Read the stories from the latest issue:
If your teens have needed a math tutor along the way, chances are they have met Michelle Rafter. For 25 years, Michelle has helped thousands of kids from her home in HOA2. “I take pride in creating a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and working through challenges,” Michelle stated. Michelle…
The simple definition of “help” is to make it easier for someone by offering services or resources. The tagline for nonprofit Be the Good Ones (BTGO) says it all: “small needs and good deeds,” a focus to make meaningful impacts in even the slightest ways. The organization is led by three individuals and serves…
The Village Castle Pines Garden Club (VCPGC) Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon was a huge success on Friday, May 16. Eighty-nine members joined at the Hilton Denver Inverness for this grand finale of the fiscal year. Eight members modeled three outfits each, strutting down the runway to music selections that they chose themselves. The outfits…
Spring is in the air and the Village Castle Pines Garden Club (VCPGC) is busy planning activities for the summer. The club enjoys social activities, gardening together, educational programs and holding charitable fundraiser events for the community. The upcoming June 28 donation drive benefits the Help & Hope Center (H&H) in Castle Rock, which supports…
In May, members of 100 Women Who Care Douglas County (100WWCDC) gathered for an evening of networking, supporting good causes and to celebrate the organization’s second anniversary. At each quarterly meeting, this giving circle of women enjoys a sponsored dinner while learning about three, pre-vetted nonprofits from around the county. The women vote by secret…
The Womenade organization gathered for its spring fundraiser at the HOA2 clubhouse to support Sabrina, a single mom and lifelong resident and business owner in Castle Rock. Earlier this year, Sabrina was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a severe autoimmune disorder that attacks the nervous system, leading to paralysis. Sabrina is currently undergoing treatment, holding on…
We often see our wildlife neighbors in open spaces, walking along the streets, and even sometimes in our yards. Among those are the beautiful red foxes. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), foxes can be found in most places in the state, including Douglas County. Colorado is home to four species of foxes. Red…
Born in 1828 in Sligo, Ireland, Mary Jane Gallagher was the incorrigible child of a priest and a nun. Her father disowned her, when at 16, she took passage on a ship bound for Massachusetts as a nanny. Married a year later to James Montieth, Mary Jane bore four children. One, her namesake, died as…
On April 26 at the Douglas County Library – Castle Rock, Girl Scout Unit 652 met with Bin Blessed (BB), a Castle Pines-based nonprofit, to learn about and help BB’s 10-year beneficiary, There With Care (TWC). TWC helps families with critically ill children, neonatal intensive care unit babies, and teens facing a mental health crisis…
On April 23, the City of Castle Pines held its twice-yearly New Resident Welcome Party at The Ridge at Castle Pines. More than 50 new residents gathered to learn more about the city, the business community and chamber, and their local newspaper––all while enjoying complimentary drinks and refreshments with fellow new neighbors. A few lucky…
Guinea pigs have long been a favorite first pet for families; and still are, for good reason. They are small, lovable, furry friends—gentle, sociable and easy to care for. In December 2020, the Neira family—Amy, Nick, Gavin (19), Garrett (16) and Grant (12) of the Turquoise Terrace neighborhood, adopted American guinea pigs Gabe and…
If you are looking for something a little different to do this summer, and do not mind a bit of a drive, there are some fun, quirky festivals around Colorado that just might be the thing. Here are a few of them: The 51st Madam Lou Bunch Day In honor of the town’s most successful…
Newspaper people are book people. This month we are sharing some of the staff of The Castle Pines Connection’s favorite books with you. We cross and bend genres from true crime to humor, thriller, nonfiction, romance, fantasy, self-help and more. So take a look at our staff picks and maybe find your new favorite book.…
Crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance — Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Melodramatic cry 5. It’s higher with a hybrid 8. Visibly astonished 13. Landlord’s due 14. Game you can’t play left-handed 15. Alone, on stage 16. “Bye!” 17. Knowing, as a secret 18. Like Francis of Assisi 19. Granular details…
The Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum held its eighth annual fundraiser, Victoria’s Tea, on May 17 at Kirk Hall in Castle Rock. Seventy-five attendees savored English tea, scones and chocolate-covered strawberries while learning some Colorado history. Janice Baker regaled the audience with the story of her great, great-grandmother who traveled the Santa Fe Trail—Santa…
Saturday, May 3 was the annual Kentucky Derby and many donned fascinators, fancy hats and dressed up to attend watch parties. The events included a few bets, a few drinks (maybe a mint julep?) and were a fun way to celebrate “The most exciting two minutes in sports.” By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos
Celery. Typically, I would say that it’s a vegetable I rarely even think about, much less crave, but on a recent trip to Charleston, South Carolina, I had a hankering for something light and crunchy, so I ordered a celery salad for dinner. After a long day of lounging on the beach (it’s a…
