Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Julie Matuszewski; photos of courtesy Rebecca Jones DCS Montessori (DCSM) greenhouse teacher Rebecca Jones loves spring and all things growing green. In preparation for the spring season and DCSM’s school community annual spring plant sale, Jones and her greenhouse students looked closely at nutrients needed for plants to thrive. Using two growth systems, the…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Ilana Bove Timber Trail Elementary second grade students created “Biography Bottles” in the likeness of a famous person they chose to study and research. Using 2-liter soda bottles and other select craft supplies, the students created unique biography bottles of figures like Queen Elizabeth I, King Tut and Helen…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori and Buffalo Ridge Elementary Douglas County Libraries Battle of the Books (BOTB) continues to be a huge success with teams of third through sixth grade students. BOTB is a book trivia tournament that engages hundreds of students each year. Teams compete against each other in interschool battles…
By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Jean Dupper Andrew Dupper is a senior at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) where he has been involved in the drama department his entire four years. Dupper got hooked on drama in eighth grade and hasn’t looked back. Honk! Jr. was the first musical he performed in, as the…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Kelli Weinrich Kindergarten students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) have a new unit in PE, thanks to a program called All Kids Bike and the generosity of the community. All Kids Bike is a national organization dedicated to helping children learn to ride a bike. The program partners with…
The recent Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Student Council (StuCo) community service project was a fundraiser to aid victims of the Marshall Fire. The idea was to promote a Caring Competition throughout the school and across all three grade levels. “This year we saw a real local need because of the Marshall Fire,” said RHMS…
By Nancy Koontz; photo courtesy of Jonathan Radin and courtesy photos Born in Lucca, Italy, near Tuscany, Marco Del Chiaro, M.D., Ph.D., FACS will be celebrating his 50th birthday this year. The internationally renowned surgeon and his family made the decision to buy a house in The Village at Castle Pines in the fall of…
Information and graphic provided by Douglas County You are represented by elected officials at the local, county, state and federal levels. Following the U.S. Census every 10 years, representation districts for these offices can change. Visit Douglas County’s interactive map to enter your home address and view names of your County Commissioner, along with your…
Article and photo by Chris Michlewicz A store that planned to sell vaping products in the City of Castle Pines will not be allowed to open after City Council passed an emergency moratorium on such businesses last month. A banner, which is in violation of the City sign code, went up in recent weeks where…
By Chris Michlewicz A voter-approved plan to transfer Castle Pines North Metro District’s (CPNMD) water and wastewater facilities and operations to the Parker Water and Sanitation District (PWSD) has crumbled under the weight of unforeseen obstacles and accusations of acting in bad faith. The inclusion of the water and wastewater assets was expected to lower…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County precinct caucuses are meetings of registered electors within a precinct who are members of a particular major political party. The purpose of precinct caucuses is to elect precinct committee persons and delegates to county assemblies. The Douglas County Republican Party Caucus is on Tuesday, March 1 at 7…
By Chris Michlewicz; map courtesy of Douglas County Douglas County is looking into the rights of mineral interest owners after a pair of recently-formed LLCs announced their intent to prospect underneath land in Douglas County. The County received notice from Daniels Park LLC and Castle Pines LLC in January about their intent to prospect after…
By Patte Smith To reduce congestion and improve travel times on northbound I-25, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is testing a new ramp metering system on northbound I-25 between Ridgegate Parkway and University Boulevard. Motorists may notice a difference in the timing of the lights when they approach the ramp meters. The signals are…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines The City of Castle Pines is hosting a series of slash collection and wildfire safety presentations – in partnership with South Metro Fire and Rescue (SMFR). Each presentation will include information on financial incentives, the City’s slash collection event, services from SMFR, and time for questions. March…
By Hollen Wheeler; photos courtesy of Chris Eubanks A senior retail consultant for a global software company, a family man and world traveler, Chris Eubanks recently added city council member to his resumé. Representing District I in the City of Castle Pines, Eubanks brings 30 years of business experience to his new position. He is…
Connecting with customers and grateful for community Dennis Fossceco has held several roles in his 30 years with King Soopers, but being the store leader at the Castle Pines location has been a “blessing.” “I’ve worn many hats throughout my career at King Soopers and for Kroger [the parent company of King Soopers], but…
By Shaun Kernahan; courtesy photos The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce kicked off 2022 by celebrating its 15th anniversary at an annual luncheon and awards event. Held at Cielo at Castle Pines, attendees enjoyed a lunch while learning about the future of the Chamber as it embraces the changing and growing City of Castle Pines.…
