Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori DCS Montessori middle school students kicked off the 2021-2022 school year with outdoor teambuilding activities focused on teamwork and communication. Activities that included a blindfolded obstacle course, human knots, and flip the blanket encouraged students to work as a team while learning each individual leadership style. “Tell…
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of BRE and The City of Castle Pines The City of Castle Pines partnered with Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) in upgrading the school’s garden pathways. Students were welcomed with a surprise when they returned to the classroom on August 9. Working over the summer, the City had the outdoor garden…
Happy back to school Dear Reader, This month’s column is for the kids. Happy back to school to all of you! Another year, another opportunity to learn and grow, and your community is right here supporting you. Take a minute to revisit this lesson: Being nice is when you are polite to people and treat…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Michele Palmieri The Denver area has a strong culture and community of professional and amateur belly dancers. Acclaimed belly dancing artists Sadie Marquardt, Rafi’ah Ruyah and Phoenix of Denver continue to inspire resident Michele Palmieri who belly dances for fun, exercise, sisterhood and especially for the costumes. Twelve years…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo by Terri Wiebold As is evidenced by hundreds of feet of red construction fencing, building is underway on a new apartment complex in Canyonside, a mixed-use development within The Canyons community that is intended to help provide a more diverse housing inventory in the City of Castle Pines. The City’s Planning…
By Chris Michlewicz; courtesy graphics Douglas County is reviewing a proposal that could pave the way for 90 new homes off Daniels Park Road. Koelbel and Company (Koelbel) is proposing an amendment to Douglas County’s 2040 Comprehensive Master Plan Land Use Map to allow for a future rezoning of 55 acres to a “planned development”…
Article and photo by Chris Michlewicz To those who live here, it’s easy to understand why Douglas County was again named the second healthiest county in the nation. In late June, U.S. News & World Report came out with its annual list of healthiest counties, and for the second consecutive year, Douglas County was in…
By Chris Michlewicz; rendering courtesy of CPNMD There’s good news for pickleball players in the Castle Pines community – plans are in the works for several new courts in the near future. The City of Castle Pines Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) held a virtual meeting with Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) leaders…
Information and photo provided by Douglas County The completion of the final section of the 28-mile East/West Regional Trail was celebrated last month with the opening of the final stretch of this scenic portion of the trail connecting Douglas County communities from western Highlands Ranch through Parker. The new section runs east 4.7 miles from…
Information and photo provided by the USDA Forest Service Devils Head Trail, an iconic out and back 2.5-mile Colorado Front Range hike that ends with a 143 step climb to the historic fire lookout closed in July. The Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands South Platte Ranger District closed the entire…
Information and photo provided by Douglas County The Greenland area located south of Castle Rock is known for its views and open space. Although, Douglas County’s investment in the area extends beyond maintaining the hiking trails. The County, along with the Historic Preservation Board, has also made a commitment to preserving the historic Greenland Townsite…
Information provided by Douglas County Libraries; Photo by Terri Wiebold In July, all seven locations of Douglas County Libraries (DCL) rolled out new operating hours. For most library locations – including the DCL – Castle Pines, the new hours will be Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard Many homes in the Castle Pines community have doorbells with cameras, as well as strategically placed security cameras to capture activity around their home – everything from packages being left on the front porch to nocturnal animals looking for a midnight snack. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) would like to…
Information and photo provided by Tri-County Health Department In response to safety precautions involved with the pandemic, the Tri-County Health Department Household Chemical Roundup event structure has changed. Disposal is by appointment only at mini pop-up events throughout Douglas County. Registration for the final 2021 event at Shea Stadium on August 14 in Highlands Ranch…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard Restaurant owners in the City of Castle Pines were pleased to receive financial reimbursement for losses they experienced due to recent water issues in the community. In June, the Water Quality Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment issued a Boil Water Advisory to the Castle Pines North…
