Read the stories from the latest issue:
Linda Sovich of Castle Pines says she loves her job of helping others get their lives in order through her company, Clutter Control. “Everyone wants an organized life, but when you’re busy living life, you don’t have time. I’ve seen the transformation of clients from being depressed to feeling great and living the life they…
Caped crusaders at large in the community By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of The OathKeepers What do Chester Cheetah, Mr. Peanut and a high school mascot all have in common? Vinessa Olp, founder of The OathKeepers has portrayed them all. The OathKeepers is an all-volunteer, costuming for charity organization. Costumers for charity don costumes of…
By Catalin Varela Before your backpack turns into a black hole of despair and causes you a lot of pain, try a few of our tips to keep your load light and tidy. 1). Always pack heavy items closest to your body That way your backpack isn’t dragging you across the hallway floor. Pack your…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of J. Schmidt For many in Castle Pines Village, the large gated driveway below the I-25 intersection with Happy Canyon Road is a curiosity. From Country Club Parkway, one sees, well, maybe a mansion. I visited with John Schmidt, the owner, last month to get the whole story. His family…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of US Patent office and Douglas County Library History Research Section Willis Walker likely often lived in the shadow of his wife Sarah, known nationwide and internationally for her work with Colorado wildflowers. On closer historical inspection, we find that Willis was no shrinking violet. Born in 1858 and later…
Information provided by the Douglas County School District The Douglas County School District Board of Education (BOE) has authorized bond and mill levy override (MLO) questions for the 2018 ballot. At the August 21 meeting, the BOE unanimously voted 6-0 (director Wendy Vogel was absent) to place before voters a $250 million bond and a…
Jennifer Riefenberg from Castle Rock describes her art as “capturing the beautiful, one brush stroke at a time.” By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Peter Morales Not since Bob Ross painted his happy little trees have we had such an exceptional opportunity to see a painting take shape from blank canvas to work of art.…
Pictured above, left to right, front row: Melissa Coudeyras – mayor pro tem, City of Castle Pines; Tera Radloff – mayor, City of Castle Pines; Chetter Latcham – president, Shea Homes Colorado; Deborah Mulvey – city council member, City of Castle Pines; Marcus Pachner – The Pachner Company; Ryan McDermed – vice president, Shea Homes…
Information provided by RCHS; photo courtesy of Julie Dean Lamb Photography Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) staff recently welcomed Jaguars back to school (the majority of 80108 high school students are Jags) and the entire community is proud to celebrate excellence in academics, activities and athletics. This is only possible with hard-working, dedicated students, supportive…
As part of their physical education, six-year-old Dominic (red shirt) and eight-year-old James Bogue enjoy climbing on rocks. By Susan Helton; photo courtesy of Imelda Franklin Bogue Home education has existed throughout history. Many well-known people were homeschooled, including John Quincy Adams, Louisa May Alcott, Venus and Serena Williams and Tim Tebow. Douglas County School…
Information and graphic provided by Susan Lee Susan Lee Resident Susan Lee (creator of the Sock it to ‘Em sock campaign) has again partnered with MiYO Cafe in Castle Pines Village to do great things and give away free stuff. For the first 40 families who have a preschooler age 2-5 that come into MiYO…
Roadside wildland fires pose a high risk in Douglas County. Although the cause is often times accidental from vehicles, the dry conditions cause the flames to spread quickly, sometimes endangering structures. Once a fire is extinguished, crews stay and ensure all the hot spots are contained, sometimes lasting several hours. Information and photos provided by…
Donna Gordon with a few of the many rugs she has made since 2001 using a traditional rug hooking method where the artist pulls fabric up through a backing. Varying in size and expression, the rugs add warmth and color to Gordon’s Castle Pines home. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich When an artist who…
View of Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in the Belem district. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Many tourists in Portugal don’t get much beyond Lisbon. For good reason. It is a welcoming city of cobbled street neighborhoods, hills, monuments, wide boulevards, arches and squares, rich in architectural delights. Aimlessly wandering alleys, boulevards and seven hills makes…
By Amanda Merriman On a search for apps that do not use Wi-Fi, I came across Lifeline. Lifeline is a text-based game with a branched storyline. The app costs $1.99 to download on Android or Apple devices (including the iWatch). However, my teenage son downloaded it previously, which allowed me to put it on my…
Outstanding scenery and room to breathe Article and photos by Susan Helton The wide-open reservoir and extensive shoreline at Eleven Mile Park offer plenty of room to play. Scenic vistas include a panoramic view from the western end of the lake. Boasting a variety of activities for the outdoor enthusiast, Eleven Mile State Park…
