Read the stories from the latest issue:
We often share our life stories with loved ones: friends or family or maybe in a journal. But it was a gift given to Knightsbridge neighbor and Castle Pines Connection graphic designer Tim Gamble, that had him reflecting on all of his past experiences when he wrote and published Funny You Should Ask …Tim…
Tap-tap. Tap-tap. This is a sound some residents have become quite accustomed to—the pecking of a woodpecker on their house. These birds can cause damage by drilling holes in wood siding and stucco, and can create quite a racket by hammering on almost any part of the house, even seeking out metal surfaces for maximum…
Legacy Village residents and guests shared in a community Christmas luncheon and holiday celebration filled with festive fun. The halls were decked, carols were sung by the Dickens Carolers and participants took selfies with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. “It was a wonderful time for family and friends to join in the holiday fun with the…
I have decided to love January. It is a season of turning inward, a chance to reset and regain my focus. There’s something so refreshing about putting all the holiday décor away, giving the floors a mop, and taking stock of what I’ve spent the last year storing in the closets, the cupboards and even…
Delaney Stafford is excited about all the incredible things 2025 will usher in. The high school senior plans to cherish every day she has left with her classmates and friends at Valor Christian High School (VCHS)—especially her remaining time on the lacrosse team. The Ventana neighbor has much to celebrate, overcoming cancer as a child,…
As the new year begins, the excitement and joy of the holiday season now passed, the long, cold winter months ahead can start to feel daunting. For Coloradans, avoiding cabin fever can be quite easy, as any adrenaline junkie or winter sport enthusiast would agree. Take to the slopes, strap on a pair of skis…
Reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the new year can be powerful motivators to set a fresh course with personal milestones in mind. Whether your goals are related to your health, finances, career or relationships, experts agree that success, no matter how small, is more likely with SMART goals, the acronym for…
January is peak season for citrus fruits, so why not bring a burst of sunshine to winter days? This sweet-sour, brightly colored group of fruits offers many health benefits and is easy to include in many recipes. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and keeps skin smooth…
For the second year in a row, Rock Canyon High School’s (RCHS) junior varsity (JV) cheerleaders won the statewide contest in the co-ed routine. The competition, called the State Spirit Challenge, is hosted by Flip and Shout Competitions and is held every December at the Denver Coliseum. “RCHS JV cheer has amazing strength and they…
Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) is home to champion wrestlers. This year’s team made school history by going undefeated and winning the Douglas County School District’s (DCSD) middle school tournament. District competitions are the highest-level of wrestling tournaments within DCSD. Eighth-grader Mason Enquist won first place in his weight class every year of middle school.…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) recently took fourth grade students on a field trip to the History Colorado Center in downtown Denver. The annual outing is one of two activities culminating the semester-long social studies unit on the history of Colorado. The other event is the Colorado Days celebration which took place on December 17.…
The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) varsity dance team won in the state competition for the second year in a row. This is the seventh state win for the program; RCHS dance holds the most state titles in sports at RCHS. “This year’s varsity Dance Team is a dream team,” stated coach Christina Leone who…
The Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) music program spread joy throughout the school and community this past holiday season. On December 6, and led by choir instructor Camille Ringenberg, the students performed for the school and then for their families who joined in for favorite songs like “Fifty Nifty United States” and “The Bat.” Fourth grade…
Last fall, third graders at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) learned economics and empathy through Project Based Learning and Social Emotional Learning programs. This annual class curriculum not only teaches students how to budget, save and prioritize, it allows them to practice kindness and generosity by helping a family or two in need during the holidays.…
Before the holidays, American Academy (AA) hosted an all-school toy drive for A Precious Child (APC), a nonprofit based in Colorado that helps families living in poverty. At the end of the two-week toy drive, AA collected more than 1,300 new toys. “It was incredibly impressive to see everything come together on the last day,”…
Landing a perfect golf shot As the peak months of play for the golf season quickly give in to winter, avid golfers may wonder how they can feed their kind of green diet. Vinay Patidar, owner of Over Flyte Denver, invites locals and visitors to come experience indoor golf simulators and work on their golf…
Kiran and Seshu Velpuri have lived in Colorado for more than half of their lives and would not change their path together. They have embraced American culture while also keeping with their native country’s traditions. “Seshu and I came from India, but Colorado is our home,” said Kiran. “It’s been a good mix.” The couple…
