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Photos courtesy of Jimmy Dozer Photography View a slideshow of all the downloadable photos plus many more here: https://photos.castlepinesconnection.com/slideshow/2024/vino/index.html.
Fall is in the air. This means lots of things – shorter days, cooler temperatures, sweaters. For most people, it also means logging hours cheering for a favorite football team. It always feels like a bit of a shameful confession to let people in on the secret that I don’t watch sports very often. When…
This crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Colorado Springs Thunderbirds 5. Sis’s sib 8. Casablanca cafe 13. Just ok 14. Attired 15. Dark 16. Arab ruler 17. Nevada city 18. In a cunning way (less common spelling) 19. To throw out a window 22. Marries 23.…
Double trouble or double double? While some of us may have no idea what these basketball terms are, Nolan Kliewer and Macoy “Mac” Terry are two boys well versed in all things basketball. From pre-k to varsity, they have stayed teammates, and are heading to South Dakota School of Mines & Technology this fall to…
The brain is the control center of the body as it keeps the heart beating, lungs breathing and allows us to move, think and feel. When busy and pulled in many directions, we could all use a little brain boost. Eating the following foods can help keep the brain in peak working condition, according to…
Americans spend an average of four hours and 37 minutes every day staring at their phone screen. A 2024 survey revealed that 40% are trying to cut down on screen time, according to the Health Data platform Harmony Healthcare IT. Fifty-two percent of respondents to Harmony’s survey think they are too dependent on their phones.…
Tennis is a true passion in The Village at Castle Pines, and when a team makes it to districts, it is cause for celebration. “Go, Village People!” shared captain Michael Shorts with his tennis team. In July, the Village at Castle Pines Men’s 55 & Over, 7.0 doubles tennis team closed out the season with…
The Castle Pines Athletics NFL flag football program wrapped up its summer season on the turf of Elk Ridge Park. Coach Ryan Shannon set a record in league history: all three of his own kids were each on one of the winning Super Bowl teams. “I have really enjoyed coaching my kids’ teams and getting…
On August 7, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) opened its doors to a new school year as well as a new principal, Dr. Robert Thelen. Robert has 17 years of experience – in special education, as a general education teacher (elementary and secondary grades), as a literacy instructional coach, as an assistant principal, and as a…
Dear Mrs. A, With all of the back-to-school frenzy, it feels like folks have forgotten about the school zones. Could you issue a gentle reminder of the importance of slowing down? – Concerned in Castle Pines Dear Reader, You are so right, and it deserves special mention. First and foremost is child safety. Children are…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) School’s before and after program is thriving and this summer was no exception. The Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) program hosted 45-60 kids each day, running from late May to early August. Students arrived as early as 7:00 a.m. and stayed as late as 5:30 p.m. The calendar was full…
There is a new addition to the front hall at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE). The school was gifted a taxidermy bison (its mascot) that greets students, staff and guests as they approach the main office. The bison’s journey to BRE was a little circuitous, but it arrived before the first day of school. The large…
Food, service, and vibe Instagrammable, creative dishes and cocktails, together with a fun atmosphere, HashTAG is a brunch experience like no other. Enticing people to hop out of bed on weekdays and even more so on weekends, HashTAG has refined the brunching scene. HashTAG has gained widespread popularity with its brunch offering cocktails and menu…
The BMW Championship is set for August 20 – 25 at the Castle Pines Golf Club (CPGC) in The Village at Castle Pines. The top 50 golfers in the world will be playing in our backyard in the PGA’s penultimate competition for the venerable trophy, the FedEx Cup. To understand the stakes, Scottie Scheffler (U.S.),…
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners held a town hall meeting on June 27 to discuss how to invest $350 million they will receive over the next 15 years for parks, trails, historic resources and open space. In 2022, more than 80% of Douglas County residents voted to renew an increased sales tax to support…
The Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) has procured a water truck for community events for patrons to fill up their personal water bottles in lieu of buying plastic ones. According to Nathan Travis, district manager for CPNMD, it has been a high priority for his organization. Last summer, he met with the Castle Pines…
Last year, Douglas County residential property owners faced a 50% property tax increase, the highest in the Denver metro area and the largest in state history. The community spoke up, many appealed, and the Board of Douglas County Commissioners listened and helped at the local level. In mid-July, many of us received a tax relief…
