Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Fern Adams The town of Sedalia has been a backdrop to many remarkable life journeys. It speaks highly of Douglas County’s allure that a disproportionate number of talented people would put their roots in the area. One of the more fascinating sagas is that of Dr. Minnie Celia Francesca…
Information and photo provided by Mount Rosa Chapter of the DAR The Mount Rosa Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) presented a National Certificate Award for Community Service, American and Colorado flags, and a check from Mount Rosa for $100 to James Holmes, the executive director of the Cherokee Ranch…
Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week February 15-21 and RAK Day February 17 by showing appreciation for others, taking action when others are in need and instilling kindness in the community. Resident Judy Manley shared, “Castle Valley is full of random acts of kindness! The surprises were wonderful – my neighbors dropping by items…
Article by Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos Years ago, I consulted for Swedish battery manufacturer, OPTIMA. Normally, a fair-weather traveler, a meeting at headquarters called me to Stockholm in the winter. What a treat. Since industrial grade winters are the norm, Swedes prepare through their traditions, entertainment venues and infrastructure. Fear of cold and snow does…
By Chris Michlewicz; courtesy photo Most in-person book clubs are on hiatus due to the coronavirus, but avid readers are finding a new way to consume and discuss books with some of the most talked-about celebrities of today. Literati, a virtual book club with a star-studded twist, has spent recent months entertaining kids and adults…
Dear Reader, Let’s take a minute this month to talk about the origins and different kinds of etiquette. Etiquette goes all the way back to the French courts of the 1600-1700s. Story has it that the head gardener of Versailles was having trouble keeping the courtiers from traveling off the footpaths and wandering all over…
By Stacie Chadwick At face value, success in sales is about setting goals, defining a quota and hitting numbers. There’s a mathematical rhythm to the work, and words like “target audience,” “lead generation” and “conversion rate” serve as first language influencers on a path toward achievement. Recently, I met a lovely older gentleman named John…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Megan Mathis Castle Pines residents may have crossed paths with “the morning fox” on a neighborhood walk through the community. Not an actual fox, rather Kitsune (Kit), a 5-year-old Shiba Inu, a popular Japanese breed whose name translated to English literally means fox. The Shiba Inu breed is still…
Photo by Chris Michlewicz While this Hidden Pointe resident is a prairie dog and not a groundhog – although from the same squirrel family of rodents (Sciuridae) – he reminds us that February 2 is Groundhog Day. According to the oracle that is Wikipedia, Groundhog Day is “a popular North American tradition observed in the…
Helping those with disabilities find their path By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Arc Thrift Stores A new donation station in the City of Castle Pines helps a nonprofit that has risen to prominence thanks to the hard work of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Arc Thrift Stores is a statewide chain known mostly…
By Shaun Kernahan; courtesy photo The state of Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, and the same goes for birdwatchers. Douglas County happens to be one of the better places in the state for a beginning birdwatcher or an avid one. According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, there have been more than 200 species of…
Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Douglas County Libraries (DCL) reached a record-breaking number of digital book checkouts in 2020, surpassing the one million mark last November. This milestone highlights the continued growth and importance of the library’s digital lending of e-books and audiobooks, especially in a year that included building closures due to the…
By Bryan Goodland; courtesy photo Ask any kid if they’d rather eat a piece of chocolate or a serving of Brussels sprouts – does the question even need to be asked? Everyone wants to eat things that taste good, but as adults we understand that not everything that tastes good is actually good for the…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Rina Castanon Have you noticed an increase in your snacking this past year? Though snacks are nothing new, snacking more often and snacking healthier is. The increase in snacking is due to a number of reasons. No doubt, everyone has been home more with easy access to the kitchen…
Information submitted by Colleen Morton, R.N., Castle Rock Senior Activity Center Wellness Coordinator; Photo by Terri Wiebold A steamy cup of tea on a cold, snowy day can be the perfect solution to thaw a winter’s chill. Tea is not only known for its warming properties, studies have shown drinking a cup of tea has…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; graphic courtesy of Shari’s Berries Sweets are a standard when planning a romantic experience, whether it’s a slice of decadent cheesecake to cap off a delicious candlelit meal, chocolate dipped strawberries served fireside, or even a box of premium chocolates shared with a sweetheart. Washing all that sweetness down with a…
