Read the stories from the latest issue:
Courtesy photos Driving throughout the Castle Pines community, the American spirit is evident – even when it is not a holiday. We canvassed the community on a random day in June and captured these photos. If you see your flag pictured in the photos below, email Editor@castlepinesconnection.com to receive a surprise gift.
Article and photo by Kathy Fallert It starts with Otis sounding the alarm, “Rooo! Rooo! Roooooooo!” The rumble of thunder is faint, but it’s enough to get his attention. So much so that he interrupts his relentless chomping and grooming of Tebow’s ears. Otis looks at me. He looks at my husband. He looks at…
Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photo To study Douglas County’s early history is to dig into events around the headwaters of Plum and Cherry creeks. Nowhere is it more colorful than the upper Plum Creek basin, where John Perry, Ben Quick and John Kinner harnessed their lives to the spectacular high-country meadows. In…
By Stacie Chadwick Long before I understood if I would, should or could have children, I knew that my firstborn daughter would be named Grace. And so she was. Prior to that, before my husband and I had yet to lay eyes on each other, I further knew that “Amazing Grace” would be the cornerstone…
By Terri Wiebold This month we go retro with our pop culture, and for good reason – everything old is new again. The award-winning animated musical and educational series Schoolhouse Rock! was released on Disney+ last month, sharing the magic with a whole new generation. Admit it – you are singing, “I’m just a bill,…
By Lisa Nicklanovich Whether you say The Fourth of July, Independence Day or simply July 4th, the day includes celebrations that go back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. In 1776, on July 2, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain. It was two days later that delegates from…
A reader sent in this note in response to our “Castle Pines Rocks” story from the June issue.
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photo One absolutely, positively cannot oversell northeastern Spain. The environs of Barcelona, Bilbao and San Sebastian are simply exquisite with cultural, gastronomical and urban attractions among the finest in all Europe. It was in 1979 that a friend insisted I visit his birthplace, Barcelona. The 1888 World’s Fair…
By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of the Mendus family While summer 2020 is unlike anything anyone anticipated, the community is having no problem coming up with enjoyable replacements to the usual, fast-paced break from school. From enjoying the outdoors to hanging out with family and friends, this summer gives many the time…
Article and photos by Loryn Wallbridge, intern writer Parks in the Castle Pines community are open for play from dawn until dusk. The splash pad at Elk Ridge Park is also open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The water feature allows kids and adults to play in water fountains and cool down. Due to…
Colorado is known worldwide for its picturesque outdoor living. Whether white water rafting down river rapids, camping in remote areas, mountain biking rocky trails or riding horses through beautiful vistas, love for the state’s wilderness is shared by many. The Roundup Riders of the Rockies Heritage and Trails Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was created out…
Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) is both a cool term to greet another and a popular water sport that all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. Unlike traditional surfing where the rider waits until a wave comes, SUP boarders stand on boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the…
Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard The aspen is arguably the state’s most recognized tree. From the crowd-drawing vibrant yellow leaves that quake in the breeze topping showy white trunks, the groves of aspens throughout the state are considered part of the largest singular organism whose life force is found underground in the extensive…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of the Manley family Homeowners in the Castle Pines community don’t keep a for sale sign in the yard long; many don’t even have to stake a sign before interested buyers come looking to purchase. Add in highly-rated public schools and amenities like trails, parks and pools, and buyers…
To beat the summertime heat Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A few days ago, a near-tragedy struck our household. I had my taste buds set for something light and tropical. I marinated some chicken, sliced up a pineapple, and then put everything back in the fridge for a quick marinade. The beauty of a…
It happens to all of us. After years of acquiring items to make a home and a life, you realize there’s too much stuff. What can you do with it all? The first place to start is family, think mementos and memorabilia. These items can be passed on to the next generation, whether that means…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Rachel Powner A Rock Canyon High School alumnus and recent CSU graduate, Rachel Powner is looking forward to starting her job with Lockheed Martin Space in the subcontracts divisions. Her area of specialty, supply chain management is a hot topic right now. Consumers have seen empty shelves in the…
Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik When the Clingman family heads out for a spin in their 1929 Ford Model A, they often get a lot of stares. Mark, the proud owner of the heralded Henry Ford classic, appreciates all of the attention the car receives and the memories it evokes. It’s not often one…