“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give,” is the Winston Churchill quote that Terry and Mike Faber exemplify. The retired couple moved to The Canyons in 2023 and spend their time serving and volunteering for multiple organizations. “We have always been big volunteers; we sign up…
Dear Mrs. A., We’re all so excited that the local pools are open. How about a little reminder on good behavior while we’re there? -Tanning at Turquoise Terrace Dear Tanning, Isn’t it exciting and aren’t we fortunate to have our community pools. I’m happy to remind everyone that a little courtesy goes a long way…
“The cherry on top” is a phrase used to mean a bonus or flourish that elevates something to an even higher level. We know cherries are good for us and a favorite early summer snack, but they have more benefits than one might imagine. Filled with nutrients, cherries also fight joint pain, nerve pain, lower…
There were 6 students from 80108 who signed letters of intent to play their sport at the collegiate level. It takes a great deal of discipline and hard work to balance academics and athletics, so we commend these student athletes! We reached out to other schools, but we invite readers to contact us if they…
Douglas County School District (DCSD) Superintendent Erin Kane delivered her second State of DCSD event on May 8 in front of a small crowd at DCSD Legacy Campus in Lone Tree. Kane highlighted accomplishments, challenges and visions for the future. Kane said that for the first time in a decade, DCSD is the top scoring…
Students from the graduating class of 2025 were clapped out of the elementary schools they attended—Timber Trail Elementary, Buffalo Ridge Elementary, American Academy and DCS Montessori. This farewell tradition at the end of each school year is a bittersweet event as graduates prepare for the next chapter. By Julie Matuszewski; courtesy photos
The 30 members of the National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) learned about flag protocol and assumed color guard duties as part of a new initiative for NEHS students this past school year. NEHS provides opportunities for fourth through sixth grade students to participate in projects centered around the organization’s four…
The class of 2038 made their school debut at Timber Trail Elementary’s (TTE) first Kindergarten Signing Day to celebrate and welcome the incoming Timber Wolf pups to the 2025-2026 school year. Not only was it a fun and memorable event, it marked the beginning of a home and school connection for these students. “It was…
A special education teacher and head coach of the award-winning varsity cheerleading squad at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), Amanda Mundaca is passionate about working with student athletes and her special needs students, some of whom are on the cheer team. Growing up in Centennial, Amanda cheered in high school. She attended CU Boulder…
The All-Stars Club (ASC) recently held its 11th annual prom, “Starry Night,” where 120 members dressed up for a magical evening at Valor Christian High School (Valor). ASC is a nonprofit that provides a space of belonging for those with development disabilities. The participants wore crowns, were formally introduced and walked down a red carpet.…
Road to the Rockies hit another home run with this year’s reading challenge. Program sponsor Sarah Phillips implemented the baseball-themed reading program at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and Timber Trail Elementary (TTE), beginning last September. Readers tracked their personal monthly reading goals (“inning goals”) for chances to earn top reader inning awards. Final game time…
Soccer players called the Red Shirt Rookies (RSR) showcased their skills, passing, weaving and shooting to family members at the year-end soccer celebration and award ceremony held last month at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). This year was exceptional because for the first time, TTE and Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) students played together making this year’s…
Twenty hours of community service is the requirement for every high school student in Colorado to graduate; Colorado passed that requirement starting with each class that followed 2023. At Valor Christian High School (Valor), the requirement goes much further, requiring its students to commit to 100 hours of community service to earn that diploma. For…
Denver Polo Club: Polo – the kingly team sport of equestrian skills and team strategy The Kentucky Derby is the start of the most exciting time of the year for horse racing enthusiasts, especially after watching Sovereignty take the title at the 151st Kentucky Derby last month. But there is a different kind of horsepower…
“You can take the girl out of the mountains, but you can’t take the mountains out of the girl,” declared Michelle Fuentes. Michelle grew up in south Aurora, and her life and career took her to other parts of the country until last year when she returned home to Colorado along with her family,…
The City of Castle Pines City Council (City) recently voted 6-1 to approve an application to subdivide parcels of land in the Canyons development area. The property, located east of S. Havana Street and north of Castle Pines Parkway, now consists of three new mixed-use lots, two new tracts and dedicated right-of-way for the S.…
Last month, The Crisis Center relocated from Littleton to the Inverness area, remaining in Douglas County at I-25 and County Line Road. The new space is designed to support both current and future needs of adults and children impacted by domestic violence by continuing to provide essential services to residents primarily in Douglas, Arapahoe, Elbert…