Rice so nice you’ll eat it twice Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I’ve been logging more than my share of TV hours lately. Luckily, the folks at Netflix launched some new selections last month, saving me from a sad, rerun filled existence. One series, “Best Leftovers Ever” is a particularly relevant show, given that…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Ingredients Purchased two-bite brownies (or make your own in mini muffin pans) Jumbo marshmallows Strawberries, rinsed, topped, and allowed to dry Jarred hot fudge sauce (room temperature) Bamboo Forks Directions Stack marshmallows and strawberries on top of brownies and secure with a bamboo fork. Put hot fudge sauce in…
By Bryan Goodland; courtesy photo Like any relationship, marriage is subject to ups and downs. The key to staying connected in a partnership is communication. Oftentimes, it’s much easier to sit down in front of the television or a good book and get lost in another world. It takes effort to keep communication alive and…
By Patte Smith Scientists studying the brain are on both sides of the aisle when it comes to touting playing brain games as a way to improve memory. It does not take a genius to realize that using the brain to its maximum capacity is a benefit for everyone. An article from the National Institute…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Lori King Growing up in west Michigan, Lori King was torn between athletics and art. “I struggled figuring out who I was in high school. I was very active in sports, but I also loved art. My athletic friends thought I was weird, and my art friends thought it…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos Upon meeting Geri Cline it’s easy to believe she has been teaching students, not just in traditional school environments, but in other more challenging places. What you would not believe is that she thought there was no life after 50. Cline cared for her mother in their hometown of Moultrie,…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Barbara A. Lane A Castle Rock woman with a passion for creating and connecting with people was selected as Zontian of the Year. Barbara A. Lane, who has lived in the Sapphire Pointe neighborhood since 2004, received the honor from the local chapter of the Zonta Club, an international…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo The Village at Castle Pines resident Stephanie Tanner called intermittent fasting (IF), “life-changing.” “I have lost more than 35 pounds since I started IF a few years back, and I am in the best shape of my life. I am a breast cancer patient and my doctor was impressed with…
2021 registration is open! By Patte Snith; photos courtesy of the Village Idiots Cycling Club Make a difference in your community Meet new people and have fun Explore local ride opportunities and adventures Raise money for charities the club supports Welcome a wide range of cycling abilities Join the annual out-of-town adventure ride Work side-by-side…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; Photos courtesy of Castle Pines Running Castle Pines Running club recently headed up Waterton Canyon for the group’s sixth annual New Year’s Day run. The group that braved the crisp wintery morning was rewarded with quintessential Colorado views as they trekked up the canyon for a round-trip run. Rob Harris, one…
By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos Students at Douglas County School District (DCSD) elementary schools went back to full-time, in-person learning last month. As of press time, DCSD was still working on a plan to return middle and high schools to a hybrid model. In the meantime, kids at DCSD middle and high schools have been…
Thursday, February 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Licensed clinical social worker Nick Thompson is a dynamic and entertaining presenter with a unique perspective on helping students cope with social media, school and helping them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Thompson has been working with students and families for more than 13…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Jen Murdock-Jacoway and Claudio Ramos Students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary school showed they can persevere and enjoy “regular” school activities, even if the way they participate shifts to wearing face masks, face shields and physical distancing. 2020 brought a record number of students who tried out for the annual…
By Claire Bauer, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photos Having fun and finding light in dark times is often difficult, but rarely unachievable. Students attending online school at home, restricted from seeing friends in person and struggling with the shutdown of many sports and extracurricular activities, have demonstrated it is possible over the past several months.…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori The Douglas County Libraries (DCL) Battle of the Books (BOTB) is one of DCS Montessori’s (DCSM) favorite programs to compete in. Although this year’s traditional program was canceled, DCL introduced a fun alternate program which allowed more students to participate. Traditionally, BOTB is a rigorous program that…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy American Academy (AA) continues to support law enforcement and is appreciative of their presence in the Castle Pines community. In honor of January’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputies and AA school resource officer Deputy Eric Rhymer were invited to the Castle Pines…
