Read the stories from the latest issue:
Spending three hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has become a welcome weekly occurrence. This session would not be dull nor disappoint. Lieutenant Joel White, a former member of the DCSO Bomb Squad who was recently promoted to the Investigations Unit, led the class. The Bomb Squad is…
Historically, Douglas County has seen a low percentage of homelessness. With housing insecurity on the rise, no full-time shelters and little services available that larger cities already have in place, Douglas County created the Douglas County Homeless Initiative (DCHI). County Commissioner and chairman of the DCHI board, Abe Laydon, said the goal of the initiative…
A 23-year resident of Castle Pines, Mary Barnes is married with three kids, ranging in age from 13 to 30 and has a 15-year-old cat named Jack. She is the executive director of the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra (LTSO) and a cello player, but her path did not always include music and the arts. Originally…
80108 Wine & Spirits Advanced Integrative Medicine Angie’s Restaurant AriClean Aspen Tide Design & Staging Audrey Will – LIV Sotheby’s Bandimere Speedway Beau Thai II Bellco Credit Union Berg Haus Big O Tires Black + Haus Tavern Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood Boondocks Food & Fun Boy Scout Troop #316 Brandon Linn Orthodontics Broadway…
With loving parents, an outgoing twin sister, an always full house of dogs, and oodles of built-in friends and second families on Cerney Circle, Ryan Wight grew up surrounded by all things good. He moved to Castle Pines at the ripe age of 3. Wight recalled lining up behind the firetrucks with his decorated bike…
Douglas County Community Foundation is seeking volunteers to help further its mission to responsibly manage philanthropic contributions, maintain agile funds for emergencies, inspire generosity and provide support to local nonprofits serving the needs within our community. Although the nonprofit has been around nearly two decades, its restructuring in 2021 injected new energy into the organization,…
Local nonprofit organization Hide In Plain Sight (HIPS) began seven years ago, led by Joe Roos. Since then, the nonprofit has served the mission of providing scholarships to homeless and impoverished young adults to achieve a post-secondary education. Roos retired as executive director at the end of October, and HIPS employees, board members and volunteers…
Who doesn’t like getting a package in the mail – the instant happiness from tearing into the box, unfolding the flaps and uncovering the goodies? Gifts and care packages always do the trick to make us feel thought of and loved. When Jennifer Rowe’s oldest daughter, Tessa, went away to CU Boulder in 2017, Jennifer…
Hanukkah is a festive, eight-day celebration that falls in November or December. This year, families across Colorado and throughout the world will celebrate the Jewish holiday starting at sundown on Sunday, December 18 and ending on Monday, December 26. Hanukkah traditions include lighting the menorah, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods fried in oil…
My wife and I have spent a total of four months in Africa over 30 years: Egypt, the Seychelles, the Republic of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Our recent five-week trip was intense. Visiting the continent requires heightened savvy and willingness to tolerate some creature discomforts. However, it was enriching beyond expectations, as exotic wildlife…
December is a month filled with holiday celebrations and traditions. There is much to do in the greater Denver area (check out our December E Guide calendar), but here are a few more ideas: Tree lighting celebration at the Lone Tree Arts Center – On December 2, enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores and live entertainment for…
The Dumb Friends League Buddy Center, located in Castle Rock, celebrated 20 years of service on November 12. Brownie and Bandit, two dogs adopted from the Buddy Center, helped mark the occasion with a festive “ribbone” chomping, the dog version of “ribbon cutting.” Since its inception in 2002, the Buddy Center has provided adoptions, pet…
The Castle Pines Connection is excited to bring you the 10th Annual Cutest Pet in the Pines contest. For a decade, we have been celebrating your furry friends in the pages of The Connection, and we have again teamed up with some all-star businesses to bring it back again this year. Special thanks to Brekke…
Anyone who hikes the area gets it. In mid-spring, the Larkspur proliferates in Douglas County foothills. But what about the town so named? Let’s dig up some little-known facts brought out in a magnificent local tour conducted by Larry Schlupp in September. Before 1861, today’s Larkspur was in Kansas Territory. Being on East Plum Creek,…
Douglas County Community Foundation Inaugural Dia de los Muertos Event Sponsor Thank You! Photos provided by Douglas County Community Foundation
Dear Reader, We are living in a time of declining etiquette and breaches in personal boundaries. With the holidays upon us and our desire to behave, we should check ourselves. Old social codes were vigorous and strict. Today, those seem utterly outdated, but they did give us firm direction and a sense of privacy. The…
As the year draws to an end, we reflect on the good that surrounds us. In 2022, we featured eleven Angels Among Us stories, highlighting nonprofits that are using their voices and abilities to make incredible impacts in the community and beyond. Many thanks to each of these organizations for visiting with us and allowing…
