The Connection

Castle Pines resident Warren Lynge has stepped down as the leader of the Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett “It is not a city until there’s a library.” Those words, spoken by Castle Pines resident and volunteer extraordinaire Warren Lynge, epitomize his passion for the library in Castle Pines. …

Rock Canyon boys varsity ice hockey takes state against Rampage on May 15, winning 4-3 in overtime! By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of the Ansay Family May 15, 2013 will be a night to remember for the Rock Canyon varsity ice hockey team. Pitted against Rampage in the state finals showdown, the team was definitely…

Firefly Autism in Denver, pairs their students with educators, occupational therapists and physical therapists as needed. Their wonderful work is being celebrated at the Art Show in the Village on June 14th—please come out to show your support! By Amy Shanahan; photo and logo courtesy of Firefly Autism The upcoming Art Show in the Village…

By Patte Smith; additional information provided by South Metro Fire Rescue and Firewise Communities Fire mitigation is an important step for everyone’s safety, and surrounding communities need to be aware of potential fire dangers and take precautions. This is not the responsibility of only a few residents, but the entire community. Castle Pines Village resident…

Left to right: Cameron Gill took second place in 5A Boys triple jump. (Photo provided by Aimee Schnebeck.) RCHS’s boys and girls 4 x 800 meter relay team members (left to right) Lucas West, Megan Cooney, Mackenna Balman, Max Will, Phoebe Schneider, Sidney Fleecs, Andy Tinlin, and Jake Blackburn. (Photo provided by Gabby Alcala.) Kelsey…

James Einolf makes guitars in the basement workshop of his Forest Park home. He is pictured here with three of his babies, including his cat “Felix Mendelssohn,” named for a famous German composer. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Jeff Warner James Einolf has done a number of things in his life. At the age…

Archers get ready to show their skills at a local competition. They are educated in safety and learn skills to properly use bows and arrows, rifles, and shotguns at the Oakland OKs 4-H Club. By Chris Bonham; photo courtesy of the Oakland OKs On June 8, the Oakland OKs 4-H Club will be hosting its…

The lead cast members and the three teachers who spent so much of their time overseeing this project are pictured together at the movie premiere. Left to right: Maclain Looper, Tim Ryckman, Blaike Hildebrand, Scott Melanson, Molly Dunn, Ally Harris, Ava Richardson, Wyatt Tournabene, Claire Sweeney, Christopher Gowing, and Michelle Dunker. A Castle Pines resident,…

Pictured left to right: Mary Williams, Carla Kenny, Sharon Kollmar, Donna Scott, Wanda Kasunic, and Pam Greeb – the Board of Directors for Womenade. The group’s mission is to aid women through a network of other caring women. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich “Just a little help from some friends around town” is written…

Michele Volkl and other members of the CPV Garden Club modeled beautiful clothing during the fashion show at the annual May luncheon. Volkl remarked, “Being a relatively new member, I have treasured becoming a part of this fine organization of talented, dedicated, and caring women who not only enjoy having a lot of fun but…

A view looking North from Prairie Hawk Drive and Limelight Avenue Information provided by the Town of Castle Rock Two road projects are coming to the Meadows Parkway corridor this spring and summer, meaning delays and some lane closures on Meadows Parkway and Prairie Hawk Drive. Because of new businesses opening near Meadows Parkway and…

Chiara Robinson (left) and Brynn Peters (right) ran the Colorado ½ Marathon together. “I wanted to do this with my good friend, and it was so much fun!” said Peters. Article by Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Marilyn Peters Good friends Brynn Peters and Chiara Robinson set a goal for themselves that most thirteen year-old…

  The lip-dub video ended with all 1,400 students and 110 staff members from RHMS in front of the school dancing and lip-syncing. Tech teacher Tim Ryckman filmed the final shot from atop a tall ladder, while Tech teacher Scott Melanson encouraged the kids to dance and go crazy for the camera. Article and photo…

Rocky Heights Middle School held a “Dine and Dash” fundraiser at Dazbog in late May and invited all incoming sixth grade students to stop by for treats and to purchase spirit wear. Owner Lisa Newman spent much of the day behind the counter serving the students and their parents. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan…

Daniel Kane is the new general manager for The Ridge at Castle Pines North. Article by Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Daniel Kane Daniel Kane returns to Colorado and The Ridge at Castle Pines North (The Ridge) as general manager. Kane, who was hired by Troon Golf in 2000 and had a stint as head…

Regina Hutchinson, a local executive coach and consultant, recently helped launch the Half the Sky Leadership Program for Women in PA.     By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Regina Hutchinson Regina Hutchinson and her family moved to Castle Pines eleven years ago, but you can still detect her Boston upbringing when she speaks. She was…