Information and photos provided by DCS Montessori DCS Montessori (DCSM) middle school math and science students participated in a science, technology, engineering and mathematics project where they designed a pedestrian bridge out of toothpicks with the ultimate goal to hold a heavy weight-bearing load. The project challenged students to explore truss and structural framing designs…
if too long separate and put as a subhead above writer’s name I used Heading 3. by Patte Smith Copy paragraphs pasted here. If you see a pullout quote in the story from the paper, add between a paragraph you feel it will fit well with. The type is Heading 3 or 4 your choice…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Diane Demis Diane and Peter Demis spent their Thanksgiving weekend rescuing a mother cat and her five kittens from under an electrical shed along Interstate 225. Diane, a resident of The Village at Castle Pines, is a mother of two and a self-proclaimed animal lover. She and her…
By Chris Michlewicz; graphics courtesy of North Canyons Partners It’s been roughly one year since the first resident took occupancy in his home in The Canyons neighborhood on the east side of the City of Castle Pines. This first phase of development provides a glimpse into what’s to come in the next few years. One…
By Elizabeth Wood West; courtesy photo Douglas County voters elected a new commissioner in November to fill former District II two-term Commissioner Roger Partridge’s seat. They chose someone who has strong community and public service roots – George Teal. Teal’s public service began with the U.S. Army, where he served for 10 years and was…
Information provided by Douglas County On December 23, 2020, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment granted Douglas County a variance that would allow some local businesses to have indoor patrons up to 25% of their normal capacity – including restaurants (see related story page 33). The variance is contingent on the County’s ability…
Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Patrons of Ziggi’s Coffee in Castle Pines were in for a treat the morning of Friday, December 17, as the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) showed some warm gratitude by handing out Ziggi’s gift cards. Sheriff Tony Spurlock along with five deputies caught up with residents in the drive-thru…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of the Colorado State Patrol A contactless way for motorists to share their identification, vehicle registration and proof of insurance with state troopers has arrived in Colorado. The Colorado State Patrol, which conducts law enforcement on interstates and some state highways, began accepting Colorado digital IDs on November 30, 2020.…
By Chris Michlewicz Potential revisions to the City of Castle Pines Comprehensive Plan could put a greater focus on improving roads and encouraging economic development. Every five years, the City of Castle Pines takes a look at its comprehensive master plan to see what language might need to be added or adjusted. In recent months,…
Italian simplicity with a rustic touch By Kathy Fallert, photos courtesy of Lasinda Crane October 1, 2020 was a special day for Jimmy and Lasinda Crane, owners of Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant in Lone Tree. It was their 20th wedding anniversary. Together for 27 years, the couple lives in Highlands Ranch, as do their three kids,…
By Chris Michlewicz The use of QR codes has grown in popularity in recent months as a way for businesses and organizations to conduct day-to-day interactions while complying with public safety and social distancing protocols. QR codes, the square-shaped black and white barcodes, are read by the camera on your smartphone. Simply pointing the camera…
Information and photos provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce provided holly and jolly cheer at its annual holiday event for community families. As most things in 2020, this year’s event looked a little different. In lieu of an in-person pancake and bacon breakfast, the chamber hosted the…
For the purposes of this publication, the 80108 ZIP code (pictured in yellow to the right) is considered “Castle Pines” and is part of our saturation mailing for all single family homes and businesses. Because the U.S. Postal Service periodically reconfigures the courier routes for area ZIP codes, our distribution sometimes changes unexpectedly. If you…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard The traditional family scrapbook filled with snapshots of the first day of school, the birthday boy blowing out his candles on the cake, the 16-year-old posing with their license to drive, or kids burying their dad in the sand at last summer’s beach vacation is one way to preserve your family’s…
By Shaun Kernahan; courtesy photos It has been just over a year since the Castle Pines community welcomed its newest dental practice, Dental Muse and Dr. Yuliya Rabinovich. Daughter to a mother who ran a dental practice in her native country of Latvia, it is no surprise Rabinovich found herself entering into the dental world.…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos Castle Pines business owners Theo and Ashleigh Civitello, Nicole Gregory and Sarah Phillips recognized an increased need that so many local families faced this past holiday season. Knowing what a hard year 2020 had been for so many, the Civitellos, Gregory and Phillips took on the role of Santa’s…
Information and photos provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Volunteers from the Castle Pines community met at Legacy Village the weekend before Christmas for a night of family caroling, filling the crisp night air with beautiful harmony. Legacy Village provided holiday sheet music and hot cocoa for the performers who met in various…