Have you recently noticed work on transmission lines around Castle Pines? Xcel Energy is rebuilding approximately 25 miles of 115-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines connecting the Palmer Lake, Castle Rock, Crowfoot Valley, Happy Canyon and Daniels Park substations in Douglas County. This includes work on the lines that go through areas of Castle Pines. The transmission lines…
The Canyons will soon be home to a new private clubhouse and open-to-the-public restaurant, the Canyon House. Located adjacent to the community’s swimming pool just north of The Exchange Coffee + Conversation, the Canyon House will be the future hub for community events, fitness and recreation. Look for a future article in The Connection for…
During the City of Castle Pines council meeting in November, the City Council approved Phase 1 improvements to Coyote Ridge Park. Improvements were based on feedback collected during the 2024-2025 public engagement process about future park planning. These improvements, estimated to cost nearly $4 million, focus on enhancements in three areas: Accessibility and mobility improvements…
In October, Castle Pines was one of ten communities honored by Communities of Excellence 2026 (COE26), a nonprofit organization that hosts a learning collaborative of communities across the country. COE26 trains communities in the Baldrige-based Communities of Excellence framework, which provides opportunities for communities to work together, share successes, challenges, ideas and best practices. This…
Listed below are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Wednesday, December 25. For items sent to addresses in the contiguous United States (lower 48 states): First-Class mail service: Dec. 18 Ground Advantage service: Dec. 18 Priority Mail service: Dec. 19 Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 21 For items sent to addresses in Alaska and…
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is taking steps to enhance public safety in Castle Pines by increasing the number of deputies on patrol and dedicating more resources to traffic enforcement. Sheriff Darren Weekly has responded to concerns voiced by residents, particularly about speeding, aggressive driving and the need for better traffic control in the…
Douglas County Libraries (DCL) announced the recent installation of whimsical, outdoor art at its Castle Rock location, 100 S. Wilcox Street. The playful pieces add a fresh burst of creativity to the library’s Aloha Plaza East. Designed by Jeffie Brewer of Nacogdoches, Texas, the sculptures serve as an inviting focal point for visitors to enjoy…
5280+ Senior Corales at Parker Advanced Integrative Medicine AdventHealth Castle Rock A Five Star Limousine Alice + Kate Boutique Bakery American Academy Anderson Farms Andraos Construction AriClean Art & Soul LLC – Holistic Expos As You Wish Audience of One Youth Theater Barrett Financial Group Bath Tune-Up of Castle Rock Big Life Integrative Health Black…
The Rotary Club of Castle Pines (RCCP) hosted Major General Jerry E. White at a September gathering: 9/11 Remembered and Reevaluated. The commemoration, held at Cielo at Castle Pines, celebrated the military career of General White and recognized the service men and women affected by the terrorist attack. More than 70 guests attended, including community…
Vaquero resident Karen Johnson has been working passionately for two decades to bring tenants in need of sober living to group homes for their recovery. Karen is currently working with Oxford House, a nonprofit dedicated to this cause. She described her position within the housing plan as “being the middle link,” connecting individuals to housing…
The Burns family loves baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers, specifically. And it was no better year to be a Dodgers fan than this one. Village residents since 2016, Brian and Mindy with children Cora, Wyatt, Carter and Graham are obsessed with the Dodgers. It all started in southern California. Brian grew up in LA and…
Stop the Bleed is a national program that teaches non-medical professionals the basic skills and techniques to stop someone from bleeding out after an accident or traumatic incident. It is a 90-minute class that is like a CPR certification; neither are intended as full medical training. The class “empowers people to help themselves and help…
Brenda Djorup is the essence of the Proverbs phrase, a woman who is “clothed in strength and dignity.” Brenda has experienced loss probably more than most: her previous husband, three siblings and her son. Despite these tragedies, she loves life and gets up every day with hope for a joyful day. With her gentle faith,…
The World Health Organization did a study that found that expatriate retirees live longer, healthier lives compared to their western counterparts. Erma and Bill Huston embody this notion; they traveled the globe for 30 years to find the secret to happiness and a fulfilling retirement. “Follow your geography of bliss to plant roots,” said Bill.…
Remember Cale Williams? He is the 17-year-old Rock Canyon High School senior from the Forest Park neighborhood who shared his story of faith, friendship and overcoming cancer with The Connection in 2022. He wanted to say thank you to all those who rallied and prayed alongside him. This fall, Cale decided his Eagle Scout project…
The longest night of the year is December 21. Historically, cultures around the world mark the winter solstice with fear and trepidation: creating celebrations of light to banish the dark; or with an attitude of hope and renewal: observing the gradual beginning of longer days. We feel the dichotomy of endings and new beginnings. So,…
Baking goodies and celebrating with family and friends are common traditions for the holiday season. But Colorado is home to some other unique traditions, too. NORAD tracks Santa In 1955, a misprinted phone number from a newspaper sent young callers to the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center in Colorado Springs instead of to Santa…
