Read the stories from the latest issue:
Dan Rolf has long loved the sky. So much so that he converted his love into a profession. A significant one. Dan’s most recent endeavor was Artemis II, NASA’s first, crewed, flyby space mission since Apollo 17 in 1972. The mission of Artemis II was a test flight to explore humans’ long-term return to the…
Last month, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners approved a tax incentive program resolution that would offer property tax rebates to qualifying licensed childcare providers to help them reinvest in their operations, workforce and facilities. Through the program, eligible providers can receive a rebate covering 75% of the County portion of their real and personal…
The Douglas County Assessor (DCA) will begin hearing real property valuation appeals on May 1, with the appeal window running through June 8. Homeowners and property owners who wish to object to their valuation can submit written objections by mail (postmarked no later than June 8) or file online until midnight on June 8. The…
Deborah Takahara’s career in law enforcement has been a relatively recent development, but her interest and investment in supporting first responders runs deep. Deborah is the public information director for Douglas County Sheriff Office (DCSO), a job she has had for three years. Before, Deborah worked a year with the United States Attorney’s Office, Colorado…
Starting in April, Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) began an important annual maintenance activity that helps ensure safe, reliable drinking water for the community: fire hydrant flushing. While it may initially seem like a waste of water, this process plays a critical role in maintaining the overall health of the water system. Flushing maintenance…
The Castle Pines community garage sale is a popular event that residents look forward to every year. While there is no longer an official sponsor of the event, anyone who is considering having a garage sale this summer is encouraged to host it on the weekend of Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30. Just…
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Sarah Phillips as the new Chairwoman of the Board. A dedicated Chamber member for nearly 10 years and a 25-year Castle Pines resident, Sarah steps into this role with a strong passion for the community she calls home. Sarah is widely recognized for her commitment…
Newly-certified students at Rock Canyon High School’s Emergency Services (ES) program completed their training with a large-scale, mock drill last month at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) driver training facility. Criminal justice, emergency medical services and fire science comprise the ES classes. Several community, state and federal partners participated in the drill, including the…
Following a warmer-than-average winter and below-normal moisture, wildfire risk is trending higher across Douglas County. To help residents prepare, Douglas County, in partnership with Colorado State University, is hosting a Wildfire Mitigation Open House Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. This free, family-friendly event gives residents a…
Originally from Muncie, Indiana, Beth Murphy knew she wanted to do something in retail and did something about it. In 2022, Beth left her job at a local preschool and opened Ladybug’s at The Barn Antiques & Specialty Shops (The Barn) in Castle Rock. “The timing was right,” said Beth, who lives in the Tapestry…
On April 23, The Castle Pines Connection––in conjunction with the City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce––hosted the twice-yearly New Resident Welcome Party at The Ridge at Castle Pines. More than 40 new residents and families gathered to learn about the city, the business community and chamber, and their local newspaper,…
Sports often bring strangers together and that could not be truer for The Village at Castle Pines residents Chierstin and Mitchell Roth. It was 2015, at a bar in Colorado Springs, when Chierstin heard chatter around a Stanley Cup playoff game that was incorrect. Chierstin, a sports reporter and anchor, stepped in to set the…
When the Surapaneni family moved to the Amber Ridge neighborhood in 2009, Castle Pines gained a superstar. Sriya Surapaneni, now 22, joined the ranks of first graders at Timber Trail Elementary and became an integral part of the community. Sriya participated in countless organizations and extracurriculars, setting herself up for her educational journey at the…
For Jen Anderson, life has been about family and philanthropy, as well as a successful career in business. Jen has a kind heart and is full of compassion. Starting with volunteering for a teen suicide hotline in high school, Jen has volunteered with an animal shelter for the past ten years. She is currently the…
Village at Castle Pines resident Johana (Jo) Brinkerhoff is part of a powerhouse duo at Brinkerhoff Hospitality, a name which may be familiar given that they created The Brinkerhoff and Savina’s Mexican Kitchen in Castle Rock (renamed from La Loma last year), as well as Sierra in Lone Tree and Bar Hummingbird in Castle Rock,…
Grace is a 4-year-old English Labrador retriever with a sunny personality just as bright as her yellow coat. She has a big heart, adventurous spirit and is the baby of Kelly Duman, Trent Schield and their blended family of boys Vann (23), Brayden (21), Levi (18), Preston (18) and Colton (16). In 2020, Brayden wanted…
