Read the stories from the latest issue:
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner My wife, Barb, and I just returned from Taos, New Mexico. A captivating and photogenic mecca, it is the same place New York elite artists, Bert Phillips and Ernest Blumenschein uncovered a century ago. The society of artists and their story is essential to understand if one is to…
Article and photos by Hollen Wheeler Just north of the University of Denver is the South Pearl Street district, a charming little city escape. Eighteen tree-lined blocks with Victorian homes, boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, book stores, and of course, fine dining make South Pearl Street an outing worth a look. Flanked by “South Pearl…
Dear Readers, Let’s talk about the art and etiquette of the invitation. I naturally get excited about parties, whether I’m throwing one or attending one and the invitation is the natural starting point. Creating an invitation and responding to an invitation require thought and exactitude, whether it’s a formal invite or a casual one. The…
By Stacie Chadwick In 1992, I was young and living in Chicago, a place so cold in the winter that the biting, frigid wind would cut you in half before you’d barely taken a step. It was on that kind of night, having worked late and in a hurry, that I jumped into my car…
By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Jimmy’s Photography The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) recently gathered at picturesque Cherokee Ranch & Castle to introduce its new executive director, Mike Waid. Waid joins a powerhouse board of directors, let by Chairman Justin Vaughn, committed to helping Douglas County nonprofits and providing financial assistance when they need…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo There are many close to home Halloween celebrations and festivals this year, so get the costumes ready, carve a pumpkin, and brew up some potions. With fall in the air, festivals, foolery, and fun abounds – mixed in with a little fright. Enjoy the Castle Pines Fall Festival in the…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Yvonne Bailey We introduced readers to super-mom and creative fitness guru Yvonne Bailey in May 2018 and happened across her again last week. No surprise, she is still flying high with ideas. With her son, Chase (5), in school, Bailey has lost no time in moving into a new…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Food that looks beautiful is somehow extra satisfying, a feast for the senses that starts even before I open my mouth. Sushi is at the top of my list of beautiful foods, especially sushi rolls, bordered in perfect rice and framed with seaweed. There is something so lovely and…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Donna Benedict Neighbors pulled out their best family recipes for the 12th Annual Turweston Lane Chili Cook Off. More than 70 people gathered in the cul-de-sac to join in the fun. The best chili bragging rights went to the Barbier family who took first place. The Sharon family…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos Can it be possible to catch one’s second wind as a nonagenarian? Meet Velva Bains, turned 98 last month. But you’d never know it. Spry and almost effervescent, age has not dimmed her many beautiful memories. Then there is that twinkle in her eye; it’s compelling. When she talks, one…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard The health insurance industry is arguably one of the biggest in the U.S., and Medicare falls under that umbrella. Throughout the next few months, the evening news and mailboxes will be inundated with commercials and flyers from private insurance companies touting the benefits for a particular supplemental Medicare plan in anticipation…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos Although Megan Mathis is a local, her work and passion are 9,000 miles away. She is co-founder of RiseUp Malawi (RUM), and her organization is making small but significant differences in the land-locked, southeast African country of Malawi. The average Malawian lives on less than $2 a day. For the…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Tony Greene “The best thing about teaching is the connections I make with my kids,” said Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) math teacher, Tony Greene. “I really believe it is not the content that is taught by the teacher but the connections the teacher makes with their students.” Greene…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of the Baudier family Jeff Baudier spent almost the entirety of his life in Louisiana, but the possibility of picking up and moving to Colorado was always there. Baudier (pronounced “bo-dee-ay”) had visited the Denver area for business on several occasions and was taken in by the active lifestyle and…
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Ken Tankersley Fifteen years ago, Shannon and Ken Tankersley’s family relocated from the Washington Park area of Denver to Castle Pines. The tight-knit clan enjoys life to the fullest and truly loves living in Colorado. “We can’t imagine living anywhere else,” notes Ken. “Castle Pines is a blend of…
a perfect season By Shaun Kernahan; courtesy photos After successfully getting through league play with a perfect 6-0 record, the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) eighth grade girls volleyball team headed to Castle Rock Middle School on September 11 as the number one seed in the district tournament. They started off the morning by knocking…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo Autumn is here, and families, friends and neighbors are starting to plan for an outing to a pumpkin patch, a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner, and happy holiday fun when December arrives. What do these events have in common? Pumpkin. Whether harvesting seeds to roast from a pumpkin, baking a pumpkin pie…
