Read the stories from the latest issue:
Information provided by Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic “I believe that water is the only drink for a wise man.” – Henry David Thoreau An adult human brain contains about 60% water, and to keep the brain healthy, individuals need to keep it hydrated. The adage of drinking eight glasses of water a…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Leslie Ludolph Leslie Ludolph looked forward to golfing on the lush, hallowed grounds of Pinehurst golf course in North Carolina last year. Like many others, her trip to the regular PGA Tour stop was canceled due to the coronavirus, but the plans are only temporarily on pause. Ludolph and…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Angela Carlson “Follow your passion” is a phrase commonly used when looking to pursue something new in life. Growing up with entrepreneurial parents, resident of The Village at Castle Pines, Angela Carlson has always stayed curious and explored things that sparked her passion. Previously a neonatal nurse practitioner, Angela…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Jane Lenz This month, Jane Lenz celebrates 30 years with the Douglas County School District (DCSD). A Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) teacher of 15 years, Lenz opened TTE’s Significant Support Needs (SSN) program in 2007. “Where hearts and minds connect,” is more than just a phrase on the walls…
By Steve Whitlock; photos courtesy of Holley Ferrel Two girls in the Castle Pines area have made a big difference sewing masks and donating them to those in need. Annabelle Martin and Brooke Ferrel have sewn more than 500 masks together. Annabelle says, “We were given an opportunity to make them for Operation We Can…
By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of the Grant family This January 1, head outside to get some exercise and enjoy the beauty of nature. First Day Hikes are held throughout the country and at participating Colorado state parks. Visitors can take self-guided tours on the trails in the parks. Some of the parks offer fun…
By Shaun Kernahan; photos courtesy of the Jones family The biggest hurdle in the life of a 14-year-old should be transitioning to high school, but for Ashley Jones, it was the biggest and most impactful year she had ever encountered. It started one evening when she was at a neighbor’s house babysitting. It wasn’t until…
By Chris Michlewicz With some fitness centers currently limiting capacity due to restrictions, millions of people are looking for ways to exercise at home. Fortunately, there have never been more do-it-yourself options to stay or get fit. The new year brings with it resolutions to exercise more, and whether there is follow-through depends on many…
By Julie Matuszewski: photos courtesy of Briea Berry The sound of the holidays was alive in the Glen Oaks neighborhood of Castle Pines. A group of talented students from Timber Trail Elementary and Rocky Heights Middle School produced and performed a 20-minute outdoor holiday performance for their families, neighbors and their instructor, Douglas County band…
Information and photo provided by American Academy Students Westley Green, Louise Green and Kiera Meyer all love to sing and participate in school plays. This year, the American Academy Castle Pines campus held a musical-themed holiday door decorating contest. These talented Castle Pines students wrote and performed their rendition of The 12 Days of COVID.…
Article and photos by Celeste McNeil Fourth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary traditionally invite parents into the classroom to showcase their research skills and knowledge of Colorado history. As with everything else this year, the showcase looked a little different than in the past. This year the showcase was completely virtual. Students learned broadly about…
By Brett Wiebold; courtesy photos In the age of Teslas and Zoom meetings, it’s difficult to picture a world moving at a snail’s pace. Bandwidth limitations are infuriating by modern standards, and who doesn’t feel a pang of annoyance when it takes more than a few seconds to download an email? Not so long ago,…
Could it pass through Douglas County? Article and photo by Chris Michlewicz A proposal to bring passenger rail service through Douglas County as part of a larger Front Range transit effort could be gaining steam. The State of Colorado’s Southwest Chief & Front Range Passenger Rail Commission is looking at three possible routes to connect…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; chart provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment According to a public health order issued by Governor Polis, Douglas County moved to the level red category (severe risk) on the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s (CDPHE) COVID-19 dial effective November 20. The six colors indicated on…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard This holiday season will likely see more online shopping, which means anyone looking to send holiday gifts and greetings should get their packages and cards sent early. For residents looking for close shipping options, the Castle Pines community offers two choices – United States Postal Service (USPS) and United Parcel Service,…
By Chris Michlewicz The roots of a novel idea to enable businesses to directly help their own community are growing out of Castle Pines. The concept behind the Community Impact Fund, a nonprofit founded by Castle Pines resident and technology development entrepreneur Judah Musick, is simple but profoundly effective. Businesses of all sizes want to…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines and Douglas County Both the City of Castle Pines and Douglas County recently announced the establishment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) grants to provide financial assistance to local small businesses. City of Castle Pines – The City’s grant will reimburse small…
