This month marks the 10-year anniversary of STROLL The Village at Castle Pines.  In 2013, publisher Anna Morin launched her edition of the magazine, which was originally called Village Life.

Morin and her husband, Scott, moved to Colorado from Indiana in 2010.  At the time, they both worked in the building material business and Scott continues to work in the industry today.  They have three adult children, Kyle, Adam and Alise, all living in Indiana.

There are things Morin says she misses about the Midwest, mostly her family – but the bugs are not one of them.  She enjoys the beautiful views all over Colorado and often pulls her car over to take pictures of the mountains and sunsets.

A straight-A student in English courses from her early school days through Indiana University, Morin always had a love for writing.  She started her career in publishing by selling ads and helping with events for a publication in her Pradera neighborhood in Parker.  After attending a N2 Publishing conference in Orlando, where she met people from all ages and walks of life, Morin decided to join the franchise and create her own magazine.

At the same time, she heard of a wonderful nearby neighborhood, The Village at Castle Pines.  After a few tips from friends and a leap of faith, Morin launched Village Life.

“I have fun and love publishing for the residents of The Village at Castle Pines and sharing their stories within the neighborhood,” stated Morin.  “I have met so many amazing people and have built many lifelong friendships.”

Morin recalled how she knocked on many doors to get to know people and sell advertising before everything came together to publish the first issue.  “I love that I am able to connect residents to local businesses that advertise and support STROLL; it’s a win for us all.”

In 2021, the N2 Company – a leader in neighborhood magazines serving more than 500 upscale communities – rebranded the magazine as STROLL The Village at Castle Pines along with about 20 other STROLL publications in Colorado.  As part of the business model, residents pen their own stories, in their own voices, with Morin giving them guidance as needed.  She likes setting her own schedule and says some weeks she is busier than others, often working weekends.

People who are close to Morin say she is a “people person,” easy to talk to about anything and that she is usually smiling.  Among the community activities Morin is involved with are Bin Blessed and the Morgan Adams Foundation.  She is also active in The Village Castle Pines Garden Club, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and promoting the Rotary Club of Castle Pines.

Morin holds monthly events for residents called “Saturday Soirees,” where she gets to know many of the Village folks on a personal level.  She chooses much of her content from recommendations that residents give her.  She also recently formed a “Singles Group” for residents and encourages Castle Pines singles looking to meet other singles to consider joining.

Morin said that what most Village residents love about living in Castle Pines is how serene it is, the wildlife, the pines, the nearby mountains, and how it feels like we are away from the city, yet still close enough to town for shopping and socializing. 

 

 

Morin looks to the future and wants to continue to publish STROLL for at least the next five years.  By that time, she noted, her husband could be ready to retire, and they will continue to visit their favorite places like Tampa and Naples and plan future travels with family and friends.

“It has been a fast paced 10 years which seems to have flown by in the blink of an eye,” she reflected.  “Time flies when you are having fun.”

Congratulations from all of us at The Connection for the success and accomplishments of Anna Morin and STROLL The Village at Castle Pines. 

 

 

By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Briar Gomez