Read the stories from the latest issue:
American Academy (AA) – Castle Pines celebrated incredible heroes throughout Douglas County with a warm welcome, thank you and a breakfast on October 28, National First Responders Day. The Douglas County Helitack Team was the special guests and surprised the school with a helicopter landing on the AA field while students and staff watched from…
Kindergarten registration for the Douglas County School District’s 2025-2026 school year will begin the week of December 2. Incoming students must turn 5 on or before October 1, 2025, to be eligible to start kindergarten. Enrollment dates and times vary for our area elementary schools. American Academy’s enrollment lottery will take place on Thursday, December 5.…
Toni Fortson Merfeld visits Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) once a year, at the end of September. She has visited the school for more than two decades as a way to remember her son, Wesleigh, who was a student there. Wes lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 9; he was in the…
The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) speech class has risen to new heights. The student podcast Drastic Plastic received an honorable mention in the middle school category of National Public Radio’s (NPR) 2024 Student Podcast Challenge. RHMS is the only middle school in the state to receive the honor. To make the recognition even more…
Beginning in first grade, Jackson Renberg wanted to be an entrepreneur; he even made a fake business nametag and decided Zing was a good company name. Fast forward a few years to 2020, when Jackson was 9 and home during the lockdown, the innovative and creative kid decided to try his hand at making soap.…
Teachers play an invaluable role in the lives of children: what they teach, their relationships with students and by creating a safe space for learning. For 18 years, first-grade teacher Julie Schade has played a significant role in the lives of Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students and families. Julie is known to be compassionate and…
Making a living spreading joy “How can we serve our community and how can we bring joy to others?” Longtime Colorado residents Stephanie and Matt Mendrala wanted to give back to their community in a way that resonated with their life experiences. They discovered they could make a living spreading joy. Life has a way…
From 1999 to 2002, Jeremy Gamble and Nicole Tobey were back door neighbors in HOA1. Jeremy was 5 and Nicole was 6 when they first met. As youngsters, the two frequented each other’s homes and have great memories of playing PlayStation with Nicole’s siblings, looking at the stars through her family’s telescope, and playing with…
Which words come to your mind when you think about our veterans? Maybe gratitude, honor or sacrifice? It is hard to describe the gift veterans give us. In Douglas County, there are nearly 20,000 veterans and more than 300,000 in Colorado. “In many communities, a veterans’ meeting place, sometimes called a ‘Veterans Hall’ or ‘Post’…
If you are wondering where to vote in the upcoming 2024 General Election, drop off your ballots at a ballot drop box location or go to a polling location to stand in line; both options by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5. Most 80108-ers will drop their ballot at the drop box behind the Douglas…
The Colorado Department of Revenue recently announced how much eligible Coloradans can expect to receive in TABOR surplus sales tax refunds in 2025. All taxpayers who file a 2024 income tax return will automatically receive the temporary income tax rate reduction: 4.40% to 4.25%. In 1992, voters in Colorado approved the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights…
If you know a Douglas County veteran needing emergency assistance with housing, food, transportation, employment, mental health care or other urgent concerns, direct him or her to the Douglas County Veteran’s Service Office (VSO). Funding received from a grant from the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for eligible vets is available for the…
HealthONE, one of the largest networks of hospitals and specialty health centers in the Front Range, announced a new name in October: HCA HealthONE. HCA HealthONE united more than 170 care sites under one name. The network offers care delivered through seven acute-care hospitals, a dedicated flagship pediatric hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, CareNow® urgent care…
Special thanks to Wanda Ford and Kathryn Fountain for hosting their annual community shred event, with voluntary donations benefiting Disabled American Veterans (DAV). They shredded more than 5,500 pounds of paper products and collected $6,551 in donations for DAV. Caption and photos by Terri Wiebold
It has been 10 years since the ALS organization’s ice bucket challenge, where more than 17 million people across the globe dumped ice water on their heads to raise awareness and donations for ALS; $115 million was raised for research and for care for those living with the disease. Castle Pines City Councilman Chris Eubanks…
More than 300 people joined in the fifth annual Paul’s Mystery Ship to End ALS walk at 105 West Brewing Company in Castle Rock. The event honors the memories of those who have lost their battle with ALS, promotes advocacy through awareness of ALS, and offers support for families facing ALS together, “keeping hope, kindness…
A vibrant sense of community is one characteristic that sets Castle Pines – the 80108 ZIP code more specifically – apart from other Colorado communities. Neighbors know each other, they spend time together and they support each other. If you are a new resident, you have likely already experienced this firsthand. The same holds true…
