Read the stories from the latest issue:
Wildfire season is year-round in Colorado, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is prepared. According to Sheriff and Fire Warden Darren Weekly, DCSO operates the only county-sponsored helitack program in Colorado. “Helitack” refers to fighting fires with the use of helicopters, and DCSO’s program includes wildland firefighters specifically trained in chainsaw use, hand crew…
Last month, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted a meeting featuring a Canyonside development update from Skyler Hager, project manager for North Canyons Development Company. Canyonside is a planned mixed-use town center east of I-25. It is part of the much larger master-planned development for The Canyons within the City of Castle Pines. Hager…
On August 12, Tall Tales Ranch (TTR) broke ground for their future residential facility, four acres north of Schweiger Ranch and east of the RidgeGate Parkway light rail station in Lone Tree. TTR is an inclusive residential community supporting people with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD). The future residence will include one- and two-bedroom apartments…
Emergencies rarely arrive with notice, but a prepared community can respond when neighbors need help. The Douglas County Community Foundation’s Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) provides assistance during catastrophic events affecting Douglas County––supporting residents, nonprofit partners and first responders when help is needed most. Although rainfall allowed Douglas County to move from Stage 2 to…
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office invites citizens to participate in the 2026 Community Academy. The academy has been redesigned to offer 38 hours of unique opportunities, built upon the principles of community-oriented policing, partnerships, and problem solving, and to provide attendees with a intimate look at the Sheriff’s Office. The annual academy is held at…
“We are truly living the volunteer spirit” is a quote often used by the volunteers of the Mountain Pine Woman’s Club (MPWC). MPWC is affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the Colorado Federation of Women’s Clubs. GFWC is an international organization founded in the 1890s with 8,000 clubs worldwide. GFWC is…
Ken McConnellogue Freelance Writer Ken McConnellogue has called Colorado home for more than five decades. After graduating from Bear Creek High School in Lakewood and working as a carpenter, bartender, house painter and juggler, he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from CU Boulder. Early in his career he was a reporter for the Fort…
Castle Rock residents now have access to free, on-demand transportation following the July 31 expansion of Link On Demand into Castle Rock. The service will take riders anywhere within the Castle Rock service area, as well as directly to and from destinations in Lone Tree. Riders traveling to Highlands Ranch or select areas of Parker…
Lori Taggert has been in the banking industry for 40 years and has spent four years with SouthState Bank as branch manager vice president. Over the years, there have been changes in the financial space at SouthState, a location that sits adjacent to Starbucks on Castle Pines Parkway; but what has not changed is the…
Josh Weber describes his job as being in “commercial real estate.” Yet his succinct assessment does not begin to describe his work as the senior general manager for Park Meadows, Colorado’s largest mall, or his passion for what he does. “It’s a big, complicated piece of real estate with a lot of different ownership entities,…
Castle Pines loves its pets beyond a shadow of a doubt. From daily “walkies” to full pages of photos in the paper, pet owners know their pets love them back. But can they really know? Meet medium Susan Tucker, who has lived in The Retreat neighborhood with her husband, Paul, for 23 years. Susan began…
People from all areas of life are accustomed to being touched by Misty Fricke’s generous heart. “There’s a lot of people out there who need help,” said Misty, who volunteers for various nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado. “I’m just one of those people who doesn’t say no.” Born and raised in Champaign, Illinois, Misty met her…
Living for decades in Douglas County and understanding its rich history, Greg Vigil is in a perfect position as the new executive director of Cherokee Ranch & Castle (Castle) in Sedalia. The Colorado native and his wife, Sandi, raised three sons and a daughter in Castle Pines, first moving to The Hamlet in 1994 and…
To say that Joe Gschwendtner, our neighbor in The Village at Castle Pines (CPV), is involved in the greater community is an understatement. His compassion and resolve run deep. At present, he is returning to Providence Network (PN) to support development efforts (see related story about Providence Network on page 14). Joe previously served on…
What makes a house a home? An office space dynamic and functional? A small business welcoming? If you ask recent Colorado State University graduate in interior architecture and design Tate Benson, she might tell you it begins with the design foundations: the way rooms open up, how sound travels, how textures and designs on…
It may feel taboo or an arm’s length away, but addiction, homelessness and domestic violence are real issues faced across all walks of life, even in seemingly normal families. For more than 36 years, Providence Network (PN), a Christian-based transformational housing program in Denver, has supported men, women and children ready for recovery. One of…
Pati Sawyer Boex’s long-time love of event planning ultimately led to her dream job as the lifestyle director at The Canyons. Growing up on Long Island in a family of eight, Pati was intent on experiencing all that was beyond New York. She attended University of Scranton, working in public relations and marketing for the…
