Read the stories from the latest issue:
This crossword brought to you by Tammy Lopez with Allstate. 720-733-1331 – allstate.com/tammylopez Across 1. Head honcho 5. Be quiet! 8. Larger than an alpaca 13. City in Yemen 14. Made a gift of 15. A type of column 16. 1960 Olympics site 17. Off yonder 18. Ballot caster 19. A common tree in Douglas…
Joy and Franklin are much more than littermates. They are forever friends, the dynamic duo, the wonder twins and are “indescribable and special beyond words,” shared owner Rebecca Deal. Joy and Franklin are English bulldogs. Turning 4 years old this July, they joined the Deal family at 4 months old, and each day they have…
Denver Fan Expo 2023 The Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver was abuzz as the FAN EXPO Denver (Expo) 2023 came to town. The Expo offered attendees the opportunity to interact with celebrities, authors and cosplayers from around the country with autograph sessions, Q&A panels, artwork and the chance to buy movie and comic memorabilia…
Courtesy photos Castle Pines residents show up to support Taylor Swift’s visit to Denver on July 14 and 15, 2023.
Suzanne Wexler has put her stamp on Douglas County and Colorado as a leading champion of help and hope. She originally hails from New York but lived in Chicago for 22 years where she raised her family, was the director of a homeless shelter, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and huge supporter of the…
The Village Castle Pines Garden Club hosted its first Wine in the Garden party of the summer on June 28 at the beautiful home of Deni and Gerry Schwartzel. After postponing the event due to poor weather, a record 113 attendees brought a wonderful variety of delicious appetizers and wine to share. To learn more…
As kids head back to school next week, parents look forward to the school-year routine. This month’s book recommendations are about the effects of education, being in school or the connections formed during the formative schooling years. Drop the kids off at school and pick up a good book. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover…
The Connection has received requests to feature a crossword puzzle in the paper monthly, so we are giving it a try. We did not want to make it too difficult, and serious cruciverbalists – people skillful in creating or solving crossword puzzles – may find it too easy, but we are experimenting for the next…
We all have life stories, hardships among them. That of the early Seidensticker family of Lake Gulch was a whopper… George was born in early 1800 in Bavaria, Germany’s Catholic state. His first wife Marie died young, having first delivered Eduard and then little Marie into their world. Though bereaved, George, as much out of…
Live music lovers rejoice. The Sunset Amphitheater (The Sunset) is opening in Colorado Springs in the spring of 2024. With a seating capacity of 8,000, the venue will be able to host concerts, plays and events that formerly eluded the city, and will have a mountain backdrop with a view of Pikes Peak. “Designed by…
Jon and Tera Radloff celebrated 20 years of marriage in June – two times on two different June 14ths. The story began when the couple planned a trip to New Zealand, Tahiti and Bora Bora to commemorate the anniversary. The first stop was in Auckland on June 14, the Radloff’s anniversary. They enjoyed touring and…
Here we are again, the dog days. This is the time of year when I crave all the summer foods – things that are crunchy, creamy and above all cool. In the summer, I love ice cream above all other foods, and if it were healthy, I’d eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alas,…
Residents and city and county officials are gearing up for the unveiling of a new, 35-acre park east of I-25. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for 4 p.m. on August 3 at Pronghorn Park and Disc Golf Course, northeast of Hess Road/Castle Pines Parkway and Cross Canyon Trail, a quarter mile east…
The healthful plant compounds in aloe vera are contained within each leaf, which has a water-filled tissue or gel that many people associate with aloe vera products. The gel contains powerful antioxidants that inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections, which is why it has been popular for treating skin wounds and…
Ask Mrs. Abramovitz Dear Readers, Isn’t someone you know always dieting? Intermittent fasting, Keto, Paleo and the controversial and very popular drugs in the class of semaglutides (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) seem to be among the current trends. If used correctly, they can result in significant weight loss. So, what do you say when speaking to…
The popularity of energy drinks and energy shots has spiked significantly since 2020 and sales in the U.S. are nearly $12 billion. People are relying on the stimulants in energy drinks to boost their energy and alertness in the morning, much like having a cup of coffee, but people are also sipping them later in…
Are you a teenager age 13-18 looking to babysit, pet sit, tutor, mow lawns, shovel snow, or offer a unique service to Castle Pines? We are currently updating our free resource listing to include in the upcoming September issue. This listing will be published periodically in the newspaper, and for safety and security reasons, will…
Douglas County School District (DCSD), like all major school districts and most small/rural districts in Colorado, will offer free breakfasts and lunches to all students beginning this school year through a new statewide program approved by Colorado voters. “The decision was made to participate in Healthy School Meals for All as it would benefit our…
