Read the stories from the latest issue:
The stigma around talking about mental health is lifting. And that is a positive since according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five people will experience a mental health condition in any given year, and everyone faces challenges in life that can impact mental health. Since May is Mental Health Awareness…
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently held its annual teacher appreciation night. High school seniors and early graduating juniors from Castle Rock, Larkspur, Castle Pines, Lone Tree and Highlands Ranch honored a teacher, coach or mentor who made a positive impact in their lives. The evening included a formal program with…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) capitalized on the recent solar eclipse. On April 8, a school-wide community event was scheduled during the peak viewing hour. Principal Jen Murdock-Jacoway ensured the school had enough NASA-certified viewing glasses for each student to have a pair. All kindergarten through fifth grade classes met on the school field for…
At Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), community service is not just a school activity; 20 hours are required to graduate. Volunteering not only fosters a sense of civic duty among students, but also enriches their academic and personal growth through real-world experiences. The class of 2024 has registered more than 16,000 volunteer hours to date.…
After 21 years of bringing theater to life for Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students, drama teacher Cindy Baker is retiring this month. In April, the final curtain fell on Cindy’s last (and apropos) production, Bye Bye Birdie. With a deep love for theater that led to many award-winning plays and helped many students…
Congratulations to all of our 80108 graduates! Castle View High School Tyler Adair Spencer Adams Arlette Arellano Hernandez Ashlynn Bannister Landon Baylor Nolan Bergen Caleb Campbell Charles Colombi Bronwyn Cooper Kairi Crowell Beau Durkin Gunnar Fesmire Hailey Franco Logan Friedman James Gerlach Alexandra Guarda Mercado Madison Hancock Seth Harris Kara Hastings Taylor Hill Aidan…
In March, DCS Montessori students in Diana Visser’s class worked together to support a humanitarian organization. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a nonprofit that works in more than 50 countries and 28 United States cities with the mission of helping families from war-torn countries rebuild, recover and assimilate their lives in America. Diana’s…
The Rock, Rock Canyon High School’s (RCHS) online student newspaper, won the Silver Crown Award at the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s (CSPA) 100th annual spring convention. Crown Awards recognize overall excellence in either print or digital student publications, chosen by a panel of judges. Fifteen students and three adult chaperones from RCHS’s student media…
Claire Bauer is graduating from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) this month and has already achieved an accomplished career in journalism. For the past two years, Claire has been the Editor-in-Chief of the RCHS newspaper, The Rock, an award-winning and nationally recognized student newspaper. Leading a staff of 30, Claire managed all of the…
The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Marching Band held a fundraiser last month, a mattress and massage chair sale. Students wore mattress costumes and stood outside the school to promote the sale. Approximately $4,000 was raised that will go toward new instruments, repairing old instruments and the cost of travel to performances. In his first…
Ready. Set. Glow! This year’s school dance, Glow Jam, was more than just a dance for the students and chaperones of Timber Trail Elementary. The evening backdrop centered around a theme of bright neon décor. Lit with black lights enhancing the attendees’ hand-crafted, decorated glow shirts and glow bracelets, the dance welcomed all attending students,…
The recent “Spudtacular” art show at American Academy was an inventive idea to incorporate the theme of potatoes into art. When asked how she chose the theme, art teacher Melissa Lopez replied, “I had one student challenge me to make an art show about potatoes. I thought it was funny and a great challenge.”…
Flip your world upside down Art has the ability to change the world. The Museum of Illusions (MOI) claims it will flip your world upside down. Fans of optical illusion or those looking for a new art museum in Denver are in luck. MOI is a museum full of optical illusions, holograms and interactive…
In March, women were celebrated, acknowledged and recognized for their achievements and milestones as part of Women’s History Month. If you ask Avery Scott, a 20-year-old welder, every day is about making her mark in the fields of construction and manufacturing – both male-dominated industries. “Being a welder allows me to tear down stereotypes,” said…
Foundry Church (Foundry) has purchased 4.3 acres of land adjacent to Elk Ridge Park and American Academy – Castle Pines charter school with plans to build a 14,000-square foot facility. This will be the first church to be built in the city limits. (Journey Church is in an unincorporated part of Castle Pines, north of…
In late February, John and Maria Castillo gathered with family, friends, community members and leaders at Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch to unveil the site of a future memorial honoring their son, Kendrick Castillo. On May 7, 2019, Kendrick (18) was a high school senior at STEM School Highlands Ranch when he gave his…
