The Connection

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…

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…

Pictured from left to right: Grace D., Matthew T., Erica P., Juliette L., Libby O., Sydney J., Avarie P., Laurie Jacobs (Team Leader), Patricia Dies (Castle Rock Library), and Janet Nelson (Castle Rock Library). By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Laurie Jacobs The third and fourth grade Battle of the Books team from Buffalo Ridge…

Information provided by Douglas County Libraries To be successful, small businesses need good information and help with business research. Douglas County Libraries (DCL) BizInfo business librarians help entrepreneurs and small businesses run their businesses every day. For established businesses, DCL can provide market research and lists, business operation assistance, and industry trend information. Editor’s Note:…

Plum Creek Ladies Golf League welcomes new members to its 2013 golf season! Join the 18-hole league, which plays each Tuesday morning on the Pete Dye-designed championship golf course in Castle Rock. The league is a fun bunch who enjoys friendly non-tournament get togethers. It also participates in the Tri-County B and C Team leagues,…

By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Burt Bondi One of Colorado’s great success stories features Bert Bondi, a twenty-five year resident of Castle Pines. Bondi and Co. CPAs was approaching its 40th year when regional powerhouse RubinBrown acquired the firm in 2011. Who knew the owner had begun as a starry-eyed Catholic kid from Sheridan,…

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.…

Douglas County Libraries presents “May the Fourth Be with You,” a celebration of all things Star Wars, Saturday, May 4, at the Douglas County Events Center, located at 500 Fairgrounds Drive in Castle Rock. The day begins at 10 a.m. with a demonstration by pop-up artist Matthew Reinhart. Reinhart’s pop-up books include “Mommy?,” co-authored by…

Information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Bring your iPad on Thursday, May 23 and join members of the business community from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Castle Pines Chamber office for a complimentary, hands-on workshop. Weldon Dodd, owner of Rewind Technology (Apple authorized training center) will be conducting an introductory…

The production of Annie at Rocky Heights Middle School brought down the house!  The cast and crew was made up of more than 100 students from sixth through eighth grade. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of eighth grade RHMS student Jason Lewis The production of “Annie” at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) set a new…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Law enforcement is beginning to see some new approaches to the old sweepstakes/lottery frauds, and Castle Pines residents should be aware of these techniques. The typical sweepstakes/lottery fraud involved a telephone call or regular mail from the criminal telling the victim that they have won a large…

On any given morning, MiYO Cafe in The Village at Castle Pines is crowded with neighbors and friends enjoying coffee, platters of eggs, bacon and pancakes, homemade burritos, yummy cinnamon rolls, or any of the other wonderful breakfast and lunch dishes that MiYO is known for. MiYO (Make it Your Own) was opened in 2009…

Mad scientists team up with twin Cliffords to help kick off the Buffalo Ridge Elementary School Spring Book Fair on Monday, April 15. This annual event is always a great way for students to stock up on summer reads. Photo by Elean Gersack

By Elizabeth Wood West The city and county of Denver, in cooperation with the Denver United Veterans Council and the Veterans Memorial Day Tribute Committee, invites the public to attend Memorial Day ceremonies on Saturday, May 25, at Lincoln Park, in front of the Colorado Veterans Memorial in Denver. Events will start with a wreath…

Pictured above: Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) baseball players joined together for a moment in a huddle before playing on Coors Field April 13. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Mike Heflebower Kade Castleberry of Hidden Pointe, the starting pitcher of the game, said, “Playing at Coors Field was a great experience for me as…

Local author book signing (Information and photos provided by Andrea Randazzo)

Mentor and instructor Bob Rebholz leads an enthusiastic group of young musicians at Rock Canyon High School. The group is part of the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, a unique non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth to creatively express themselves through the language of jazz. Article and photo by Heidi Lewellyn Young musicians ages…

Wellspring Community participants stand next to the industrial 20-quart mixer in their new kitchen, located at 826 Park Street in Castle Rock. The new mixer (and the new facility) allow them to make eight times the batter in one batch. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo by Terri Wiebold Wellspring Community (Wellspring) recently moved into a…

  Rob Bohacs (left) and Mac Miller (right) are good friends and neighbors in Castle Pines Village who took a crazy Fourth of July whim and turned it into a successful business. Their products, ManMarg and MissMarg are ready-made margaritas which feature top-shelf Añejo tequila that they import from Mexico. Both products recently won awards…

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 The McMullen family, residents…