Read the stories from the latest issue:
Last summer, my sister Callie and I took a hiking holiday to the southwest coast of Ireland. We booked a tour package for a Dingle Way walking excursion. The package booked our accommodations in guest houses or bed and breakfast establishments and moved our luggage while we walked, but unlike other vacation tours, we were…
Castle Pines City Council unanimously approved a proposal to rezone nearly 300 acres of land on the northeast corner of I-25 and Happy Canyon Road. The property was designated as agricultural land but has long been targeted for development. The City initiated the rezoning with the consent of the landowner, North Canyons LLLP, which is…
There is undoubtedly a learning curve when the average resident begins investigating the layers of checks, balances and standards for approving development plans. Oftentimes, it is not until the public becomes involved in discussions over a proposed development that they gain a greater understanding of the review processes. Cities and counties are required to follow…
As the midway point approached for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Citizens Academy, participants became deeply vested in the program and wanted to learn more about ways to be involved in their community and with the DCSO. The next two classes discussed Peer Support for officers and their families and the Community Resources Unit…
Disc golf is a sport that is gaining popularity across the world. It combines elements of golf and Frisbee, with the goal to get a disc into the designated targets in the fewest throws possible. The City of Castle Pines recently broke ground on this new amenity as part of Pronghorn Park, located near Hess…
The City of Castle Pines is partnering with residents to organize the city’s first-ever Spring Cleanup Day. While cleanup days have been hosted by neighborhood HOAs and the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District in the past, there has never been a citywide effort – until now. As the community grows, it is more important than…
The Douglas County Health Department will continue its curbside household hazardous waste disposal program again this year. If you have hazardous waste from a painting project, old oil from your car’s maintenance, or other waste from your recent DIY project, Douglas County Health Department can help you safely dispose of it. In place of a…
The easiest, fastest and most rewarding way to declutter and spring clean is to remove what isn’t needed or wanted, creating space for what is actually used and enjoyed. There will certainly be at least a few things that can be donated or recycled from every room and closet, but where can and should those…
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hosted a town hall at Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines on January 30 to discuss a new outpatient clinic in northwest Castle Rock. The clinic will be located at the corner of Prairie Hawk Drive and Dacoro Lane, directly southeast of the AMC Castle Rock 12 theater.…
After 34 years as a professional photographer – 19 of which have been in a studio in the Village Shops – Jimmy Dozer’s focus continues to sharpen and evolve. For decades, Jimmy has specialized in capturing memorable moments in the lives of babies, children, high school seniors and families. He has photographed hundreds of…
On January 26, more than 130 guests gathered for the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce 2022 awards luncheon at Cielo at Castle Pines. Chamber members nominated winners in several categories: Large Business of the Year, Community Member of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year, and Small Business of the Year.…
Winter is here in full force, which means the Help & Hope Center (HHC) annual Keep the Heat On! campaign is in full swing. The first few months of the year are typically a time when donation income is less than what HHC needs to cover all the services it provides. HHC food pantry manager,…
The current technological zeitgeist is all about AI (artificial intelligence), and ChatGPT is dominating the conversation. In the two years since its inception, hundreds of millions of users worldwide have joined ChatGPT, the fastest growing app in history. Its popularity has grown exponentially in the past couple months, begging the question, “What is ChatGPT?” ChatGPT…
There’s no denying that many Americans follow a sports team: local, state, professional or all of the above. Even soccer is taking off for sports fans. Mariah Trujillo realized a need for blingy and fun sportswear to counter the more generic merchandise available. So, she took her ideas and skills to launch MVPBae, an online…
Jacqui Williams is a mother of four young children and in the thick of all that a busy household entails. In her spare time, she has developed an interesting hobby and an on-trend business – she is a specialist and seller of permanent jewelry. Williams explained that many people do not know what permanent jewelry…
These days, Piper Melbye soaks in the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. (D.C.) and is loving her busy life there. Back in 2016, Melbye graduated from Rock Canyon High School after growing up from the eighth grade on in The Village at Castle Pines. Melbye was a competitive and high school cheerleader as…
Last month, Douglas County Libraries (DCL) announced a new partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (IL), a nonprofit started by the singer-songwriter to send books on a monthly basis to qualifying children, ages 0-5, at no cost to families. Each individual child in a household will receive age-appropriate books that they get to keep. “We…