The DCS Montessori activities van stayed busy during the summer Parks Adventures camp. Campers loaded up in the van to visit and play at nearby parks that included Coyote Ridge, The Retreat, Elk Ridge, Bison, O’Brian, Rhyolite and Paintbrush Parks. Each day was open to new opportunities and possibilities. There were no scheduled games or…
Summertime and road trips go hand in hand. Remember all those miles logged and hours passed playing games or dozing off? Summer seems somehow fuller when you hit the highway by jumping into a car, SUV or, in this case, two chartered buses. For the past 14 years, Youth for Christ Campus Life (Campus…
In 2015, President Barack Obama announced the Every Kid in a Park (EKP) program which provides all fourth-grade students with a free National Park pass for one year. The program was launched to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS). All fourth-grade students are eligible for the free pass beginning September…
American Academy Performing Arts (AAPA) is a program of extracurricular instruction, activities and experiences to supplement and challenge students to excel in the performing arts. As part of the American Academy (AA) curriculum, AAPA gives drama students the opportunity to develop confidence and poise on stage. AAPA is open to all three American Academy…
The City of Castle Pines is poised to become the home of a 20,000-square-foot specialized medical facility that uses an emerging therapy to more effectively treat a multitude of cancers. On May 23, Castle Pines City Council gave final approval for a purchase agreement to sell City-owned property at the southwest corner of Castle Pines…
Construction got underway in early June on the last developable pad in the Shoppes at Castle Pines business plaza. Dirt is being moved and fencing has been placed around the future site of Service Street, a vehicle maintenance business that specializes in oil changes, wheel alignments, brake repairs, emissions testing and other services. The project…
… at Coyote Ridge Park Five new pickleball courts are now open at Coyote Ridge Park in the City of Castle Pines. The City is still waiting on signage for the courts before an official opening in scheduled, but locals have already begun playing on them. Construction of the courts was started by the…
…in Douglas County When emergencies happen, communicating fast, reliable information can be vital in saving lives, solving crimes and mitigating damage. Residents in Douglas County can register for CodeRED alerts from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and all other Douglas County agencies. This system allows for mass notifications to areas where emergencies are…
Alumni from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy program were invited to a presentation by Douglas County Coroner Raeann Brown and given a private tour of the Coroner’s Office (CO). Being reunited and seeing fellow classmates after graduation was fun, and Deputy Brian McKnight put together an intriguing class about a topic many…
…the latest in dangerous teen trends Recent reports from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) warn about a couple of the deadliest new trends for Colorado youth – chroming (and its several variations) and car surfing. CHROMING: Chroming is not new but is now trending on social media under this different name. Popularly known…
…in Douglas County If you are staying in town for the July 4th holiday, there are plenty of activities in Douglas County to celebrate America’s birthday. Most events listed are free and open to the public, but some require registration, so check websites for specific details. Castle Pines While the City of Castle Pines does…
Douglas County is known for its incredible communities, world class outdoor amenities and amazing residents. One of the notable characteristics of those who call Douglas County home is their desire to make our future better through philanthropy. Your community partner in philanthropy is Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF). In recent years, DCCF experienced an organizational…
Shawn Cummings has the heart of a public servant. It is this drive and personal fulfillment that helped Cummings get where he is today. Cummings grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he cherished time with family and friends and developed a love of board and card games, a hobby he still enjoys. After…
Blooming people’s purpose In 2005, Professor Jeannette Haviland-Jones of Rutgers University published a scientific finding that flowers are an environmental approach to positive emotions. Empirically speaking, flowers have power. Lindsey Davidson Marrone tapped into this flower power and in 2019 started her floral design business, Bliss Bouquet Bar (BBB) from her home in the Estates…
Kary Kruger and her horse, Denver, are a perfect match. Kruger is a wife, mother, grandmother, retired matchmaker and novice horse lover. Denver is a bay thoroughbred rescue. The two connected seven years ago when Kruger bought Denver after he was rescued from being sold for slaughter. “I always knew I wanted to do…
Huck is one cool guy on the block that may look like a yellow lab, but he is actually a fox. That is, a fox red American Labrador (lab) retriever, significant for his red highlights. Five years ago, the Pardew family welcomed five-year-old Huck into their family when their youngest son Jack (now 17) asked…
… for gluten-busting research Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) rising senior, Aditi Avinash, is a science star in the making. In May, Avinash earned top honors at Regeneron’s International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas, Texas. Her research and findings for Model Validation and Preclinical Testing of Digestive Enzymes for Gluten Breakdown: A Move…