“I have a vested interest in this community,” said Chuck Lowen, a committee member who is manager of the Village Square shopping area in Castle Pines. “I want to make things better for the merchants that work here as well as the people who live here.” Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A group of…

Left to right: Cardiologists BAN Shao and HUANG Qiong; Rotary Club of Castle Pines President Elaine Love; general surgeon WU Chunbo, and cardiovascular surgeon ZHANG Xiangli . The Team Leader, Susan Maguire, a retired clinical pharmacist and member of the Rotary Club of Shanghi, is not shown. Huang and Zhang are from Henan Province and…

RCHS athletes celebrate signing athletic scholarships for college. Pictured left to right: Andrew Romano (golf), Trent Riddle (track), Joshua Peterson (basketball), and Megan Cooney (cross country). Congrats grads! By Elizabeth Wood West; photo provided by Kathleen Kennedy of RCHS Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) is celebrating having four more athletes sign with colleges for athletic…

View looking north at the southbound I-25 off-ramp from Ridgegate Parkway Information provided by Kristen Knoll, City of Lone Tree Expect construction delays and closures on westbound RidgeGate Parkway and the southbound I-25 off-ramp from RidgeGate Pkwy to Cabela Drive through the beginning of July. Modifications to the center median and the addition of new…

Tessa Johnson with her first place artwork titled, “A Broken Society.” (Photo courtesy of Todd Johnson). By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos The Colorado Sixth Congressional District High School Art Competition and Exhibit, “An Artistic Discovery” took place April 27 at Congressman Mike Coffman’s office in Aurora. The competition, which takes place every spring, is sponsored…

Council voted to amend agreements so that final design and other services can be completed relative to the extension of North Meadows Drive from U.S. Highway 85 to Interstate 25. Information provided by Kristin Accola, Town of Castle Rock Progress toward securing Castle Rock’s long-term water future was made Tuesday, when Castle Rock Town Council…

Timber Trail Elementary fourth grader teacher Tony Greene (center) dances with the entire fifth grade class at the school’s annual variety show. The dance exposed students to a hip-hop style called dubstep. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Fifth graders at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) performed a dance last month that took them nearly an…

All the RCHS students who attended the FBLA conference in Vail, pictured above, placed in the top five percent. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Janna Robinett If you happened to be in Vail the weekend of April 13 and 14, you would have seen more than 2,000 high school students from all over Colorado…

Article by Kathy Dunker While other states celebrate National Bike Month during the month of May, Coloradans are getting in gear to start their celebration during the month of June. With the recent May snowstorms, it’s clearly a necessary wait! Registration is now open for Bike to Work Day, which will be on Wednesday, June…

Story and photo by Lisa Crockett Summer is here. Even if it’s been years since you have seen the inside of a classroom, the longer days and warmer temperatures lend themselves to moments of relaxation that can be hard to find when the weather dictates indoor activity. It’s the season of the backyard barbecue, with…

Photo by Elean Gersack Fourth Graders, Jack and Ryan gave parents and visitors an overview of Hot Sulphur Springs during Colorado Day at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) on Wednesday, April 24. It’s a fourth grade tradition at BRE to cumulate the Colorado History unit with displays, videos, role-playing, singing and dancing about all things…

Seventh grade students Taylor Hein (left) and Kaylee Sandoval (right) were surprised and thrilled to receive an award for their yearbook contributions. “We realized, that whoa! This is a big deal!” remarked Sandoval. “It was very unexpected and amazing to feel that way!” By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Scott Melanson The yearbook staff at…

The students who attended the NSPA/JEA national convention in San Francisco, pictured left to right,: Rylee Portman, Michael Shapiro, Andrew Bohren, Julia Henning, Lauren Payne, Syd Charvat, andBrooke Bell. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Kristi Rathbun A group of seven students representing Rock Canyon High School’s (RCHS) newspaper and yearbook staff attended the National…

Daniels Park will soon be home to a new trailhead and picnicking area, making surrounding trails more accessible. The existing stone shelter pictured above is approximately one-half mile west of the proposed new trailhead. Douglas County is making the improvements as part of an agreement it has with the City and County of Denver. By…

Buffalo graze at Daniels Park. Much of the 1,000-acre park is a buffalo preserve. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of City and County of Denver Yes, it takes a village.  Several different entities have responsibility for Daniels Park.  The 1,000-acre park adjacent to Castle Pines is owned by the City and County of Denver as…

by Terri Wiebold, editor In reading the comments and questions from the hundreds of voluntary subscription response cards sent in by readers during the past few months, I have learned a lot about what you, our readers, want. I am reminded that community particpation and input are what shape The Castle Pines Connection, and we…

