Read the stories from the latest issue:
Information provided by Douglas County; photos courtesy of Mira Brand Was there anyone who wasn’t ready to say goodbye to 2020 and bring in the New Year? On December 19, Douglas County residents were treated to two 30-minute, high-in-the-sky fireworks shows from locations at Rueter-Hess Reservoir in Parker and near Rocky Heights Middle School in…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo Go on an African safari, skydive, stroll the Cinque Terre, or write a novel…most people have life goals or wishes for the future. Collecting a list of goals, dreams and aspirations one would like to experience in their lifetime is a life list. Some may call it their bucket list.…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos Residents Brynn Vaughn and Jill Fenton, both avid readers, discovered a way to read a wider variety of books, stay connected and have a little fun, healthy competition with book bingo. They came upon a bingo card on Pinterest three years ago that had categories of books in the squares,…
advocates for kids during toughest times Article and photo by Chris Michlewicz When the worst of the worst happens to a child, there’s a team dedicated to getting them justice and access to every available recovery resource. The work by SungateKids is without a doubt some of the most difficult there is, but there’s also…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Mira Brand A celestial phenomenon known as the “Great Conjunction,” in which Jupiter and Saturn appear close to one another in the southwestern night sky, was seen over Castle Pines last month. Also known as the “Christmas Star,” December 2020 was the first time in almost 800 years that…
The Castle Pines community unquestionably loves its pets. This is evident by the number of dogs that join their people walking the neighborhood streets, taking in the beautiful Colorado weather and landscape. After eight years of seeking the cutest pet in the pines, The Connection has seen the love our community has for its cats,…
Congratulations Rocky, the 6-month-old English black Labrador who lives with his family, Mike, Maria Isabel, Sofia (9) and Emilia (5) at their home in the Hidden Pointe subdivision of the City of Castle Pines for winning the Cutest Pet in the Pines honors for 2020. Rocky’s favorite treat is a good pig’s ear. He loves…
By Stacie Chadwick I have a confession to make. It doesn’t involve holding a feature spot as perp of the day on nextdoor.com, stealing the crust off my husband’s homemade pies or anything that would land me a lead role on Snapped. It’s actually pretty benign. I’m on vacation. As I write, I’m watching the…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo January is the month many of us work to undo the cookies and eggnog, the sitting inside while it snowed, the stress of the holidays, and well, the stress of the entire previous year. Fera Butts, a Functional Medicine Practitioner at the BESANA Health and Wellness clinic in Sky Ridge…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo by Krysta Parr Winter is one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs, according to the American Red Cross. Cold weather, holiday schedules, and illness result in fewer donations during winter months – which is why January is National Blood Donor Awareness…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos In 1859, Sarah Coberly operated a halfway house rest stop in Huntsville, on the stage road to Colorado Springs. Husband James died early of an Indian arrow in Franktown. She had three daughters, Hersa, Mattie and a third, the adopted Lizzie Fields. Hersa first met the gallant Silas Soule as…
Community mother-daughter teams work to make a better community By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of the Elevation Chapter of National Charity League Douglas County’s Elevation Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. (NCL), was founded in 2018 and serves more than 112 local philanthropies. NCL’s program is based around leadership development, community service and cultural…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Sandwiched softly between Brazil and Argentina is Uruguay, a compact, laid-back progressive republic. Independent since 1828, she is stable and urbane. Likened for decades as a Switzerland without the mountains, Uruguay still remains under the radar of all but the most seasoned traveler. Big mistake. To visit makes for…
Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Who doesn’t want to know the secrets to living a long, healthy life? The Blue Zones, areas of the world that boast the most people who live to be 100 or more, provide some insight into some of those secrets. Author Dan Buettner wrote an article for National Geographic…
Dear Reader, I look to the New Year with much enthusiasm. A new year, a fresh start, and a perfect time to discuss the state of modern manners. According to my absolute favorite Miss Manners the incomparable Judith Martin, we will “not let you off from sending letters of thanks, answering invitations, and refraining from…
By Patte Smith with information provided by Colorado State University Extension Colorado is experiencing a very dry year with little moisture. Winter months can be hard on trees, shrubs and perennial plants. The dry weather conditions the community is experiencing can damage root systems of plants and trees. To help prevent damage, plan to water…
Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Josh Pruitt, Ivywild Visuals This holiday season, Journey Church in Castle Pines empowered parents and guardians to be the true heroes of Christmas. Douglas County and local community families in a difficult situation this season were invited to shop the Christmas Store for their children’s gifts.…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photo Domestic tranquility is alive and well in my home, at least until my wife, Barb, and I get into pantry war games. Then we become, well, low-level combatants. She wants freshness and safety; I’m the Grinch. I don’t like throwing anything away. The trigger came last month when my daughter…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I’m on a roll. I’m in the zone. I’m eating to live, not living to eat. These are all the things I tell myself when the New Year rolls around. It’s time to get things back on track, to right the ship, to square things away. Only this year,…
By Bryan Goodland; courtesy photo As winter weather and snow begins to roll in, the thought of dining outside doesn’t sound very appetizing. Area restaurants have come up with some solutions to this conundrum. Since indoor dining is limited or not available in many areas, restaurants have started to think outside the box, or in…
By Elizabeth Wood West As Coloradans approach the one-year mark of living with COVID-19 and executive health orders, some disturbing numbers are showing how hard the restaurant industry has been hit in 2020. According to Restaurant Newswire, nearly half of new Colorado unemployment benefit claims that were filed the week that indoor dining was banned…
Cookie Clocks Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Ingredients: 6 ounces white molding chocolate 12 chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreo) Tube of prepared white decorator icing 3 ounces black fondant Round white cake decorating sprinkles Edible glitter (optional) Directions: Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating at 30 second intervals, then stirring, until…
By Patte Smith with information provided by the Colorado Bar Association Individuals, no matter the age, may benefit from having a living will and an advance medical directive. These legal documents are written instructions stating a person’s preference for medical care if someone is unable to make a decision for him/herself. In Colorado, a Declaration…
By Elizabeth Wood West Business owners and managers have a set of metrics that they use when hiring workers. How important to them is age when looking at a potential new hire? Depending on the position a business is looking to fill, it may already have a preconceived age range in mind. For example, if…
Information provided by Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic “I believe that water is the only drink for a wise man.” – Henry David Thoreau An adult human brain contains about 60% water, and to keep the brain healthy, individuals need to keep it hydrated. The adage of drinking eight glasses of water a…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Leslie Ludolph Leslie Ludolph looked forward to golfing on the lush, hallowed grounds of Pinehurst golf course in North Carolina last year. Like many others, her trip to the regular PGA Tour stop was canceled due to the coronavirus, but the plans are only temporarily on pause. Ludolph and…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Angela Carlson “Follow your passion” is a phrase commonly used when looking to pursue something new in life. Growing up with entrepreneurial parents, resident of The Village at Castle Pines, Angela Carlson has always stayed curious and explored things that sparked her passion. Previously a neonatal nurse practitioner, Angela…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Jane Lenz This month, Jane Lenz celebrates 30 years with the Douglas County School District (DCSD). A Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) teacher of 15 years, Lenz opened TTE’s Significant Support Needs (SSN) program in 2007. “Where hearts and minds connect,” is more than just a phrase on the walls…
By Steve Whitlock; photos courtesy of Holley Ferrel Two girls in the Castle Pines area have made a big difference sewing masks and donating them to those in need. Annabelle Martin and Brooke Ferrel have sewn more than 500 masks together. Annabelle says, “We were given an opportunity to make them for Operation We Can…
By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of the Grant family This January 1, head outside to get some exercise and enjoy the beauty of nature. First Day Hikes are held throughout the country and at participating Colorado state parks. Visitors can take self-guided tours on the trails in the parks. Some of the parks offer fun…
By Shaun Kernahan; photos courtesy of the Jones family The biggest hurdle in the life of a 14-year-old should be transitioning to high school, but for Ashley Jones, it was the biggest and most impactful year she had ever encountered. It started one evening when she was at a neighbor’s house babysitting. It wasn’t until…
By Chris Michlewicz With some fitness centers currently limiting capacity due to restrictions, millions of people are looking for ways to exercise at home. Fortunately, there have never been more do-it-yourself options to stay or get fit. The new year brings with it resolutions to exercise more, and whether there is follow-through depends on many…
By Julie Matuszewski: photos courtesy of Briea Berry The sound of the holidays was alive in the Glen Oaks neighborhood of Castle Pines. A group of talented students from Timber Trail Elementary and Rocky Heights Middle School produced and performed a 20-minute outdoor holiday performance for their families, neighbors and their instructor, Douglas County band…
