Read the stories from the latest issue:
Authentically and tradition Daniel Ramirez loves that his family is serving families by creating traditions with authentic spices and family recipes at Los Dos Potrillos. Daniel believes wholeheartedly that his restaurant’s fare pays homage to history and culture by serving fresh, Mexican cuisine using traditional recipes. “Los Dos” as it is known colloquially is a…
There is always so much more to your neighbor than you know. Unless invited into their lives, you only get a glimpse of who they are based on driveway chats or meet ups at the mailbox. Meet Deanna Byck and her husband Dann, who moved to the Forest Park neighborhood from Utah in August…
As covered in the May edition of this paper, on March 28 the Castle Pines Planning Commission denied an application for a McDonald’s restaurant to be built on the southwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road by a 5-2 decision. McDonald’s appealed that decision to the City Council, and on May 28, the…
Financial scams involving gold bars have been around for a long time. They typically have about a one percent arrest rate and are difficult to solve because it is hard to find the criminals. Recently, there has been a rash of gold bar scams targeted at older Douglas County residents. In this variation of…
The City of Castle Pines announced the opening of limited lanes in the roundabout at Happy Canyon Road and Lagae Road that began in early June. Access to and from the roundabout will be open from Lagae Road to the north and Happy Canyon Road to the south. The west travel lane from I-25 is…
On July 14, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will increase postage rates yet again. The new rates include a five-cent increase in the price of a first-class Forever Stamp from 68 cents to 73 cents. The overall adjustments are an increase of approximately 7.8%. For additional ounces to single-piece letters, the increase will go…
There are two major changes at the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. Whitney Shank, long-time Castle Pines resident and former events director for the Chamber, has been promoted to executive director. “Whitney has been a vital part of our Chamber for nearly eight years, planning and executing all of our outstanding chamber and community events,”…
AdventHealth Castle Rock received $5 million, its largest-ever donation, from Lisa and Randy Schrader through the Schrader Family Fund. The Rock of Hope campaign’s goal is to reach $14 million in order to bring cancer treatment services to the community, hopefully as soon as 2025. On June 20, AdventHealth honored the Schrader family and officially…
The Haven Home (HH) opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 13. Located on five acres in Lone Tree, HH is a premier senior living facility in a ranch style building with eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms. HH offers overnight respite care, daily engagement and exercise, arts and music, speech therapy and…
Two Castle Pines restaurants are now home to an artist’s unconventional and innovative collection. Chris Geiger showcases unique portraits made from broken vinyl records, capturing the admiration of diners and art enthusiasts alike at Pino’s Italian Kitchen & Bar and Pines Bar and Grill. Chris found his love for art at an early age.…
Pro golfer Bill Loeffler, a resident of The Village at Castle Pines, is humble about his storied career. Growing up in Denver in the Cheesman Park neighborhood, Bill began golfing when he was 10. When his father joined Cherry Hills Country Club in 1964, the die was cast. “My father would drop me off…
Dr. Andrew Dunbar has been a pillar of the community, practicing orthodontics here for 22 years. His dedication to transforming smiles and improving dental health at Castle Pines Orthodontics has made him a well-known figure, as well as wife Jen, who works at the practice as the treatment and marketing coordinator. The Village at…
Senior Resource Deputy Ryan Falkner has many passions, but the most overarching one is helping others. He fills his professional life and his free time with service. Ryan has worked for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) for the past 17 years. “I am grateful to focus on my passion for giving older adults…
On Saturday, August 10, the fourth annual Pitchers and Patriots: Honoring the Brave (Pitchers & Patriots) cocktail hour will be hosted at Haven in the Pines from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This local nonprofit supports and honors veterans; this year the event proceeds will go to Blue Angel Foundation, the SEAL Legacy Foundation and…
Pet Pedigree brought to you by Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center Ragdoll cats are known for their relaxed, friendly and sweet personalities and just like an actual ragdoll, they relax and go floppy when picked up. They are stunning with their striking blues eyes, long fluffy tails and medium length coats. Joyce Marie Travis…
While the City of Castle Pines does not have any activities planned for Independence Day this year, there are several events planned in Douglas County. Many are free and open to the public, but some require registration, so check websites for details. Castle Rock The Town of Castle Rock is hosting a 15-minute fireworks…
On the afternoon of June 4, the City of Castle Pines hosted its Food Truck Frenzy at Coyote Ridge Park. Residents brought their picnic blankets and folding chairs to enjoy fare from a variety of food trucks while listening to live music and sipping craft beer. Kids enjoyed an inflatable bounce house and slide, face…
“Give me a home where the –bison– roam….” Yes bison, not buffalo, although the terms are often used interchangeably for American bison. How are bison and buffalo different? Bison are native to North America and Europe. Buffalo are native to Africa and Asia. Bison have bigger heads than buffalo, beards, large shoulder humps that allow…
Long before our community existed, wildlife lived and thrived in the picturesque landscape that now encompasses our homes, businesses and roadways. Knowing how to best appreciate and care for wildlife is important in creating harmony for our people, pets and the beautiful fauna. With summer in full swing, many young animals are exploring for…
On Friday May 31 and Saturday June 1, Castle Pines held its 35th Annual Community Garage Sale. More than 125 homes participated, and kids were encouraged to set up stands to sell lemonade and baked goods, with roughly 25 participants. The weather was great and many neighbors took the opportunity to explore the community and…
During the Castle Pines Community Garage Sale in late May, a few young neighbors donated proceeds to worthy causes.
