Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos by Terri Wiebold HomeAid Colorado (HAC) is a local affiliate of HomeAid, a leading nonprofit developer of housing and programmatic facilities for those who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. HomeAid operates within a network of 19 affiliates in 13 states. Through a collaborative approach with home builders…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Judi Holst and Alana Myers When Alana Rainosek and Ethan Myers planned their wedding, they had definite ideas about qualities in their officiant. They wanted “someone who knew both of us, was a great storyteller, had great stage presence, and who we trusted to guide us through one of…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photo Strolling westward on Main Street with a mountain view on the horizon, take in downtown Littleton, a 10-block enclave with panache. One of Denver’s oldest suburbs, and set in three counties (Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson), Littleton has history worth noting. There are wonderful restaurants, antique and gift stores, and plenty…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos For more than three decades, a graffiti artist has been on the loose, and his art collection is coming to Denver in April. He’s maintained his anonymity and become an underground sensation for street artists, political activists and conspiracy theorists around the world. “Banksy,” as he is known, most likely…
By Stacie Chadwick In life, I’m a minimalist. Any time my husband brings something into the house, I’m on my way through a different door hauling something else out. I’m all about clean lines, order, and lists – lots and lots of lists. Giving away things I categorically label “unnecessary” makes me feel good, and…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos by Terri Wiebold The inaugural Castle Pines Winter Wonderland was a huge success with hundreds of residents enjoying the multitude of holiday-inspired events brought to the community by the City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. The holiday extravaganza kicked off with the lighting of the…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Linda Johnson Third, fourth and fifth grade students from Timber Trail Elementary worked together to spread community holiday cheer as part of the Winter Wonderland festivities in the City. Students created paper snowflakes that hung from the trees along the Trail of Lights at The Ridge for holiday revelers…
Information provided by Legacy Village There may not have been much snow in Castle Pines over the holidays, but residents at Legacy Village had a little help getting festive with the extensive Christmas village on display. Maintenance Director Matt Agnew has been collecting pieces for more than 30 years, and he sets the village and…
Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski Community schools, businesses and volunteers collaborated over the holiday season to empower parents and guardians to be the true heroes of Christmas through an affordable and memorable shopping experience. The Journey Church Christmas store serves the local community every holiday season with a pop-up holiday shop for families who…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo “There is family. There are friends. Then, there are friends that become family!” said Rina Castanon, pictured center, who hosted her 12th annual ornament exchange luncheon on December 10. Guests included friends from Castanon’s Forest Park neighborhood; some have attended since the first luncheon in 2010. Each year, neighbors who…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner My first trip to Hawaii was for rest and relaxation from Vietnam in 1970, and I returned last month. Early on, there was some internal debate about the best island in the chain. Of course in paradise, there are no losers, but we continue to favor the Big Island.…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of the files of Sedalia History Museum and Gardens; courtesy photo Victor Marquis started his life off restlessly, a challenge from birth on. Born in 1839, in Avesnes, France, no one could really control him. Seeing the town as a hopeless place, at only 9 years of age, he stowed…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Laura Rosenberg Busy days deserve great food. Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) implemented a new spin on the familiar school fundraising restaurant nights. Partnering with Modern Plate, a locally-owned business, BRE families and friends were able to buy a variety of family-style, chef-created meals delivered directly to their doorsteps by…
Grain salad for lunch or dinner Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I’m starting the new year with a dramatic change in my life. My nest, which has been happily filled with children for the last two decades, is now partially empty. One of my chicks left for college in the fall, and another one…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo Resident Melissa Rufenacht-Sanchez was in her second year on a breast cancer support fundraising committee at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital (CRAH) when she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Melissa said she had a committee meeting two days after she was diagnosed and had to keep it together until the end…
By Bryan Goodland Scammers often take advantage of more vulnerable populations, and according to a recent FBI report, those older than 60 were targeted more than any other age group. The FBI’s 2020 Elder Fraud Report found that 105,301 adults age 60 and older were victims of fraud, losing close to $1 billion. In 2020,…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Richard Farrell Richard Farrell has been through a lot – even flatlining three times during a series of medical episodes – and yet he stands strong in the face of adversity with a little help from a community of supporters. It began when his liver failed at the age…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo Being born and raised in communist East Germany certainly influenced many of Ricarda Dietsch’s life choices. Dietsch was a 14-year-old kayak racer at an Olympic boarding school when the wall came down. Her life then took turns she hadn’t expected, bringing her to the United States, and ultimately to The…
