September 2003 Pinery HOA Newsletter

   Many of you have become aware of additional police activity at certain times in the community. This activity is not because of 911 calls or other immediate needs, it is a result of your community leaders being very proactive in crime prevention.
   Early in 2002, several groups within the community began noticing a rise in crime and the PHA started to discuss options to stop the trend and hopefully reverse it. In a monumental meeting of the community leaders on February 14, 2002, the following entities came together to discuss options: The Pinery Homeowners Association, Douglas County Parks and Recreation, The Pinery Water District, The Timbers, The Pinery Country Club and the Douglas County Sheriff’s office. Shortly after the meeting, High Prairie Farms Metro District joined the group. The result of the meeting was the hiring of off duty Sheriff’s officers to randomly patrol in their cruisers and provide the additional protection we felt the community needed. We all realized that the growth of Douglas County and the limited resources of the Sheriff’s Department did not provide the amount of protection needed to ensure a safe community.
   It is our understanding that this coalition was the first of it is kind and we did receive some local Denver press coverage last summer. The costs of the patrols are split evenly among the members. As a service to the community, the PHA provides the following services for all of the coalition members: a central office for this effort which collects and distributes status reports and information; bookkeeping services and our overall coordinator Ron Henkel. Ron has spearheaded this effort since the inception and has been a great asset to us behind the scenes.
   This coalition group met again in July 2003 to follow up on the progress and to assess the future. Overall it was felt that the service is working and the Sheriff’s officers in attendance agreed that our crime was at, or lower, in all areas than it was in 2001 and early 2002. In most communities, crime is on the rise! We all agreed to continue this service to the community for the next year. As the PHA, we are tasked by you, our members, to serve the community in a positive manner and make good judgments on your behalf. We all believe that these patrols are providing you a great service. The next time you see an officer patrolling the neighborhood say “Hi” and “Thanks”, since, he is working for us to make the Pinery and the surrounding areas a better and safer community.

Place: Fire Station
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Date: October 4, 2003
Purpose: To help maintain the beauty of the subdivision

It is that time of year again! Please come out and assist us with the fall cleanup. Each spring and fall we try to pick up trash along the main corridors – Pinery Parkway and Betts Ranch Road. During the spring, we did not have the opportunity to pick up trash along Betts Ranch due the shortage of volunteers. We hope that many of you will come out and assist us this time. If you need community service, this is a great opportunity to obtain some hours!

   The Annual Large Item Drop Off, was held June 21, 2003. At the close of business, 2 p.m., there was no space available in the twelve large roll-offs we had acquired from BFI. Predicting the space needed in these roll-offs from year to year keeps our resident “Spacial Engineer” up nights, but for some unknown reason this year he got it just right.
   The event is held for the benefit of the Pinery Homeowners’ Association members and is run at a loss of revenue. The event is staffed by volunteers and this year we had a great group there from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.. Those volunteering their precious Saturday were: Joann Farrend; Andrew Gaeckle; Jo Ann Glaser; Will Glaser; Allison Kimball; Tom Kimball; Jeff Kroll; Don Reschke; Andrew Samborski and Fred Slick. The two Andrews were local youth working as a community service and their assistance was greatly appreciated.
Special thanks must go to our good friends at the Water District who mowed and provided the area for this event as well as the space for yard waste and then ground it up for us. Our relationship with our neighbors is very special and our community is a much better place for it. THANK YOU.
   We hope to see you next year as a volunteer or to drop off those large items. Hopefully the “Spacial Engineer” will get the sizing right again and we will have no space available at 2 p.m.!

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

Will you be attending the Pinery Fishing Derby and Picnic at the Lake this year (August 16)?

2. What’s has been your favorite thing about the annual picnics in the past? - ( 4 responses )

Includes High Prairie Farms, Timbers at The Pinery, Pinery South (8b), Butterfield, and Hidden Village.

1. The Pinery, Filing 1-8a
2. The Pinery, Fairway Ridge & Northwoods Glen
3. None. Membership in the PHA is currently optional.

Community Corner

Seniors’ Day 2003
Living Well/Aging Well
Saturday, September 13, 2003

11th Annual Seniors’ Day Planned

   “Save the Date” for this annual free event for Douglas County older adults and families. Approximately 70 exhibitors will feature their services and resources for mature adults and family members. Exciting workshops include Elderhostel, yoga, backyard birding, xeriscape gardening, and others. Participate in T’ai Chi, try out the latest in computer gadgets, or analyze your golf swing. Workshops, entertainment, food and music will be available throughout the day on Saturday, September 13th from 9 a.m.— 2 a.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch.
   Initial sponsors include Health One Sky Ridge Medical Center, Red Rocks Federal Credit Union, HomeWatch, Rose Community Foundation, Whole Foods, and It’s Never 2 Late.
   For information about being a sponsor, an exhibitor or just attending as a participant, please contact Douglas County Adult Services at 303-688-4825.