This summer’s pervasive heat and drought-driven water restrictions have left a number of local lawns looking worse for wear. Some residents are considering popular solutions to brown turf, including replacing lawns with native plant xeriscaping or with artificial grass (a pricey solution, even if HOAs allow). Yet a relatively new approach has arrived on the…
The final concert of the summer was held August 16 to a packed crowd at Elk Ridge Park. The band, The Long Run, sang Eagles classics on a beautiful Sunday evening. The summer concerts were sponsored by the City of Castle Pines, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and The Sarah Phillips Group. By…
The German word pudeln means “to splash in water,” and is the root origin for the word poodle. Standard poodles were first bred in Germany as water retrieving hunting dogs. Originated by standard poodles, miniature poodles were developed through selective breeding in France and throughout Europe. Miniature or mini poodles were used to sniff…
Since the early 1800s, Oktoberfest has been an annual tradition that takes place in September. And now, it is time again to celebrate. Here are some Oktoberfest events to enjoy, not too far away. Denver Oktoberfest Denver’s two-weekend Oktoberfest celebration is September 18 – 20 and September 25 – 27, in the Ballpark District at…
Autumn is coming and so is the time to enjoy outdoor fall festivals. The fun ranges from hayrides and outdoor adventures to arts and crafts, games, music and more, with something for everyone. Here are some nearby festivals this month. Highlands Ranch Fall Craft Fair With a selection of handmade goods from local artisans, the…
To all of you wordsmiths: the word curriculum may come into play on Back to School Night or it may come up in your job search when you are asked to provide your curriculum vitae, or CV. According to the online Merriam-Webster Dictionary, one’s curriculum vitae is their “course of life” and stems from both…
Oh, Dear Readers, have I got an opportunity for you! I think you already know how much Mrs. A loves a party; well, let’s talk about getting together with our neighbors this month! National Good Neighbor Day is September 28. An annual United States observance, it encourages people to connect with the people living around…
Crossword By Susan Helton Across 1. Ever 6. Eyes’ jump while reading 13. Red Sea peninsula 14. Frog, for one 15. Express displeasure 16. Excellent, in England 17. Blind alleys 19. Look ___ (study) 20. Functions 21. ___ four 23. Fraternity letters 24. Principled 28. Book before Job 30. Instruments for Rostropovich 31. Front…
With its brilliant gold dome, Colorado’s State Capitol building is a distinctive sight in downtown Denver. Nearly as old as the state itself, the main part of the building was constructed from 1886 to 1894. Architect Elijah E. Myers designed it in the form of a Greek cross and it intentionally resembles the United States…
Discovering natural beauty for the first time always inspires. Consider the upper South Platte River Valley. If names like Trumbull, Nighthawk, Twin Cedars, Ox Yoke (once home to Governor Elias M. Ammons) and Deckers do not fire up your curiosity, there is a whole lot more in the scenery getting there via State Highway 67…
To commemorate Colorado’s 150th and America’s 250th birthdays, the Castle Rock Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) commissioned a memorial bench for the Town of Castle Rock. The dedication was last month at Festival Park in downtown Castle Rock. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, State Senator Lisa Frizell, Commissioner George Teal,…
The Village at Castle Pines Garden Club’s (Garden Club) successful Help & Hope Center (H&H) donation drive was held in July. Community generosity continued with an additional donation opportunity one week later. Volunteers from the Garden Club’s community outreach committee, led by Chair Mary Murray, collected two more carloads of donations and delivered them to…
It has been 25 years since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the deadliest in our nation’s history. There were 2,977 victims killed, including 40 in Pennsylvania, 184 at the Pentagon, and 2,750 in New York; 400 were first responders. Ramifications forever changed the world and the way we live within it. Yet, despite…
I have a confession to make: I have bad avocado management skills. I have worked hard over the decades to curtail waste in my kitchen, decrying the loss of money and labor when food goes unused. About once a week, I have some sort of “clear the fridge” meal to use up the accumulated odds…
It has become more common to see people wearing a weighted vest while walking or working out. The extra weight increases the difficulty and intensity of activity, with benefits including improved bone density, strength, cardiovascular health and more. A weighted vest allows for a more evenly distribution of weight, which can be safer and more…
On July 27, 144 golfers teed up at The Club at Pradera in Parker for 18 holes and a whole lot of fun for a great cause. The 12th annual X Drive Classic sold out before registration officially opened this year. The event brings together family, friends and community to raise awareness for Fragile X…
On August 1, the eighth annual Micah Sparks Memorial Volleyball Tournament was held at Founders Park in Castle Rock. Micah died by suicide on August 21, 2018. “My wife, Kahala, and I have held this tournament in honor and memory of him, and to raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and…
A sweet success in Castle Rock Community, Chocolate and Coffee Whether shopping for the latest fashions, stopping for an afternoon treat, or taking an evening stroll through the Outlets at Castle Rock, visitors can recharge at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Café. Patrons can indulge in fresh fudge, hand-dipped treats and decadent chocolates with a…
