Read the stories from the latest issue:
“You can take the girl out of the mountains, but you can’t take the mountains out of the girl,” declared Michelle Fuentes. Michelle grew up in south Aurora, and her life and career took her to other parts of the country until last year when she returned home to Colorado along with her family,…
The City of Castle Pines City Council (City) recently voted 6-1 to approve an application to subdivide parcels of land in the Canyons development area. The property, located east of S. Havana Street and north of Castle Pines Parkway, now consists of three new mixed-use lots, two new tracts and dedicated right-of-way for the S.…
Last month, The Crisis Center relocated from Littleton to the Inverness area, remaining in Douglas County at I-25 and County Line Road. The new space is designed to support both current and future needs of adults and children impacted by domestic violence by continuing to provide essential services to residents primarily in Douglas, Arapahoe, Elbert…
Foundry Church (Foundry) is continuing to raise funds to build a new 14,000-foot facility on Mira Vista Lane, adjacent to Elk Ridge Park and American Academy – Castle Pines charter school. This is Phase 1 for Foundry’s “Building for More” campaign. “We are currently raising capital to finance the building and are working with our…
Ice rinks – check. Baseball fields – check. Soccer complex – check. Those are a few of the sports venues that will be part of the 46-acre mega sports complex called Zebulon, coming in 2026 to northwest Douglas County in Sterling Ranch, four miles south of C-470, west of US Highway 85. Zebulon will include…
The Castle Pines community garage sale is a popular event that residents look forward to every year. While there is no longer a “sponsor” of the event, anyone who is considering hosting a garage sale this summer is encouraged to join with your neighbors and to host it on the weekend of Friday, May 30…
The Process On March 25, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners adopted a resolution to transition from a statutory form of government to a Home Rule County Charter. The resolution is just the first step of the process. On June 24, a special election will be held where voters will decide whether to form a…
On Saturday, May 3, the Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum will host its annual day of free tours through downtown Castle Rock. This year’s tour will focus on the 60th anniversary of the 1965 flood. The tour guide will show passengers noted spots from the tragedy and artifacts that remain visible today. Tour times…
The requirements for concealed handgun permits in Colorado are changing. Last year, the Colorado General Assembly passed HB24-1174, new legislation going into effect on July 1, that changes the process for citizens seeking to apply for or renew their concealed handgun permit (CHP). Intended to increase the safety and responsibility of gun ownership, the new…
To sit across from Vivian Murciano is to feel the magnetic pull of someone who leads with purpose. With her calm confidence, sharp intellect, and heart-centered focus, she commands a rare kind of presence—one that inspires. As Vice President and Managing Broker at LIV Sotheby’s International Realty in Douglas County, Vivian oversees nearly 40 of…
In April, the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) hosted its inaugural symposium, Collaborative Impact: A Thriving Douglas County Community, at The Conference Center at RidgeGate in Lone Tree. The event was tailored specifically to Douglas County nonprofits, donors and businesses, and began with some entertainment from magician and Rock Canyon High School student Liam Abner. Nearly…
Summer is just around the corner, and that means more opportunities to be near the water. May is National Water Safety Month, making it the perfect time to address the importance of being water smart. According to the American Red Cross, every year in the United States, an estimated 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning.…
This is a tale of two ladies who stumbled upon a passion for whiskey and bourbon. Serena neighborhood residents since 2006, Michelle Bush and Jan Parker were first introduced to bourbon 10 years ago through a friend in Utah. This was a very special bourbon called Blanton’s, a coveted, hard to find collectible variety. With…
Roxanne Mount thought she would never leave New York, but Colorado worked its magic. Having grown up in Westchester County, Roxanne attended college and then landed a job with Starwood Hotels, launching an exciting career in hospitality, brand management and development, communication and PR as well as social content strategy. Roxanne shared, “I fell in…
Sedalia has always been like the movie The Mouse that Roared, punching above its weight in talent and natural beauty. Iowa-bred Carole Williams is a prime example: the former editor of the Sedalia View, founding member of the Sedalia Museum and Gardens, and vastly more. Carole is supremely talented, creative writing atop the list. Things…
Jessica Kostelecky is a regular face at a local business. Customers often hear her shout “Welcome in” and “I’ll be right up” from the kitchen as she busily makes someone’s special event cake. As a single mom of two young girls, juggling tasks comes naturally to Jessica. Jessica’s first exposure to baking was with her…
This Pet Pedigree brought to you by Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center. Similar in spirit and named after the dog in the 2017 movie A Dog’s Purpose, Bailey is a devoted two-year-old golden retriever who has found her purpose as the best companion she can be to the Cook family of four: Amy, Michael,…
