Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Bryan Goodland; courtesy photo The happiest place on earth reopened its gates on April 30, but don’t pack the Mickey bags just yet. While this is exciting news for those in the Castle Pines community with pent-up longings for a quintessential Disney family vacation, this initial opening is only for Californians, and proof of…
By Terri Wiebold; courtesy photos On one of the (few) beautiful sunny days in April, neighborhoods throughout the Castle Pines community hosted egg hunts. To view a slideshow of photos from the events, visit www.castlepinesconnection.com and click on “Photo Album.”
By Patte Smith Ready to break out and enjoy hot summer days jumping in a pool or lounging beside it reading a good book? Good news – pools are opening for the summer and there are many great public pool options to check out. Butterfield Crossing Pool has been renovated and has numerous amenities. Located…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Western History Section, DPL Outliers make for legends. Bengt August (“Gus”) Nelson was one of them. Born in Falkenberg, Sweden in 1863, it was Gus’ destiny to become a great one. Great granddaughter Jo Nelson Bradford called him “a tough old bird.” At 18, Gus took passage on a…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Nicole McGarvey Meet Nara McGarvey, a 6-year-old rescued mixed-breed canine. Nara was fortunate to find her fur-ever home on October 11, 2014 through Every Creature Counts, an animal rescue organization. Nara’s owners, Nicole and Noel McGarvey do not know Nara’s exact breed, but what they do know is that…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Ron DeFore Since its opening in 1955, Disneyland has been a destination vacation for many families across the globe. There are entire books, blogs, social media pages and travel agencies that have pointers on which hotels to stay in, which restaurants to secure a reservation at and where…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Lauren Childress Lauren Childress is the public information officer (PIO) for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). In that role, her main priority is media relations and informing the citizens in the community of the law enforcement related incidents that may impact them. During most of her law enforcement…
Family raises awareness about the disorder By Chris Michlewicz A Surrey Ridge couple’s quest for information and help for their son’s complex medical condition has been aided by a small army of people with progress on their minds and kindness in their hearts. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), an umbrella term for a range of…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I have a sweet tooth the size of Texas and I make no apologies for that. I love all kinds of delicious foods, but in the end, if I have to make a choice, the dessert course is what really has my heart. I’m also a bit of a…
By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Parker Farmers Market The arrival of spring also means the much-anticipated arrival of farmers market season. There are few better weekend traditions than stepping into a busy farmers market on a warm, sunny day and perusing homemade wares, local art, vibrant flowers and baskets full of freshly-picked fruits and…
Castle Rock Farmers Market Outlets at Castle Rock 5050 Factory Shops Boulevard Saturdays: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. June 19 – October 30 http://originalcastlerockfarmersmarket.com/ Centennial Farmers Market University Towne Center 7424 South University Boulevard Wednesdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. May 5 – October 27 www.elephantrockfarm.com Cherry Creek Farmers Market Cherry Creek Shopping Center 1st…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Hilda Trigoso Hilda Trigoso has had her cast iron pans for more than 20 years. “My mother-in-law back in Brazil was the influence for me to get one,” Trigoso shared. “She always cooked for us in her big cast iron pan and always praised how much better everything cooked…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Sally Wagner, courtesy photo There are those who may think composting is dirty, gross, confusing and time consuming, but here is another look. Tossing kitchen and yard scraps in a bin and then getting free fertilizer for the lawn and garden is all there is to it. Well, okay,…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos On one of their annual trips to Hawaii, Ann Palmieri and her daughter, Michele, were on a sunset dinner cruise in Oahu watching the fire dancers with a group of tourists. Like a celebrity, Ann was surrounded by groups of people who all wanted to take a photo with her.…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Tracey Ray Tracey Ray is a wife, mother, daughter and business owner. She spent most of her life in Green River, Wyoming before moving to Denver in 2000. That was a big year for her. Tracey moved, met and married “the love of her life,” Scott, and became an…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of David DeFore David DeFore moved to The Village at Castle Pines in 2015 with his wife Kathy, after retiring from a successful 42-year career as a commercial real estate broker in Southern California. David has structured his life pursuing professional and social interests – making choices along the…
By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photo Neighbors Ashley and Jay Byars moved from Atlanta to Colorado almost 18 years ago. First living in Highlands Ranch, they settled in Castle Pines in 2011. Their son Alex (13) attends American Academy – Castle Pines and enjoys football, basketball, skiing and skateboarding. The family spoils Hunter, their 2-year-old Maltipoo…
By Chris Michlewicz; photos courtesy of Marti Jones When Castle Rock Adventist Hospital was being built in 2010 and 2011, something told Marti Jones that she would one day have a role at the medical center. Marti, a Village at Castle Pines resident for 18 years, says the notion came out of the blue, especially…
