Colorado Expression magazine - June-July 2019

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O COLORAD expression WELCOME

SUMMER JUNE/JULY 2019 FOUR DOLLARS

A N O T H E R

S U C C E S S F U L

P A R T N E R S H I P

“Our passion for perfection strengthens our partnership.”

- Larry DiPasquale, Epicurean Catering and Jay Davidson, First American State Bank

6363 S. Fiddlers Green Circle Greenwood Village, CO 80111 303.763.1980 2009 Inductee into the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame

www.fasbank.com 303.694.6464

CONTENTS

Photo: John Russo

In this Issue

36

76

42

Out & About 8

Features 58

Sip & Savor 42

Shot in the Dark

Building on Dreams

Wood’s High Mountain Distillery

See who’s been out and about at these recent fundraising events.

24 Social Calendar

By Elizabeth Jones

These galas and gatherings support local nonprofit organizations.

32 Bits & Pieces

By Joy Lawrance

Read about the Colorado Ballet 20192020 season, new restaurants at Belleview Station, Junior League’s new cookbook Centennial Celebrations and much more.

36 Hot Tickets

By Elizabeth Jones

By Sean O’Keefe

For Clutch Design Studio, architecture begins with understanding the particular wants, needs, pet peeves and dreams of its custom home clients.

62 All in the Family

By Katie Coakley

Father-daughter team Bob Brown and Grace Brown Sullivan combine construction and real estate savvy to meet client needs.

76 Home Design Trends

By Kim D. McHugh

This Salida-based distillery is bottling fine spirits with a passion.

44 Sierra

By Lindsay Mitchell

Sierra joins Denver staple La Loma in the family-owned Brinkerhoff restaurant collection.

Cover

By Marge D. Hansen

Photography: Jen Britton Photography jenbritton.com

Vibrant color, contemporary styling and organic materials are among the fresh notes for homes.

Location: Lost Valley Ranch, a oneof-a-kind dude ranch in Sedalia, CO. 855-840-8115, lostvalleyranch.com

Fill your summer days and nights with some of these fun events around the state.

Facebook

facebook.com/coloradoexpression COLORADO EXPRESSION (ISSN # 1070-5066) is published bi-monthly by New West Publishing Inc., 3600 S. Beeler St., Ste. 100, Denver, Colorado 80237, Elizabeth Hamilton, owner, 303-694-1289; fax: 303-694-6939; e-mail: info@coloradoexpression.com; website: coloradoexpression.com. Annual one-year subscription rate is $22.00, cover price is $4.00. Periodicals postage is paid at Denver, Colorado and additional entries. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Expression, c/o New West Publishing, 3600 S. Beeler St., Ste. 100, Denver, Colorado 80237.

Copyright© 2019, New West Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

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CONTENTS

In this Issue 52 Getaways

By Lisa Perry

Lost Valley Ranch is scenic and fun, but it’s the hospitality and relationships that keep guests coming back.

54 Body & Soul

By Jen Reeder

Therapy animals spread comfort and healing to those in need through organizations, hospitals and beyond.

66 Offices

By Danielle Yuthas

66

Departments 28

70 Home Style

Inside or out, enhance your home environment with items that make a stylish statement.

Public Persona

By Scott S. Evans

Meet fifth-generation Coloradan veterinarian Dr. William French who as a child wanted to be a horse.

84 Landscaping

30

By Colleen Smith

The husband-wife team at B. Gardening Landscape Design grew this firm from the ground up.

Nonprofit Profile

By Joanne Davidson

Since its founding four decades ago, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver has completed or renovated 1,300 homes.

46

The multitude of offerings in coworking spaces meet the needs of both employees and business owners.

46

People & Pets

For the love of pets. Locals introduce us to their favorite four- and twolegged friends.

48

Correction

In the April-May 2019 issue on page 81 Balefire Goods was incorrectly spelled.

Please forgive our error.

Facebook

Colorado Weekends

facebook.com/coloradoexpression

By Elizabeth Kosar

Twitter

The annual PoloFest Denver combines sports, technology and music.

twitter.com/coloexpression

Instagram

instagram.com/coloradoexpression

Pinterest 52

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From the Publisher

COLORADO expression OWNER/PUBLISHER

Elizabeth Hamilton

So Good to Be Home Details, color, treasures and our animals come together to welcome us home

MANAGING EDITOR

Elizabeth Jones CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Suzanne S. Brown OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Lisa Buscietta DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Connie Robertson Andrea Späth

T

here is nothing quite like walking in the door and being so

happy to be home. A place that embodies my style, history and personality through color and distinctive touches—a blend of the old and the new.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Pamela Cress

Light and lively, and also where I can kick off my shoes

DIGITAL/SOCIAL MEDIA

and sip on a Negroni made with

Misti Mills

Wood’s Gin, distilled in Salida.