By Shaun Kernahan; photo courtesy of Greg Vigil In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt, an avid hunter and the 26th president of the United States, founded the National Wildlife Refuge System. When discussing the symbiotic relationship between hunters and wildlife conservation he was quoted as saying, “In a civilized and cultivated country, wild animals only continue to…
By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Kerry and Christine Harwell Kerry and Christine Harwell have lived in Colorado for 21 years. Kerry, retired from a 30-year career in the construction industry and Christine took an early retirement as a partner for a large CPA firm to pursue a different full-time endeavor. The husband and wife…
Several area museums and gardens are offering Free Days in 2022. Although complimentary, some do require registration before attending the venues. Be sure to check each website for registration requirements. Denver Art Museum – Advance ticket reservations are encouraged. Visit www.denverartmuseum.org. Free Days: Jan.11 & 22, Feb. 8, Mar. 8, and Apr. 12 & 24.…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Michele Fleming The Montessori philosophy is based on a child’s developmental needs for freedom within limits, as well as a carefully prepared environment which guarantees exposure to materials and experiences. Michele Fleming is an inspiring teacher who has combined her love for teaching and the Montessori philosophy to open…
By Joe Gschwendtner Fresh on the scene from its October opening, Übergrippen’s 18,000-square-foot climbing center has brought indoor climbing to Castle Rock. Indoor sport climbing covers three disciplines – rope climbing, bouldering and speed climbing. The sport’s popularity is growing, and it debuted in this past summer Olympics. Rope climbing is a two-person activity. A…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo Michelle Stutler of Cerney Circle (pictured lower center in white jacket), led Team Stutler at the Jingle Bell Run (JBR) at Washington Park on December 12. Dressed in holiday attire and jingle bells, the JBR participants walked or ran the 5K track around the park to raise funds for the…
Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Seeds may be little but they pack a mighty punch of health benefits. Seeds contain all the starting materials necessary to develop into complex plants, so it makes sense that they are extremely nutritious. Overall, seeds are great sources of fiber. They also contain healthy monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Prime IV Hydration and Wellness Intravenous (IV) drips, usually administered in a hospital setting to receive fluids, medications or other treatments, are a fast-growing wellness trend. Thanks to endorsements from celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Adele and Madonna, the practice of receiving boosts of hydration and nutrients directly into the…
By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Christina Leone Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) poms squad took home the state’s highest award at the recent Colorado Spirit State Championships – for the second year running. The annual event was held at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs. The RCHS Jaguars finished the 5A competition with…
By Mindy Stone; photo courtesy of Christy Williams A fresh face is on the Douglas County School District Board of Education representing District E, which includes the Castle Pines community. Director Christy Williams is one of four new school board members sworn in November 30, 2021. “I have a passion for the school district and…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Lynda Hernandez American Academy Socks are the number one clothing need with those experiencing homelessness. The Sock it to ‘Em Sock campaign lives by the motto, “We’re making a social impact one pair of socks at a time.” The organization aims to put new socks on the feet of…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Kimberly Jester and Michelle McCluskey The third grade classes of Timber Trail Elementary took part in Crisis Center of Castle Rock’s Operation Elf. It was part of a project-based learning activity, a teaching method used where students try to answer challenging questions and solve real world problems. Operation Elf…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Emily Johnson Every December, the Colorado State Thespian Conference (ThesCon) is held for high school students interested in all aspects of theater. ThesCon is a three-day conference, featuring master classes in thespian elements like auditioning, acting, dancing, singing, directing and stage management. Nearly every high school in the state…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Chris Todd Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) at Toyon Bay happily welcomed American Academy (AA) seventh and eighth grade students with an exciting week of science adventure working outside of their traditional life science classroom. Students from all three campuses were immersed in the field of aquatic ecosystems, working…
The first week of December marked the 57th Annual Thespian Conference (ThesCon), a state convention allowing for middle and high school theater troupes to interact with, learn from, and perform for one another. This three-day gathering, held at the Denver Convention Center, also has a competitive element for students to showcase their abilities. This year,…
