Read the stories from the latest issue:
“Wine is bottled poetry,” said famed writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Family man, The Canyons resident and wine connoisseur Mark Rizzuto agrees. Talking with Mark about wine is an education. He has a self-taught PhD in grape varieties, wine regions, aromas, food pairings, the different palettes for red, white or sparkling–– and basically anything and everything…
Under Construction: The Peaks at Canyons The Peaks at Canyons will consist of 70 single-family attached townhomes for rent. The project is a combination of three-plex, four-plex, and five-plex buildings, totaling 18 buildings, along with associated drive aisles, guest parking, sidewalks and landscaping. The individual units will include two-bedroom and three-bedroom residences. The Album The…
The City of Castle Pines Council (City) recently passed a new ordinance that imposes new rules and regulations about the use of off-highway vehicles like electric dirt bikes, ATVs and UTVs. The goal is to help keep riders, drivers, pedestrians and neighbors safe. In collaboration with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), the rules were…
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Deputy Sean Heidman loves outdoor adventures, especially skiing. Growing up in northeast Ohio, Sean learned as a kid and was a ski instructor in high school. His love of the mountains and skiing is part of what brought him to Colorado more than 20 years ago. Sean has a bachelors…
Dogs in Douglas County have a new reason to wag their tails. The newly opened Looking Glass Community Park, located at 13434 Long Rider Street in Parker, is quickly becoming a favorite gathering place for pets and people alike. In close proximity to Chambers Road and Spirit Trail Boulevard, the nearly 26-acre park features a…
Ballots for the June 30 primary election will be mailed to eligible voters in Douglas County beginning on Monday, June 8. This day is also the last day for voters who are affiliated with a political party to change or withdraw their affiliation if they wish to vote in a different party’s primary. To learn…
The spring National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was a great success. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Douglas County Health Department, collected 1,148 pounds of unwanted, unused and expired medications. Other agencies who helped facilitate the event, which happened in two locations, were the City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines…
At the newly re-branded Anselmo’s Family Pizzeria & Pasta in the Village Shops, you will notice the year 1909 displayed on the sign. It is the birth year and tribute to owner Steve LeBel’s grandfather, Joseph Anselmo, who made the journey from Sicily to Ellis Island. Steve honors his heritage by following family recipes at…
Do you want connection, purpose and to be more vested in your community? We are looking for creative and motivated writers to join our team at The Castle Pines Connection. To be successful, you must be able to conduct interviews, follow writing guidelines and deadlines, and possess excellent written and verbal skills. An exceptional freelance…
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is built on a simple but powerful mission: connect, engage and thrive. For nearly 20 years, the Chamber has supported local businesses and community leaders by creating opportunities to build relationships, share ideas and strengthen the Castle Pines business community. One of the Chamber’s most valuable membership benefits is…
Family, work, play, sports and laughter are what the Jaeger family is all about. And it all began in North Dakota. Michelle and Paul Jaeger’s roots trace back hundreds of miles to Minot, North Dakota. Though growing up in the same hometown and attending the same schools, their story together did not start until crossing…
Travel agent Michelle Kazin met her husband, Bryan, in high school, even though she went to Littleton High School and he attended Regis Jesuit High School. The sweethearts dated through college; Michelle attended the University of Northern Colorado, and Bryan, the Colorado School of Mines. The couple married in 2000 and moved to Castle Pines.…
Barbara Martini Goldy knows how to live life to the fullest. This 84-year-old has plans to keep on soaking up every second of every day. A New York native, Barbara began her career in television. She and husband, Bill, who was a professional baseball player for the Minnesota Twins, moved to Colorado in 1970, living…
Sara Smith moved to Colorado in 2012 with her family and is a senior vice president at HCA Healthcare, the largest private operator of hospitals in America. In her role, Sara stated that she works with communications and marketing teams to advance patient care through expanded services and planning, to build the future of care…
When Robert Tait talks about success, he rarely starts with real estate; although he could. The Castle Pines resident launched Downing Street Group, a subsidiary of Engel & Völkers and has grown it into the company’s top-performing Denver team since 2020. Robert consistently ranks among the top 1% of Colorado agents in both sales volume…
Gathering the morning of prom night has become its own tradition. Girls meet for brunch, spend the day together enjoying each other’s company, while taking photos in cute pajamas. “The girls love it,” said Amber Ridge resident Marnie Blanco, mother of recent Rock Canyon High School graduate Gianna. “I think they like it more than…
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has declared 2026, the 50th anniversary of the reintroduction of otters to Colorado waterways, to be the Otter Y.E.A.R. (Yearlong Engagement and Assessment of River Otters). North American river otters, also called northern river otters or Canadian otters, were once common throughout the United States and Canada. Early European settlers…