By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Mike Myers Mike Myers, The Village at Castle Pines resident and former 14-year MLB left-handed pitcher, was golfing with his friend Don Beck on a Thursday morning in August 2019 at The Country Club at Castle Pines. Beck made a comment about how lucky they were to be able…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard From local pharmacies to convenient drive-up sites, anyone looking to get a free COVID-19 test has multiple options in Douglas County. The Walgreens located in the City of Castle Pines at Lagae Road offers free tests for anyone experiencing symptoms or who has been exposed to COVID-19. A photo ID will…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard On Election Day, Tuesday November 2, Douglas County voters will choose four Douglas County School District (DCSD) school board candidates in the general election. All registered voters will receive their election ballots in the mail sometime the week of October 11. (See related story on page 4 and 5 for more…
By Mindy Stone What’s for lunch? Students ask this question daily. This school year, parents don’t need to stress about packing their child’s lunch or even putting money in their school account to buy it. Douglas County School District (DCSD), like school districts nationwide, continues to serve free meals for all students during the 2021-2022…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Joe Schneiderwind Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) math teacher, Joe Schneiderwind, has always loved math and science. After graduating from Douglas County High School (DCHS), Schneiderwind moved to Golden, where he completed an undergraduate degree in engineering physics and a master’s degree in applied mathematics from Colorado School of…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Tim Ryckman Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) again held a decades-long family favorite community event this year, the back-to-school carnival. The carnival is a nod to summer fun as the school year gets underway. Students reunite with friends and burn lots of energy running between events, contests and stations while…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori According to the Montessori philosophy, adolescents need to begin establishing their independence as they learn to get along with one another while feeling acceptance from their peers. Away from home and their regular routines, DCS Montessori (DCSM) middle school students spent four days and three nights together…
Article and photo by Claire Bauer; RCHS intern writer What people are wearing and what’s considered to be in style constantly changes from season to season. What doesn’t change is the passion behind the fashion creations walked down runways with each change in the weather. Despite the past many months of the same sweatpants day…
Information provided by Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles made changes to who can sign a permit holder’s drive time logs with the implementation of the Driver’s License Electronic Renewal Act (HB21-1139). The new law allows more people to sign a permit holder’s drive time logs. Now the permit holder’s…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Tony Zalva and Samuel Avetisyan Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) Timberwolves took to the fields of Coyote Ridge Park for the school’s 12th Annual Mother and Son Kickball Tournament. Teams played single-loss elimination, with team Don’t Stop “Ball”ieving taking the overall win. The tournament kicked off with the national anthem…
Rocks as area’s only venue/restaurant By Chris Michlewicz The Wild Goose Saloon, which opened in July on the south end of Pikes Peak Drive in Parker, is unlike any other eatery in Douglas County. It routinely draws some of the best Colorado bands and national touring acts to its theater-caliber stage, providing just the nighttime…
Article and photos by Patte Smith Surrey Ridge gardener Kevin Klimek did not realize when he decided to grow hops a few years ago what a success it would be. “I thought it would be fun to try. It took a few years for the vines to wind up the trellis, and wow, what a…
Article and photo by Chris Michlewicz; graphic by Tim Gamble The Town of Castle Rock and Douglas County are partnering on a road construction project that will widen a high-traffic section of Crowfoot Valley Road. Design for the project is expected to be completed this year, with construction beginning in mid-2022, said Aaron Monks, project…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos On August 29 and for the second time this year, the U.S. Postal Service implemented new postage rates. Listed below are the highlights of the recent rate increases: First-class letters The postage rate for a first-class letter (1 ounce) purchased at the post office increased by 3 cents to 58…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard with information and photo provided by Douglas County The Front Range often receives its first frost sometime in September, and the first snowflakes are often spotted falling from the sky. As hot summer days transition to cool autumn nights, many local gardeners begin to prepare outdoor beds in September for the…
By Chris Michlewicz; graphic courtesy of the Colorado Department of Transportation The installation of new wildlife crossings and deer fencing is expected to improve safety in an area known for vehicle collisions with animals trying to cross I-25. This summer, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) approved new game ramps, swing gates and several miles…
