Read the stories from the latest issue:
While October temperatures were still hitting the 80s, and fall – let alone a snowy start to ski season – felt like a dream that would never come true, Adrienne Markey, ski buff and former Village resident, was helping children hit the slopes in a frozen winter wonderland with artificial snow. Since October 2021, Adrienne…
The Village at Castle Pines is filled with ladies who are part of a remarkable organization dedicated to making life a little easier for those facing breast cancer. The Ladies 9 in the Pines (Ladies) annual golf tournament and adjunct events were a sterling success to raise money and awareness. Led by chairwoman and president…
The League of Women Voters (LWV) was started in 1920 by leaders of the women’s suffrage movement as a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization believing voters play a critical role in democracy. Today, there are more than 700 leagues across the country, with a local chapter here, the League of Women Voters of Arapahoe and Douglas…
Deputy Scott Kelly always knew what he wanted to do when he grew up: serve in the army and be a police officer. Despite not having any family members serve in either capacity, Scott has accomplished both. As an infantryman in the United States Army, Scott was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with the 101st…
A short drive to the northwest sits a beautiful oasis on Santa Fe Drive near the heart of Littleton: Hudson Gardens. Perhaps best known to many as a concert venue and site of special holiday events, the gardens offer a lovely destination amid the city bustle and a place to…
Starting in 1990, by presidential proclamation each year, the month of November is National Native American Heritage Month. It is a time to honor the contributions, achievements, sacrifices, culture and historical legacy of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian and affiliated Island communities. Before 1990, various individual days or weeks acknowledged the heritage…
Good literature can be found across the globe. Some of the most popular books written by international authors are listed in our monthly recommendations. Curl up with a hot drink, crack open a book that has been translated from another language and maybe discover another perspective. The Enigma of Room 622 by Italian author…
Driving to the mountains to find and cut down the perfect Christmas tree to bring home is a tradition many families celebrate to capture the spirit of the holiday season. It is now easier than ever to get a permit in Colorado. Christmas tree permits are available to purchase online at recreation.gov/tree-permits/ and by visiting…
Information and photo provided by Village of Castle Pines Garden Club
Bengal cats are a cross between an Asian leopard cat and an American shorthair cat. The breed has a wild, beautiful appearance. The golden shimmer in their fur comes from the leopard ancestry and their coats may show spots or rosettes, a distinctive fur pattern. Bengals are loyal cats who form strong bonds with the…
In 1936, during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, the 45-foot-tall electric Castle Rock Star (Star) first lit up the night with nearly 100 light bulbs. It served as a form of hope during those tough times and a means to attract highway travelers to visit Castle Rock. Teamwork and generosity made the Star a…
Castle Rock was named after the rock formation towering over it. An outlier for its name, it is also the perfect icon for minerals that were early foundations for Douglas County’s population growth. Our tidal wave of humanity today all started with a bit of greed. Parallelling California, the first hint of gold in…
Dear Mrs. A, Talk to us about restaurant reservations as the holiday season approaches – Hungry in Hidden Pointe. Dear Hungry, Great question and an important part of planning for the season. The benefits of reservations for the consumer include guaranteed seating, preferred timing and a streamlined experience. Isn’t it wonderful to have the peace…
At the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame Banquet held at the Lakewood Country Club on Saturday, October 5, longtime resident of The Village at Castle Pines, James Huffman, received the Federal Aviation Administration Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The award recognizes those pilots who have conducted 50 or more consecutive years of safe flight operations,…
November is a time for good food, and lots of it. Our canine family members may be just as excited by the smell of roast turkey and all the fixings as we are. But is a Thanksgiving feast safe for dogs? Of course each dog is unique and has its own tolerances, but there are…
In just a few weeks, those of us who love to cook put on our big show for the year. Maybe your family’s feast is straight out of Norman Rockwell, with a perfectly orchestrated presentation of family favorites: tender veggies, buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy stuffing, and of course a lovely roasted bird. Or, perhaps your…
Crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance — Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Site of the Taj Mahal 5. Vessel for a warm fall drink 8. Someone who joins fabric together 13. Sticky stuff 14. Four six-packs 15. Invoke misfortune 16. A dromedary has one 17. They can take a yoke 18. Zones…
Winter is coming – and that means skiing. Colorado is home to many top-tier ski resorts and trails. For those who plan to hit the slopes more than a few times this season, it may be worth investing in a ski pass. Here are some of the options: Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack – FREE for…
