Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Linda Johnson Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) fifth graders delivered hand-crafted holiday cards to bring some cheer to the residents at Legacy Village in the City of Castle Pines this holiday season. “The hand-made cards were a warm wonderful surprise for our residents,” said Jamie Agnew, life enrichment director of…
Melds Flavors of Hawaii, Colorado and Chile By Chris Michlewicz The fusing of flavors found in traditional dishes from several cultures might seem like a wild idea – until you taste the results. Ohana Grille has quickly become the place to go in Douglas County for Hawaiian-fusion food. Since opening in Castle Rock in November…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Brad Proulx The Belgian Malinois, pronounced MAL-in-wah or “Mal” for short, are a high-energy herding dog breed who love to put their intelligence and intense focus to work. The breed loves being active, learning new skills and spending time with their owner. Their willingness to conduct multiple training sessions…
Article and photos by Chris Michlewicz Development activity continues at a feverish pace in the Castle Pines and Castle Rock areas, and a popular burger joint is among those slated for completion in the coming months. In-N-Out Burger, an Irvine, California-based chain whose few Colorado locations have stirred curiosity and appetites, is in the final…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard While most of the elections in Douglas County last month had a clear margin of victory, the City of Castle Pines mayoral race came down to the wire, putting the democratic process to the test. With rankings changing following every incremental count and a margin of only 22 votes ultimately determining…
Information provided by Parker Water & Sanitation District Many residents in the City of Castle Pines will be getting a new water service provider next year, and in preparation for the transition, here are a few things you may want to know: Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) will continue normal operations until January 3,…
Information and photos provided by American Academy National First Responders Day is October 28, and it is a day to honor all of those serving on the frontlines. Grateful for their service and sacrifice, American Academy students welcomed and celebrated local first responders with morning coffee, breakfast, high fives, and fist bumps and handmade class…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; graphic provided by E-470 Public Highway Authority One of the many positives for those living in the Castle Pines community is location. With easy access to I-25, the main artery running north and south and just minutes from the bisecting E-470 tollway, residents can easily navigate the Denver metro area. Drivers…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard The holiday season is well underway, which means anyone looking to send holiday gifts and greetings should get their packages and cards sent. For residents looking for close shipping options, the Castle Pines community offers two choices – United States Postal Service (USPS) and The UPS Store. United States Postal Service…
Information provided by Douglas County Parks, Trails and Building Grounds Holiday trees may be recycled at free facilities located in Douglas County. The trees are mulched, and the mulch is available at some locations for residents while the supplies last. Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, plastic wrap, tree stands, wire, rope, and nails…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Paige Sanford Leyna Sanford, a fifth grade student at Timber Trail Elementary submitted one of the 20 winning names as part of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Governor Jared Polis inaugural Name that Plow contest. Kindergarten through fifth grade students across the state submitted their most creative…
Friendship leads to a flourishing business Longtime friends Desiree Moore and Amber Long have been the business owners of The Woodhouse Day Spa located in the Village Shops in Castle Pines since April 2011. The two met while working for the same physician’s office 20 years ago. Long has a background in dermatology, and Moore…
2B Organized 80108 Wine & Spirits Advanced Integrative Medicine Aloha Cleaning AriClean AR Workshop Arthur Porter, Attorney at Law Aspen Tide Design & Staging Autobahn Bandimere Speedway Beau Thai II Bellco Credit Union Berg Haus Black + Haus Tavern Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood Bonsai Nursery Boy Scout Troop #316 – Castle Pines Brandon…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos Elean Gersack and her husband Michael have lived in the Castle Pines community for nearly 20 years with their two children, both of whom are now attending college. After exiting the corporate world many years ago, Elean has continued to provide communications support and freelance writing through her consulting…
Information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and the City of Castle Pines have joined forces to introduce Winter Wonderland at The Ridge golf course – two weeks of holiday festivities in the City. You can also find holiday fun in The Village at Castle Pines. Below…
By Steve Whitlock; photo courtesy of Lior Lapid National Master Lior Lapid, the director of PALS (Play, Achieve, Learn, Succeed) Chess Academy, has a 25-year proven track record of teaching, coaching and mentoring chess students. Lapid said, “We think of chess as an educational tool that has the power to enrich children’s lives both on…
By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Brad Proulx As a sergeant in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) K-9 unit, Brad Proulx is living his boyhood dream. As a child, Proulx visited his grandfather at work, as a dispatcher for the Colorado State Patrol. Those visits and the stories his grandpa shared, helped set Proulx’s…
