Your Trusted Partner in Family and Criminal Law At Fourth Street Law, Every Client Matters
Caroline C. Cooley, ESQ
At Fourth Street Law, we understand that life’s challenges can be overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating family disputes or facing criminal charges, our experienced team is here to provide compassionate guidance and strong legal representation. With over 25 years of experience, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
Family Law
Divorce: Guiding you through separation with care and protecting your interests.
Child Custody: Advocating for parenting arrangements that prioritize your children’s well-being.
Child Support: Ensuring fair financial agreements that secure your family’s future.
Mediation Services: Offering collaborative solutions to resolve disputes amicably.
Criminal Defense
We also provide experienced representation in criminal defense matters, ensuring you have a strong advocate by your side when it matters most.
At Fourth Street Law, every client matters. Let us help you navigate life’s legal challenges with confidence and clarity. Call us today at 303.388.2787
Invest Where it Matters
Dear Readers,
As the days grow longer and spring takes full bloom, we are thrilled to bring you our highly anticipated April Investment Issue! This edition is all about the power of investing—locally, financially, and personally.
When we think of investing, money often comes to mind first. And yes, building wealth and making smart financial choices are crucial, but investment is so much more than numbers on a balance sheet. It’s about planting seeds today—whether in our communities, our relationships, or our personal growth—to create a better tomorrow.
This month, we’re shining a light on the importance of investing locally. Supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and initiatives strengthens the very foundation of our neighborhoods, fostering economic growth and a sense of connection that benefits everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, our issue will guide you on how to make a meaningful impact close to home.
But let’s not forget about the investments that don’t involve dollar signs. Investing in our children’s education, in nurturing friendships, in prioritizing mental and physical well-being—these are just as valuable as any financial portfolio. After all, the best returns come from the time, love, and care we put into the people and passions that matter most.
We hope this issue inspires you to think about investing in a whole new way— one that benefits you, your loved ones, and your community, both now and in the years to come.
Happy reading, and happy investing!
Warm regards,
STEVE HILL, PUBLISHER & DEBBIE HILL , PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Steve Hill | steve.hill@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Debbie Hill | debbie.hill@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kristen Gonzales
kristen.gonzales@kcrcopywriting.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Allyson Straczek
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
DoNoraA Photography, lifeunstill Creative
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
OCULOFACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY
At Colorado Eye Consultants, we are proud to offer oculofacial plastic surgery by ASOPRS fellowship trained & board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Carl Rebhun. With years of advanced training and dedication to his patients, Dr. Rebhun combines the latest surgical innovations with artistic precision to achieve natural, rejuvenating results.
WHY CHOOSE DR. CARL REBHUN? EXTENSIVE
and board-certified. INNOVATIVE
city scene
1: Castle Pines Chamber Happy Hour at The Ridge Sponsored by Legacy Village 2: Castle Pines Chamber Happy Hour at The Ridge Sponsored by Legacy Village 3: Castle Rock Chamber Disco Jungle Annual Gala and Awards Ceremony at Cielo at Castle Pines 4: BOB Get Together at The Whiskey Lodge 5: Castle Rock Business Owners and Leaders Enjoying the March BOB Gathering 6: BOBfather John Manka and Friends 7: Relax & Reset Retreat hosted by CC Eco Events & Travel LLC
DONORAA PHOTOGRAPHY
business monthly
Spring Gardening Workshops at DCL
Get a head start on growing your garden! Douglas County Libraries is offering a series of free gardening workshops with a CSU Master Gardener this spring. The sessions occur Saturday mornings, April 12-May 10, at various DCL locations, including Castle Rock, April 26. Topics include seed starting, garden planning and prep, native plants, container gardening, and attracting pollinators. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Learn more and view the calendar at DCL.org/featured-events https://www.dcl.org/featured-events/
Scan to read more
Code Ninja Summer Camps - Register Now!
Transform your child's love for technology into an exciting learning adventure. Guided by our team of Code Senseis, Code Ninjas Camps empower kids to gain valuable tech skills and make new friends. It's an unforgettably fun learning experience! Weekly Half Day and Full Day Camps run May 27th thru Aug 8th. Visit https://www.codeninjas.com/co-castle-rock/camps for more information and to register.
Douglas County Donates $1M to AdventHealth Castle Rock
Douglas County Board of Commissioners donated $1 million to AdventHealth Castle Rock and the Rock of Hope Campaign to bring cancer care to Castle Rock. This donation was announced at the Rock of Hope Gala where an additional $240,000 was raised. Castle Rock residents, Lisa and Randy Schrader. matched the $1 million donation. The Rock of Hope Campaign has raised nearly 75% of it’s goal of $14 million to bring cancer care to Castle Rock.
