Read the stories from the latest issue:
The annual Village Castle Pines Garden Club (VCPGC) fashion show brought fresh flair this year, including a change of venue and a new run of show with two special men in the lineup. Eight models who are VCPGC members selected based on their stellar representation, active duty and engagement within the club, strutted the…
Today’s recreated frame of the iconic Higby Mercantile building sits windblown, almost forlorn, at what was once a major crossroad in lower Douglas County. At one time, the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad’s Pineland stop, its nutrient rich green grass persuaded author Helen Hunt to rename it “Greenland.” By the early 20th century, the…
In May, Colorado Rotary clubs participated in the first statewide EPIC Day of Service. More than 1,000 Rotarians and community members joined forces to support more than 54 nonprofit organizations. The Castle Rock Rotary Club helped with a Wellspring Community renovation project, helping to transform the former La Quinta hotel in Castle Rock into a…
With Colorado’s reputation for a lot of sunshine, it is only natural to think it would be a good place for solar energy … and it is. Plus, with some incentives available, it is a great time to consider installing solar panels. At the end of 2023, close to 9,000 members of CORE Electric Cooperative…
Fairy tales are an integral aspect of our shared culture, and the mere mention of fairy tales and folklore can conger tales from Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The brother’s collection of folklore was originally published in 1812 and today, these tales are still relevant and often reimagined. Pick up one of the modern retellings listed…
Dear Mrs. A, Is it true that you can tell a lot about a neighborhood by visiting the local grocery store? – Curious in Castle Pines What a wonderful question, and yes. The local grocery store provides a lot of clues about the surrounding population. You can observe the diversity of products; this might be…
On June 22, members of the Village Castle Pines Garden Club gathered in The Village Shops to collect non-perishable food items, toiletries and cash contributions to benefit Help & Hope Center. This annual summer event is an opportunity for members to give back and have a positive impact on their community (see related article page…
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has confirmed successful reproduction in its gray wolf reintroduction efforts in the state. CPW biologists have been gathering evidence suggesting a male and female gray wolf pair have been denning, indicating reproduction. Some of this evidence includes GPS collar data. The collared female’s GPS points stopped uploading in early April,…
Over Memorial Day weekend, the Henderson family dedicated a bench at Daniels Gate Park in honor and memory of their son and brother Luka Ashton Henderson. Luka (22) passed away in 2022 in a motorcycle accident in Alabama. “We really are devastated and miss him every single day,” said Luka’s mom, Katie. “We’ve learned that…
This crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. To complain habitually 5. Casper, e.g. 10. Cumberland ___ 13. Buckeye state 14. Indy entrant 15. Literary award 16. With intense watchfulness 18. Sweet sandwich snack 19. Pilot’s announcement, for short 20. Peruvian peaks 21. Like a stuffed…
Summertime living is easy… right? To me, summer is a season of good times and great food, and also a season to relax a bit. I love my kitchen, but a sunny day really should be spent outdoors, so what is a hungry girl to do? Luckily, summer also means plentiful produce that can be…
Nothing satisfies like a cold drink on a hot day. Treat yourself to a set of fun tumblers, set the ice maker to “high,” and grab the blender. Then, let the good times flow with these refreshing mocktails: Jell-O Punch (pictured above): In a large bowl or pitcher, mix three ounces of Jell-O mix (any…
If one is lucky enough to have a bounty of basil, whether from the yard or the grocery store, there are many creative ways to enjoy this aromatic herb. Rub the leaves between your fingers to release the flavorful oils and fresh, green aroma with a hint of sweet licorice. Although there are more than…
Picnic and barbecue season means lots of outdoor cooking and eating with family and friends. Food seems to taste better outside; however, warm weather events also present opportunities for food-borne bacteria to multiply rapidly, which can lead to food-borne illnesses. To protect yourself, your family and friends, it is critical to follow safe food handling,…
Sloane Ball is a 6-year-old student, a daughter and a dancer. She and her parents, Tiffany and Eric, and big brother Aiden (10) live in the Castle Valley neighborhood. Sloane was born with a rare, craniofacial genetic condition called Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS). She has an undersized jaw, no cheekbones and no external ears. As…
Twenty-one flag football teams took the field with the Castle Pines Athletics NFL flag football program this spring season, the largest participation, to date. Congratulations to all of the Super Bowl players and champs. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Castle Pines Athletics
Over the past year, Castle Pines elementary schools have added buddy benches to promote inclusion and friendship. These benches help students connect, make new friends, and ensure no one feels alone during recess. It is a great effort to make sure everyone is included. By Dani Salas; courtesy photos
Summer is all about getting outside, being active and letting the inner child loose. Fourteen DCS Montessori (DCSM) fourth-to-eighth graders experienced the great outdoors firsthand while they attended DCSM’s Epic Adventure (EA) camp. During the week-long camp, EA campers enjoyed nature’s playground dodging infrared laser beams during a friendly game of laser tag at the…