The United States war of independence had overlooked the plight of slaves, basic freedoms for black Americans because a young nation was divided philosophically and economically. The South was agrarian, with cotton and tobacco as its lifeblood and using slave labor to grow and bring it to market. The North was different: an industrial economy.…
With 2026 marking 150 years of Colorado statehood, this month’s segment of Colorado’s official emblems and symbols highlights various plants that are official state symbols. The blue spruce is the state tree; blue grama is the state grass; the claret cup or kingcup is the state cactus; the columbine is the state flower and the…
On March 16, Forrest Dykstra, former Highlands Ranch Metro District Manager, gave an engaging presentation on the history of the Fly’n B Ranch, today called the Fly’n B Park. The 10.3-acre park is in Highlands Ranch, off Plaza Drive, just south of C-470 and Broadway. The original ranch house, though long of tooth, still stands…
A unique traveling exhibit, the “Documents That Forged a Nation,” is coming to Denver May 28 through June 14. Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, the National Archives and Records Administration is sharing a collection of America’s original founding-era documents. Inspired by the Bicentennial Freedom Train of 50 years ago, the exhibit travels aboard the Freedom Plane,…
Pine trees, specifically ponderosa pines, are part of what make Castle Pines special. Unfortunately, these magnificent trees face a recurring threat, the dreaded mountain pine beetle. Pine beetles are native to Colorado and can be beneficial when they target diseased and dying trees, thinning the forest for fresh new trees. However, when the forests become…
There are at least 12 species of owl that live in Colorado, from the small burrowing owl that makes its home in abandoned prairie dog burrows, to the rare and striking white snowy owl, to the adorable but rarely seen northern saw-whet owl. The most commonly seen owl in Castle Pines (and the rest of…
National Space Day, designated on the first Friday of May, celebrates the “extraordinary achievements, benefits, and opportunities in the exploration and use of space.” The observance promotes all the support industries required for continued space exploration and knowledge acquisition, states Nationaldaycalendar.com. Education in math, science, technology, engineering, accounting, meteorology, chemistry, physics, biology, photography and more…
Dear Readers, It’s that annual rite of passage known as graduation. How can we bring our best consideration and adoration to the table? This major milestone deserves acknowledgment and by tying your generosity to the relationship, you really can’t go wrong. What should you spend? Well, isn’t that the question? So, consideration is key.…
Families came out to the City of Castle Pines for this year’s Egg Scramble, where kids in 3 age groups raced across the field filling baskets with plastic eggs, candy, and big smiles. With sunny skies, free donuts and Ziggi’s coffee, and lots of laughter, it was a lively morning for the whole community. Thanks…
As part of its ongoing effort to connect nonprofits, community partners and donors, the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) hosted its second annual Nonprofit Symposium at the end of March. Throughout the inspired event, one theme stood out clearly: Collaboration makes a difference. Over 100 attendees with leaders from more than 75 local nonprofits came…
Word Search By Susan Helton In the puzzle, find and circle these May-related words. Words can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, and forward or backward. BLOOMS BREEZE BUMBLEBEES CANNES DERBY EMERALD GARDEN GEMINI GRADUATION MAYPOLE MEMORIAL DAY MOTHER’S DAY NAT’L PET MONTH PETALS POLLEN SONGBIRDS SPRING SPROUTS TAURUS WARMTH Mothers Crossword By Rachel…
I have cooked long enough in my life to know exactly what I like. I love chicken breast, fixed 8,732 different ways. I love a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. I’ve never met a pasta dish I didn’t like, and if there is cheese involved, it’s a sure bet that it will make my top…
Farmers markets have the freshest, in-season produce grown in Colorado. Over the next few months, look for Olathe sweet corn, Palisade peaches, Rocky Ford melons, as well as locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs and freshly baked bread. Fill your arms with flowers and your belly with on-site prepared foods, like tamales or breakfast burritos, while…
The biggest fans of Denver’s new National Women’s Soccer League team, Denver Summit FC, might just be the young girls who filled Empower Field at Mile High for the club’s first-ever home game. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience to see them play for the first time in Colorado,” one young fan said. The…
On March 22, friends and family gathered to play pickleball and to honor and remember Kyra Peck, who in 2024 passed away at 20 years old from cardiomyopathy. This was the second annual pickleball tournament at the SportyPickle Bar & Grill in Englewood. Two years ago, Kyra’s parents, Shari and Tony, launched the nonprofit Because…
Hannah McDonald has committed to play lacrosse at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Congratulations!
