Read the stories from the latest issue:
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education authorized a $490 million bond for the November ballot due to rapid population growth and an urgent need for new schools and capital maintenance needs. The BOE voted unanimously, 7-0, at the August meeting. If approved by voters next month, the bond would not increase taxes…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary families gathered for the annual back to school carnival. A fundraiser for Buffalo Ridge Elementary Alliance (the parent teacher association), the carnival is a favorite event for all. Activities included bouncy houses, Nerf wars, carnival games, face painting, a dunk tank, a cake walk, jugglers, and exploring the inside of a firetruck…
At the beginning of the school year, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) hosted a club fair offering students a chance to explore the many extracurricular options available. With more than 80 clubs, RCHS provides opportunities for students to engage with others, develop leadership skills and further their interests. From academics to the arts, business interests…
Shared Dreams to the Fullest A bucket list is an inventory of items that you want to accomplish in your lifetime before you “kick the bucket.” That was the inspiration behind Bucket List Tavern. As brothers and long-time Colorado natives Jeff and Joel Glentzer explained, “Our shared dream is to help people live their bucket…
Until the late 1970s, moose sightings in Colorado were rare. Records dating back to the 1850s mention a few moose wandering from the Wyoming area into northern parts of what would become Colorado. But the animals were only transient. Most of those records involved hunters harvesting, or just sighting a single bull moose. In…
In the July issue of The Connection, we shared that the Castle Pines City Council denied an appeal from McDonald’s regarding a restaurant to be built on the southwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road. Ventana Capital, the development company who owns the land, and its entity CP Commercial, has filed suit against…
Intended to help reduce the chances of a motorcycle rider being rear-ended by a vehicle, a new Colorado law went into effect on August 7, making lane filtering a legal maneuver until 2027. Lane filtering is the act of a rider of a two-wheeled motorcycle passing a vehicle in the same lane, most commonly…
In 2022, the Douglas County Homeless Initiative (DCHI) launched HEART, the Homeless Engagement, Assistance and Resource Team, along with the “Handouts Don’t Help” campaign. As of this summer’s measurement, the point-in-time count (PIT) of the unhoused in Douglas County is zero. HEART is a partnership with the County, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and local…
In August, Denver International Airport (DEN) replaced the old parking ticket machines with “Flash machines.” The new parking ticket kiosks will offer a more technologically-advanced system that will create a more efficient process for all customer parking areas: the east and west lots and garage parking. Some of the benefits include: The Flash machines will…
We received a lovely card from one of our readers that we would like to share: Dear Friends, “Thank you” for producing such a top – quality product! You always include something for all ages & all interests! You provide exposure for local businesses – both big and small, stories that reflect on our past…
Business partners Kim Trumbull and Harmony Jolly are bringing their style to Castle Pines. In August, they opened their second Origins Salon, which offers an array of beauty services for men and women, at the Village Shops. They opened the first Origins Salon in downtown Castle Rock in 2018. Kim and Harmony have each…
Everyone likes a little good news, and we have plenty to share. Follow The Castle Pines Connection on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for your daily dose of positivity and all things Castle Pines. Our social media pages are buzzing with exclusive giveaways featuring exciting prizes and fun contests. You will also get the 411 on…
To commemorate the BMW Championship PGA TOUR golf tournament, SimplyEuro Castle Pines hosted a “car meet” on August 3. More than 150 attendees (many driving their luxury vehicles) gathered at the auto repair facility on Village Square Drive to celebrate their combined passions for golf and cars. One of the event activities was the “sink…
Last month, we shared with readers the disappointing news that the company that printed our newspaper closed its doors and that we were in search of a new printer. We are happy to report that we have signed a contract with Adams Publishing Group, and this September issue is the first paper they have printed…