Monarch Boulevard under construction until September On March 17, Monarch Boulevard closed for reconstruction between Castle Pines Parkway and Glen Oaks Avenue for Phase One of the City of Castle Pines (City) Road Solutions initiative. Phase Two will commence when Phase One is completed. The estimated completion date is this September. Homes within the road…
The Castle Rock is more than just the rock formation that signals the heart of Douglas County. It stands as a sign of many different things to different people. Whether it is a place you hike, pass by on I-25 or look forward to seeing lit up with the Christmas star come the holiday season,…
After the mid-March snow storm, you may have accumulated a pile of excess branches and debris. With spring (almost) around the corner, mowing, trimming, sawing and clearing brush from your property is advised to reduce the risk of wildfires. Douglas County provides a slash-mulch/green yard waste drop-off site for disposal. The site is located at…
Last month, the South Metro Denver Chamber hosted a conference, “A Regional Perspective,” which included a panel of mayors from Centennial, Englewood, Lone Tree, Littleton, Greenwood Village and Castle Pines. Held at Arapahoe Community College, each mayor gave an overview of his/her respective communities, the unique opportunities and challenges, and discussed state legislative initiatives. The…
Finding an honest and trustworthy contractor during any commercial or residential remodeling project can be daunting. Keith Rodenberger knows it all too well, and as the owner of MaK Construction, he firmly believes your next construction project can be “easy, enjoyable and stress-free.” Keith is no stranger to operating and managing a successful business. He…
Grace Caroline Roubidoux Freelance Writer Grace spent a handful of her adolescent years with her wonderful parents and siblings living in Parker. After high school, she moved to Southern California where she pursued writing and theater. The dreamer’s mentality led Grace to wonderful adventures abroad, down countless paths, and into friendships with people from all…
When Leighton and Josh Peebles bought their first home, a neighbor welcomed them with a seven-layer dip, and the families remain close friends to this day. When the Peebles moved to The Village at Castle Pines in 2019, at first, they thought the days of bringing dishes and meeting neighbors was a thing of the…
Serena resident Nicole Eubanks is a woman of inspiration and compassion. She is a wife, mother, friend and daughter who honors and celebrates the good in life and gives back to people both close to her and worlds apart. In 2016, Nicole left her corporate path to follow her heart’s desire to do more to…
This pet pedigree is brought to you by Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center. Robert Rice, a Colorado native, and his wife Ann, from Utah, met at a set-up date in a little known dive bar in downtown Littleton called Q’s Pub & Grille. Neither wanted to go, but the rest is history as the couple…
Brianna Ott loves to live in Douglas County. She grew up here and returned after college to make her career, serving all of us in our worst times. Brianna is a 911 dispatcher at the Douglas Regional 911 Communications Center (DRCC). The DRCC handles 911 calls for the sheriffs of Douglas County and Elbert County,…
“Sock it to ‘Em” is an annual sock drive that American Academy (AA) participates in to help provide socks to men, women and children who are experiencing homelessness. Teacher Lynda Hernandez joined the cause while a teacher, and upon her retirement in 2022, seventh grader Mason Metcalf promised he would continue the sock tradition while…
In January, when Miss Colorado Madison March won Miss America, runner-up Miss Colorado Sarah Swift assumed the crown. Sarah is the first state title holder from Castle Pines and was the youngest candidate to compete for Miss Colorado at the age of 18. There is a lot more to the pageants than the beauty contest…
Just to our north at Colorado State University’s Flint Animal Cancer Center (FACC), researchers are on a mission to conquer cancer in all species and believe cures for pets could work for humans as well. The nonprofit One Cure was founded in 2011 to spread the word about FACC and support important clinical trials…
Born in 1863 of Scotch lineage, George Patrick Stewart hailed from Murchison, Victoria, in Australia’s gold belt. After his storekeeper/postmaster father died when George was 7 years old, his uncle Izett Stewart transported him to the Isle of Jersey in England to live with his Aunt Helen. Nine years later, at 16, George rejoined Uncle…
Six baton twirlers from Castle Rock and Castle Pines had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, on March 17. Led by baton twirling coach Tina Hansen, performers Carleigh Hansen, Chandler Hansen, Jaylyn Luber, Jolene Luber, Lilly Traver and Evelyn DeRossett marched the two-mile parade wearing vibrant green…
Dear Mrs. A, Just wanted to reach out and ask that you kindly remind readers about trail etiquette as we move into the warmer days. – Looking Ahead in Lagae Ranch Dear Reader, I had a chuckle at your request. My hiking shoes have three-inch heels, needless to say, this is not Mrs. A’s forte.…
The Colorado Rockies enjoyed warm weather at Spring Training in Arizona as they prepared for the upcoming 2024 regular season. Colorado players have been working out in Scottsdale since mid-February. They share a complex with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale. The Rockies hosted the Chicago Cubs on March…