By Shaun Kernahan; photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard There is a new name and owner at the child care center at 81 Max Drive on the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road – HighPointe Academy. Ray Verlinde and his wife, Laura Lee, have expanded their childcare footprint beyond their original center located…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Carol Kline Lucky’s lucky charm is her collar tag that is engraved with her name. Castle Pines resident Carol Kline gave Lucky the name to represent the good luck they both experienced when the dog became part of the Kline family. Barely a pup, Lucky was living with a…
By Hollen Wheeler Daylight Saving Time (DST) will commence on Sunday, March 13, which will bring brighter mornings and evenings for the next eight months. The time change officially takes place at 2:00 a.m. local time respectively across the country’s different time zones. Hate it? Love it? Don’t care? Miss the extra hour of sleep?…
By Hollen Wheeler; photos courtesy of the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade The month of March brings the promise of spring and to many, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold, wearing of the green, imbibing green drinks, eating corned beef and cabbage – all are traditions that hearken to the annual Irish…
By Bryan Goodland If you’re planning on getting away for spring break, nothing is more frustrating than waiting in a seemingly endless airport security line. To alleviate some of this frustration, there are a few options, TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear. But which one is the right one for you? TSA PreCheck is offered…
Information and photos courtesy of DCCF The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) showed some love for first responders, educators and veterans at its inaugural Hearts and Aces Valentine’s fundraiser on February 13. The evening of philanthropy started with dinner and was packed with casino-themed fun, including blackjack and poker tables, roulette and craps. “I played…
Article by Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos Thirty years ago, I read James A. Michener’s historical fiction novel about South Africa, The Covenant. I knew immediately that I had to visit the country. It was the trip of a lifetime, at least at the time. It was and remains a land of exquisite beauty and cruelty,…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos Adam Martz, perhaps Sedalia’s most famous bachelor, was no shrinking violet. Those who have opined on his life, alleged that he was never outsmarted. In a bit of hyperbole, the Castle Rock Journal once reported in print that “any person who thinks he can get the best of Adam (by…
By Hollen Wheeler; graphic by Krysta Parr Visit any city in the U.S. and listen to the local terminology and acronyms used to describe the location. The “L” is short for the elevated rapid transit train in Chicago; “the Hill” refers to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.; and “SoHo” is shortened from South of Houston…
Article and photo by Elean Gersack June Everett and Laurel Gebhard are community heroes with huge hearts. A little over two years ago, Everett was experiencing career burnout and decided to change course. With memories of food shortages in her youth, she decided to create a food assistance program. She wanted to reach students, school…
By Elean Gersack, photos courtesy of Jordan Weinstein As the oldest of three boys, Jordan Weinstein was the first to explore college, career paths and adulting. With the support and encouragement of his parents, Weinstein decided that his path would be just that – his. Curious by nature, he didn’t feel pressure to have his…
Article and photos by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines Connection, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and the City of Castle Pines gathered at Berg Haus with new residents and homeowners last month to welcome them to the neighborhood. The quarterly event has become increasingly popular as new homeowners move into the community every day.…
Dear Readers, Let’s talk about the relatively modern invention of the save-the-date announcement and how it should be used within the art of the invitation. The save-the-date is a wonderful tool to help organize and prepare for a gathering. It can create a space of time to give advanced notice for time off work, to…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos The Castle Pines club of Rotary International is one local nonprofit doing an extraordinary service. The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce recognized the local chapter for the good work being done throughout the community – awarding the chapter “Nonprofit Organization of the Year” for 2021. For those who might just…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photo Move over big box coffee shops, a new trend in caffeinated drinks, especially for Generation Z, has swept the nation – boba tea, or more colloquially, just “boba.” Beginning in Taiwan and migrating around the world, boba or “bubble” as it translates from Chinese, is typically a flavored brewed tea,…
By Stacie Chadwick Recently, on my way to meet a friend, I found myself racing down I-25 with curlers in my hair, a mascara wand in my non-dominant hand making questionable contact with my lashes, and the other on the steering wheel making equally questionable contact with the lane lines. When I showed up, several…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I love the television show “Friends.” I was an avid fan back in the day, often hosting watch parties in my tiny apartment with my own real-life cadre of friends. There are hundreds of quotes from the show that I still sprinkle liberally in casual conversation. Because Monica was…
By Julie Matuszewski, photos courtesy of Scott Godinez, Help & Hope Center In celebration of the swearing in ceremony for the Castle Pines City Council, friends and supporters of newly-elected District I representative Chris Eubanks joined the Eubanks family in volunteering at Help & Hope Center food pantry. “As I was preparing to be sworn…
