Read the stories from the latest issue:
Following a stronger-than-expected soft launch at the end of last year, Port of Subs is setting a course for a future made of memorable meals and community impact. Originally founded in Reno, Nevada, the now Castle Rock-based sandwich chain opened its first Colorado location on December 29, 2024, just northeast of Wilcox Street and…
Jason Gray and his wife Kathryn have two pet goats, along with four chickens and two barn cats, on just shy of one acre of land in downtown Castle Rock, a non-HOA community. Every day the couple spends an hour or so outside with goats Molly and Joe Williams (Joe). “We never saw ourselves…
On January 13, 2025, the Highlands Ranch Senior Center (HRSC) opened its doors for those 55 and older. Located on the south side of Highlands Ranch Parkway and east of Broadway, the 22,000-foot facility is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In 2017, the Highlands Ranch Metro District’s board of directors…
The Douglas County Art Encounters organization is looking for local sculptors with works-in-progress or completed art that is ready to be seen. Founded in 2007, Art Encounters is a year-long, outdoor sculpture exhibit showcasing sculptures, in various media and styles, displayed in highly visible areas in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker and…
Due to renovations, the Douglas County Recording Office has been moved to a temporary location until June. All recording services, including applying for a marriage license, a first-time passport or recording home and property documents, will be provided at the Douglas County Election offices located at 125 Stephanie Place in Castle Rock. The temporary relocation…
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) has created a way for residents age 60+ who live in Douglas County to attend most high school athletic events and fine arts programs for free. The Gold Card is for home events at nine area high schools: Castle View, Chaparral, Douglas County, Highlands Ranch, Legend, Mountain Vista, Ponderosa,…
Due to the continuing increase in population in Douglas County and throughout the Denver metro area, House Bill 20-1026 was passed in 2020 to create a new judicial district: the 23rd Judicial District, which includes Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties. The 23rd district is the first new district in more than 60 years, and it…
George H. Brauchler, the Colorado district attorney (DA) for the new 23rd Judicial District, took office on January 14, 2025. The new 23rd district serves Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties. Brauchler has a 30-year career in law. He served as the elected DA for the 18th Judicial District from 2013-2021 as well as a Deputy…
On Thursday, January 23, Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce members gathered at Cielo at Castle Pines to celebrate the successes of 2024, welcome the 2025 Board of Directors, share exciting plans for the year ahead, and acknowledge six award recipients. Congratulations to all those nominated and to the winners, pictured here (person on the left…
Budding entrepreneurs have a valuable resource providing a hand up in developing a working business model for an inspirational idea. Douglas County Libraries (DCL) can help with business plans, registration and other startup information. DCL also assist with market research and lists, industry trends and operational services. Online Resources for Business: DCL suite of research…
Do you want to be more vested in your community and have a few hours a month to spare? 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…
Sometimes something good comes from a tragedy and it has a ripple effect beyond what anyone could imagine. The Village at Castle Pines resident Vicki Alfano shared the story of her best friend’s daughter, Morgan, who lost her battle with muscle cancer in 1999. Morgan was a senior in high school. “Through her hospital stay,…
Hidden Pointe residents Cindy and Brad Bryson met in Lakewood at Bear Creek High School and have been together since. “I knew he was the one when I first saw him; he was the new guy in school,” remembered Cindy. The couple even went to senior prom together. “We are proud, life-long Coloradans (and…
In a world where youth face unparalleled pressures, Karson McKinney, a fourth-generation pastor, is on a mission to bring connection, hope and transformation to the next generation. Karson did not always see ministry in his future. “Growing up, I ran from it,” he said. But life often leads us to where we are meant to…
February is heart month, so it is the perfect time to celebrate nonprofit South Denver Heart Center Foundation (SDHCF) and its mission to provide health and cardiac education to medical professionals and community members. South Denver Cardiology Associates (SDCA) has been part of the community for the past 51 years. The state-of-the-art health and…
Congratulations Caley and Zoey. This duo won the hearts of our judges, and have been selected as the Cutest Pet in the Pines for 2025. Caley and Zoey’s family will receive a $100 gift certificate to The Pet Stuff Place, a basket of goodies and bragging rights for the year. Chai and Booker will both…
February 2 is Groundhog Day, but some parts of the western United States prefer to celebrate the groundhog’s more local cousin, the prairie dog, a type of ground squirrel. The official designation of Prairie Dog Day has been championed by various conservation organizations, including WildEarth Guardians and Defenders of Wildlife, to bring attention to…
Hutch Wheeler (17) and Robby Nally (19) hitting the slopes at Keystone. The Hidden Pointe cousins clocked in multiple ski days in January.
