Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Mira Brand Originally from the Netherlands, Mira Brand came to the United States on a tennis scholarship where she played for Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. It was at college that she met the love of her life, Cort, and they are living happily ever after in Castle Pines.…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Maria Luckmann Maria Luckmann’s teaching career was somewhat accidental. She thought about teaching while at the University of Kansas but changed her mind. As an undergraduate student, she switched her major a couple of times, first declaring interior design, then moving to elementary education. Neither was a good fit…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Brynne Casto and Chris Todd Former American Academy – Castle Pines (AA) student Brynne Casto is now a junior at Rock Canyon High School. She has always shared a deep-rooted love for the ocean and marine life, and her first trip to Costa Rica with AA was the perfect…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Lara Mark The Ladies 9 in the Pines 9-hole golf league has been fundraising for breast cancer causes for 25 years, but the last two years’ events were game changers. The committee went from raising $15,000 in 2019 to $45,000 in 2020 and a whopping $100,000 was raised this…
Join Monday, December 13 at The Exchange Coffee House, located at 1415 Westbridge Drive in Castle Pines, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for an open house to learn more about the DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation and its plans for a world-class ice arena in the City of Castle Pines. Beer, wine and light hors…
Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Whether it is taper candles, pillar candles, a candle in a jar or tea lights, who doesn’t love lighting a candle and enjoying the flame, a sense of calm and one’s favorite scent? It seems simple that a candle is made with just an ignitable wick, wax, and possibly…
On November 7, resident Stacia Wilkins not only fulfilled her dream of running in the New York City (NYC) Marathon, she also finished 14th in her age group (55-59) out of more than 600 finishers and 10th in her age group for the U.S. finishers. Wilkins is a 7-time Ironman triathlete and self-proclaimed “adventure seeker.”…
By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photo The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) football season came to an end in mid-November, and Jaguar nation has much to be proud of in 2021. This season is the first time they advanced to the second round of the state playoffs. The last time RCHS was in the state playoffs…
Information and photos provided by Castle Pines Athletics Young athletes in Castle Pines started playing NFL flag football in the City of Castle Pines in fall 2015. The sport has gained popularity over the years and has been a hit with community youth in both fall and spring seasons. The 2021 fall season wrapped up…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos The boys varsity soccer team at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) had an outstanding season and a coach who inspired success both on and off of the field. A 30-year veteran of coaching and teaching, Coach Aaron Carpenter (known to all as “Coach Carp”) finished the 2021 season 14-3-1. The…
Article and photo by Celeste McNeil The Douglas County School District (DCSD) held a “One Book, One District” event in early November. The book chosen to foster community building across the entire district was Outside, Inside by LeUyen Pham. The committee selected Outside, Inside because it is a “beautiful, timely, and very highly reviewed book…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori Mystery History celebration is a DCS Montessori (DCSM) yearly tradition among its upper elementary students. Scheduled close to Halloween, traditional costumes of superheroes, witch hats and goblin attire are traded in for costumes depicting historical figures. Celebrating the 20th annual Mystery History event, students dressed as historical…
By Claire Bauer, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Zoë Danilchick On October 30, Rock Canyon High School’s (RCHS) marching band arrived at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs ready to compete. After a summer packed full of band camps, practices ranging from six to eight hours at a time, weeks of after-school…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Wenda Wilson As a part of project-based learning curriculum, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) teachers Lisa Hess’ and Wenda Wilson’s second grade students became entrepreneurs for a day, incorporating economic terms and ideas into a marketplace of student-run businesses developed and produced collaboratively with their business group. Fellow first graders…
By Julie Matuszewski Kindergarten registration for the 2022-2023 school year is as follows: Buffalo Ridge Elementary will begin accepting kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year on Wednesday, December 1. Registration information and documents are available at www.buffaloridgek5.org. Additional questions may be directed to the main office at 303-387-5575. Timber Trail Elementary will begin accepting…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of American Academy American flags lined the walkways of American Academy (AA). All veterans of the AA extended school family, including their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, were invited to a pancake breakfast served by the AA Rebel Citizenship students. A running video of current and past veterans played as…
By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photos Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) second graders recently hosted some special four-legged guests, Top Hogs. These performing pigs helped the students round out their recent literature unit. The second grade team read Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, the classic story of Wilbur the pig, and his barnyard friends, especially the spider,…