Zane Hawkins loves to fly; his career has been in the clouds. Zane is a helicopter pilot with Air Methods, an air ambulance company that provides critical care for burn, cardiac, pediatric, respiratory and trauma patients. He has been flying air ambulance Bell 407 helicopters for nearly a quarter century, beginning his career in the…
Pat and Susan Mooney’s son Ross is the inspiration behind Tall Tales Ranch (TTR), a nonprofit they launched in 2014 for adults living with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD). At the age of 14, Ross was diagnosed with x-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, an aggressive genetic disease that deteriorates the white matter in the brain. He received a…
Walking into Nourish Meals on Wheels (Nourish) is truly a sight to behold. It serves as a reminder that there is an abundance of good in this world. At Nourish, more than 600 volunteers make, pack and deliver fresh, hot meals to older (60+) and homebound adults across the Denver area. In 2024,…
Farmers markets have many charms, from chatting with farmers about their freshly-picked produce and with artisans about their unique goods, to enjoying all the sights, sounds and aromas while strolling among the booths. Some markets have live music, creating a fun atmosphere and some offer homemade food to enjoy while you shop. There are many…
March 13 made for a remarkable presentation by Beryl Jacobson, a volunteer historian for Douglas County, on the history of Sandstone Ranch at the Douglas County Libraries – Philip & Jerry Miller Library in Castle Rock. That the County owns this 2,038-acre parcel is all the more astonishing considering its acquisition cost and beauty. Absent…
This month’s books feature our encephalon. Complex and still largely unknown, our brains have fascinated humans since ancient times, but neuroscience as we know it began with Santiago Ramón y Cajal. The Spanish neuroscientist won the 1906 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his pioneering work with microscopes on brain structures. In honor of…
Authors made their books available for purchase, and guests in attendance brought dozens of books to be donated to Douglas County Libraries (see inset photo of Wanda Ford and Kathryn Fountain making the donation). The 16 authors featured included: Doug Beason, Kill Zone; Mike Boryla (not pictured), The Case of the Disappearing Quarterback; Michella…
Dear Mrs. A., We’re getting ready for summer traveling. Would you kindly give us a refresher on airplane etiquette? -Vacationing in the Village Dear Village Vacationer, Yes! Let’s hit the high points of the rules of the sky. On boarding, do not crowd the security line, especially if your group has not been called.…
Spring in Colorado often means the return of those pesky miller moths, swarming our lights and flying into our homes. Some years we see large numbers of them, and they can be a considerable nuisance. Common in Colorado and several bordering states, miller moth is the popular name for the migrating adult stage of the…
Whether it is slowing down to savor some tea, enjoying a party under the veranda tent, or attending a show, the historic Cherokee Ranch & Castle (CRC) serves everything up in a spectacular fashion. CRC is a gem, situated in the heart of Douglas County—Sedalia, that is a popular host to cultural, heritage, civic…
Author, The Connection writer and Briar Cliff resident Susan Helton has much to celebrate. She recently won two awards for her books: in the fantasy category, Crystalborne Sigils (by her pen name S. Lynn Helton) and in the young children’s category, Min the Cat Who Guards the Castle, (pen name Lynn Helton). The Incipere Awards…
The Hive is a haven of comfort, a place of gathering and learning for a group of women living in The Village at Castle Pines. No politics and no religion––just friendship, connecting and a place for fun. Meeting at a different home every month, the ladies get to know each other better and share their…
After a long winter, tennis players in The Village at Castle Pines are excited to be back on the courts to start the 2025 United States Tennis Association (USTA) season. The Village has a robust tennis community with 114 players across 29 men’s, women’s and mixed doubles teams. “We love tennis in the Village!” shared…
Snow forced most of the event inside, but still more than 500 people turned out for the City of Castle Pines Egg Scramble on Saturday, April 19. Families formed a line to meet the Easter Bunny, receive a basket of eggs, and enjoy donuts and hot beverages. A few lucky kids discovered golden eggs they…
Crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance — Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. “You’ll never ___!” 6. “____ fly” 10. Janitor’s tools 14. 1970 World’s Fair site 15. Bunnies’ defining feature 16. Be next to 17. Knocking sound 19. Invitation word 20. Sense of self 21. Decline, with “out” 22. Rafter connector…
Spring is here, and suddenly I can not get enough of fresh, light, bright flavors. In much the same way that I find myself opening the windows to enjoy the breeze, my kitchen is suddenly home to all things fruity, fluffy and fabulous. I have lots of favorites this time of year—pasta primavera and strawberry…
From June 25 – June 29, the 45th U.S. Senior Open will offer a week of golf and fan activities at The Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs. Beyond the championship rounds, attendees can enjoy interactive experiences, browse merchandise and have opportunities to engage with golf pros. A wide variety of ticket options are available with…
Valor Christian High School (Valor) has appointed Michael Sanford as its new head football coach, bringing a wealth of collegiate coaching experience to the esteemed high school program in Highlands Ranch. Born in California, Sanford played quarterback at Boise State University from 2000 to 2004. Since then, his career has spanned various roles at top-tier…