Tuesday, December 10 is Colorado Gives Day (CGD), a day to celebrate and support Colorado nonprofits. Although year-round giving is important and easy, CGD remains an annual tradition of Coloradans as a year-end push to donate to important causes. The CGD voice provides a platform to spread awareness for all types and sizes of nonprofits.…
The Rise Up Malawi annual fundraiser was held at Top Golf in Centennial in October. More than 150 golfers participated to support educational programs for children in the world’s fourth poorest nation. “In Malawi, education is not a right, it is a miracle,” said Megan Mathis, co-founder and director of the nonprofit, who lives in…
Amy and Michael Ruppeck moved to a home off of Happy Canyon Road almost nine years ago where Michael could be the curator and inventor of his unique and inventive works of art. They both wanted a place that would celebrate their raw, edgy style with the peaceful quaintness of the mountains. Their midcentury mountain…
While October temperatures were still hitting the 80s, and fall – let alone a snowy start to ski season – felt like a dream that would never come true, Adrienne Markey, ski buff and former Village resident, was helping children hit the slopes in a frozen winter wonderland with artificial snow. Since October 2021, Adrienne…
The Village at Castle Pines is filled with ladies who are part of a remarkable organization dedicated to making life a little easier for those facing breast cancer. The Ladies 9 in the Pines (Ladies) annual golf tournament and adjunct events were a sterling success to raise money and awareness. Led by chairwoman and president…
The League of Women Voters (LWV) was started in 1920 by leaders of the women’s suffrage movement as a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization believing voters play a critical role in democracy. Today, there are more than 700 leagues across the country, with a local chapter here, the League of Women Voters of Arapahoe and Douglas…
Deputy Scott Kelly always knew what he wanted to do when he grew up: serve in the army and be a police officer. Despite not having any family members serve in either capacity, Scott has accomplished both. As an infantryman in the United States Army, Scott was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with the 101st…
A short drive to the northwest sits a beautiful oasis on Santa Fe Drive near the heart of Littleton: Hudson Gardens. Perhaps best known to many as a concert venue and site of special holiday events, the gardens offer a lovely destination amid the city bustle and a place to…
Starting in 1990, by presidential proclamation each year, the month of November is National Native American Heritage Month. It is a time to honor the contributions, achievements, sacrifices, culture and historical legacy of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian and affiliated Island communities. Before 1990, various individual days or weeks acknowledged the heritage…
Good literature can be found across the globe. Some of the most popular books written by international authors are listed in our monthly recommendations. Curl up with a hot drink, crack open a book that has been translated from another language and maybe discover another perspective. The Enigma of Room 622 by Italian author…
Driving to the mountains to find and cut down the perfect Christmas tree to bring home is a tradition many families celebrate to capture the spirit of the holiday season. It is now easier than ever to get a permit in Colorado. Christmas tree permits are available to purchase online at recreation.gov/tree-permits/ and by visiting…
Information and photo provided by Village of Castle Pines Garden Club
Bengal cats are a cross between an Asian leopard cat and an American shorthair cat. The breed has a wild, beautiful appearance. The golden shimmer in their fur comes from the leopard ancestry and their coats may show spots or rosettes, a distinctive fur pattern. Bengals are loyal cats who form strong bonds with the…
In 1936, during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, the 45-foot-tall electric Castle Rock Star (Star) first lit up the night with nearly 100 light bulbs. It served as a form of hope during those tough times and a means to attract highway travelers to visit Castle Rock. Teamwork and generosity made the Star a…
Castle Rock was named after the rock formation towering over it. An outlier for its name, it is also the perfect icon for minerals that were early foundations for Douglas County’s population growth. Our tidal wave of humanity today all started with a bit of greed. Parallelling California, the first hint of gold in…
Dear Mrs. A, Talk to us about restaurant reservations as the holiday season approaches – Hungry in Hidden Pointe. Dear Hungry, Great question and an important part of planning for the season. The benefits of reservations for the consumer include guaranteed seating, preferred timing and a streamlined experience. Isn’t it wonderful to have the peace…
At the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame Banquet held at the Lakewood Country Club on Saturday, October 5, longtime resident of The Village at Castle Pines, James Huffman, received the Federal Aviation Administration Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The award recognizes those pilots who have conducted 50 or more consecutive years of safe flight operations,…
November is a time for good food, and lots of it. Our canine family members may be just as excited by the smell of roast turkey and all the fixings as we are. But is a Thanksgiving feast safe for dogs? Of course each dog is unique and has its own tolerances, but there are…