By Hollen Wheeler; photos by Tim O’Connor and courtesy of Justin Davis Hundreds of trick-or-treaters, kids of all ages and costumed pets ventured out to celebrate the fun and frolic of the season at Fall Fest 2021. On Saturday, October 23, the City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted a…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Koelbel and Company Regional efforts to increase the availability of attainable housing are resulting in incremental progress toward a goal to create a place where people can work and live. Affordable housing has been a topic of discussion at the state, county and municipal level for years, and more…
By Chris Michlewicz; renderings courtesy of Life Time A proposal to build a Life Time fitness center in Castle Pines could spur the start of more commercial and retail development on the City’s east side. The company submitted a site improvement plan for city review on October 22 for Life Time at The Canyons, a…
What to expect … Information and graphic provided by Colorado Department of Transportation The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced it has entered its fourth and final year of the I-25 South Gap highway construction. The entire project cost is $419 million and is expected to conclude in November 2022. CDOT expects the project will…
Major amendment to The Canyons Planned Development – Planning Area 7 (PA7) – for a school. By Chris Michlewicz; graphic by Tim Gamble A change to development plans for The Canyons neighborhood in the City of Castle Pines is expected to provide more flexibility in determining the best locations for future schools to serve the…
Information provided by Douglas County Governor Polis appointed Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon to the state’s new Colorado Forest Health Council. The 26-member Council to which Laydon was appointed is a volunteer stakeholder body that will advise the governor through the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources and the Colorado General Assembly on…
Information provided by Douglas County Local residents looking to make a difference in the community have an opportunity to serve on one of Douglas County’s many citizen advisory boards, committees or commissions. From the Cultural Council to the Planning Commission, volunteer members provide subject matter expertise and experience that is vital to the County’s decision-making…
Article and photo by Patte Smith The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) contracted with a storm drainage company to clean up and reconstruct two drainage areas adjacent to a stretch of I-25 near Castle Pines and the Surrey Ridge neighborhood. The CDOT approved plan had been delayed for the last year and a half. The…
Information and photo provided by Colorado Department of Transportation The first dusting of snow has already happened in the Castle Pines community. As residents travel throughout the state and along the I-25 South Gap construction zone between Castle Rock and Monument, here are some helpful reminders for the winter driving season ahead: Ensure vehicles are…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of DCSO Eric Rhymer has been a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputy for the last two decades. He’s held the school resource officer (SRO) position at American Academy (AA) since 2019. Rhymer started as a civilian detention specialist before DCSO sponsored him at the police academy. After his commission…
By Mindy Stone; photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Nails Plus is a family-owned full-service nail salon that recently opened along Castle Pines Parkway. Jimmy Dang, the majority owner and operator, previously worked at a salon in the same shopping center. Jimmy’s sister Tina, who is the owner of Castle Pines Day Spa in the Village…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos Rachel Poe is a Colorado native and graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in anthropology. She loves spending time outside enjoying nature with her three horses, Kairi, Rebel, and Merlin, and time inside reading, writing, and creating with her rescue cat, Misty, curled by her side. Tim…
Article and photo by Terri Wiebold The business of being a community servant is a tricky one and often times a thankless one. So, this month we give special appreciation to the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and the City of Castle Pines for the amazing work they do behind the scenes to make this…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos November 11 is Veterans Day, one day out of the year that honors all those who have served in the U.S. military. The U.S.S. Grayling Memorial, located at Sloan’s Lake in Denver, honors a World War II submarine lost in action in the waters of Manila Bay. Her monument represents…
By Patte Smith With the rising costs of food, merchandise and gas, as well as a continuing pandemic this holiday season, it is important to consider fellow neighbors who may need help this year with a hand up. Crisis Center and Help & Hope Center are two organizations within Douglas County that provide vital services…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos The holiday season is here and there is no better destination for browsing, shopping, dining and ultimately relaxing than Denver’s posh little enclave, Cherry Creek North (CCN). Southeast of downtown between University Boulevard and Steele Street, CCN is a “mixed-use” district with everything from haute cuisine and couture to specialty…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner My wife and I just returned from a fall colors trip out east. We went, expecting to see the Catskills and Finger Lakes of New York floundering economically, as much heavy industry along the Erie Canal has fled. What we discovered instead was a renaissance in process. Old towns,…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Jan Agrafojo-Levy and Mira Brand Pablo, Pablocito, Pablo Picasso or even Pablo Escobar depending on the day, may look like he has doodle (a cross between a poodle and another dog breed) in him, but he is 100% a Portuguese water dog (PWD). PWDs were bred to be an…
