and brownies. We will also provide canned beverages, bottled water, refreshing lemonade, and fresh brewed iced tea. Prices are as follows:

Other exciting activities – to add to the excitement and fun, Carolyn Williamson will sponsor four gentle horses that can be ridden by children or adults, in addition to the pony rides we have come to enjoy. For those adults that prefer a more leisurely experience, we will again have carriage rides around the lake.
For those interested in relaxation, we will have a massage therapist from the Women’s Wellness Center providing massages for $1/minute.
We hope to have a fun and festive event and there should be something for everyone. So come out and join the fun!!!

Kids’ Fishing Derby at the Lake	8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.	Sign in at the shelter overlooking the lake. Latté and coffee bar and soft drinks Award presentations at 10:00 am · Largest Bass · Largest Walleye · Largest Perch · Largest Bluegill · Largest Carp · Largest Crappie
Carnival at Lakeshore Park	10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.	At Lakeshore Park, East of the Lake. Games and fun for kids 3 - 17 yrs.
Barbeque Picnic	11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.	Reserve your lunch by completing the order form in the July newsletter. Reduced price for Pinery Homeowners Association members. Chicken, Burgers, Portobello Mushroom, hot dogs, sides and drinks.

   The PHA office recently received many calls about CDOT changes to traffic lights on Highway 83. Some signals were changed to a left turn on green arrow only. This was done to be proactive and fix a known left turn problem in the corridor rather than to wait for more serious left turn accidents. Speeds in this 55 MPH area of the corridor have caused very severe accidents, especially with approach turns (left turns and through). By converting signals to a protected-only left turn, CDOT is protecting the motorist turning left who may have underestimated the speed/arrival time of the approaching vehicle and the motorist traveling through the intersection with a green light. It is CDOT’s desire that all the left turns be converted to a left turn arrow only in high speed areas and they are evaluating other areas as well. About 50% of signals have been converted to arrow only left turns to date. CDOT wants to be consistent and feels that the time has come to move in this direction for the entire corridor.
   At the State Highway 83/N. Pinery signal, and only on the afternoon of May 21, CDOT underestimated the timing for the change. The signal caused back ups of about 10 -15 minutes. Timing was adjusted the next day to lengthen the time allowed for traffic making a left turn. The commute the next day was a much better one. CDOT is currently monitoring the situation closely to see what other adjustments need to be made to the intersection.
   You may call 1-800-999-4997 with questions.

Be sure to check references and the Better Business Bureau before using door-to-door home service companies or those who advertise with flyers on doors.

COVENANT CORNER
The Pinery Architectural Control Committee

Neighbors Helping Neighbors
From time to time, we become aware of situations where for health or other personal problems, a Pinery resident may be unable temporarily to perform minor maintenance which is easily taken care of under normal circumstances. Examples would be weeding, raking, and other yard work.
In all probability, neighbors throughout the Pinery help each other out on an ongoing basis in this way. We expect that there are those who would be willing to help if only they were aware of a specific need. We are exploring the idea of establishing a group of volunteers for this type of work. If you would be interested in helping out in this way, please call 303-841-5305 or send an E-mail to ThePineryACC@comcast.net, give us your name, address, telephone number and E-mail address. Work for the group could also earn Community Service hours for high school students.

Replacing Your Garage Door?
Given the age of residences in the Pinery, many are now thinking of replacing their garage door. Please be aware that unless the door is being replaced with exactly the same color and material as initially was installed, this is a change which requires ACC approval. Also, keep in mind that Pinery Protective Covenants require that exterior materials be in earth tones. White is not approved for exterior materials, including garage doors. White garage doors must be painted in an approved earth tone color. Please contact our office at 303-841-5305 or ThePineryACC@attbi.com for additional information.

Recreational Vehicles
Storage of recreational vehicles on Pinery properties is not allowed. For purposes of loading, unloading, cleaning, etc. RVs, campers, boats and trailers may be present for not more than three (3) days at a Pinery property. When temporarily at your residence, the vehicle should be parked on the approved, hard-surfaced driveway.

   The Parker Task Force (PTF) will host an Open House and Food Drive on Sunday, July 13th, 2003, from 1p.m.until 5 p.m. to celebrate their new location at 20118 East Mainstreet in the Parker Information Center (formerly the Parker Town Hall). The most needed items at this time are: canned fruits, canned meats (but not tuna), canned ravioli, 5 lb sugar, spices, cereals, paper towels, Kleenex, laundry products, cleaning products and personal hygiene products.
   When you make a donation to this event, your receipt will automatically enter you into a drawing for a dinner and a movie package, one of two certificates to IHOP, or a dinner for two. Dinner certificates are being provided by Parker Station, AMC movie tickets were donated by a volunteer, and IHOP certificates can be used any time of day. Winners will be contacted shortly after the event.
   The PTF is a non-profit food bank that supports those in need throughout the Parker, Elizabeth, and Franktown communities. This is a short-term support resource that has become critical to many in our community. If you have any questions, please contact them at 303-841-2460.