By Daniel Williams; Photo renderings courtesy of the City of Castle Pines Earlier this year, Atlanta-based Davis Development submitted a land use application to develop a 200-unit multi-family project on the 10.4-acre property located on the southwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road in the City of Castle Pines. As submitted, the project…
By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Dumb Friends League Walking through the Denver Dumb Friends League Buddy Center (Buddy Center) feels like visiting a community center where the love of animals is shared by everyone inside. Buddy Center is a full-service animal shelter, just off Meadows Parkway in Castle Rock, offering pet adoptions, lost-and-found services…
After three years of exemplary service, Castle Pines City Council says goodbye and thank you to City Clerk Sharon Washington. “Sharon has been the welcoming smile and the friendly voice that anyone who has dealings with the city first comes into contact with,” said Mayor Tera Radloff. “We wish her all the best on her…
People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. – Simon Sinek By Michelle Post What seems to be a simple question sometimes turns out to be a difficult one. I discovered Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk many years ago on how great leaders inspire. And the answer is, they know their why.…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Every once in a while, I encounter a recipe so strange, I simply have to try it. A few years ago, this column featured a salad of fresh mozzarella tossed with basil, olive oil and chopped peaches, which was also the result of me thinking, “That can’t possibly be…
Mary and Vern Harris chose the ViewHouse as their gift card and are looking forward to using it. By Terri Wiebold; courtesy photos Last month we invited readers to sign up to receive The Castle Pines Connection monthly e-subscription free of charge. Congratulations to the following readers who all received a $50 gift card to…
Imelda Franklin Bogue is an opera singer who enjoys collaborating with conductors on new music and loves singing oratorio, such as Handel’s “Messiah” and Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” Bogue’s current major projects are a reduction of “Carmen” and her one-woman operatic sketch comedy “The Secret Life of Opera Singers,” which premiered in Denver in June and plays…
The first location offers a beautiful view across Douglas County and well beyond. Article and photo by Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Savannah Brassell Sometimes it seems as if there are so many wild, scenic and beautiful places in Colorado, that you could explore for years and still not see them all. Douglas County recently…
Article and photo by Catalin Varela The summer months invite the farmers market season, but what is intended to be a delicious adventure can easily turn into a daunting slew of confusing terminology. What the heck is the difference between “free range” and “cage free” anyway? Let’s chat about it. When buying food locally, the…
Caption and photo by Elizabeth Wood West Tim and Jennilyn Biery celebrated the grand opening of their new store, Big Frog Custom T-shirts in June. The Bierys invited the public to enjoy refreshments, special promotions and music as part of their celebration. Big Frog Custom T-shirts is located at 4714 Milestone Lane in Castle Rock,…
Sandra Ozolinsh hand tailors each one-of- a-kind handbag using genuine leather and exotic skins for her collection of unique women’s purses. By Patte Smith, photos courtesy of Sandra Ozolinsh Castle Pines resident Sandra Ozolinsh had a lifelong dream of designing and creating all types of art and hand crafts since she was a little girl…
2017 winner 11-year-old Isabella Bird (above left) went all out on her landscape featuring elk and mountains and trees. Bird presented Harmony Equine Center (lower right) with a donation check for $3,314.69. Above right, Connection staff members enjoyed handing out the baskets filled with goodies for participants. By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Zoë Zizzo…
By Amanda Merriman Connection writer Amanda Merriman admits she is hopelessly addicted to books. It has been this way nearly all her life. Every month she shares what she has been reading with the hope that others will share in the obsession too. I dug into Paula McLain’s 2011 bestseller, “The Paris Wife,” as I…
Parking lot and traffic flow improvements at RHMS were designed to decrease congestion and improve safety. Article and photos by Elise Brassell It’s already time! After a short summer break, it is time for families with school-aged children to start the school year with new teachers, new schedules and also for families at Rocky Heights…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines Castle Pines City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 18-06 and Resolution No. 18-24, setting into motion the first steps needed to transition the City from statutory rule to home rule. The July 24 decisions call for a special election to be held in coordination with the Douglas…
Pictured left: Director Thomas A. Blomster (left), DCYO Student Composer in Residence Emma Spears (center) and composer and former Colorado Chamber Orchestra President DR. C. Howard Treibitz. By Catalin Varela; photo courtesy of Mary Carter Since she was a little girl, Emma Spears has always been fascinated with music in many different capacities. She took…
By Lisa Crockett; courtesy photo A traditional bento box is a treasure trove of Japanese treats, a lovely mid-day container of surprises, with separate compartments for meat or fish, rice, and vegetables. Often, these mainstays are arranged in the shapes of fish or flowers. While few American parents go to that kind of trouble to…