The annual Village Castle Pines Garden Club (VCPGC) fashion show brought fresh flair this year, including a change of venue and a new run of show with two special men in the lineup. Eight models who are VCPGC members selected based on their stellar representation, active duty and engagement within the club, strutted the…
Today’s recreated frame of the iconic Higby Mercantile building sits windblown, almost forlorn, at what was once a major crossroad in lower Douglas County. At one time, the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad’s Pineland stop, its nutrient rich green grass persuaded author Helen Hunt to rename it “Greenland.” By the early 20th century, the…
In May, Colorado Rotary clubs participated in the first statewide EPIC Day of Service. More than 1,000 Rotarians and community members joined forces to support more than 54 nonprofit organizations. The Castle Rock Rotary Club helped with a Wellspring Community renovation project, helping to transform the former La Quinta hotel in Castle Rock into a…
With Colorado’s reputation for a lot of sunshine, it is only natural to think it would be a good place for solar energy … and it is. Plus, with some incentives available, it is a great time to consider installing solar panels. At the end of 2023, close to 9,000 members of CORE Electric Cooperative…
Fairy tales are an integral aspect of our shared culture, and the mere mention of fairy tales and folklore can conger tales from Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The brother’s collection of folklore was originally published in 1812 and today, these tales are still relevant and often reimagined. Pick up one of the modern retellings listed…
Dear Mrs. A, Is it true that you can tell a lot about a neighborhood by visiting the local grocery store? – Curious in Castle Pines What a wonderful question, and yes. The local grocery store provides a lot of clues about the surrounding population. You can observe the diversity of products; this might be…
On June 22, members of the Village Castle Pines Garden Club gathered in The Village Shops to collect non-perishable food items, toiletries and cash contributions to benefit Help & Hope Center. This annual summer event is an opportunity for members to give back and have a positive impact on their community (see related article page…
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has confirmed successful reproduction in its gray wolf reintroduction efforts in the state. CPW biologists have been gathering evidence suggesting a male and female gray wolf pair have been denning, indicating reproduction. Some of this evidence includes GPS collar data. The collared female’s GPS points stopped uploading in early April,…
Over Memorial Day weekend, the Henderson family dedicated a bench at Daniels Gate Park in honor and memory of their son and brother Luka Ashton Henderson. Luka (22) passed away in 2022 in a motorcycle accident in Alabama. “We really are devastated and miss him every single day,” said Luka’s mom, Katie. “We’ve learned that…
This crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. To complain habitually 5. Casper, e.g. 10. Cumberland ___ 13. Buckeye state 14. Indy entrant 15. Literary award 16. With intense watchfulness 18. Sweet sandwich snack 19. Pilot’s announcement, for short 20. Peruvian peaks 21. Like a stuffed…
Summertime living is easy… right? To me, summer is a season of good times and great food, and also a season to relax a bit. I love my kitchen, but a sunny day really should be spent outdoors, so what is a hungry girl to do? Luckily, summer also means plentiful produce that can be…
Nothing satisfies like a cold drink on a hot day. Treat yourself to a set of fun tumblers, set the ice maker to “high,” and grab the blender. Then, let the good times flow with these refreshing mocktails: Jell-O Punch (pictured above): In a large bowl or pitcher, mix three ounces of Jell-O mix (any…
If one is lucky enough to have a bounty of basil, whether from the yard or the grocery store, there are many creative ways to enjoy this aromatic herb. Rub the leaves between your fingers to release the flavorful oils and fresh, green aroma with a hint of sweet licorice. Although there are more than…
Picnic and barbecue season means lots of outdoor cooking and eating with family and friends. Food seems to taste better outside; however, warm weather events also present opportunities for food-borne bacteria to multiply rapidly, which can lead to food-borne illnesses. To protect yourself, your family and friends, it is critical to follow safe food handling,…
Sloane Ball is a 6-year-old student, a daughter and a dancer. She and her parents, Tiffany and Eric, and big brother Aiden (10) live in the Castle Valley neighborhood. Sloane was born with a rare, craniofacial genetic condition called Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS). She has an undersized jaw, no cheekbones and no external ears. As…
Twenty-one flag football teams took the field with the Castle Pines Athletics NFL flag football program this spring season, the largest participation, to date. Congratulations to all of the Super Bowl players and champs. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Castle Pines Athletics