Crafter discovers her career in a most serendipitous way Debbi Haynie, 19-year resident of the Stonecroft neighborhood in Castle Pines, has lived in many places throughout the United States – including Arizona, Nebraska, Texas and California. “Growing up, my dad worked for Hormel, so we moved about every four years,” Haynie reflected. Debbi and her…
Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik; courtesy photo In a time where the word “frozen” refers more often to a record breaking movie than weather conditions, a castle of ice will be drawing a lot of attention this winter in Summit County. Making its fourth appearance in the small town of Dillon, just 90 miles…
Article and photos by Chris Michlewicz A restaurant that combines an immersive travel-by-train experience with hundreds of board games is entertaining stir-crazy families and groups of friends during challenging times. Game Train, located in the Promenade Shopping Center on the southeast corner of County Line Road and University Boulevard in Highlands Ranch, opened in April…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of the Luber family As a kid in suburban Detroit, Jayson Luber would listen to the radio and dream of being an on-air personality. He thought about how incredible radio could be, how it transports listeners to a different world, and he’d walk around with a tape recorder, narrating the…
By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photo Pets provide health benefits. According to studies, pets can increase fitness, lower stress and improve happiness. Service dogs encompass all of these abilities, and combined with training to perform specific tasks, help individuals with disabilities. An emotional support animal (ESA) provides comfort just by being with a person. An ESA…
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, Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez, and State Farm Insurance – Nick Ainsworth to bring you the eighth annual Cutest Pet in the Pines…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo Historic trains are a special experience while viewing colorful Colorado and learning about its railroad history. There are several scenic train rides throughout Colorado, some on narrow gauge tracks. Several lines offer themed and seasonal excursions, including special Christmas and Polar Express trains, so be sure to check each website…
By Patte Smith As of press time, it was unknown whether in-person services will happen this year. In recent months, many congregations have transitioned to virtual church services. The following are included because of their proximity to the Castle Pines community or because they have contacted us directly and requested to be included. Check specific…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard For the past five years, The Connection has featured a different nonprofit organization with ties to the Castle Pines community in our Angels Among Us segment. The goal is to introduce our readers to a variety of organizations that are doing the daily work of providing assistance for those in need,…
In conjunction with Colorado Gives Day – the annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy – the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) features Douglas County Gives as a way to support local nonprofit organizations and keep contributions and donations in our community (see E Guide insert page 13). Douglas County Gives is a DCCF…
By Bryan Goodland Many people grew up with a small model train circling the Christmas tree. In the 1800s the railroad and trains were an integral part of everyone’s lives. Trains provided access to an ever-expanding nation and an opportunity to build wealth in a time when industry was burgeoning. As the railroad industry grew,…
By Lisa Nicklanovich Like everything this year, gift giving might look different this holiday season. At the heart of it, giving a gift is a way to reconnect with the people we care about. This year has presented many challenges in connecting with our loved ones, so thoughtful gifts will be especially appreciated. Some ideas…
Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photo Singapore, you say? I first visited Singapore in 1987 and last in 2017. It stunned my senses both then and now. Once a tiger-infested malarial swamp claimed by the British in 1795, Singapore became a republic in 1965 when it detached from Malaysia. By 1987 under its…
Mrs. Abramovitz, would you talk to us about holiday tipping? – CC Yes, dear ones, tipping can be one of the most stressful and confusing aspects of etiquette; add in the holidays, and it can become overwhelming. The holiday season is indeed upon us, and this is the time Americans choose to thank those who…
By Lisa Nicklanovich The description inscribed on the book jacket of the beloved holiday book The Polar Express cannot be said better: “A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole. The Polar Express makes its way through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Mindy Burns Of the 500 books Graham Burns has “read” so far, his favorite is That’s Not My Elephant… or any of the Usborne touchy-feely books by Fiona Watt. Graham is 4 1/2 years old, and with his mom’s help, he has taken on the 1000 Books before Kindergarten…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos Before Castle Rock and New Memphis were settled, a traveler on the First Territorial Road (Daniels Park and later, Santa Fe), would have seen a circular stock pen owned by John Craig. Craig’s small community became known as Round Corral. When William Palmer’s Denver & Rio Grande Railroad puffed through…