By Stacie Chadwick When I was 2 years old my parents got divorced. I was lucky in a way, because at the time I was too young to understand that separation, at its most basic level, is the physical manifestation of pain being split in two. By the time I’d turned 5, mom had remarried.…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photo The Castle Pines Connection has teamed up with The Pet Stuff Place, Animal Care Center of Castle Pines, Camp Bow Wow – Castle Rock, Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, The Last Paws, Fetch! and Bina Photography to bring you the ninth annual Cutest Pet in the Pines contest. We…
Hanukkah, the Jewish eight-day, wintertime Festival of Lights, began on Sunday evening November 28 and continues through Monday December 6. Christmas services and worship times vary throughout December and are celebrated at area churches. Here is a list of local services for Hanukkah menorah lighting and Christmas. Chabad Jewish Center of South Metro Denver 9950…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Anna Spitzer WyldLife is a Young Life Christian ministry group geared toward middle school students. It is often called a party with a purpose, and all Douglas County middle school kids are invited for a few hours of fun and conversation about what matters in life. This year’s winter…
Dear Reader, It is the gift giving season and a perfect time to address the art of the thank you. A “thank you” is defined as a note of gratitude, and I would add that it can be an act or an expression. According to William Arthur Ward, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of the Sedalia Historic Museum and Gardens Jarre Canyon in Sedalia has been a prolific source of Douglas County history, attracting those among the most dynamic men and women of the County. So too, with Esme Harcourt Williams Couch. Charles Harcourt was born in Blatherwycke, England in 1869. Immigrating to…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Erica Aizenman “We bought the house for the lot,” said Erica Aizenman of The Village at Castle Pines home that she and her husband bought four years ago. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, the home had mountain views, trees covering the property and protected space behind the…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard Every month for the past six years, The Connection has featured a different nonprofit organization with ties to the Castle Pines community. The goal behind this segment is to introduce our readers to a variety of organizations that are the “angels among us.” The belief is that those who are doing…
Information provided by DCCF The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) believes everyone deserves to live a productive and fulfilled life, and we recognize that everyone needs help from time to time. Colorado’s largest single day of philanthropic giving is Tuesday, December 7. Douglas County Gives brings together more than 40 organizations that recognize the strength…
serves up coffee, goods and lots of joy By Elean Gersack; courtesy photos Wellspring Community (Wellspring) has been a constant source of hope and joy in the Castle Rock area since 2008. Adults with disabilities are empowered through in-person and virtual enrichment opportunities, including life and leadership skills, arts and performance, physical fitness and enterprise…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo There are people who read voraciously and those who like to read occasionally – grabbing a book at the airport to read on vacation. Books can provide an escape from reality allowing the reader to learn a new craft, discover a piece of history, or expand their mind while relaxing…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Once the largest steel town west of the Mississippi, the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company dominated Colorado as its largest employer for a century. Founded by William Palmer to manufacture rails for his trains, it attracted skilled laborers from all over Europe. Now owned by Russian EVRAZ, a marvelous…
A grown-up take on a childhood favorite Article and photo by Lisa Crockett This time of year is full of food nostalgia. Most of us, even the Scroogiest among us, have a few seasonal favorite foods come December. Whether it’s your grandmother’s sensational cornbread stuffing or your dad’s shrimp jambalaya, the holidays are all about…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett INGREDIENTS 1 cucumber 1 large carrot, peeled Jarred roasted red pepper Jarred capers Prepared vegetable dip 3-inch wooden skewers DIRECTIONS Trim either end of the cucumber. Then, use a vegetable peeler along the side of the cucumber to create long, thin slices (don’t slice the seedy center, but you…
By Nancy Koontz; photo courtesy of Freda Moore It takes a special person to be a caregiver to a loved one who is caught in the state of Alzheimer’s limbo. Freda Moore, resident of The Village at Castle Pines and caregiver for her late husband Bill Moore knows firsthand the challenges that Alzheimer’s disease creates…
Information provided by Seniors’ Council of Douglas County Seniors’ Council of Douglas County (SCDC) is very pleased with the response from participants of the inaugural Every Age Counts! amateur poetry contest. Several amateur poets from the Castle Pines community and the surrounding areas contributed poems to the contest. “We received over 30 entries from poets…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Erica Aizenman The Village at Castle Pines resident Erica Aizenman and her husband Matt have long-time ties to the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and never thought they would leave. Erica grew up in New Jersey. They both attended college in New York and both…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Mira Brand Originally from the Netherlands, Mira Brand came to the United States on a tennis scholarship where she played for Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. It was at college that she met the love of her life, Cort, and they are living happily ever after in Castle Pines.