Read the stories from the latest issue:
There are many moments throughout life that capture our hearts, and Jen Henningsen has spent the last 21 years photographing these precious moments and milestones. Jen operates her business, Keepsake Photography, out of her home studio in The Canyons. Jen did not plan to become a photographer. At Portsmouth High School in Rhode Island, Jen…
When Meghan Angermann was in high school in the suburbs of Chicago, her dad suggested she sign up for the Navy ROTC program as a way to pay for college. Her response was, “What is ROTC?” Today, Meghan is retired from the Navy after a 21-year active-duty career, is a Pampered Chef consultant and enjoying…
Swashbuckler! Now there’s a colorful term seldom used today. One historical character that comes immediately to mind is D.C. Oakes of our Wildcat Mountains. Another bold, flamboyant and larger-than-life figure was Rufus “Potato” Clark, or sometimes called the “Spud King.” And sometimes he went by the moniker “Dad.”* Rufus was born to a Connecticut farmer…
In 2021, after living in Thousand Oaks, California for more than 60 years, Connie and Randy Weidner packed up their home and beloved 5-year-old pup Gracie and made the trek to Castle Pines to be close to their son Eric, daughter-in-law Marissa and two grandsons, Collin and Lucas. Connie, an elementary school teacher of 31…
Deputy Jeff Pelle of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has law enforcement in his blood – he is a third-generation peace officer. Joe Pelle, Jeff’s dad, recently retired after 43 years of police service, including 20 years as sheriff of Boulder County. Jeff grew up in Longmont and then attended the University of Northern…
The term Swedish death cleaning may evoke thoughts of a crime scene or evil spirits, but it is actually a thoughtful and effective approach to decluttering. While a bit macabre, the method of organizing and letting go of things before one dies lessens the burden on loved ones later. A Scandinavian twist on the…
In the late 1950s, Douglas County’s Continental Divide Raceway (CDR) was drawing the top names in automobile racing, but tragedy, lawsuits and health issues ultimately closed the track. The facility was merely three miles south and west of Castle Rock. Capable of accommodating any type of motor racing, CDR was, at build out, planned to…
No time to walk your pup before running to the mall? Grab a leash, a few waste bags and take your furry friend with you. Park Meadows Retail Resort (PM) is now 100% dog friendly, whether it is a service dog or simply a beloved family member. PM made the changes at the beginning of…
‘Spring Break Destinations’ This crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Beauty pageant wear 5. Tool with teeth 8. An issue that prevents one from accomplishing something 13. Clever tactic 14. Rice wine 15. “Make _____ of” (Irish expression) 16. Protection (less common spelling) 17. Capital of…
Dear Mrs. A, We are newcomers in The Canyons and we are concerned about clearing the snow and what the timelines are for removal. Can you guide us? Welcome, neighbors! Seeing how we are coming into our snowiest month in Colorado – March – I think this is a perfect time to visit the rules…
Canyons Community Church 4825 N. Crowfoot Valley Road, Castle Rock Easter Sunday, March 31, 10:30 a.m. www.canyonscc.org Castle Oaks Covenant Church 826 Park Street, Castle Rock Easter Sunday, March 31, 10 a.m. www.castleoaks.org Cherry Hills Community Church 3900 Grace Boulevard, Highlands Ranch Easter Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. www.cherryhills.com Faith…
If you have been following the reintroduction and release of the 12 gray wolves in Colorado, you can follow their whereabouts with a map published by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The map informs the public on where the wolves have been making their moves and is updated on the fourth Wednesday of every month…
March is often the snowiest month in the Centennial State. Remember the blizzard of 2021 that dumped nearly two feet of snow in just a couple of days? Weather impacts our daily lives, but sometimes it demands to be the main character. These books feature wet weather, rain and snow, as a major element of…
Angels Among Us The Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC) was established by community members in 1987 over concerns about unsustainable growth. Since then, the nonprofit organization has protected nearly 27,000 acres of wildlife habitat, working ranches, wetlands, clean water and scenic views across Douglas, Elbert and Jefferson Counties by…
As the prestigious Castle Pines Golf Club prepares to host the highly anticipated BMW Championship this August, all eyes are on Travis Teague, who is poised to oversee the Club’s food service during a major tournament for the first time as executive chef. “We are in full throttle planning mode,” Travis said. Travis began his…
Anyone who knows me, knows I love dessert. In fact, earlier in my tenure as the writer of this column, one of my children (who was about 7 at the time) told his friends that, “I wrote a story every month for the paper about how much she loves dessert.” Of course, I didn’t write…
As every mom of a young child understands, finding time to exercise once baby arrives is a challenge, and some days it can be impossible. At FIT4MOM Castle Rock (F4M), new franchise owner Stephanie Holzhauer understands this challenge. A mom herself, Stephanie finds joy in seeing moms bring their little ones to class, get a…
Eggs are on most people’s shopping lists all year, but spring is certainly “egg season.” Eggs are hard-boiled and decorated, cracked into many baked dishes and used often to create an easy meal quickly. Versatile and protein-packed, eggs are a staple in the kitchen, but standing in front of the egg section in the grocery…