In 2012, as my love affair with my two-wheeled companion “Shadow” ended, I helped bring the emergent Castle Pines Motorcycle Club to community attention. More than a decade later and tens of thousands of road miles farther, it appears that its members are at full throttle now. The club is many things, most of them…
March book recommendations transport us to the craggy cliffs and verdant hills of the Emerald Isle. Irish language and culture are seeded deep in landscape, tradition, magic, and far too often, conflict and tragedy. The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey Set in the early 1900s, Eileen O’Neill determinedly seeks to reclaim the yellow house where…
March is gender equality month, so fittingly this month’s Angels Among Us features Together Women Rise (RISE), whose mission is to cultivate the collective power of community to achieve global gender equality. RISE is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. What started as a collective giving circle among a group of friends has blossomed into…
A new manager will soon join The Country Club at Castle Pines. Beginning later this month, Perry Kenney will take on the day-to-day leadership of the Club and its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Kenney will join the establishment after more than 21 years at Sawgrass Country Club near Jacksonville, Florida. While at Sawgrass, Kenney served…
It was not long ago that women couldn’t vote, open a bank account on their own or be considered in the running for a promotion. Thanks to a designation by Congress in 1987, the month of March is recognized as Women’s History Month and is a good time to recap and reflect on the always…
In writing Wildcat Lore over the years, I have sought a home base, a spiritual center of gravity and a location suitable for the “capital” of our readership in these Wildcat Mountains. I finally figured it out: Round Top. We are all “Round Toppers.” Let me take you back a ways… Our readers’ homes are…
In the last few months, the Castle Pines Connection has been featuring a segment called “Above the Pines” using drone photography. Although you might first think of large drones for military use or delivering packages, the commercial drone industry is growing quickly and The Connection is excited to bring you photos each month taken above…
Sonny is a 2-year-old rescue from the Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock. While the bold, black markings over his eye could easily mark him as a border collie, the subtle tan markings on the top of his head are that of an Australian cattle dog, also known as a blue heeler. In…
March is a terrific time to celebrate all things green – and kale, spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are at the top of the food chain when it comes to healthy vegetables. Green vegetables are packed with essential nutrients and have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including helping to reduce the risk of…
As far as I can tell, I don’t have a single drop of Irish blood. This month, though, everyone is a little bit Irish, right? In anticipation of the 17th of this month, I’ve got a green outfit chosen, cereal with everyone’s favorite leprechaun on the box in the pantry, and even a corned beef…
First grade students at Timber Trail Elementary extended their gratitude to the residents of Legacy Village with a heartfelt Valentine’s Day visit filled with conversation and singing. All joined in to the tunes of Heart, I’m a Little Valentine and Skidamarink. Residents and students exchanged handwritten notes, sharing simple gestures of love and encouragement. By…
Dear Readers, This feels like a perfect time to revisit the anatomy of an invitation. Party season is upon us, and the wedding season is right around the corner. To start with, you receive a save-the-date. What do you do? The save-the-date stands alone as a prompt to check your calendar and put a pin…
Douglas County has one of the fastest growing senior populations in the state, and fortunately a lot of resources for older adults, caregivers and family members. One resource, DC Senior Life which includes the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County, was created to help older adults find resources, educational programs, upcoming events and opportunities to engage…
The Road to the Final Four stops in Denver on March 17 & 19 at Ball Arena when the Mountain West Conference hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA March Madness Tournament. Are you or someone you know from the 80108 ZIP code attending a March Madness game? Send your info and pictures…
Rock Canyon High School Luc Belvill Boys Lacrosse Stevenson University, MD Coach Shawn Zordani stated, “Luc is a tremendously hard worker who leads by example all the time. He usually isn’t the loudest in the room, but when he talks, everyone listens. He has the potential to be the best midfielder in the state his…
Students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) recently continued a favorite school tradition: the third grade show. All three third grade classes participated together to create a performance of song, dance, movements and art to showcase their skills and camaraderie. This year’s theme for the 30-minute production was teamwork. Students worked closely with art, music and…
Timber Trail Elementary fifth grade students stepped out of the classroom and into Young AmeriTowne (YA) where they played roles of adults managing careers, earning salaries and balancing budgets. The revered annual field trip to YA’s facility in downtown Denver allows the children to run a town for a day and is a fun yet…
Valor Christian High School opened its doors to neighbors on Saturday, February 4 for the annual Winter Art Show, an event to celebrate work from all Valor art…
A much-anticipated new arrival to the Castle Pines-area dining scene is already making believers out of first-time guests. Sushi and Bowls, a new Japanese-Korean restaurant next to Ziggi’s Coffee in The Shoppes at Castle Pines, enjoyed a steady stream of early-dinner visitors during its soft opening the week of Jan. 9. Days after opening for…