Raising awareness about mental health and offering resources is at the heart of Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Mental Health America (MHA), the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being and condition prevention, has research-backed suggestions to boost one’s mental health. Here are a few: Spending time in nature is linked to…
Lacrosse coach and self-proclaimed “proud lacrosse dad” Eric Manzanares is an avid proponent of the sport because of the opportunity it presents to not only build champions but also community, both on and off the field. While the Denver metro area has several competitive youth lacrosse leagues, Eric identified a missing component for him in…
In April, Valor Christian High School (Valor) proudly welcomed home NFL star and alumnus Christian McCaffrey for a special ceremony to retire his high school jersey, number 5. Currently a running back for the San Francisco 49ers, Christian returned to his alma mater alongside his wife, Olivia, and his parents Lisa and Ed. The event…
Each year, the Foundation for Douglas County Schools recognizes Douglas County School District (DCSD) staff members with Apple Awards in a district-wide ceremony for educators and administrators who inspire a love of learning, excel in their contributions to students and are innovators in the classroom. This year, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) principal and Castle…
This list was compiled with the assistance of DCSD and is brought to you by Douglas County Libraries. Castle View High School Caitlyn Albert Carlos Andres Ballesteros Pineros Lucas Baylor Jackson Blanchard Wyatt Blickenstaff Gabriel Bowers Ivy Briggs Rianne Casillas Reed Xavier Casillas Reed Ethan Domb Chloe Dyer Avery Farrell Xavier Graves Alexander Harris…
American Academy – Castle Pines (AA) students, kindergarten through fifth grade, lit up the school hallways at this year’s annual art show, Glow in the Dark. Visiting guests, staff and students journeyed from outer space to the oceans. The students used neon and glow-in-the-dark mediums including paints, colored pencils and powders to create luminous effects.…
If you have ever walked the halls of Timber Trail Elementary (TTE), chances are you have been on the receiving end of one of Matt LeClaire’s signature high fives. Known for his ever-changing hair colors, Matt is far more than the Before and After School (BASE) program director. He is a mentor, an advocate for…
The Performing Arts program from all three American Academy campuses (AAPA) put on a show-stopping performance of Willy Wonka Jr. last month at the Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center. The students performed Roald Dahl’s familiar story of the quirky candy tycoon and his quest to find an heir. Cast members ages ranged from kindergarten…
Every year, Buffalo Ridge Elementary’s fifth graders spend months creating and practicing a show that they perform at a school-wide assembly and for parents in an evening performance. This year, students took the audience to the movies, singing famous songs from movies and performing dance vignettes. Students also recorded commercial and trailer short reels and…
Community and connection are at the heart of a family farm Anderson Farms welcomes everyone for the annual season opener of sunflower picking and a day of farm-inspired rides, games and activities and tons of farm fun. Located at 6728 County Rd 3 1/4 in Erie, Anderson Farms operates with the principle of connecting families…
Sandy Holcomb has been an Urban Park Ranger for Highlands Ranch Metro District (HRMD) for 14 years. She is passionate about nature and educating the public. Sandy’s love for education began as a gymnastic coach, then teaching at a nature camp focused on honeybees. Through these experiences, she realized the importance of community outreach which…
The new parking garage construction at Park Meadows mall is progressing with roughly 50% of the project now complete. Vertical construction began in late February, marking a significant milestone as the structure––which is located north of the mall just outside the food court area––takes shape. Once finished, the garage will provide approximately 700 additional parking…
Drivers will soon enjoy a smoother ride between Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch as a long-anticipated project to pave Grigs Road is scheduled to begin this summer. The gravel road is being upgraded to a paved surface. “Grigs is our top priority,” said Dan Roberts, assistant director of operations for Douglas County Public Works (DCPW).…
In 1872, before Castle Rock became a town, the City Hotel was a welcoming sight for settlers looking for a place to rest and to get a good deal on room and board. The hotel is one of Castle Rock’s oldest buildings and historical landmarks and it still stands today at 415 Perry Street—but barely.…
Douglas County is conducting a transit and multimodal study to determine what transportation options may be lacking for people who do not own a vehicle and want to connect to places they desire to go. Many County communities are not served by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and are underserved by the existing transit system.…
On March 11, the Board of Directors (Board) of the Douglas County Commissioners launched the Douglas County Hall of Fame to honor and recognize those in the community who impact the lives of others. Whether it is a student achieving high honors in academics, activities and sports or a veteran who continues to give back,…