Information and photo provided by American Academy Students Westley Green, Louise Green and Kiera Meyer all love to sing and participate in school plays. This year, the American Academy Castle Pines campus held a musical-themed holiday door decorating contest. These talented Castle Pines students wrote and performed their rendition of The 12 Days of COVID.…
Article and photos by Celeste McNeil Fourth graders at Buffalo Ridge Elementary traditionally invite parents into the classroom to showcase their research skills and knowledge of Colorado history. As with everything else this year, the showcase looked a little different than in the past. This year the showcase was completely virtual. Students learned broadly about…
By Brett Wiebold; courtesy photos In the age of Teslas and Zoom meetings, it’s difficult to picture a world moving at a snail’s pace. Bandwidth limitations are infuriating by modern standards, and who doesn’t feel a pang of annoyance when it takes more than a few seconds to download an email? Not so long ago,…
Could it pass through Douglas County? Article and photo by Chris Michlewicz A proposal to bring passenger rail service through Douglas County as part of a larger Front Range transit effort could be gaining steam. The State of Colorado’s Southwest Chief & Front Range Passenger Rail Commission is looking at three possible routes to connect…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; chart provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment According to a public health order issued by Governor Polis, Douglas County moved to the level red category (severe risk) on the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s (CDPHE) COVID-19 dial effective November 20. The six colors indicated on…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard This holiday season will likely see more online shopping, which means anyone looking to send holiday gifts and greetings should get their packages and cards sent early. For residents looking for close shipping options, the Castle Pines community offers two choices – United States Postal Service (USPS) and United Parcel Service,…
By Chris Michlewicz The roots of a novel idea to enable businesses to directly help their own community are growing out of Castle Pines. The concept behind the Community Impact Fund, a nonprofit founded by Castle Pines resident and technology development entrepreneur Judah Musick, is simple but profoundly effective. Businesses of all sizes want to…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines and Douglas County Both the City of Castle Pines and Douglas County recently announced the establishment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) grants to provide financial assistance to local small businesses. City of Castle Pines – The City’s grant will reimburse small…
Crafter discovers her career in a most serendipitous way Debbi Haynie, 19-year resident of the Stonecroft neighborhood in Castle Pines, has lived in many places throughout the United States – including Arizona, Nebraska, Texas and California. “Growing up, my dad worked for Hormel, so we moved about every four years,” Haynie reflected. Debbi and her…
Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik; courtesy photo In a time where the word “frozen” refers more often to a record breaking movie than weather conditions, a castle of ice will be drawing a lot of attention this winter in Summit County. Making its fourth appearance in the small town of Dillon, just 90 miles…
Article and photos by Chris Michlewicz A restaurant that combines an immersive travel-by-train experience with hundreds of board games is entertaining stir-crazy families and groups of friends during challenging times. Game Train, located in the Promenade Shopping Center on the southeast corner of County Line Road and University Boulevard in Highlands Ranch, opened in April…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of the Luber family As a kid in suburban Detroit, Jayson Luber would listen to the radio and dream of being an on-air personality. He thought about how incredible radio could be, how it transports listeners to a different world, and he’d walk around with a tape recorder, narrating the…
By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photo Pets provide health benefits. According to studies, pets can increase fitness, lower stress and improve happiness. Service dogs encompass all of these abilities, and combined with training to perform specific tasks, help individuals with disabilities. An emotional support animal (ESA) provides comfort just by being with a person. An ESA…
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, Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez, and State Farm Insurance – Nick Ainsworth to bring you the eighth annual Cutest Pet in the Pines…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo Historic trains are a special experience while viewing colorful Colorado and learning about its railroad history. There are several scenic train rides throughout Colorado, some on narrow gauge tracks. Several lines offer themed and seasonal excursions, including special Christmas and Polar Express trains, so be sure to check each website…
By Patte Smith As of press time, it was unknown whether in-person services will happen this year. In recent months, many congregations have transitioned to virtual church services. The following are included because of their proximity to the Castle Pines community or because they have contacted us directly and requested to be included. Check specific…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard For the past five years, The Connection has featured a different nonprofit organization with ties to the Castle Pines community in our Angels Among Us segment. The goal is to introduce our readers to a variety of organizations that are doing the daily work of providing assistance for those in need,…