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of the Gormley and Fries families A small group of Surrey Ridge friends joined together for a Rare Sisters Fun Run and barbecue on May 31. The hosts, Jeanne and John Gormley, raised their incredibly close-knit and devout family in the neighborhood where they have lived for 42 years. In…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Elise Kemp In May, Elise Kemp, who grew up in the Castle Pines community, graduated from Whitworth University. While finishing her bachelor’s degree in political science, Kemp cultivated her vision for making an impactful and meaningful difference in the lives of men, women and children caught in a…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Carly Markowski Twins Will and Carly Markowski have spent the past seven years volunteering with Colorado To Ghana, a locally-based nonprofit organization founded by area teacher and tennis coach Ben Wolfe. The siblings started volunteering while in the sixth grade and continued through middle and high school. They have…
By Biz Hansen; courtesy photos For eight summers, Ben Wolfe, ‑local teacher, tennis instructor and coach, has been running The Village at Castle Pines youth tennis camps. With the purpose of promoting the sport of tennis, each year the numbers continue to grow. This June was no exception, as 40 kids signed up to play…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos For parents whose kids have been home since school let out for spring break, summer, in some ways, feels like it’s been in session for months. When summer swim team leagues were canceled, there was real concern that pools may not even open for the summer. Those same parents…
By Lynn Zahorik, photos courtesy of the Timlin family As baseball fans, we long for a sunny day or starry night at the ballpark. We miss munching on a box of Cracker Jacks or a bag of peanuts. Most of all, we miss the boys of summer. In the absence of America’s pastime, we bring…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Derek Chen When Derek Chen and Charlie Fu attended Rock Canyon High School, they were surprised to learn how expensive tutors for the SAT and ACT standardized tests could be. Knowing how important these tests were to a student’s future, and feeling it was unfair that tutoring was so…
Mrs. Abramovitz, would you talk to us about good manners at home? -JL What a great question and what a great time to ask it. It’s interesting that we are often more polite to strangers than to our own family members. It might be that the people who are closest to us will love us…
DCSD amid budget cuts By Carin R. Kirkegaard Annually, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) must have an approved budget by July 1, the start of the new fiscal year. Given the current economic and social environment, the budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year proved to be exceptionally difficult. As a result of shortfalls at…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County is sponsoring electronic recycling events this summer. On Wednesday, July 15 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., staff will accept electronics for recycling at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in the Town of Castle Rock. This opportunity is co-sponsored by the Douglas County School District and will be held…
By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of the Castleberry family With nine decades of life to his credit, Solomon Castleberry has led a storied life driven by his dedication to his country and his family. As we pause to recognize fathers of all ages this Father’s Day, we are especially proud to celebrate 94-year-old Solomon Castleberry…
Information provided by Douglas County The Douglas County Motor Vehicle (DCMV) offices are currently offering online, phone and paperwork drop boxes for motor vehicle transactions like license renewals, registrations, titles, plates, permits, disability placards, identification cards and driving records. Follow these three steps to complete your motor vehicle transaction: STEP 1: Select one of the…
By Patte Smith; crime prevention tips provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Vehicle break-ins are on the rise in Douglas County, and the Castle Pines area is not immune. From March 16, 2019 through April 12, 2019 there were 56 auto trespasses reported in Douglas County. In 2020, for the same time period, there…
Information provided by the DCSO Do you use private video surveillance at your home or business that records video? If so, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) would like to partner with you to help solve crimes. Video surveillance is one of the best methods for apprehending criminals and convicting suspects who are caught in…
By Terri Wiebold What would have been the 30th annual Castle Pines community garage sale will not happen this year – at least not in the way it has in years past. Historically, the Castle Pines North Master Association (MA) sponsored and coordinated a community garage sale in May and again in September. For the…
Information provided by Douglas County Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for Douglas County. Prohibited activities include open burning of any kind and use and sale of fireworks. Allowable activities include: 1) fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fireplaces within buildings, charcoal grill fires within developed residential or commercial areas, and fires within wood…