By Patte Smith, photos courtesy of Candy Tillack Grass does not grow under Candy Tillack’s feet. Recently her feet – and her husband Blake’s – have made their way to Castle Pines. Wanting to be closer to their sons’ families, especially the grandchildren, the Tillacks moved from Phoenix to Castle Pines in early 2020. “We…
By Mindy Stone; courtesy photos Louis Llanes has lived in Castle Pines for almost six years with his wife, Jane, their 15-year-old twins, Elisa and L.J., who are freshmen in high school, and their two dogs, Lexi and Libby. The Llanes family lived in Highlands Ranch for many years before moving to Castle Pines. They…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Fred Lautenbach A group from Foundry Church in Castle Pines headed north in late January and spent the day at the Marshall Fire burn area. Fred Lautenbach, Missions Coordinator at Foundry, coordinated the event through Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian humanitarian relief organization. After safety training, the volunteers were dispersed…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Michelle McClarran Michelle McClarran knew she wanted to be a middle school math teacher since she was a high school student. With a love of mathematics and a joy of working with children, it seemed like a dream job. Many students have a fear of math, and McClarran made…
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Kira Zizzo. Enthusiasm, camaraderie, happiness and unification overwhelmed the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) gym as the RCHS Unified basketball team took to the court Thursday, February 17. The high school gym was energized as the entire student body was up and roaring while the band played and the…
By Lisa Nicklanovich ; Pictures by sleepfoundation.org Many people don’t get the deep, restorative sleep needed on a regular basis. This is evidenced by the dramatic rise in the use of sleep aids, from herbal remedies to supplements and prescription drugs. In his book Keep Sharp, Sanjay Gupta, M.D. points out that, “Studies have convincingly…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos An 18-game winning streak, numerous come-from-behind wins, Cale Makar’s amazing game winning goal in overtime against the Chicago Blackhawks … the colossal Colorado Avalanche season has Castle Pines Avs fans enjoying every unbelievably exciting moment happening on the ice at Ball Arena.
Information provided by Village Idiots Cycling Club The Village Idiots Cycling Club is growing and welcoming new members. The annual membership meeting will be on Tuesday, March 15 at Crowfoot Valley Coffee, 734 Wilcox #102 in downtown Castle Rock. Meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. (multiple tap beers available), meeting at 7:00 p.m. Members of…
Congratulations to all the 80108 student-athletes who have committed to playing their sport at the next level. These students have worked hard, both athletically and academically, to attend colleges and universities all over the country. Douglas County High School Ainsley Medina Volleyball Linfield University, OR Coach Jessica Aase said, “Ainsley is a gifted volleyball player…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Brycie Strother DCS Montessori After school programs are an essential resource for school-aged youth because they support social, emotional, cognitive and academic development. These programs provide a safe, supportive and fun environment for students. The DCS Montessori (DCSM) After School Programs (ASP) benefits both staff and students. ASP gives…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy A calling is a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action, especially when accompanied by a conviction of divine influence. Martin Luther King Jr. made a call for equality and freedom for all mankind with his “I Have a Dream” speech that he delivered on…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Tim Ryckman Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) recently returned to a grade level performance tradition that’s been on hold since 2020 – the Third Grade Show. All third grade students participated. The students worked closely with art, music and physical education teachers for several weeks to prepare. They learned songs…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Leana Kerr, DCS Montessori Mabuhay, or Welcome in Filipino, was one word among the cultural lessons the lower elementary classroom of DCS Montessori (DCSM) learned during their Asia Continent studies. Utilizing Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines media center, students immersed themselves in a global lesson. Students practiced counting…
Information and photo provided by CORE CORE Electric Cooperative (CORE) invites artists in grades 1 through 5 to submit artwork as part of CORE’s Electrical Safety Poster Contest. One winning poster from each grade will earn its creator $100, plus $500 for books and supplies for their classroom. Winning artwork will also be used to…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos On a bus trip from Legacy Village in Castle Pines to Hudson Gardens last summer, Ruth Moran spotted an empty seat next to a gentleman she thought looked “pretty neat.” Ruth had noticed him at breakfast a couple of times, and it turns out, he had noticed her too. The…
Information provided by the United States Post Office Free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests are available for order and shipment through the United States Postal Service. Each order will contain four (4) tests. There is a limit of one (1) order per residential address. Additional tests cannot be ordered regardless of the size of the household.…
Information provided by Douglas County While there is no mask mandate in Douglas County, free KN95 and surgical grade masks are available through the state’s distribution program at eight locations in Douglas County. Six Douglas County Libraries locations during regular business hours in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Lone Tree and Roxborough. Masks…