Community Service Opportunities
Are you a high school student looking for ways to fulfill community service requirements? Please check HS Comm Service
The high school student with the most Pinery community service hours at the end of the summer will be awarded a full scholarship to the fantastic Master Drive program—a $300 value.

We Have A New Dock At The Lake!
(That’s Bingham Lake on Lakeshore Drive)
(See the Pictures)

   Sittin’ in the mornin’ sun…Thanks to Doug Ravnholdt, Doug Stephenson, Jesse Lugo, and Tom Kimball of the PHA Lake Committee for selecting a new dock and helping to install it. The project was completed in May and has been very much appreciated by our residents and other lake users, who enjoy the lake for fishing, boating, or walking.
   You may remember the old, sectional, floating (wobbly) dock, which the new dock has replaced. It had lost its T-shaped end section, which is believed to be at the bottom of the lake somewhere and has not been found. There are stories of picnic tables and other sunken treasure below the surface of the lake, as well. Please feel free to remove any of this debris from the bottom of the lake if the urge strikes you. (Remember that swimming is prohibited.)
   Now on to the credits! We thank Doug Ravnholdt for finding a great dock (at a great price) for the PHA. The new dock is stationary on poles, and sits above the surface at a height of 1-3 feet. It’s much easier than the old dock to stroll on. It is shaped similarly to the original design of the old one, with the T-shaped section intact. Doug S. and Doug R. shifted its position about 20 feet down-shore toward the north. This leaves more room at the boat ramp and is another improvement. Thanks to Doug Ravnholdt for getting such a great dock for us. Also thanks to Doug’s neighbor, Carmen, who volunteered his tractor, his time and skill to haul out the posts from the old dock.
Special thanks goes to Doug Stephenson who volunteered many hours removing the old dock and seeing the new dock to completion. Doug S. also built and installed the wonderful log benches around the lake. I’m sure many of you have seen, admired and used them. They look great. Thanks for all of your great work at the lake, Doug!!
   We are also grateful to the two Dougs for organizing the ‘Kids’ Fishing Derby’ at Bingham Lake every year, open to Pinery kids ages 4-17. Along with Bill Hames and other lake volunteers, this event has been very successful and great fun for many years now. This year the Kids’ Fishing Derby will be held on August 16, combined with the neighborhood picnic, as described in other articles in this issue. The two Dougs and Bill Hames know where all of the best fishing spots are, too.
   The lake is surrounded by a Douglas County Open Space Park facility and is accessible from both the east and west sides from Lakeshore Drive. There is a walking trail around the lake. The park is open during daylight hours. Park rules are posted—no glass bottles, etc.
   The surface of the lake is managed by the Pinery Homeowners Association, which controls its use. Activities that require a permit are fishing and non-motorized boating. There is no sand beach and swimming isn’t permitted, neither is windsurfing—sorry, the lake bottom isn’t appropriate for swimming and wading.
   Permits are $10/year per family and are available to residents of the Pinery Water and Wastewater District, which includes all of the Pinery neighborhoods. The lake is stocked with Stripers, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Perch, Crappie, Catfish and Bluegills. The goldfish and carp appeared by themselves. Bingham Lake is open during daylight hours. Rules for fishing and boating are posted on the www.Pinery.org website under Parks & Lake.

   This year’s art show consisted of over 50 works of art from talented individuals in the Pinery community. Many people came to the art show gallery to observe the local talent. For those of you who did not get a chance to attend the show, you can still get a glimpse of the art show via computer at www.pinery.org click on 2003 Art Show.
   This is the first year pottery and mixed media have been accepted into the show with very pleasing results. Be sure to see the winner in this category Joanne La Porta’s “Raku Horsehair Pottery”. (Speaking of judging, the task was said to be arduous with so many fine works to choose from.) The children’s artwork was a source for smiles and awe. Viewers were heard to say, ”A child did that!” Be certain to check out our Best Young Artist, Mika Futz’ portrait of “Chief Crying Wolf”. Other notable art works are: A portrait of “Kurt” (Cobain) by Matt Alvord that took over 2100 hours to complete and won the Best Drawing Award. And, if you’re a shutterbug you will love the photographs in our show. Bruce Norman’s “Water Logged” was chosen as best. Bruce said he used a long exposure to capture the mood and intense color.
Do you enjoy open space, well you can certainly feel it in Vernette Gilbert’s “The Last Home on the Range”, a beautiful oil painting that makes us long for a simpler time.
   And, if you can never get enough of the Pinery area look up our Best Pinery Representative Art piece by Craig L. Davis. A wonderful watercolor depicting an area near-by that many people recognize.
We have already received many ideas for next year. Your feed back is appreciated please e-mail your comments to Carmen Gardner/ Art Show Coordinator carmengardner@hotmail.com
   We would like to thank the following people who volunteered to help bring the 2003 Pinery Art Show to our community. Marilyn Alvord, Betty Arndt, Jim Bagley & Mary Wiedemann, Barb & Ed Bishop, Andrea Dickut, Wade Gardner, Theresa Lugo, Walt Sharpless, Cheryl Uhrmaker, and Liza Whitaker.
   Also thanks to PHA’s Jo Ann Glaser, Denise Smith, Jan Naracci, Randy Thompson and Tom Kimball. Special thanks to Jim Bagley who began the Pinery Art Show three years ago and will be saying farewell to our fair community.