There is often leftover Halloween candy, whether one bought too much (hello Costco) and didn’t get that many trick-or-treaters, or the kids collected a ton. It is fun to indulge, but then it can get overwhelming with what to do with it all. Here are some ideas: Donate. Food banks, first responders and organizations…
A men’s group has been enjoying an annual day of competition since 2018. It is called The Castle Cup. According to Mark Voss, an unofficial committee member and organizer of The Castle Cup, it started as a way to celebrate the end of the Village men’s 4.0 tennis team season. Tennis, golf and cocktails make…
In November, three important events focus on awareness and education about dietary lifestyles and health conditions – World Vegan Month, American Diabetes Month and Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month. These observances highlight the importance of nutrition and its impact on our well-being. For many, exploring plant-based or gluten-free options can be a beneficial way to improve…
Michael Cordova is more than the new assistant principal at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). In his 18 years in education, he has been a teacher, coach, counselor and mentor. Alongside new TTE principal Dr. Rob Thelen, Michael said the two are “standing on the shoulders of giants,” referring to Michele Radke, former TTE principal, and…
Gardening is a mainstay for Mckenzie Ellis. She kept a garden in the maritime climate of Cape Cod where she grew up; in the humidity of New Orleans where her two children were born; and in the arid environment of Colorado where, over the last four years, Mckenzie has managed the Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE)…
The Timber Wolf Trot, formerly known as the Fun Run and Move-A-Thon, is the annual fundraiser for Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). Held every September, the event consisted of an easy run for students around a set course at the school, an epic dance battle between four TTE staff members, and treats for all afterwards. Parents…
The holidays arrived early for the students and staff of Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). They returned from fall break with a ribbon cutting ceremony and donated breakfast items to unveil new updates to the 20-year-old staff lounge and gym floor. The staff lounge updates were courtesy of school parents who dedicated their time and resources…
Youth Leadership Douglas County (YLDC) is a year-long series of field trips and activities to encourage leadership skills and expand the horizons of Douglas County high school students. YLDC participants are school-excused to meet once a month for a day-long, hands-on experience in the areas of law enforcement, media, health, finance, fire safety, natural history…
Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) yearbook students won the All-Colorado award in the yearbook category at the Colorado Student Media Association (CSMA)’s Journalism Day (J-Day), held at CU Boulder. The yearbook met the criteria for reaching all the benchmarks for an exceptional product. In addition to the prestige for the RHMS students, the All-Colorado designation…
At Colorado Student Media Association’s Journalism Day, Tyree (Ty) Clark, assistant principal and activities director at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), won the award for Administrator of the Year for 2024. “This award was such a surprise and I am honored to be the recipient,” stated Ty. “I get to see our students participate in…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) school held its annual fun run fundraiser for the parent-teacher association in October. The money goes toward school-wide improvements and teacher wishlist items for their classrooms. The school’s $65,000 goal was surpassed when more than $71,800 was raised. As a “reward” for meeting the school-wide goal, students earned a special assembly…
Hammond’s Candies: A taste of tradition Candy canes, candy corn, candy hearts: whether Christmas or Easter, Halloween or Valentine’s Day, every holiday has its trademark sweet. When it comes to candy, chocolate reigns supreme. According to the consumer market, the value of the chocolate market in the United States comes close to $50 billion. Sugar…
Isabella “Izzy” Holsman, a born-and-raised Vaquero resident, began her senior year at UC Boulder this fall with a flash. An undergraduate Art Practices major, Izzy was accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program for photography. Only a few art students apply for the BFAs instead of the typical Bachelor of Arts; the BFA…
In the past, Tri-County Health Department ran a pop-up hazardous waste collection for Douglas County residents. The Tri-County Health Department was dissolved at the end of 2022. After that, hazardous waste collection was taken over by the Douglas County Household Hazardous Waste Collection program, which provides year-round household pickups of household hazardous waste through Waste…
Parker Water & Sanitation District (PWSD), the water district for The Canyons neighborhood, has been named the Safest District of the Year by the Colorado Special Districts Property and Liability Pool (CSD). The CSD, an organization made up of more than 1,500 member districts that oversee water, sanitation, fire rescue, parks and recreation and…
Lucent Boulevard in Highlands Ranch, the stretch of roadway from County Line to South Broadway, will soon be renamed Kendrick Castillo Way. The Board of Douglas County Commissioners approved the request from the Kendrick Castillo Memorial Oversight Committee at a public hearing in August. On May 7, 2019, Kendrick (18) was a high school senior…