Spring is a time of renewal, growth and new beginnings. We often want to freshen up our lives by cleaning up and clearing out. If healthy goals have slipped since the beginning of the year, now is the time to start afresh. The best way to get going is to spring-clean the pantry and fridge. …
Spring is around the corner, so now is the time to register kids for sports and other extra-curricular activities. Below is a quick reference guide to some near-by options. Boutique Dance Academy Little ones will find their moves at Boutique Dance Academy in Castle Rock, where the art of dance empowers students with self-esteem, discipline,…
Junior varsity (JV) cheer at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) has many reasons to celebrate. The team won UCA Regionals, Continental League, and JV State for Colorado. Last month in Orlando, they were double national finalists, placing in the top five for Large JV Co-ed and Large JV Game Day. “This was our first year…
Rock Canyon High School Jack Anderson Football Carthage College, WI Coach Kevin Meyer stated, “Jack Anderson had an outstanding season as our place kicker. Jack was in his first year kicking for Rock Canyon as a senior and made over 95% of his P.A.T.’s along with eight for 11 in field goals (70%) with…
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is a prestigious organization. The National Association of Secondary Principals founded NJHS in 1929 to create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate desire to render service, promote leadership, encourage responsible citizenship and develop character in secondary school students (seventh and eighth graders). NJHS assists these students in developing the knowledge and…
Health and wellness expos are a great way to share information with students, staff, families and the community about healthy eating, physical activity and other health and wellness resources. Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) hosted its first Timbers Wellness Expo emphasizing whole body and mental wellness. The expo was designed to be both interactive and informative…
After chatting with Jeffrey Nichols, it is safe to say that he finds a lot of things interesting. He has been teaching for 17 years, but leading teenagers in a classroom came after a few other career attempts. Jeffrey first pursued medicine (oral and maxillofacial surgery) and then moved into pharmacy studies. But he said…
Sports can be a great connector. It is through learning games and playing with others that we often learn things about ourselves. Just ask Jennifer Di Capo, who is a coach and personalized learning specialist at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). Jen oversees the Red Shirt Rookies (RSR) program at TTE. The elementary school program is…
Every year, Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) produces a third grade show. The event requires months of preparation and practice and incorporates several educational subjects: art, music and physical education, with the respective teachers collectively taking on and overseeing the show start to finish. This year’s program focused on A HERD – BRE’s character development acronym:…
The Theatre III class at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) offers students a dynamic and immersive experience. One of the annual traditions of the class, led by teacher Cindy Baker, is performing for children’s theater, a creative project that challenges students to act outside of their comfort zones and connect with audiences of all ages.…
Introducing Lexi Christine and Christine Amelia, the creative minds behind Whimsy Picnic Co., an event company headquartered in Castle Rock. Specializing in crafting cozy and visually stunning picnic experiences, they create enchanting setups with blankets, cushions and charming decor, both indoors and outdoors. Their focus is on fostering a magical atmosphere where guests can unwind,…
Celebrating a milestone, especially one as significant as 15 years of delivering “a little good news” to the community, is a great opportunity to look back at those who have been a part of the incredible adventure. Thank you to the tens of thousands of residents who have invited us into your homes…
On January 21, the United States Postal Service (USPS) raised postage prices almost completely across the board. Postage for a first-class Forever Stamp increased from .66 cents to .68 cents, the second increase in six months. International stamps as well as international postcard stamps increased from $1.50 to $1.55. Domestic postcard stamps were increased from…
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) began tolling fees on the I-25 South Gap Express Lanes in mid-January. “The Express Lanes, located on I-25 from Monument to Castle Rock, will be open 24/7 and tolls will range from .70 cents to $2 with an ExpressToll pass – among the lowest toll rates-per-mile in the nation,”…
Community compassion continues to make a difference in the lives of people who may have fallen on hard times in Douglas County. Thanks to donor generosity to DouglasHasHeart.org, as part of the countywide “Handouts Don’t Help” campaign, the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) presented a $2,500 check to SECOR Cares during a Douglas County Homeless…
The Clarity Group (Clarity) on Village Square Drive is a different kind of therapy clinic. Owner Whitney Herrmann is committed to excellence in mental health therapy. She recruited a team of therapists who are the best in their field and who continue to improve and deepen their knowledge to benefit their clients. But what is…
Thursday, February 29, marks another leap year, 366 days versus 365 in 2024. For most, it is just an extra day in the shortest month that occurs every four years. But its history and evolution are worth revisiting. The science behind leap year: It takes 365.2422 days for the earth to circle the sun. The…