The Castle Pines Connection recently received notice that the publisher that prints our monthly newspaper is closing its doors effective August 3. That means that we are in search of a new printer. Unfortunately, due to the nature of our “old school” printing process, there are only a handful of companies in Colorado and surrounding…
Some of us start the day with yoga, meditation or prayer, or simply sipping our coffee while reading our paper or checking emails. Others, maybe a little more of the “hair on fire” style of trying to get everyone out the door on time. For Esperanza neighbor Emily Wilcox, she spends her mornings before work,…
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is preparing for the BMW Championship. The team has been diligently working hard for more than a year with the goal “to ensure the safety and security of all participants, attendees and staff during the event,” stated DCSO Public Information Officers. Held every year in a different location around…
The legendary golfer Ben Hogan once said, “The most important shot in golf is the next one.” Steve Stroker and his wife, Pam, agree and as avid golfers, they split their time between Wolcott, Colorado at Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club and the Hummingbird Cottages at The Village at Castle Pines. The Strokers joined…
The birthplace of golf is in the lush country of Scotland and naturally it boasts some of the world’s oldest and finest courses. The official rules of golf were established in 1744 but historical documents note the game had been played in Scotland for centuries. King James IV of Scotland (1473-1513) became known as the…
This Pet Pedigree is brought to you by Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center. Kim and Rick Schafer have had six Scottish Terriers over the last 34 years. Commonly called “Scotties,” this distinct breed originated in Aberdeen, Scotland. Kim got her first Scottie when she graduated from college, Oreo, and has owned one ever since.…
Imagine this: You are the dining manager at a world-class golf club, a place known for its excellent, thick chocolate milkshakes. Players and visitors who have visited golf clubs around the globe come to you and say, “I hear that your milkshakes are the best!” This is exactly the scenario that Lisa Walker-Straten, manager of…
Playing golf in Colorado is a bit different from playing at lower elevations. For example, the ball flies farther at higher altitudes: roughly 10% farther in Castle Pines. PGA TOUR player Wyndham Clark knows about playing at altitude. A Colorado native and the fifth ranked golfer in the world, he graduated from Valor Christian High…
There is a peacefulness as your cross the cattle guard at the Lowell Ranch on Plum Creek. It sits on 168 acres of beauty and purpose about 12 miles to our southeast. Originally homesteaded in 1878, members of the Lowell family came to the ranch in 1906 and have occupied and owned the ranch since.…
If you are a golf pro, or really a golfer at any level, when Jack Nicklaus talks, you listen. Keith Schneider did just that and turned it into a 43-year career at Castle Pines Golf Club (CPGC). It all began when golfer Jack Vickers moved to Denver in 1969 and was scouting out a place…
As the BMW Championship takes over Castle Pines and grabs international headlines, one young man, Logan Byler, will be front and center at the tournament – not playing, but watching. Logan understands full well how wonderful this event is, not only because it is the game he too loves to play and he excels at,…
As exciting as it is to have the PGA TOUR in our backyard, not everyone will be able to view the proceedings in person. Even those who make it to the course will not be able to view all 18 holes at once. That is where broadcasting comes in. Whether live on TV or streaming…
“Noonan, Noonan … miss it, mmmiss it.” This famous crowd whisper and roar surrounded the 18th hole putt that made caddie Danny Noonan the big winner in the 1980 film and timeless cult classic, Caddyshack. In anticipation of the BMW Championship this month, let’s reminisce about this golf movie. The “I’m Alright” theme song from…
There are years of planning that go into the execution of a golf tournament. Founded in 1899, the Western Golf Association (WGA) conducts and runs professional and amateur golf tournaments around the country every year. Patrick Timson, vice president of tournament operations for the WGA, oversees and executes builds for tournaments and has been spending…
To execute a professional golf tournament takes thousands of volunteers. Megan Gormley would know; she is the director of volunteers and corporate merchandise for the Western Golf Association (WGA), which is the company that is putting all of the logistical details together for the BMW Championship this month. In what some have said was a…
The torrential downpour did not dampen the wine tasting and neighborly bonding for homeowner friends in the Forest Park neighborhood last month. The annual wine soiree for the Forest Park neighborhood works like this: each guest brings two bottles of their favorite wine to share. This year was the third annual event and featured eight…
Dear Mrs. A, We’re so excited about the BMW Golf Championship this month! Could you please remind us of all-around good golf fan etiquette? – Proud in the Pines Dear Readers, Golf etiquette is essential for a respectful and enjoyable experience for all and includes the following elements: SILENCE AND STILLNESS: Stay quiet and still…