In just a few weeks, those of us who love to cook put on our big show for the year. Maybe your family’s feast is straight out of Norman Rockwell, with a perfectly orchestrated presentation of family favorites: tender veggies, buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy stuffing, and of course a lovely roasted bird. Or, perhaps your…
Crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance — Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Site of the Taj Mahal 5. Vessel for a warm fall drink 8. Someone who joins fabric together 13. Sticky stuff 14. Four six-packs 15. Invoke misfortune 16. A dromedary has one 17. They can take a yoke 18. Zones…
Winter is coming – and that means skiing. Colorado is home to many top-tier ski resorts and trails. For those who plan to hit the slopes more than a few times this season, it may be worth investing in a ski pass. Here are some of the options: Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack – FREE for…
There is often leftover Halloween candy, whether one bought too much (hello Costco) and didn’t get that many trick-or-treaters, or the kids collected a ton. It is fun to indulge, but then it can get overwhelming with what to do with it all. Here are some ideas: Donate. Food banks, first responders and organizations…
A men’s group has been enjoying an annual day of competition since 2018. It is called The Castle Cup. According to Mark Voss, an unofficial committee member and organizer of The Castle Cup, it started as a way to celebrate the end of the Village men’s 4.0 tennis team season. Tennis, golf and cocktails make…
In November, three important events focus on awareness and education about dietary lifestyles and health conditions – World Vegan Month, American Diabetes Month and Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month. These observances highlight the importance of nutrition and its impact on our well-being. For many, exploring plant-based or gluten-free options can be a beneficial way to improve…
Michael Cordova is more than the new assistant principal at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). In his 18 years in education, he has been a teacher, coach, counselor and mentor. Alongside new TTE principal Dr. Rob Thelen, Michael said the two are “standing on the shoulders of giants,” referring to Michele Radke, former TTE principal, and…
Gardening is a mainstay for Mckenzie Ellis. She kept a garden in the maritime climate of Cape Cod where she grew up; in the humidity of New Orleans where her two children were born; and in the arid environment of Colorado where, over the last four years, Mckenzie has managed the Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE)…
The Timber Wolf Trot, formerly known as the Fun Run and Move-A-Thon, is the annual fundraiser for Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). Held every September, the event consisted of an easy run for students around a set course at the school, an epic dance battle between four TTE staff members, and treats for all afterwards. Parents…
The holidays arrived early for the students and staff of Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). They returned from fall break with a ribbon cutting ceremony and donated breakfast items to unveil new updates to the 20-year-old staff lounge and gym floor. The staff lounge updates were courtesy of school parents who dedicated their time and resources…
Youth Leadership Douglas County (YLDC) is a year-long series of field trips and activities to encourage leadership skills and expand the horizons of Douglas County high school students. YLDC participants are school-excused to meet once a month for a day-long, hands-on experience in the areas of law enforcement, media, health, finance, fire safety, natural history…
Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) yearbook students won the All-Colorado award in the yearbook category at the Colorado Student Media Association (CSMA)’s Journalism Day (J-Day), held at CU Boulder. The yearbook met the criteria for reaching all the benchmarks for an exceptional product. In addition to the prestige for the RHMS students, the All-Colorado designation…
At Colorado Student Media Association’s Journalism Day, Tyree (Ty) Clark, assistant principal and activities director at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), won the award for Administrator of the Year for 2024. “This award was such a surprise and I am honored to be the recipient,” stated Ty. “I get to see our students participate in…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) school held its annual fun run fundraiser for the parent-teacher association in October. The money goes toward school-wide improvements and teacher wishlist items for their classrooms. The school’s $65,000 goal was surpassed when more than $71,800 was raised. As a “reward” for meeting the school-wide goal, students earned a special assembly…
Hammond’s Candies: A taste of tradition Candy canes, candy corn, candy hearts: whether Christmas or Easter, Halloween or Valentine’s Day, every holiday has its trademark sweet. When it comes to candy, chocolate reigns supreme. According to the consumer market, the value of the chocolate market in the United States comes close to $50 billion. Sugar…
Isabella “Izzy” Holsman, a born-and-raised Vaquero resident, began her senior year at UC Boulder this fall with a flash. An undergraduate Art Practices major, Izzy was accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program for photography. Only a few art students apply for the BFAs instead of the typical Bachelor of Arts; the BFA…
In the past, Tri-County Health Department ran a pop-up hazardous waste collection for Douglas County residents. The Tri-County Health Department was dissolved at the end of 2022. After that, hazardous waste collection was taken over by the Douglas County Household Hazardous Waste Collection program, which provides year-round household pickups of household hazardous waste through Waste…