Nothing Bundt Cakes in Castle Rock recently celebrated its first birthday with a week-long celebration that ended with a chance to win free Bundlets for a year. Fans bundled up and braved the elements in January, as an arctic cold front moved into the area. The guests stood outside for more than an hour before…
Functional medicine is considered a relatively new approach in the medical field, establishing its presence in the early 1990s. It is a form of alternative medicine that addresses the root causes of health issues. Jaime McNitt combined her training in traditional Western medicine and the American healthcare system with her passion for providing comprehensive and…
Naomi Van Deman (10) is an incredible young lady. She is passionate about music and performing arts, active in choir, theater and learning the guitar. She likes cooking, riding her bike and horses, and spending time with her family and friends. Naomi is also a champion swimmer. Naomi was born with Achondroplasia (ACH), the most…
After living and working in Southern California for the past 13 years, Matt and Kristy Humphrey are back in their “home” state of Colorado and have settled in The Village at Castle Pines. “We are back where we belong; we met our neighbors, entertained, golfed, hiked, snowshoed and enjoyed the change of seasons,” said Matt.…
Christine Whaling not only has a good eye for spotting something worthy, she appreciates everything she sees. “I have always been passionate about art and collectibles ever since I can remember,” said Christine. Art is her calling. Christine achieved her bachelor’s degree in art history from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and her master’s…
Girl Scout cookie season is back, and two neighborhood teens have big plans. Evie (12) and Abigail (15) Reynolds have each set a goal of selling 1,250 boxes. They plan to use money from cookie sales to earn their Silver Award and Gold Award, respectively, two of the highest awards in Girl Scouting. Evie, who…
Collin Romero is a 2019 graduate of Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) with a passion for aerospace and a love of football. Colorado School of Mines (Mines) was the perfect place to land for both. As one of the first students at American Academy (AA) – Castle Pines, Collin found fuel there for his love…
In the serene Pine Ridge neighborhood, there is a tale of love, adoption and joy with Ken and Marcella Raust and their cherished feline companions: Bob, Churro, Cocoa and Loki. Hailing from different states – Ken from California and Marcella from North Carolina – Ken moved to Colorado in 1986 and Marcella in 2000. The…
Winners of the Cutest Pet in the Pines contest stopped by The Pet Stuff Place to pick up their prizes. Honorable Mention Gracie and her family (above). Runner-up Bo (below).
Australian Cobberdogs are purebred Labradoodles, dogs that are known to be social and friendly to all. Cobberdog actually means “dog friend” in the Australian language. Claudio and Alis Ramos, with two daughters Bella and Tina, welcomed Boo into their home in 2021. “Alis always wanted a dog; it only took 19 years for me to…
Master Police Officer Seth Morrissey of the Castle Rock Police Department (CRPD) loves his job. As part of the Community Partnership Unit (CPU), Seth created a community outreach program that delights kids in Castle Rock. The Five-O trailer is his brainchild. Purchased entirely through community donations, Seth parks the Five-O and his patrol car at…
Douglas County nonprofit, It’s A Calling Foundation (IACF), was founded to provide mental health and wellness support for emergency responders, frontline medical workers, service members, veterans and the families who support them. This work requires strength, courage and bravery, but behind that grit, these heroes can experience emotional tolls leading to mental health struggles, suicidal…
The social media platform TikTok has been flooded with videos of young people biting into crunchy crystal candies of all different shapes and colors. The trend may be new to some, but crystal candies are inspired by Vietnamese Lunar New Year traditions that go back thousands of years. Crystal candies look like jewels in color…
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZ), situated in Colorado Springs, earned recognition as one of the top zoos in the United States. From its origins as philanthropist Spencer Penrose’s private collection, to its current status as a highlight of wildlife education, this place has captured the hearts of zoo enthusiasts nationwide. Voted the number four zoo in…
This crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. ____ the Wild by Krakauer 5. Baking meas. 8. Speck in the ocean 13. Stink to high heaven 14. French Sudan, today 15. Whinny 16. Abbr. at the end of a list 17. Iridescent gem 18. ___ orange 19.…
Judi Holst, a revered and inspiring teacher, recently concluded her 32-year teaching career, leaving behind a legacy of passion and innovation. Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Judi shared experiences and insights that defined her impactful career. Judi’s path into teaching began in the third grade when her teacher, Mrs. Julie Hey, became a source of…
Dear Mrs. A, Curious in King’s Crossing asks: What is an appropriate gift for an anniversary? I love that you asked! Anniversaries have a long tradition of appropriate gifts, and it is a wonderful guide to get cheeky with! I am attaching a list with both traditional and modern takes on the subject. Take a…
Worn down by dismal life opportunities available to them in Somerset, England, Elizabeth Ann Dowden and her husband James Perry packed up, leaving the Isles in 1848. With sons James Dowden (James D.) and George, and 9-year-old daughter Elizabeth in tow, the family took passage on a ship to the United States. No luxury liner,…
