January 1998 Newsletter

Pinery Trash Program Enrollment Tops 1000!

     The voluntary community membership / trash-recycling program initiated by The Pinery Homeowners' Association in May of 1996 recently enrolled its one-thousandth member. As of this writing 1,010 households are supporting Pinery community needs and having their trash and recyclables collected for the very reasonable cost of $12.25 per month. This includes the $1.67 per month or $20 per year homeowners' dues that fund landscaping, maintenance, improvements, water and electricity for the main entryway and Lakeshore and North Parks; support of responsible development around The Pinery, PHA office operation, provision of RV storage space, Bingham Lake stocking fund and fishing contests, greenbelt maintenance, this newsletter, Pinery Pedal & FREE Picnic for PHA members, community cleanups, community garage sale and large item drop off.

     It is still possible to join the program whether you are a long term resident or have just arrived. Please call the PHA office for answers to any questions you may have and to request an application to enroll. Join your neighbors in supporting your community!

Dogs Will Be Dogs.

     And most of the time that's great! It's not good though when dogs are allowed to run loose, and we've had several complaints to that effect recently. Some residents have found themselves picking up trash after dogs had turned over containers, ripped bags and eaten whatever they deemed edible. In addition to being extremely annoying, this puts beloved pets at risk of food poisoning. Other homeowners regularly clean up excrement deposited by neighbors' dogs. In addition to being unneighborly, this violates Douglas County ordinances that prohibit owners from allowing dogs to run loose. There is recourse though, if you are repeatedly faced with these problems. You may call the Douglas County Sheriff s Dog Control Division, 660-7529, and give them information that will allow them to contact the dog's owner for resolution of the problem.

 State Woodburning Restrictions Now mandatory For Douglas County

     It recently came to our attention by way of a resident's inquiry that Douglas County is subject to the state's mandatory wood burning restrictions. Only those stoves or fireplaces with an EPA Phase 11 certified insert device are exempted from these restrictions. The program is in effect from November lst to March 3lst each year. Before lighting up your woodburning fireplace during those months, call the air quality hot line, 758-4848, to find out whether burning is allowed. The message is updated at 4 p.m. daily for the next 24-hour period.

Thank You!

     Thanks to all the very nice people who turned out to put up our Holiday Lights at the entrance. Due to technical difficulties beyond anyone's control, only a few decorations could be put up this year. The weather didn't help either, but next year we will outdo all the neighborhoods with a grand entrance laced with thousands of lights.

Bingham Lake

     The Pinery Homeowners' Association has been engaged in negotiations to lease the surface rights to Bingham Lake so path improvements can be planned. The existing path is uneven and dangerous in its current state and PHA has decided to plan a program of improvements to the path so those who enjoy walking around the lake can do so with relative convenience. In that the Water District is restricted by law as to how it can spend its funds, the PHA felt that by leasing the lake from the District, it could front the project and the Water District would still have all the rights to water distribution functions of the land. It will take time and effort, but the value of this amenity to the Pinery Water District residents is such that we hope to improve the facilities however we can. The PHA has no desire to build another park or recreation area at the lake. We simply wish to make access to and use of the lake area safer and more convenient. Anyone who wishes to express their opinion on this effort is encouraged to contact us at the PHA office and share their thoughts with us.

RV Lot News

     During this winter period, all parties using the RV Storage area should be aware of the PHA policy concerning snow removal. Unless the need to move vehicles in or out is of an emergency nature, the PHA is reluctant to spend the $400.00 to $500.00 to have the two RV lots plowed. If an emergency does arise which requires that the lots be plowed, PHA will do so, but the need must be justified to spend this amount of money. When the new RV storage lot is built, its surface will be such that plowing will be much easier and more frequent snow removal can be considered.

 New Park Rules And Regulations

     The Pinery Homeowners' Association has approved new rules and regulations for all park properties owned or leased by the PHA. These rules have been drawn, based on park rules and regulations established for Douglas County, but are not exactly the same. These new rules will be posted at all park areas and will be filed with the Douglas County Sheriff's Dept. for proper enforcement. These rules were established to provide a safe and secure environment for Pinery families to use. We hope that all Pinery residents will report any violation observed to the Douglas County Sheriff for enforcement.