Safety is top-of-mind for every parent of young kids and many parents believe their own home to be a safe haven. Yet there are hidden dangers. Yearly, at least 3.4 million children suffer from injuries occurring in the home with the leading causes being suffocation, drowning, falls and poisoning, according to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. But…
After all the precipitation of last month’s books, plants are the obvious theme in April. From the window box of herbs or succulents to the acres of community gardens and the wild foliage around the world, plants are ubiquitous, beautiful and bizarre. Whether your thumb is black – dooming plants in your care – or…
Becoming a grandparent is momentous. It means reliving unforgettable milestones like the first birthday and buying adorable, tiny clothes. But being a grandparent also means accepting that things have changed in infant care. Increasingly, more grandkids, 25% in some states, are exclusively cared for by a grandparent, according to AARP. Thankfully, infant care classes are…
This crossword brought to you by Allstate Insurance – Tammy Lopez (720) 733-1331 Across 1. Drive-___ 5. Modern Family character 8. Its license plates say “Famous potatoes” 13. Many millennia 14. Whittle (down) 15. Spanish Mr. 16. Small amount 17. ___ Brockovich 18. American lizard 19. Colorado state flower 22. Crustacean 23. “___ the fields…
I love fresh berries. This time of year, I especially love strawberries, and it is common for me to literally eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Berries are sweet and juicy and also a healthy choice, so I have no qualms about eating them in bulk. Strawberries are also fragile – even just a…
We are fortunate to have many hiking trails available to us, from right out our back door to Rocky Mountain National Park and of course, Colorado’s 14ers. Here are some suggestions to maximize the fun, minimize the mishaps and keep everyone safe, whether it is a quick hike or a much longer one. “Start with…
The little things do add up when it comes to daily physical activity. Parking farther away from an entrance and taking the stairs are two common ways to increase daily steps and get a quick cardio boost. Here are some other creative ways to get more movement into the day. When waking up, do a…
Summer is in sight, so now is the time to help your kids blossom by signing up for camps. Whether it is one day, one week or more, kids love exploring during the downtime of summer. Here are a few fun options, but remember, where there is one, there are many. Enjoy. Audience of One…
For the first time in school history, the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) boys and girls basketball teams both made it to the Great 8, the quarterfinals of the Colorado high school state tournaments for classes 4A-6A. On February 29, RCHS allowed an excused absence for students to watch both teams compete at the Denver…
Resistance bands are a go-to strength training tool for anyone at any fitness level. Bands are affordable, light and portable, easy to use, and safer than heavier dumbbells or machines. Resistance bands can be used practically anywhere and have many health benefits. Resistance bands can help build stronger muscles and increase flexibility and mobility, making…
A career calling can come at any age. Sarah Sexton remembers the time she first felt the tug, sitting in her elementary school classroom. Sarah said, “I think I have known I have wanted to be a teacher since about second grade. I’ve always loved school!” That calling took hold; this year, she will have…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) has a new Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CDL) initiative this year. A handful of BRE staff members comprise the CDL team with the goal to intentionally incorporate conversation about the value of diversity at BRE. Multicultural Monday (MM) was the first activity the CDL team implemented. It is a short segment…
Wish Week at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) is an annual event held in March where the Jag nation partners with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado to raise funds for critically ill children’s wishes. Students organize various activities and events like assemblies, a dodgeball tournament, Walk for Wishes, and themed, dress-up days to fundraise. The…
In its third year, the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) continues to make significant progress in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. A collaboration between the Douglas County School District and Arapahoe Community College, it is a concurrent enrollment program designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge…
Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) speech teacher Regina Luber recently hosted the second, three-day Speaker Series (SS) of the year. Regina is passionate about incorporating real world applications into the classroom. SS has become part of the curriculum for the public speaking course classes at RHMS. Regina has invited many professionals from a variety of…
Pizza the way it oughta be! Mountain Mike’s Pizza has been dishing out tasty pies since 1978, just not in Colorado. It is a well-known staple in California and other western states, but now that it has opened shop in Parker (the first one in Colorado), many pizza lovers are trying it out. And, word…
March Madness! Remember to fill out your NCAA Bracket Tracker in the center spread of the March E Guide, or pick up a copy at Rockyard Brewing Co., Pines Sports Bar & Grill or Scotty’s Sliders.