By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Meghan Murphy Students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) assisted in making the holidays brighter for many families this year. BRE student council organized a school-wide service project to adopt families and provide needed items like clothes and shoes, in addition to Christmas gifts. All grade levels participated in adopting…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Linda Johnson Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) fifth graders delivered hand-crafted holiday cards to bring some cheer to the residents at Legacy Village in the City of Castle Pines this holiday season. “The hand-made cards were a warm wonderful surprise for our residents,” said Jamie Agnew, life enrichment director of…
Melds Flavors of Hawaii, Colorado and Chile By Chris Michlewicz The fusing of flavors found in traditional dishes from several cultures might seem like a wild idea – until you taste the results. Ohana Grille has quickly become the place to go in Douglas County for Hawaiian-fusion food. Since opening in Castle Rock in November…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Brad Proulx The Belgian Malinois, pronounced MAL-in-wah or “Mal” for short, are a high-energy herding dog breed who love to put their intelligence and intense focus to work. The breed loves being active, learning new skills and spending time with their owner. Their willingness to conduct multiple training sessions…
Article and photos by Chris Michlewicz Development activity continues at a feverish pace in the Castle Pines and Castle Rock areas, and a popular burger joint is among those slated for completion in the coming months. In-N-Out Burger, an Irvine, California-based chain whose few Colorado locations have stirred curiosity and appetites, is in the final…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard While most of the elections in Douglas County last month had a clear margin of victory, the City of Castle Pines mayoral race came down to the wire, putting the democratic process to the test. With rankings changing following every incremental count and a margin of only 22 votes ultimately determining…
Information provided by Parker Water & Sanitation District Many residents in the City of Castle Pines will be getting a new water service provider next year, and in preparation for the transition, here are a few things you may want to know: Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) will continue normal operations until January 3,…
Information and photos provided by American Academy National First Responders Day is October 28, and it is a day to honor all of those serving on the frontlines. Grateful for their service and sacrifice, American Academy students welcomed and celebrated local first responders with morning coffee, breakfast, high fives, and fist bumps and handmade class…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; graphic provided by E-470 Public Highway Authority One of the many positives for those living in the Castle Pines community is location. With easy access to I-25, the main artery running north and south and just minutes from the bisecting E-470 tollway, residents can easily navigate the Denver metro area. Drivers…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard The holiday season is well underway, which means anyone looking to send holiday gifts and greetings should get their packages and cards sent. For residents looking for close shipping options, the Castle Pines community offers two choices – United States Postal Service (USPS) and The UPS Store. United States Postal Service…
Information provided by Douglas County Parks, Trails and Building Grounds Holiday trees may be recycled at free facilities located in Douglas County. The trees are mulched, and the mulch is available at some locations for residents while the supplies last. Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, plastic wrap, tree stands, wire, rope, and nails…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Paige Sanford Leyna Sanford, a fifth grade student at Timber Trail Elementary submitted one of the 20 winning names as part of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Governor Jared Polis inaugural Name that Plow contest. Kindergarten through fifth grade students across the state submitted their most creative…
Friendship leads to a flourishing business Longtime friends Desiree Moore and Amber Long have been the business owners of The Woodhouse Day Spa located in the Village Shops in Castle Pines since April 2011. The two met while working for the same physician’s office 20 years ago. Long has a background in dermatology, and Moore…
2B Organized 80108 Wine & Spirits Advanced Integrative Medicine Aloha Cleaning AriClean AR Workshop Arthur Porter, Attorney at Law Aspen Tide Design & Staging Autobahn Bandimere Speedway Beau Thai II Bellco Credit Union Berg Haus Black + Haus Tavern Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood Bonsai Nursery Boy Scout Troop #316 – Castle Pines Brandon…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos Elean Gersack and her husband Michael have lived in the Castle Pines community for nearly 20 years with their two children, both of whom are now attending college. After exiting the corporate world many years ago, Elean has continued to provide communications support and freelance writing through her consulting…
Information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and the City of Castle Pines have joined forces to introduce Winter Wonderland at The Ridge golf course – two weeks of holiday festivities in the City. You can also find holiday fun in The Village at Castle Pines. Below…
By Steve Whitlock; photo courtesy of Lior Lapid National Master Lior Lapid, the director of PALS (Play, Achieve, Learn, Succeed) Chess Academy, has a 25-year proven track record of teaching, coaching and mentoring chess students. Lapid said, “We think of chess as an educational tool that has the power to enrich children’s lives both on…