Books can send readers into an escape and transport them to faraway places and on epic adventures, all while boosting creativity and imagination. Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) and Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) students were transported on such adventures throughout this past school year during the third annual Road to the Rockies (RTR) reading program. This…
Construction contract approved for improvements to Coyote Ridge Park At July 14’s City of Castle Pines City Council meeting, Council approved the award of a construction contract to Colorado Designscapes, Inc. for the Phase 1 improvements to Coyote Ridge Park. These improvements, estimated to cost nearly $4 million, will include new shade structures and picnic…
With extreme drought affecting Douglas County this summer, Castle Pines residents have an important role in protecting the community’s water supply. Small, consistent changes can conserve supplies during dry weather without requiring residents to give up attractive, healthy landscapes. Here are some often-asked questions and practical ways households can reduce outdoor water use and…
These days, information travels fast. Sometimes it is correct, and sometimes it is not. To ensure accurate information is available, the City of Castle Pines is introducing Rumor Has It. The City will provide timely, accurate information about what is being talked about in the community. Let City staff know what you have been hearing,…
For 23 years, Joe Givan and Carol Massie—the duo behind the touring illusion show Dream Masterz—built a loyal following at their Theatre of Dreams in Castle Rock. This June, the veteran pair reopened their doors as The Magic Manor in Sedalia, making their new home inside the historic Victorian building that once housed the…
Anthonette Klinkerman Freelance Writer Anthonette Klinkerman, M.Ed., is a now-retired 27-year veteran English teacher, 25 of those years being spent right here in Douglas County schools. This is her second stint as a staff writer for The Connection, and she is happy to be reconnected (pun intended). She and her husband, Dave, married since 1999,…
“Our city is a beautiful place to call home, made even better by the wonderful people who live here.” Jason Blanckaert is a Colorado native who has always appreciated his home state’s charm and as a civic leader is looking to strengthen community. Jason grew up in the Arvada and Westminster areas and moved…
Anna Stevens has always been one for a challenge, a trait fostered by summers spent on the Village Stingrays swim team and by carving her own path in the male-dominated field of engineering. Anna’s family moved to The Village at Castle Pines in 2011, when she was in second grade. She began attending Buffalo…
The Village at Castle Pines neighbor Jeremy Sova is a staunch believer that everything happens for a reason. But injury led him down a different path to healing his body, mind and spirit in a modern way. And he is making a career of it. Jeremy’s journey entailed recovery from a host of sports-related injuries,…
On July 14th, the Country Club at Castle Pines women’s 18-Hole group hosted its annual Charity Day. More than 80 women participated in the golf tournament, and an additional 30 women joined the luncheon after the round of golf––raising more than $60,000! Each year, the group chooses a local organization to support, and this year…
Some of us limit sightseeing, outings and adventure to the Front Range foothills and the mountains, overlooking marvelous curiosities east of I-25. For a new adventure, begin by heading east on E State Highway 86 (CO-86) through Franktown and beyond. First on the agenda is the Elbert County Historical Society and Museum, housed in…
Heather Thompson is many things: a licensed therapist, a veteran, a mother, a wife, a friend, a volunteer and the 2025 Colorado Providers Association (COPA) clinician of the year. Heather began working for AllHealth Network in 2021. Two years ago, she expanded her role and became the Team Director Veterans Specialist in partnership with Douglas…
It started as an idea to bridge the gap between old and young and has become a largely fulfilling and compelling community-based program. High Prairie Storytellers (HPS) is the local chapter of Spellbinders, a Colorado nonprofit launched in 1997 that provides the gift of oral storytelling, mostly to young students. HPS serves Douglas, Elbert…
In recognition of 2026 marking 150 years of Colorado statehood, this final segment of the state’s official symbols and emblems looks at Colorado’s official fossil, gemstone, mineral and rock: the stegosaurus, aquamarine, rhodochrosite and Yule marble, respectively. In 1982, Governor Richard Lamm declared the stegosaurus Colorado’s official state fossil. The stegosaurus was an herbivorous dinosaur…
Tuxedo cats are popular family pets and have made their way into pop culture: Sylvester from Looney Tunes and The Cat in the Hat, to name two. Known for their elegant black and white coats resembling formal wear, tuxedo cats or “tuxies” have been companions to historical figures like William Shakespeare and Mark Twain. The…
This year, people are seeing more bears during the daylight hours across Douglas County. State wildlife officials said the unusually warm, dry winter meant less natural food for bears, sending more of them to scout the neighborhoods. “The berries and cherries bears should be eating in the wild are not as plentiful,” said Kara Van…
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance (RMWA) in Sedalia is busy year-round with wildlife education and rehabilitation. This year has been especially unique with the warm winter and spring. According to Emily Davenport, RMWA’s executive director and founder, it had—and will continue to have—a noticeable impact on wildlife. “Warmer temperatures can signal to wildlife that spring has…