It is never too late to discover a new passion. Geri Durbin learned that firsthand 30 years ago when she picked up a new sport that she continues to play today. Geri was raised in east Denver and was a competitive gymnast at George Washington High School and in college. After graduation, Geri coached gymnastics…
Who says a Buff and a Ram cannot live happily ever after? The Walters are proof the two can thrive together and love all things Colorado. Lauren Walter and her husband Rory moved to The Canyons neighborhood in September 2023. They have settled in nicely and enjoy their views of Pikes Peak. While Lauren is…
In November 2022, then 15-year-old Cale Williams was featured in The Castle Pines Connection as a sophomore at Rock Canyon High School who had come through cancer, thanks to God, his doctors and all of those around him. He was quick to say it was his faith and his community that helped him push through…
Caden Broghammer is not the typical 14-year-old athlete. A freshman at Rock Canyon High School, Caden is a golfer, a year-around swimmer and a mountain biker. On his swim team, ROCK Swim Team, he has achieved state rankings. “I made it to state in the short and long courses,” said Caden. He recently joined the…
This Pet Pedigree brought to you by Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center Alexis may be a tiny tan Chihuahua, but she sure looks mighty with her link chain leash. Though her chain looks as though it could pull the heaviest of trucks, it is a costume chain that weighs nothing more than her walking leash.…
Almost everyone planning a trip, or looking for an extra source of income, has heard of Airbnb or Vrbo, the popular websites that allow people to rent out rooms in their homes, or entire houses as alternatives to hotels. But have they heard of Turo? Turo is a national car rental service that…
The arts are about to take full bloom in Castle Rock thanks to the Tri Arts Project (TAP). Initially established in 2022 as Rock the Arts, TAP used 2023 to forge a full-fledged effort to grow the nonprofit through volunteers and funds. TAP fosters a love of the arts by bringing people together who are…
The Douglas County Wildcat Lore pioneering stories would be incomplete without addressing the forerunners: Native Americans. In fact, using historian Larry Schlupp’s words, they were indeed our “first immigrants.” As early as 1500, the Southern Utes found the Douglas County plains and foothills most hospitable, well before any other groups. Tribal history claims Utes were…
Jewish Family Service (JFS), a nonprofit organization located in Denver, recently launched an adaptive cycling program in Douglas County for the intellectual and developmental disabilities community (IDD). An adaptive bike is one that has been modified to help an individual with a physical barrier that could relate to mobility, balance, stability or not understanding when…
With the colorful falling leaves and cooler evenings, autumn is a beautiful time of year to enjoy outdoor fall festivals with family and friends. Whether you delight in live music, a maze and scavenger hunt, the fine arts or pumpkin picking, there is something for everyone. Here are some nearby festivals to enjoy: Castle…
The first Oktoberfest, in October 1810, was a five-day celebration of the Bavarian crown prince’s marriage. In subsequent years, the festival grew and became an annual event. The starting dates were moved into September, because the longer days and warmer weather allowed festival guests to stay out later. And now, it is time again for…
The Village Castle Pines Garden Club has had a busy social calendar this summer. In addition to their gardening days, attending Central City Opera, a charity drive, and welcoming new members, the Garden Club held Wine in the Garden parties in June and August. These are casual garden parties hosted by members in their backyards.…
A good book series is binge-worthy. The same is true for our favorite television shows. This month’s book recommendations combine the two formats and highlight book series set on the small screen. Binge the book then binge the show for a perfect relaxing weekend. The Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs has 23 primary works…
Man’s best friend not only makes for a great companion, but also provides nonjudgmental support and can help individuals with mental and physical health. Dog and animal therapy has been proven to reduce anxiety, create a sense of security and help with pain relief in humans. Inspired by The Connection’s article earlier this year, “The…
Photos courtesy of Jimmy Dozer Photography View a slideshow of all the downloadable photos plus many more here: https://photos.castlepinesconnection.com/slideshow/2024/vino/index.html.