By Elizabeth Wood West Capturing rainwater in a barrel is an old practice and has recently made a come-back. Rainwater is a renewable water source; the simplicity of collecting and reusing it is something anyone can do. Many big box stores now carry rain barrels in different sizes and materials. However, most people may not…

Brothers Everitt, George, John and Richard on the farm, 1932 Information provided by Jean Jacobsen, Castle Rock Writers Castle Rock Writers is researching and writing a new history of Douglas County, starting with prehistoric times and ending with the beginning of the 21st century. The History Press will publish the book in the fall of…

Cardiac device expert and heart advocate, Selina Ballabio, will pedal for hearts during the Children’s Hospital Colorado Courage Classic on July 20 through 22. Article and photo by Elean Gersack The Children’s Hospital Colorado 24th Annual Courage Classic is set for July 20 through 22. The three-day cycling event will begin and end in Copper…

Sunday School students at the Well of Hope Church in Castle Pines collected enough money during Lent to buy animals and farm implements for a less fortunate family somewhere in the world. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Well of Hope, ELCA Children at the Well of Hope church, a Lutheran church for all in…

Patricia Fiske, pictured left with 2012-13 Rotary District 5450 Governor, Mike Klingbiel.“What Rotary does for me is it gives me an opportunity to have an idea and make it happen in the world. Others are making things happen and I help them…it becomes this wonderful chain of service that I couldn’t possibly do on my…

Photo provided by Lori Rommel The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) girls soccer team completed its season May 22 in the class 5A state championship against Mountain Vista High School (MVHS) at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The RCHS Lady Jags were narrowly defeated in overtime with a final score of 1-0. Ranked third in the…

By Julie Montoya From BrambleRidge to BristleCone, and all points in between, residents delighted in the 23rd Annual Castle Pines Community Garage Sale. More than three hundred Castle Pines residents participated in the sale, displaying items for sale from toasters to television sets. The Castle Pines North Master Association sponsored and organized this annual event,…

A handful of the 45 Teen Court volunteers. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of the Castle Rock Teen Court Since 2007, thanks to the dedication of local law enforcement, judges, attorneys, parents, educators, community leaders and volunteers, the Castle Rock Teen Court program offered 330 teens another option through the justice system. With only…

     Lauren Champine, a BRE fourth grader, was selected as one of two State Ambassadors from Colorado for the Fuel Up to Play 60 Program. Champine is pictured with her Physical Education teacher and Fuel Up to Play 60 advisor, Ronda Gutierrez. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Lauren Champine loves to be active. She…

     By Patte Smith As of press time, the City of Castle Pines was planning a 4th of July celebration for Saturday, July 6. The event is scheduled to be held at Elk Ridge Park with fireworks beginning at dark. According to Mayor Jeff Huff, “The event will be low key and kind of a…

Article by Liz Jurkowski; photos courtesy of Carla Kenny The third annual community-wide book and dvd swap, organized by the Castle Pines North Master Association, was a huge success again this year. More than three hundred residents from the City of Castle Pines came to the book and dvd swap in April, held in the…

Left: Castle Pines resident Sean McMullen with three children in the UK in 2011. Right: Sean McMullen, suffering paralysis after a possible spinal cord stroke, was given a “hall pass” from Craig Hospital to return home for his daughter’s sixth birthday. Article by Kathy Dunker; photos courtesy of the McMullen Family Last month we reported…

By Terri Wiebold The community garage sale last month was a huge first step in cleaning out closets, basements, and overall clutter. Now it is time to redirect efforts to rid your home or office of mounds and pounds of paper! The Allstate – Tammy Lopez Agency and The Castle Pines Connection have joined together…

Madison Arey was welcomed with open arms by Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC show Cake Boss during her recent unannounced trip to the east coast. By Kathy Dunker; photos courtesy of the Arey family Madison and McKinsey Arey, residents of Esperanza, are fourteen year old twins who were born eight weeks early back in…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Second grader Cruz Miller reads original poetry at Timber Trail Elementary’s Poetry Café last month. Miller and his classmates, dressed as beatnik poets and read selections from original work they had produced in class. Several poets also played bongo drums as part of their presentations. Here, Miller reads aloud…

DCSM students enjoyed doing the yoga pose low warrior along with several other forms of training last month when they journeyed out of the classroom for some education in exercise. By Kathy Dunker; photos courtesy of Studio Fit On Wednesday, April 10, DCS Montessori (DCSM) middle school students ventured out for their sixth week of…