…for studying birth defects From the beginning, Cayden Bro’s journey has been filled with compassion and determination. He and his family moved to Castle Pines just blocks away from Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) when he was 2 years old. Once old enough to attend BRE, Bro lucked into a spot in Jenn Murdock’s…
On the second Wednesday of the second month of each quarter, a group of guys meet at Lone Tree Brewing Company to grab a beer and combine forces to support local charities. Guys, mark your calendars and join the next meeting on Wednesday, August 9. It is open to all. Guys Who Give (GWG) is…
As we celebrate our country’s freedom with fireworks and backyard barbecues, this month’s book recommendations turn us toward patriotism and some of the sacrifices countless regular people made on our behalf. Spanning the American Revolution to the aftermath of 9/11, these books shed light on the complexities of what patriotism is and how it can…
… with annual spring fashion show The Village Castle Pines Garden Club (VCPGC), “where friendships bloom,” celebrated spring with its annual fashion show and luncheon at the beautiful Castle Pines Golf Club on May 15. Carol McCraw and Tasha Carrington co-chaired the event, where eight garden club members modeled a variety of spring…
Despite some inclement weather, residents turned out for the annual Food Truck Frenzy on June 10 at Coyote Ridge Park. Live music, vendors, a bouncy slide and a bubble machine were just a few of the features of the neighborhood party. Caption and photos by Hollen…
Dear Readers, Let’s take it outside! The yard, the pool, the park. Common areas require common sense and an appropriate attitude toward noise and volume levels. Practicing good noise volume etiquette helps create a harmonious and respectful environment for all. Here’s the bottom line: if you are in a public space (including an airplane…
The online travel guide Travel Lemming publishes an annual list of “150 Best Things to Do in the USA This Summer” based on recommendations and votes from actual humans, not AI. Their motto is, “We make travel guides by humans, for humans.” Travel Lemming touts more than 10 million annual readers. This year’s list spans the…
…for military and first responders If you are active duty military, a veteran or an active or retired first responder, Douglas County Fair & Rodeo will give you one complimentary ticket to each of two Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo events –Military Appreciation Day and Cowboys for Cops Day. PRCA’s “Military Appreciation…
…in Greenland Until it burned to the ground again on May 11th of this year, the tallest building in Greenland, Colorado was a weather-seasoned red barn that was first built by Isaac Jegirtha Noe in the mid 1880s. His original three-cupola structure was first incinerated from a lightning strike in 1922. New owners at…
Castle Pines resident and beloved pre-school teacher Terry Matzat decided it was time to hang up her toy bin and supplies and start a new venture into retirement this spring. Matzat has been teaching preschoolers out of her home in Castle Pines for 17 years, first in HOA 1 for 10 years and then in…
With the sun finally out, it is time for a refresher on rattlesnakes and their potential danger. Many confuse non-venomous snakes (like bull snakes) with a rattler. The big qualifier: look for rattles at the end of the tail. Rattlesnakes are generally non-aggressive unless startled, cornered or stepped on. To prevent them curling up on…
Douglas County qualifying seniors have until July 15 to apply for the Senior Property Tax Exemption. Taxpayers 65 years and older as of January 1 and surviving spouses of seniors who previously qualified, who have owned and occupied a property as their primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years, may qualify for the…
…No garden required I am a terrible gardener. Plants cower in fear in my presence. I used to have a fantasy of growing the food I eat each summer from a backyard plot filled with squash, tomatoes, and luscious berries. My attempts have resulted in bug bites, frustration, and dirty fingernails, but very little…
…that are more interesting than water! Water is important to staying hydrated every day, especially in the heat and before and after exercise. Being dehydrated is hard on the body and often leads to headaches, cravings and fatigue. Drinking the recommended amount of water per day can be challenging, especially considering plain water can…
The Swaminathan family enjoys sports, particularly cricket. After living in Castle Pines for two years, Advait (15) will be a sophomore at Rock Canyon High School this fall, and Anirudh (11) will begin sixth grade at American Academy in Castle Pines. Both boys are becoming quite accomplished cricket players. When asked if cricket is comparable…
A group of men have come together to form a local chapter of F3, which stands for Fitness, Fellowship and Faith. F3 Castle Pines, a part of F3 Nation, was initiated by men who were attending F3 workouts in other locations and decided to establish a community closer to home. Judah Musick discovered F3 while…
The Douglas County Community Foundation recently hosted its annual Drive FORE DCCF golf tournament fundraiser at Ravenna, raising nearly $80,000. Information and photos provided by DCCF