an outdoor adventure into the past Article and photos by Claire Bauer, intern writer; courtesy photo Colorado is home to many historically rich sites that were once hubs of commerce, but now offer beautiful outdoor adventures. Take Boreas Pass, for example. It’s a picturesque road named after the Greek god of the north wind, located…
Information provided by Douglas County Christmas trees may be recycled at free facilities located in Douglas County. Trees are mulched, and the mulch is available at some locations to residents while supplies last. To recycle Christmas trees, remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, plastic wrap, tree stands, wire, rope and nails before recycling. Trees that…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos If you are lucky enough to have family recipes handed down to you, whether they are handwritten recipe cards, newspaper clippings or in an email, you know it’s a responsibility. You want to keep these family heirlooms safe and accessible for future generations to use and enjoy. Just as there…
Holiday pancake mix for festive gifting Article and photo by Lisa Crockett It’s the time of year when indulgence is on the menu, and no holiday tradition embodies this idea more than a delicious breakfast. What’s more celebratory than starting the day with special once-a-year treats in the company of family and friends? As an…
Information provided by Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies For those who are thinking of buying or changing a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, here are two important reminders for Colorado beneficiaries. Only beneficiaries who were eligible for Medicare prior to January 1, 2020 can still purchase Medigap Plan C or F. Do not be concerned if…
stay connected during pandemic By Chris Michlewicz Officials who hosted a telephone town hall meeting to discuss how COVID-19 is affecting Douglas County seniors urged older adults to stay the course. Douglas County Commissioners Abe Laydon, Lora Thomas and Roger Partridge were joined by Tri-County Health Department Executive Director Dr. John Douglas and local senior…
By Bryan Goodland Driving in Colorado at any time of the year can be a challenge. From unpredictable lane closures and road maintenance to traffic and weather, a road trip can easily become a nightmare. Getting older only adds to these challenges and can make driving even more difficult. The Colorado Department of Transportation is…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of David Bloom David Bloom is a shining example of the entrepreneurial spirit that runs deep in the City of Castle Pines. Bloom, who lives in The Canyons neighborhood, is the man behind the recipe for Stinkin’ Good green chile sauce, a regional favorite that can be found on store…
Article and photos by Shaun Kernahan For nearly three years, Brandi Kernahan has called Castle Pines home. She lives with her husband, Shaun, son Patrick and dog Fenway. Kernahan has spent the better part of the last 15 years working in the health insurance industry, where she hoped to turn her criminology degree from the…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Crystal Arbuckle Castle Pines resident Crystal Arbuckle is no stranger to hard work and persistence. The mother of four children, she grew up in a large entrepreneurial family in eastern Oregon, near the Idaho border. The family business was Fry-Bake Shoppe, a bakery in the small farming community of…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; with information provided by Connect for Health Colorado The Affordable Care Act (ACA) 2021 open enrollment period for purchasing health insurance for the coming year began November 1 and runs through December 15. Castle Pines community residents and small business owners can find the 2021 available health insurance plans through the…
By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Jennie CartwrightBy Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Jennie Cartwright The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) cross country team went to the state championship at the Norris Penrose Equestrian Center in Colorado Springs this year. As reported by Dan Davies, head cross country coach at RCHS, “We closed out the…
Information and photos courtesy of CPA Football season in Castle Pines started and ended with dedicated hard working young athletes who love to play the game. The Castle Pines Athletics (CPA) NFL flag football program played seven games, as well as a playoff game. The teams that advanced met one last time, on the Elk…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo “It’s like a hug,” said a resident about her weighted blanket. More than comforting, research suggests weighted blankets may benefit people with anxiety, autism, ADHD and insomnia, among other conditions. Filled with poly pellets, weighted discs, or glass beads sewn into sections, weighted blankets apply pressure that mimics a therapeutic…
The Connection congratulates Kristi Rathbun, MJE, journalism teacher and adviser at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) for receiving the 2020 Pioneer Award from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA). The Castle Pines Connection has been collaborating with Rathbun for many years. Nearly all of The Connection’s student intern writers and student photographers were recommended by…