Council approves property subdivision; future City Hall site By Terri Wiebold; graphic provided by the City of Castle Pines Castle Pines City Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 20-12, subdividing the Lagae Family Trust property located at the southwest corner of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway. The vote came following City staff’s recommendation and public…
Welcome to the community Article and photos by Shaun Kernahan Bruce Ringgenberg, majority owner and manager of Berg Haus, Castle Pines newest bar and grill is no stranger to opening and running a successful restaurant. In 2009, he was living in Minnesota when he sold his successful financial services company and jumped on the street…
The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce has kept its mission at the forefront these past several months, as we have worked to support local businesses in our community. Reopening and recovery are a welcome opportunity to begin a “new normal” in our personal and professional lives, while following thoughtful guidelines put in place to keep…
By Steve Whitlock; courtesy photos Have you been outside recently and noticed painted rocks along your walk? This simple act of kindness is making an impact on communities across the country. Some have taken it upon themselves to simply brighten the day of neighbors with inspirational messages, while others are involved in more organized rock…
By Stacie Chadwick Having spent more time on this Earth than I’d like to admit, I’ve learned a few notable lessons. One of the most important is that, despite the most carefully laid plans and just when you least expect it, life changes. When a bump in the road interrupts a fully-flushed endeavor, a natural…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Jim Taylor There are nearly 100 distilleries located across the state making handcrafted liquor, including some of Colorado’s own whiskey. Resident Jim Taylor has been touring some of the local venues, sampling from their tasting rooms and refining his taste for a top-shelf, handcrafted whiskey. Taylor admits that…
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Craig Miller, CPNMD Parks & Open Space manager Communities throughout Douglas and Elbert counties, as well as other areas of Colorado are worried about the brown trees, evergreens and shrubs that look like they are dying. Readers take heart and do not dig up or cut down your trees…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner We parted in Warsaw last month. No history of Poland is complete without knowing it once was the center of a Nazi killing field. The pre-war Jewish population was huge, as Poland was the most religiously tolerant country in Europe. The Holocaust began when Nazis rounded up the Jewish…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos The cocktail hour was an institution after Prohibition when alcohol became legal again. We can all picture men in the 1950s coming home from a long day at work to a waiting Manhattan or a martini to signify the transition from work to home. In recent years, 5 p.m. seems…
By Carin Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of the Kasal family New neighborhoods continue to grow and develop in the Castle Pines community. The lure of contemporary floor plans and new construction has many longtime homeowners in the original Castle Pines neighborhoods curious and questioning whether to purchase a lot and start a new home construction, or…
By Terri Wiebold “Karen” is not only the given name of hundreds of thousands of intelligent, kind and beautiful girls and women, it is a name – much to the chagrin of real Karens worldwide – that has become the essence of the latest meme that has taken pop culture and social media by storm.…
Article and photos by Kathy Fallert With warm weather finally here, we ventured out to Chatfield State Park. If you haven’t taken your dog there, it’s a must-go for dogs who like water. Having two web-footed Labradors, it’s a sure stop for us. They absolutely love it and will swim until they drop. As a…
Thoroughly Modern Manners – Ask Mrs. Abramovitz Dear Reader, How about a last-minute party? Are you ready? We find ourselves underscheduled for once, and we’re all just ready to bust out the hospitality. I’m not talking about cleaning the house and hosting a multi-course meal, I’m talking about friendship and togetherness, not entertaining or impressing.…
By Lisa Nicklanovich There are many popular books that have been adapted to film recently, giving us the opportunity to see how the same story can be reimagined and beloved characters brought to life. The following film adaptations have been released to streaming platforms for rent or purchase due to theater closures. Check for film…
Information and photos provided by Cy DeBoer Bin Blessed, a grass roots organization that collects donations for families with critically ill children through the nonprofit There with Care, has partnered with Peak Refreshments to help fill the gap of services that have been canceled in recent months. Neighbors in the Castle Pines community were able…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard, courtesy photo Homelessness is a prevalent, growing and evolving issue. For those individuals experiencing life on the street, there may be a stigma of prejudice and ridicule that creates isolation and vulnerability. Facing Homelessness: Denver (FHD), a Douglas County-based nonprofit, is working to end homelessness by inviting the community to be…
By Lynn Zahorik; courtesy photos One of the most coveted graduation gifts is a T-shirt quilt that showcases all of the many activities and community events within a child’s school career. In 2017, a group of moms with soon-to-be graduates who had been working on picture collages for Rock Canyon High School’s senior hall realized…