Caption and photo by Lynn Zahorik Local members of the Castle Rock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) gathered for a summer picnic in Larkspur on July 7. Pictured left to right are Castle Pines DAR members Janice Baker, Debbie Mulvey, Kathy Erdman and Regent Cindy Cole. Erdman was one of four…
By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Lisa Hunsicker Next time you’re stuck in a line of cars driving 35 mph on Monarch, know you’re not the only one wishing you could go faster. For Lisa Hunsicker of Castle Pines, going faster is what it’s all about – she drives speeds up to 140 mph in…
In early July, Rachel and Kirsten Buhay competed at the fencing National Championships in St. Louis, Missouri. Rachel, 13 years old, has competed nationally for four years. Two years ago, she took fifth place and a bronze medal in Y10 at nationals. Ten-year-old Kirsten has competed nationally for two years. By Susan Helton; photos courtesy…
The Pine Canyon proposed annexation in Castle Rock could add more than 1,300 homes to the area. By Daniel Williams; graphic courtesy of Town of Castle Rock A substantial mixed-use development that could bring as many as 1,320 new homes to Castle Rock continues to go through an extended planning process, though a new round…
By Michelle Post; photo courtesy of Larry Post Colorado Mountain Club climbers enjoying their first 14er, Crestone Needle. Colorado’s beautiful Rocky Mountains boast 53 peaks that reach an elevation of 14,000 feet or higher, the most of any state in the U.S. These are known as “fourteeners” or “14ers” to locals. Although the Colorado…
By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Lynn Zahorik Driving through the community on July 4, it was inspiring to see so many houses proudly displaying the American flag. There were a few, however, that caught our eye. If either of these two houses is yours, you are the winner of a $50 gift card! Email…
By Catalin Varela, photos courtesy of DCSM While most schools are taking a break for the summer, the fun has continued at DCS Montessori with even more outdoor camps. Students have gone geocaching in Castlewood Canyon, mountain biking in Daniels Gate Park, rock climbing at ROCK’n & JAM’n and beachcombing at Cherry Creek State Park…
Caption and photos submitted by DCS Montessori DCS Montessori students have been spending their summer experimenting like scientists in “Mad Scientist Camp” and crocheting up a storm in “Crochet Camp.” Other camps the students have been enjoying this summer include “Adventure Camp” and “Harry Potter Academy.” Needless to say, DCS Montessori students are having a…
C shift crew members of the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department enjoyed a change of pace – working WITH fire in the kitchen as part of a charity dinner. Pictured left to right: Lieutenant Adam Gallegos, Battalion Chief Rich Martin, Paramedic Jason Norris and Engineer Matt Osborn. Article and photos by Elizabeth Wood West…
Ella Miller (left), Sophia McHenry (center) and Sadie Rowe (right) took their National History Day website project “444 Days in Captivity: Iran Hostage Crisis” all the way to nationals, taking first in state for group website, junior division, along the way. By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Richard Diehl What a grand culmination of their…
Michael Padilla, goatherd for Goat Green, smiles as he shares his experiences tending weed-controlling goats. Article and photos by Barbara Neff Though Michael Padilla, age 32, grew up in the tiny community of Mora, New Mexico, his ties to Colorado are strong. For nearly three years, he has worked for Cheyenne company Goat Green, the…
Lemonade stand girls from left to right: Izzy Kliner, Alexa Benda, Zoey Benda and Clara Geuzaine. By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Kali Benda It is said that when kids host a street-corner lemonade stand, it teaches them valuable lessons like economics, supply and demand, sales and customer service. Profit and loss. Sweating on the…
By Catalin Varela In recent years the gluten-free diet has gone from being a medical necessity for many individuals to a trend diet that has caught lots of media attention. You wouldn’t be hard pressed to open a magazine and find an article about celebrities who eat gluten free because it’s “trendy.” But the media…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photo In 2003, Castle Pines Village excavations gave rise to a Nancy Drew-style mystery. While digging utility trenches for Hidden Pond Road, construction workers uncovered the grave of a young woman, most likely buried before the Homestead Act of 1862 opened these lands up to private ownership. Unidentified bodies are a…
Information and photo provided by Douglas County What if your smartphone was also your gateway to the real-time waiting room experience at Douglas County’s Motor Vehicle, Driver License, or Recording offices – before making the destination decision to renew your vehicle registration, your license, or your passport? With more than one million total customer transactions…
By Patte Smith Attention older adults and families with seniors … Get your party hats on to celebrate the accomplishments and positive impacts older adults have contributed to our community on National Senior Citizens Day (NSCD). This little-known holiday and world-wide celebration is observed on Tuesday, August 21. NSCD is a day to celebrate the…
The Connection account manager Lynn Zahorik and her husband, Steve, celebrated their wedding anniversary at Sierra in Lone Tree. We invite you to share your celebration pics with us, too!