Castle Pines is home to many pro athletes, both active and retired. Today, we can claim a professional soccer player for the Colorado Rapids (Rapids). Adam Beaudry (17) was drafted by the Rapids in 2023 and signed officially on January 10 for a four-year contract with an option for two additional years. Adam is excited…
Preliminary plans will soon be submitted for an expansion of The Canyons development in the southeast portion of the city. The proposed development encompasses approximately 1,618 residential lots, along with designated areas for future expansion, a school site, a regional park site, and ample open spaces, trails and road connections linking to surrounding neighborhoods. The…
Wildfire mitigation is one of City Council’s strategic goals and priorities. To help mitigate wildfire risk and protect the community, the City developed a grant program to provide financial resources for residents and homeowners associations to conduct wildfire mitigation projects. The City will accept funding requests for up to $5,000 from an HOA and up…
Two Road Projects Starting The City of Castle Pines will begin undertaking two major road improvement projects this year. Happy Canyon and Lagae will see the construction of a new roundabout which began the week of February 19 and will continue through June. Traffic at the intersection will be temporarily closed at certain points…
Approximately 25,000 rural residents in Douglas County own and rely on more than 8,000 active groundwater wells that tap into the Denver Basin aquifers. The Rural Water Authority of Douglas County (RWADC) has received $60,000 to support these residents. The funding will come from the Board of Douglas County Commissioners with an affirmed recommendation from…
Are you a Douglas County resident who is passionate about our rural heritage, agriculture, western sports, youth exhibits and quality entertainment? Your passion and knowledge – paired with a background in large-event management, accounting/finance, and/or a strong network of resources helpful to the production of a large-scale community event – may position you as the…
It is an election year, so prepare for the robocalls, texts, mailers and the endless television commercials. Recently, Douglas County registered voters received official voting ballots for primary election day, Super Tuesday on March 5. If you registered as a Democrat or a Republican, your mailer should have included only the political party ballot of…
One thing many residents love about living in Castle Pines is that it feels more like a community than a city. That is the feeling Mayor Tracy Engerman wants to build on by having monthly coffee gatherings officially called Coffee Klatch with Tracy. To kick off the year, on January 18, Engerman held her first…
A vibrant sense of community is one characteristic that sets Castle Pines – the 80108 ZIP code more specifically – apart from other Colorado communities. Neighbors know each other, they spend time together and they support each other. If you are a new resident, you have likely already experienced this firsthand. The same holds true…
The Grace family have a shared vision and passion for their local business, Out of Sight Closets and Garages, which helps the families of Castle Pines, Castle Rock and the surrounding areas organize their homes. Joel Grace worked in the timber industry. After being transferred to Highlands Ranch in 1998, he decided he wanted to…
This spring, Castle Pines Athletics (CPA) celebrated 15 years in business. The Retreat resident Lane Roberts founded CPA in 2009, and more than 12,660 children have participated in the year-round athletic programs. Although Lane no longer lives in Colorado, CPA continues strong because of the hundreds of volunteer parent coaches and thousands of local kids…
What was Berg Haus is now Pines Sports Bar & Grill, and its doors are open for business. The neighborhood sports bar’s new owners are Minakshi Ashra and resident Priya Kumar. Priya and her husband who manages the bar, Avnish Kapoor, will be featured in the upcoming April Behind the Business segment. “Our first priority…
On January 25, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards luncheon at Cielo at Castle Pines. The following members received awards for 2023: Large Business of the Year – The Castle Pines Connection Small Business of the Year – Ziggi’s Coffee Nonprofit of the Year – Rise Up Malawi Community Member…
Pet Pedigree A leap year occurs once every four years, and with it comes the rarest of days – February 29. “Leapling” birthdays are not limited to humans – our furry friends can be leap-year babies as well. Waffles, a mini Bernedoodle recently turned four this (leap) year. A COVID puppy, Waffles has been such…
There are many moments throughout life that capture our hearts, and Jen Henningsen has spent the last 21 years photographing these precious moments and milestones. Jen operates her business, Keepsake Photography, out of her home studio in The Canyons. Jen did not plan to become a photographer. At Portsmouth High School in Rhode Island, Jen…
When Meghan Angermann was in high school in the suburbs of Chicago, her dad suggested she sign up for the Navy ROTC program as a way to pay for college. Her response was, “What is ROTC?” Today, Meghan is retired from the Navy after a 21-year active-duty career, is a Pampered Chef consultant and enjoying…
Swashbuckler! Now there’s a colorful term seldom used today. One historical character that comes immediately to mind is D.C. Oakes of our Wildcat Mountains. Another bold, flamboyant and larger-than-life figure was Rufus “Potato” Clark, or sometimes called the “Spud King.” And sometimes he went by the moniker “Dad.”* Rufus was born to a Connecticut farmer…
In 2021, after living in Thousand Oaks, California for more than 60 years, Connie and Randy Weidner packed up their home and beloved 5-year-old pup Gracie and made the trek to Castle Pines to be close to their son Eric, daughter-in-law Marissa and two grandsons, Collin and Lucas. Connie, an elementary school teacher of 31…
Deputy Jeff Pelle of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has law enforcement in his blood – he is a third-generation peace officer. Joe Pelle, Jeff’s dad, recently retired after 43 years of police service, including 20 years as sheriff of Boulder County. Jeff grew up in Longmont and then attended the University of Northern…
The term Swedish death cleaning may evoke thoughts of a crime scene or evil spirits, but it is actually a thoughtful and effective approach to decluttering. While a bit macabre, the method of organizing and letting go of things before one dies lessens the burden on loved ones later. A Scandinavian twist on the…