Fall is in the air. This means lots of things – shorter days, cooler temperatures, sweaters. For most people, it also means logging hours cheering for a favorite football team. It always feels like a bit of a shameful confession to let people in on the secret that I don’t watch sports very often. When…
This crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Colorado Springs Thunderbirds 5. Sis’s sib 8. Casablanca cafe 13. Just ok 14. Attired 15. Dark 16. Arab ruler 17. Nevada city 18. In a cunning way (less common spelling) 19. To throw out a window 22. Marries 23.…
Double trouble or double double? While some of us may have no idea what these basketball terms are, Nolan Kliewer and Macoy “Mac” Terry are two boys well versed in all things basketball. From pre-k to varsity, they have stayed teammates, and are heading to South Dakota School of Mines & Technology this fall to…
The brain is the control center of the body as it keeps the heart beating, lungs breathing and allows us to move, think and feel. When busy and pulled in many directions, we could all use a little brain boost. Eating the following foods can help keep the brain in peak working condition, according to…
Americans spend an average of four hours and 37 minutes every day staring at their phone screen. A 2024 survey revealed that 40% are trying to cut down on screen time, according to the Health Data platform Harmony Healthcare IT. Fifty-two percent of respondents to Harmony’s survey think they are too dependent on their phones.…
Tennis is a true passion in The Village at Castle Pines, and when a team makes it to districts, it is cause for celebration. “Go, Village People!” shared captain Michael Shorts with his tennis team. In July, the Village at Castle Pines Men’s 55 & Over, 7.0 doubles tennis team closed out the season with…
The Castle Pines Athletics NFL flag football program wrapped up its summer season on the turf of Elk Ridge Park. Coach Ryan Shannon set a record in league history: all three of his own kids were each on one of the winning Super Bowl teams. “I have really enjoyed coaching my kids’ teams and getting…
On August 7, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) opened its doors to a new school year as well as a new principal, Dr. Robert Thelen. Robert has 17 years of experience – in special education, as a general education teacher (elementary and secondary grades), as a literacy instructional coach, as an assistant principal, and as a…
Dear Mrs. A, With all of the back-to-school frenzy, it feels like folks have forgotten about the school zones. Could you issue a gentle reminder of the importance of slowing down? – Concerned in Castle Pines Dear Reader, You are so right, and it deserves special mention. First and foremost is child safety. Children are…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) School’s before and after program is thriving and this summer was no exception. The Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) program hosted 45-60 kids each day, running from late May to early August. Students arrived as early as 7:00 a.m. and stayed as late as 5:30 p.m. The calendar was full…
There is a new addition to the front hall at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE). The school was gifted a taxidermy bison (its mascot) that greets students, staff and guests as they approach the main office. The bison’s journey to BRE was a little circuitous, but it arrived before the first day of school. The large…
Food, service, and vibe Instagrammable, creative dishes and cocktails, together with a fun atmosphere, HashTAG is a brunch experience like no other. Enticing people to hop out of bed on weekdays and even more so on weekends, HashTAG has refined the brunching scene. HashTAG has gained widespread popularity with its brunch offering cocktails and menu…
The BMW Championship is set for August 20 – 25 at the Castle Pines Golf Club (CPGC) in The Village at Castle Pines. The top 50 golfers in the world will be playing in our backyard in the PGA’s penultimate competition for the venerable trophy, the FedEx Cup. To understand the stakes, Scottie Scheffler (U.S.),…
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners held a town hall meeting on June 27 to discuss how to invest $350 million they will receive over the next 15 years for parks, trails, historic resources and open space. In 2022, more than 80% of Douglas County residents voted to renew an increased sales tax to support…
The Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) has procured a water truck for community events for patrons to fill up their personal water bottles in lieu of buying plastic ones. According to Nathan Travis, district manager for CPNMD, it has been a high priority for his organization. Last summer, he met with the Castle Pines…
Last year, Douglas County residential property owners faced a 50% property tax increase, the highest in the Denver metro area and the largest in state history. The community spoke up, many appealed, and the Board of Douglas County Commissioners listened and helped at the local level. In mid-July, many of us received a tax relief…
The Castle Pines Connection recently received notice that the publisher that prints our monthly newspaper is closing its doors effective August 3. That means that we are in search of a new printer. Unfortunately, due to the nature of our “old school” printing process, there are only a handful of companies in Colorado and surrounding…
Some of us start the day with yoga, meditation or prayer, or simply sipping our coffee while reading our paper or checking emails. Others, maybe a little more of the “hair on fire” style of trying to get everyone out the door on time. For Esperanza neighbor Emily Wilcox, she spends her mornings before work,…
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is preparing for the BMW Championship. The team has been diligently working hard for more than a year with the goal “to ensure the safety and security of all participants, attendees and staff during the event,” stated DCSO Public Information Officers. Held every year in a different location around…