Thrive in 2025 Brunch & Learn at The Cove Concierge Medicine
Join us for a must-attend Women's Health event focused on understanding menopause, perimenopause, and individualized care with expert insights from The Cove Concierge Medicine. May 9 | 7:30 - 9:00 AM The Cove Concierge Medicine, Castle Rock
• Get clarity on menopause & perimenopause
• Decode common symptoms & what they mean for you
• Learn the facts about hormone therapy & treatment options
• Gain expert advice to navigate this stage with confidence
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Tri Arts Project Gala
Friday April 25th, 2025. Experience an unforgettable evening of elegance and creativity at our exquisite venue, Cielo. Indulge in a sumptuous dinner, savor fine beers and wines at our open bar, and immerse yourself in an array of captivating activities. From prestigious silent auctions to exhilarating live auctions and the excitement of our exclusive paddle auction. Purchase tickets at https://bolder.bid/ tickets/triartsproject25/tix
Scan to read more
105 West Brewing Company Charity of the Month
Paul's Mystery Ship to End ALS is honored to be the Charity of the Month at 105 West Brewery! All tips this month will go directly to Paul’s Mystery Ship to End ALS, supporting families facing ALS, raising awareness, and keeping hope, kindness, and love alive. Cheers to making a difference—one pint at a time!
DEVELOPING CODE NINJAS
Investing in Our Youth, One Code at a Time
ARTICLE BY KRISTEN GONZALES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Coming from the corporate world, the owner of Code Ninjas in Castle Rock, Andy Lathrop, enjoys teaching about the science behind coding to ensure our future STEM leaders.
“My interest is really around the intersection of teaching, mentoring, and coaching with technology,” says Andy.
“The breadth of different skills is investing. Being able to see a project from start to finish. Starting at nine, that sense of satisfaction, and overcoming the challenges that go along with that.”
“I’ve done teaching in the past, whether it’s volunteering, tutoring, teaching math at the community college level, or being in training roles with my corporate job…I like helping others learn.”
Andy decided to combine his passions for coding and teaching when he opened a Code Ninjas franchise in Castle Rock in 2021. Since then, he has helped many kids develop coding skills to create games, robots, and more.
“Our focus is ages 7-14,” Andy explains. “During the school year our main program is called Create and that’s a self-paced coding program so the kids will schedule either one or two hours a week.”
While the kids work on their coding, the Code Ninja instructors, called senseis, guide students through any issues and track their progress. Break times throughout the hour include physical STEM activities like Legos and robotics to stimulate creativity and movement.
As the kids progress through their coding program, milestones and rewards help showcase their accomplishments and promote excitement for their next endeavor.
“We go white through black belt, which is kind of like regular martial arts,” Andy states. “There are various milestones within those belts and from belt to belt.”
When black belt is achieved, Code Ninjas pulls out all the stops. In the past, they have had the Mayor and Congressmen show up to watch the kids’ presentations and see their coding in action.
Andy is proud of the kids who come through his programs and sees it as a massive investment in their future. Once they reach black belt status, the kids have the coding skills of college students, and they’re only 12 or 13 years old!
In fact, Andy has hired some of his black belt students to work with the younger kids in the program,
further advancing their skills and teaching them the power of mentoring.
In addition to the monthly subscription to Code Ninjas, they offer workshops on Minecraft and 3D printing and game nights that are pay-as-you-go without a commitment. This allows students to decide if they like coding and want to delve into it more.
“It can be for about an hour and a half on a Saturday,” Andy explains about the workshops. “They could sign up for as little as $25 and come in and learn something cool in Minecraft like how to build their own custom item and have a lot of fun.”
In addition, they offer holiday and summer camps for deeper dives into topics like AI (artificial intelligence), robotics, or game creation.
Andy explains how his curriculum revolves around building games. At the end of a coding project, the kids can play the game they created. They learn coding, creativity, patience, and the satisfaction of a job well done.
“In terms of investing for the future, it’s a good opportunity to start young and let them explore their interests,” Andy says. “I would also say the breadth of different skills is investing so being able to see a project from start to finish, starting at nine years old and that sense of satisfaction, and overcoming the challenges that go along with that.”
