Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
Leadership Douglas County’s class of 2026 celebrated graduation at the Schoolhouse at Mainstreet in Parker on June 3. The Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lori Gerlits was the emcee, LDC 2024-2025 graduate and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Deborah Takahara was the keynote speaker, and Douglas County Community Foundation Executive…
Are you looking for an impactful way to give back in your community? Is creative writing or research your thing? The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) is looking for someone passionate about community service who is a skilled writer and researcher to join their team as a grant writer. This position is volunteer/unpaid. DCCF provides…
On any given day, you are likely to see Stephanie Thaggard Tanner with her husband, Rob, walking through The Village at Castle Pines (the Village). Each day, they explore seven or eight miles of the lush, tree-filled community they love to call home. Stephanie is passionate about this community and as such has become heavily…
For Chad and Chris Spears, life in the Timberline neighborhood is a blend of community connection, fitness and the joyful chaos of raising three young children. Since building their house in 2021, the family has quickly made themselves at home, enjoying the privacy of their surroundings, while appreciating the convenient access to nearby amenities in…
Five years ago, we reported on Hidden Pointe neighbor Autumn Hall and her Olympic figure skating dreams. Now a senior at Rock Canyon High School, Autumn is still ice skating and a U.S. Figure Skating Double Gold Medalist, and in June, she represented Castle Pines in the Miss Colorado’s Teen pageant. Looking back over…
“It’s so much fun to be able to learn something new, to pick up something you have always wanted to do.” If you live in the Jasper Point neighborhood, you might know Forrest Plesko as a family man, local attorney or perhaps a musician. Lately, there is a chance you have heard a new sound.…
Lauren Shadid had an idyllic childhood growing up in her neighborhood near Cherry Creek State Park. After nine years in Washington, D.C., and 20 years in Los Angeles, Lauren longed to return to Colorado. Owner and Principal of Lauren Architecture + Interiors for more than 20 years, Lauren and her husband, Gabe, owner of Epic…
“Knowing what your loved ones want at the end of life is empowering and the best gift you can give to people who love and support you.” Sometimes, grief can push us to discover new gifts within ourselves. Through the painful process of becoming a widow 12 years ago, massage therapist Leanna Whitcher learned how…
Night Lights (NL), a local nonprofit, provides respite care for children who have special needs and their neuro-typical siblings. This year, NL celebrates 15 years with six location sites: Parker, Littleton, Colorado Springs, Arvada, Broomfield and Grand Junction. The organization aims to open a Castle Pines or Castle Rock site by January 2027. “I would…
During the 1960s and 70s, the Vietnam War and subsequent skirmishes abroad shook America’s confidence in its government and politicians. That same internal dissent abroad brought down the Soviet Union as a wave of freedom swept over Europe with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Our national glory shifted to technology with…
This 5th segment of Colorado’s official symbols and emblems looks at the official state animal: the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep; the official state bird: the lark bunting; and the official state domestic pet: cats and dogs that are adopted from Colorado rescues and animal shelters. In 1961, the Colorado General Assembly adopted the Rocky Mountain…
Paisley is an energetic 3-year-old black and tan Pembroke Welsh corgi with spirits as high as she can jump. Her bold and confident personality makes up for her small and sturdy frame. Corgis are not a new breed to Paisley’s family, Richard and Julie Storick, of the Esperanza neighborhood. Paisley is the first female…
A certain unexpected neighbor created a buzz on social media recently. The Village at Castle Pines resident Michael Shorts posted the above photo of a beaver in Sellars Gulch, just upstream from Festival Park in Castle Rock. Many neighbors were surprised the furry critters could be spotted so close to home, starting a conversation about…
The City of Castle Pines has no events planned for Independence Day, but several nearby communities do. Many of them have free admission, although some require registration, so check websites for details. Several Colorado venues now present drone or laser light shows, to avoid potential wildfire risks, but the events listed here that include shows…
Celebrating 40 years of memories, The Country Club at Castle Pines honored this milestone with an unforgettable party on Saturday, June 13. The event included a progressive dining experience, complete with beautiful ice carvings and sparkling decorations. Throughout the clubhouse, there were chef-curated food and drink stations. Country artist Adam Doleac performed live. Board of…
Dear Readers, It’s an exciting time in our country and our state. We are celebrating the sesquicentennial (150 years) of Colorado, and the semiquincentennial (250 years) of the United States of America. It is the perfect time to revisit flag etiquette, especially regarding our beloved Stars and Stripes. The United States Flag Code hasn’t changed…
Colorado Day is Saturday, August 1, the date the state entered the union in 1876. This year is special as it marks Colorado’s 150th birthday. Events and celebrations for this milestone day and year are happening across the state. Here are some: Castle Rock At Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 Plum Creek Parkway, celebrate with…