Canyons Community Church 4825 N. Crowfoot Valley Road, Castle Rock www.canyonscc.org Hope Lives – A Christmas Service of Hope and Remembrance, December 17, 4 p.m. Christmas Eve: December 24, 4 p.m. Christmas Day – Give Back Sunday: December 25, 10:30 a.m. Castle Oaks Covenant Church 826 Park Street, Castle Rock www.castleoaks.org Christmas Eve: December 24,…
Hanukkah begins on December 18 this year, just a few days before the shortest day on the calendar – a joyful celebration of light during dark times. I don’t celebrate Hanukkah, but as a kid I spent quite a bit of time with friends who did, playing dreidel games to win chocolate coins and lighting…
Nothing is more important than family and friends, especially as the holidays approach. For Bill and Patty Shirley, another special date is coming: a 59th wedding anniversary. The Shirleys grew up in Colorado – Bill attended West High School and Patty, Lincoln High School. In the summer of 1963, fate stepped in. “Bill drove up…
Chihuahuas are loving, loyal to their families and have big personalities for such little dogs. A toy dog breed small enough to fit in a purse as well as a stocking, Pebbles was the best Christmas gift for Kimberly and Bob Borner’s 11-year-old twins, RJ and Scarlett last December. Four years ago, the Borners lost…
In late October, Castle Pines resident Scott Ferguson observed this beautiful buck making a new plastic friend in his next door neighbor’s front yard (on Brighton Court in the City of Castle Pines). After the buck was rejected by his new friend, he traveled to the backyard to sulk and check out the beautiful fall colors.…
The Calfees are a busy family of four to include work, school, volunteering and pets. Kristi was born and raised in Grand Junction and went to CSU where she earned a degree in public relations. After college, she worked for a start-up company in Boulder selling hurricane and earthquake insurance to small businesses across the…
Anna Allison Basketball, Arizona Christian University, AZ Coach Jessika Caldwell stated, “It is hard to really capture the amount of growth that I have seen in Anna, and I really am in awe of all the ways in which she has become the best version of herself. She has had to work and grow and…
RCHS girls varsity volleyball made it to the state finals for the first time in school history. The Jags fell short to undefeated Valor Christian High School, but are ranked #2 among 5A teams in the state of Colorado. “This is a talented group of ladies with such chemistry,” said Angela Hanson, girls varsity volleyball…
Making a point of looking for the positive things in life cultivates gratitude. Not only does gratitude help diffuse negative thought patterns and behaviors, it also activates many positive physical and mental health benefits. An ongoing practice of gratitude can create side effects such as appreciation, patience, empathy and humility, as well as create resilience…
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, THANK YOU to the Castle Pines community for joining together in support of additional funding for the Douglas County School District (DCSD). While the Mill Levy Override (5A) and Bond (5B) didn’t make it over the finish line this time (we were so close!), it was very encouraging to see…
DCS Montessori (DCSM) took part in honoring International Education Week (IEW). IEW is typically celebrated the week before Thanksgiving across the United States and in more than 100 other countries. This week is an opportunity for exchange students worldwide to share with their host communities their cultures and highlight the benefits of international educational exchange…
It’s already time to think about kindergarten registration for the 2023-24 school year. Each of the neighborhood schools has a slightly different process for enrollment: American Academy – American Academy’s enrollment lottery will take place on Monday, December 5 for all three Douglas County campuses. To be included in the lottery, parents can sign up…
American Academy students celebrated veterans and their families with a breakfast and an assembly. The students gifted custom T-shirts to each vet. During the dedication, Boy Scouts who are students presented the colors. Kindergarten teacher Jordan Stifle led the choir in the national anthem and then sang a solo of “America the Beautiful,” bringing the…
A team of seventh graders at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) honored veterans this year. The students, part of the Expeditioner pod, created an honor wall and wrote letters to veterans, which will be distributed through Operation Gratitude, a nationwide nonprofit that helps citizens say thank you to U.S. armed forces with “hands-on volunteerism.” Teachers…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) hosted and honored men and women who served in the military on Veterans Day, November 11. The idea for the special event developed at a meeting with several teachers and the principal, explained Kelli Weinreich, PE teacher, who spearheaded the event. “I shared what my school in North Carolina used to…
Marina Bonello is an active person who relishes exercise and movement. Highly educated, “Dr. B,” as she is known to her students, is the new PE teacher at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). Originally from Malta, the island south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, Bonello was named appropriately (Marina means “by the sea”). She spent…
Timber Trail Elementary first grade students shared the Thanksgiving holiday spirit with the residents of Legacy Village of Castle Pines. The group enjoyed cookies, conversation and a singalong to “You Are My Sunshine.” The children read a short story, “Let’s Have Thanksgiving.” Each child represented a native American, pilgrim or turkey and the narrative included…