But then again, the Colorado

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katie Coakley Joanne Davidson Scott S. Evans Joy Lawrance Marge D. Hansen Elizabeth Kosar Kim D. McHugh Lindsay Mitchell Sean O’Keefe Lisa Perry Jen Reeder Colleen Smith Danielle Yuthas

summers make it impossible not to spend a lot of time out and about, especially with our best pet pals. I’m looking forward to the music, food and polo at PoloFest in August, and taking a long weekend close to Sedalia at Lost Valley Ranch, the quintessential dude ranch with its special brand of western hospitality. When not at home or out enjoying summer festivities, what’s better than an extraordinary workspace? I think you’ll enjoy learning about the myriad of coworking choices popping up all over our state, offering flexible, beautiful spaces. But let’s get back home. In this issue we feature the home design trends you’ll want on your radar, and the people who create perfect spaces that make each homecoming more special. For now I’m heading home as I wish you the

CONTRIBUTORS

Chantal Henderson Shane Hendryson Michael Moore

best Colorado summer ever, inside and out.

Elizabeth Hamilton President and publisher, New West Publishing

ADVERTISING AND SALES

sales@coloradoexpression.com INQUIRIES AND SUBMISSIONS

info@coloradoexpression.com

FIND THE VERY BEST OF COLORADO Stay in the know so you can plan your next outing with our monthly newsletter. Sign up at coloradoexpression.com. And for the latest happenings around our state, follow us on Facebook (@ColoradoExpression), Instagram (@coloradoexpression) and Twitter (@ColoExpression).

JUNE/JULY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION 5

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MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY

SHOT IN THE DARK

All for a Good Cause Brass Ring Luncheon and Fashion Show Held at the Hilton Denver City Center, the Brass Ring Luncheon and Fashion Show was a benefit for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Neil and Barb Oberfeld, co-chairs; Cheryl Lebsock, guild president; Steven and Shelley Lucas, co-chairs 2 Dana Davis, executive director Children’s Diabetes Foundation; Mia Lambrecht, Gracie Lambrecht, Calvin Emery 3 Jay Mills, Maxx Mills, Katharine Bogardus, Ken Wartell 4 Advocates Reese and Eva 5 Wendy Shen, Ashley, Madeline and Tracy van Orman 6 David Zupancic, Kristina Davidson, Lisa Corley, guild president-elect; Tom Corley 7 Nicole Lauer, Lindsey Miller, Sarah Isakson 8 Rebecca Minkoff, designer; Sophie Wagner, model 9 Ben Valore-Caplan, Pam Moore, Akash Absher 10 Tiffani Ternan, Tausha Thiret, Aurora Hendrix 11 Kathy Hughes, Traci Byrne, Amy McDowell, Noelle Pachao

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Confetti Awards Celebration Kickoff Party The Confetti Awards Celebration Kickoff Party was held at the JW Marriott Cherry Creek on behalf of Colorado Expression magazine.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Keith Hemeon, Emily and Jared Wilson, Elizabeth Restauri 2 Connie Robertson, Syd Sexton 3 Chad Chisholm, Molly Fortune, John Tobey 4 Ellen Robinson, Denise and Brent Snyder 5 Walli Richardson, Linda Bluhm 6 Caroline Schuster, Michael Moore 7 Phil and Ashley Summers 8 Clem and Tammy Connolly 9 Shane Hendryson, Adrine and Adam Writer, Michael Hammell 10 Brittany Dosdall, Kit Ruth 11 Wesley Guzman, Chloe Neumann, Joel Villezcas 12 Kyle Dyer, Chris West 13 Cody Thompson, Stephanie French

More photos for these events: coloradoexpression.com JUNE/JULY 2019 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Uncorked Reserve Uncorked Reserve was held at and benefited the Denver Art Museum.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Christopher Leach, chair; Chad Skrbina, chair; Janelle and Buck Blessing, Kathryn and David Birnbaum 2 Penny and Jack TerHer, Jaq Poussot, Doug Kacena 3 Greg Sissel, Therese Ivancovich, Louis and Erica Bissette 4 Becky and Brian Schaub, committee members 5 Dan Johnson, Autumn Miller 6 Kelly and Nelson Kunkel 7 Wesley Weise, committee member; Kim Eilber 8 Andrew and Sarah Stettner, Brandon Berkley, Laura Berkley, committee member 9 Douglas Kerbs, committee member; Corinna Bandemer 10 Britt Jackson, Josh Rusan, Carla Valdez 11 John Mastro, Curtis Woitte