Betsy Mullison has always had a passion for education. She is currently a medical insurance broker, educating senior citizens on Medicare. Prior to this career, Betsy had a hand in the lives of countless little ones: she ran a preschool from her home for 15 years. Both originally from California, Betsy met her husband, Charlie,…
When The Village at Castle Pines chose to build its Pavilion seven years ago, it was designed to serve as a multiple-use facility: a gathering place, a venue for larger celebrations and an additional space for parties at the main pool. It is considered by some to be the center of summer and fall social…
Colorado became the 38th state on August 1, 1876. Proclamation 230, signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, admitted Colorado to the Union after 15 years as a territory. Statehood came 100 years and four weeks after the Declaration of Independence was signed, giving us the unofficial moniker of the “Centennial State.” Widely known for our…
Beyond Berthoud Pass and northwest of Winter Park and Granby, sits one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations. Spawned from glaciers at the end of the Ice Age, Grand Lake is a destination worth a look, especially in the summertime. Tucked in between the Rocky Mountains, the…
This crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Estimator’s phrase 5. Cut down, as a golf green 8. En ___ (all together) 13. Cut the crop 14. Dalai ___ 15. Invalidate, as a marriage 16. Taxi meter reading 17. Enthusiastic flair 18. Moved furtively 19. Where you don’t…
Some foods taste good, no matter what. A perfectly grilled burger or steak; fresh veggies, lightly sautéed and delicately seasoned; a juicy peach; the first potato chip out of the bag. All of these foods just taste good without much adornment, and all of these foods just taste like summer. Other seasons generally mean a…
Carstyn Lesser is a typical seventh grader. She loves hanging out with friends and family. She is also a competitive swimmer who set a personal goal to break a record in at least one event; this summer she broke four. Carstyn has been swimming for as long as she can remember, starting on a competitive…
There is a saying about getting in shape to play golf versus playing golf to get in shape. Golf involves repetitive stress on the body, which can cause imbalance. Dr. Eryn Coufal, co-owner of Rock Solid Sports Recovery (RSSR) in The Village Shops in Castle Pines, works with many top golfers, their trainers and…
Being the best is never easy, especially claiming the top spot three years in a row. But that is exactly what the Valor Christian High School girls golf team recently did as they wrapped up the 2024 season. Claiming the title of 5A State Champs at the Broadlands Golf Course at the end of the…
This page brought to you by Melanie Lee – LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Colorado is a state that offers its residents many opportunities to stay active. Every year, Douglas County is ranked among the top five healthiest countries in the country by U.S. News and World Report; today we are number three. Skiing of course…
This page brought to you by Linda Clure – LIV Sotheby’s International Realty With an expected 30,000 plus visitors a day, traffic in Castle Pines will most certainly be impacted during the week of the BMW Championship, August 20 – 25. A significant portion of Happy Canyon Road will have daily restricted access from…
Timber Trail Elementary Before and After School Enterprise (BASE) students had an absolute blast this summer visiting Parker PACE Center for a live performance of Miss Nelson is Missing!, watching the Colorado Rockies play against the Cincinnati Reds, and touring the Denver Broncos training facility. BASE camper Walker S. said he loves to go to…
Two Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) graduates, Kaeli Nallathamby and Katie Dupper, were recently awarded $2,000 scholarships from the Rotary Club of Castle Pines (RCP) for exceptional academic performance. The RCP usually gives one scholarship to a graduating senior, but this year it was too difficult to choose between the two finalists. “These two young…
Authentically and tradition Daniel Ramirez loves that his family is serving families by creating traditions with authentic spices and family recipes at Los Dos Potrillos. Daniel believes wholeheartedly that his restaurant’s fare pays homage to history and culture by serving fresh, Mexican cuisine using traditional recipes. “Los Dos” as it is known colloquially is a…
There is always so much more to your neighbor than you know. Unless invited into their lives, you only get a glimpse of who they are based on driveway chats or meet ups at the mailbox. Meet Deanna Byck and her husband Dann, who moved to the Forest Park neighborhood from Utah in August…
As covered in the May edition of this paper, on March 28 the Castle Pines Planning Commission denied an application for a McDonald’s restaurant to be built on the southwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road by a 5-2 decision. McDonald’s appealed that decision to the City Council, and on May 28, the…
Financial scams involving gold bars have been around for a long time. They typically have about a one percent arrest rate and are difficult to solve because it is hard to find the criminals. Recently, there has been a rash of gold bar scams targeted at older Douglas County residents. In this variation of…
