Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
February is a month filled with hearts, chocolate and flowers, which for some, induces eye-rolls and annoyance, or even sadness. Whether unattached or anti what some call a “commercial celebration,” why not take Valentine’s Day and all that February brings as an opportunity to better yourself, try something new as a couple or alone? Express…
Roses are red. Violets are blue. I am not yours. You are not mine. Will you be my galentine, malentine, brolentine or anti-valentine? While couples revel in their love story and Valentine’s Day becomes their heyday for romance, what options do singles have? Better yet, what if you enjoy being single and not coupled up?…
Meg Huber has lived in Castle Pines her entire life. The youngest of five siblings, she feels blessed for being afforded ample opportunities during her formative years and having people to look up to, including those who showed her abundant examples of success. During high school, Huber took concurrent enrollment at Arapahoe Community College while…
Seventeen students from Rock Canyon High School and Rocky Heights Middle School were chosen to attend the Young Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (YRYLA) week-long camp last summer in Estes Park. Students who showed leadership skills with a recommendation from teachers were interviewed and selected by members of the Rotary Club of Castle Pines (RCP). The…
Dancers of Infinite Dance in Castle Pines had the opportunity to train with professional dancer Justin Boulet. Boulet and Infinite Dance owner Denise Danzo first connected in 2005 on the set of Kabby Tree, a television show in Chicago, which Danzo choreographed. Boulet, who was born and raised in Castle Rock, later joined Taylor Swift…
Book lovers have various ways to find their next read: recommendations from friends, book clubs, the new release table at the local bookstore, book lists found online and the library. From the classics to 2022 people’s choice winners, this month we are looking at love stories to fill your February. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë…
One of the country’s favorite Valentine’s Day candies shares a sweeter and more inclusive message these days – words of encouragement and non-romantic connections. In 2022, the popular treat started featuring new sayings, including “way 2 go,” “crush it,” “high five,” and “BFF.” However, the classic messages like “be mine,” hug me” and “cutie pie”…
The many Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) recently shared on social media and through word of mouth from neighbors were truly heartwarming. From shoveling and using snow blowers to clear driveways and sidewalks, to offering free plumbing services, neighbors helped neighbors during our snowy days and cold temperatures. Sick neighbors were brought meals and flowers.…
In just a glance, Chip’s big dark eyes captured Erika Tinkers’ heart. Tinker had been following the Douglas County Canine Rescue Facebook page when she first came across a young Maltese puppy’s photo. Without hesitation, she knew Chip belonged with them. Tinker and her daughter Saige (14) were the first ones in line, arriving two…
In elementary schools and even preschools around the country, it would seem Presidents Day gets the love, well, at least the acknowledgment. Coloring pictures of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, learning about the two presidents and maybe enjoying red, white and blue snacks are some of the classroom activities inspired by the annual holiday. For…
Until appointment as Douglas County Sheriff in 1947, John L. Hammond was just a regular guy of the time. Born 1904 in Iowa and raised in Akron, Colorado, Hammond’s upbringing was about ranching and moving cattle to and from the market. His dad would buy them young, fatten them up and bring them to the…
A first of its kind venue that combines basketball, food, and drinks in one place is entertaining families and groups of friends in the South Metro Denver area. The Basketball Social House, located in the University Towne Center on the northeast corner of Dry Creek and University Boulevard in Centennial, opened in November…
Longtime Colorado residents probably have memories of the iconic Mexican restaurant in Lakewood, but our newer neighbors may not know about the pink “pretty house,” which translates in Spanish to Casa Bonita. Originally a chain of Mexican “entertainment” restaurants, the Lakewood location is the last one standing. Started in Oklahoma City in 1968 when Mexican…
I have a confession to make: I secretly love Valentine’s Day, cheesy though it may be. It comes smack in the middle of winter, when things are often dreary, giving me something to look forward to. I also love to make a little something that I can gift to others – nothing too expensive or…