Summer brings heat, and with it water for cooling down. Transporting the reader to another time, place or circumstance, beach reads are the perfect remedy for hot lazy days by the pool or seaside. Grab a paperback and get lost in a summer romance, thriller or the latest must-read. Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein is…
At last census, Westcreek, an unincorporated community in Douglas County, had about 120 citizens. Nestled along Colorado State Highway 67, a scenic drive connecting Woodland Park and Sedalia, Westcreek paradoxically accounted for two Colorado governors: Elias M. Ammons and later his son. What prepared Elias for greatness? The Ammons were pioneers relocating from Franklin, North…
Number-Path Puzzle By Susan Helton Fill in the white squares with the missing numbers, in numerical order 1 to 81, to form a single continuous path that does not cross itself and never runs diagonally. Patriotic Crossword By Rachel Poe Across 3. Last word of the title of the national march 5. National…
High summer is here, and an abundance of beautiful, fresh fruit—colorful, juicy, and tempting—is everywhere. Most of the time, I’ll take a treat that is rich and chocolatey over just about anything, but at the tail end of summer I will take a dewy bunch of grapes or berries over a hot fudge sundae…
“Muscle is the currency of longevity, so I highly recommend patients who are trying to keep and build muscle mass to add creatine to their routine.” Creatine is having a moment in women’s wellness. While it has long been known to be in the protein shakes of athletes and bodybuilders, creatine presents a promising…
Super Bowl: First-time, all-girls NFL flag league: Information and photos provided by Castle Pines Athletics
The Colorado Department of Education recognized several Douglas County School District schools for high academic achievement with performance awards for the 2025-26 school year. Administrators from winning schools accepted their awards at the State of Douglas County School District event on May 4. Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) received the High School Academic Growth Award,…
Students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) hosted an end-of-school-year food drive for nonprofit Bin Blessed (BB). It was a record-breaking drive for BB, bringing in more than 2,300 items. It took five carloads to deliver all the shelf-stable food items, including cereal, peanut butter, jelly, pasta sauce and more than 300 boxes of mac-n-cheese. Each…
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) School Resource Officers (SROs) not only play a vital role in creating a safe learning environment, they are also approachable mentors who participate in youth activities. DCSO’s rock decorating contest continued the collaboration into summer, inviting first through eighth grade students across Douglas County to submit rocks decorated to celebrate…
Bringing Italy to Colorado, one scoop at a time There are few pleasures as simple and satisfying as a scoop of something cold, creamy and sweet. While ice cream may be the familiar favorite, gelato offers a rich, indulgent experience. In Colorado, that authentic taste of Italy can be found at Gelato & Co., where…
“Wine is bottled poetry,” said famed writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Family man, The Canyons resident and wine connoisseur Mark Rizzuto agrees. Talking with Mark about wine is an education. He has a self-taught PhD in grape varieties, wine regions, aromas, food pairings, the different palettes for red, white or sparkling–– and basically anything and everything…
Under Construction: The Peaks at Canyons The Peaks at Canyons will consist of 70 single-family attached townhomes for rent. The project is a combination of three-plex, four-plex, and five-plex buildings, totaling 18 buildings, along with associated drive aisles, guest parking, sidewalks and landscaping. The individual units will include two-bedroom and three-bedroom residences. The Album The…
The City of Castle Pines Council (City) recently passed a new ordinance that imposes new rules and regulations about the use of off-highway vehicles like electric dirt bikes, ATVs and UTVs. The goal is to help keep riders, drivers, pedestrians and neighbors safe. In collaboration with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), the rules were…
Dogs in Douglas County have a new reason to wag their tails. The newly opened Looking Glass Community Park, located at 13434 Long Rider Street in Parker, is quickly becoming a favorite gathering place for pets and people alike. In close proximity to Chambers Road and Spirit Trail Boulevard, the nearly 26-acre park features a…
Ballots for the June 30 primary election will be mailed to eligible voters in Douglas County beginning on Monday, June 8. This day is also the last day for voters who are affiliated with a political party to change or withdraw their affiliation if they wish to vote in a different party’s primary. To learn…
The spring National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was a great success. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Douglas County Health Department, collected 1,148 pounds of unwanted, unused and expired medications. Other agencies who helped facilitate the event, which happened in two locations, were the City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines…
Do you want connection, purpose and to be more vested in your community? 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 written and verbal skills. An exceptional freelance…
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is built on a simple but powerful mission: connect, engage and thrive. For nearly 20 years, the Chamber has supported local businesses and community leaders by creating opportunities to build relationships, share ideas and strengthen the Castle Pines business community. One of the Chamber’s most valuable membership benefits is…