Read the stories from the latest issue:
Several running clubs, including the Castle Pines Running Club, met last month at a “trailgating” event to meet, to run and for fellowship. Wayne Pallas, a lifelong runner, hosts these events in various locales around Denver and the latest one was at Grigs Road Pavilion. The group ran the East/West Regional Trail followed by a…
Douglas County School District (DCSD) will move into a centralized location to provide more offices for staff, learning opportunities for students seeking industry certificates and a space for larger school meetings and events. The new campus, known as the DCSD Legacy Campus, is a 175,000-square-foot space previously occupied by The Wildlife Experience and CU South…
Douglas County School District (DCSD) Superintendent Erin Kane is getting out into the community in her first few months on the job. At the beginning of June, Kane presented a community forum at The Exchange Coffee House in Castle Pines. Kane discussed DCSD’s history, challenges and needs for the future. Kane hit the ground running…
At the end of the school year, budding artists at American Academy (AA) showcased their work at the annual open house art show. First-year art teacher Melissa Lopez was excited to host the art display and a small awards ceremony to recognize the natural talent in her students. African animals came to life in lower…
DCS Montessori (DCSM) students kicked off the summer with five days of epic adventure with DCSM Colorado Epic Adventure camp. Students left their phones behind to socialize face-to-face with peers and test their skills together rock climbing, paddling at Rueter-Hess Reservoir, dodging lasers with outdoor laser tag, and conquering the Epic Sky Trek at Miller…
In September 2021, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) student Joshua Ruegge was notified that the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) had recognized him as a National Merit Semifinalist based on the score he had received on the PSAT qualifier test from the previous year. Since then, Ruegge made it his goal to become a National…
transports customers back to the 1950s Almost every day, a new customer stumbles upon a certain Parker eatery with a quintessential 1950s diner vibe. Rory’s Diner is a bit of a time capsule, transporting patrons 70 years back via vintage decor, vibrant booths and tables, made-from-scratch American favorites, and even a traditional white-and-black-checkered floor. It…
Hats are a rite of spring – Easter, Kentucky Derby and Women with “Hattitude.” After a two-year hiatus, Hattitude – a stand-out favorite of the Denver performing arts scene – returned to the stunning Seawell Ballroom in downtown Denver in April. This year marked the 15th anniversary of the annual luncheon benefiting Women’s Voices Fund (WVF) at…
On May 2, residents in Castle Rock and surrounding areas celebrated as officials broke ground on the new, two-story 62,000-square-foot library planned for completion in fall 2023. More than 150 people attended the community event where Douglas County Libraries (DCL) Head Archivist Alyssa Carver gave a brief history of the library. Attending children participated in…
Einar Jensen, risk reduction specialist for South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR), is one of five on his team, but he is probably the most familiar to Castle Pines residents because he covers Battalion 1, which serves the City of Castle Pines and The Village at Castle Pines. A mountain boy at heart, Jensen grew up…
A drone display of patriotic lights will be the Independence Day show for residents of the City of Castle Pines this summer. Due to concerns about possible wildfires from a traditional fireworks show, and in light of the spread of fires in Boulder last year, the City decided to hire a Colorado-based company, Hire UAV…
Existing users of public transit and those from the 80108 ZIP code who are considering trying it could have the chance to do so for free this summer. A bill currently moving through the legislature could use mostly grant money to allow public transit agencies, namely the Regional Transportation District (RTD), to take riders on…
Last month, 11 Scouts from local Boy Scout Troop 316 paid respect to Old Glory by retiring 204 American flags with a traditional flag retirement ceremony at the South Metro Fire Rescue training facility in Parker. The project supported the Scouts’ community service goals while also honorably retiring flags that meant so much to so…
More than 100 people lined up outside the 9,600-square-foot Trader Joe’s store in Parker – the chain’s eighth Colorado location – prior to its grand opening. The store’s interior features artwork highlighting local mountain views, the town’s railroad history, iconic buildings of downtown Parker, and the landmark 17 Mile House Farm. Through the company’s long…
Next generation of chefs There’s a new generation of chefs at local favorite Trestles Coastal Cuisine in The Village at Castle Pines Shops. Owners Mimi and Jose Espinoza are proud to announce the new head chef, Verity Warriner, and their son, Patrick Espinoza, as sous chef, second in command. Warriner has been at Trestles for…
A recent conversation with a business partner prompted me to revisit the discussion about the value of print media and why it matters. As the publisher of a monthly community newspaper, the question whether print advertising is effective or not is one I get a lot. Thankfully, the answer is a resounding “YES!,” and here’s…
This month, we feature Cole Ansay, one of the happiest and most helpful young men around. Cole will celebrate his 25th birthday next month. He has lived 21 of those years in The Village at Castle Pines, together with his parents, Kari and Matt, and four siblings. Born with Fragile X Syndrome (a genetic mutation…