Two 80108 high school graduates have been selected to receive education grants from CORE Electric Cooperative (CORE). Alexandra Royal from Rock Canyon High School and Leonardo Blanco from Douglas County High School will each receive $2,000 to help with higher education expenses. “I’m very grateful for the assistance,” said Leonardo…
The award-winning Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Dance Team (also called Poms) hosted its summer camp for interested dancers, grades kindergarten through 8th grade. The two-day camp hosted 90 junior jags (elementary students) and future Jags (middle school students). The campers were introduced to pom techniques and dance skills and then performed choreographed routines at…
Creative flexibility at The Conference Center at Lone Tree As Kristina Petrie, the event sales and marketing manager shared, “We don’t have limitations on the kinds of events we can have here. We are not only a conference center; we are truly an event venue.” CC@R, located on Schwab Way, is a light, bright, cheery…
The ocean must course through Mimi Espinoza’s blood. Not only because she is the owner of Trestles Coastal Cuisine in The Village Shops, but because she is a proud daughter of three generations of Naval officers, all who retired as Rear Admirals. To commemorate her heritage, Mimi has framed a historical and fascinating composite of…
Temporary single-lane traffic beginning May 28 Beginning Tuesday, May 28, Happy Canyon Road, from I-25 to south of Lagae Road, began operating as single-lane traffic to allow crews to complete work for the new roundabout. During the single-lane traffic operations, temporary signals will be set up to allow alternating north- and south-bound traffic on Happy…
Bryanna Munns has the perfect job. She is an Animal Law Enforcement (ALE) sergeant for Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). Animal control services for DCSO are contracted through the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR), that also contracts with El Paso and Pueblo counties and the City of Centennial. ALEs are authorized by…
Are you an older adult in Douglas County? Douglas County wants to stay engaged with you. In 2023, you told the County what you needed to age well here. Four priorities emerged: housing, in-home services, access to information and transportation. Now, the County is hitting the road again with an update to find out what…
The purchase of the spectacular Lost Canyon Ranch property is complete and is the largest one-time acquisition and protection of open space in the Town of Castle Rock’s history. Castle Rock residents regularly name the preservation of open space as a top priority in biannual community surveys. Lost Canyon Ranch, on the Town’s southeastern border…
As the owner of new business Hardwear Beauty (HB), Elle Leary could not imagine doing anything else other than helping clients bring forth their inner beauty with facial treatments. HB is co-sharing space at Remedy Bar off Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway and recently celebrated its official grand opening on May 8. “It sounds cliché,…
On May 4, Sky View Farm hosted a Mini Derby fundraising event for Robin’s Nest Foundation, Mile High Rescue and Tall Tales Ranch. Nearly $35,000 was raised for the three nonprofits. More than 280 guests enjoyed music, wine and whiskey tasting, silent and live auctions, a chance to show off their fancy hats, a viewing…
Starting out blindfolded and wearing straitjackets, The Castle Pines Connection sales staff embarked on a team-building adventure last month with one of its business partners and advertisers, Clue Clock Escape. By braving Ten Days in a Mad House, the team escaped with little time to spare, carrying each other (literally and figuratively) through the ordeal,…
The City of Castle Pines along with the Castle Pines Chamber officially welcomed Alice + Kate Boutique Bakery to the community last month. Inspired by the recipes of her aunt Alice and grandmother Kate, bakery owner Gretchen Harrison continues the tradition using local ingredients in her handcrafted macarons, chocolates and caramels. Guests were invited to…
Pictures help to tell our story. A snap of our cameras captures those moments that are so important to us. This is what motivates photographer Kristin Mitchell. “I like looking at a photo and having a moment rush back to me,” said Kristin. “I like taking photos of others so that they can have…
Taller than his people when standing on hind legs, and at a healthy weight of 105-110 pounds, Otto, a great Danoodle, considers himself to be the family lap dog. Not a common dog, the great Dane poodle mix is a large hybrid breed recognized by the Designer Breed Registry. Now 6 years old, Otto…
Service. Honor. Sacrifice. Emotions swell when thinking about veterans and all they have given for our freedom. A local nonprofit, Rocky Mountain Honor Flight (RMHF), has been taking vets to Washington, D.C. since 2007 to provide a chance to see firsthand the memorials that recognize their service. It is a full-circle moment for those…
Womenade gathered on May 2 at the HOA 2 Clubhouse in Castle Pines. The Kentucky Derby-themed event raised funds to support Kristi (back row center, in red hat), who suffered severe injuries due to a fall. Kristi, who is self-employed, spoke to the group about her surgeries and expressed appreciation for the support she has…
Much of Castle Pines lies within the wildland-urban interface (WUI), where human developments meet and intermingle with wildland vegetation. Wildfires are a naturally occurring peril in WUI communities. While the City of Castle Pines is working on wildfire mitigation in city open spaces, homeowners can take steps to fire-adapt or harden their homes against…