The word “yoga” comes from Sanskrit and means “to unite,” symbolizing the goal of connecting body, mind and awareness. There are many different types of yoga, each with its own rhythm, intensity and focus. Some types of yoga are fast-paced and energizing, while others are slow and deeply restorative. Some emphasize strength and balance, while…
Valerie and Greg Jones and their five kids have been part of the Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) community for almost a quarter of a century. Their oldest, Avery, started kindergarten at BRE in 2002. Harper, the youngest, will graduate from fifth grade this month, ending the Jones tenure after 24 years. Both Greg and Valerie…
On April 17, the American Academy – Castle Pines annual art show featured amazing creations by kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Inspired by pop artists Claes Oldenburg and Peter Anton who produced oversized food and candy art, the theme of this year’s show was Farm to Factory. “This year we mixed popular culture and food. I…
Castle View High School Selena Aristizabal Martinez Elias Bouayad Ryland Buchhop Caden Bunker Connor Bunker Sadie Canaday Kash Dittenber Abbylynn Farrell Brandon Favaro Zander Ferguson Antonio Franco Talus Frederick Jada Freeman Elizabeth Garlock Christian Gean Caleb Glenn Lizbeth Gonzalez Benhumea Piper Hannon Kyle Heath Alejandro Hernandez Brynlee Howard Alden Hunsinger Kelsie James Jade Jesurun Hana…
Rock Canyon High School senior Ashton Stamp is one of eight Douglas County School District students to receive the prestigious Daniels Fund Scholarship. Launched by the late businessman and philanthropist Bill Daniels, the Daniels Fund gives students in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming up to a full cost of attendance to college or university…
Black and Gold, Rock Canyon High School’s (RCHS) 2025 yearbook, won the venerable Gold Crown Award at the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s (CSPA) spring convention at Columbia University in New York. Crown Awards recognize overall excellence in either print or digital student publications from around the world, chosen by a panel of judges. This is…
People often ask, “Is Venalonzo your last name?” The simple answer is yes, but there is a rich and storied history behind it. Owners and siblings Nati and Pako say Venalonzo’s Tacos is “very personal and purposefully designed to represent not only our family but also the culture where we grew up.” For them, the…
For the first time in school history, the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) boys basketball team took first place in the state championship game. On March 15, the No. 5-seeded RCHS Jaguars upset the No. 2-seeded Ralston Valley High School Mustangs 68-58 at the Class 6A tournament at Denver Coliseum. The day before, the…
The Canyons neighborhood is continuing to be developed with new luxury rental townhomes to be called The Peaks. Construction on the 70-unit community broke ground at the end of March and is expected to be completed in late 2027. Located at the southeast intersection of Canyonside Boulevard and Canyon Forge Drive, the community will feature…
The applicant, VT Crowfoot Valley Landco, LLC, has withdrawn its petition for annexation of the Crowsnest property. Therefore, the previously scheduled public hearings with the Planning Commission and City Council have been canceled. If the applicant resubmits an annexation petition for the property, public notice will be provided via the City’s communication channels, including email, social…
On February 19, AdventHealth Castle Rock marked a significant milestone in expanding access to comprehensive oncology services with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Schrader Family Cancer Center. The new center brings high-quality, whole-person cancer care closer to home. The celebration reflects years of planning and strong community partnership. Through the Rock of Hope Campaign,…
The City of Castle Pines held two open houses in February, one at The Canyon House Kitchen + Cocktails and the other at the Castle Pines Community Center. City officials were on hand at the well-attended gatherings to answer questions about development and planning, construction projects, zoning and retail space, to name a few. “It…