Foundry Church (Foundry) is continuing to raise funds to build a new 14,000-foot facility on Mira Vista Lane, adjacent to Elk Ridge Park and American Academy – Castle Pines charter school. This is Phase 1 for Foundry’s “Building for More” campaign. “We are currently raising capital to finance the building and are working with our…
Ice rinks – check. Baseball fields – check. Soccer complex – check. Those are a few of the sports venues that will be part of the 46-acre mega sports complex called Zebulon, coming in 2026 to northwest Douglas County in Sterling Ranch, four miles south of C-470, west of US Highway 85. Zebulon will include…
The Castle Pines community garage sale is a popular event that residents look forward to every year. While there is no longer a “sponsor” of the event, anyone who is considering hosting a garage sale this summer is encouraged to join with your neighbors and to host it on the weekend of Friday, May 30…
The Process On March 25, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners adopted a resolution to transition from a statutory form of government to a Home Rule County Charter. The resolution is just the first step of the process. On June 24, a special election will be held where voters will decide whether to form a…
On Saturday, May 3, the Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum will host its annual day of free tours through downtown Castle Rock. This year’s tour will focus on the 60th anniversary of the 1965 flood. The tour guide will show passengers noted spots from the tragedy and artifacts that remain visible today. Tour times…
The requirements for concealed handgun permits in Colorado are changing. Last year, the Colorado General Assembly passed HB24-1174, new legislation going into effect on July 1, that changes the process for citizens seeking to apply for or renew their concealed handgun permit (CHP). Intended to increase the safety and responsibility of gun ownership, the new…
To sit across from Vivian Murciano is to feel the magnetic pull of someone who leads with purpose. With her calm confidence, sharp intellect, and heart-centered focus, she commands a rare kind of presence—one that inspires. As Vice President and Managing Broker at LIV Sotheby’s International Realty in Douglas County, Vivian oversees nearly 40 of…
In April, the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) hosted its inaugural symposium, Collaborative Impact: A Thriving Douglas County Community, at The Conference Center at RidgeGate in Lone Tree. The event was tailored specifically to Douglas County nonprofits, donors and businesses, and began with some entertainment from magician and Rock Canyon High School student Liam Abner. Nearly…
Summer is just around the corner, and that means more opportunities to be near the water. May is National Water Safety Month, making it the perfect time to address the importance of being water smart. According to the American Red Cross, every year in the United States, an estimated 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning.…
This is a tale of two ladies who stumbled upon a passion for whiskey and bourbon. Serena neighborhood residents since 2006, Michelle Bush and Jan Parker were first introduced to bourbon 10 years ago through a friend in Utah. This was a very special bourbon called Blanton’s, a coveted, hard to find collectible variety. With…
Roxanne Mount thought she would never leave New York, but Colorado worked its magic. Having grown up in Westchester County, Roxanne attended college and then landed a job with Starwood Hotels, launching an exciting career in hospitality, brand management and development, communication and PR as well as social content strategy. Roxanne shared, “I fell in…
Sedalia has always been like the movie The Mouse that Roared, punching above its weight in talent and natural beauty. Iowa-bred Carole Williams is a prime example: the former editor of the Sedalia View, founding member of the Sedalia Museum and Gardens, and vastly more. Carole is supremely talented, creative writing atop the list. Things…
Jessica Kostelecky is a regular face at a local business. Customers often hear her shout “Welcome in” and “I’ll be right up” from the kitchen as she busily makes someone’s special event cake. As a single mom of two young girls, juggling tasks comes naturally to Jessica. Jessica’s first exposure to baking was with her…
This Pet Pedigree brought to you by Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center. Similar in spirit and named after the dog in the 2017 movie A Dog’s Purpose, Bailey is a devoted two-year-old golden retriever who has found her purpose as the best companion she can be to the Cook family of four: Amy, Michael,…
Zane Hawkins loves to fly; his career has been in the clouds. Zane is a helicopter pilot with Air Methods, an air ambulance company that provides critical care for burn, cardiac, pediatric, respiratory and trauma patients. He has been flying air ambulance Bell 407 helicopters for nearly a quarter century, beginning his career in the…
Pat and Susan Mooney’s son Ross is the inspiration behind Tall Tales Ranch (TTR), a nonprofit they launched in 2014 for adults living with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD). At the age of 14, Ross was diagnosed with x-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, an aggressive genetic disease that deteriorates the white matter in the brain. He received a…
Walking into Nourish Meals on Wheels (Nourish) is truly a sight to behold. It serves as a reminder that there is an abundance of good in this world. At Nourish, more than 600 volunteers make, pack and deliver fresh, hot meals to older (60+) and homebound adults across the Denver area. In 2024,…
Farmers markets have many charms, from chatting with farmers about their freshly-picked produce and with artisans about their unique goods, to enjoying all the sights, sounds and aromas while strolling among the booths. Some markets have live music, creating a fun atmosphere and some offer homemade food to enjoy while you shop. There are many…