By Steve Whitlock; courtesy photos Making a noticeable difference in the world is something people talk about. In March, Lynnette Baylor of Castle Pines and Andrea Corrales of Highlands Ranch were part of a team that did just that in Colonias de Juarez, Mexico. The trip included a number of components like home building,…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Molly Mazat Terry Mazat and her daughter Molly, remember a time when there was just a single gas station and no schools in Castle Pines. Starbucks was not even a “thing” and at 10 p.m. every evening the elk would roam by to say hello. Both love the beauty…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Tiffany Ball “Flowers are in my blood and have always been a part of my life,” said Tiffany Ball. Tiffany’s great-grandmother was well known throughout her community for her flower gardens and her beautiful arrangements for the local weddings. She passed on her knowledge to Tiffany’s grandmother, who passed…
Article and photo by Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photo There is an Olympic hopeful in our midst. Figure skater Autumn Hall (12) is a sixth grader at Rocky Heights Middle School and already a champion. She practices at least five days a week and recently qualified for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the annual competition where…
By Shaun Kernahan; courtesy photos A Memorial Day weekend staple in the state of Colorado since 1979, BolderBoulder began with around 2,700 participants. By 2004, it had become the world’s largest timed 10K with more than 47,450 participants – and has grown ever since. This year, as a result of the ongoing pandemic, the event…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Christina Leone Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) poms dance team recently won the 5A State Championship, bringing the first poms state title to RCHS since 2009. It is the first schoolwide state title since 2016. Poms, a school spirit squad focused on dance, serves an important role within the…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo Like the popularity of charcuterie boards and sourdough bread, tinned fish is having its moment. For pescatarians or anyone who enjoys seafood, tinned fish is a satisfying pantry staple and provides variety from fresh or frozen seafood. While some may have grown up enjoying sardines and oysters from a can,…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Paul Brannberg and Lisa Hutchinson By nature, human beings are social. Relationships with others help individuals survive and thrive. Staying socially connected can increase longevity, improve immune function and cardiac health. While physical distancing is still important during COVID-19, maintaining social connections is just as important. Grateful for their…
By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photos Creative problem solving has become the new normal. The Douglas County School District (DCSD) art show committee applied creativity to the annual art show to safely display the best artwork from all the district schools, kindergarten through 12th grade. Traditionally, the district art show has been on display for a…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Ilana Bove The Help & Hope Center provides a warm, calm place for families in crisis to shop for food and necessities. With the help of community donations and volunteer support, the Help & Hope Center provides three meals a day plus a snack for each family member that…
CASTLE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL Jens Anderson Kianna Aviles Oliver Bolduc Tanner Bradley Olivia Briggs Yarely Chavez Castro John Colombi Dylan Cone Marissa Coney Evann Delgado Michael Edelmann Jazelle Edwards Ashlynn Farrell Madelynn Fougere Mariana Fraire Gutierrez Dayde Frankenfield Morgan Frieling Grace Gassmann Keyla Gholipoursani Brian Gonzalez Grace Hancock Valentina Hernandez Dylan Hettinger Zaydee Hyman Antoneo…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Leana Kerr Hungary, a landlocked country in central Europe, is known for its big flavor cuisine. Kinderpunsch or “children’s punch” is an aromatic concoction of herbal tea, fruit juices and bold spices. During the Christmas holiday, this warm beverage serves just the right punch of flavor, making it a…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Ilana Bove Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) kicked off its annual bookmark competition celebrating Read Across America. All TTE students were invited to create and submit one finished bookmark. The bookmarks were rated on original design and were required to include the word “read.” Top bookmarks from each grade included…
By Claire Bauer, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photos Every year, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) partners with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to raise money in support of critically ill children and grant their “wishes” – things like going on trips, visiting Disney World, or even getting a pet. This year, the school chose to grant the…
By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photos Last month’s snowstorm officially took over the fourth place position in the record books; Colorado started keeping track of snow accumulation in 1881. Official snow totals are recorded at DIA, where this storm dumped 27.1 inches. Blizzard conditions with winds up to 35 miles per hour during much of the…
Information and graphic provided by Douglas County Douglas County residents behind in rent or utility payments due to COVID-19 financial impacts may be eligible for assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Douglas County will distribute $8.4 million in direct assistance using funds received from the U.S. Treasury Department through the Coronavirus Response and Relief…