The Village Castle Pines Garden Club (Garden Club) has been busy this spring and summer. In May, more than 100 members and guests attended the Garden Club’s annual fashion show and luncheon at the Hilton Denver Inverness. Some of the members were models, walking down the runway in an array of casual to evening dress.…
There are 10 species of native milkweed plants found in Douglas County. The most common is showy milkweed, which features a ball-like cluster of pink and white star-shaped flowers. Milkweeds feed many pollinators but are the only host plant to monarch butterflies, whose numbers are declining. In recent years there has been a push across…
Etymology is the study of a word from its earliest usage to its varying and nuanced usages and forms today. Given that I am a retired 27-year veteran English teacher, letting go of the vocabulary lessons is going to render me a little truculent, so let us begin with a mini word study of the…
Maze By Susan Helton Find your way through this maze, starting at the entrance arrow that points into the maze and reaching the exit arrow that points out of the maze. Colorado Crossword By Rachel Poe Across 1. Motto: ______ Colorado 3. State butterfly 4. State fish: ______ cutthroat trout 6. Winter sport…
“Cherry Creek” is somewhere and everywhere. Today, it is a school, a dam, a recreational area, a shopping district, a church and more. Cherry Creek’s early fame came in 1859 when tracer gold was found on its banks. It is generally believed that the creek received its name from early settlers who noted the dense…
It all started with a phone call to The Castle Pines Connection from neighbor Kerrie Endorf, who was looking for a place to donate two very special tigers that belonged to her son, Tristan. Now grown, Tristan was eager to have his childhood companions go to a great home, preferably one with individuals with intellectual…
This summer our country and state both celebrated big birthdays with the United States turning 250 in July and Colorado turning 150 this month. There are classically American rituals for celebrating a birthday: fireworks, picnics and music for the community parties, and smaller traditions like cake and ice cream, blowing out candles, party hats, balloons,…
Happy New Year! Yes, I know that it’s likely you are reading this in some sort of heat wave, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, but the new year is here. Fresh pencils and notebooks line the store shelves, fall sports practices are in full swing (often twice a day), and there is a hint,…
GLP-1s (short for “glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists”) mimic a natural hormone in the body that helps to regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. GLP-1s have been used for diabetes treatment since 2005 and for weight management since 2014, according to the American Diabetes Association. Most GLP-1 drugs are self-administered by injection, although one brand is…
Although the Castle Crocs swim team has been busy this summer competing in meets and preparing for the respective end-of-season championships and All-Stars events, in June, they took time away from the water to do something bigger than themselves. The swim team raised money for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado (MAW), the organization that grants wishes…
Beginning this school year, Friday mornings will look a little different for students and teachers in the Douglas County School District (DCSD). Elementary and middle schools will now join high schools in starting school 45 minutes later every Friday, beginning August 21. “This dedicated time will be used for Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), allowing our…
Dear Reader, It’s that time of the year, back to school. And we must talk… You may not live on Castle Pines Parkway, but there is a very serious matter we need to discuss. The construction crews are still finishing work in front of Timber Trail Elementary and the kids are getting ready to return…
Sights, sounds, scents: masters of their craft Perched atop a bluff in Castle Rock, Bar Hummingbird at The Brinkerhoff offers more than sweeping views of the foothills; it delivers an elevated cocktail experience complemented by inventive small bites inspired by the timeless elegance of European bar culture. From…
Next to the legendary Bud’s Bar in Sedalia, sits Zia Mountain Jewelry. Since Zach and Jessica Harris opened the shop in June 2024, it has become a local go-to for authentic Southwestern jewelry along with an eclectic mix of bohemian designs, unique creations and gifts. Zach draws on his lifelong experience as an avid hunter…
The bison at Daniels Park will soon have an additional 160 acres, about the size of 143 football fields, to roam in the Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness Area. The new pasture was created through a partnership between the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund, Denver Mountain Parks and the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. The project is part…
Last month, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) dropped critical supplies to lost hikers near Bear Mountain in western Douglas County. Initial reports indicated that the subjects were low on water and phone battery. While multiple teams were responding, the DCSO drone team located the subjects, established communication, confirmed they were uninjured and sent the…
Spending a day on the reservoir should be all about fun, sun and making great memories––and safety is a critical part of any water activity. Wearing a life jacket is the simplest, most effective way to protect yourself and the people you love. Rueter-Hess Reservoir Ranger Supervisor Jason Trujillo reminds us that life jackets must…
Amanda Ball has a creative mind and spirit. She is the creator and master mind behind Colorado Creative Vending and Parker’s Trinket Trade Box. Amanda has an extensive background in graphic design with a minor in fine art and advertising. She taught middle and high school art at private schools while living in Maryland and…