The Castle Rock Relief Society (CRRS) partnered with AdventHealth Castle Rock’s Mommy and Me Market (MMM) and held a community baby shower in April at the hospital. The event served as a depository of nine nonprofit community organizations and agencies that specifically support new families in different ways, from counseling services, peer-to-peer support, basic…
I first heard about Devils Head as a child. My mom liked to tell me about daring to hike all the way to the top with some friends – in the 1940s. Seems mom was something of a wild child: getting tossed from a motorcycle, climbing rocks that were off-limits. She would point out the…
This crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Like some chairs 6. Roll call reply 10. Doomsayer’s sign 14. Ancient Greek marketplace 15. Black ____ Peas 16. Tarzan’s transport 17. Enjoy a companionable meal 19. Icelandic epic 20. Unagi, at a sushi bar 21. “Star-Spangled Banner”…
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Sound advice for all of us. Anyone can fall victim to scams. A 2022 report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that adults of all ages fall for scams, but the type of scams is different for older and younger adults. Adults 60…
Shakers and movers are colorful folks, visionaries and risk takers seeing and often seizing opportunities that others will not. Castle Rock’s founders John Craig, Jeremiah Gould and Philip Wilcox were prime examples. Pennsylvanian John Craig arrived here in 1859. Tragically, he had lost his wife and daughter in the preceding four years. Within the…
In a little shed in the middle of 35 acres in northwest Douglas County, sit plaster casts of a skull and femur. And not just any casts: but a juvenile Columbian mammoth’s skull and an adult Columbian mammoth’s leg bone from the Ice Age. The land and tours are managed by the Lamb Spring…
On April 24, The Castle Pines Connection, the City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted the bi-annual New Resident Welcome Party at The Ridge at Castle Pines golf course. Approximately 25 new residents attended and enjoyed light appetizers, beverages and lots of gift card giveaways.
Dear Mrs. A, We’ve been invited to stay with our friends at their mountain home and we are curious about proper house guest etiquette and maybe thoughts on a hostess gift? – At a Loss in Lagae Ranch Well, lucky you! Isn’t it wonderful to have a friend with a place in the mountains…
Summer is here, and for parents with young kids, the search is on to find reliable childcare. For many high schoolers and college students, summertime is an opportunity to earn a lot of money babysitting. Too often, parent expectations are not met when hiring a sitter from Nextdoor or Facebook, and it becomes a…
“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it is too dark to read,” quipped Groucho Marx. Big and small, animals captivate us. This month’s book recommendations focus on animals and our interaction with them. Sometimes they are the main character and sometimes they inform the bipedal characters of…
High school sweethearts Rick and Nancy Hollis celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on April 19 at Duke’s Steakhouse, where they also celebrated their 50th anniversary. Their first date was on December 19, 1964, when Nancy asked Rick to a Sadie Hawkins dance in Brooklyn, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. “We’ve been holding hands ever…
Oh my; it’s challenging to be long of tooth. Trust me, I know. Especially bad with a mind that revs to redline saddled to an otherwise marginal body. Modern medicine can only do so much with your physical self, but with the right attitude and a Tylenol (or two), healthy diversions can bring back some…
Summer is almost here, and I can literally taste it. It’s still early in the season, but soon there will be fresh ears of corn to boil and salt; zucchini to grill, fry and make into bread; cucumbers to pickle; peaches to flambe; and beets to roast. My favorite part of summer eating, though, is…
Summer and seafood go together. With the warmer days, lighter often cold fare is preferable. Even though we are land-locked in Colorado, we are lucky to have many seafood options. According to the National Library of Medicine, seafood provides an ideal package of nutrients, including high-quality protein, iodine, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids,…
Nearly one out of every 10 adults in the U.S. has tried acupuncture, according to publication Acupuncture Today. Acupuncture dates back in some form for at least 2,500 years as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, migraines, anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, digestive issues, menstrual cramps, hormone imbalances, fertility and…
Imagine a high school student who graduates with transferable college credits, or a postsecondary credential such as an associate’s degree or an industry certification. That was the case for Ellie Muncy, who grew up in Happy Canyon and graduated from the Colorado Early Colleges (CEC) Parker campus a few years ago. The early college…
Amidst snowy conditions, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) held its prom, “RC goes to New York,” at Mile High Station in Denver on April 27. Music, mocktails and special photo sessions were part of the night’s fun. “Rockin’ Rewind After Prom” was held at RCHS and featured themed decor from the last hundred years of…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) school held its 12th annual science fair this spring. Students got excited weeks before the fair with grade level science demonstrations. Kindergarten students had several volunteers come into their classrooms to do demonstrations about diffusion, capillary action and sublimation. Second graders witnessed demonstrations that related to their Earth science curriculum,…