Information provided by Douglas County; photos courtesy of Mira Brand Was there anyone who wasn’t ready to say goodbye to 2020 and bring in the New Year? On December 19, Douglas County residents were treated to two 30-minute, high-in-the-sky fireworks shows from locations at Rueter-Hess Reservoir in Parker and near Rocky Heights Middle School in…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo Go on an African safari, skydive, stroll the Cinque Terre, or write a novel…most people have life goals or wishes for the future. Collecting a list of goals, dreams and aspirations one would like to experience in their lifetime is a life list. Some may call it their bucket list.…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos Residents Brynn Vaughn and Jill Fenton, both avid readers, discovered a way to read a wider variety of books, stay connected and have a little fun, healthy competition with book bingo. They came upon a bingo card on Pinterest three years ago that had categories of books in the squares,…
advocates for kids during toughest times Article and photo by Chris Michlewicz When the worst of the worst happens to a child, there’s a team dedicated to getting them justice and access to every available recovery resource. The work by SungateKids is without a doubt some of the most difficult there is, but there’s also…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Mira Brand A celestial phenomenon known as the “Great Conjunction,” in which Jupiter and Saturn appear close to one another in the southwestern night sky, was seen over Castle Pines last month. Also known as the “Christmas Star,” December 2020 was the first time in almost 800 years that…
The Castle Pines community unquestionably loves its pets. This is evident by the number of dogs that join their people walking the neighborhood streets, taking in the beautiful Colorado weather and landscape. After eight years of seeking the cutest pet in the pines, The Connection has seen the love our community has for its cats,…
Congratulations Rocky, the 6-month-old English black Labrador who lives with his family, Mike, Maria Isabel, Sofia (9) and Emilia (5) at their home in the Hidden Pointe subdivision of the City of Castle Pines for winning the Cutest Pet in the Pines honors for 2020. Rocky’s favorite treat is a good pig’s ear. He loves…
By Stacie Chadwick I have a confession to make. It doesn’t involve holding a feature spot as perp of the day on nextdoor.com, stealing the crust off my husband’s homemade pies or anything that would land me a lead role on Snapped. It’s actually pretty benign. I’m on vacation. As I write, I’m watching the…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo January is the month many of us work to undo the cookies and eggnog, the sitting inside while it snowed, the stress of the holidays, and well, the stress of the entire previous year. Fera Butts, a Functional Medicine Practitioner at the BESANA Health and Wellness clinic in Sky Ridge…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo by Krysta Parr Winter is one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs, according to the American Red Cross. Cold weather, holiday schedules, and illness result in fewer donations during winter months – which is why January is National Blood Donor Awareness…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos In 1859, Sarah Coberly operated a halfway house rest stop in Huntsville, on the stage road to Colorado Springs. Husband James died early of an Indian arrow in Franktown. She had three daughters, Hersa, Mattie and a third, the adopted Lizzie Fields. Hersa first met the gallant Silas Soule as…
Community mother-daughter teams work to make a better community By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of the Elevation Chapter of National Charity League Douglas County’s Elevation Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. (NCL), was founded in 2018 and serves more than 112 local philanthropies. NCL’s program is based around leadership development, community service and cultural…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Sandwiched softly between Brazil and Argentina is Uruguay, a compact, laid-back progressive republic. Independent since 1828, she is stable and urbane. Likened for decades as a Switzerland without the mountains, Uruguay still remains under the radar of all but the most seasoned traveler. Big mistake. To visit makes for…
Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Who doesn’t want to know the secrets to living a long, healthy life? The Blue Zones, areas of the world that boast the most people who live to be 100 or more, provide some insight into some of those secrets. Author Dan Buettner wrote an article for National Geographic…
Dear Reader, I look to the New Year with much enthusiasm. A new year, a fresh start, and a perfect time to discuss the state of modern manners. According to my absolute favorite Miss Manners the incomparable Judith Martin, we will “not let you off from sending letters of thanks, answering invitations, and refraining from…
By Patte Smith with information provided by Colorado State University Extension Colorado is experiencing a very dry year with little moisture. Winter months can be hard on trees, shrubs and perennial plants. The dry weather conditions the community is experiencing can damage root systems of plants and trees. To help prevent damage, plan to water…