Most often when we hear the term love, romantic love immediately comes to mind, especially with Valentine’s Day coming up. Seemingly everyone focuses so much on romance, we tend to overlook that there are other types of love, too. With names derived mostly from ancient Greek, here are different types of love. Agape or universal…
Because of its name, the City of Loveland has come to be associated with Valentine’s Day, and it embraces that connection with its Valentine re-mailing program and Sweetheart Festival. Originally a railroad depot town, the City of Loveland was incorporated in 1881, named after William A. H. Loveland, president of the Colorado Central…
Dear Mrs. A, We had a guest break something in our home during a party we were hosting, and we really didn’t know what to do. Please advise. – Hidden Pointe Hostess Dear Hostess, This is a common conundrum. There are so many wonderful aspects to entertaining and yet there are a few risks…
The “Superman Challenge” is one of the latest trends to go viral on TikTok. The challenge involves two or more people forming two rows, linking arms and throwing another person either straight up and catching them, or backwards so they may land on their feet, making the tossed person appear to be flying for…
For Valentine’s Day, people often think of roses as the flowers to give to show love. But roses are not the only flowers that can express love and affection. In the 1800s, a bouquet might contain a variety of flowers, with each one conveying a specific meaning, expressing feelings and passing messages. Learning the special…
To honor George Washington’s birthday, Presidents Day was declared a federal holiday 145 years ago. Originally celebrated on February 22, which is Washington’s birthday according to the Gregorian calendar (see pullout box below), the holiday was changed to the third Monday in February due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, which gave…
Author, speaker and podcaster, Jamie Klusacek, recently published her third book, Confident Woman. When Jamie, a Green Briar resident, turned 40 a few years ago, she felt inspired by her Christian faith to share her life, mission and legacy through books, especially as a gift for her four children and future grandchildren. Confident Woman…
Find the listed words in the puzzle and circle them. Words can run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, and forward or backward. This puzzle sponsored by Douglas County Libraries. AUTHOR BRIDGES CLIMBING COLORADANS CUTEST ENTERTAINING FAREWELL GOATS GOLD CARD HEART HUGS JOURNEY KIWIS LOVE PRAIRIE DOGS PRESIDENTIAL RACING RESOURCES RESTAURANT RISKS ROSES SCULPTORS SENIOR CENTER SNACKS…
Windmills played important roles on our county’s often-parched ranchlands. Simple and necessary, some also see them as works of art, even symbols. In 2021, the Highlands Ranch Historical Society published an informative piece on those remaining windmills that we could claim as our own. Shirley Cavenaugh, the author, gave them new life and prominence.…
Crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance — Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Half of a 60s quartet 6. Turkic language 11. Timeworn 14. Novelist Jong 15. Old enough 16. Vegetable that rolls 17. Way some sci-fi characters travel 19. Sound of disgust 20. WSW’s opposite 21. Be nosy 22. Sun screen, of…
The end of a holiday, birthday or other special occasion does not necessarily mean it is time to toss out your greeting cards. They can be recycled in a different way and given a second life. Cutting out specific parts of the card—the greeting, the art or the message inside––provides content that can then be…
On Tuesday, December 31, residents of Legacy Village of Castle Pines celebrated the beginning of “A Trip Around the World” at their New Year’s Eve party. The group prepared themselves to set sail to one virtual destination event for each month in 2025. The “travelers” bid farewell to 2024 with a champagne toast and began…
Douglas County taxpayers who are 65 or older as of January 1, 2025 may qualify for a senior property tax exemption. The senior taxpayer must be the property owner of record and must have been so for at least 10 consecutive years at his or her primary residence. The exemption reduces the actual value of…
Save room for plenty of food in March. This year’s Denver Restaurant Week (DRW) is March 7-16. The annual event is now in its 21st year. The dining scene across the metro area has blossomed extensively and has become an eating destination that now includes Michelin-starred restaurants and James Beard Award-winning chefs. Celebrate the week…
It is pretty easy for me to find reasons (some might even say excuses) to try out recipes for new treats. If the internet is to be believed, this month means someone somewhere will be celebrating the following “special” occasions in February: National Pull the Couch Off The Wall Day, Thumb Appreciation Day, International Sword…
In January, more than 100 friends and loyal MiYO customers gathered to say goodbye to Gary and Donna Stern and to welcome new owners Janet Kweon and Hoon Jung. The original founders of MiYO, Dan and Nannette Park––who first opened the restaurant in 2009––were in attendence as well. Unfortunately, due to severe illness, Donna was…
Last month, 1,900 of the world’s fastest drivers converged in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the prestigious Tulsa Shootout—the largest micro sprint car race in the world. This high-octane event draws top talent from NASCAR and beyond. Joining this elite field was Green Briar neighbor TJ Stark (15), a freshman at Rock Canyon High School, who was…