Crystal Cleaning
Gina Kaufman
April Garden Guide
ARTICLE BY DEBBIE HILL
April gardening in Castle Rock has its highs and lows and yes I am talking about the weather. The calendar may say spring but Mother Nature can be a bit fickle. Sunny and 75° on Monday, 6” of snow on Wednesday. Don’t let her chilly mood swings damper your desire to get outside! There is plenty to do this April to harvest those sweet, juicy, red ripe tomatoes this summer.
SPRING CLEANING.
• Clean up annual remnants.
• Cut back perennials.
• Pull emerging weeds.
• Clear away old mulch and debris.
• Add compost or manure to help warm soil and add nutrition.
PLANTING
• Plant leafy greens starts such as kale, lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach, and arugula in raised beds.
• Directly sow onions, potatoes, sugar snap peas and english peas.
• Plant cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts at the end of the month.
• Soak bare root roses for 24 hours before planting.
LAWN CARE
• Apply pre-emergent, fertilizer and weed control
• Sharpen blades, clean filters, check belts and perform other maintenance on yard machines and tools
The Old Farmers Almanac estimates our last frost date will be May 15th. Fingers crossed!
Gardening is more than a lifestyle to me, it is my passion. After 25 years in landscape design, I still spend every moment I can nurturing my garden, watching it grow and sharing in my harvest. Whether it is vegetables or flowers, I hope I will encourage everyone of you to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and get your hands dirty. Let's grow together. Happy gardening! Debbie
Slate Tile Roof
Wapiti in the Wild
Wood Shake Roof
SAFEGUARDING Homes & Businesses FROM THE ELEMENTS
Wapiti is a local family-owned company founded by Brent Donnelly and Heather Jenkins. Known as the “roof whisperer,” Brent works alongside his son, Brennan, and his experienced team to ensure the highest quality of roofing work in the area. Deeply rooted in the community, the Wapiti team believes in supporting fellow Castle Rock homeowners by sponsoring several local athletic and academic sponsorships. “It’s important to live in and support the community you serve,” says Heather Jenkins.
A GAF/ELK Certified Contractor, Wapiti is appropriately licensed, insured, reputable, and committed to the continual education of the staff.
“At Wapiti, we consider ourselves a hometown roofer you can trust. Being local helps us understand the Castle Rock weather, government regulations, and terrain,” explains Jenkins. “Plus, if a weather event causes damage that needs immediate attention, we can be on site quickly to repair the damage.”
Putting the customer first has made Wapiti the first choice in roofing since 2009. The company takes great pride in answering phone calls, texts, and emails with a sense of neighborly urgency. “We treat others the way we want to be treated. We do everything
Meet Wapiti Enterprises. A Local Business Helping to Protect Your Home One Roof at A Time.
ARTICLE BY ALLY STRACZEK PHOTOGRAPHY STOCK AND PROVIDED
Concrete Tile Roof Brent and Brennan
possible to be present, especially when it’s as important as a neighbor’s home,” says Jenkins.
Referrals are the primary way that Wapiti gains new customers, and when existing customers need repairs, they turn to Brent and his educated team of roofers. “Our roofers are highly trained and want to ensure that when working with our customers, they educate them as they do the job.”
Hail and wind damage are the primary reasons customers turn to Wapiti to help them protect their homes. Shingles guard the roof underlayment that protects the plywood. Homeowners do not want weather exposure to plywood, which can cause leaks and lead to water damage throughout the home.
After weather damage, Wapiti advises that homeowners call a roofer first before filing an insurance claim. A roofer can evaluate the damage to see if it’s worth filing a claim or if paying out of pocket for the repair is better. The team frequently meets with adjustors on-site to advocate for you as a homeowner.
Maintaining a roof is a meaningful way to protect the investment in your home. “We like to advise clients to do a full inspection every 3 to 5 years,” says Jenkins. While roofing material does not significantly impact utilities, roof venting and insulation have an impact and can be identified early with routine inspections.”
To increase the value of their homes, homeowners can consider upgrading the roofing materials to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, which are less likely to be damaged in weather-related storms. Insurance companies may even offer a discount for using these materials.
Visit wapitiroofingcastlerock.com or call 303-9212358 to learn how to increase the value of your home, starting at the top!
A good roof maintenance program includes cleaning gutters and debris annually. It’s also smart to have a professional inspect a roof every 3 to 5 years for nail heads, wind, or penetration damage.
Clay Tile Being Installed
INVEST your home IN
1: New stone veneer can yield an ROI of 153%.
2: Replacing your garage door can yield an ROI of 194%.