In conjunction with Colorado Gives Day – the annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy – the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) features Douglas County Gives as a way to support local nonprofit organizations and keep contributions and donations in our community (see E Guide insert page 13). Douglas County Gives is a DCCF…
By Bryan Goodland Many people grew up with a small model train circling the Christmas tree. In the 1800s the railroad and trains were an integral part of everyone’s lives. Trains provided access to an ever-expanding nation and an opportunity to build wealth in a time when industry was burgeoning. As the railroad industry grew,…
By Lisa Nicklanovich Like everything this year, gift giving might look different this holiday season. At the heart of it, giving a gift is a way to reconnect with the people we care about. This year has presented many challenges in connecting with our loved ones, so thoughtful gifts will be especially appreciated. Some ideas…
Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photo Singapore, you say? I first visited Singapore in 1987 and last in 2017. It stunned my senses both then and now. Once a tiger-infested malarial swamp claimed by the British in 1795, Singapore became a republic in 1965 when it detached from Malaysia. By 1987 under its…
Mrs. Abramovitz, would you talk to us about holiday tipping? – CC Yes, dear ones, tipping can be one of the most stressful and confusing aspects of etiquette; add in the holidays, and it can become overwhelming. The holiday season is indeed upon us, and this is the time Americans choose to thank those who…
By Lisa Nicklanovich The description inscribed on the book jacket of the beloved holiday book The Polar Express cannot be said better: “A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole. The Polar Express makes its way through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Mindy Burns Of the 500 books Graham Burns has “read” so far, his favorite is That’s Not My Elephant… or any of the Usborne touchy-feely books by Fiona Watt. Graham is 4 1/2 years old, and with his mom’s help, he has taken on the 1000 Books before Kindergarten…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos Before Castle Rock and New Memphis were settled, a traveler on the First Territorial Road (Daniels Park and later, Santa Fe), would have seen a circular stock pen owned by John Craig. Craig’s small community became known as Round Corral. When William Palmer’s Denver & Rio Grande Railroad puffed through…
an outdoor adventure into the past Article and photos by Claire Bauer, intern writer; courtesy photo Colorado is home to many historically rich sites that were once hubs of commerce, but now offer beautiful outdoor adventures. Take Boreas Pass, for example. It’s a picturesque road named after the Greek god of the north wind, located…
Information provided by Douglas County Christmas trees may be recycled at free facilities located in Douglas County. Trees are mulched, and the mulch is available at some locations to residents while supplies last. To recycle Christmas trees, remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, plastic wrap, tree stands, wire, rope and nails before recycling. Trees that…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos If you are lucky enough to have family recipes handed down to you, whether they are handwritten recipe cards, newspaper clippings or in an email, you know it’s a responsibility. You want to keep these family heirlooms safe and accessible for future generations to use and enjoy. Just as there…
Holiday pancake mix for festive gifting Article and photo by Lisa Crockett It’s the time of year when indulgence is on the menu, and no holiday tradition embodies this idea more than a delicious breakfast. What’s more celebratory than starting the day with special once-a-year treats in the company of family and friends? As an…
Information provided by Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies For those who are thinking of buying or changing a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, here are two important reminders for Colorado beneficiaries. Only beneficiaries who were eligible for Medicare prior to January 1, 2020 can still purchase Medigap Plan C or F. Do not be concerned if…
stay connected during pandemic By Chris Michlewicz Officials who hosted a telephone town hall meeting to discuss how COVID-19 is affecting Douglas County seniors urged older adults to stay the course. Douglas County Commissioners Abe Laydon, Lora Thomas and Roger Partridge were joined by Tri-County Health Department Executive Director Dr. John Douglas and local senior…
By Bryan Goodland Driving in Colorado at any time of the year can be a challenge. From unpredictable lane closures and road maintenance to traffic and weather, a road trip can easily become a nightmare. Getting older only adds to these challenges and can make driving even more difficult. The Colorado Department of Transportation is…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of David Bloom David Bloom is a shining example of the entrepreneurial spirit that runs deep in the City of Castle Pines. Bloom, who lives in The Canyons neighborhood, is the man behind the recipe for Stinkin’ Good green chile sauce, a regional favorite that can be found on store…
Article and photos by Shaun Kernahan For nearly three years, Brandi Kernahan has called Castle Pines home. She lives with her husband, Shaun, son Patrick and dog Fenway. Kernahan has spent the better part of the last 15 years working in the health insurance industry, where she hoped to turn her criminology degree from the…