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Celebrity Waiter Dinner Held at 801 Chophouse in Cherry Creek, the Celebrity Waiter Dinner benefited Amp the Cause.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Nica Dorfman, Christen Alberding, John Reimers 2 Tom Botelho, Bill Myers 3 Walter and Christie Isenberg 4 Cameron Martz, DJ Close, Nick Weisert 5 Molly Hughes, Lisa Olander, Chelsea Thomas, Denise Plante 6 Marian Van Poppel, Kristin Johnson, Megan Neary

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Colorado Symphony Ball “Speak Easy Rock Hard” The “Speak Easy Rock Hard” ball was held at the Fillmore Auditorium to benefit the Colorado Symphony.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Rachel Yeates, Soley Maria 2 The “30s and Thriving” group 3 Ruben Rueda, Leah Miro, Ellie and Beau Jenkins 4 Diane Nagler, Parker Owens, chief marketing officer Colorado Symphony; Diane Hill, honoree 5 Abby Kaeli, Becca Grad, Sarah Richards, Allison D’Angiolillo 6 Dave and Pam Fisher, Cody and Sally Jennings 7 Carolyn and Young Cho 8 Andrew and Taylor Bechel, Reid and Haile Kurtenbach 9 Dana Davis, Alicia Economos, Lindsey Schwartz, Deana Perlmutter 10 Parker and Liza Rothhammer, Tera and Garrick Keatts

More photos for these events: coloradoexpression.com JUNE/JULY 2019 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) nor Kentwood Real Estate shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless.

SHOT IN THE DARK

Laugh Yourself Blue Held at the Seawell Ballroom, Laugh Yourself Blue was a benefit for Firefly Autism.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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Join DSF FOR AN EVENING WITH

GEOFFREY CANADA Featured in Waiting for Superman Academy Award-winning Documentary

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On

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2019 Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center

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To Learn More PLEASE VISIT DENVERSCHOLARSHIP.ORG/GALA

1 The Salah family and friends. Noreen Salah Burpee was the Community Impact Award recipient 2 John Griffith, board chair, Firefly Autism; Shayna Martin 3 Manny and Olivia Almaguer 4 Bella Alongi, Chris Burmeister, Scott and Amy Fetter 5 Jack Robinson, recipient of the Champions for Justice Award; Janet Robinson 6 Doug McCrary, Michael McCrary, Dave Sevick 7 Jesse Ogas, executive director Firefly Autism; Hope Hernandez-Salazar, Andrea Saragosa 8 Josh Hanfling, RD Sewald, Children’s Advocacy Award recipients

More photos for these events: coloradoexpression.com 18

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Denver Academy Gala The One in a Million gala was held at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center to benefit the Denver Academy.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Katie and Remington Green 2 Lisa Patterson, board member; Craig Knippenberg, Kathryn Harris, board member 3 Valerie Hamlin, director of marketing Denver Academy; Valerie Berke, committee member 4 Katie and John Levisay 5 Fielding Twarogowski, Mark Twarogowski, headmaster Denver Academy 6 Rachel Petrie, Cathie Walker, event chairs

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JUNE/JULY 2019 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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SHOT IN THE DARK

The Journey Held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, The Journey event benefited the Junior League of Denver.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Robert Thompson, Nadia and David Watts 2 Becky Schaub, president Junior League of Denver; Molly Bloom, guest speaker 3 Susan Schulte, Marian Neely-Carlson, Susie Law, Jennifer Fronk 4 Nora Heitmann, chair; Julia Lazure, president-elect; Vanessa Banker, communications director Junior League of Denver 5 Craig and Emily Muller 6 Mike and Chelsea Turnock, Chrissy and Stevie Haller 7 Matt and Lisa Mehlbrech 8 Colette Sutley, Allison Pizzuti, Liz Vail, Carolyn Vail 9 Ashlyn Strange, Ashley Schwader, Andrew Sauer, Stephanie Miller 10 Isabelle Vargas, Morgan Ryan, Jeri Clark, Courtney MacDonald 11 Doug and Megan Severs 12 Megan Whelan, Mary Katherine Fleming, Becky Schaub, Stacey Malcolm

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM JUNE/JULY 2019

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SHOT IN THE DARK

NightShine Gala The NightShine Gala was held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center to benefit the Denver Health Foundation.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Catharine and Michael Fortney, Stephanie and Fernando Carreira 2 Molly Broeren, Sarah McCarthy-Feinstein, co-chair; Denise Bellucci 3 Mark Wittenstein, Dr. Robin Wittenstein, CEO Denver Health 4 Michael and Rosalie Archuleta 5 Terrence and Lori Pace 6 Gloria Neal, Matthew Burkett, Haroun Cowans, Ann Mosso

THE WAIT IS OVER!

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Celebrations!

Available in July, Centennial Celebrations is a journey of the senses featuring beautiful photography of fabulous gatherings at iconic Denver locations. The creative menus, recipes, and entertaining tips will inspire you to cook, connect, and celebrate‌ Colorado style!