COVENANT CORNER
The Pinery Architectural Control Committee
303-841-5305 / ThePineryACC@comcast.net

Russian Olives and Other Landscape Matters
   The Architectural Control Committee board recently received interest from the community in promoting reduction of Russian olive trees in the Pinery. At one time, these trees were regularly included in landscape planning and are therefore widely seen in the Pinery. Russian olives are now classified as a ‘noxious weed’ by the State of Colorado. There are many reasons for this classification but primarily it is due to their ability to spread and compete with native species. They are a favorite food of birds and other wildlife that consumes but does not digest the seeds, enabling wide distribution. The trees also spread by sending out shoots at the base called suckers. These sprouts create multi-stemmed trees that are very difficult to prune or remove. The ACC strongly recommends that no new Russian olives be planted, suckers be removed and consideration be given to removal or pruning to a more controlled situation of existing trees.
   We also have other plant life in the Pinery that is classified as noxious. For example, an epidemic of leafy spurge exists.
   Lombardy poplars, very common in the Pinery, are for the most part in poor condition. These trees have a 10-year life expectancy and planting is not recommended. Aspen trees, while beautiful in the mountains, are also very prone to disease and stress at our location. Pine beetle and drought conditions have taken a severe toll on many of our pines, both native and non-native.
   Please consult your local garden expert, such as can be found at the Tagawa Garden Center. Also contact the CSU extension agent (720-733-6930 / E-mail: DCCSU@douglas.co.us ). Their advice regarding plant selection and treatments can be invaluable.
   Finally, take a moment to evaluate your landscape. Be considerate of your neighbors. Do you have dead trees on your property? Make arrangements to have them removed before parasites cause problems with healthy trees on your property or elsewhere. Are you mowing regularly and keeping weeds down? Take renewed interest in our beautiful community and get the sense of satisfaction that having your portion of the neighborhood make a positive contribution will give you.

Selling a Car?
Recently we have received numerous complaints of vehicles parked at intersections, away from residences, on weekends with ‘For Sale’ signs on them. Placing vehicles for sale away from approved residential parking areas (e.g. hard-surfaced driveway) is viewed as a nuisance and is therefore a violation of covenants.
Please consider using this newsletter! Residents may place a classified ad, which will reach approximately 2400 homes at minimal cost ($3/line). Contact the PHA at 303-841-8572 or ThePineryHOA@comcast.net for additional information or see ‘Information for Advertisers’ later in this newsletter.

ACC Office Schedule Change
Effective immediately, the Architectural Control Committee office will be staffed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the following exceptions. The office will be staffed on Fridays prior to meetings as well (see calendar later in this newsletter.) Material to be placed on the meeting agenda is due by noon on Fridays before meetings. The office will not be staffed on Tuesdays when meetings are scheduled. The ACC shares an office with the Pinery Homeowners’ Association in the lower level of the Pinery Fire Station at the intersection of Pinery Parkway and Hillcrest Way.

Fencing
   In order to maintain the open space environment characteristic of the Pinery, use of split rail fencing is encouraged where needed. Where containment of animals or small children is the goal, 2” x4” welded wire may be used on the inside of the fence, not to exceed the top rail, to ground level.
   Placement of the fence should be at or within setbacks specified in the “Dwelling, Construction, and Fence Restrictions” in the applicable Pinery Protective Covenants.
   Submittal for architectural review should include at minimum:

Plot plan for property showing:

Location of existing dwelling.
Location of property lines and easements.
Location of proposed fence; indicate location and width (maximum 48”) of any gate.
Measurements between all of the above.

Drawing of proposed fence.

Description of fence material (e.g. 2-rail split rail with 2” x 4” welded wire).

Signatures of affected neighbors to indicate that they are aware of the proposed change, the meeting date, and time the plan will be presented to the ACC.

Be a good neighbor. Before attaching a fence section to or installing 2”x4” welded wire on a boundary fence constructed by an adjacent property owner, get the owner’s permission.

   Are you concerned about the West Nile Virus? The West Nile Virus in Colorado is an issue and it could be found in The Pinery as easily as anywhere else. It is important to stay well informed, to understand the potential risks, and to learn how to protect yourself and your family, while still enjoying nature and the outdoors.
   According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of this writing, the state has 195 reported human cases of West Nile year to date with 6 deaths. Colorado is by far leading the pack in reported human cases while the other 20 states combined reporting human cases is only 172. Every state west of the Rocky Mountains has reported the presence of the virus but only 20 of the states report human cases at this time.
   So what do we do to help prevent the spread of the West Nile Virus to the Pinery and how do we protect ourselves?

Are you a high school student looking for ways to fulfill community service requirements? Please check the PHA web page for opportunities right here in the Pinery! High School 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.