Information provided by the District Attorney’s Office This free, seven-week virtual academy will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings, April 13 – May 27, 2021. Each class will explore the role of various members of the District Attorney’s Office in different parts of the criminal justice system. The academy will give participants an in-depth look…
Information and photo provided by the City of Castle Pines Wintertime is the time of potholes. While they cause concern for everyone traversing the roadways, they drive the City of Castle Pines Public Works Department crazy. It’s similar to playing a game of whack-a-mole; as soon one repair is complete, another pops up. Potholes can…
Article and photos by Chris Michlewicz A Sedalia-based company is using automated indoor farms to revolutionize how people worldwide can access a sustainable source of nutrient-rich food. Held inside 320-square-foot shipping containers, FarmBox Foods uses a specialized vertical hydroponic watering system and LED lighting to grow produce like organic leafy greens and culinary herbs with…
By Chris Michlewicz; photos courtesy of AR Workshop What do you get when you cross HGTV with those businesses that pair wine with painting? A new trend. The Front Range is the latest region to embrace do-it-yourself (DIY) studios that offer ordinary Janes and Joes the opportunity to create their own boutique-quality wooden signs, frames,…
Dana Jevarjian and the complexities of boutique management Her Linkedin profile says “Club Manager / Director of Lifestyle & Events at BlueStar Resort & Golf. However, that doesn’t seem to fully cover the many complexities of Dana Jevarjian, who is the manager of The Exchange Coffee + Conversation in The Canyons development on the east…
Caption and photo by Terri Wiebold Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and community members joined for a fun ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand re-opening of Mainstream Boutique in The Village at Castle Pines shops. New owner Laura Ringgenberg said, “Thank you to everyone who came out to show their support. I have lived in…
Caption and photos by Julie Matuszewski CycleBar reopened its doors on March 12 with new owners, City of Castle Pines residents Chris and Lindsay Crosby (Lindsay pictured far right). Cyclists enjoyed a welcome back ride with instructor Mikaela Boillot (pictured left), as well as other scheduled classes over the opening weekend. With a wide range…
Article and photos by Chris Michlewicz A little-known pastime that started in Canadian backyards and Renaissance festivals has made its way to the Denver area in a big way. It’s hard not to notice the rise of axe throwing establishments in the region. There are at least eight businesses dedicated to the leisurely sport in…
Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik You might be surprised to learn that 97% of the species on earth are invertebrates. Animals without a backbone or bony skeleton, invertebrates range in size from microscopic mites to giant squid and can live on land or in water. There is a treasure of a zoo in Colorado…
volunteers help find them homes By Chris Michlewicz; photos courtesy of Jen O’Connor Massachusetts has the Boston terrier as its official state dog and Maryland has the Chesapeake Bay retriever. In Colorado, it’s simply the rescue dog – and there’s good reason for that. The state’s human population is made up mostly of transplants, so…
By Shaun Kernahan, courtesy photos In March, Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines hosted its first springtime storybook holiday event for kids and parents alike based on the Beatrix Potter classic, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. It included crafts, treats and a petting zoo featuring pigs, horses, donkeys and, of course, rabbits – along with…
By Chris Michlewicz Most of the problems associated with Colorado’s population growth are apparent, like traffic congestion. One not-so-obvious issue effects our beloved pets. The incidence of heartworm disease in dogs has increased in recent years as families and their canines move here from warmer climates where heartworm is more prevalent. Dogs arrive infected, and…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Kristi Calfee Carmel, a Holland Lop bunny hopped herself into the lives of the Calfee family four years ago. Castle Pines resident Kristi Calfee grew up with pet rabbits and is all too familiar with raising the fluffy friends. After a visit to the Denver Dumb Friends League, the…
By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of Brooke Skaley With two little children to entertain, Brooke Skaley is always eager to get them outside to play. The Skaley family moved from Oklahoma to Castle Pines in July of last year. Since then, the lively family of four embark on outdoor adventures every chance they get. They…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard The first Earth Day was marked more than 50 years ago on April 22, 1970, and advocates from groups and organizations across the world have been rolling up their sleeves and doing the work to care for Mother Earth and her environment ever since. Locally, many schools, businesses, community groups and…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos I smile at our Irish memories twice yearly, during lambing season in April and while remembering September oyster festivals. In spring, no one need ask why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle; the color green surely was invented there. Although Ireland’s history begins in ancient times, her allure is quite…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos “I didn’t know doors could make me so excited!” exclaimed resident Camille Pocock. The Pocock family had all 22 interior doors in their house replaced with a beveled Shaker-style door with aged bronze handles and hinges. “The doors are sturdier than the builder-grade doors, and I was surprised how it…