In the wild, Syrian hamsters are one of the rarest hamster species. Native to the deserts of Syria, they were almost hunted to extinction in the 1920s. Today, the Syrian hamster, also known as golden or teddy bear hamsters, are a popular household pet. The Jubenville family—Ashley, Ben, Sadie (7) and Micah (11)—of the Esparanza…
Experiencing muscular economic growth, the United States came late into World War I in 1917, after German submarines began sinking our merchant ships. We joined the allied powers of France, Great Britain, Italy and Russia pitted against axis nations of Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. Despite casualties, America emerged stronger than ever. At war’s…
Recognizing 150 years of Colorado statehood, this segment of Colorado’s official symbols and emblems looks at some water-loving creatures that are official state symbols. The state amphibian is the western tiger salamander; the state fish is the greenback cutthroat trout; and the state reptile is the western painted turtle. Supported by students from multiple Colorado…
There was no shortage of hats, horses or heart at Mini Derby, the sixth annual fundraiser benefiting Mile High Rescue, Robin’s Nest Foundation and Tall Tales Ranch. Held at Sky View Farm in Castle Rock on May 2, an estimated 250 guests turned out for the event, raising an impressive $50,000. The Mini Derby experience…
Once again, the women of Douglas County made a strong showing at The Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Hattitude, an annual fundraising event dedicated to elevating women playwrights and directors and expanding opportunities for women artists and storytellers. Douglas County Community Foundation Executive Director Kirsten Swanson and The Village at Castle Pines resident Priscilla…
Just to our north, near I-25 and Dry Creek Road, sits the international headquarters for Project C.U.R.E. (Commission on Urgent Relief and Equipment). Its warehouse is full of donated medical supplies and equipment which are sorted, prepared into cargo containers and shipped to more than 135 countries around the world. The nonprofit’s headquarters has remained…
Douglas County is chock-full of Hiers. The family came early in our history and in force. So much so that there was a time when brothers Bob and Ed Hier felt that they knew 80% of the people in the county and that half of them were relatives. Cousin Bill once joked, “One year,…
National Social Media Day is June 30. Organized to recognize how social media has shaped how we interact, shop and receive information online, it was first observed in 2010. Despite the celebration’s focus on the positive ways social media brings us together, time has shown its effect is not always so benign. Dip into one…
It is time to clean out your closets for a good cause. The Village Castle Pines Garden Club (Garden Club) is hosting a donation drive to benefit the Help & Hope Center (H&H) on Saturday, June 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m at the Village Shops, 850 W. Happy Canyon Road. Volunteers will be…
Dear Reader, Last month we visited about graduation gifts, and I finished my column with “Oh, and I still believe the gift should remain unworn, unopened or unused until the thank you is sent!” And I stand by my sentiment. But I heard from a few of you this month asking what to do if…
iNaturalist is a nonprofit organization with a free app and social network that helps users identify local plants and animals while generating data for science and conservation. Their vision is “a world where everyone can understand and sustain biodiversity through the practice of observing wild organisms and sharing information about them.” Anyone can upload their…
Need a gift for the dad who has everything? Or looking for a way to honor and remember a special man in your life? Try these crafts to upcycle old ties into something new. Tie wreath Supplies: Two ties, metal ring, electric tape. Pick out two ties. They can be matching or contrasting but should…
My dad loved a good snack. He didn’t seem to worry much about spoiling his appetite (he said that was something he could always count on coming back), and he was willing to eat nearly everything. Before his passing, I would often try new dishes out for him, knowing that my offerings would be graciously…
What goes around really does come around. For those who remember the footbag or Hacky Sack craze in the 1970s and 80s, you may not be surprised to see teenagers playing the game today. Versions of footbag began centuries ago in China and Japan. In 1972, the American version began in Oregon when two men…
A spray tan is a great option for getting a golden glow without any exposure to skin-damaging, cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As much as being in the sun feels good, we know to wear sunscreen, a hat and clothing that protects our skin. However, “everybody feels better when they have a glow,” explained Tenley Holub,…
The high school co-op boys swim team beat the juggernaut Cherry Creek High School team by .20 (two-tenths of a second) in the 200 Free Relay to win state in that category. The winning team also made an automatic All-American time, All-State first team and All-League first team, which are high honors in the swim…
At the end of each school year, graduating seniors visit their former elementary schools for a celebratory clap out. These visits celebrate their childhood journey to adulthood while inspiring future generations to come. Elementary students and staff from Timber Trail Elementary, Buffalo Ridge Elementary, American Academy (AA) and DCS Montessori lined their respective hallways to…
Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) joined forces with the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) in May to recognize local students and award financial scholarships for their academic achievements, volunteerism and commitment to community involvement. DCCF contributed $32,000 in funding, allowing HRCA to award 13 additional scholarships to local students pursuing higher education opportunities, two of whom…
The Foundation for Douglas County Schools (Foundation) coordinates the Lend A Hand School Supply Drive every summer, with the goal of collecting, purchasing, assembling and distributing backpacks and school supplies to students in need. In its 16th year, the drive helps distribute more than 1,500 backpacks annually. Lend A Hand ensures that every student starting…
What started as a new community garden in early 2025 turned into a greater opportunity for Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) to connect with a larger global movement––Peace Poles. The TTE garden project began as an idea for a school space that would provide students and staff with a peaceful environment to relax, reflect and…
Big songs. Bigger production. Better Experience. Beneath Colorado’s wide-open sky, with beautiful views of mountains behind the stage, Founder and CEO J.W. Roth warmly invites guests “to experience big songs from big artists in a bigger production of live shows packed with energy at Ford Amphitheater.” The premier, luxury open-air concert venue is open…
Dan Rolf has long loved the sky. So much so that he converted his love into a profession. A significant one. Dan’s most recent endeavor was Artemis II, NASA’s first, crewed, flyby space mission since Apollo 17 in 1972. The mission of Artemis II was a test flight to explore humans’ long-term return to the…
Last month, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners approved a tax incentive program resolution that would offer property tax rebates to qualifying licensed childcare providers to help them reinvest in their operations, workforce and facilities. Through the program, eligible providers can receive a rebate covering 75% of the County portion of their real and personal…
The Douglas County Assessor (DCA) will begin hearing real property valuation appeals on May 1, with the appeal window running through June 8. Homeowners and property owners who wish to object to their valuation can submit written objections by mail (postmarked no later than June 8) or file online until midnight on June 8. The…
Deborah Takahara’s career in law enforcement has been a relatively recent development, but her interest and investment in supporting first responders runs deep. Deborah is the public information director for Douglas County Sheriff Office (DCSO), a job she has had for three years. Before, Deborah worked a year with the United States Attorney’s Office, Colorado…
Starting in April, Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) began an important annual maintenance activity that helps ensure safe, reliable drinking water for the community: fire hydrant flushing. While it may initially seem like a waste of water, this process plays a critical role in maintaining the overall health of the water system. Flushing maintenance…
The Castle Pines community garage sale is a popular event that residents look forward to every year. While there is no longer an official sponsor of the event, anyone who is considering having a garage sale this summer is encouraged to host it on the weekend of Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30. Just…
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Sarah Phillips as the new Chairwoman of the Board. A dedicated Chamber member for nearly 10 years and a 25-year Castle Pines resident, Sarah steps into this role with a strong passion for the community she calls home. Sarah is widely recognized for her commitment…
Newly-certified students at Rock Canyon High School’s Emergency Services (ES) program completed their training with a large-scale, mock drill last month at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) driver training facility. Criminal justice, emergency medical services and fire science comprise the ES classes. Several community, state and federal partners participated in the drill, including the…
Following a warmer-than-average winter and below-normal moisture, wildfire risk is trending higher across Douglas County. To help residents prepare, Douglas County, in partnership with Colorado State University, is hosting a Wildfire Mitigation Open House Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. This free, family-friendly event gives residents a…
Originally from Muncie, Indiana, Beth Murphy knew she wanted to do something in retail and did something about it. In 2022, Beth left her job at a local preschool and opened Ladybug’s at The Barn Antiques & Specialty Shops (The Barn) in Castle Rock. “The timing was right,” said Beth, who lives in the Tapestry…
On April 23, The Castle Pines Connection––in conjunction with the City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce––hosted the twice-yearly New Resident Welcome Party at The Ridge at Castle Pines. More than 40 new residents and families gathered to learn about the city, the business community and chamber, and their local newspaper,…
Sports often bring strangers together and that could not be truer for The Village at Castle Pines residents Chierstin and Mitchell Roth. It was 2015, at a bar in Colorado Springs, when Chierstin heard chatter around a Stanley Cup playoff game that was incorrect. Chierstin, a sports reporter and anchor, stepped in to set the…
When the Surapaneni family moved to the Amber Ridge neighborhood in 2009, Castle Pines gained a superstar. Sriya Surapaneni, now 22, joined the ranks of first graders at Timber Trail Elementary and became an integral part of the community. Sriya participated in countless organizations and extracurriculars, setting herself up for her educational journey at the…