Beginning Friday, April 3, slash-mulch and green yard waste services will operate at a new location: 5675 Delva Way in Sedalia. Regular hours are Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 31. For the first two weeks, the site will be open on Fridays as well—April 3 and 10. The slash-mulch and green…
To provide a safe, convenient and responsible way for citizens to dispose of prescription medication that is no longer needed, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds two National Prescription Drug Take Back Days each year: one in the spring and one in the fall. “Protecting our community’s water supply and what gets washed into it…
Walking into The Cove Concierge Medicine (Cove) and visiting with board certified family medicine physician Aaron Block, M.D. is like stepping back into a time when doctors made house calls. His attention, humbleness and warmth fill the room. Cove is located next to AdventHealth Castle Rock. As the son of a physician and dietitian,…
Jen Moody Advertising Account Manager Jen Moody has lived in Douglas County for 24 years with her family—her husband of 25 years and their three children. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from Colorado State University and brings 15 years of sales experience and a strong marketing background, including selling IT products and…
Small businesses play a vital role in the Castle Pines community, supporting local families, sponsoring youth programs, and helping shape the city’s unique character. From neighborhood restaurants and boutiques to professional services and home-based businesses, these enterprises keep the local economy strong while creating places where neighbors connect. Castle Pines will join communities across the…
Dr. James and Nicole Pacheco had only been in Castle Pines for about ten minutes when they decided it might be “home.” After living in Ohio for six years, they were exploring the South Denver area, searching for a lifestyle like the one they grew up with in Salt Lake City. While stopping at…
Long legs, a fluffy tail and ears as big as his body make Oliver a unique little dog. He is a mix of seven breeds, primarily chihuahua, poodle and rat terrier. He is a very special pup to the Bass family—Evan, Gurgiana and their 8-year-old daughter Ava. “We are happy to be his parents,” said…
“Everyone has something to teach you, so always be curious and always be kind.” Lauren Hanna is a wife, mother, friend and artist. Lauren is also a trailblazer: a girl who learned to fly a plane as a preteen, worked her way up in aviation as a safety expert, and today is an executive…
Hope Haven Rwanda (HHR) opened in 2012 by Susan Hollern of Sedalia. The nonprofit Christian school began as a small classroom under a cascading acacia tree and has blossomed into a thriving 220,000-square-foot campus with 65 classrooms, labs and libraries, serving more than 2,200 students in the Murindi sector of Kigali, in the Republic of…
Canyons Community Church 4825 Crowfoot Valley Road, Castle Rock Easter Sunday, April 5, 10:30 a.m. canyonscc.org Castle Oaks Covenant Church 826 Park Street, Castle Rock Easter Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m. castleoaks.org Castle Rock First United Methodist Church 1200 South Street, Castle Rock Stations of the Cross, April 1, 10 a.m. to 7…
Earth Day on April 22 is a chance to celebrate the home we all share, whether it is joining an event or simply looking for ways to appreciate the natural world around us. Here are a few family-friendly ideas to celebrate all month: Take a walk or hike and collect natural paintbrushes, such as long…
This month’s segment of Colorado’s official emblems and symbols looks at the official state insect: the Colorado Hairstreak Butterfly. This distinctively colored butterfly that lives in Gambel oak groves was adopted as the official insect in 1996, after urging from fourth graders across the state. Colorado was the 37th state to officially declare a state…
That the Revolutionary war began after the Battles of Lexington and Concord was unsurprising. The British monarchy did not tolerate challenges to its authority. American pioneers were upstarts by definition, resentful of having their new world freedoms trampled. Thus, for the colonists, what began as a fight for their rights quickly became one for…