By Bryan Goodland When times are economically tough, people look for creative ways to make ends meet. An option known as a reverse mortgage is a financial strategy that is often considered by older homeowners on a fixed monthly income. A reverse mortgage is a loan that a homeowner borrows against the value of their…
Unfinished symphony By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photo Hotel Nanichant was completed in 1889 to accommodate visitors to the planned Village of Lake Wauconda, its Native American name meaning echo. In 1891, Bela Hughes’ son-in-law, Charles Roberts, built his own home there calling it the Manor House. It is still in use today as the Perry…
By Bryan Goodland; Photo courtesy of Paula Kirkegaard Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the man who kissed your skinned knee or cheered your star performance in the grade school production of “Annie.” How do you celebrate someone that has done so much? Here are five very personal gift ideas to consider for your…
Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski Many area farmers markets have opened for the season, and more are scheduled to open this month. Before you grab your shopping bags, familiarize yourself with these few helpful tips: Shop with an idea or list of what you need to make your shopping trip as quick as possible.…
By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photo Every kid knows treats taste better when the kids get to decorate! Children are excited to show off their creations and to share their goodies with those they love. The Yingst children recently shared a delectable treat with their family on Mother’s Day. In keeping with the house rules, mom,…
By Steve Whitlock; photos courtesy of the Kuna family Finding innovative ways to spend their time, Keller Kuna (13) and Aaron Perry (13) are creating outdoor furniture from recycled skis. It was a need they readily identified and addressed, shared Kuna. “We saw that a lot of people had old skis in their garages and…
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Journey Church In 2018, Denver Street School (DSS), located across three campuses in the Denver metro area, received a grant from Journey Church Legacy Fund. The school is an alternative high school that is fully accredited and serves at-risk youth. Over the years as the church has grown, Journey…
By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of the Kamel family Faith, family and fitness are the pillars that frame Perry and Lindsay Kamel’s world. These three cornerstones have continually defined the Kamels’ lives. Active members of Journey Church, the Kamel family is community conscious. They moved to Castle Pines 14 years ago from Maryland after looking…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; Photo courtesy of the Liepins family “There is nothing better than seeing a flower open or the top of the kohlrabi appear,” said Donna Gordon, a community resident who spent 10 years overseeing an organic garden as part of her job as curator of education at the Littleton Museum. “Many children don’t…
By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Marco Fields Taking a break from her back-to-back Zoom business calls, Marco Fields started our interview with, “I’m a storyteller, and I have lived an amazing life!” Marco was born in the early ‘70s in Los Angeles and grew up in a small conservative college town in Utah. With…
By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of the Gallegos family As a critical care nurse in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sky Ridge Medical Center (SRMC), Kathy Gallegos’ days are long. Not merely because of the 12 hour shifts she works, but also because of the magnitude and number of events Gallegos encounters each day…
By Shaun Kernahan; photos courtesy of Kelsey Cristiano Kelsey Cristiano, a 2007 graduate of Rock Canyon High School’s inaugural class, will have her athletic prowess featured June 10 on the Fox network’s new game show, Ultimate Tag. The show debuted in May and is hosted by the NFL’s Watt brothers – J.J., T.J. and Derek.…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos With graduation ceremonies postponed and many typical traditions canceled, school administrators and parents were challenged to find ways to celebrate graduates. Families “adopted” seniors throughout the community, delivering treats and inspirational words; schools blanketed neighborhoods with yard signs commemorating continuation for many grade levels; chalk messages decorated driveways and…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos Last month we featured graduates in the 80108 ZIP code from traditional and private Douglas County high schools. The Douglas County School District provided the list of graduates. The following 80108 students also graduated in the Class of 2020 from STEM or secondary schools. Any names/schools not in the…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Debbie Rochau As part of the curriculum for the significant support needs (SSN) program at Rock Canyon High School, students learn life skills that they can carry with them after high school. Before the Douglas County School District transitioned to remote learning, students were shopping for cooking ingredients at…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos Just as high school commencement ceremonies looked different this year, so too did local elementary and middle school continuation celebrations. Rocky Heights Middle School moved its traditional slideshow online, sending eighth graders off to high school using technology. American Academy honored eighth graders by placing a sign of congratulations…