The legendary golfer Ben Hogan once said, “The most important shot in golf is the next one.” Steve Stroker and his wife, Pam, agree and as avid golfers, they split their time between Wolcott, Colorado at Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club and the Hummingbird Cottages at The Village at Castle Pines. The Strokers joined…
The birthplace of golf is in the lush country of Scotland and naturally it boasts some of the world’s oldest and finest courses. The official rules of golf were established in 1744 but historical documents note the game had been played in Scotland for centuries. King James IV of Scotland (1473-1513) became known as the…
This Pet Pedigree is brought to you by Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center. Kim and Rick Schafer have had six Scottish Terriers over the last 34 years. Commonly called “Scotties,” this distinct breed originated in Aberdeen, Scotland. Kim got her first Scottie when she graduated from college, Oreo, and has owned one ever since.…
Imagine this: You are the dining manager at a world-class golf club, a place known for its excellent, thick chocolate milkshakes. Players and visitors who have visited golf clubs around the globe come to you and say, “I hear that your milkshakes are the best!” This is exactly the scenario that Lisa Walker-Straten, manager of…
Playing golf in Colorado is a bit different from playing at lower elevations. For example, the ball flies farther at higher altitudes: roughly 10% farther in Castle Pines. PGA TOUR player Wyndham Clark knows about playing at altitude. A Colorado native and the fifth ranked golfer in the world, he graduated from Valor Christian High…
There is a peacefulness as your cross the cattle guard at the Lowell Ranch on Plum Creek. It sits on 168 acres of beauty and purpose about 12 miles to our southeast. Originally homesteaded in 1878, members of the Lowell family came to the ranch in 1906 and have occupied and owned the ranch since.…
If you are a golf pro, or really a golfer at any level, when Jack Nicklaus talks, you listen. Keith Schneider did just that and turned it into a 43-year career at Castle Pines Golf Club (CPGC). It all began when golfer Jack Vickers moved to Denver in 1969 and was scouting out a place…
As the BMW Championship takes over Castle Pines and grabs international headlines, one young man, Logan Byler, will be front and center at the tournament – not playing, but watching. Logan understands full well how wonderful this event is, not only because it is the game he too loves to play and he excels at,…
As exciting as it is to have the PGA TOUR in our backyard, not everyone will be able to view the proceedings in person. Even those who make it to the course will not be able to view all 18 holes at once. That is where broadcasting comes in. Whether live on TV or streaming…
“Noonan, Noonan … miss it, mmmiss it.” This famous crowd whisper and roar surrounded the 18th hole putt that made caddie Danny Noonan the big winner in the 1980 film and timeless cult classic, Caddyshack. In anticipation of the BMW Championship this month, let’s reminisce about this golf movie. The “I’m Alright” theme song from…
There are years of planning that go into the execution of a golf tournament. Founded in 1899, the Western Golf Association (WGA) conducts and runs professional and amateur golf tournaments around the country every year. Patrick Timson, vice president of tournament operations for the WGA, oversees and executes builds for tournaments and has been spending…
To execute a professional golf tournament takes thousands of volunteers. Megan Gormley would know; she is the director of volunteers and corporate merchandise for the Western Golf Association (WGA), which is the company that is putting all of the logistical details together for the BMW Championship this month. In what some have said was a…
The torrential downpour did not dampen the wine tasting and neighborly bonding for homeowner friends in the Forest Park neighborhood last month. The annual wine soiree for the Forest Park neighborhood works like this: each guest brings two bottles of their favorite wine to share. This year was the third annual event and featured eight…
Dear Mrs. A, We’re so excited about the BMW Golf Championship this month! Could you please remind us of all-around good golf fan etiquette? – Proud in the Pines Dear Readers, Golf etiquette is essential for a respectful and enjoyable experience for all and includes the following elements: SILENCE AND STILLNESS: Stay quiet and still…
Betsy Mullison has always had a passion for education. She is currently a medical insurance broker, educating senior citizens on Medicare. Prior to this career, Betsy had a hand in the lives of countless little ones: she ran a preschool from her home for 15 years. Both originally from California, Betsy met her husband, Charlie,…
When The Village at Castle Pines chose to build its Pavilion seven years ago, it was designed to serve as a multiple-use facility: a gathering place, a venue for larger celebrations and an additional space for parties at the main pool. It is considered by some to be the center of summer and fall social…
Colorado became the 38th state on August 1, 1876. Proclamation 230, signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, admitted Colorado to the Union after 15 years as a territory. Statehood came 100 years and four weeks after the Declaration of Independence was signed, giving us the unofficial moniker of the “Centennial State.” Widely known for our…
Beyond Berthoud Pass and northwest of Winter Park and Granby, sits one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations. Spawned from glaciers at the end of the Ice Age, Grand Lake is a destination worth a look, especially in the summertime. Tucked in between the Rocky Mountains, the…