Foodies of all ages will embrace the week of March 3-12 when Denver Restaurant Week takes over the town. This year marks the 19th year of Denver Restaurant Week which aims to highlight the distinctive culinary landscape that has blossomed in Denver and its surrounding areas. For 2023, there will be both in-person dining and…
It’s time to stock up on your favorite Girl Scout cookie flavors as cookie season begins Sunday, February 5 in Colorado, and there is a new chocolate raspberry cookie to try. “Every year I’m excited to sell cookies again because, who doesn’t like cookies?” joked Girl Scout Senior Abigail Reynolds from Castle Rock. The Castle…
There is a place in downtown Parker that is a home away from home for the 50+ community. The Parker Senior Center (PSC) is a membership-based nonprofit organization that offers fun, laughter and friendship with all sorts of group activities. The average age of members is 75, but the range is from 50 to…
The recent January 17-18 snowfall, which shutdown Douglas County School District, blanketed the state. The mountains received a foot of snow, Denver received 8 inches, Castle Pines received 4.5 inches, and Castle Rock received 10 inches, according to National Weather Service statistics, as of 9:30 a.m. on January 18. With more than enough snowpack on…
The name Conor McCue might have a familiar ring to it if you routinely tune in to watch the local news. McCue is a constant on the air at CBS4. He works weekdays, as a multimedia-skilled journalist. That means he shoots his own interviews and video, edits what he shoots and even sets up his…
Tim and Sandy Gamble, Castle Pines residents since 1989, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on January 4 with a very special bottle of wine. Fifty years ago, the young couple, only married a few months, went wine tasting in Napa Valley. “We didn’t have a lot of money in those days but we bought a…
Hidden Pointe residents Jason and Jennifer (Jenn) Hershberger grew up in small towns in Iowa: Jason in Kalona, 20 minutes southwest of Iowa City, and Jenn in Grundy Center, near Cedar Falls. Jason attended college at Northwestern College in Orange City where he played basketball and earned a degree in communications. Jenn attended college at…
As consumers are becoming more aware of the waste generated from the many products used every day, zero- and low-waste stores are popping up to help with the transition away from packaging and plastics that end up in landfills to more sustainable products. It is a shift in thinking to go from purchasing single-use plastic…
In June 2022, The Connection featured Johnny’s Ambassadors, a local nonprofit dedicated to educating parents, teens and communities about the dangers of today’s high potency THC products on adolescent brain development, mental illness and suicide. The Founders, Laura and John Stack, lost their son Johnny to suicide on November 20, 2019. Three days before…
Yearbook guru Kristi Rathbun is the student media adviser at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) and a master journalism educator (MJE). She was recently named 2022 H.L. Hall National Yearbook Advisor of the Year by the Journalism Education Association (JEA). The top award was announced at a faculty luncheon at RCHS in late December 2022.…
Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) recently gave grants to teachers, funded from this year’s school-wide fundraiser. Teachers compiled wish lists for supplies and curriculum materials. The fundraiser generated more than $56,000. The annual fundraiser was held in the fall, with donations accepted in early October. The fundraiser theme was “Bringing Joy to Rocky Heights.” Teacher…
Fourth grade student Kiera H. holds her medal for winning the BRE annual spelling bee. The winning word was “dubbed.” Keira is in Hanna Roseman’s class. Photos courtesy of Anita Hohenstein
A barbecue tradition that runs deep One of northern Douglas County’s most well-established restaurants happens to have the least amount of frills. Hickory House, at South Parker Road and Mountain Man Drive, has been the go-to place for casual meals and special occasions for scores of Parker residents for nearly 20 years. Aside from prime…
Cutest Pet in the Pines – Our top 100 picks Congratulations Athena, an adorable kitten that stole the hearts of our judges and has been selected as the Cutest Pet in the Pines for 2022. According to owner Kiersten Lockwood, Athena joined the Lockwood family at their home on Shoreham Circle shortly after Thanksgiving, and…
Darren Weekly will be the new sheriff, although he’s not new to town. On January 10, the Colorado native will be sworn in as the 34th sheriff of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). Weekly always knew he wanted to work in law enforcement. “I just always wanted to help people,” he said. “A lot…