By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos William Thompson Lambert was born in 1850 to devout Quakers Joseph and Cynthia (Meader) Lambert of Blackstrap, Maine. William was an only child, sickly at that, with bleeding lungs. His frail condition was likely the chief factor in the family’s migration west in 1856 for a drier climate. Muscatine, Iowa,…
Dear Reader, There is something we have to talk about – modern manners and cellphone usage. I’m sure we can all agree the cellphone is one of the world’s greatest inventions. But let’s take a minute to talk about how we use it in our everyday lives and how that usage can affect those around…
The 93rd Academy Awards, originally scheduled for February 28, will now take place Sunday, April 25. The awards show will honor movies released in 2020. This is the fourth time in Oscar history that the event has been postponed. The other postponed ceremonies followed the Los Angeles flooding in 1938, the assassination of Dr. Martin…
By Bryan Goodland; courtesy photos Just like the song in Disney’s classic movie Mary Poppins says, there’s nothing more satisfying then flying a kite on a beautiful day. There’s no better time to celebrate this quintessential spring pastime than on a breezy afternoon in April, which happens to be National Kite Month. Organized by the…
By Hollen Wheeler It’s the season of Lent and with Easter Sunday just around the corner, those who partake in this holy tradition will find their season of fasting, penitence and abstinence coming to an end. Part of the Christian calendar, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday lasting 40 days, culminating on Easter Sunday, which for…
By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of Darwin Thompson and Nick Ainsworth With the return of spring, many Coloradans look forward to welcoming back the hummingbirds that flew south for the winter. These fascinating zippy little creatures start to command the attention of locals in mid-April. Four species of hummingbirds can be seen in Colorado. The…
By Chris Michlewicz; Photos courtesy of Eric Hurst, SMFR It’s a commonly held belief that a firefighter’s diet while on duty consists of foods like chili, hamburgers, spaghetti and pizza. The men and women at South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) are reshaping that perception. The department has overhauled its menu in recent years, favoring raw…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I love magazines in much the same way I love to see old friends – they are filled with things I find interesting and they are always there for me when I need them. I like travel magazines, news magazines and craft magazines. Heck, one year I somehow ended…
Hitting the sweet spot By Chris Michlewicz During a trip to Florida, the Bertocchi family noticed something striking about the five ice cream and gelato establishments within a popular entertainment district in Sarasota: only one of them had a line around the block. Fast-forward a few years and the Bertocchis are the owners of a…
Article and photo by Chris Michlewicz The closure of fine-dining hotspot Racines last July was a loss for longtime customers and the Denver restaurant scene, but there’s always a silver lining. Residents in the Castle Pines community gained an experienced chef whose reputation preceded his arrival at MiYO Cafe, a popular breakfast and lunch eatery…
By Stacie Chadwick All a mother wants in life is for her child to be happy. It’s a subliminal need fueled by emotion. A primal instinct driven by that first, curious flutter in the womb. And it never goes away. My grandmother is no different from any other mother in this respect, even though her…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Brenda Bushey All adult Americans should be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination no later than May 1. Working with that deadline in mind, Colorado is currently vaccinating all people who fall under the categories outlined in Phase 1A and Phase 1B. These two phases include anyone age 50…
When resident Hiemi Haines emigrated to the United States from Korea with her family in 1976, she was a teenager, and learning English was hard. “I wasn’t able to speak English for about a year, so I learned to rely on people’s facial expressions,” Haines said. This ability to understand and communicate with people who…
By Steve Whitlock; photo courtesy of Meg Huber Meg Huber, who grew up in Castle Pines, is one of the newest interns with the Borgen Project, a nonprofit aiming to reduce global poverty through U.S. advocacy. It’s a great fit with her education ambitions, as she attends Southern Virginia University majoring in business management while…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of MacKenzie Boeckmann MacKenzie Boeckmann knew she wanted to be active in her community and be part of something that was bigger than herself. As a high school student, Boeckmann enjoyed all her math classes and loved explaining advanced math homework to her peers. She found this rewarding, to help…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Sarah Zales An introduction made on a walk during quarantine last year turned into a friendship that led Sarah Zales and Brooke Walters to co-chair the Forest Park social committee, a neighborhood located in the City of Castle Pines. Despite planning during a pandemic and the fact that both…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Chris Dudley Castle Pines resident Chris Dudley always knew he wanted to be a firefighter. “It was the easiest life choice I’ve ever made,” Dudley said about his decision to become a firefighter at 41 years young. He has been a firefighter at Castle Rock Fire Station 153 for…
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Sarah Swift An Etsy online business owner of unique custom-made cups, hoodies and more, Castle Pines resident Sarah Swift uses her online platform “Show Love Shop Local” to inspire others to support small businesses within Douglas County. Having recently been named Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen, Sarah strives to…