Over the past year, Castle Pines elementary schools have added buddy benches to promote inclusion and friendship. These benches help students connect, make new friends, and ensure no one feels alone during recess. It is a great effort to make sure everyone is included. By Dani Salas; courtesy photos
Summer is all about getting outside, being active and letting the inner child loose. Fourteen DCS Montessori (DCSM) fourth-to-eighth graders experienced the great outdoors firsthand while they attended DCSM’s Epic Adventure (EA) camp. During the week-long camp, EA campers enjoyed nature’s playground dodging infrared laser beams during a friendly game of laser tag at the…
Two 80108 high school graduates have been selected to receive education grants from CORE Electric Cooperative (CORE). Alexandra Royal from Rock Canyon High School and Leonardo Blanco from Douglas County High School will each receive $2,000 to help with higher education expenses. “I’m very grateful for the assistance,” said Leonardo…
The award-winning Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Dance Team (also called Poms) hosted its summer camp for interested dancers, grades kindergarten through 8th grade. The two-day camp hosted 90 junior jags (elementary students) and future Jags (middle school students). The campers were introduced to pom techniques and dance skills and then performed choreographed routines at…
Creative flexibility at The Conference Center at Lone Tree As Kristina Petrie, the event sales and marketing manager shared, “We don’t have limitations on the kinds of events we can have here. We are not only a conference center; we are truly an event venue.” CC@R, located on Schwab Way, is a light, bright, cheery…
The ocean must course through Mimi Espinoza’s blood. Not only because she is the owner of Trestles Coastal Cuisine in The Village Shops, but because she is a proud daughter of three generations of Naval officers, all who retired as Rear Admirals. To commemorate her heritage, Mimi has framed a historical and fascinating composite of…
Temporary single-lane traffic beginning May 28 Beginning Tuesday, May 28, Happy Canyon Road, from I-25 to south of Lagae Road, began operating as single-lane traffic to allow crews to complete work for the new roundabout. During the single-lane traffic operations, temporary signals will be set up to allow alternating north- and south-bound traffic on Happy…
Bryanna Munns has the perfect job. She is an Animal Law Enforcement (ALE) sergeant for Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). Animal control services for DCSO are contracted through the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR), that also contracts with El Paso and Pueblo counties and the City of Centennial. ALEs are authorized by…
Are you an older adult in Douglas County? Douglas County wants to stay engaged with you. In 2023, you told the County what you needed to age well here. Four priorities emerged: housing, in-home services, access to information and transportation. Now, the County is hitting the road again with an update to find out what…
The purchase of the spectacular Lost Canyon Ranch property is complete and is the largest one-time acquisition and protection of open space in the Town of Castle Rock’s history. Castle Rock residents regularly name the preservation of open space as a top priority in biannual community surveys. Lost Canyon Ranch, on the Town’s southeastern border…
As the owner of new business Hardwear Beauty (HB), Elle Leary could not imagine doing anything else other than helping clients bring forth their inner beauty with facial treatments. HB is co-sharing space at Remedy Bar off Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway and recently celebrated its official grand opening on May 8. “It sounds cliché,…
On May 4, Sky View Farm hosted a Mini Derby fundraising event for Robin’s Nest Foundation, Mile High Rescue and Tall Tales Ranch. Nearly $35,000 was raised for the three nonprofits. More than 280 guests enjoyed music, wine and whiskey tasting, silent and live auctions, a chance to show off their fancy hats, a viewing…
Starting out blindfolded and wearing straitjackets, The Castle Pines Connection sales staff embarked on a team-building adventure last month with one of its business partners and advertisers, Clue Clock Escape. By braving Ten Days in a Mad House, the team escaped with little time to spare, carrying each other (literally and figuratively) through the ordeal,…
The City of Castle Pines along with the Castle Pines Chamber officially welcomed Alice + Kate Boutique Bakery to the community last month. Inspired by the recipes of her aunt Alice and grandmother Kate, bakery owner Gretchen Harrison continues the tradition using local ingredients in her handcrafted macarons, chocolates and caramels. Guests were invited to…
Pictures help to tell our story. A snap of our cameras captures those moments that are so important to us. This is what motivates photographer Kristin Mitchell. “I like looking at a photo and having a moment rush back to me,” said Kristin. “I like taking photos of others so that they can have…
Taller than his people when standing on hind legs, and at a healthy weight of 105-110 pounds, Otto, a great Danoodle, considers himself to be the family lap dog. Not a common dog, the great Dane poodle mix is a large hybrid breed recognized by the Designer Breed Registry. Now 6 years old, Otto…
