Read the stories from the latest issue:
On April 4, Lindsey Simbeye of the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse, will be speaking and taking questions on fentanyl at a lunch-n-learn provided by the Douglas County Youth Initiative. The event is from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, in Castle Rock. Fentanyl is a synthetic…
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…
One of the more vibrant Wildcat histories is that of the Blunt family. It began 60 years after we became a nation in Franklin, Missouri. After son John Elmer, “John E.,” was born to John and Elmira Blunt in 1836, the family migrated to Kansas. In the Civil War, both father and son were distinguished…
The Douglas County Youth Initiative (DCYI) is a collaboration between two representatives of the younger generation and government leadership in Douglas County. Its purpose is to involve youth so that officials can assess and understand the needs of younger residents when making policy decisions. Established in 2022, DCYI consists of a representative from the Douglas…
The first Earth Day was observed in 1970. This year, Earth Day falls on Saturday, April 22. In honor of the global celebration, this month’s book recommendations are focused on the blue globe we all call home. You can begin by delving into one or more of the following reads: The Planet in a Pebble:…
Every year, American Legions (sometimes called posts) around the country seek to identify and nominate stellar first responders as part of the association’s pillars: national security and a strong national defense. Posts work with local police and fire departments to designate candidates for recognition, and there is a competition of sorts to see whose…
Dear Readers, There’s so much to talk about here, but I am going to dive into Facebook specifically with this column. Given the popularity and the longevity of Facebook, you’d think we would know how to use it properly by now. That is not the case. And while there are many rules of engagement according…
Eight-year-old Peter Howell-Bailey is a reptile enthusiast and proud owner of seven reptiles. His zoo includes Pickle the leopard gecko, Scarlett Spacecat the corn snake, Star the box turtle, Shield the red-eared slider aquatic turtle, Stripe Tail the bearded dragon, and two red-footed tortoises, The Little One and The Big One. “I like having them…
Canyons Community Church 4825 N. Crowfoot Valley Road, Castle Rock Easter Sunday, April 9, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. www.canyonscc.org Castle Oaks Covenant Church 826 Park Street, Castle Rock Palm Sunday, Children’s Palm Parade April 2, 10 a.m. Maundy Thursday, April 6, 7 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 9, 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. www.castleoaks.org Chabad…
This is the time of year when I usually find myself with a fridge full of hard-boiled eggs. Even though my kids are all adults now, it is not at all unusual for them to nostalgically head to the store for a decorating kit and then draft me into helping them boil and dip dye…
Much has changed in the 10 years since Donna and Gary Stern purchased MiYO (Make it Your Own) breakfast and lunch eatery in The Village at Castle Pines. MiYO recently completed a major kitchen renovation to accommodate the additional demand from their 2020 dining room expansion. Interior seating capacity grew from 25 to 70 (with…
According to the World Sport Stacking Association, sport stacking is now part of more than 47,000 school and club programs in 54 countries worldwide. The Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) Howling Stacker club team participated in the March Colorado Open Championship held at Douglas County High School, a qualifying event for the 2023 Junior Olympics that…
Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) recently pledged to spread inclusion within the school as part of the Spread the Word inclusion campaign and in conjunction with Special Olympics Colorado. Principal Chris Cooke said, “The Special Olympics Spread the Word campaign to support inclusion is near and dear to the heart of what we believe in…
Lower elementary students at DCS Montessori participated in World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) by sharing and reading their favorite picture books to their classmates. WRAD, created in 2010 by the nonprofit LitWorld, is a global effort that calls attention to the importance of reading every year on the first Wednesday in February. Sponsored by Scholastic,…
Earlier this year, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) once again welcomed several foreign exchange students to the jungle. Ten students from France came to Colorado (with others going to Montana, Kansas and Washington) and eight of the 10 were hosted by RCHS families. This was the first year, post pandemic, to welcome foreign students into…
“Triglycerides,” “candelabra,” and “scruple” are all hard words to spell, but “Ayurvedic” is even harder. For Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) fifth grader, Charlotte Harris, the word “Ayurvedic” was not only hard to spell, it was the winning word that advanced her to the district’s top 25 to go to the state spelling bee. The Scripps…
Since 1988, CORE account holders have awarded grants to graduating high school seniors who plan to continue their education. This year CORE will again award 35 grants – five per director district – of $2,000 each. Grant recipients are chosen via a lottery-type drawing, as there are no scholastic requirements. Applicants must be from households…
When the United States won the gold medal in Men’s Curling at the 2018 Olympic games, the sport became more well-known, but Castle Pines native Alec Celecki got hooked on curling while watching the 2010 Vancouver Olympics when he was 11 years old. Celecki took a Learn-to-Curl class, then joined a league; now, at 25…