Catherine Martinez has lived in Castle Pines for 15 years and realized she only knew a few ladies in her neighborhood. She stated that she would bump into women at King Soopers and Starbucks and later think they would be good to get to know better. “I belong to many social groups in surrounding towns…
Kids, it is time to head to the library for the “Unlock the Magic of Summer Reading” program that kicks off on Saturday, June 4, with outdoor parties at all Douglas County Library (DCL) locations. Registration is required. This popular event is an annual reading extravaganza to encourage summer reading and to have a little…
About 25 minutes southeast of Castle Pines is the rural but ever-growing town of Elizabeth. The residents have an appreciation for the small-town feel and close-knit friends and family, but it is the local events that put Elizabeth on the map. A few to get on the calendar: Car geeks unite. Rambler Ranch, a car…
Elizabeth, Colorado, the largest town in Elbert County, has an interesting history. Originally a sawmill camp called Russellville, the settlement was established in 1855 near the banks of Running Creek. Gold was discovered near the creek in 1858 and a rush ensued, but it never came to a boom. When Running Creek flooded the campsite,…
For a day trip that offers a taste of another time, a visit to the Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur is just the thing! 2022 marks the festival’s 46th anniversary season. The festival began as a tear-down show in Morrison and now boasts more than 200 structures on 42 acres offering visitors a thematic re-creation…
The days are getting longer and warmer, which means it is time to go outside and enjoy some Colorado sunshine. There is no better way to do that than to cruise around on popular and trending electric scooters. In major metropolitan areas, many opt to rent the e-scooter for a ride to the ballgame or…
An April The Wall Street Journal article touted a three-day sample of Switzerland’s charms using a special rail pass. It also inferred that things run like clockwork in that Alpine country. Having personally sampled Swiss efficiencies and maintained a bank account there, I would concur. Switzerland is landlocked, walled in by some of Europe’s highest…
The High Line Canal (HLC) Trail was voted #9 in USA TODAY’s “Reader’s Choice Best Recreational Trail” in 2022. This trail in our backyard has a surprising history and vast scope. At more than 70 miles long, it runs through the most populous part of Colorado, from Waterton Canyon in Douglas County, then east nearly…
A mom’s mission to educate about marijuana It’s been two and a half years since Johnny died; he was just 19 years old. The pain and grief are still raw and palpable for his mom, Laura Stack. Stack’s son was a typical kid growing up in Highlands Ranch. He ran cross country and track, played…
According to the United States Geological Survey, there are 81 waterfalls in Colorado that have names, along with numerous unnamed others throughout the state. Many of the falls are fed by high mountain snow melt, so spring and early summer are the best time to witness these gems. A few are highlighted below: Agnes Vaille…
Julia and Ben Dale share their love of music with their students at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS). Julia is the director of vocal music and her husband, Ben, is the orchestra director. “We share some students, and they are constantly surprised that we are married based on how completely opposite our teaching styles are,”…
One sees something of a mess on the southwest corner of State Highways 105 and 67 in Sedalia. Bad news. Abandoned property, right? Where are the bulldozers? Only old-timers know that the parcel embodies epic stories of two families, their fabric deeply woven into Sedalia’s rich history. Born in Canandaigua, New York, in 1833, restless…
– so nice you will eat it twice It’s June. In Colorado, that designation is almost meaningless – more than once I’ve bundled up in a winter gear to head out to a last day of school party or outdoor graduation ceremony. Still, this time of year, I get a hankering for the lighter flavors…
No one wants to hang out at the airport, but sometimes because of layovers, missed flights, or just long security lines, a few hours in the terminal is in the cards. Luckily, at Denver International Airport (DIA), staying around a while might not be too taxing. In fact, your taste buds just might thank you…
There are many things I don’t know about life, but there’s one I absolutely do. It’s full of change in both ways we really want and others we undoubtedly don’t. One of the biggest unwelcome changes everyone must face is when a loved one passes away. The sudden absence of someone truly meaningful shifts the…
Roxy is a 3-year-old, 16-pound miniature sheepadoodle that is full of pounce and fluff. A cross between a miniature poodle and an Old English sheepdog, Roxy is very smart, playful and loving. On average, full-grown mini sheepadoodles weigh between 24 and 44 pounds, and Roxy’s unusually small size makes her the perfect portable dog for…
Sedalia resident Katie D’Arcangelo has seen the transformative power of art in her work in prisons and in working with families and children who are healing from abuse and neglect. She has also experienced it personally as an artist herself. “I’ve seen the magic that happens when people make art,” D’Arcangelo said. “It’s the simplest,…