Douglas County residents Tom Compher and Debbie MacCary are retirees who have structured retirement differently. Article and photo by Barbara Neff As the retirement option presents itself, some embrace it fully, some embrace it with modifications, and some avoid it altogether. Castle Pines resident Donna Wolf could be retired. However, she continues her career as…
Article and photo by Daniel Williams; photo courtesy of Douglas County As hikers, cyclists and tourists may have noticed this summer, much of Daniels Park, including the roadway between Daniels Park Road and Grigs Road, has been closed for improvements. According to Douglas County officials, the $3.6 million project includes “1.7 miles of realigned paved…
The Castle Pines Connection owner and publisher, Terri Wiebold (left), accepted the 2018 City of Castle Pines Partnership Award from Mayor Tera Radloff (right) at the July 24 City Council Meeting. Information and photo provided by the City of Castle Pines The City of Castle Pines presented The Castle Pines Connection with the 2018 City…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I am an ambivalent visitor to the social media site Pinterest. On one hand, it’s a great place to find ideas for food that looks cute and follows some sort of theme. I also once found an entry on how to craft Christmas ornaments out of Tic Tacs and…
By Terri Wiebold Fans of The Castle Pines Connection are exploring new ways to enjoy the stories, photos and information in the newspaper, while at the same time winning gift cards, free venue tickets, and much more through our e-subscription. This year, we have already given away free tickets to the U.S. Senior Open Championship…
By Terri Wiebold; courtesy photo Castle Pines Golf Club, Inc. has submitted a Planned Development (PD) amendment that would establish a GCCH Planning Area over the existing clubhouse and parking area. The amendment proposes to replace the existing observation tower (approximately 78 feet in height) at the clubhouse adjacent to Hummingbird Drive, with a new…
By Daniel Williams; graphic courtesy of the City of Castle Pines As local governance goes, the City of Castle Pines remains something of an anomaly in the metro Denver area, as it’s the only statutory community in all of Arapahoe, Douglas and Jefferson counties. But that distinction could be going away, as initial steps have…
Caption and photos by Daniel Williams Until August 26, Inner Connections Yoga is offering free Yoga in the Park classes every Sunday from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, located at 1375 W Plum Creek Parkway in Castle Rock. Yogis and yoginis of all ages and levels are…
By Michelle Post; photos by Lynn Zahorik and courtesy of Megan Hassler and Maddie Provost This was my first year to attend the Food Truck Frenzy in Castle Pines. Wow, what an experience. The many mouth-watering smells beckoned me to try one of everything. People everywhere, enjoying the food and fun. The live band, vendor…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Portugal was on top of the world in the 16th century. Capitalizing on the skill of her navigators, their discoveries and trade routes, untold wealth flowed into the national treasury. It was a golden age in which (King) Manuel I and his explorers set the pace for all of…
Castle Rock Rotary Club member Gordon Allott (left) and Ducky Derby visitor Richard West (right). Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of Rich Bangs There were three cash prize winners at the 22nd Annual Rotary Club Ducky Derby event in June. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Castle Rock, High Noon Rotary…
By Amanda Merriman My oldest child will be heading off to college in two short years. My husband and I have come up with a way to deal with this reality. Forced family time! In all seriousness, we thought about taking a fun trip together to try and squeeze in more memories. Thus, the idea…
Photographer Joe McDaniel captured the contrast between the rare leucistic deer and her brown sibling. By Barbara Neff; photos by Joe McDaniel When Douglas County resident, travel writer and wildlife photographer Joe McDaniel heard murmurs among neighbors this past fall that they had spotted a white mule deer fawn in the area of Tallman Gulch…
A tale of adversity turned into a vision, then action By Patte Smith, courtesy photos Several years ago, Susan and Pat Mooney jumped in “boots” first to establish a safe and supportive community for adults challenged with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thus began the story and growing reality of Tall Tales Ranch (TTR). Their son,…
Christian Brothers owners Steve and Andrea Peterson (center) host a lunch every Friday for their employees. Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik Every now and then you come across business owners who truly have their heart in their business and are equally as invested in their employees. On Friday afternoons, Christian Brothers Automotive owners Steve…
Castle Rock Adventist Hospital opened its Healing Garden in June for patients and visitors. By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of CRAH Castle Rock Adventist Hospital (CRAH) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 19 in celebration of the opening of its new Healing Garden, located between the Alexander and Briscoe Buildings on the hospital’s medical…
Fun with a taste of another time Article and photos by Susan Helton Costumed “royalty” and other characters entertain the festival visitors who eagerly await the opening of the gates. For a day trip that offers a taste of another time, a visit to the Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur is just the…
By Terri Wiebold Vacationing this summer? While Colorado has some amazing adventures that are drivable, many of us take to the skies and travel by plane to our summer destinations. Security lines have become less-than-predictable and there is little worse than not clearing security in time to make your flight. There are lots of options…
Article and photo by Catalin Varela With summer break upon us, teens in the 80108 area have buckled up and hit the road for summer fun activities. As the adult ultimately responsible for their actions, make sure you and your teen drivers are informed on the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws in Colorado. Though…