Volunteers' Corner

Bird Sanctuary Has a Great Summer
   Last summer’s drought had its advantages at our site, but, as you can imagine, this summer’s rains did even more magic! Our native grass looks happy again, and has squeezed out a lot of unwanted plants. Some of our wildflowers came up, but volunteer sunflowers made a much bigger splash. The birds will love all those seeds! Many bushes have fruit, and the trees, for the most part, look better then ever. Our nesting boxes were occupied, and our knapweed-eating bugs survived the winter.
   Nature was not the only factor in our summer successes. Many people helped with old tasks and new ideas. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Carole Fluhart and Barb Buzako for organizing the bedding plant sale and donating the proceeds to the sanctuary. Many thanks, also, to all of you who participated in that sale. The plants are beautiful—all of mine have taken well to my yard. Our core group of volunteers will be meeting to discuss how to best use these funds, and we will keep you posted. One goal is to finally get what we need to make the sanctuary a true habitat, and to apply to the National Wildlife Federation for certification. Thanks again to all who had a part in this wonderful fundraiser.
   Thanks, also, to Rob Bowling, whose Eagle Scout project was completed in July. Rob installed some beautiful brick boundary markers on our site. We have been looking forward to the completion of this project for quite some time. Rob is a pleasure to work with, and we are always happy to provide opportunities for all the fine young scouts in our community. Thanks are also due to Meredith Westerdale, and her mom, Barb, and Emily St. Germaine for performing regular maintenance at the site. Everyone who spends any amount of time at the site makes a big contribution, and we certainly appreciate it. We wish all of you a wonderful fall. Please call if you have questions or want to help with our project. Deb Dieter 303.840.4360.

Thank You

The 2003 Pinery Picnic and Fishing Derby was a great time. Thank you Joann Farrend, Tom Kimball and Dale Sherman, our planning committee and dedicated volunteers. If you liked (or disliked) anything, please make your comments known on this month’s PHA question of the month.
Special thanks to Garth Farrend, Jo Ann and Will Glaser, Jan Narracci, Allison and Barbara Kimball who worked long and hard to make this event a success. We also want to thank our other volunteers for their help: Amy, Cheryl, Roby and Wendy Brost, Karen Eilenstein, Craig Haynes, Ron Henkel, Pam Hildebrand, Hannah Kaufman, Jeff Kroll, Joe and Will Narraci, Pam Olmstead, the Pinery Water District, Jacqueline Pison, Jessica Rast, Donna, Eileen, Jessica and Kari Rippy, Fred and Mary Anne Slick, Denise, Eric and Robyn Smith, Kraig, Karin, Travis and Kaylee Stanforth, Lisa Tokuyama, and Julie Walter.
We also would like to thank our sponsors who helped make this even possible: Brett Barber, Mauna Eichner and Lee Fukui who designed the T-shirts; Barb Buzako, who sponsored the face painting; Capri Coffee, who served coffee; Java Mountain (Dale Sherman), who provided lattes; Carolyn Williamson, who sponsored the ponies and horses; and Diane Ward and Sharon Anderson, who sponsored the Under the Sea Bounce.

During the drought last year, and continuing this year we have asked you to voluntarily conserve water. You have continued to conserve and use this resource responsibly and now others are studying our success. Denver Water has had mandatory restrictions for the past year and a half, and they recently began considering moving to voluntary restrictions. As part of their evaluation of voluntary restrictions, they have spent time with us to learn from our experience. In particular, they are interested in how we achieved such a substantial and sustained reduction in residential water use. While we are sure that there are lots of things that contributed to our success with this program the major factor is that we have GREAT CUSTOMERS. Our reduction in residential water use was greater with our voluntary restrictions than many communities achieved with mandatory restrictions. We thank you for continuing to use this resource responsibly and making us a Water District that others look up to.

Douglas County Household Chemical Roundup
Castle Rock
September 27th
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

   Leftover paint, automotive fluids and other house, garden and pool chemicals will be accepted for recycling or proper disposal at the Douglas County Household Chemical Roundup on Saturday, September 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Town of Castle Rock Maintenance Facility, 675 Justice Way, in Castle Rock.
   Paint products, motor oil, antifreeze, vehicle batteries, house and garden chemicals, mercury, and propane tanks will be accepted. Passenger vehicle and pickup truck tires that are removed from the rim will be collected. People do not even have to get out of their car as they drive through the Roundup, since volunteers will help unload the materials.
The Roundup cannot accept waste from businesses, radioactive waste, smoke detectors, ammunition, explosives, asbestos, oil drums or any compressed gases other than propane.
   All residents of Douglas County are welcome to the Roundup. A driver’s license or water bill will be required when entering the site for proof of residency.
   Event sponsors are requesting a $10 fee per vehicle to help offset the cost of recycling and disposal. There is an additional $2 per tire charge for tire disposal.
   This event is sponsored by many public and private organizations.

	Homeowner
Published by The Pinery Homeowners’ Association, Inc. Volume 27; Issue 5