The City of Castle Pines announced the opening of limited lanes in the roundabout at Happy Canyon Road and Lagae Road that began in early June. Access to and from the roundabout will be open from Lagae Road to the north and Happy Canyon Road to the south. The west travel lane from I-25 is…
On July 14, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will increase postage rates yet again. The new rates include a five-cent increase in the price of a first-class Forever Stamp from 68 cents to 73 cents. The overall adjustments are an increase of approximately 7.8%. For additional ounces to single-piece letters, the increase will go…
There are two major changes at the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. Whitney Shank, long-time Castle Pines resident and former events director for the Chamber, has been promoted to executive director. “Whitney has been a vital part of our Chamber for nearly eight years, planning and executing all of our outstanding chamber and community events,”…
AdventHealth Castle Rock received $5 million, its largest-ever donation, from Lisa and Randy Schrader through the Schrader Family Fund. The Rock of Hope campaign’s goal is to reach $14 million in order to bring cancer treatment services to the community, hopefully as soon as 2025. On June 20, AdventHealth honored the Schrader family and officially…
The Haven Home (HH) opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 13. Located on five acres in Lone Tree, HH is a premier senior living facility in a ranch style building with eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms. HH offers overnight respite care, daily engagement and exercise, arts and music, speech therapy and…
Two Castle Pines restaurants are now home to an artist’s unconventional and innovative collection. Chris Geiger showcases unique portraits made from broken vinyl records, capturing the admiration of diners and art enthusiasts alike at Pino’s Italian Kitchen & Bar and Pines Bar and Grill. Chris found his love for art at an early age.…
Pro golfer Bill Loeffler, a resident of The Village at Castle Pines, is humble about his storied career. Growing up in Denver in the Cheesman Park neighborhood, Bill began golfing when he was 10. When his father joined Cherry Hills Country Club in 1964, the die was cast. “My father would drop me off…
Dr. Andrew Dunbar has been a pillar of the community, practicing orthodontics here for 22 years. His dedication to transforming smiles and improving dental health at Castle Pines Orthodontics has made him a well-known figure, as well as wife Jen, who works at the practice as the treatment and marketing coordinator. The Village at…
Senior Resource Deputy Ryan Falkner has many passions, but the most overarching one is helping others. He fills his professional life and his free time with service. Ryan has worked for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) for the past 17 years. “I am grateful to focus on my passion for giving older adults…
On Saturday, August 10, the fourth annual Pitchers and Patriots: Honoring the Brave (Pitchers & Patriots) cocktail hour will be hosted at Haven in the Pines from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This local nonprofit supports and honors veterans; this year the event proceeds will go to Blue Angel Foundation, the SEAL Legacy Foundation and…
Pet Pedigree brought to you by Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center Ragdoll cats are known for their relaxed, friendly and sweet personalities and just like an actual ragdoll, they relax and go floppy when picked up. They are stunning with their striking blues eyes, long fluffy tails and medium length coats. Joyce Marie Travis…
While the City of Castle Pines does not have any activities planned for Independence Day this year, there are several events planned in Douglas County. Many are free and open to the public, but some require registration, so check websites for details. Castle Rock The Town of Castle Rock is hosting a 15-minute fireworks…
On the afternoon of June 4, the City of Castle Pines hosted its Food Truck Frenzy at Coyote Ridge Park. Residents brought their picnic blankets and folding chairs to enjoy fare from a variety of food trucks while listening to live music and sipping craft beer. Kids enjoyed an inflatable bounce house and slide, face…
“Give me a home where the –bison– roam….” Yes bison, not buffalo, although the terms are often used interchangeably for American bison. How are bison and buffalo different? Bison are native to North America and Europe. Buffalo are native to Africa and Asia. Bison have bigger heads than buffalo, beards, large shoulder humps that allow…
Long before our community existed, wildlife lived and thrived in the picturesque landscape that now encompasses our homes, businesses and roadways. Knowing how to best appreciate and care for wildlife is important in creating harmony for our people, pets and the beautiful fauna. With summer in full swing, many young animals are exploring for…
On Friday May 31 and Saturday June 1, Castle Pines held its 35th Annual Community Garage Sale. More than 125 homes participated, and kids were encouraged to set up stands to sell lemonade and baked goods, with roughly 25 participants. The weather was great and many neighbors took the opportunity to explore the community and…
During the Castle Pines Community Garage Sale in late May, a few young neighbors donated proceeds to worthy causes.