On October 28, first grade students at American Academy celebrated first responders on National First Responders Day (NFRD). The children shared breakfast, notes of thanks and heartfelt conversations with officers from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. NFRD recognizes the service and sacrifice of the nation’s EMS responders – dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and anyone…
Former military pilot John Sieber thought he would never have the opportunity to fly a T-28A Trojan again. After all, it had been more than 65 years since he last took flight in his favorite airplane. But then, through a mutual friend who owns a T-28A based out of Colorado Air and Space Port (formerly Front Range…
Douglas County could soon be on track for its third Costco Wholesale Corporation after the Castle Rock City Council voted to proceed with a $10 million infrastructure assistance package for one of the world’s largest retailers. A new Costco location, part of the anticipated Dawson Trails Planned Development Plan, would generate an estimated $4 – $6…
A plan to install a traffic signal at the three-way intersection of US 85 and Daniels Park Road has run into supply chain delays and a funding shortfall. In the past year, Douglas County has secured rights-of-way, completed infrastructure improvements and created preliminary plans for the signal. In August, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) took…
Continuing our series on the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Citizens Academy, we dive deep into the Patrol Division (PD) and Community Response Teams (CRT). Our class, led by PD Lieutenant Alan Stanton, provided an overview of the division and revealed that Douglas County encompasses 844 acres, with 12 patrol beat districts comprised of 138…
It was a beautiful day for the 2022 Fall Festival held at the Village Square shops in Castle Pines last month. Hundreds of residents enjoyed fall activities including hay rides, a petting zoo, fall photos, a trick-or-treat street and kids activities. A highlight of the day was a brand new pumpkin race; some of the…
Plans are moving forward for the creation of a 35-acre park with a disc (Frisbee) golf course on the east side of the City of Castle Pines. The City and Douglas County are sharing costs on Pronghorn Park and Disc Golf Course, which will include a gravel walking path with a trailhead, restrooms and a…
Over drinks a few years ago, two friends were discussing the need for skin care products without chemicals. They pondered, “We try not to eat foods with unnecessary preservatives or chemicals, so why would we want to slather preserving chemicals all over our skin?” The idea grew to the creation of a business, Stripped Skin…
Thanks Castle Pines for your generosity and for contributing in a big way. The Village Idiots Cycling Club hosted its annual bike drive to benefit kids in need of bikes last month with great success. We received this note from one of its members: “I’m not sure who we worked with this year on getting…
Bear Rothe Barrett “Bear” Rothe is a seven-year resident of Douglas County. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Northern Colorado and master’s in public administration from the University of Colorado. Bear and…
ColoradoBiz Magazine held its 35th annual “Top Company” awards dinner in September, awarding NexGen Resources Corporation the coveted award in the energy category. NexGen is a privately owned, family-structure business with 16 employees in its DTC office and hundreds of other colleagues under the various operating companies. Its portfolio consists of NexGen Resources (energy), NexGen…
Behind the brave men and women who serve our country are countless loved ones. When the unthinkable happens to a service member, no matter the cause, there is an organization ready to help. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) was founded in 1994 by Bonnie Carroll, a retired U.S. Air…
It is only year two, but the social committee of the Forest Park neighborhood threw a fabulous Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, October 2 at the neighborhood’s clubhouse. Guests donned costumes; there was wonderful fare, like stuffed crepes, and plenty of beer to fill the mugs. The rain held off and allowed all ages to enjoy…
Barb and I just returned from a week in Grand Teton National Park and Teton Village resort in Jackson, Wyoming. Let me remove any doubt: the experience is preposterous in natural grandeur, upscale comforts with pure cowboy flavor. Many townsmen wear cowboy boots; few really need them. We are hikers, and God provided a palette of sun, blue…
In September, we introduced readers to Bonnie Dannels and the nonprofit she founded to honor the memories of those who have lost their battle with ALS, promote advocacy through awareness of ALS, and offer support for families facing ALS together. Last month, Dannels held the second annual Paul’s Mystery Ship to End ALS walk to…
The giving season is upon us, and residents in Douglas County are, and have always been, very generous with their charitable contributions. Unfortunately, the misconception is that there is not much need for assistance in Douglas County, so much of the funding is directed to national organizations. Nonprofits in Douglas County are eager and grateful…
The fourth annual Autumn Art Walk, hosted by LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, was held in early October. The event invited local artists to display their work, socialize with one another and meet the guests and buyers. The Art Walk was open to the public and included live music by violinist Lois Owsley, complimentary cookies…
D.C. Oakes’ book, History of the Gold Discoveries on the South Platte River, is credited with giving the account of our gold rush, the one that brought 100,000 avaricious folks to Colorado in 1859. But the “table” had been earlier set by a handful of grizzled wayfarers like Kit Carson, Jim Baker, Jim Bridger and…