3: Updated landscaping can yield an ROI of 100%.
4: A minor, mid-range kitchen remodel can yield an ROI of 96%.
5: Replacing your front door with a new steel door can yield an ROI of 188%.
Sources: JLC 2024 Cost vs Value Report - 1, 2, 3, 5 MSU Study - 4
CASTLE ROCK INVESTMENT COMPANY
HANDLING PEP RETIREMENT INVESTMENTS TO ENSURE A FINANCIALLY STABLE FUTURE
ARTICLE BY KRISTEN GONZALES
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
With a degree in Applied Economics, Michele Suriano, owner of Castle Rock Investment Company, began her career in lending, but quickly discovered her passion for investing.
“I was lending, originally in the 90s,” she explains. “And by the end of the 90s, switched to investing, which is more fun and positive. People are trying to help themselves, so that’s why it’s nice.”
CEO Michele Suriano
Michele opened her company in 2006, realizing she could create something special independently. She consulted people on their retirement investments and what worked best for them.
Things changed drastically for Michele in 2019 when Congress approved the SECURE Act, which introduced the Pooled Employer Plan (PEP). A PEP is a retirement plan where multiple small businesses participate in a joint venture sponsored by a pooled plan provider. Benefits include cost savings, bundled outsourcing, tax credits, specialized plans for each employer, and more.
Venturing into the unknown, Michele knew she needed to embrace this new idea, but needed support. In February 2022, Michele partnered with John Slavic who had recently relocated his Ukrainian employees to Poland. His company, Slavic401K, was perfect to serve as a Pooled Plan Provider and help Michele fill in the gaps.
“At the end of the day, I want a leader like John Slavic. I want to partner…with a company like that,” Michele says, proudly. After meeting John in person at a conference, Michele was even more solidified in her choice.
“He sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to all his employees on their birthday!” Michele exclaims.
Now, Michele’s women-owned, community-focused business features everything she dreamed possible. With Slavic401K running the pooled plan and MidAtlantic as her Directed Trustee, Michele offers PEP to the Castle Rock community and surrounding areas. She teaches small businesses how to invest
“Michele is the queen of investment in the Castle Rock area.”
in their employees and futures, leading to a more stable environment for everyone.
In addition to investing in retirement, Michele invests in her health by teaching yoga at Peace Out Yoga.
“My work involves a lot of numbers, a lot of the time, so I teach yoga on the side,” Michele says. She talks about Peace Out Yoga: “I love those girls. They are following their dreams…I always try to support them as best I can.”
Michele is the queen of investment in the Castle Rock area, and we are here for it!
Castle Rock Investment Company Ribbon Cutting
The
Crystal
The
Crystal
Castle Rock Realty Report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN CASTLE ROCK
ORIGINAL PRICE
$4,500,000
$3,675,000
$2,750,000
$2,650,000
$2,500,000
$2,200,000
$1,495,000
$1,650,000
$1,375,000
$1,450,000
$1,433,000
$1,300,000
$1,351,700
$1,250,000
$1,100,000
$1,295,000
$1,200,000
$1,225,000
$1,170,000
$1,179,950
$1,249,000
$1,149,900
$1,290,600
$1,075,000
$1,059,950
$4,365,000
$3,675,000
$2,800,000
$2,600,000
$2,400,000
$1,900,000
$1,610,000
$1,600,000
$1,375,000
$1,270,000
$1,264,995
$1,239,995
$1,225,000
$1,225,000
$1,200,000
$1,200,000
$1,175,000
$1,167,000
$1,160,000
$1,150,000
$1,150,000
$1,140,000
$1,125,000
$1,050,000
$1,007,971
APRIL 3RD-6TH
Just Between Friends - Douglas County’s Best Kid’s Secondhand Event
Douglas County Fairgrounds - 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock 80104
It can be expensive to buy everything your family needs. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality or spend all your time at garage sales. Everyone deserves to feel good about providing for their family. A one-stop shopping experience that happens twice a year at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Thurs, Fri - 9:00 - 7:00; Sat, Sun - 9:00 - 3:00
APRIL 11TH - 13TH
Castle Rock Home Show
Douglas County Fairgrounds - 500 Fairgrounds Rd, Castle Rock, CO 80104
The Castle Rock Home Show is back! Explore the latest in home improvement, remodeling, outdoor living, and more! Meet with local contractors and remodeling experts and expect to be inspired. Friday: 12:00pm - 6:00pm | Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm | Sunday: 11:00am – 4:00pm For more information, visit: https://castlerockhomeshow.com
APRIL 12TH
Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Summer Job Fair
Castle Rock Recreation Center - 2301 N. Woodlands Blvd. Castle Rock, CO 80104 | 1:00 PM
Seasonal summer positions at the MAC, Recreation Center, Burgess and Butterfield Crossing pools, as well as for special events
• Full and part-time positions available*, Flexible schedules, Fun and engaging work environment. Positions available for individuals age 15 years or older.