Service. Honor. Sacrifice. Emotions swell when thinking about veterans and all they have given for our freedom. A local nonprofit, Rocky Mountain Honor Flight (RMHF), has been taking vets to Washington, D.C. since 2007 to provide a chance to see firsthand the memorials that recognize their service. It is a full-circle moment for those who…
Womenade gathered on May 2 at the HOA 2 Clubhouse in Castle Pines. The Kentucky Derby-themed event raised funds to support Kristi (back row center, in red hat), who suffered severe injuries due to a fall. Kristi, who is self-employed, spoke to the group about her surgeries and expressed appreciation for the support she has…
Much of Castle Pines lies within the wildland-urban interface (WUI), where human developments meet and intermingle with wildland vegetation. Wildfires are a naturally occurring peril in WUI communities. While the City of Castle Pines is working on wildfire mitigation in city open spaces, homeowners can take steps to fire-adapt or harden their homes against…
The Castle Rock Relief Society (CRRS) partnered with AdventHealth Castle Rock’s Mommy and Me Market (MMM) and held a community baby shower in April at the hospital. The event served as a depository of nine nonprofit community organizations and agencies that specifically support new families in different ways, from counseling services, peer-to-peer support, basic…
I first heard about Devils Head as a child. My mom liked to tell me about daring to hike all the way to the top with some friends – in the 1940s. Seems mom was something of a wild child: getting tossed from a motorcycle, climbing rocks that were off-limits. She would point out the…
This crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Like some chairs 6. Roll call reply 10. Doomsayer’s sign 14. Ancient Greek marketplace 15. Black ____ Peas 16. Tarzan’s transport 17. Enjoy a companionable meal 19. Icelandic epic 20. Unagi, at a sushi bar 21. “Star-Spangled Banner”…
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Sound advice for all of us. Anyone can fall victim to scams. A 2022 report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that adults of all ages fall for scams, but the type of scams is different for older and younger adults. Adults 60…
Shakers and movers are colorful folks, visionaries and risk takers seeing and often seizing opportunities that others will not. Castle Rock’s founders John Craig, Jeremiah Gould and Philip Wilcox were prime examples. Pennsylvanian John Craig arrived here in 1859. Tragically, he had lost his wife and daughter in the preceding four years. Within the…
In a little shed in the middle of 35 acres in northwest Douglas County, sit plaster casts of a skull and femur. And not just any casts: but a juvenile Columbian mammoth’s skull and an adult Columbian mammoth’s leg bone from the Ice Age. The land and tours are managed by the Lamb Spring…
On April 24, The Castle Pines Connection, the City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted the bi-annual New Resident Welcome Party at The Ridge at Castle Pines golf course. Approximately 25 new residents attended and enjoyed light appetizers, beverages and lots of gift card giveaways.
Dear Mrs. A, We’ve been invited to stay with our friends at their mountain home and we are curious about proper house guest etiquette and maybe thoughts on a hostess gift? – At a Loss in Lagae Ranch Well, lucky you! Isn’t it wonderful to have a friend with a place in the mountains…
Summer is here, and for parents with young kids, the search is on to find reliable childcare. For many high schoolers and college students, summertime is an opportunity to earn a lot of money babysitting. Too often, parent expectations are not met when hiring a sitter from Nextdoor or Facebook, and it becomes a…
“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it is too dark to read,” quipped Groucho Marx. Big and small, animals captivate us. This month’s book recommendations focus on animals and our interaction with them. Sometimes they are the main character and sometimes they inform the bipedal characters of…
High school sweethearts Rick and Nancy Hollis celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on April 19 at Duke’s Steakhouse, where they also celebrated their 50th anniversary. Their first date was on December 19, 1964, when Nancy asked Rick to a Sadie Hawkins dance in Brooklyn, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. “We’ve been holding hands ever…
Oh my; it’s challenging to be long of tooth. Trust me, I know. Especially bad with a mind that revs to redline saddled to an otherwise marginal body. Modern medicine can only do so much with your physical self, but with the right attitude and a Tylenol (or two), healthy diversions can bring back some…
Summer is almost here, and I can literally taste it. It’s still early in the season, but soon there will be fresh ears of corn to boil and salt; zucchini to grill, fry and make into bread; cucumbers to pickle; peaches to flambe; and beets to roast. My favorite part of summer eating, though, is…
Summer and seafood go together. With the warmer days, lighter often cold fare is preferable. Even though we are land-locked in Colorado, we are lucky to have many seafood options. According to the National Library of Medicine, seafood provides an ideal package of nutrients, including high-quality protein, iodine, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids,…