The Connection

A scarce number of houses on the market, low interest rates, and rising demand means houses in Castle Pines are selling faster – and for more money – than they were just a year ago. By Lisa Crockett; photo illustration by Tim Gamble Real estate sales in the 80108 zip code are brisk – things…

Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner Our Castle Pines community is blessed with a large cadre of givers. One of the most remarkable is the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF), whose annual fundraising golf tournament will be at the Inverness Golf Course on August 6th. The Foundation celebrated its 50th year in 2012. Since 1962,…

Kids at the Castle Pines Library smiled and laughed as Mr. Chad showed them a tortoise that can live to be 150 years old! (photo courtesy of Katharine Hammer) By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Wesley White and Katharine Hammer There is no end to the great programs and events that Douglas County Libraries offer…

Thirteen-year Stonecroft residents Travis and Debbi Haynie will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on July 9. By Kathy Dunker; photo courtesy of Jo Harris Neighbor and close friend Tammy Peters helped Debbi’s family organize an anniversary card mailing for 25 days prior to July 9. The Haynies have been receiving cards from family and…

Rock Canyon High School graduates left to right: Taylor Broschat, Lauren Payne and Kayla Neil. Photo courtesy of Trudi Broschat

By Chris Bonham Two months ago, Judah Musick, president of Castle Pines-based web company User10, launched Teen Startup Challenge in hopes of educating teens about the challenges and joys of starting and running a company. The program was based on Musick’s belief that real-life experience would provide students with opportunities and skill sets that they…

Ducky Derby Chairperson Kelly Marsh (left) presented the $2,000 first place cash prize check to Enrique Rosado (right). By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Castle Rock Rotary Club members from Castle Pines and Castle Rock have a lot to celebrate. The Rotarians’ combined efforts raised nearly $40,000 from its 17th annual…

Cook and his new friend find time to get to know each other. By Lisa Crockett; photos courtesy of Craig Cook Play is the work of childhood. And just like adults, children often produce the best results when they have the right tools. Castle Pines resident Craig Cook visited Haiti in May, along with 12…

South American ceviche – a yummy summer dish to try! By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photo Is fresh fish a part of your summer table fare? If so, do it with the flair and fashion of a South American ceviche, a seafood dish for the times. Here’s a primer: Ceviche, also spelled “cebiche,” is simple, light,…

Stutzman happily posing with one of the 14 orphaned children the Mwaura family adapted. By Julie Montoya; photos courtesy of Victoria Stutzman Most teens spend the beginning of summer lying in the sun or hitting the mountains, but one Castle Pines teen had other ideas. College Junior Tori Stutzman journeyed to Kenya to enrich the…

Parker in his workshop where he enjoys teaching apprentices the art of musical instrument repair. Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner In only six years, Castle Rock’s Colorado Institute of Musical Instrument Technology (CIOMIT) has become legendary. Tucked away on Topeka Way, Dan Parker’s school trains students to become apprentices of musical instrument repair. Courses…

The DC Dolphins Youth Athletic Club will open a new “Dolphin Tank” youth sports complex in Castle Rock next month. Other changes to the organization include a new logo, website, and the formation of a baseball academy, which provides training during the regular season as well as off-season training. By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of…

Many members of the Douglas County K-Life group recently participated in a fun day of bowling. Most of the kids pictured here live in Castle Pines, The Village, and Castle Rock and they have built close friendships outside of their schools. By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Holley VanBenthuysen On August 24, Douglas County will…

Residents in the Castle Pines community came in droves to take advantage of the Shred-It event in June sponsored by Allstate Tammy Lopez Agency and The Castle Pines Connection newspaper. “We saw more than 60 cars and disposed of nearly 8,000 pounds of paper,” said Tammy Lopez, coordinator of the event. The event lasted two-and-a-half…

Seth Sewell (age eleven), with his great-grandmother Louise, and his father Joe after a tournament game in Longmont. By Julie Montoya; photo courtesy of John Sewell Seth Sewell is your typical eleven-year-old baseball player from the Colorado Force Baseball Team in Castle Rock … but there is nothing typical about his cheering section. Since the…

By Patte Smith Sorry to mention this parents, but mid-August will be creeping up sooner than we realized, summer is here, and is it July already? Here is refresher on tuning up the kids for school. Read It is one of the best ways to keep a child’s mind sharp when he or she is…

STEM team members Michael Whitaker, Rashid Zakirov, and Koby Dudley took first place in the NREL Junior Solar Sprint Car Competition – with a little help from some cloudy weather. Article by Kathy Dunker; photo courtesy of Jason Dudley On Saturday, May 18, three eighth-grade students from STEM School and Academy in Highlands Ranch –…

Update 6-21-2013 Sheriff David A. Weaver enacts “Douglas County Open Fire and Open Burning Restriction Ordinance” Stage 2 for the unincorporated areas of Douglas County. By Order of Sheriff David A. Weaver Stage 2 fire restrictions, are now in place. Ordinance No. O-012-004, restricting open fires, open burning and the use of fireworks in the…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has these tips for residents of the county in case an evacuation is necessary. It encouranges everyone to be prepared ahead of time. Here are some suggestions and items to have: A three-day supply of medications, extra water and food, cash or…

     Information provided by Douglas County School District The U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan honored Douglas County School District (DCSD) with the first ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Award. “DCSD has long been a model of excellence in the area of sustainability,” said Lee Smit, DCSD sustainability manager. “This…