Northeast of Castle Rock, near Elizabeth, are the remains of Spring Valley, a historic rural settlement known to most as a stagecoach stop on the West Cherry Stage Road along Running Creek. Today, relics can be found at the 10th tee box of the Spring Valley Golf Club. Spring Valley was settled by French,…
Squishy toy craze Middle and high school students cannot get enough of squishy toys like NeeDohs and Rainbow Mystery Dumplings. The toys come in different shapes, colors and sizes and are filled with a stretchy, dough-filled glob. One squeeze explains the craze but finding them on store shelves can be a challenge. “Every kid has…
April is national poetry month. Established in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets to “increase awareness and appreciation across culture and education,” it has “become the largest literary celebration in the world,” states the Academy. With dozens of types of poems, there is something for all levels of poetry engagement. Take a look at…
Dear Readers, Easter is right around the corner and the old school fashion dictates would have you believe that you can START wearing white! Historically, Easter was a major church and social debut moment when people wore new spring outfits and Easter bonnets. In traditional fashion etiquette, Easter symbolized the beginning of the spring social…
A vibrant sense of community is one characteristic that sets Castle Pines––the 80108 ZIP code more specifically––apart from other Colorado communities. Neighbors know each other, they spend time together and they support each other. If you are a new resident, you have likely already experienced this firsthand. The same holds true for our friendly business…
In Polish Poker, also known as Turtle, Hara Kiri and Crazy Nines, the player with the lowest score wins the game. Think strokes in golf. The connection to poker is that success involves managing hidden information and memory. The game can be played with two to six players. Each player receives six cards face down…
(Solutions at bottom) Interested in sponsoring this page? Email advertise@castlepinesconnection.com Spring Crossword Across 1. 40 winks 4. Devotee 8. Nile bird 12. Color quality 13. Sundae topper, perhaps 14. Garment folds 16. Field worker 17. Computer info 18. Creeper 19. Cancel 21. Baby rhino 23. Like a busybody 24. All ___ 25. Eastern ties 27.…
In my world, there is nothing better than a really delicious sandwich. If the ingredients are fresh and the condiments are plentiful, I would argue that a really great sandwich is in the top five of excellent-return-on-investment foods (see also: milk and cereal, cheese toast). Fresh-sliced turkey on a squishy sub roll? Yes, please.…
Another 80108 athlete, Coby Short, has committed to play soccer at St. Olaf College in Minnesota. Congratulations!
Native to Asia, lemons are a citrusy superfood that are perfect for springing into spring in Colorado. Whether sipping refreshing lemonade on a warm, sunny day, brightening a soup or stew with a squeeze of lemon on a snowy day, or giving the house a good spring cleaning, lemons are the ray of sunshine we…
“Where hearts and minds connect” is more than a mission statement for Timber Trail Elementary (TTE)—it is a regular daily practice for the school community. This school year, parents, PTO and the school community have been busy installing new turf, planning staff appreciation days and hosting fundraising events. The PTO and parents of TTE continued…
The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) family came together for this year’s Wish Week to grant 6-year-old Dre’s special wish. Dre loves trains, dinosaurs, trains, Spiderman and trains! Dre has a brain tumor. The week kicked off with Dre visiting Longmont Public Library, where he explored the model train display and colored a train on…
Thirteen-year-old Finley loves fishing, Colorado sports teams and the popular online game Fortnite. Finely was chosen as the 2026 Wish Kid for Valor Christian High School (Valor), to raise money for his wish to visit Hawaii with his family. Finley has leukemia. Wish Week activities included a teacher-vs-student Fortnite dance battle, where Finley chose the…