By Maddy Merritt, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photos According to a report by the National Center for Health Statistics, the rate of twin births rose 76% from 1980 to 2009. The children that were born toward the latter part of that time frame are now in high school. Throughout the halls of Rock Canyon High…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard During this atypical school year, the Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is offering a helping hand by providing professional support opportunities to study, experiment and learn for all grade levels. For middle and high school students who might be struggling with online or hybrid learning, DCL hosts dedicated space for students to…
Kindergarten registration is currently open for the 2021-2022 school year at Castle Pines elementary schools. Eligible children must be 5 years old by October 1, 2021. Copies of the child’s birth certificate, immunization record, and proof of residence are required, along with the registration packet. Buffalo Ridge (BRE) and Timber Trail (TTE) registration process consists…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Kelli Weinreich This Veterans Day, students from each grade at Buffalo Ridge Elementary took time to recognize the service our veterans willingly give to our community and nation. The effort was spearheaded by physical education teacher Kelli Weinreich. “I asked if classes wanted to make Veterans Day cards. I…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Scott Draper “Timber Trail Elementary is an amazing place and I couldn’t be happier to be there,” stated Scott Draper, the newest addition to Timber Trail Elementary as the school’s art teacher. Draper has not always been a teacher. He traveled an unconventional path to becoming an elementary art…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Denise Glenn, DCS Montessori Canine Partners of the Rockies raises and trains service dogs for mobility assistance, autism support and intervention facilities. DCS Montessori (DCSM) is one of many proud partners that assist in training and raising these dogs to go on to do great things outside the classroom…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos After National Signing Day in February, many high school sports and activities were canceled or postponed, making it a challenging year for high school athletes with ambitions of playing their sport in college. When we learned some schools were having students sign letters of intent in November, we contacted all…
By Chris Michlewicz; courtesy photos When roughly 2,000 people showed up for Wide Open Saloon’s opening weekend in Sedalia the second week in March, owner Todd Hills saw a dream fulfilled – a dream that was 10 years in the making. In 2009, Hills hosted Wednesday night bike nights in the parking lot of Top…
By Carin Kirkegaard Mead, fermented honey and water, is the oldest documented alcoholic drink. Evidence of its fermentation was discovered in Asian pottery vessels that dated between 6500-7000 BC – making mead even older than beer and traditional grape wine. The ancient Greeks called it the “nectar of the Gods.” Vikings drank it out of…
By Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of Julie Lamb Joining the ranks of the American bald eagle as an official symbol of our country, the American bison was named the national mammal of the U.S. in 2016 to recognize its historical, cultural and economic importance. According to the American Bison Society, bison were “integrally linked with…
Douglas County’s newest open space Information provided by Douglas County; photo courtesy of Flannery Cool Douglas County’s newest open space resource, the 2,038-acre Sandstone Ranch, is one of the largest and most historic properties in Colorado. It is now open for public access. The official public access opening follows an extensive planning process that culminated…
By Chris Michlewicz; renderings courtesy of Norris Design City of Castle Pines residents will soon see more construction activity south of the city’s business district as a new townhome development takes shape. The Castle Pines Planning Commission unanimously approved a site improvement plan in late September for 187 town homes between Lagae Road and I-25,…
Article and photo by Terri Wiebold In celebration of October’s National Fire Safety Week, The Exchange Coffee House, located in The Canyons development on the east side of I-25 in the City of Castle Pines, hosted South Metro Fire Rescue for a fire escape planning day. South Metro Fire Rescue Risk Reduction Specialist Einar Jensen…
By Patte Smith As of October 1, there were 277,850 citizens registered to vote in Douglas County. Democrats numbered 54,353, Republicans 106,176, Unaffiliated 113,270 and others 4,050. While many citizens mailed or cast their votes during Early Voting in October, Ballot Drop Box locations will be available 24 hours a day until 7 p.m. on…
Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard On an ideal fall morning in October, neighbors gathered in Castle Pines to walk with Team Larry and show their support in helping to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Larry Harms, longtime resident and director of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the ALS Association was…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos Castle Pines resident volunteers gathered for the first Clean-Up Castle Pines Day event hosted by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD). The Coyote Ridge Park basketball courts, skate park and the surrounding scrub oak was the group’s primary focus. They picked up trash and even removed recliners that…
Puts “power” in consumer hands Information provided by IREA; photo by Terri Wiebold The Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) recently launched My Power, an online portal that transforms customers’ access to energy use information. My Power gives IREA customers with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters the ability to better view, manage and analyze their usage…