Are you interested in sponsoring an activity at the Summer Bash? Give the PHA (303.841.8572) a call and we can inform you what is available. There are some exciting opportunities.

There have been reports of children and motorized vehicles chasing deer through open space. Open space is for gentle use only. Parents are urged to impart respect for these areas to their children. Motorized vehicles are not allowed off roads in the Pinery and any motorized vehicles on the roads must be properly licensed. Many of us have chosen to live in the Pinery because of the wonderful wildlife. Let’s make an effort to show our respect and appreciation for it.

Volunteers’ Corner

Bird Sanctuary Looks Great!!

   As with the rest of Colorado, the Bird Sanctuary got a great start with the spring rains. An army of sunflower plants, which the birds love, has volunteered in our wildflower bed; and even some of the wildflowers we planted are coming up! Flax from years past looks like a permanent addition. We will have more knapweed-eating bugs from the Agriculture Department soon, and our native grass looks like it will be good competition for the weeds this year. Our birdhouses are occupied, and we are still anticipating two Eagle Scout projects, to be completed this year.
   We’ve not had a chance for much maintenance this year, but the plants become less dependent on us as they become more established. We will have a couple of Ponderosa students helping us this summer for community service hours (a graduation requirement you can start working on as soon as you complete eighth grade). Thanks are in order for Bill Hames, who gave a donation which allowed us to buy extra hose and a sprinkler for our wildflower bed.
   And finally, we are sorry to say goodbye to long-time volunteers Jim Bagley and Mary Wiedemann. They’ve been with use from the beginning, and their contributions are greatly appreciated. Mary is the artist who provided us with our sign. They are moving to North Carolina, and we wish them the best of luck. Deb Dieter 303.840.4360
   Birders note that a Pinery Bird Checklist has been created and is available in the PHA office. The list identifies those species that might be seen at the sanctuary or in your yard as well as those seen on Bingham Lake. Stop by and pick one up!

Lawn Mower Brigade Mobilization Call

The Pinery Lawn Mower Brigade has been officially recalled to duty to mow and trim the North Pinery Parkway Median, from Northeast Elementary School to Ponderosa Way. Every year, trusted and highly trained residents volunteer their time and mowers to improve the appearance of our area. By mowing the median, we can also pick up trash and waste deposited by others, who will go nameless.
Each year, new recruits are needed to share the tasks associated with this endeavor. All local residents within walking distance of the median are asked to help by mowing a portion near your home. Remember, it is our community and we need to show some pride. This is a good way of showing it… charge!

Hats off to Spring Clean-up

The weather in Colorado is unpredictable but we never thought we would have snow in May! After two delays due to snow, rain, and sleet, the Spring Clean-up finally took place on May 10th. The weather was actually perfect and we accomplished a great deal of clean up. We would like to thank the following volunteers who came and did a fantastic job: Lori Varilek, Renee Kurreck, Shandelle Trevino, Garth Farrend, and Joann Farrend

We get our water from two sources: shallow wells that are tributary to Cherry Creek and deep wells that tap into Denver Basin groundwater. The Cherry Creek wells are a renewable water supply and they provide about 75% of our total water supply. The deep wells are a nonrenewable water supply. The water rights for the deep wells are based on withdrawal of the water over a 100-year period, but before our 100-years are up, extracting water from these rights will become increasingly expensive due to declining water levels. Our District, along with other Douglas and Arapahoe County water providers has been involved in a Conjunctive Use Study with Denver Water and the Colorado River Water Conservation District. In the context of this study, conjunctive use means that during wet years, we would receive water from the South Platte and Blue Rivers to use, and to inject into our deep wells. In dry years when there is no river water available, we would pump our wells as we do today. This would have the effect of significantly extending the life of our deep aquifer water rights. The preliminary results of this study are promising, and the final report is due out this summer. Look for more information in future newsletters.

Occasionally, many of our customers receive communication from the Parker Water and Sanitation District. This happened recently when many of us received Parker’s annual Water Quality Report. We know that this is confusing and we have discussed this with the Parker Water and Sanitation District. This results from Parker using bulk mail to deliver their information. You should have recently received our Annual Water Quality Report as well.