Looking for a bit of direction when choosing which path to take at a Douglas County open space properties? New trail rating signage has been updated at open space properties, helping to ensure that visitors to Douglas County outdoor spaces have a safe and enjoyable experience. Trail users can consult the posted trail ratings, then…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos by Lynn Zahorik and courtesy of Scott James Photography Amy Dismuke may have moved from her home in Lone Tree to Castle Pines just a little more than a year ago, but her roots in the community are well established. The mother of three children (now adults), Dismuke would drive…
Bringing the party to the party By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Whitney Shank Colorado native and Castle Pines resident for nearly 17 years, Whitney Shank intended on being a stay-at-home mom until her kids were grown. After planning a lot of events for her kids’ elementary school, her name was mentioned to the Castle…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos It’s art. It’s urban. It’s weird. It’s amazing. And it’s opening in Denver on September 17. Meow Wolf, an arts and entertainment collaboration, is a transformative and surreal experience where visitors tour mind-bending “rooms” or installations with interpretation left to the individual’s imagination. The first Meow Wolf exhibition launched in…
inspire next generation of animal advocates By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Nature’s Educators Almost everyone can recall when they were introduced to a subject at just the right time in their life, changing its course forever. For Devin Jaffe, it happened in college when she met a prairie falcon at the Nature and Raptor…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy Amy Chouinard Charlie, a miniature schnauzer, is 100% pure fun, rich in character and full of life. His life’s purpose is to provide companionship and a good laugh on the daily to Bob, Amy and Jackson Chouinard. Charlie is the part of the family, and they are blessed to have…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos We once owned a home in Bend, Oregon and sold it – felt there were better investment opportunities. What a colossal mistake. The town has doubled its population and appeal in 20 years. Bend is the absolute gem of the Beaver State. Dead center in Oregon, in high desert country,…
Hundreds of people descended on the Village Shops in The Village at Castle Pines on August 13 for Vino in the Village, a Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce event that showcases restaurants and wine purveyors in the area. The annual event was a sellout with 400 tickets sold. Attendees learned about wine pairings and also…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos The River North Art District, or colloquially, “RiNo,” is a trending area northeast of downtown Denver. With the usual urban feel, including views of the city, plenty of good eats and drinks – not to mention a variety of shops and art galleries, what sets RiNo apart from other city…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos A staircase is a key architectural design feature that is often visible upon entering a home, adding drama to a space. Staircases have many parts and pieces requiring a number of design decisions and a whole set of terminology to learn. When remodeling a staircase, there are newel posts and…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Rose Tuggle Collection of the Schweiger Ranch Foundation John Schweiger was raised in Zell am Ziller, Tirol, Austria. Draftable into the Austrian army, he found a berth on an American-bound ship out of Bremen days before he turned 21 in 1867. Stateside, John found work in Tennessee and Georgia’s…
Article and photos by Celeste McNeil The Denver Botanic Gardens is a 24-acre oasis in the heart of the city. Located next to Cheesman Park, the York Street gardens host a large array of stimulation for the senses. Featuring Denver’s first green roof and the first conservatory in America entirely made from concrete and plexiglass;…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of DCSO Detention Specialist Dawn McClarnon Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is constantly looking for ways to positively connect with the community. DCSO recently held a favorite community outreach event – Cops and Bobbers. Young Douglas County residents spent a Saturday morning fishing with DCSO officers and urban park rangers…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Stan Obert Clothing can change a life. A warm coat, shoes that fit, and a wardrobe of school clothing can help children and youth build the confidence they need to succeed. Castle Pines resident Sue Hambil, longtime supporter and advocate for the nonprofit organization Clothes To Kids of Denver…
Enjoy the 2021-2022 season By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo The Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra (LTSO) 2021-2022 season has been announced and tickets are now on sale at the Lone Tree Arts Center box office. LTSO Executive Director Cindy Kessinger said, “We are so excited to be back on stage with a hopefully sold-out season. We…