March 13 made for a remarkable presentation by Beryl Jacobson, a volunteer historian for Douglas County, on the history of Sandstone Ranch at the Douglas County Libraries – Philip & Jerry Miller Library in Castle Rock. That the County owns this 2,038-acre parcel is all the more astonishing considering its acquisition cost and beauty. Absent…
This month’s books feature our encephalon. Complex and still largely unknown, our brains have fascinated humans since ancient times, but neuroscience as we know it began with Santiago Ramón y Cajal. The Spanish neuroscientist won the 1906 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his pioneering work with microscopes on brain structures. In honor of…
Authors made their books available for purchase, and guests in attendance brought dozens of books to be donated to Douglas County Libraries (see inset photo of Wanda Ford and Kathryn Fountain making the donation). The 16 authors featured included: Doug Beason, Kill Zone; Mike Boryla (not pictured), The Case of the Disappearing Quarterback; Michella…
Dear Mrs. A., We’re getting ready for summer traveling. Would you kindly give us a refresher on airplane etiquette? -Vacationing in the Village Dear Village Vacationer, Yes! Let’s hit the high points of the rules of the sky. On boarding, do not crowd the security line, especially if your group has not been called.…
Spring in Colorado often means the return of those pesky miller moths, swarming our lights and flying into our homes. Some years we see large numbers of them, and they can be a considerable nuisance. Common in Colorado and several bordering states, miller moth is the popular name for the migrating adult stage of the…
Whether it is slowing down to savor some tea, enjoying a party under the veranda tent, or attending a show, the historic Cherokee Ranch & Castle (CRC) serves everything up in a spectacular fashion. CRC is a gem, situated in the heart of Douglas County—Sedalia, that is a popular host to cultural, heritage, civic…
Author, The Connection writer and Briar Cliff resident Susan Helton has much to celebrate. She recently won two awards for her books: in the fantasy category, Crystalborne Sigils (by her pen name S. Lynn Helton) and in the young children’s category, Min the Cat Who Guards the Castle, (pen name Lynn Helton). The Incipere Awards…
The Hive is a haven of comfort, a place of gathering and learning for a group of women living in The Village at Castle Pines. No politics and no religion––just friendship, connecting and a place for fun. Meeting at a different home every month, the ladies get to know each other better and share their…
After a long winter, tennis players in The Village at Castle Pines are excited to be back on the courts to start the 2025 United States Tennis Association (USTA) season. The Village has a robust tennis community with 114 players across 29 men’s, women’s and mixed doubles teams. “We love tennis in the Village!” shared…
Snow forced most of the event inside, but still more than 500 people turned out for the City of Castle Pines Egg Scramble on Saturday, April 19. Families formed a line to meet the Easter Bunny, receive a basket of eggs, and enjoy donuts and hot beverages. A few lucky kids discovered golden eggs they…
Crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance — Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. “You’ll never ___!” 6. “____ fly” 10. Janitor’s tools 14. 1970 World’s Fair site 15. Bunnies’ defining feature 16. Be next to 17. Knocking sound 19. Invitation word 20. Sense of self 21. Decline, with “out” 22. Rafter connector…
Spring is here, and suddenly I can not get enough of fresh, light, bright flavors. In much the same way that I find myself opening the windows to enjoy the breeze, my kitchen is suddenly home to all things fruity, fluffy and fabulous. I have lots of favorites this time of year—pasta primavera and strawberry…
From June 25 – June 29, the 45th U.S. Senior Open will offer a week of golf and fan activities at The Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs. Beyond the championship rounds, attendees can enjoy interactive experiences, browse merchandise and have opportunities to engage with golf pros. A wide variety of ticket options are available with…
Valor Christian High School (Valor) has appointed Michael Sanford as its new head football coach, bringing a wealth of collegiate coaching experience to the esteemed high school program in Highlands Ranch. Born in California, Sanford played quarterback at Boise State University from 2000 to 2004. Since then, his career has spanned various roles at top-tier…
Raising awareness about mental health and offering resources is at the heart of Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Mental Health America (MHA), the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being and condition prevention, has research-backed suggestions to boost one’s mental health. Here are a few: Spending time in nature is linked to…
Lacrosse coach and self-proclaimed “proud lacrosse dad” Eric Manzanares is an avid proponent of the sport because of the opportunity it presents to not only build champions but also community, both on and off the field. While the Denver metro area has several competitive youth lacrosse leagues, Eric identified a missing component for him in…
In April, Valor Christian High School (Valor) proudly welcomed home NFL star and alumnus Christian McCaffrey for a special ceremony to retire his high school jersey, number 5. Currently a running back for the San Francisco 49ers, Christian returned to his alma mater alongside his wife, Olivia, and his parents Lisa and Ed. The event…