A Forest Park family wants to pay it forward. They want to highlight the kindness they received by showering some light and love onto their Douglas County community. A community, Cortney and Ryan Williams say lifted- up their family of four during some dark days in September. It started when 15-year-old Cale Williams, a sophomore…
This will be my first column regarding rules of the road. Yep, you live here and you know what an onslaught of construction we are obliged to be considerate about. After all, when it’s said and done, won’t it be nice? But for now, we must talk about the zipper merge, or how to merge two…
Special thanks to the following businesses that helped make our Halloween Costume Giveaway event a huge success: Lowe’s Castle Rock, Berg Haus, King Soopers, Minuteman Press, Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and Clover’s Closet. The community raised $700 for PAALS for Life no-kill animal shelter. Caption and photos by Terri Wiebold
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Douglas County will soon have new resources for independent living, thanks to a partnership with Wellspring Community and funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). In October, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners approved a $6.4 million contract to purchase property in Castle Rock for a housing…
Surrey Ridge resident Gary Knapp became a firefighter at the Castlewood Fire Protection District in 1972. Later, he joined two other Colorado fire districts, KODAK Fire Department in Windsor and Westminster Fire Department, where he retired. Over the years, Castlewood, along with five other fire districts, became part of South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR). “Working…
Raised in Castle Pines, Drew Schneider has lived in Kings Crossing, Oak Hills and Forest Park. He attended Buffalo Ridge Elementary School through fifth grade and Timber Trail Elementary School for sixth grade before heading to Rocky Heights Middle School and then Rock Canyon High School, where he graduated in 2010. Schneider’s dad, Keith, has…
When members of the armed forces walk through the airport in uniform, many Americans feel compelled to walk up to them and thank them for their service with a handshake. It’s a common show of gratitude, especially around major holidays or when troops are deployed overseas. Resident Jon Radloff wanted to go further. “I wished…
Purchasing Christmas tree cutting permits from ranger districts in Colorado has changed over the years. The Front Range districts, South Platte Ranger District and South Park Ranger District, encourage the public to visit https://www.recreation.gov/ tree-permits/ to order 2022 permits. The deadline is December 9. The website also has information and tips on planning your trip…
The weather has now turned and the days have grown short. There is real wisdom in the idea that our darkest days are filled with celebration to give us all a reason to smile in the face of what might otherwise seem bleak. I, for one, am already mapping out the feasting I will do…
Sedalia needs a mayor, although as an unincorporated chunk of Douglas County, it is not allowed. There is however, a wise, free-spirited man, who with the counsel of assorted friends meeting twice daily at Bud’s Bar in Sedalia, reigns supreme: Chet Hier. To describe Hier as colorful would be a disservice, a shortfall really. Royal?…
The homeless situation has been a hot- button topic lately in our community. Prevalent on social media and in government meetings, municipalities in Douglas County are currently working on ways to make sure persons without housing connect with the resources available to them. It is usually easy to spot someone who is homeless. If the…
A dedicated and caring veterinarian at the Animal Care Center of Castle Pines (ACC), Dr. Maura Ambron and her family recently became residents of the community. Ambron practiced medicine in nearby Colorado towns for years but felt drawn to Castle Pines for many reasons. In addition to wanting to live near her job and wanting…
Some have a lucky coin or charm; some look for four-leaf clovers. For Beth Barbier, it’s the number 108 – and to her, it’s more than luck. Barbier is an artist, mother and talented vintage clothing designer, creating and sewing individual pieces in her home studio; her company is named 108. Barbier hails from Buffalo.…
Rocio Meli was born in Mexico City and immigrated to the United States in July 1996. As difficult as it was to leave her family of eight with five siblings, Meli and her husband, Bruno, wanted the best future for their children. With no one to guide them, they fortuitously found their way to Castle…
Bear Bontrager is a 9-year-old, spunky shorkie, a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a Shih Tzu. She has fur siblings, two-year-old mini golden doodle Sadie, and a bunny rabbit, Carrot – both who joined the Bontragers many years later. The name Bear came from her puppy dog appearance of looking like a teddy bear.…
Gary Harmon loves Halloween. A family tradition he started when his boys were 4 and 2 is going stronger than ever 17 years later. The Harmon haunted house began in the family’s basement. In the beginning, Harmon built paper walls and let sons, Josh and Kyle, draw “scary things” on the walls. Harmon then invited…
Halloween weekend marked two years since Joanna Staples and her two sons Preston (13) and Grayson (8) moved to Castle Pines. “We needed to start over,” recalled Staples. “Castle Pines was a place that was far enough away, but not too far.” On May 2, 2019, Joanna’s husband, Sergeant Tom Staples, tragically died by suicide,…