When was the last time you enjoyed a kiwi? If it has been a while, now is the time to enjoy this nutrition-packed fruit. Kiwis originated in China and were called Chinese gooseberries, but then were renamed after New Zealand’s national bird, the “fuzzy brown kiwi.” The bright green flesh of kiwis is speckled with…
Sidd Aradhya, a senior at Rock Canyon High School, was announced the winner of the Congressional App Challenge (CAC) by former House Representative Greg Lopez in mid-December. Sidd’s app, CatchChat, was designed to be used by law enforcement to help catch online predators using AI technology. Sidd discussed what inspired him to enter the…
This year, the Scripps National Spelling Bee will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the very first spelling bee. The event helps students increase their vocabulary and build confidence while having fun with their peers. With only nine participants at that very first bee, today millions of elementary and middle school students participate in this annual…
Do you know a Douglas County teenager, between the ages of 13 and 19, who has overcome adversity and created positive change in their life and/or the lives of others? Nominations for the 2025 Douglas County Outstanding Youth Awards are now being accepted. Ten award recipients will share their special night with family members, adult…
Climbing clubs at Colorado high schools are reaching new heights, especially the one at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS). In place for five years, the RCHS rock climbing team has 26 climbers, having grown from two scalers the first year to a team that is winning in competitions. Last December, both the boys and…
Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) has an emotional support dog, Lexi, and students wrote a book about her. Always looking for new ways to fuel his passion for working with kids, school counselor Clark Wilhelm attended a conference a few years ago about the use of therapy dogs in alternate settings. Involved with dog…
In the halls of Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) and Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), twins Darryl and Patric McGowan are known for more than their wrestling expertise—they have become trusted mentors who help students grow as athletes and individuals. The McGowans’ journey began ten years ago when Darryl’s son joined the RHMS wrestling team.…
Residents of The Canyons neighborhood in the City of Castle Pines now have a new place to gather, socialize and engage in a variety of activities in the neighborhood. A new clubhouse, The Canyon House, is now open and features a range of amenities that cater to all ages, including a full-service restaurant, gym, movement…
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Deputy Cordell Dugan has a new beat—traffic deputy for the City of Castle Pines (City). Not having a police force of its own, the City contracts with DCSO for law enforcement services. Of the nine DCSO deputies assigned to patrol here, Dugan is the only one to specifically handle traffic.…
Looking to recycle your live Christmas tree after the holiday season? Douglas County offers free tree recycling services. Locations nearby include: Bayou Gulch, 4815 Fox Sparrow Road, Parker Challenger Regional Park, 17299 E. Lincoln Ave., Parker Fairgrounds Regional Park, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St., Highlands Ranch If…
Special thanks to all our readers who have sent in photos of the antler-less elk statue in Elk Ridge Park these past couple months. In the holiday spirit, our neighborhood friend received some temporary antlers from a kind and creative anonymous community member. According to City Manager Michael Penny, the City is aware and has…
There has been a movement across the country of communities wanting a single, unique ZIP code within their boundaries. The City of Castle Pines was among the leaders in this effort. Bill H. R. 8753, sponsored by Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert, requested 51 communities across the country, including Castle Pines and 10 other places in…
Starting January 1, there is a new law in effect in Colorado banning the use of mobile electronic devices (such as cell phones) while driving. This applies not only to texting, but also to voice calls, GPS and other apps. Instead, all drivers must use a hands-free accessory if they want to access their electronics…
On December 17, 2024 Kevin Van Winkle took the oath of office, having recently been elected to the office of Douglas County Commissioner for District III. Prior to his role as a County Commissioner, Kevin served in the State Senate since June 2022. Prior to his time in the Senate, he served the people of…
Following the resignation of Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Ben Price, Castle Pines City Council appointed The Retreat resident Kori Salazar to fill the District 2 vacancy for a one-year term, and current District 1 Councilman Chris Eubanks was appointed as mayor pro tem. Salazar followed an application and interview process open to…
To celebrate the holidays, The Castle Pines Connection team gathered for an evening of cheer at the Business Foundry, a co-working and event space in Lone Tree. Live music by Teressa Mahoney, food catered by Silver Spoons, stockings hung with care, and a holiday photo booth were just a part of the night’s fun. Staff,…
The 2024 BMW Championship, held at the Castle Pines Golf Club, was named “Tournament of the Year” for a record sixth time. The tournament was also honored with the award for “Best Tournament Sales.” Nine PGA TOUR tournaments were recognized with “Best Of” awards for last year’s PGA TOUR Season at the TOUR’s annual Tournament…