Education is Erika Tinker’s heritage. Growing up in a family with parents, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother who were teachers – and today, her brother, mother-in-law and sister-in-law are also teachers, there is no doubt Tinker embodies the spirit of education. As a young child, Tinker had an incredible life-changing experience when she lived in…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Nancy Knudson Resident Nancy Knudson has gone through a health journey that began with chronic illnesses and depression. Through much research, learning and experimenting, Knudson is now healthy and on a mission to educate and help others with the message that being healthy can be affordable and attainable. Knudson…
Colorado is one of the sunniest states, so practicing sun safety is important all year, especially heading into the summer months. Basal cell skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed, and is on the rise. Diane Shepard, a licensed esthetician at Castle Pines Skincare said, “I personally practice preventative measures such as avoiding sun…
Governor Jared Polis signed a new law in April giving cyclists more leeway at intersections. The “Colorado Safety Stop” allows bikers to yield at a stop sign or red light and then turn right (or left on a one-way street) without coming to a full stop. The law also applies to electric scooters, e-bikes and…
Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bike to Work Day is scheduled for Wednesday, June 22. Set a reminder to get some exercise by starting the workday early and riding your bike to work. If your job is too far away, consider loading a bike on your car and park some distance from work, then jump on…
To learn about Rotary Club of Castle Pines, visit https://www.rotaryclubofcastlepines.org. Photos by Terri Wiebold and courtesy of Blair Gifford
On May 11, Castle Pines Golf Club announced it will host the 2024 BMW Championship, a tournament featuring the top 70 PGA Tour players vying to earn one of 30 final spots in the season-ending championship and the chance to be crowned FedExCup Champion. It has been almost a decade since the BMW Championship was…
Dating back 35 years, the sunrise to sunset Elephant Rock (ER) bike ride drew thousands of recreational and competitive cyclists over the years and is one of Colorado’s oldest cycling events. This year is the final year for the ride, the last year for cyclists to wind down country roads with breathtaking views, as the…
The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) girls soccer team finished another stellar regular season this year with a win over Arvada West High School in the final game, a record of 14-1 and the Continental League championship. Going into state playoffs, RCHS girls are ranked 7th. The Lady Jags varsity team went on to lose…
In April, Rock Canyon High School had its junior/senior prom at Infinity Park in Denver, followed by the traditional “After-Prom” party, which was a resounding success. The event was held at the high school, and 1,000 students attended the safe, late-night fun with entertainment that included poker tables, raffles, a bouncy castle, a slide on…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) students pushed their physical limits when PE teacher Kelli Weinrich, better known as “Coach W.,” brought Ninja Nation to the school. She saw the enthusiasm students showed when she set up a smaller version in the gym last year and knew they would love something larger. Ninja Nation Centennial rents a…
American Academy (AA) – Castle Pines eighth grade students joined AA – Parker campuses for a week in Olympic National Park, located in the foothills of the Pacific Northwest’s majestic Olympic Mountains. Students studied environmental science through a variety of firsthand learning experiences in a new setting. They examined the diverse environment of the Park’s…
It was another successful field day at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). Students showed their Timberwolves class pride through active outdoor field activities, including obstacle courses and a student favorite, the Timber Trail run. Parents, grandparents and volunteers enjoyed watching the kids celebrate the school year with outdoor fun. By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Linda…
Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students recently concluded their Battle of the Books season. The 48 participating students divided themselves into 12 teams of 3-5 students per team. Three RHMS teams tied for third place at the end of regular battles, with the top two teams advancing to the district competition. The RHMS teams finished…
Castle View High School Coach Mark Burfeind said, “I loved coaching Arianna this season. She was the player who was always asking how she could improve, and she would also stay after practice to work on aspects of her game.” Lutheran High School Coach Scott Horman said, “Luke is a tremendous leader and hard worker…
Located at 6,800 feet nestled in a canyon along Rampart Range, Stone Canyon Outdoor EdVentures served as the perfect environment for both Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) fifth grade students’ outdoor learning experience. Stone Canyon OutdoorEd is a rite of passage for fifth grade students, and the highlight of the school…
CORE Electric Cooperative held a poster contest in May for “National Electrical Safety Month.” The contest was open to elementary school students, grades first through fifth, in the Douglas County School District. Two cash prizes were given for each grade winner. The students each received a check for $100 and then chose a teacher at…
The Timber Trail Elementary librarian offered students a 40-book reading challenge during this past school year. The goal was to read 40 books from various genres ranging from fiction and fantasy to history. Books had to meet the genre requirements but could be read in any order and accomplished via listening to audio books or…