Brianna “Bri” Westbarn, who turns 19 this month, has earned the distinction of Gold Award Girl Scout, the highest and most prestigious achievement in Girl Scouts. Her project, “Colorado Cold Cases,” was launched to shed light on unsolved criminal cases involving people who are missing or have died but have not been identified. “I…
Washington, D.C. is the heart of American heritage. It is a living museum where students have walked in the footsteps of some of our great leaders. Traveling for a history trip was an enriching experience for the eighth-grade students of all three American Academy (AA) campuses. STEM coordinator Chris Todd has expanded his flight…
The American Academy cast brought the Anastasia fairy tale to life in three performances at the PACE Center – Parker Arts. The story follows the legend of Russian princess Anastasia, who loses all memories of being a princess when her family’s palace is overrun by the evil wizard Rasputin. Living as Anya, the tale follows…
Field day is one of the most anticipated days of the school year, filled with healthy competition of field games and obstacles. Both Timber Trail Elementary and Buffalo Ridge Elementary celebrated the school year coming to an end with a day that did not include paper or pencils, only outdoor fun. By Julie Matuszewski; photos…
Douglas County School District (DCSD) Superintendent Erin Kane gave her first “State of the District” on May 2 at DCSD Legacy Campus in Lone Tree. Kane celebrated successes from the past year and addressed challenges that remain. Several area schools received academic awards from the Colorado Department of Education, including four Castle Pines feeder schools.…
The senior clap out is a ritual that recognizes a graduating high school student’s transition to the next level. In May, seniors returned to their respective elementary schools, Timber Trail Elementary, Buffalo Ridge Elementary and American Academy, for a walk down memory lane, to give high fives to younger students and to visit teachers they…
Reading is an activity that provides parents and children a way to connect. Reading also helps children build language, literacy and social skills. Road to the Rockies was an optional fun reading program available to all Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students, kindergarten through fifth grade. Each inning (or month) from September to May students tracked…
Alice + Kate Bakery: an indulgence in sweetness Gretchen Harrison is an entrepreneur, mother, baker, philanthropist and pink enthusiast. Gretchen is also the owner of Alice + Kate Bakery located at 572 East Castle Pines Parkway, Suite A5 in Castle Pines, which opened in April. Gretchen believes there is no better way to celebrate family…
This is the story of Lisa McCaffrey. When you hear the McCaffrey name, you may think of Christian, who recently played in Super Bowl LVIII for the San Francisco 49ers. You might remember Ed, who was not only an NFL wide receiver for the Denver Broncos (and the New York Giants and 49ers), but…
The development of a Life Time Fitness location has been approved for the northeast corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Canyonside Boulevard in the City of Castle Pines. Although construction approval and permitting has not been completed, the proposed location includes a 110,000-square-foot facility with pickleball courts and an outdoor pool. When reached for comment,…
A significant infrastructure project in Castle Rock, the Crystal Valley Interchange (CVI), is underway. On I-25, two miles south of the Plum Creek Parkway and roughly eight miles north of Tomah Road, the CVI has been a top priority of local authorities with the goal to bring improved regional connection to I-25 and the…
More than 50 people gathered at the Douglas County Library – Castle Pines to provide public input at the City of Castle Pines Planning Commission (PC) meeting on March 28. Their primary objective: to stop a 24-hour-operated McDonald’s restaurant from coming to the southwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road. After more…
The Castle Pines community garage sale has been a long-standing, popular event that residents look forward to every year. For decades, families cleared out the old to make way for the new – and make a little money – all while participating in a fun neighborhood event. This year will be no exception. Historically,…
At long last, the traffic signal at the three-way intersection of US 85 and Daniels Park Road is underway. At the end of 2022, the Colorado Department of Transportation could not proceed with the project due to supply chain delays and a funding shortfall. The light is expected to be operational in June. Article…
On the evening of March 4, the Castle Pines Homes Association (CPHA) held its annual meeting at Cielo at Castle Pines. Approximately 375 members and patrons were in attendance. The agenda included a review of the previous year’s accomplishments to enhance the signature amenities of the Village, along with planned capital improvements for 2024 and…
Two Indian women, Priya Kumar and Minakshi Ashra, who had been on different career paths, are now embarking on a new journey together as co-owners of The Pines Sports Bar & Grill, formerly Berg Haus. “I wanted to be an entrepreneur,” said Priya. “Minakshi is helping me understand this line of business. It’s exciting!”…
Apple’s annual software update creates as much buzz as the release of its new iPhone models. In September 2023, the iOS 17 released the latest software update. While there are many phone upgrades in every new software release, there are some hidden features in iOS 17 to be aware of. The most notable updates on…