As the community continues to grow, there is an increased need for extraordinary park spaces for residents. As a result, the City of Castle Pines (City) began work to develop two park project master plans in 2023: the rejuvenation and expansion of Coyote Ridge Park and a new park known as Soaring Hawk Park in…
JulieAnna Reinhardt started her own interior design business in January, but her journey to the Castle Valley neighborhood began decades ago. Born and raised in southern California, JulieAnna did a lot of volunteering. So much in fact, that in 1989 she received the award for youth volunteer of the year for Los Angeles County…
Music is an integral part of Andrea Ross Batson’s life today, as it was throughout her childhood. Born and raised in the south, Andrea was influenced from a young age by the church and gospel music, both of which developed her passion for singing and playing the piano. In 2019, Andrea’s musical talents followed her…
Kim, David and Brooke Becker are relative newcomers to Castle Pines. They bought a house in the Knightsbridge neighborhood in 2022, moving from southern California. “It was hard to give up the beach but I knew as long as the mountains had lakes and streams – a water component – I would be fine,” Kim…
Lisa Linn is having a banner year. She and her husband, Brandon, are toasting their 25th wedding anniversary; the family business, Brandon Linn Orthodontics in Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch, has been straightening teeth for 20 years; and Lisa is celebrating being seven years cancer free. Lisa and Brandon met in Vail 30 years ago.…
The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) held its second annual Heroes Gala honoring first responders, armed forces members, veterans and the nonprofit partner organizations that support these brave heroes. Roughly 650 guests enjoyed a beautiful Colorado evening at Centennial Airport in the exclusive Signature Aviation private jet hangar on Friday, September 13. The unforgettable night…
Emily Davenport is passionate about wildlife. As a certified wildlife rehabilitator with nearly two decades of veterinary experience, she recognizes the importance of having relationships with others in her field. In 2017, she founded the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance (RMWA) to foster professional collaboration. In 2022, she took a big risk and took it a…
October divides those of us who like ghost stories and the thrill of a jump scare and those who want to enjoy a pumpkin patch, maybe with a pumpkin spice latte, and the autumn colors. If being frightened sounds fun, there are many haunted houses and ghost tours to choose from that are close by,…
Treat-or-treat time is almost here, and that means candy, spooky decorations and lots of pumpkins. Most pumpkins are orange, of course, but this Halloween you might spot ones that are teal, blue, purple or pink. What is that about? Teal – In 2012, the mother of a child with severe food allergies painted a pumpkin…
Civil War veteran Chester Leach and his wife, Lucy, were among the early settlers in Denver, brought here by a team of oxen. Their son Clarence was born in 1872. Anna Katrina Foss, Clarence’s wife-to-be, was born about the same time in Norway. She came to the United States in 1893. Clarence and Anna Katrina…
In addition to reading materials, Douglas County Libraries (DCL) card holders have access to all sorts of educational and fun perks. You can even check out a variety of gadgets and electronics. Library card holders do not pay any fee to DCL for these accommodations. Here is a taste of what you can find at…
Dear Mrs. A, Could you help us understand the concept of Scruffy Hospitality? – Entertaining in The Hamlet Remember when an invitation to dinner came printed in the mail? The guest list was carefully curated, the hostess met you at the door, seating arrangements were crucial, dress codes were important, people brought out their finest…
Horror and thriller books have been around for centuries. Beginning with the rise of Gothic literature in the mid-18th century, the first horror book was The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole, published in 1765. Other notable early scary stories include Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) and The Tell-Tale Heart from Edgar Allan Poe (1843). Horror…
As sweet as a cup of hot chocolate, the Sanford family pup, Cocoa, warms hearts with her gentle playfulness, constant wagging tail and energetic spirit. Her soft brown coat with a touch of white looked to Leyna (13) and Tyler (9) like a hot cocoa marshmallow when they were introduced to Cocoa in December 2019.…
This crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Precious stones 5. Chapter in history 8. Lucky trinket 13. The Beehive State 14. Jack-o’-lantern feature 15. Prefix for “sun” 16. It’s hailed by city dwellers 17. Em, to Dorothy 18. “You ___ kidding!” 19. Pepita 22. Protagonist of…
‘Tis the season to eat … and drink, and smell, and even wear … pumpkin. I, for one, am all in favor of this 24/7 approach to the consumption of pumpkin. I know some people think it is boring and basic, but I’m a firm believer that boring and basic are fine as long…
The Castle Rock Downtown Alliance (CRDA) is host to some fun outings this month. Want to skip a night in the kitchen? Restaurant Week is October 6-12 and the participating restaurants (listed below) will create a special menu for the week, serving dishes not on the regular menu. Participating restaurants include: Angie’s Restaurant, Arayes Grill,…