The post office on Village Square Lane is now able to scan QR codes for customers who are returning packages that have U.S. Postal Service (USPS) tracking. For years, customers were turned away, but recent software updates have granted the service to the smaller, contract post offices. “We are thrilled to now have the ability…
The Rotary Club of Castle Pines (RCCP) hosted Erin Kane, superintendent of the Douglas County School District (DCSD), at a November meeting. Kane provided a “State of the District” overview: DCSD was rated the top scoring district in the Denver/Metro area and is rated #11 on the list of the 250 “most envied” school…
A group of women business owners living in The Canyons neighborhood have formed a networking group. The aim is to create a collaborative space where members can share ideas, celebrate successes and build a sense of community. “We thought it would be good to bring like-minded women together in a social setting who can support…
Camille and Tim Demetrion have lived in the Greenbriar neighborhood for nine years and have two children, Jon and Emersyn. They met first in 2011 over a secretary desk. Tim had just moved to Colorado and his family here suggested he check out the consignment store, Design Repeats, in Centennial to furnish his new place.…
Gary and Paula Ellermann, newcomers to The Village at Castle Pines, met in high school in New Orleans. Gary reflected, “Paula crushed me in high school. I was already insecure!” Paula’s family relocated to Colorado, where she finished high school and attended college at Colorado State University. Meanwhile, Gary was attending Louisiana Tech (LT), majoring…
Over the last three years and as The Canyons neighborhood began to blossom into a community, a book club was born. Christy Hardt and Susan Capone were two of the original members of five. Today, the group, which originally met at The Exchange Coffee House, has evolved to 20 ladies who gather at each other’s…
Kids need adults who care. Kiwanis International is a club that consists of a local group of volunteers who serve their communities around the world. The members strive to be a positive influence on youth. The Village at Castle Pines resident Chris Scurto is one of those volunteers. He is enthusiastic about today’s youth and…
In late November, after twelve years, seven months and eleven days of ownership, Donna and Gary Stern sold MiYO (Make it Your Own) Cafe to new owners. With its sunny patio and comfort food, MiYO has been a bustling cornerstone in the Village Shops and a place to enjoy a meal surrounded by friendly faces…
Most of us could not find the Isle of Man on a map, but The Canyons residents Yvette and Paul Watson hail from the small island in the United Kingdom (UK). The Watsons met in high school, and after graduation began working at the same company. Yvette was a global product manager in travel software…
Post-holidays can summon feelings of a letdown, emotional drain and financial stress. All of this, coupled with an already anxious society, begs for self-check-ins in the new year. Southeast Counseling Center (SCC) in Parker is available to help. Originally launched in 2010 at Southeast Christian Church by care pastor Peter Barber, the program was housed…
The Castle Pines Connection has teamed up with local businesses Camp Bow Wow – Castle Rock, Hike Doggie Denver South, Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center and The Pet Stuff Place to bring you the twelfth annual Cutest Pet in the Pines contest. We invite you to share your digitally-captured pet adventures with us. Send in…
One joy of living in Castle Pines is the wildlife sharing our neighborhood. This includes the black bears that we sometimes spot nearby. Despite their name, black bears are a variety of colors: honey, blond, cinnamon, brown and black. Sometimes people mistake the brown and cinnamon-colored bears for grizzly bears, but there are no known…
Trixie is an adorable combination of Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier with an appearance that is not only cute and cuddly but reflects the best of both breeds. Known as the Shorkie, her personality is as big as she is spunky. Trixie is a 4-and-a-half-month-old pup that has filled the house and warmed the hearts…
Four ladies in The Canyons neighborhood meet every other Thursday for fellowship and to play Mahjong, a 19th century game with 144 tiles that originated in China. “My dad taught me how to play his favorite game, and my neighbors wanted to learn, so we started a regular Mahjong meet-up,” stated Susan Bicket. Although there…
Last year, starting in January with a kick-off beginning November 1 and official Giving Day on December 10, a record-breaking amount of more than $2 million was raised for 268 participating Douglas County nonprofits, including a wide range of organizations – from support of our aging community and youth mental health to equine therapy and…
Dear Mrs. A, We served many meals and many friends and family during the holidays, but we’re curious about ways to serve meals in our home moving into the New Year. – Happy to host in The Hamlet Dear Happy, I love that you are curious about this, and I just had this discussion with…
We celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third Monday of this month. Acknowledging the foundations of civil rights and equality that King preached, we pause as a nation to celebrate King and the other civil rights activists who unceasingly fought for a better life for African Americans. The fight is…
Colorado living: With 119 years of history and tradition, the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) is a Colorado icon. A nationally recognized western heritage and entertainment event, the show runs for 16 days every January. Prior to the first NWSS in 1906, there were several small stock shows in Denver. The Denver Blood Stock Association…