On March 13, mayor of Castle Pines Tracy Engerman held her monthly “Coffee Klatch with Tracy.” Hosted at Ziggi’s Coffee, Mayor Engerman shared updates with the community on the City of Castle Pines (City). Development Life Time plans to break ground in August on the northeast corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Canyonside Boulevard on…
Copperfalls Aveda Spa and Salon in Castle Rock celebrated its 25th anniversary on March 6; the day was officially recognized by Castle Rock Mayor Jason Gray as “Copperfalls Day.” The salon hosted a “Spring into Beauty” open house where guests were invited to escape the outside world and breathe in the plant and flower-based aromas…
Drop off tree limbs, shrubs, pine cones and grass clippings at the free County site. Located at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock, the site is open Saturdays through October, starting April 5. The County also maintains a year-round site to collect limited small loads, which is open Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.…
On Monday, March 3, Amy Mays, founder and executive director of Happy Crew, saw a longtime dream become a reality. It was the first day that the Happy Crew Coffee House opened for business. For more than 30 years, Amy has worked alongside teens and learned something crucial that became Happy Crew’s purpose: teens need…
After 115 years as the Dumb Friends League, the Denver-based animal welfare organization has re-branded itself as Humane Colorado. The original name, inspired by London’s 1897 charity Our Dumb Friends League, used “dumb” to mean “mute” or “lacking speech,” referring to animals. The new name, Humane Colorado, reflects the organization’s commitment to advocacy, education, and…
Sara Goodwin Freelance Writer A Colorado native, Sara is an avid writer and was drawn to The Connection because of its focus on positive and inspiring news. Throughout her varied career, she has been in pursuit of purposeful work that provides an ideal nexus between her expertise in strategic communications and passion for philanthropy. Sara…
In January, The Connection featured the antler-less elk statue in Elk Ridge Park. Recently, the statue has been restored to completion by the City of Castle Pines. He is beautiful. By Hollen Wheeler; photos courtesy of Lynn Zahorik
The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) will host its inaugural symposium, Collaborative Impact: A Thriving Douglas County Community. Area nonprofits, donors and businesses are invited to attend on Friday, April 11, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Conference Center at Ridgegate, located at 9977 Sky Ridge Avenue, Suite 401 in Lone Tree. The…
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 for our friendly business…
Sixteen-year-old Rock Canyon High School junior Liam Abner recently performed on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, a magic competition television show judged by two venerable magicians and illusionists. The episode aired on February 21 on the CW Network. According to Liam, the producers, staff and entirety of the production were all amazing and the…
Last month, the website stacker.com released a ranking of the 25 best suburbs in Denver. Castle Pines ranked fourth, behind only Holly Hills, Cherry Creek and Greenwood Village. Factors included local schools and outdoor activities and data gathered by niche.com, which previously ranked Castle Pines the “#1 Best Place to Live in Douglas County,” based…
Three local boys graduated from Rock Canyon High School, went to CU Boulder and then started a band: The Dirty Turkeys. Guitarist Justin Hansen, his older brother and vocalist Brad Hansen, and Justin’s childhood best friend, Sam Baker, the bassist, were the original three. Then, Ty Tullar, a drummer from San Diego, came along to…
“Every king has his legacy,” begins the description of the book His Majesty’s Legacy, written by resident John Marchlowska, pen name J.J. March. If the words were changed to “Every man has his legacy,” John’s would be filled with love, kindness, service and following his dreams. John met his wife, Patty, in high school in…
Brought to you by Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center Having a pet at home is not new to the Wiley family: Michelle, Matthew, Victoria (10) Elizabeth (8) and Michael (7). Chase, a black lab was Michelle and Matthew’s first “baby” before their three kids were born. He was 14 years old when he passed…
Canyons Community Church 4825 Crowfoot Valley Road, Castle Rock Maundy Thursday*, April 17, 6 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 20, 10:30 a.m. canyonscc.org Castle Oaks Covenant Church 826 Park Street, Castle Rock Maundy Thursday*, April 17, 7 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 20, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. castleoaks.org Castle Rock First United Methodist Church 1200…
Situated in the foothills west of Denver is the only acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world that was formed by nature: Red Rocks Amphitheatre. A destination must for travelers to Colorado and a bucket list check for concert goers, what few may know is that the venue’s longest running event is the Easter Sunrise Service.…
At 4138 Rio Grande Avenue, just over the second set of train tracks in downtown Sedalia, sits a quaint property once owned and lived in by Rosemary Sandell, a well-known Sedalian. Cherri LaMarr purchased the home about two years ago and has renovated it into the Magpie Art Center (MAC). The grand opening is planned…
“Qu’ils mangent de la brioche” is falsely attributed to the queen during the French Revolution, Marie-Antoinette. The phrase has been widely used in popular culture for more than 200 years with disparaging, ignorant and indulgent connotations. Like cake, reading is sometimes viewed as extravagant, but do not let that stop you from reading about cake…