This month’s book recommendations are books with success on film. We all know popular book series that spawned movie phenomena, such as Harry Potter, James Bond and The Lord of the Rings. Authors like Stephen King and Michael Crichton have had multiple books turned into movies too. So, if you are looking to read the…
In December 2023, The Connection shared an inspiring story about resident Jeanne Furr turning 100 years old (https://www.castlepinesconnection.com/a-century-of-grace-and-joy-jeanne-turns-100/). With the help of some local businesses and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Independent Financial in Castle Pines threw Jeanne the birthday party of a lifetime. January 4 – Jeanne’s actual birthday – was a day of…
In a world increasingly dominated by technology, the realm of romance has also embraced the digital age. Online dating apps have become a popular avenue for people of all ages to connect, and this holds true for individuals aged 50 and older. Below are five popular online dating apps for this demographic and the…
Love is in the air this month. I know there are people who think Valentine’s Day is a “Hallmark holiday” designed to sell cards, but an occasion to let people know I love them has always seemed a good idea to me. And as usual, one of the first ways I think of expressing love…
This year marks 20 years since the start of Denver Restaurant Week (DRW). The Denver food scene has evolved impressively in that time. From March 1-10, foodies of all ages will celebrate the opportunity to try new culinary delights with abundant and affordable offerings. Diners will have both dine-in and to-go options priced at $25,…
Sarah Carlson has been baking cookies for the people she loves her entire life. As a young girl she spent hours in the kitchen alongside her mother, Marge, and grandmother Elga. What first began as a simple and small-drop family chocolate chip cookie recipe grew into a business to spread joy to all. One of…
There is a stigma and sometimes embarrassment surrounding the taboo subject of menopause, which leaves many women without guidance. According to the National Institute of Health, more than one million women a year in the United States experience menopause. The hormonal fluctuations that come with menopause affect mood, skin and energy levels often resulting in…
Overheard at the grocery store recently was a conversation between a mom and her teenage son. The son wanted a lemon/lime soda; mom convincingly and quickly pivoted from “All that sugar isn’t good for your body or your brain” to “Let’s get lime sparkling water and fresh lemons.” This is a great example of how…
Rock Canyon High School Principal Andy Abner has been named the 2024 Administrator of the Year by the Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA). He was officially recognized at the CMEA Conference in late January. Information and photo provided by DCSD
Douglas County School District (DCSD) students continue to graduate at impressive rates. Data released by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) shows that on-time graduation for four-year students is 90.8%, which is 9.16% higher than other school districts in Colorado and a 9% increase from 2010 numbers in Douglas County. Recent DCSD graduates also accumulated…
Before winter break, a group of sixth graders led by teacher Heather Anderson at DCS Montessori Charter School (DCSM) read the “Being a Buddy” story in TIME for Kids magazine. The narrative showcased a girl’s journey to create a Buddy Bench for her school, inspiring young students to make a positive impact. The DCSM students…
Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) has a new book buddy program this school year as part of its goal for literacy promotion. General education (peer) students team up with significant special needs (SSN) students and read together with the theme: “Fall into a good book.” “We realized that everyone loves storybooks from a young age…
Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) athletics have a lot to be proud of these days. For the first time in school history, three Jaguar teams took 5A title championships in the 2023-2024 season. It was first-time wins for both boys cross country and golf and the sixth state championship for poms. The school honored the…
Food like the photos In the world of fast-casual food franchises, there is a new competitor to hit the Colorado market. Born from a passion for perfect chicken and a commitment to flavor innovation, Daddy’s Chicken Shack just opened in Littleton and is quickly becoming a go-to destination for those seeking a delicious twist on…
The strength of the human-canine bond is one for the ages. Dogs can instantly inspire a smile and provide hope and happiness. Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is a national nonprofit that vets, tests, observes and provides support and insurance coverage to pet therapy teams (dogs and handlers) across the United States, Canada and Puerto…
The electric vehicle (EV) charging stations located at Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines (DCL) have been removed from the parking area in front of the facility. Originally, these charging stations were purchased by the City of Castle Pines in an agreement to utilize parking spaces for all cars. Over their lifespan, the stations required…
from your Board of Douglas County Commissioners Earlier this year, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners (BOCC) – in its capacity as the County Board of Equalization (BOE) – approved $28 million in tax relief for Douglas County homeowners. The across-the-board reduction of 4% in residential property values would have provided an average of $223…