Nichole Loomis is an 11-year-old with a passion to implement change and better the world. She has launched a campaign to institute Siren Day to honor first responders and hopes to collect enough signatures to accompany a letter she has drafted for Colorado Governor Hickenlooper. Article and photo by Elean Gersack It was January of…

Neighborhood kids were spotted at The Retreat Park in Castle Pines in June, participating in “All Star Camp” hosted by Castle Pines Athletics. Coach Katie Abner (far right) coordinated the activities, which included various sports and different field games each day. (photos courtesy of Lane Roberts)    

Take advantage of gently used AA uniform items later this month for some great bargains. Information and photo courtesy of American Academy Buying new uniform items for 2013-2014? Be sure to stop by the PTO used uniform sale at the American Academy (AA) gymnasium in Castle Pines. Great deals on gently used AA uniform items…

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)…

Volunteers (from left to right) Mary McMillian, Betsy Schute, Bonnie Staack, Brenda Vitaska and Lynda Meier working at a recent LTAC event. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of All Digital Photo & Video If you have a passion for the arts, get excited about working with the public, and enjoy being part of community…

Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce members gathered in June at Guaranty Bank off Happy Canyon Road in The Village at Castle Pines.  Pictured above left to right: Guaranty Bank Branch Manager Christina Medina, local author Jude Randazzo, Guaranty Bank Financial Service RepresentativeJayne Friesen, and Guaranty Bank Branch Service Manager Kathy Hutchinson.

RHMS students Alana Rainosek, Tess Werhane, Hannah Philip, Devin Lindsey, and Rachael Stanek are pictured here with teacher Judi Holst. Rainosek has already sold 16 copies of her book “Wits” on Amazon. “I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since…

Information and photo provided by Park Meadows Retail Resort Charming charlie, an award-winning fashion jewelry and accessories retailer is now open at Park Meadows. Occupying more than 6,800 square feet, the store offers a broad selection of accessories to suit any occasion and every customer taste, from bohemian and vintage to classic and modern. Taking…

Sand sleds are available for rent in Alamosa in either kid size or adult size. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Roughly four hours southwest of Castle Pines rests the tallest dunes in North America, also known as the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. At 750 feet high, the dunes are thought to…

Castle Pines resident Mitch Fallert is the new tile guy in town, available for smaller residential projects in the Castle Pines and Castle Pines Village area. Article and photos by Kathy Dunker Tapestry Hills resident Mitch Fallert is new to Castle Pines but not new to the tile industry. Fallert, with 26 years under his…

By Lisa Crockett; photo illustration by Tim Gamble For the first time in years, a significant number of new homes will soon be available for purchase in Castle Pines. Taylor Morrison, which was named “Builder of the Year” by Builder magazine, plans to break ground this month on a new subdivision consisting of 52 homes…

Colorado goes green; e-waste now requires recycling By Lisa Crockett Electronic devices are everywhere.  For just about every activity – work, shopping, entertainment – there are several different computers and gadgets we use without even thinking about it.  And all those devices – everything from your laptop to your stereo – will eventually become outdated…

Article and photo by Elean Gersack The Medical and Dental Center of Castle Pines, located at 250 Max Drive, is on target to open later this summer. Local professional practices and owners of the new building – Drs. Jeff and Stephanie Scheich of Castle Pines Family Dentistry; Dr. Matthew Rolfson of Castle Pines Dental Care;…

Information provided by Colorado Golf Club The 2013 Solheim Cup, a history-making women’s golf tournament taking place at the Colorado Golf Club in Parker next month, will donate 15 percent of its ticket sales during the second half of June to the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Foundation.   The funds will benefit the Foundation, which…

Information provided by South Suburban Parks and Recreation South Suburban Park and Recreation District is waiving green fees for youth 17 years and under who golf during weekends at the District’s Littleton Golf Course, Family Sports Golf Course, South Suburban Golf Course and Lone Tree Golf Club. South Suburban is the only metro-area park and…

Larkspur artist Katherine McNeill is pictured here with one of her many beautiful oil paintings “Springtime Serenade.” To see more works from McNeill and the other artists featured at the show, visit www.fireflyautism.org. Article and photos by Julie Montoya The Village at Castle Pines Art Show returned to Castle Pines for a weekend event hosted…

Information provided by Gravity Play Copper Mountain, Colorado is the next stop on the Adventure Xstream Race Series circuit. On August 11th, Copper Mountain in Summit County, a world-class recreation and ski venue, will be welcoming more than 200 adventure racers, ranging from elite teams to first-time challengers and weekend warriors competing in either sprint…

The Ihme Family takes time for a photo at the Ihme Family Golf Tournament on June 14. Top row (left to right): Patrick Ihme, Mark Ihme, Tom Ihme, Steve Ihme, Bud Ihme, Dick Henderson, Norm Ihme, and Josh Ihme. Bottom row (left to right): Laura Ihme, Cary Ihme, Dana Ihme, Julia Ihme, Mallorie Ihme, Barb…

From Mrs. Kennedy’s class… moms and their sweet children are all smiles during the Buffalo Ridge Elementary Third Grade Mother’s Day Brunch. Article by Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Kayleen Kennedy and Laurie Jacobs It’s been a tradition at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) for a very long time. There is a rumor that this…

On June 15, three Castle Pines friends took on the Tough Mudder in Beaver Creek. men: Mark Schoenbeck, Steve Cooke and Brian Cardinell, made it through 10.5 miles of rugged terrain full of obstacles at 10,000 feet above sea level. The mens’ wives affectionately named them “mudder brudders” and, along with their children, cheered them…

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…