As always, you are invited to attend our Board meetings (second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the District offices). You may also contact our office at 303-841-2797 if you have any questions.

Recently, the Pinery office received word of an unconfirmed sighting of a mountain lion, in an open space gully near the Fire Station. The lion was sighted between 10 and 11 p.m. While sightings such as this have been rare, newer residents may be unaware that these animals may exist in the area. Please take precautions to ensure the safety of your family.

For more information go to “Pinery Wildlife” on www.pinery.org. Sightings should be reported to the Division of Wildlife at 303-291-7230; after hours, call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department at 303-660-7505.

Want to know more about the Pinery and share your opinions? The PHA board would like to know what you think. All you need to do is sign onto the web site, www.pinery.org and answer the question of the month. Results will be published in subsequent newsletters.

   Eagle Scout Candidate, Rob Steinhauser presented a proposal to the members of the Pinery Homeowner's Association, Thursday June 12. In this proposal, Rob laid out plans for a 315' path to be contained within the Pinery Bird Sanctuary. This pathway will be edged with railroad ties and spread with a tight-packing reddish gravel called rhyolite. It will provide an avenue people can stroll to enjoy the developing park.
   Coordinators of the Sanctuary have always wanted a path. Debra Dieter, Bird Sanctuary Representative, has been working closely with Rob to shape a path that meets her Committee’s specifications. Mrs. Dieter wholeheartedly endorses Rob's plan.
   Following Rob's presentation, the PHA offered to match the first $300 of the estimated $1255 required to build the path. They will also reserve booth space for Rob so that he can collect donations during the Pinery Summer Bash on August 16. Please support his booth! Donations would be most appreciated and can be made by calling Rob at 303-840-2727. Free labor will be provided by Scouts from Troop 469 based at Hilltop Community Church. Rob estimates his Troop will log 224 hours of hard labor in order to make this dream come true for supporters of the Pinery Bird Sanctuary.

Trash & Recycling News
...from Elizabeth Philpy,
BFI Representative to the Pinery

Recycling is a valuable addition to any community. Not only does it help to preserve the life of landfills, but it also helps our forests and other natural resources by creating materials for new products. When you buy products made from recycled material, you also support recycling.

Newspapers: Newspapers and the inserts that come in the paper are fine. No magazines or phone books please.
Aluminum beverage cans: Soft drink and beer cans. Aluminum pet food and other cans are also okay, but please rinse them out first.
Steel food cans: Also known as tin cans, these include cans from vegetables and fruit, soup and coffee. Leave the labels on but please rinse them out.
Glass bottles and jars: Food jars as well as beer, soft drink and wine bottles are fine. You may leave the labels on, but please remove the lids, and rinse food containers. Please do not include any window glass, drinking glasses, ceramics, pyrex, light bulbs or any glass that is not a bottle or jar.
Plastic bottles #1 & #2: Most plastic soft drink, milk, juice, detergent and shampoo bottles can be recycled. Look for the recycling symbol with the #1 PETE or #2 HDPE on the bottom of the bottle. You may leave on any labels, but please remove the lids. Please no oil, pesticide or hazardous material bottles. At this time we cannot take yogurt cups, butter dishes or any plastic that is not a bottle.

Did You Know?
It is estimated that BFI picks up 550 tons of recycling each month. That’s 6,600 tons in one year!
Each of our 11 recycling drivers picks up an estimated average of 430 stops per day. The average customer we service puts out an estimated 40 pounds of material for recycling each time they set out their recycle bins.

If you would like to participate in BFI’s recycle program in your homeowners association, you may pick up a recycle bin at the office located at 8170 Hillcrest Way.
Please call the PHA office at (303) 841-8572 or BFI customer service at (303) 287-8043 if you have any questions.

If you have or are considering an electrical space in the PHA storage lot, you should be aware that the connection is NOT as powerful as that that would be found at a campground, where one would be living in the camper. The lease prohibits habitation of any stored vehicles so this has never been the intent of the electrically supplied spaces.
The level of electricity available should allow you to run those devices which you would normally be able to easily run off of your battery (refrigerator, heater fan in case you haven’t winterized late in the season, etc.), or, to charge your battery or run a small power tool (e.g. drill) to work on your vehicle. Air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc., draw too much power to be used at the storage lot.

· Face painters	· Midway games
· Dunk tank	· Children’s bounce
· Adult trikes	· Cotton candy
· Double hoops	· Snow cones
· Music	· Popcorn

Adult member	$ 5.00
Child member	$ 2.50
Adult non-member	$10.00
Child non-member	$ 7.50

	Homeowner
	Published by The Pinery Homeowners’ Association, Inc. Volume 27; Issue 4