By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Brad Proulx As a sergeant in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) K-9 unit, Brad Proulx is living his boyhood dream. As a child, Proulx visited his grandfather at work, as a dispatcher for the Colorado State Patrol. Those visits and the stories his grandpa shared, helped set Proulx’s…
By Stacie Chadwick When I was 2 years old my parents got divorced. I was lucky in a way, because at the time I was too young to understand that separation, at its most basic level, is the physical manifestation of pain being split in two. By the time I’d turned 5, mom had remarried.…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photo The Castle Pines Connection has teamed up with The Pet Stuff Place, Animal Care Center of Castle Pines, Camp Bow Wow – Castle Rock, Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, The Last Paws, Fetch! and Bina Photography to bring you the ninth annual Cutest Pet in the Pines contest. We…
Hanukkah, the Jewish eight-day, wintertime Festival of Lights, began on Sunday evening November 28 and continues through Monday December 6. Christmas services and worship times vary throughout December and are celebrated at area churches. Here is a list of local services for Hanukkah menorah lighting and Christmas. Chabad Jewish Center of South Metro Denver 9950…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Anna Spitzer WyldLife is a Young Life Christian ministry group geared toward middle school students. It is often called a party with a purpose, and all Douglas County middle school kids are invited for a few hours of fun and conversation about what matters in life. This year’s winter…
Dear Reader, It is the gift giving season and a perfect time to address the art of the thank you. A “thank you” is defined as a note of gratitude, and I would add that it can be an act or an expression. According to William Arthur Ward, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of the Sedalia Historic Museum and Gardens Jarre Canyon in Sedalia has been a prolific source of Douglas County history, attracting those among the most dynamic men and women of the County. So too, with Esme Harcourt Williams Couch. Charles Harcourt was born in Blatherwycke, England in 1869. Immigrating to…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Erica Aizenman “We bought the house for the lot,” said Erica Aizenman of The Village at Castle Pines home that she and her husband bought four years ago. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, the home had mountain views, trees covering the property and protected space behind the…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard Every month for the past six years, The Connection has featured a different nonprofit organization with ties to the Castle Pines community. The goal behind this segment is to introduce our readers to a variety of organizations that are the “angels among us.” The belief is that those who are doing…
Information provided by DCCF The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) believes everyone deserves to live a productive and fulfilled life, and we recognize that everyone needs help from time to time. Colorado’s largest single day of philanthropic giving is Tuesday, December 7. Douglas County Gives brings together more than 40 organizations that recognize the strength…
serves up coffee, goods and lots of joy By Elean Gersack; courtesy photos Wellspring Community (Wellspring) has been a constant source of hope and joy in the Castle Rock area since 2008. Adults with disabilities are empowered through in-person and virtual enrichment opportunities, including life and leadership skills, arts and performance, physical fitness and enterprise…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo There are people who read voraciously and those who like to read occasionally – grabbing a book at the airport to read on vacation. Books can provide an escape from reality allowing the reader to learn a new craft, discover a piece of history, or expand their mind while relaxing…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Once the largest steel town west of the Mississippi, the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company dominated Colorado as its largest employer for a century. Founded by William Palmer to manufacture rails for his trains, it attracted skilled laborers from all over Europe. Now owned by Russian EVRAZ, a marvelous…
A grown-up take on a childhood favorite Article and photo by Lisa Crockett This time of year is full of food nostalgia. Most of us, even the Scroogiest among us, have a few seasonal favorite foods come December. Whether it’s your grandmother’s sensational cornbread stuffing or your dad’s shrimp jambalaya, the holidays are all about…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett INGREDIENTS 1 cucumber 1 large carrot, peeled Jarred roasted red pepper Jarred capers Prepared vegetable dip 3-inch wooden skewers DIRECTIONS Trim either end of the cucumber. Then, use a vegetable peeler along the side of the cucumber to create long, thin slices (don’t slice the seedy center, but you…
By Nancy Koontz; photo courtesy of Freda Moore It takes a special person to be a caregiver to a loved one who is caught in the state of Alzheimer’s limbo. Freda Moore, resident of The Village at Castle Pines and caregiver for her late husband Bill Moore knows firsthand the challenges that Alzheimer’s disease creates…
Information provided by Seniors’ Council of Douglas County Seniors’ Council of Douglas County (SCDC) is very pleased with the response from participants of the inaugural Every Age Counts! amateur poetry contest. Several amateur poets from the Castle Pines community and the surrounding areas contributed poems to the contest. “We received over 30 entries from poets…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Erica Aizenman The Village at Castle Pines resident Erica Aizenman and her husband Matt have long-time ties to the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and never thought they would leave. Erica grew up in New Jersey. They both attended college in New York and both…