…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Maria Luckmann Maria Luckmann’s teaching career was somewhat accidental. She thought about teaching while at the University of Kansas but changed her mind. As an undergraduate student, she switched her major a couple of times, first declaring interior design, then moving to elementary education. Neither was a good fit…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Brynne Casto and Chris Todd Former American Academy – Castle Pines (AA) student Brynne Casto is now a junior at Rock Canyon High School. She has always shared a deep-rooted love for the ocean and marine life, and her first trip to Costa Rica with AA was the perfect…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Lara Mark The Ladies 9 in the Pines 9-hole golf league has been fundraising for breast cancer causes for 25 years, but the last two years’ events were game changers. The committee went from raising $15,000 in 2019 to $45,000 in 2020 and a whopping $100,000 was raised this…
Join Monday, December 13 at The Exchange Coffee House, located at 1415 Westbridge Drive in Castle Pines, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for an open house to learn more about the DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation and its plans for a world-class ice arena in the City of Castle Pines. Beer, wine and light hors…
Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Whether it is taper candles, pillar candles, a candle in a jar or tea lights, who doesn’t love lighting a candle and enjoying the flame, a sense of calm and one’s favorite scent? It seems simple that a candle is made with just an ignitable wick, wax, and possibly…
On November 7, resident Stacia Wilkins not only fulfilled her dream of running in the New York City (NYC) Marathon, she also finished 14th in her age group (55-59) out of more than 600 finishers and 10th in her age group for the U.S. finishers. Wilkins is a 7-time Ironman triathlete and self-proclaimed “adventure seeker.”…
By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photo The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) football season came to an end in mid-November, and Jaguar nation has much to be proud of in 2021. This season is the first time they advanced to the second round of the state playoffs. The last time RCHS was in the state playoffs…
Information and photos provided by Castle Pines Athletics Young athletes in Castle Pines started playing NFL flag football in the City of Castle Pines in fall 2015. The sport has gained popularity over the years and has been a hit with community youth in both fall and spring seasons. The 2021 fall season wrapped up…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos The boys varsity soccer team at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) had an outstanding season and a coach who inspired success both on and off of the field. A 30-year veteran of coaching and teaching, Coach Aaron Carpenter (known to all as “Coach Carp”) finished the 2021 season 14-3-1. The…
Article and photo by Celeste McNeil The Douglas County School District (DCSD) held a “One Book, One District” event in early November. The book chosen to foster community building across the entire district was Outside, Inside by LeUyen Pham. The committee selected Outside, Inside because it is a “beautiful, timely, and very highly reviewed book…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori Mystery History celebration is a DCS Montessori (DCSM) yearly tradition among its upper elementary students. Scheduled close to Halloween, traditional costumes of superheroes, witch hats and goblin attire are traded in for costumes depicting historical figures. Celebrating the 20th annual Mystery History event, students dressed as historical…
By Claire Bauer, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Zoë Danilchick On October 30, Rock Canyon High School’s (RCHS) marching band arrived at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs ready to compete. After a summer packed full of band camps, practices ranging from six to eight hours at a time, weeks of after-school…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Wenda Wilson As a part of project-based learning curriculum, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) teachers Lisa Hess’ and Wenda Wilson’s second grade students became entrepreneurs for a day, incorporating economic terms and ideas into a marketplace of student-run businesses developed and produced collaboratively with their business group. Fellow first graders…
By Julie Matuszewski Kindergarten registration for the 2022-2023 school year is as follows: Buffalo Ridge Elementary will begin accepting kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year on Wednesday, December 1. Registration information and documents are available at www.buffaloridgek5.org. Additional questions may be directed to the main office at 303-387-5575. Timber Trail Elementary will begin accepting…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of American Academy American flags lined the walkways of American Academy (AA). All veterans of the AA extended school family, including their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, were invited to a pancake breakfast served by the AA Rebel Citizenship students. A running video of current and past veterans played as…
By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photos Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) second graders recently hosted some special four-legged guests, Top Hogs. These performing pigs helped the students round out their recent literature unit. The second grade team read Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, the classic story of Wilbur the pig, and his barnyard friends, especially the spider,…
