The Connection

By Kathy Dunker; photos courtesy of the Martin Family Stonecroft resident Nicki Martin completed her sixth-grade community service project for DCS Montessori and helped out Elk Ridge Park at the same time. Martin planted ten new trees at the park last month, a project she says she is very proud of. Flying Dutchman Nursery (Michigan)…

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…

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…

By Chris Bonham Businessman and motivational speaker Harvey Mackay once said, “Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Many teens have dreams and ideas about what that something might be for them individually. However, many of them find themselves flipping burgers at a local restaurant, mowing lawns…

 Information provided by the Town of Castle Rock The Castle Rock Community Garden at Glovers Park is back and ready to grow for its second season. There are 24 garden plots available to lease on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $40 per season. Interested gardeners should fill out an application at CastleRockCommunityGarden.blogspot.com or…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Fourth graders at Timber Trail Elementary visited the History Colorado Center. The museum, which opened last year, features exhibits that illustrate how life would have been in Colorado during various time periods and allows visitors to experience life in the past first-hand. Students did 1920s homestead chores, constructed cliff…

A volunteer helping to sort and stock shelves in the food bank.      By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of the Douglas/Elbert Task Force Fifteen thousand six hundred and eighty-four. This is the number of people the Douglas/Elbert Task Force served last year. Our neighbors. Our community. Fifteen thousand six hundred and eighty-four. If you…

Information provided by Tri County Health Department The first of three drive-through household chemical roundups this year, hosted by the Tri-County Health Department, will be held May 11, at the Parker Joint Services Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The events are offered free-of-charge to Douglas County residents. However, participants will be asked for…

By Lisa Crockett Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Wayne Ruegge has just wrapped up his first tax season in his new practice in Castle Pines. “It’s great to be here in Castle Pines,” said Ruegge, who also lives here with his wife. “Being here, I realize what a vibrant, growing area this really is. It’s great…

Every Wednesday in April, which is designated nationally as Autism Awareness Month, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) faculty members wore a special t-shirt designed to raise awareness about autism – a developmental disorder which is now estimated to effect one in 50 children ages 6 to 17 in the United States. The weekly t-shirt-wearing effort was…

By Joe Gschwendtner Like to keep good company? Stay sharp intellectually? Lower Alzheimer’s risk? Have something in common with Warren Buffett? What if you could become a life master of something? Improve your self-discipline. Speak another language? Live longer? All you need is 52 cards, a pencil, paper, and three friends and you’re ready to…

John Fielder, Colorado’s premier outdoor photographer, presented to the Lone Tree Arts Center Guild on April 16. Article and photo by Amy Shanahan The Lone Tree Arts Center (LTAC) is very fortunate to have an active guild, whose sole mission is to support and promote the arts in south Denver. The Guild was started in…

American Academy Charter School, founded in Castle Pines in 2009, is underway with construction of its second campus. The new building is located on Motsenbocker Road and Mainstreet in Parker. Information provided by American Academy Last month, the board of directors and the American Academy (AA) administration celebrated the “topping off” of the steel structure…

    Pictured above: Mrs. Davis sits on her “letter rug” and is surrounded by current and former students who will miss her dearly. Mrs. Davis will retire as the last original teacher at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School after 16 years. Pictured clockwise are: Nichole, Aloe, Mrs. Davis, Mallory, Cade, Luke, and Riley. By Nichole L.,…

By Elizabeth Wood West In preparation for the grand opening of its new Lone Tree store this summer, Cabela’s is now hiring through May 4. According to Cabela’s Communications Specialist Wes Remmer, “We plan to hire approximately 200 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees to staff the Lone Tree store. We are looking for customer service-oriented…

Castle Pines resident and former professional lacrosse player Bill Edell coaching a boys youth lacrosse team. This summer, Edell is running lacrosse camps at Elk Ridge Park in Castle Pines. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Bill Edell Castle Pines resident Bill Edell is passionate about lacrosse. He’s spent most of his personal and professional…

     By Amy Shanahan Tickets are now on sale for a special event which benefits a wonderful, local non-profit organization, Firefly Autism. During the weekend of June 14-16, The Village at Castle Pines will host an art show featuring some of the country’s best artists. These artists work in a wide range of mediums, including…

The tech team holding their new Verizon tablets and certificates for winning the national app design challenge. From left to right: Jordan Peters, Rohan Balan, Christy Street (teacher and faculty advisor), Deanne Apke, Adriana Maldonado, and Shivani Chauhan. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Christy Street A team of five Rock Canyon High School (RCHS)…

Article by Elean Gersack The Buffalo Ridge Educational Alliance (BREA), the school’s parent-teacher organization, has set the activity calendar for the 2013-2014 school year and is seeking businesses to support the school by sponsoring events. “By supporting our school, businesses support our community,” said Lesley Gibson, BREA sponsorship chairperson. “This year, we created a menu…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines “News & Notes” Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution established an October 1 deadline for local governments to regulate or prohibit the commercial cultivation and sale of marijuana. The retail sale and cultivation regulations of Amendment 64 are enacted in part through zoning and land use restrictions.…