By Chris Michlewicz; photos courtesy of Elaine Hussey It has taken a few weeks, but Roxy the dachshund is finally learning how to snuggle with her very first dog friend, Baxter. Roxy had a very traumatic beginning to her life. All she knew in her first two years was the misery of living in a…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos Sedalia-based Mattersville Veterans is a community that provides sustainable housing and healing programs for veterans. Through their unique Pack Healing Experience which integrates the lives of veterans with wolf-dogs, Mattersville is making a difference in veterans’ lives not just in Colorado, but across the country. Drew Robertson, president and executive…
By Kathy Fallert There’s been a whole lot of chatter recently about the new Netflix series Squid Game. Squid Game (the name of an actual Korean children’s game) is a South Korean survival drama created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. Netflix is calling the show their most popular series ever, and it is the number one program in almost…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos Trends in interior paint colors are moving away from grays to nature-inspired colors, and wallpaper is back in style. While the brave might go for a panoramic mural on a wall, more homeowners are creating texture and dimension on walls by using materials such as grasscloth, cork, straw and wicker…
By Joe Gschwendtner; newspaper clipping courtesy of Kyle Scott No one exactly knows why Alexander Scott Sr. chose Castle Rock to homestead. Born in Arbroath, Scotland in 1840, he married Jane Morton in 1865. The couple wanted more, at least more than Arbroath offered, and immigrated to America a year later. After a three-year stay…
Greetings Readers, Halloween feels like it is the start of the holiday season. With that in mind, let’s just review a few of the simple rules for the upcoming holidays. The host/hostess’s job is to make sure every guest feels comfortable and has a good time. Conversely, the guest’s duty is to be friendly and…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Christina Leone Community service had two meanings at the annual free Autumn Shred Event held in The Village at Castle Pines shops last month. Residents had an opportunity to safely and securely dispose of unwanted paper and documents, and the Rock Canyon High School poms team volunteered at…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of the Forest Park social committee Forest Park social committee co-chairs Sarah Zales and Brooke Walter, along with the six member committee, successfully held the committee’s first in-person gathering since taking the reins as official party planners of the Forest Park neighborhood in the City of Castle Pines. When…
Thanksgiving desserts that are pie perfect Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Whoever coined the phrase “easy as pie” was a liar. Pie, which in my opinion is one of the top five desserts ever invented, is anything but easy to make. I should know, as I’ve spent months of my life working to perfect…
Trendy and Tasty – A winning formula for Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse By Chris Michlewicz A trendy downtown Castle Rock eatery with an eclectic menu and a laid-back vibe has quickly built a regional following, and all it takes is just a taste to see why. Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse, on the northwest…
Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Seasoning blends add so much flavor to dishes that it is hard to imagine chili or tacos without them. A simple meal with chicken, beef, fish or roasted or grilled veggies can be elevated to deliciousness with a seasoning mix. Sometimes it is tricky to know which spices blend…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photo Residents at Legacy Village of Castle Pines hosted a bingo tournament over the summer for fun and fellowship, but mostly for a worthy cause. Held in July, “Bingo Bonanza” raised more than $2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association “Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” which took place on September 18 at City Park,…
Information and photo provided by Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is expanding online services which is allowing the DMV to bring even more essential services to Coloradans wherever they are. Part of that expansion is empowering seniors to renew their driver licenses online. With the implementation of the Driver’s…
Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Author and Castle Pines resident Justin Matott writes for all ages weaving themes of empathy, kindness, humor, silliness, understanding and creativity through his more than 30 published books. After his first book My Garden Visits, which he wrote as a personal journal as he was processing the passing of…
By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Lucrecia Floyd The Floyd family loves adventure and helping others. Lucrecia is originally from Mexico City and Ken is originally from New Orleans; they met in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Lucrecia was working and Ken was traveling when a rainstorm brought them together. A long-distance romance of love letters through…
By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Jim Huffman The refreshingly candid Jim Huffman has had an impressive journey throughout his professional and personal life. With his strong work ethic and boundless energy, it doesn’t appear that Huffman has slowed down at any point, even in retirement. Raised in Chicago, Huffman first came to Colorado to…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Terra Shaffner Terra Shaffner has education in her blood. Her mother and grandmother were both teachers. As a child, when she had a break in her own school, she went with them to theirs. She loved to visit their classrooms. Shaffner grew up in the shadow of South Dakota’s…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Josh Trent Madeline Trent aims high. The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fourth grader enjoys all the typical activities 9 year olds do. Like many girls, Madeline enjoys gymnastics, but unlike most, she practices 18 hours a week. She is part of the USA Gymnastics development program, previously called the…