Sierra McElderry, a sixth-grade student at Rocky Heights Middle School has many interests and hobbies, including some high-flying pursuits. McElderry is passionate about aerial arts. Think of actress Zendaya as the character Anne Wheeler in The Greatest Showman. Aerial arts originated from circus arts and is often dance-like or acrobatic, performed while suspended in the…
Most of the recent development of residential housing in the City of Castle Pines has been concentrated east of I-25, but the remaining pockets designated for housing west of the highway are also taking shape. Citadel at Castle Pines, a single-family attached residential neighborhood under construction southeast of Lagae Road and Monarch Boulevard, is expanding…
On January 12, Union Pacific Railroad began construction in Castle Rock with this objective: the cessation of the train horn while the trains pass through downtown. The anticipated quiet zone has been a long-time ask from residents and businesses. The project entails installing new railroad crossing gates, sidewalks, curbs and signage on 2nd and 3rd…
The City of Castle Pines is reviewing an application requesting permission for new types of development on the southwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road, including self-storage. The land use application to rezone portions of the Parkway Plaza development from business use to Planned Development was submitted by CP Commercial LLC in November…
Castle Pines City Council voted unanimously to sign a 5-year lease with PT Village Square LLC for space on the second floor of the office building located at 7437 Village Square Drive, where the public works and building departments currently reside. This move would consolidate municipal services into one location. The City currently leases roughly…
During a public hearing at the January 24 regular meeting, the Castle Pines City Council postponed a decision on whether to approve the rezoning of land that borders both I-25 and a rural-residential neighborhood east of the highway. After hearing public comments from neighbors to the south of the 300-acre property, council members delayed the…
On January 3, the Castle Rock Town Council voted to approve the expansion and move to the design phase of a segment of Crowfoot Valley Road from two lanes to four lanes. Crowfoot Valley Road is a major artery connecting northeast Castle Rock to the rest of Douglas County. “We all know that Crowfoot Valley…
(DCSO) Citizens Academy delivered another riveting two-part class again this month, covering Communications and the Special Teams K-9 Units. Dispatcher Kara Martin led the Communications portion of the class and gave a tour of the Communications Center. The DCSO Communications Center handles dispatch for all of Douglas County, including five law enforcement agencies and…
If you are a property owner in Douglas County, watch your mail for the delivery of your 2023 property tax bill or tax notification. As you review your property tax bill or tax notification, know that while you pay your taxes to the County Treasurer’s Office, the County Treasurer is tasked with distributing the funds…
In a packed hearing room as one of the first official actions of 2023, 18th Judicial District Court Judge Theresa Slade completed the swearing in ceremony for Douglas County’s re-elected commissioner and newly elected assessor, clerk and recorder, coroner, sheriff and surveyor. On Tuesday, January 10, officials took the oath of office at the Philip…
Nursing is in Deb Miller’s blood. When she was four years old, all she wanted for Christmas was the Barbie doll that was a nurse. On Christmas morning that is exactly what Santa brought her. “Growing up, I always thought to myself, ‘it would be really cool to be a nurse,’” Miller explained. Originally from…
Congratulations Nathan Travis for being named Castle Pines North Metro District manager. “We are thrilled to have someone as knowledgeable and capable as Nathan leading the District,” said Board President Chuck Lowen. “He is well respected by his colleagues and also the community. It was a ‘no-brainer’ to remove the ‘interim’ from his title and…
To compete with inflation and operating costs, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) implemented a 4.2% increase on some postage rates effective January 22. A first class, forever stamp went up 3 cents, from 60 cents to 63 cents. An international stamp is now $1.45, up from $1.40. Domestic postcard stamps were also raised from 44…
Dear Reader, The Starbucks cups are everywhere. I know, I’m guilty of setting one down to look at something while shopping and forgetting it. But I’m here to remind myself and all of you that we can do better. There’s a funny sign at a BBQ joint in Colorado Springs that says, “Pick up after…
Applications for the South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) 2023 Citizens Academy are now open. The Citizens Academy is an opportunity for SMFR residents to get a first-hand look at what emergency services is all about. Participants will get an overview of the services the District offers, a bird’s-eyes view of where their tax dollars are…
February is a month filled with hearts, chocolate and flowers, which for some, induces eye-rolls and annoyance, or even sadness. Whether unattached or anti what some call a “commercial celebration,” why not take Valentine’s Day and all that February brings as an opportunity to better yourself, try something new as a couple or alone? Express…
Roses are red. Violets are blue. I am not yours. You are not mine. Will you be my galentine, malentine, brolentine or anti-valentine? While couples revel in their love story and Valentine’s Day becomes their heyday for romance, what options do singles have? Better yet, what if you enjoy being single and not coupled up?…