Cooper Robinson (17), a junior at Valor Christian High School, has a lot to smile about. He was the goalie on the school’s hockey team that won the 5-A state championship in March. The Eagles finished the season 20-1, winning state 7-3. Since the big win, Robinson has been awarded first team, all-state – the…
Last summer, my sister Callie and I took a hiking holiday to the southwest coast of Ireland. We booked a tour package for a Dingle Way walking excursion. The package booked our accommodations in guest houses or bed and breakfast establishments and moved our luggage while we walked, but unlike other vacation tours, we were…
Castle Pines City Council unanimously approved a proposal to rezone nearly 300 acres of land on the northeast corner of I-25 and Happy Canyon Road. The property was designated as agricultural land but has long been targeted for development. The City initiated the rezoning with the consent of the landowner, North Canyons LLLP, which is…
There is undoubtedly a learning curve when the average resident begins investigating the layers of checks, balances and standards for approving development plans. Oftentimes, it is not until the public becomes involved in discussions over a proposed development that they gain a greater understanding of the review processes. Cities and counties are required to follow…
As the midway point approached for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Citizens Academy, participants became deeply vested in the program and wanted to learn more about ways to be involved in their community and with the DCSO. The next two classes discussed Peer Support for officers and their families and the Community Resources Unit…
Disc golf is a sport that is gaining popularity across the world. It combines elements of golf and Frisbee, with the goal to get a disc into the designated targets in the fewest throws possible. The City of Castle Pines recently broke ground on this new amenity as part of Pronghorn Park, located near Hess…
The City of Castle Pines is partnering with residents to organize the city’s first-ever Spring Cleanup Day. While cleanup days have been hosted by neighborhood HOAs and the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District in the past, there has never been a citywide effort – until now. As the community grows, it is more important than…
The Douglas County Health Department will continue its curbside household hazardous waste disposal program again this year. If you have hazardous waste from a painting project, old oil from your car’s maintenance, or other waste from your recent DIY project, Douglas County Health Department can help you safely dispose of it. In place of a…
The easiest, fastest and most rewarding way to declutter and spring clean is to remove what isn’t needed or wanted, creating space for what is actually used and enjoyed. There will certainly be at least a few things that can be donated or recycled from every room and closet, but where can and should those…
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hosted a town hall at Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines on January 30 to discuss a new outpatient clinic in northwest Castle Rock. The clinic will be located at the corner of Prairie Hawk Drive and Dacoro Lane, directly southeast of the AMC Castle Rock 12 theater.…
Candid cameraman connecting singles After 34 years as a professional photographer – 19 of which have been in a studio in the Village Shops – Jimmy Dozer’s focus continues to sharpen and evolve. For decades, Jimmy has specialized in capturing memorable moments in the lives of babies, children, high school seniors and families. He has…
On January 26, more than 130 guests gathered for the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce 2022 awards luncheon at Cielo at Castle Pines. Chamber members nominated winners in several categories: Large Business of the Year, Community Member of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year, and Small Business of the Year.…
Winter is here in full force, which means the Help & Hope Center (HHC) annual Keep the Heat On! campaign is in full swing. The first few months of the year are typically a time when donation income is less than what HHC needs to cover all the services it provides. HHC food pantry manager,…
The current technological zeitgeist is all about AI (artificial intelligence), and ChatGPT is dominating the conversation. In the two years since its inception, hundreds of millions of users worldwide have joined ChatGPT, the fastest growing app in history. Its popularity has grown exponentially in the past couple months, begging the question, “What is ChatGPT?” ChatGPT…
There’s no denying that many Americans follow a sports team: local, state, professional or all of the above. Even soccer is taking off for sports fans. Mariah Trujillo realized a need for blingy and fun sportswear to counter the more generic merchandise available. So, she took her ideas and skills to launch MVPBae, an online…
Jacqui Williams is a mother of four young children and in the thick of all that a busy household entails. In her spare time, she has developed an interesting hobby and an on-trend business – she is a specialist and seller of permanent jewelry. Williams explained that many people do not know what permanent jewelry…
These days, Piper Melbye soaks in the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. (D.C.) and is loving her busy life there. Back in 2016, Melbye graduated from Rock Canyon High School after growing up from the eighth grade on in The Village at Castle Pines. Melbye was a competitive and high school cheerleader as…