Article and photo by Mindy Stone Article and photo by Mindy Stone Castle Pines residents do not have to go far to get a vaccine. A mass vaccination clinic is conveniently located in the former Castle Pines Safeway building at 560 Castle Pines Parkway. The clinic offers COVID-19 vaccines, COVID-19 booster shots, and the flu…
By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Village Idiots Cycling Club The Village Idiots Cycling Club’s (VICC) October bike drive was a success, as individuals from the community dropped off bicycles to Cielo at Castle Pines. “VICC is grateful to Roz Schroeder from Cielo for allowing us to use their facility,” noted Bill Pieseski, community committee…
By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Bill Pieseski Members of the Village Idiots Cycling Club (VICC) met for the Club’s semi-annual cleanup of a section of road on the South Havana frontage road. The Club joined the Douglas County Adopt-A-Highway program several years ago and continues to do its part to keep Colorado beautiful, especially…
By Mindy Stone; courtesy photo Sophia Persichitte has a passion for cooking and dreams of opening a restaurant. She is in her second year of ProStart Culinary arts at ThunderRidge High School, even though she is a senior at Rock Canyon High School. “When I heard about it [the program], I was nervous to go…
Information provided by Douglas County School District High schools throughout the Douglas County School District (DCSD) offer a varying assortment of Advanced Placement (AP) courses across a multitude of subjects. Students were able to earn either the AP Capstone Diploma or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. The Castle Pines community is home to 10…
By Claire Bauer, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photo As October wrapped up, so did the 14th Annual National Teen Driver Safety Week. It is a week that highlights safe driving habits and encourages awareness of teenage drivers on the roads. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the leading cause of death in teens ages…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Jessica Petau Buster delivers safety message “seat to seat and back to back” Buster the Bus traveled his way to the preschool and kindergarten students at Timber Trail Elementary. This in-school field trip, hosted by Douglas County School District (DCSD) Transportation Department, delivered students bus safety information in a…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard with information from ColoradoGives Kids for ColoradoGives, a family-friendly online giving program that falls under the Community First Foundation umbrella is now in its fifth year. The organization offers opportunities for kids along with their families to become the next generation of givers through teaching philanthropy and helping the more than…
Article and photo by Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Tim Ryckman Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) spent the first quarter of the school year preparing and then participating in a fun run fundraiser. BRE physical education teacher Coach Kelli Weinreich sponsored a weekly before-school run club for any student and staff who wanted to participate. Runners…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori For more than a decade, the DCS Montessori upper elementary staff have partnered with YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park for a week of outdoor education and adventure. Team building, ropes courses, hiking and games like capture the flag were designed with the intent to bring…
By Celeste McNeil Parents at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) are volunteering in new ways this year – they are helping in the cafeteria with the lunch service. Typically, middle schools require less parent involvement and volunteer opportunities than elementary schools. Teachers don’t ask for parents to come help with classroom chores like filing, or…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Chris Todd Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association is a nonprofit organization that strives to create environments where humans and sea turtles can live together in balance. Eighth grade students from all three American Academy (AA) campuses traveled to the Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica to support local…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Jessie Kenny Each year the students of Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) show their school spirit with an active fundraiser designed to support TTE’s classrooms. This year proceeds went to purchase Chromebooks and math books, as well as help fund professional development for staff and teachers and other special curriculum…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Brian Delasantos Captain Brian Delasantos grew up a mile from the local volunteer fire station in Sebastopol, California. That proximity created curiosity, which led Delasantos to join the firefighters Explorer program while in high school. Delasantos moved beyond the Explorers after a couple of years, joining the volunteer force…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Dana Giddens In late September, when pickup trucks started hauling away scrub oak near Daniels Park’s shared boundary with the Amber Ridge neighborhood on the west border of the City of Castle Pines, nearby residents started asking questions. According to a spokesperson for Xcel Energy, “The [Castle Pines North]…