Article and photos by Celeste McNeil Twenty-nine high school students gathered for a service project on a Saturday afternoon, just days before school began. The youth and a handful of adults, all from the Castle Pines ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spent a few hours in a Denver warehouse with…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I’m a proud member of Generation X. According to the latest vernacular, this makes me very likely to be “cheugy.” This nonsense word is meant as an insult and conveys disdain for all things conformist, basic, and middle-aged (side hair parts and low-rise jeans are particular targets). For the…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo Aging Resources of Douglas County (ARDC) is a valuable resource for older adults and their families – offering guidance to programs and organizations that are needed as individuals age. “Let’s get the word out that ARDC is here to help find services,” stated Lori Gloer, director of community engagement for…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo The Douglas County School District, Douglas County Libraries, Seniors’ Council of Douglas County and Changing the Narrative are partnering together and encouraging amateur poets of Douglas County to enter Every Age Counts! Free Amateur Poetry Contest. A first of its kind, the poetry contest will be accepting submissions until September…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of the Ressetar family Karen and J.P. Ressetar, residents of The Village at Castle Pines since 1995, will forever remember Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Like the rest of the country, the events that occurred on that day left indelible marks on their family. Their oldest son J.D. was working…
Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Carolyn Hayes, resident of The Village at Castle Pines for more than 20 years, began volunteering as a candy striper in Greenwich, Connecticut in the 1960s. Soon after, Hayes became a nurse, and continued on to clinic management, occupational health and fitness, sales, marketing, teaching, writing and consulting. Throughout…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Meredith Wilemon Meredith Wilemon was inspired by a high school science teacher. A passion for science and a connection to teachers through curriculum led Wilemon to become a science teacher herself. Wilemon’s family moved to Castle Pines when she was four. She attended the local schools, including Buffalo Ridge…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Amy Griffin Arianna (Ari) Griffin has always enjoyed baking alongside her mom, Amy. As a little girl, Ari would stand on a kitchen stool to make herself high enough to reach the counter. Now 11, Ari has been baking and decorating cakes and cupcakes on her own for the…
Article and photos by Hollen Wheeler Resident Evette Goldstein is an accomplished abstract artist, a professional calligrapher, a teacher, a tap dancer and … a former aerospace engineer. A short meeting with the 74-year-old doyenne reveals that abstract art with a scientific influence is her passion. Not to mention, Evette wears abstract-themed clothes, jewelry, and…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Jimmy’s Photography It was a beautiful August afternoon for the annual Chamber of Commerce Party in the Park … until it wasn’t. More than 3,000 attendees had a wonderful time visiting vendor booths, bounce houses and the beer tent, eagerly anticipating the evening fireworks, sponsored by the City…
By Shaun Kernahan; courtesy photos For much of its history, the sport of lacrosse has been dominated by the east coast. In fact, there are so few high-quality western lacrosse teams, the University of Denver team competes in the Big East collegiately. When Kings Lacrosse ’27 (made up of kids from Castle Pines, Castle Rock,…
Information provided by RTD With week one of the NFL season fast approaching, Broncos fans can rely on public transportation from the Regional Transportation District (RTD) to and from home games played at Empower Field at Mile High. While BroncosRide bus service remains suspended, several local bus routes will be available, and RTD will scale…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Bill Schaefer Naturally fermented foods are getting a lot of attention from health experts and consumers lately because they may help strengthen gut microbiome – the 100 trillion or so bacteria and microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, thus increasing the health of the digestive system and enhancing…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Castle Pines Athletics Castle Pines Athletics summer season flag football finished strong with a final Super Bowl game at Elk Ridge Park. The Philadelphia Eagles (ages 6 to 8) and Seattle Seahawks (ages 9 to 11) played hard to take home the winning championship. All teams played with heart,…
By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photos Families and staff at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) recently rejoiced in the return of several annual back to school traditions. BRE held a kindergarten and new family social a week before school began. This event allowed students and parents new to BRE to gather, meet new friends and play on…
Article and photo by Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Andrea Scott Two Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) school students have come full circle in their education; they are ending their primary school years in the same classroom where they attended preschool. This summer, more than a few BRE teachers shifted classrooms – every grade from preschool…
Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski American Academy (AA) could not wait to open its doors to all K-8 students. Thrilled to have their students back, Executive Director of Schools, Erin Kane – along with Castle Pines middle school Principal Michelle Daley, Castle Pines Mayor Tera Radloff and deputies from the the Douglas County Sheriff’s…