The rules and regulations are:

• No motorized vehicles are allowed within park boundaries
• Parks are closed between dusk and dawn
• All pets must be on a leash
• NO alcoholic beverages on premises

For everyone's enjoyment, the following activities are prohibited:

• Remaining in the parks during times they are closed
• Damaging any property
• Littering
• Igniting fires in other than installed metal barbecue facilities
• Possession or discharge of a firearm or fireworks
• Camping
• Any commercial activity
• Possession of any glass containers
• Any activities which could be a hazard or nuisance to any person

     Although these rules may seem obvious to many residents, all of these rules and regulations have been unstated and not in the form of policy. Now that the PHA, which owns or leases certain park areas has established a policy, the Douglas County Sheriff's Dept. will enforce them. Again, your comments and/or suggestions are always solicited. The new signs denoting these rules will be installed in the spring of 1998.

Attention: Cell Phone Users

     An alert Misty Pines resident tells us that at least one of the phone companies is charging Pinery residents Parker sales tax, even though The Pinery is not in Parker. As residents of unincorporated Douglas County, these services should be subject only to Douglas County sales tax. Check your phone bills!

Tips From An Old Pinery Gardener On Plants
For A Western Garden by Bill Hames

     Our climate is harsh and plants must adapt to high altitude sunlight, cold winters, lack of moisture and humidity, and the hot summer sun. Perennial plants are the way to go and there are many hardy perennial plants that will survive in our Colorado climate. Here are some helpful suggestions when buying perennials:

1. Buy plants that have soil around them with their roots intact and undisturbed. DO NOT BUY BARE ROOT PERENNIALS.

2. Buy water-wise perennials specifically for the Western garden.

3. Read planting and growing requirements before buying. Pay specific attention to:

• Sun and shade requirements
• "Xeric" (Water wise) plants
• Attraction to humming birds and butterflies
• Deer resistance

4. Many perennials can be planted in the fall of the year--the root system can then develop during the winter with the help of snow.

5. Remember to refer to the mature plant size (height and width) when planting your perennials. It usually take two to three years for the plants to fully mature. DO NOT OVERPLANT.

     May I recommend that you call TOLL-free 1-800-925-9387 to obtain an excellent catalog on Western perennials from Santa Fe Greenhouse, Santa Fe, NM. THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE SUPPLIER but can be used as a reference offering a wealth of information on native and adapted perennials for the Western garden.

House Victorian

     Would you like to locate your parents in a homey atmosphere? This spring ground will be broken for VICTORIAN HOUSE in Parker. This will be an assisted living facility built by Castle Country Assisted Living, Inc., a non-profit organization, to house twenty-three local senior citizens. Those services to be provided are assistance with bathing and dressing, housekeeping and laundry. Twenty-four hour oversight and medical assistance as well as three meals a day will be furnished. Social activities will also be planned.

     To date, over $1,730,000 has been committed toward the project, which will cost $1,861,000. The board is seeking grants from foundations and organizations at this time. To assist in this effort BUY A BRICK Project is being offered. A $1 00 donation will buy a brick, which will line the sidewalk, Friendship Walk, leading to the front entrance to Victorian House. Contributors may have the brick engraved with their family name, a business name, a memorial name, or a meaningful phrase. Be one of the first to build for our future.

     Contact the following to receive a donation form: Castle Country Assisted Living, Inc., ATTN: Victorian House 221 Cantril St.

Neighbor Network

    The Douglas County Division of Senior Services has developed Neighbor Network, a membership based volunteer service credit program designed to promote the kind of neighbor-helping-neighbor system we seem to be missing in our communities. The program was recently funded for three years by a grant from the Colorado Rural Health Resource Center. Volunteer service credits are simply an alternative form of money. Members of the Neighbor Network who contribute their time will earn service credits. For each hour of service, one credit may be "deposited" into a member's personal account in the "Neighbor Network Bank". These credits can then either be drawn out at a later date when the participant has a need, may be contributed to another individual, or may be contributed to the Neighbor Network Bank supply to support someone in the greatest need. One hour of service (a ride to the grocery store, yard work, visiting a home bound senior) earns one credit that can be used to access a needed service (home maintenance, respite care, or a trip to chemotherapy).

    There are three levels of membership: full members, donor only members, and recipient only members. There is a small annual membership fee for full and recipient members that covers the cost of supplemental member insurance, and paperwork of the program. The cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple (for a "joint account") per year. There are no fees to donor only members, even though they are also covered by insurance. Members who provide transportation services will be eligible for mileage reimbursement at $.25 / mile.

    Presently, the Neighbor Network has the greatest need for volunteers willing to provide transportation, yard work, and snow removal. For more information, call the Douglas County Senior Services at (303) 660-7519.