Jackfruit is remarkable for the multitude of health benefits it offers, its sustainability and its culinary versatility. The tropical fruit has been called a miracle food and is popping up on menus as demand grows. Have you tried jackfruit tacos or jackfruit barbecue yet? A species of tree in the fig, mulberry and breadfruit…
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held every October, aims to educate people about breast cancer risk factors, encourage women to schedule screenings, support people diagnosed with breast cancer and fundraise for breast cancer research. Despite advances, breast cancer remains the number one cancer among women, according to the University of Colorado Cancer Center. In Colorado, one…
Last summer, we reported on scuba diver David Moore aiming to be the oldest diver to conquer Pacific Tarn, the lake with the highest elevation in the United States (13,420 feet), and the first to dive the lake without relying on anyone for dive support. Due to inclement weather last year, the dive was postponed…
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Deputy Jared Walter loves his job. Jared is the School Resource Officer (SRO) for Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS). A career in law enforcement was not always his plan, but Jared cannot think of anything else he would rather do. Born and raised in Elizabeth, Jared and his family…
The Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) held its second annual Back-to-School Bash on August 23 for all students, families and staff. DJ Daniel Garcia spun the latest hits while food trucks, Colorado Pig Rig and Moontime Crepes provided the fare. The school grounds turned into a big playground with games and face…
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education authorized a $490 million bond for the November ballot due to rapid population growth and an urgent need for new schools and capital maintenance needs. The BOE voted unanimously, 7-0, at the August meeting. If approved by voters next month, the bond would not increase taxes…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary families gathered for the annual back to school carnival. A fundraiser for Buffalo Ridge Elementary Alliance (the parent teacher association), the carnival is a favorite event for all. Activities included bouncy houses, Nerf wars, carnival games, face painting, a dunk tank, a cake walk, jugglers, and exploring the inside of a firetruck…
At the beginning of the school year, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) hosted a club fair offering students a chance to explore the many extracurricular options available. With more than 80 clubs, RCHS provides opportunities for students to engage with others, develop leadership skills and further their interests. From academics to the arts, business interests…
Shared Dreams to the Fullest A bucket list is an inventory of items that you want to accomplish in your lifetime before you “kick the bucket.” That was the inspiration behind Bucket List Tavern. As brothers and long-time Colorado natives Jeff and Joel Glentzer explained, “Our shared dream is to help people live their bucket…
Until the late 1970s, moose sightings in Colorado were rare. Records dating back to the 1850s mention a few moose wandering from the Wyoming area into northern parts of what would become Colorado. But the animals were only transient. Most of those records involved hunters harvesting, or just sighting a single bull moose. In…
In the July issue of The Connection, we shared that the Castle Pines City Council denied an appeal from McDonald’s regarding a restaurant to be built on the southwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road. Ventana Capital, the development company who owns the land, and its entity CP Commercial, has filed suit against…
Intended to help reduce the chances of a motorcycle rider being rear-ended by a vehicle, a new Colorado law went into effect on August 7, making lane filtering a legal maneuver until 2027. Lane filtering is the act of a rider of a two-wheeled motorcycle passing a vehicle in the same lane, most commonly…
In 2022, the Douglas County Homeless Initiative (DCHI) launched HEART, the Homeless Engagement, Assistance and Resource Team, along with the “Handouts Don’t Help” campaign. As of this summer’s measurement, the point-in-time count (PIT) of the unhoused in Douglas County is zero. HEART is a partnership with the County, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and local…
In August, Denver International Airport (DEN) replaced the old parking ticket machines with “Flash machines.” The new parking ticket kiosks will offer a more technologically-advanced system that will create a more efficient process for all customer parking areas: the east and west lots and garage parking. Some of the benefits include: The Flash machines will…
We received a lovely card from one of our readers that we would like to share: Dear Friends, “Thank you” for producing such a top – quality product! You always include something for all ages & all interests! You provide exposure for local businesses – both big and small, stories that reflect on our past…
Business partners Kim Trumbull and Harmony Jolly are bringing their style to Castle Pines. In August, they opened their second Origins Salon, which offers an array of beauty services for men and women, at the Village Shops. They opened the first Origins Salon in downtown Castle Rock in 2018. Kim and Harmony have each…
Everyone likes a little good news, and we have plenty to share. Follow The Castle Pines Connection on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for your daily dose of positivity and all things Castle Pines. Our social media pages are buzzing with exclusive giveaways featuring exciting prizes and fun contests. You will also get the 411 on…