The circus came to town and stopped to visit DCS Montessori (DCSM) friends and families. Circus Olympus, a play written by Lindsay Price, tells Greek stories and myths through different circus-theme characters. Seventh and eighth grade students enjoyed dressing and playing circus roles as a part of their dinner theater presentation. The show was complete…
American Academy (AA) performing arts students recently took a trip to the Big Apple to participate in a workshop presented by Hugh Jackman’s understudy. After practicing The Music Man’s “Seventy-Six Trombones” on the stages of Radio City Music Hall, the AA actors and stage crew came home well prepared for their own live performance of…
The first step toward approval of pickleball courts in Coyote Ridge Park was delayed to give adjacent homeowners a chance to comment on the project. The City of Castle Pines Planning Commission voted 6-1 on April 28 to postpone a vote to replace the existing skate park in Coyote Ridge Park with five pickleball courts…
Douglas County Search and Rescue (DCSAR) will soon add more than a dozen new fielded members. Currently DCSAR has about 50 trained volunteers. They come from many professional backgrounds, including engineering, management, sales, legal, aerospace and construction. Each year, DCSAR holds training September through May; it is rigorous work and covers a wide variety of…
Residential development is continuing to boom in the 80108 ZIP code and its outskirts, and the proof is all around us. Significant progress has been made on The Townes at Skyline Ridge, a project that consists of 187 townhomes about a quarter-mile south of Castle Pines Parkway, between Lagae Road and I-25. The townhomes, as…
The Board of County Commissioners committed more than $1.3 million to the County’s 2022 wildland fire aerial firefighting contracts, ensuring air support in Douglas County is available at a moment’s notice in the event of a wildfire. This is the largest investment in aerial support in the County’s history and one of the largest by…
Spring has arrived and for many yard work, the raking, trimming and removing dead growth from landscaping is well underway. With the increased awareness of wildfire threats this year, many residents are choosing to re-imagine landscaping choices, removing tree limbs, shrubs and brush completely from landscape designs – in addition to the typical spring cleanup.…
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has started work along the I-25 corridor installing wildlife fencing. Work will include concrete panel rehabilitation, deer guard installations and wildlife fencing construction. The project work zone will be along northbound and southbound I-25 from E. Wolfensberger Road in Castle Rock to Lincoln Avenue near Lone Tree. Crews will…
A Salt-of-the-Earth Renaissance Man Nick Ainsworth is an insurance agent, business owner and the quintessential Renaissance man. Under the banner of State Farm Insurance, Ainsworth hung out his shingle on Village Square Lane in January 2020 and the fledgling business has already garnered success. No surprise, Ainsworth’s history equates to an admirable work ethic, love…
Article and photo by Julie Matuszewski Therapeutic Massage studio will open its doors in early May in the Village Square in Castle Pines. Owner Jade Spurr is an entrepreneur and educator, and she is enthusiastic about helping people heal. Spurr selected Castle Pines for her new studio, as she loves the small town feel and…
Growing up with parents in the medical field, Bryce Stutler knew early on that his calling would be similar. From a young age, he envisioned working as an emergency room nurse. Although his path would pivot along the way, he never wavered from his desire to help people in their darkest days. Bryce graduated from…
Now that tax season is in the rearview mirror, it’s time to check off one last item on the financial to-do list – looking for unclaimed assets. Unclaimed assets could include anything from property to cold hard cash. Sometimes it might be a safety deposit box, a remaining credit on a closed utility account, an…
In the heart of Highlands Ranch, abreast almost 50 acres, sits a hidden gem, the Highlands Ranch Mansion & Historic Park. More than 100 years of living history is palpable in this majestic 27,000-square-foot castle, grounds and gardens. The views are also remarkable. From the second story veranda, the visitor experiences the trifecta –…
While enjoying the Memorial Day holiday weekend with family and friends – whether hiking, barbecuing, mowing the lawn or just relaxing – remember why this holiday is very significant. It is a time to stop and think about the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, protecting our freedom. In remembrance,…
For many, Argentina is complicated. It is the eighth largest nation in the world, with many notable events and rulers – Juan and Eva “Evita” Peron, the Falklands War and national debt defaults. Yet she is one of the richest agricultural nations on the globe and has a national majesty of mountains and plains that…
Springtime brings warm weather, blooming flowers and farmers market season. Markets have evolved into community social events for families, friends and the growers. Fresh vegetables, fruit, baked goodies, flowers, plants, honey and beverages are a few of the items available. Shop for farm-fresh seasonal produce while wandering through markets chatting with the vendors and farmers…
Tweet Kimball loved Cherokee Ranch & Castle; after her death, she never left. Tweet worked with Diarmid Campbell, a landscape architect, and together they designed a memorial garden near the Castle as her final resting place. Construction on the memorial garden began around Tweet’s death in 1999, but the planning was completed well before. The…