Last month, Douglas County Libraries (DCL) announced a new partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (IL), a nonprofit started by the singer-songwriter to send books on a monthly basis to qualifying children, ages 0-5, at no cost to families. Each individual child in a household will receive age-appropriate books that they get to keep. “We…
In 2012, as my love affair with my two-wheeled companion “Shadow” ended, I helped bring the emergent Castle Pines Motorcycle Club to community attention. More than a decade later and tens of thousands of road miles farther, it appears that its members are at full throttle now. The club is many things, most of them…
March book recommendations transport us to the craggy cliffs and verdant hills of the Emerald Isle. Irish language and culture are seeded deep in landscape, tradition, magic, and far too often, conflict and tragedy. The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey Set in the early 1900s, Eileen O’Neill determinedly seeks to reclaim the yellow house where…
March is gender equality month, so fittingly this month’s Angels Among Us features Together Women Rise (RISE), whose mission is to cultivate the collective power of community to achieve global gender equality. RISE is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. What started as a collective giving circle among a group of friends has blossomed into…
A new manager will soon join The Country Club at Castle Pines. Beginning later this month, Perry Kenney will take on the day-to-day leadership of the Club and its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Kenney will join the establishment after more than 21 years at Sawgrass Country Club near Jacksonville, Florida. While at Sawgrass, Kenney served…
It was not long ago that women couldn’t vote, open a bank account on their own or be considered in the running for a promotion. Thanks to a designation by Congress in 1987, the month of March is recognized as Women’s History Month and is a good time to recap and reflect on the always…
In writing Wildcat Lore over the years, I have sought a home base, a spiritual center of gravity and a location suitable for the “capital” of our readership in these Wildcat Mountains. I finally figured it out: Round Top. We are all “Round Toppers.” Let me take you back a ways… Our readers’ homes are…
In the last few months, the Castle Pines Connection has been featuring a segment called “Above the Pines” using drone photography. Although you might first think of large drones for military use or delivering packages, the commercial drone industry is growing quickly and The Connection is excited to bring you photos each month taken above…
Sonny is a 2-year-old rescue from the Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock. While the bold, black markings over his eye could easily mark him as a border collie, the subtle tan markings on the top of his head are that of an Australian cattle dog, also known as a blue heeler. In…
March is a terrific time to celebrate all things green – and kale, spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are at the top of the food chain when it comes to healthy vegetables. Green vegetables are packed with essential nutrients and have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including helping to reduce the risk of…
As far as I can tell, I don’t have a single drop of Irish blood. This month, though, everyone is a little bit Irish, right? In anticipation of the 17th of this month, I’ve got a green outfit chosen, cereal with everyone’s favorite leprechaun on the box in the pantry, and even a corned beef…
First grade students at Timber Trail Elementary extended their gratitude to the residents of Legacy Village with a heartfelt Valentine’s Day visit filled with conversation and singing. All joined in to the tunes of Heart, I’m a Little Valentine and Skidamarink. Residents and students exchanged handwritten notes, sharing simple gestures of love and encouragement. By…
Dear Readers, This feels like a perfect time to revisit the anatomy of an invitation. Party season is upon us, and the wedding season is right around the corner. To start with, you receive a save-the-date. What do you do? The save-the-date stands alone as a prompt to check your calendar and put a pin…
Douglas County has one of the fastest growing senior populations in the state, and fortunately a lot of resources for older adults, caregivers and family members. One resource, DC Senior Life which includes the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County, was created to help older adults find resources, educational programs, upcoming events and opportunities to engage…
The Road to the Final Four stops in Denver on March 17 & 19 at Ball Arena when the Mountain West Conference hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA March Madness Tournament. Are you or someone you know from the 80108 ZIP code attending a March Madness game? Send your info and pictures…
Rock Canyon High School Luc Belvill Boys Lacrosse Stevenson University, MD Coach Shawn Zordani stated, “Luc is a tremendously hard worker who leads by example all the time. He usually isn’t the loudest in the room, but when he talks, everyone listens. He has the potential to be the best midfielder in the state his…
Students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) recently continued a favorite school tradition: the third grade show. All three third grade classes participated together to create a performance of song, dance, movements and art to showcase their skills and camaraderie. This year’s theme for the 30-minute production was teamwork. Students worked closely with art, music and…
Timber Trail Elementary fifth grade students stepped out of the classroom and into Young AmeriTowne (YA) where they played roles of adults managing careers, earning salaries and balancing budgets. The revered annual field trip to YA’s facility in downtown Denver allows the children to run a town for a day and is a fun yet…