At a time when inflation is high and so seems everything else, nothing sounds better than getting out and into Colorado’s spectacular state parks. Just pick one. They are all fabulous. From the eastern plains parks at 3,800 feet to high-mountain parks at 9,500 feet, there is truly a state park for any age and…
After a riveting class on the Bomb Squad and Investigations Unit last month, I wondered how the Citizens Academy program could top that? They managed to impress with a visit to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) detention facility at the Robert A. Christensen Justice Center. Captain Myra Buys and Lieutenant Jen McMillian led the…
The onerous process to develop a balanced budget for all of Douglas County begins each year in May. By mid-October, the preliminary budget is posted online for public access and review before formal consideration by the Board in December. On December 15, 2023 the Board of County Commissioners approved the 2023 balanced budget. The Board’s…
Consumers should expect a small increase in costs when going to the grocery store and certain restaurants and retail establishments in 2023. Beginning New Year’s Day through January 1, 2024, stores and retail food establishments with more than three locations will be mandated to charge a fee of 10 cents for each recycled paper carryout…
The Castle Pines Connection welcomes Molly Rosenmeyer to our team as a graphic designer. Rosenmeyer has been a graphic designer for more than 20 years, working in all aspects of the industry – from small tech startup firms to large corporate settings. She has even been a graphic design instructor for an online college. Rosenmeyer…
Historically, as publisher of The Castle Pines Connection, I take time during the holidays to reflect back on the past year and report plans for the coming year in the January issue. This year, however, I am asking for your help. A colleague recently introduced me to the concept of “start, stop and continue” as…
January is a good month to check in with City of Castle Pines Mayor Tracy Engerman about what is ahead for the City in 2023. When asked what citizens should relish in these first few days of the new year, Engerman stated, “Enjoy the newly reconstructed Castle Pines Parkway that runs in front of our…
It is a story of hope, humanity and abundant love. Treeline Pass (TLP) was born from the dream and desire to create the very best life for adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Kari Ansay, a resident of The Village at Castle Pines for more than 22 years, is one of the founders of this…
While there are many beautiful trails and parks around Castle Pines to walk our furry friends, sometimes dogs just want to run free to follow their noses and make new friends. Douglas County has several fenced-in, off-leash dog parks. Here are some to get the dogs off and running in the new year: Bayou Gulch…
New year…new resolutions? New goals? Don’t care? Don’t believe in resolutions? Responses to a social media poll asking about what the new year means were all over the board, ranging from the sense of a new beginning to just another day. Residents and friends from near and far weighed in on what the new year…
Oral nicotine pouches and lozenges are a relatively new category of nicotine products becoming increasingly popular. The category includes brands such as Zyn, On! and Velo which come in colorful packaging that look like mint containers. Their ability to be used discreetly and their enticing flavors are proving to be very appealing to youth. Each…
Whether visiting the businesses in the Village Shops, participating in the crafts, train rides and live reindeer exhibit at The Ridge golf course in the City of Castle Pines, taking a carriage ride through your neighborhood HOA, or simply hanging holiday decorations and lights outside your home – residents in 80108 were in the holiday…
Whether visiting the businesses in the Village Shops, participating in the crafts, train rides and live reindeer exhibit at The Ridge golf course in the City of Castle Pines, taking a carriage ride through your neighborhood HOA, or simply hanging holiday decorations and lights outside your home – residents in 80108 were in the holiday…
Whether visiting the businesses in the Village Shops, participating in the crafts, train rides and live reindeer exhibit at The Ridge golf course in the City of Castle Pines, taking a carriage ride through your neighborhood HOA, or simply hanging holiday decorations and lights outside your home – residents in 80108 were in the holiday…
Whether visiting the businesses in the Village Shops, participating in the crafts, train rides and live reindeer exhibit at The Ridge golf course in the City of Castle Pines, taking a carriage ride through your neighborhood HOA, or simply hanging holiday decorations and lights outside your home – residents in 80108 were in the holiday…