A favorite t-shirt collection was made into a custom quilt by Tami DiPasquale. By Elizabeth Wood West; photos courtesy of Brian Stopps At the young age of seven, Happy Canyon resident Tami DiPasquale took her first steps toward becoming a renowned master quilter by learning how to sew in a 4-H program. “It made my…

Pictured above, left to right: District Representative Jorge Delgado, Congressman Cory Gardner, and friend Charcie Russell celebrate the opening of the new Castle Pines district office. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo by Tim Gamble U.S. Congressman Cory Gardner recently celebrated the grand opening of his new district office, located at 7505 Village Square Drive, Suite…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Michelle Campbell Logo design by Jan Reagan Nearly 700 Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students arrived at school at midnight on Saturday, April 13 and stayed until 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning, April 14. Instead of studying algebra, biology and English like they normally do at school, the students played…

Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County Commissioner Jill Repella was recently honored by The Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) as Volunteer of the Year, an award recognizing an individual who is not employed in the economic development profession but has a history of involvement in projects that are of significant importance to the…

By Amy Shanahan Castle Pines Jewelers is excited to welcome factory representatives from the Masriera jewelry factory in Barcelona, Spain, for a one-day trunk show and open house. On Friday, May 10 from noon to 6 p.m., the store will showcase this exquisite line of custom-made jewelry. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served, and…

By Lisa Crockett Spring has sprung, and officials at the Colorado Golf Club, as well as golf enthusiasts the world over, are now excitedly looking forward to the Solheim Cup. The biannual event takes place in Parker this August, and players and fans can hardly wait. “Major championships are coming into full swing and competition…

Meghan Ruder (front) and Katie Fornelius, members of Girls on the Run at TTE, are all smiles as they work toward their goal of completing a 5K. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Jennifer Kendall Renee Ziegler’s daughter Emma, who is in fourth grade at Timber Trail Elementary School (TTE), has two brothers but she…

Two hockey-loving brothers, Cai and Cooper, took part in BRE’s Mission: Curiosity. They explored how the flex of a hockey stick affected the accuracy of the puck. Ultimately, Cai selected a new stick based on the results. Article and photo by Elean Gersack Being curious is the spark for imagination and wonder. As the Italian…

Information submitted by Dennis Murray, PGA As the snow keeps flying we’re sitting here pondering when our golf season will get underway at The Ridge. Lord knows we need the moisture, so we’ll just have to practice our patience a while longer. If you are like most golfers, after watching the Masters tournament at Augusta…

White Fence Farm is more than just a restaurant – it’s a destination. Enjoy down-home cooking, shopping for gifts and antiques, and even a few furry friends to round out the experience. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of White Fence Farm Once upon a time, eating out wasn’t the hurried, necessary affair it sometimes is…

Head golf pro George Kahrhoff was honored to receive the award for 2012 PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year in Orlando, Florida earlier this year. “This award is all about the staff and members of The Country Club at Castle Pines,” remarked Kahrhoff. “It’s very little about me.”      Article and photo by Amy Shanahan…

By Julie Montoya People say that traveling abroad as part of a mission’s outreach changes lives for both the traveler and the people they meet on their journey. That couldn’t be more true for four Castle Pines teens who were part of a team of students sent from Valor Christian High School to Albania, to…

First place finishers at Timber Trail Elementary’s robotics competition: (from left) Sam Crockett, Ben Crockett, Sam Isert, and Clay Arnold. Back row: faculty advisor to the Robotics Club at TTE, Mandy Smith. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Timber Trail Elementary finished its inaugural season of robotics last month by hosting a friendly competition between…

Pictured top left: Dr. Leroy Chiao, NASA astronaut, recently visited a sixth grade American Academy class to tell students what it takes to be an astronaut. (Left to right), AA sixth grade science teacher Ben Wolfe, Dr. Leroy Chiao, and AA Middle School Director Amanda Lane-Cline. Information and photo provided by American Academy American Academy…

By Lisa Crockett; courtesy photos Several teams of students from Rock Canyon High School, Rocky Heights Middle School, Buffalo Ridge Elementary and Timber Trail Elementary competed in a tournament last month designed to test their skills in subjects ranging from engineering to the fine arts. The tournament was part of a worldwide organization called “Destination…

By Joe Gschwendtner Responsible Americans are quite vocal about their frustrations with government dysfunction and unaccountability at all levels. Despite this, a scant few participate in government at its root levels in community associations. Too many talented people remain unengaged, regardless of a desperate need for them. Homeowner associations are brought to you by your…

By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Ben Wolfe Castle Pines Village (CPV) has a new summer tennis program for its residents, and is fortunate to have a new tennis pro running the program. Ben Wolfe is a young and enthusiastic teacher and coach who has a winning attitude about everything he does. Wolfe is a…