Tomatoes are in season, and many residents are plucking them right off the vine in their own backyards or taking them home from the farmers market or grocery store. Tomatoes have antioxidants such as vitamin C and carotenoids like lycopene. Lycopene is associated with many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and certain…
DCS Montessori (DCSM) lower elementary summer campers enjoyed slime, goop and glob during a four-day Mad Science camp. Using real world science techniques, campers were able to touch, see, hear and smell what science is about. DCSM teacher Lynn Booton led the camp. Campers created, built and assembled a variety of take-home projects, which included…
Every year since 1988, CORE Electric Cooperative has selected 35 high school graduates (five teens from each of its seven districts) to each receive $2,000 for higher education. The 2023 grant recipients in 80108 are Channing Bower, Beckett Fleet, Kristen O’Leary and Morgan Shirer. CORE uses a lottery system to select the winners; there are…
Timber Trail Elementary Before and After School Enterprise (BASE) sent nine staff members and 58 kids, grades kindergarten through sixth grade, to the Rockies vs. Giants home baseball game in June. The summer program averages 35 field trips each summer, but the visit to Coors Field was a first for the program. Student Asher…
It was at a Navy summer program for rising high school seniors that Nikki Flocco said she “absolutely fell in love with the military.” Despite returning from the program in a wheelchair from a sprained foot, Flocco decided to apply to nearly all of the military academies. Flocco was accepted into The United States Coast…
Since forming Centura Health as a management company in 1996, CommonSpirit Health and AdventHealth have worked together as sponsoring organizations to meet the health care needs of the communities across Colorado and western Kansas. While this has been a strong partnership for 27 years, both organizations have grown and evolved over the years, as have…
From the choruses of New York City theater to teaching students the art of musical performance, Bob Harrison has had an interesting career. Today, the retired virtuoso lives with his wife in Castle Valley with his two dogs and a parakeet. He is a master penman – someone who has mastered the art of calligraphy…
Castle Pines City Council unanimously approved a plan to form an urban renewal authority that will set aside a portion of future tax revenues for business district improvements. Council members voted May 9 in favor of a resolution to establish the Castle Pines Urban Renewal District, which will encompass the existing commercial district west of…
On the final day of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Citizens Academy, class discussion centered on emotional survival in law enforcement. It has become a priority for DCSO, and we were reminded of the importance of mental health, particularly in this line of work. DCSO officers and first responders are faced with emotionally taxing…
Imagine all the rain collected during our rainstorm the first week of May. If you had a barrel system already in place, the 48-hour downpour was a gift from the heavens. It was a desire to conserve that brought 30 Douglas County residents together to take part in a rain harvesting workshop put on by…
Castle Pines North Metro District staff, board of directors and their families, and community members gathered prior to the May 22 regular board meeting to bid farewell to departing directors Chris Lewis, Denise Crew and Chuck Lowen, and to welcome incoming directors Leah Enquist, James Mulvey and Jana Krell. Thank you all for your service…
Do you have a passion for helping people? Then we need you. We invite you to join an exciting, dedicated group of community members who serve Douglas County in an essential way. These are our #DCSO victim assistance (VA) volunteers, and our newest volunteer is Kingston. The Victim Assistance Program is a unit within the…
From the outside, Surrey Ridge resident Annie Mohler appears to live a “picture perfect” life. She fully and completely agrees. Mohler is a master photographer who lives on a farmhouse property north of Castle Pines Parkway with her husband, Seth, who she says is the funniest man on the planet, and their two daughters, Ava…
Snooze Mattress Company held its grand opening on April 22. The store is located in Promenade at Castle Rock. Photos courtesy of Snooze Mattress Company
Dr. Mansur Nurdel has lived in Castle Pines with his wife, Roza, for 15 years. They have two sons, Ryan (22) and Dustin (20). Nurdel and his wife enjoy daily walks through Daniel’s Gate Park and the beautiful views it has to offer. Nurdel and Roza are both originally from Iran, and each fled their…
Paul Carpenter is an 11-year-old boy who just finished fifth grade at Flagstone Elementary School in Castle Rock. What you see on the outside is a super happy and fun child who everyone adores. But, behind those amazing brown eyes, is a boy who was not expected to survive after birth and who has faced…
Breckenridge may be a favored Colorado staycation and ski resort, but to Sofia and David Dunlay, the Breckenridge they hold close their hearts is their 2-year-old mini Bernedoodle. Breckenridge has been a strong part of the Dunlay family since she was 6 weeks old. Named after the popular ski resort, Breckenridge or “Breck” is a…
What happens when tragedy strikes helpers? First responders put themselves in harm’s way each day to make sure others are safe and cared for in the worst of times. But unfortunate events impact helpers too, and when they do, South Metro Professional Firefighters Foundation (SMPFF), a 501(c)(3) comprised solely of volunteers, is ready to step…