Valor Christian High School opened its doors to neighbors on Saturday, February 4 for the annual Winter Art Show, an event to celebrate work from all Valor art…
Blending flavors from Korea and Japan A much-anticipated new arrival to the Castle Pines-area dining scene is already making believers out of first-time guests. Sushi and Bowls, a new Japanese-Korean restaurant next to Ziggi’s Coffee in The Shoppes at Castle Pines, enjoyed a steady stream of early-dinner visitors during its soft opening the week of…
Sierra McElderry, a sixth-grade student at Rocky Heights Middle School has many interests and hobbies, including some high-flying pursuits. McElderry is passionate about aerial arts. Think of actress Zendaya as the character Anne Wheeler in The Greatest Showman. Aerial arts originated from circus arts and is often dance-like or acrobatic, performed while suspended in the…
Most of the recent development of residential housing in the City of Castle Pines has been concentrated east of I-25, but the remaining pockets designated for housing west of the highway are also taking shape. Citadel at Castle Pines, a single-family attached residential neighborhood under construction southeast of Lagae Road and Monarch Boulevard, is expanding…
On January 12, Union Pacific Railroad began construction in Castle Rock with this objective: the cessation of the train horn while the trains pass through downtown. The anticipated quiet zone has been a long-time ask from residents and businesses. The project entails installing new railroad crossing gates, sidewalks, curbs and signage on 2nd and 3rd…
The City of Castle Pines is reviewing an application requesting permission for new types of development on the southwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road, including self-storage. The land use application to rezone portions of the Parkway Plaza development from business use to Planned Development was submitted by CP Commercial LLC in November…
Castle Pines City Council voted unanimously to sign a 5-year lease with PT Village Square LLC for space on the second floor of the office building located at 7437 Village Square Drive, where the public works and building departments currently reside. This move would consolidate municipal services into one location. The City currently leases roughly…
During a public hearing at the January 24 regular meeting, the Castle Pines City Council postponed a decision on whether to approve the rezoning of land that borders both I-25 and a rural-residential neighborhood east of the highway. After hearing public comments from neighbors to the south of the 300-acre property, council members delayed the…
On January 3, the Castle Rock Town Council voted to approve the expansion and move to the design phase of a segment of Crowfoot Valley Road from two lanes to four lanes. Crowfoot Valley Road is a major artery connecting northeast Castle Rock to the rest of Douglas County. “We all know that Crowfoot Valley…
(DCSO) Citizens Academy delivered another riveting two-part class again this month, covering Communications and the Special Teams K-9 Units. Dispatcher Kara Martin led the Communications portion of the class and gave a tour of the Communications Center. The DCSO Communications Center handles dispatch for all of Douglas County, including five law enforcement agencies and…
If you are a property owner in Douglas County, watch your mail for the delivery of your 2023 property tax bill or tax notification. As you review your property tax bill or tax notification, know that while you pay your taxes to the County Treasurer’s Office, the County Treasurer is tasked with distributing the funds…
In a packed hearing room as one of the first official actions of 2023, 18th Judicial District Court Judge Theresa Slade completed the swearing in ceremony for Douglas County’s re-elected commissioner and newly elected assessor, clerk and recorder, coroner, sheriff and surveyor. On Tuesday, January 10, officials took the oath of office at the Philip…
Nursing is in Deb Miller’s blood. When she was four years old, all she wanted for Christmas was the Barbie doll that was a nurse. On Christmas morning that is exactly what Santa brought her. “Growing up, I always thought to myself, ‘it would be really cool to be a nurse,’” Miller explained. Originally from…
Congratulations Nathan Travis for being named Castle Pines North Metro District manager. “We are thrilled to have someone as knowledgeable and capable as Nathan leading the District,” said Board President Chuck Lowen. “He is well respected by his colleagues and also the community. It was a ‘no-brainer’ to remove the ‘interim’ from his title and…
To compete with inflation and operating costs, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) implemented a 4.2% increase on some postage rates effective January 22. A first class, forever stamp went up 3 cents, from 60 cents to 63 cents. An international stamp is now $1.45, up from $1.40. Domestic postcard stamps were also raised from 44…
Dear Reader, The Starbucks cups are everywhere. I know, I’m guilty of setting one down to look at something while shopping and forgetting it. But I’m here to remind myself and all of you that we can do better. There’s a funny sign at a BBQ joint in Colorado Springs that says, “Pick up after…
Applications for the South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) 2023 Citizens Academy are now open. The Citizens Academy is an opportunity for SMFR residents to get a first-hand look at what emergency services is all about. Participants will get an overview of the services the District offers, a bird’s-eyes view of where their tax dollars are…