For Jen Anderson, life has been about family and philanthropy, as well as a successful career in business. Jen has a kind heart and is full of compassion. Starting with volunteering for a teen suicide hotline in high school, Jen has volunteered with an animal shelter for the past ten years. She is currently the…
Village at Castle Pines resident Johana (Jo) Brinkerhoff is part of a powerhouse duo at Brinkerhoff Hospitality, a name which may be familiar given that they created The Brinkerhoff and Savina’s Mexican Kitchen in Castle Rock (renamed from La Loma last year), as well as Sierra in Lone Tree and Bar Hummingbird in Castle Rock,…
Grace is a 4-year-old English Labrador retriever with a sunny personality just as bright as her yellow coat. She has a big heart, adventurous spirit and is the baby of Kelly Duman, Trent Schield and their blended family of boys Vann (23), Brayden (21), Levi (18), Preston (18) and Colton (16). In 2020, Brayden wanted…
The United States war of independence had overlooked the plight of slaves, basic freedoms for black Americans because a young nation was divided philosophically and economically. The South was agrarian, with cotton and tobacco as its lifeblood and using slave labor to grow and bring it to market. The North was different: an industrial economy.…
With 2026 marking 150 years of Colorado statehood, this month’s segment of Colorado’s official emblems and symbols highlights various plants that are official state symbols. The blue spruce is the state tree; blue grama is the state grass; the claret cup or kingcup is the state cactus; the columbine is the state flower and the…
On March 16, Forrest Dykstra, former Highlands Ranch Metro District Manager, gave an engaging presentation on the history of the Fly’n B Ranch, today called the Fly’n B Park. The 10.3-acre park is in Highlands Ranch, off Plaza Drive, just south of C-470 and Broadway. The original ranch house, though long of tooth, still stands…
A unique traveling exhibit, the “Documents That Forged a Nation,” is coming to Denver May 28 through June 14. Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, the National Archives and Records Administration is sharing a collection of America’s original founding-era documents. Inspired by the Bicentennial Freedom Train of 50 years ago, the exhibit travels aboard the Freedom Plane,…
Pine trees, specifically ponderosa pines, are part of what make Castle Pines special. Unfortunately, these magnificent trees face a recurring threat, the dreaded mountain pine beetle. Pine beetles are native to Colorado and can be beneficial when they target diseased and dying trees, thinning the forest for fresh new trees. However, when the forests become…
There are at least 12 species of owl that live in Colorado, from the small burrowing owl that makes its home in abandoned prairie dog burrows, to the rare and striking white snowy owl, to the adorable but rarely seen northern saw-whet owl. The most commonly seen owl in Castle Pines (and the rest of…
National Space Day, designated on the first Friday of May, celebrates the “extraordinary achievements, benefits, and opportunities in the exploration and use of space.” The observance promotes all the support industries required for continued space exploration and knowledge acquisition, states Nationaldaycalendar.com. Education in math, science, technology, engineering, accounting, meteorology, chemistry, physics, biology, photography and more…
Dear Readers, It’s that annual rite of passage known as graduation. How can we bring our best consideration and adoration to the table? This major milestone deserves acknowledgment and by tying your generosity to the relationship, you really can’t go wrong. What should you spend? Well, isn’t that the question? So, consideration is key.…
Families came out to the City of Castle Pines for this year’s Egg Scramble, where kids in 3 age groups raced across the field filling baskets with plastic eggs, candy, and big smiles. With sunny skies, free donuts and Ziggi’s coffee, and lots of laughter, it was a lively morning for the whole community. Thanks…
As part of its ongoing effort to connect nonprofits, community partners and donors, the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) hosted its second annual Nonprofit Symposium at the end of March. Throughout the inspired event, one theme stood out clearly: Collaboration makes a difference. Over 100 attendees with leaders from more than 75 local nonprofits came…
Word Search By Susan Helton In the puzzle, find and circle these May-related words. Words can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, and forward or backward. BLOOMS BREEZE BUMBLEBEES CANNES DERBY EMERALD GARDEN GEMINI GRADUATION MAYPOLE MEMORIAL DAY MOTHER’S DAY NAT’L PET MONTH PETALS POLLEN SONGBIRDS SPRING SPROUTS TAURUS WARMTH Mothers Crossword By Rachel…
I have cooked long enough in my life to know exactly what I like. I love chicken breast, fixed 8,732 different ways. I love a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. I’ve never met a pasta dish I didn’t like, and if there is cheese involved, it’s a sure bet that it will make my top…
Farmers markets have the freshest, in-season produce grown in Colorado. Over the next few months, look for Olathe sweet corn, Palisade peaches, Rocky Ford melons, as well as locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs and freshly baked bread. Fill your arms with flowers and your belly with on-site prepared foods, like tamales or breakfast burritos, while…
The biggest fans of Denver’s new National Women’s Soccer League team, Denver Summit FC, might just be the young girls who filled Empower Field at Mile High for the club’s first-ever home game. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience to see them play for the first time in Colorado,” one young fan said. The…