Parker Water & Sanitation District (PWSD), the water district for The Canyons neighborhood, has been named the Safest District of the Year by the Colorado Special Districts Property and Liability Pool (CSD). The CSD, an organization made up of more than 1,500 member districts that oversee water, sanitation, fire rescue, parks and recreation and…
Lucent Boulevard in Highlands Ranch, the stretch of roadway from County Line to South Broadway, will soon be renamed Kendrick Castillo Way. The Board of Douglas County Commissioners approved the request from the Kendrick Castillo Memorial Oversight Committee at a public hearing in August. On May 7, 2019, Kendrick (18) was a high school senior…
As the community continues to grow, there is an increased need for extraordinary park spaces for residents. As a result, the City of Castle Pines (City) began work to develop two park project master plans in 2023: the rejuvenation and expansion of Coyote Ridge Park and a new park known as Soaring Hawk Park in…
JulieAnna Reinhardt started her own interior design business in January, but her journey to the Castle Valley neighborhood began decades ago. Born and raised in southern California, JulieAnna did a lot of volunteering. So much in fact, that in 1989 she received the award for youth volunteer of the year for Los Angeles County…
Music is an integral part of Andrea Ross Batson’s life today, as it was throughout her childhood. Born and raised in the south, Andrea was influenced from a young age by the church and gospel music, both of which developed her passion for singing and playing the piano. In 2019, Andrea’s musical talents followed her…
Kim, David and Brooke Becker are relative newcomers to Castle Pines. They bought a house in the Knightsbridge neighborhood in 2022, moving from southern California. “It was hard to give up the beach but I knew as long as the mountains had lakes and streams – a water component – I would be fine,” Kim…
Lisa Linn is having a banner year. She and her husband, Brandon, are toasting their 25th wedding anniversary; the family business, Brandon Linn Orthodontics in Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch, has been straightening teeth for 20 years; and Lisa is celebrating being seven years cancer free. Lisa and Brandon met in Vail 30 years ago.…
The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) held its second annual Heroes Gala honoring first responders, armed forces members, veterans and the nonprofit partner organizations that support these brave heroes. Roughly 650 guests enjoyed a beautiful Colorado evening at Centennial Airport in the exclusive Signature Aviation private jet hangar on Friday, September 13. The unforgettable night…
Emily Davenport is passionate about wildlife. As a certified wildlife rehabilitator with nearly two decades of veterinary experience, she recognizes the importance of having relationships with others in her field. In 2017, she founded the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance (RMWA) to foster professional collaboration. In 2022, she took a big risk and took it a…
October divides those of us who like ghost stories and the thrill of a jump scare and those who want to enjoy a pumpkin patch, maybe with a pumpkin spice latte, and the autumn colors. If being frightened sounds fun, there are many haunted houses and ghost tours to choose from that are close by,…
Treat-or-treat time is almost here, and that means candy, spooky decorations and lots of pumpkins. Most pumpkins are orange, of course, but this Halloween you might spot ones that are teal, blue, purple or pink. What is that about? Teal – In 2012, the mother of a child with severe food allergies painted a pumpkin…
Civil War veteran Chester Leach and his wife, Lucy, were among the early settlers in Denver, brought here by a team of oxen. Their son Clarence was born in 1872. Anna Katrina Foss, Clarence’s wife-to-be, was born about the same time in Norway. She came to the United States in 1893. Clarence and Anna Katrina…
In addition to reading materials, Douglas County Libraries (DCL) card holders have access to all sorts of educational and fun perks. You can even check out a variety of gadgets and electronics. Library card holders do not pay any fee to DCL for these accommodations. Here is a taste of what you can find at…
Dear Mrs. A, Could you help us understand the concept of Scruffy Hospitality? – Entertaining in The Hamlet Remember when an invitation to dinner came printed in the mail? The guest list was carefully curated, the hostess met you at the door, seating arrangements were crucial, dress codes were important, people brought out their finest…
Horror and thriller books have been around for centuries. Beginning with the rise of Gothic literature in the mid-18th century, the first horror book was The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole, published in 1765. Other notable early scary stories include Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) and The Tell-Tale Heart from Edgar Allan Poe (1843). Horror…
As sweet as a cup of hot chocolate, the Sanford family pup, Cocoa, warms hearts with her gentle playfulness, constant wagging tail and energetic spirit. Her soft brown coat with a touch of white looked to Leyna (13) and Tyler (9) like a hot cocoa marshmallow when they were introduced to Cocoa in December 2019.…
This crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Precious stones 5. Chapter in history 8. Lucky trinket 13. The Beehive State 14. Jack-o’-lantern feature 15. Prefix for “sun” 16. It’s hailed by city dwellers 17. Em, to Dorothy 18. “You ___ kidding!” 19. Pepita 22. Protagonist of…