APRIL 12TH
Dads of Castle Rock Formal Gala Dinner
The Vehicle Vault - 18301 Lincoln Meadows Pkwy, Parker, CO 80134 | 5:00 PM
An annual evening of fun, friends and fundraising for a great cause. DINNER - DRINKS - DANCING - DAD AWARDS - SILENT AUCTION Visit https://www.docrco.org/event/docr-formal-2025/ for registration or more information. Dads of Castle Rock is a philanthropic grassroots community of dads driven by the desire to serve, support and uplift the community we love.
APRIL 18TH
Wild in our Town
Phillip & Jerry Miller Library - 100 S. Wilcox St. Castle Rock, CO 80104 | 4:00 PM
See and touch real wildlife displays and learn about local wildlife at this public program. Natural resource staff and law enforcement representatives will provide interesting wildlife facts and answer questions about coyotes, bears, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, rattlesnakes, prairie dogs, beavers, turkeys and other native wildlife. Tips include avoiding human-wildlife conflicts and watching wildlife responsibly. Free for all ages.
APRIL 19TH
2025 Earth Day Willow Harvest and Planting
9:00 AM
We will be restoring riparian habitat along the McMurdo Gulch Trail portion of the Colorado Front Range Trail by planting willows and other vegetation. The willow conservation project is perfect for scout groups working on their conservation badges! Plus, learn how to improve and restore riparian habitat. Registration is required. Go to https://www.crgov.com/2929/Earth-DayConservation-Project for more information and to register.
CONTINUED
Personalized Care at Every Visit
APRIL 19TH
Egg Scramble
The Ridge Golf Course - 1414 Castle Pines Pkwy, Castle Pines, CO 80108 | 10:00 AM
Celebrate the beginning of spring with a festive egg hunt for children ages 11 and younger. Stop by and get your picture with a special big-eared guest, and don't forget to grab your complimentary donut and hot chocolate. We will have 12,000 eggs up for grabs. Parents, we will also have coffee available! The egg hunt begins at 10 a.m.
APRIL 22ND
Women of Influence
Luncheon featuring Michelle Fuentes
AdVentHealth - 2350 Meadows Blvd, Castle Rock CO 80109 | 11:30 AM
Michelle Fuentes serves as the CEO of AdventHealth Castle Rock, an 89-bed acute care hospital in Castle Rock, Colorado. As a native Coloradan, Fuentes holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a finance emphasis from Union University in Lincoln, Nebraska and a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University in Orlando, Florida. Register at castlerock.org/ women-of-influence/#events
APRIL 25TH
Tri Arts Project Art of Giving Gala
Cielo at Castle Pines 485 W. Happy Canyon Road, Castle Rock, CO 80108 | 6:00 PM
Experience an unforgettable evening of elegance and creativity at our exquisite venue, Cielo. Indulge in a sumptuous dinner, savor fine beers and wines at our open bar, and immerse yourself in an array of captivating activities. From prestigious silent auctions to exhilarating live auctions and the excitement of our exclusive paddle auction. Purchase tickets at https://bolder.bid/tickets/ triartsproject25/tix
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY
The drink that makes you look forward to TAX DAY
INCOME TAX cocktail
INGREDIENTS:
• 1½ oz. Gin
• ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
• 2 Dashes Angastura Bitters
• Orange Twist
• Glass Type: Coupe
DIRECTIONS:
1.
2. Add everything to your shaker with ice.
4. Pour into your coupe.
5. Twist your orange peel again, like you did last summer.
7. Enjoy being done with taxes.
8. And a good cocktail.
The Income Tax Cocktail likely popped up during the Prohibition party scene of the 1920s. Its exact origin story remains a bit blurry, but it was definitely a hit in speakeasies.
The name? Well, it's like a cheeky nod to the idea that sipping on this cocktail might be more fun than paying actual taxes! Made with gin, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of bitters, it's like a boozy adventure for your taste buds, with hints of citrus and herbs. Despite its vintage roots, the Income Tax Cocktail still brings the party vibes, transporting you back to the roaring '20s.