By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of the Christensen family Although the address has remained the same for decades, the name and faces behind the urgent care practice at 7280 Lagae Road have changed. Formerly known simply as Castle Pines Urgent Care, OnPoint Medical Group, with doctors Mark and Heidi Christensen, bought the practice more than…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Bridget Dvorak “Oh, thank heaven for 7-Eleven” is one of the oldest and catchiest slogans. Castle Pines newest convenience store and gas station officially opened with a July 11 (7/11) celebration. The new store, located at 7530 Village Square Drive, celebrated with five days of freebies for customers –…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Excepting Yellowstone and the Tetons, one might dismiss Wyoming, our northern neighbor, as a windy, wild western coal-rich frontier. In some places, maybe so. But to ignore her sweet spots would be a grievous error. If you relate to game warden Joe Pickett through author C.J. Box, it’s time…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Claire Miller Olive may be small, but she is mighty said her owners Claire and Christian Miller. Claire shared that when their 30-plus pound corgi comes running at her, she feels as though she has been struck by a tank. Olive is a Pembroke Welsh corgi, not to be…
Horses take the lead on path to healing By Chris Michlewicz; photos courtesy of the Equine Partnership Program The advent of equine-assisted therapy has brought renewed confidence and healing to people of all walks of life – and even the horses. Nowhere is that more apparent than at the Equine Partnership Program (EPP), an Elizabeth-based…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Melissa Pruitt Wildlife sightings are one of the perks to living in the Castle Pines community. From the various prairie dogs that chitter as walkers and bikers pass their colonies, to the herd of elk and mule deer that graze in open spaces, to the elusive mountain lion…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of Sedalia Historic Museum and Gardens In 1897, President Grover Cleveland began to protect America’s resources, designating 21 million acres of timberland as National Forest. He appointed Colonel W.S. May as his Colorado and Utah Forestry Superintendent who then immediately advertised the need for rangers. A determined 20-year-old Sedalian, William…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo and graphic courtesy of WiesnerMedia A new book by one of Colorado’s most successful publishers seeks to empower today’s leaders with the tools to be the best managers they can be. Be a Boss Who Grows Leaders is a 220-page book by Pat Wiesner, a resident of The Village at Castle…
Article and photo by Julie Matuszewski Rage rooms, also known as smash rooms or anger rooms, have rapidly made their way to the U.S. from Japan. These businesses offer a safe location where individuals can vent their frustrations while hurling objects at a wall and breaking stuff. Studies have shown that a great way to…
By Hollen Wheeler; photo courtesy of Dana Jevarjian A group of ladies came together for the first time to play bunco and enjoy some fellowship with new neighbors. Spearheaded by Merica Sloan, Tricia Metcalf and Dana Jevarjian, 23 ladies met to play the popular dice game at The Exchange Coffee House. “Since our [Canyons] community…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos West of downtown Denver, roughly 30 minutes from Castle Pines and part of the greater Highland neighborhood is an eclectic little suburb called Lower Highland or LoHi. Located between 38th Street and North Speer Boulevard, LoHi has become an ever-growing and popular neighborhood for singles, young families and those wanting…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy graphic Resident Peter Cline noticed his electricity bill going up and decided to have a whole-house fan installed. Not only does a whole-house fan use much less energy than an air conditioner (AC), there are other benefits too. A whole-house fan is a ventilation cooling system that works by pulling cool,…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos Oak Hills resident Ronna Smith can attest to the disruption, inconvenience and mess of an entire main level hardwood floor remodel. The hardwood floors in the main living spaces of her home had weathered and yellowed after years of use and the carpet needed to go. To begin the process,…
Dear Readers, If you are a person who is on time, you can skip the column this month. If you are not, I have a bone to pick with you. Punctuality is one of the great character values. It benefits all who believe in its worth. Being on time takes some planning – most importantly,…
Information and photo provided by Bin Blessed The “Bin Babes” came together in July at Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines to assemble 50 backpacks for There With Care, a nonprofit organization that provides thoughtful and fundamental services to families and children during the critical phase of a medical crisis. This is the sixth year…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard In July, sighting a shortage of workers as well as unsupervised youth who have caused problems within the park, Elitch Gardens updated the chaperone policy for all youth visiting the park for the remainder of the season. Now, all visitors under the age of 15 need to have an adult chaperone…
Photo courtesy of Beth Schneider These ladies live and breathe baseball – carting their boys to practice, scrimmages, baseball games and out-of-town tournaments. They have become close friends. Joining together at Coors Field on Monday, July 12 for the 2021 All-Star Celebrity Softball Game, they reveled in the excitement leading up to the game. “We…
Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Many milk drinkers are opting for milk alternatives for a variety of reasons, including dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, a vegan lifestyle, or simply preferring a non-dairy option. There are many plant-based, non-dairy options to choose from with the most popular being soy, almond, rice, coconut, hemp and oat milk.…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Nothing delights me more than using up every scrap of food I buy. I’m not always successful, and when I fail, I feel a pang of guilt for every mushy strawberry, black banana, or stale piece of bread. As a result, late summer is always a time of difficult…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photos In 1971, a group of seniors in the Castle Rock area gathered at the Blue Flame Room on Wilcox Street to play games, plan activities, and enjoy potlucks together. During the following years more seniors joined the group and new friendships were formed. This was the beginning of what would…
Article and photo by Bryan Goodland Images of a street lined with towering trees whose branches meet in the middle providing a canopy of shade for kids to ride their bikes under helps to create the magic of a suburban neighborhood environment. Not only picturesque, trees can help increase a home’s energy efficiency – especially…
By Julie Matuszewski; courtesy photos Originally from the Midwest, Jacey Dobbel and her husband, Matt, have always thought of Castle Pines as a hidden gem. They love the open spaces, the proximity to great schools and the convenience to everything that a young family might need. The couple met in college at the University of…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of WiesnerMedia For all of his achievements in the world of magazine publishing, Pat Wiesner considers his family to be the greatest success of his life. At the center of this success is his marriage to his wife of 61 years, Janet. They met at a party following a Notre…
By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Robin Scurto Resident in the Castle Pines community since 1996, Robin Scurto has been a truly involved citizen in the community over the years. Scurto, who loves where she lives commented, “I love the feeling of calm that washes over me each time I enter the neighborhood. It’s a…
The Village Castle Pines Garden Club held one of its popular wine in the garden events for members at the home of Gerry and Deni Schwartzel. These events typically occur once or twice a summer, and are complemented by other events during the year. Members were asked to bring a bottle of wine and an…
Article and photo by Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Lisa Berlin The Castle Pines Homes Association sponsored an adult social at Canyon Club pavilion on Saturday, July 24. Residents and their neighbors enjoyed a fun, carefree evening filled with Italian-style gourmet food, desserts, libations, lively conversation and music. The joy of being outdoors and sharing…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Emily Johnson Like any home, the dining room at Legacy Village is about socialization, connection and food. It’s where high school student servers and Legacy Village residents converse and connect. Legacy Village hires several teenagers to serve and assist residents in the dining room. Rock Canyon High School junior…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Mark Mithuen Sergeant Mark Mithuen loves working in Douglas County schools. His current position in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is in the juvenile unit. Sergeant Mithuen oversees DCSO School Resource Officers (SRO) for the elementary, charter and other private schools contracted with DCSO. His duties also include…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Mamie Black and Mira Brand Summer swim team is a fun and exciting tradition in the community, and this year was no exception. Both neighborhood teams, Castle Crocs and The Village Stingrays were excited to be back in the water this summer. Crocs Board President Tracey Ray spoke for…
Heading into the 2021 season, the mens 55-plus tennis team for The Village at Castle Pines was a bit unsure of what to expect from the season. Longtime team captain, Jerry Eddy (age 82), had stepped down from the role, and Michael Shorts took over as captain of the 13-man team. Shorts could not speak…
Information provided by the National Safety Council; photo courtesy of Douglas County School District Traumatic as some parents find it to see their kids off to school, school buses are an exceptionally safe way to travel. According to the National Safety Council, school buses are the safest form of ground transportation in the United States.…
By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Tara Keesey Kathleen Keesey is one of two Colorado teens who qualified to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Keesey won the Lee-Ogle-Whiteside Regional Spelling Bee in Illinois in mid-February before the Keesey family relocated to Castle Pines in March. Despite moving states, Keesey was still able to…
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of the Potter family Olivia Potter is 16 years old and a very busy Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) student and artist extraordinaire. Potter fell in love with art at very young age, and when she attended elementary school at American Academy, that love grew deeper – eventually joining the…