Douglas County Libraries (DCL) presented its Forest of Stories for the third year in a row: 175 Christmas trees decorated with book themes that are displayed throughout the seven county libraries. The Forest of Stories serves as a festive way to promote books and reading. With growing popularity for the tradition, DCL has expanded its…
Eleven-year-old boys enjoyed a recent trip to Casa Bonita in Lakewood. Gabriel Salas, who attends DCS Montessori, stated, “Casa Bonita is a very beautiful place with music, food and lots of fun. I loved seeing the cliff jumpers and the musicians playing but what I loved most was the food.” By Hollen Wheeler; photo…
Bin Blessed celebrated its ninth year in business at an anniversary party held at Cheryl and Mike Porter’s home in the Village. Founded by Cy DeBoer, Bin Blessed works with There With Care, a nonprofit that provides thoughtful and fundamental services to families and children during the critical phase of a medical crisis. Cy and…
December is filled with holiday traditions, events and celebrations. There is much to do nearby (check out our December E Guide) and here are some additional ideas: Blossoms of Light and Trail of Lights Enjoy a dynamic display of light and color and a winding path glistening with lights at Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of…
Canyons Community Church 4825 Crowfoot Valley Road, Castle Rock canyonscc.org Hope Lives*: December 21, 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve: Candlelight Service, December 24, 4 p.m. Castle Oaks Covenant Church 826 Park Street, Castle Rock castleoaks.org Longest Night of the Year*: December 20, 7 p.m. Christmas Eve: December 24, 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Castle…
Dear Mrs. A, It might be old fashioned to talk about thank you notes, but I think we should have a quick reminder before the holidays. – Holiday Happy in The Hamlet I absolutely love that you are Happy in The Hamlet and I love that you’ve asked for a refresher around gratitude…
As the year ends, we are reflecting on the hopefulness that is all around us. In 2024, we featured 11 nonprofits in our Angels Among Us segment. These organizations, and the people who serve them, provide an incredible impact to our community and beyond. Special thanks to all for taking time to visit and allowing…
With floppy ears and the face of a teddy bear, it is no wonder people stop to say hi to Bo, compliment him and ask questions about his breed. “Walking him in public places is like walking with a celebrity,” said Scott Ungar, Bo’s dad, who lives in the Village with fiance Carol Lail. Bo…
Sixty-eight million years ago, red sandstone spires in the Fountain Bedrock Formation, moved from horizontal to the vertical in Roxborough, much like the Garden of the Gods. Later, it was a highway for dinosaurs. Later yet, 35 mammoths would meet their demise there. A parched land unsuitable for agriculture, what it lacked in the…
Legacy Village of Castle Pines hosted a Veterans Day celebration on November 11 for all residents and their guests. Upbeat musical trio, The Hoagies sang classical melodies to include the service songs from each military branch. Sven Hillring of the American Military Living History Association brought his personal collection of artifacts from World War I…
When purchasing chocolate for holiday recipes, there are many types to choose from. What differentiates semisweet from bittersweet? Why is white chocolate softer than milk chocolate? Is dark chocolate really better for us than the others? Here are some answers… The base of all types of chocolate is chocolate liquor, sometimes called unsweetened chocolate. This…
This is it. December: the big show for people like me who love to go into the kitchen and really make a mess. One of my favorite traditions is making goodie plates to gift to friends, neighbors, and co-workers, determining just the right ratio of sugar-cookies-to-fudge-to-cinnamon-twists. Of course, there’s more to holiday feasting than just…
Competitive, successful, challenging and blessed. These are just a few words from Valor Christian High School coaches and players to describe the girls first-ever flag football season. The team placed third in the state. “We were truly blessed going 15-3 and losing in the state semi-final game,” said Coach Bronson Stewart. “We defeated both the…
The holiday season conjures up remembrances of gatherings with friends and family and often the aromatic scents of the season. Our sense of smell is strongly linked with memory and the holidays are chock-full of these warm aromas. Plus, many spices contain antioxidants, flavonoids (compounds found naturally in plant products) and other beneficial compounds. Here…
Crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance — Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Links rental 5. Mother-of-pearl 10. Vatican vestment 13. Birthplace of 7 U.S. presidents 14. Arm of the sea 15. Hip bones 16. Soprano’s embellishment 18. Coward of note 19. Reply to a captain 20. Past (archaic) 21. Pretentious sort 22. Jack,…
American Academy (AA) – Castle Pines celebrated incredible heroes throughout Douglas County with a warm welcome, thank you and a breakfast on October 28, National First Responders Day. The Douglas County Helitack Team was the special guests and surprised the school with a helicopter landing on the AA field while students and staff watched from…
Kindergarten registration for the Douglas County School District’s 2025-2026 school year will begin the week of December 2. Incoming students must turn 5 on or before October 1, 2025, to be eligible to start kindergarten. Enrollment dates and times vary for our area elementary schools. American Academy’s enrollment lottery will take place on Thursday, December 5.…