Meg Huber has lived in Castle Pines her entire life. The youngest of five siblings, she feels blessed for being afforded ample opportunities during her formative years and having people to look up to, including those who showed her abundant examples of success. During high school, Huber took concurrent enrollment at Arapahoe Community College while…
Seventeen students from Rock Canyon High School and Rocky Heights Middle School were chosen to attend the Young Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (YRYLA) week-long camp last summer in Estes Park. Students who showed leadership skills with a recommendation from teachers were interviewed and selected by members of the Rotary Club of Castle Pines (RCP). The…
Dancers of Infinite Dance in Castle Pines had the opportunity to train with professional dancer Justin Boulet. Boulet and Infinite Dance owner Denise Danzo first connected in 2005 on the set of Kabby Tree, a television show in Chicago, which Danzo choreographed. Boulet, who was born and raised in Castle Rock, later joined Taylor Swift…
Book lovers have various ways to find their next read: recommendations from friends, book clubs, the new release table at the local bookstore, book lists found online and the library. From the classics to 2022 people’s choice winners, this month we are looking at love stories to fill your February. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë…
One of the country’s favorite Valentine’s Day candies shares a sweeter and more inclusive message these days – words of encouragement and non-romantic connections. In 2022, the popular treat started featuring new sayings, including “way 2 go,” “crush it,” “high five,” and “BFF.” However, the classic messages like “be mine,” hug me” and “cutie pie”…
The many Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) recently shared on social media and through word of mouth from neighbors were truly heartwarming. From shoveling and using snow blowers to clear driveways and sidewalks, to offering free plumbing services, neighbors helped neighbors during our snowy days and cold temperatures. Sick neighbors were brought meals and flowers.…
In just a glance, Chip’s big dark eyes captured Erika Tinkers’ heart. Tinker had been following the Douglas County Canine Rescue Facebook page when she first came across a young Maltese puppy’s photo. Without hesitation, she knew Chip belonged with them. Tinker and her daughter Saige (14) were the first ones in line, arriving two…
In elementary schools and even preschools around the country, it would seem Presidents Day gets the love, well, at least the acknowledgment. Coloring pictures of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, learning about the two presidents and maybe enjoying red, white and blue snacks are some of the classroom activities inspired by the annual holiday. For…
Until appointment as Douglas County Sheriff in 1947, John L. Hammond was just a regular guy of the time. Born 1904 in Iowa and raised in Akron, Colorado, Hammond’s upbringing was about ranching and moving cattle to and from the market. His dad would buy them young, fatten them up and bring them to the…
A first of its kind venue that combines basketball, food, and drinks in one place is entertaining families and groups of friends in the South Metro Denver area. The Basketball Social House, located in the University Towne Center on the northeast corner of Dry Creek and University Boulevard in Centennial, opened in November…
Longtime Colorado residents probably have memories of the iconic Mexican restaurant in Lakewood, but our newer neighbors may not know about the pink “pretty house,” which translates in Spanish to Casa Bonita. Originally a chain of Mexican “entertainment” restaurants, the Lakewood location is the last one standing. Started in Oklahoma City in 1968 when Mexican…
I have a confession to make: I secretly love Valentine’s Day, cheesy though it may be. It comes smack in the middle of winter, when things are often dreary, giving me something to look forward to. I also love to make a little something that I can gift to others – nothing too expensive or…
Foodies of all ages will embrace the week of March 3-12 when Denver Restaurant Week takes over the town. This year marks the 19th year of Denver Restaurant Week which aims to highlight the distinctive culinary landscape that has blossomed in Denver and its surrounding areas. For 2023, there will be both in-person dining and…
It’s time to stock up on your favorite Girl Scout cookie flavors as cookie season begins Sunday, February 5 in Colorado, and there is a new chocolate raspberry cookie to try. “Every year I’m excited to sell cookies again because, who doesn’t like cookies?” joked Girl Scout Senior Abigail Reynolds from Castle Rock. The Castle…
There is a place in downtown Parker that is a home away from home for the 50+ community. The Parker Senior Center (PSC) is a membership-based nonprofit organization that offers fun, laughter and friendship with all sorts of group activities. The average age of members is 75, but the range is from 50 to…
The recent January 17-18 snowfall, which shutdown Douglas County School District, blanketed the state. The mountains received a foot of snow, Denver received 8 inches, Castle Pines received 4.5 inches, and Castle Rock received 10 inches, according to National Weather Service statistics, as of 9:30 a.m. on January 18. With more than enough snowpack on…
The name Conor McCue might have a familiar ring to it if you routinely tune in to watch the local news. McCue is a constant on the air at CBS4. He works weekdays, as a multimedia-skilled journalist. That means he shoots his own interviews and video, edits what he shoots and even sets up his…