Whether visiting the businesses in the Village Shops, participating in the crafts, train rides and live reindeer exhibit at The Ridge golf course in the City of Castle Pines, taking a carriage ride through your neighborhood HOA, or simply hanging holiday decorations and lights outside your home – residents in 80108 were in the holiday…
Since 2012, Journey Church Colorado has been serving the community through its annual Christmas Store. Each year, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, the church converts its auditorium into a toy store. Working with schools in the community to determine families who might be struggling, Journey invites parents to come shop for their children’s…
Special thanks to whomever turned this “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree into a beacon of hope and celebration for the community. Located on a trail by Daniel’s Gate Park when walking from Castle Pines Parkway, the package encouraged passers-by to stop and fill out a (provided) card and state what they were thankful for. Information and…
Sarah Phillips, 22-year resident of Castle Pines, held her 8th annual toy drive on December 5, benefiting the Help & Hope Center. Each year, the gathering collects more than 200 toys to donate to the Santa Sharing program. “This year the Help & Hope Center was especially appreciative, as they are the busiest they have…
Douglas County Living magazine hosted its annual fundraiser collecting toys and donations for Toys for Tots. Held at Cielo at Castle Pines, each guest brought an unwrapped gift and enjoyed an evening of holiday music and dinner. The Marine Corps Color Guard accepted the contributions on behalf of Toys for Tots. Article and photos by…
Dear Readers, Putting the holidays and 2022 behind us, I hope you were generous with your hairdresser, your manicurist, your trash and recycle delivery people, your babysitter and anyone else from whom you receive regular services. Giving those extra gifts should go without saying. But what is this new default? Do you feel you’re…
At 6,368 feet, Daniels Park sits more than a thousand feet above the Mile High City. The Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 and is said to be the site of 19th-century pioneer Kit Carson’s last campfire. Caption and drone photo by Bear Rothe
I nearly always ring in the new year with a take-out carton in my hand. Some years I do burgers or pizza, but most of the time, I gather friends and loved ones and test out my chopstick skills while watching the ball drop over Times Square (don’t be jealous – not everyone can be…
Life isn’t always fair. Sometimes it’s downright nasty. Perhaps our 21st-century children grumble a bit. Tell them about Miriam Fonder. Born a Donegan in 1835 in Ohio, Miriam and her family moved to the wilderness that was Burlington, Iowa before her first birthday. Several years later she suffered a grotesquely disfiguring burn at the family…
In December, The Connection sat down with Larry Schlupp and Tim Weber and reviewed their newly-published history compendium, Douglas County Colorado: Prehistory to 2020. Having nibbled at the edges of this part of Colorado history for a decade in our Wildcat Lore segment and deeming it grossly fragmented, for the first time, a book compiled…
Winter can be a difficult time for many who miss the sunshine, have seasonal depression or just long for warmer days on the deck. For people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it adds to their challenges. The days are shorter, the nights are longer and the weather is colder. Experts say they have a hard…
In December, the staff of The Castle Pines Connection volunteered by gift wrapping presents for the residents of Legacy Village to give to their friends and families. One resident summed it up by saying, “You all are such a blessing! I go to my family’s house every year for Christmas, and it always makes me…
Nicole Giampietro moved from Long Island to Castle Pines when she was 9 years old along with her parents and older brother, setting the stage for all things outdoorsy and plenty of adventures. The hills in New York were no comparison to the Rocky Mountains. Giampietro was fortunate to have great neighbors and friends. She…
Not many can say that they were born and raised in Silicon Valley, California before it became the tech juggernaut that it is today. Chris Janssen can. She was born and raised in Santa Clara County and her parents’ work ethic paved the path for her success today as a wife, mother, life coach and…
Healing practitioners using sound therapy and guided meditations often use singing bowls to deepen meditation and promote relaxation. It is an ancient practice, but with recent research showing the benefits of sound therapy, it is being used more often as a complementary treatment for many physiological and mental health conditions. Singing bowls are made out…