Toni Fortson Merfeld visits Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) once a year, at the end of September. She has visited the school for more than two decades as a way to remember her son, Wesleigh, who was a student there. Wes lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 9; he was in the…
The Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) speech class has risen to new heights. The student podcast Drastic Plastic received an honorable mention in the middle school category of National Public Radio’s (NPR) 2024 Student Podcast Challenge. RHMS is the only middle school in the state to receive the honor. To make the recognition even more…
Beginning in first grade, Jackson Renberg wanted to be an entrepreneur; he even made a fake business nametag and decided Zing was a good company name. Fast forward a few years to 2020, when Jackson was 9 and home during the lockdown, the innovative and creative kid decided to try his hand at making soap.…
Teachers play an invaluable role in the lives of children: what they teach, their relationships with students and by creating a safe space for learning. For 18 years, first-grade teacher Julie Schade has played a significant role in the lives of Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students and families. Julie is known to be compassionate and…
Making a living spreading joy “How can we serve our community and how can we bring joy to others?” Longtime Colorado residents Stephanie and Matt Mendrala wanted to give back to their community in a way that resonated with their life experiences. They discovered they could make a living spreading joy. Life has a way…
From 1999 to 2002, Jeremy Gamble and Nicole Tobey were back door neighbors in HOA1. Jeremy was 5 and Nicole was 6 when they first met. As youngsters, the two frequented each other’s homes and have great memories of playing PlayStation with Nicole’s siblings, looking at the stars through her family’s telescope, and playing with…
Which words come to your mind when you think about our veterans? Maybe gratitude, honor or sacrifice? It is hard to describe the gift veterans give us. In Douglas County, there are nearly 20,000 veterans and more than 300,000 in Colorado. “In many communities, a veterans’ meeting place, sometimes called a ‘Veterans Hall’ or ‘Post’…
If you are wondering where to vote in the upcoming 2024 General Election, drop off your ballots at a ballot drop box location or go to a polling location to stand in line; both options by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5. Most 80108-ers will drop their ballot at the drop box behind the Douglas…
The Colorado Department of Revenue recently announced how much eligible Coloradans can expect to receive in TABOR surplus sales tax refunds in 2025. All taxpayers who file a 2024 income tax return will automatically receive the temporary income tax rate reduction: 4.40% to 4.25%. In 1992, voters in Colorado approved the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights…
If you know a Douglas County veteran needing emergency assistance with housing, food, transportation, employment, mental health care or other urgent concerns, direct him or her to the Douglas County Veteran’s Service Office (VSO). Funding received from a grant from the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for eligible vets is available for the…
HealthONE, one of the largest networks of hospitals and specialty health centers in the Front Range, announced a new name in October: HCA HealthONE. HCA HealthONE united more than 170 care sites under one name. The network offers care delivered through seven acute-care hospitals, a dedicated flagship pediatric hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, CareNow® urgent care…
Special thanks to Wanda Ford and Kathryn Fountain for hosting their annual community shred event, with voluntary donations benefiting Disabled American Veterans (DAV). They shredded more than 5,500 pounds of paper products and collected $6,551 in donations for DAV. Caption and photos by Terri Wiebold
It has been 10 years since the ALS organization’s ice bucket challenge, where more than 17 million people across the globe dumped ice water on their heads to raise awareness and donations for ALS; $115 million was raised for research and for care for those living with the disease. Castle Pines City Councilman Chris Eubanks…
More than 300 people joined in the fifth annual Paul’s Mystery Ship to End ALS walk at 105 West Brewing Company in Castle Rock. The event honors the memories of those who have lost their battle with ALS, promotes advocacy through awareness of ALS, and offers support for families facing ALS together, “keeping hope, kindness…
A vibrant sense of community is one characteristic that sets Castle Pines – the 80108 ZIP code more specifically – apart from other Colorado communities. Neighbors know each other, they spend time together and they support each other. If you are a new resident, you have likely already experienced this firsthand. The same holds true…
Tuesday, December 10 is Colorado Gives Day (CGD), a day to celebrate and support Colorado nonprofits. Although year-round giving is important and easy, CGD remains an annual tradition of Coloradans as a year-end push to donate to important causes. The CGD voice provides a platform to spread awareness for all types and sizes of nonprofits.…
The Rise Up Malawi annual fundraiser was held at Top Golf in Centennial in October. More than 150 golfers participated to support educational programs for children in the world’s fourth poorest nation. “In Malawi, education is not a right, it is a miracle,” said Megan Mathis, co-founder and director of the nonprofit, who lives in…
Amy and Michael Ruppeck moved to a home off of Happy Canyon Road almost nine years ago where Michael could be the curator and inventor of his unique and inventive works of art. They both wanted a place that would celebrate their raw, edgy style with the peaceful quaintness of the mountains. Their midcentury mountain…