By Hollen Wheeler; photos by Tim O’Connor and courtesy of Justin Davis Hundreds of trick-or-treaters, kids of all ages and costumed pets ventured out to celebrate the fun and frolic of the season at Fall Fest 2021. On Saturday, October 23, the City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted a…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Koelbel and Company Regional efforts to increase the availability of attainable housing are resulting in incremental progress toward a goal to create a place where people can work and live. Affordable housing has been a topic of discussion at the state, county and municipal level for years, and more…
By Chris Michlewicz; renderings courtesy of Life Time A proposal to build a Life Time fitness center in Castle Pines could spur the start of more commercial and retail development on the City’s east side. The company submitted a site improvement plan for city review on October 22 for Life Time at The Canyons, a…
What to expect … Information and graphic provided by Colorado Department of Transportation The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced it has entered its fourth and final year of the I-25 South Gap highway construction. The entire project cost is $419 million and is expected to conclude in November 2022. CDOT expects the project will…
Major amendment to The Canyons Planned Development – Planning Area 7 (PA7) – for a school. By Chris Michlewicz; graphic by Tim Gamble A change to development plans for The Canyons neighborhood in the City of Castle Pines is expected to provide more flexibility in determining the best locations for future schools to serve the…
Information provided by Douglas County Governor Polis appointed Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon to the state’s new Colorado Forest Health Council. The 26-member Council to which Laydon was appointed is a volunteer stakeholder body that will advise the governor through the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources and the Colorado General Assembly on…
Information provided by Douglas County Local residents looking to make a difference in the community have an opportunity to serve on one of Douglas County’s many citizen advisory boards, committees or commissions. From the Cultural Council to the Planning Commission, volunteer members provide subject matter expertise and experience that is vital to the County’s decision-making…
Article and photo by Patte Smith The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) contracted with a storm drainage company to clean up and reconstruct two drainage areas adjacent to a stretch of I-25 near Castle Pines and the Surrey Ridge neighborhood. The CDOT approved plan had been delayed for the last year and a half. The…
Information and photo provided by Colorado Department of Transportation The first dusting of snow has already happened in the Castle Pines community. As residents travel throughout the state and along the I-25 South Gap construction zone between Castle Rock and Monument, here are some helpful reminders for the winter driving season ahead: Ensure vehicles are…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of DCSO Eric Rhymer has been a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputy for the last two decades. He’s held the school resource officer (SRO) position at American Academy (AA) since 2019. Rhymer started as a civilian detention specialist before DCSO sponsored him at the police academy. After his commission…
By Mindy Stone; photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Nails Plus is a family-owned full-service nail salon that recently opened along Castle Pines Parkway. Jimmy Dang, the majority owner and operator, previously worked at a salon in the same shopping center. Jimmy’s sister Tina, who is the owner of Castle Pines Day Spa in the Village…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos Rachel Poe is a Colorado native and graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in anthropology. She loves spending time outside enjoying nature with her three horses, Kairi, Rebel, and Merlin, and time inside reading, writing, and creating with her rescue cat, Misty, curled by her side. Tim…
Article and photo by Terri Wiebold The business of being a community servant is a tricky one and often times a thankless one. So, this month we give special appreciation to the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and the City of Castle Pines for the amazing work they do behind the scenes to make this…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos November 11 is Veterans Day, one day out of the year that honors all those who have served in the U.S. military. The U.S.S. Grayling Memorial, located at Sloan’s Lake in Denver, honors a World War II submarine lost in action in the waters of Manila Bay. Her monument represents…
By Patte Smith With the rising costs of food, merchandise and gas, as well as a continuing pandemic this holiday season, it is important to consider fellow neighbors who may need help this year with a hand up. Crisis Center and Help & Hope Center are two organizations within Douglas County that provide vital services…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos The holiday season is here and there is no better destination for browsing, shopping, dining and ultimately relaxing than Denver’s posh little enclave, Cherry Creek North (CCN). Southeast of downtown between University Boulevard and Steele Street, CCN is a “mixed-use” district with everything from haute cuisine and couture to specialty…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner My wife and I just returned from a fall colors trip out east. We went, expecting to see the Catskills and Finger Lakes of New York floundering economically, as much heavy industry along the Erie Canal has fled. What we discovered instead was a renaissance in process. Old towns,…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Jan Agrafojo-Levy and Mira Brand Pablo, Pablocito, Pablo Picasso or even Pablo Escobar depending on the day, may look like he has doodle (a cross between a poodle and another dog breed) in him, but he is 100% a Portuguese water dog (PWD). PWDs were bred to be an…