Approvals pave the way for new homes, schools and parks By Chris Michlewicz; graphic courtesy of the City of Castle Pines Motorists who use Castle Pines Parkway/Hess Road east of I-25 have surely noticed significant development activity in The Canyons neighborhood over the last two years, and City approvals late last year have cleared the…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Tracy Engerman When she’s not helping make decisions to improve the lives of residents in the City of Castle Pines, the new mayor is making the most of life in Colorado. Growing up in a small town in the middle of Kansas, Tracy Engerman knew she eventually wanted to…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Tony Spurlock Tony Spurlock has lived and worked in and around Douglas County for over 50 years. More than 40 of those years, he has been employed by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). He’s proudly served our community at the top county law enforcement position since 2014, commanding…
Information provided by Douglas County; Pictures By Douglas County Website Property tax bills or tax notifications for 2022 arrived in Douglas County property owners’ mailboxes the final weeks of January. While property owners pay taxes to the County Treasurer’s Office, the County Treasurer is tasked with distributing the funds to the various taxing authorities associated…
New Ownership, New Energy By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos Classy Nails in the City of Castle Pines has a new owner. Holly Shirmenzagas acquired the day spa in November 2021 and is excited for her latest endeavor. “I’ve always wanted to own my own business, so this was the perfect opportunity,” said Shirmenzagas. Born in Mongolia,…
Information provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation Colorado’s license plate reissue program, implemented by the state in January 2022, aims to improve safety for first responders and motorists by ensuring drivers have reflective and legible license plates. Under the new program, the process for transferring license plates has changed. License plates for class C…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County received nearly $237,000 from the State of Colorado to ensure residents working through a mental or behavioral health issue have a seamless and supportive safety net. The monies will be used for a dedicated case manager and peer recovery coach to support individuals served through the Douglas County…
By Celeste McNeil; photos by Lynn Zahorik Colorado Springs has long been dubbed Olympic City, USA. Now there is a museum to prove it. Opened in mid-2020, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum (USOPM) boasts 60,000 square feet of innovative and interactive displays and simulations. The USOPM’s mission is “to honor the Olympic and…
By The Castle Pines Connection Random Acts of Kindness Day (RAK Day) is February 17 and is a reminder to try and make the world a kinder place, no matter how small the act. A kind gesture can mean more to the receiver than the giver knows. A wonderful example of a generous act of…
By Chris Michlewicz; graphic courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue The fires that spread in Boulder County in late December are a sobering reminder that wildfire season in Colorado never really ends, and residents must always be prepared for the worst. The dry conditions in Colorado are about as bad as they’ve ever been. The…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy Bonnie Thompson The Native American Indian Dog (NAID) is a breed which, at a quick glance, one may mistake for a wolf based on its size; long, fluffy ears; bushy tail; pointed muzzle and powerful stare. However, the NAID is usually a combination of German shepherd and husky mix, selectively…
By Elean Gersack; images courtesy of DCSD Sources of Strength is an internationally recognized youth suicide prevention program that has been implemented in many middle and high schools across the Douglas County School District (DCSD), including Rocky Heights Middle School and Rock Canyon High School. According to Kimberly Moore, DCSD health, prevention and social emotional…
Dear Readers, “I used to sneak out of my house to go to parties, now I sneak out of parties to go to my house.” Let’s have a little chat about the etiquette of the party exit. I recently hosted a gathering, a fun, casual and raucous affair when I noticed a guest leaving without…
Photo by Amy Murphy Cutest Pet in the Pines winner, Jet obediently waited for permission to tear into his prize bag of goodies, but once he did, there was no turning back! Special thanks again to our sponsors: The Pet Stuff Place, Animal Care Center of Castle Pines, Camp Bow Wow – Castle Rock, Lone…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Precisely 150 years ago, ranchers on West Plum Creek acted on a need for their own church home in Bear Canon. Newton S. Grout, a former Union Army drummer, was chosen to lead the 1872 construction effort. He began by demolishing a primitive log schoolhouse on the site. Originally…
There’s no place like home – By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Kendra McCright Raised in the Pines is a new segment where we will celebrate kids who grew up in our community and are now grown and off living life. Story ideas are welcome. Email us at editor@castlepinesconnection.com. Years ago, a bookmobile visited Castle…
By Hollen Wheeler An online word game launched in October 2021 has gone viral and, in the last month, become a worldwide sensation. Moreover, the game’s backstory is a love story. “Wordle” challenges a player to guess a five-letter word in six tries. What makes this game unique is that Wordle is only available once…
By Mindy Stone; courtesy photo Overnight camp gives children an opportunity to try new activities, make friends, and build self-confidence and independence. For children suffering with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare genetic skin disorder, they get a unique opportunity to attend a special camp in Granby at the YMCA of the Rockies/Snow Mountain Ranch with…