Centennial Celebrations, along with our other five award-winning cookbooks, are available for purchase at Barnes & Noble, Tattered Cover Book Store, Peppercorn, and other local book retailers. Proceeds from sales support our mission and community focus.

Learn more at JLD.org.

JUNE/JULY 2019 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Beaux Arts Ball The Beaux Arts Ball was held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center to benefit National Jewish Health.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Bill Hybl, grand marshal; Hybl family 2 Susan Juroe, Dana Davis 3 Harvey Steinberg, Carylyn Bell, Josh Hanfling 4 Leah Oliver, Nilmini Hecox 5 Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis, Anthony Davis 6 Martin Enriquez, Jen Grafton 7 Dr. Michael Salem, president/CEO National Jewish Health; Larry Mizel 8 Manuel and Josh Demby; Faye and Steve Demby, grand marshals; Shelby and Ethan Demby 9 Travis and Elaine Nolen 10 Gianna Amato, Teddy Kutrumbos 11 Zoey Kortz, Kat Dembergh, Clair Bondarewicz, Lauren Masias

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM JUNE/JULY 2019

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Citizen of the Arts Jubilee The Citizen of the Arts Jubilee was held at the Seawell Ballroom to benefit the Fine Arts Foundation.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Kathy Roberts, Rebecca Smith, Elizabeth Collins, committee members; Suzy Nelson, chair 2 Aimee and Mark Twarogowski, Karen Lozow 3 Sharon Martin, honoree; Lanny Martin 4 Aaron Bajorek, Colin Bennett, Aaron Coburn 5 Suzy Nelson, chair; Valerie Wassill, co-chair 6 Jana Bartlit, Christoph Heinrich, Paula Laws with auction puppy Morkie

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SOCIAL CALENDAR

Colorado’s Social Scene

By Elizabeth Jones

June 1

The annual ALS Sunset Gala will be held at the Grand Hyatt Denver Pinnacle Club to benefit the ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter.

303-832-2322 • alsa.org 1

Save the date for the Denver Heart & Stroke Walk in support of the American Heart Association at the Broncos Stadium at Mile High.

866-430-9255 • heart.org 1-2

The 19th annual Indian Market & Powwow held at The Fort Restaurant benefits educational programs at the Tesoro Cultural Center.

303-839-1671 • tesoroculturalcenter.org 1-9

Be a part of the effort to fight childhood cancer by supporting or hosting a lemonade stand in your community during Lemonade Days. alexslemonade.org 4

Assemble teams of clients, coworkers, friends and join Von Miller’s Celebrity Bowling Bash at Bowlero Lone Tree to support Von’s Vision, giving kids the gift of sight. vonmiller.org 5

At Emmanuel Sanders’ Arcade Adventure, join Sanders and his Broncos teammates at the 1UP Arcade Bar for a night of vintage gaming in support of Emmanuel’s Locker. emmanuelsanders.org

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Sip City, a food and wine-tasting event at the Space Gallery, supports the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

303-293-2217 • coloradocoalition.org 8

Jodi’s Race for Awareness at City Park celebrates 10 years of raising much-needed funds for the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance.

720-971-9436 • jodisrace.org 8

Waterloo 2019, a western gala at Cherokee Ranch honoring the late Tweet Kimball, benefits the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation.

303-688-5555 • cherokeeranch.org 10

Join community leaders for a round of golf at Arrowhead Golf Course in support of the Denver Children’s Home 24th Annual Golf Tournament in memory of Mike Betts, Sr. 303-399-4890 • denverchildrenshome.org 10

The Hope Challenge at Colorado Golf Club in Parker combines food, fun and friendly competition while raising funds for Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado.

720-524-2061 • bhghcolorado.org 10

The 32nd Strokes of KINDness Golf Tournament at the Country Club at Castle Pines raises funds for KIND— Kids in Need of Dentistry.

303-733-3710 • kindsmiles.org

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Join Sampling for Hope for a tasty evening with Denver’s best restaurants, chefs and caterers at The Westin Denver Downtown to benefit SafeHouse Denver.

303-318-9989 • safehouse-denver.org 14

The Feline Fix will hold the 13th annual Stray Cat Strut at The Cable Center to raise funding for the health and welfare of underserved cats.

303-808-0616 • thefelinefix.org 14

DCPA’s annual Randy Weeks Memorial Golf Tournament at the Common Ground Golf Course supports the Randy Weeks Memorial Fund for the Bobby G Awards.

303-446-4802 • denvercenter.org 14

Museum After Dark and After Dark Soiree is a feast for the senses held at and benefiting the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

303-370-6000 • dmns.org 15

The 1940’s WWII Era Ball at Boulder Airport benefits The Colorado 10th Mountain Division Foundation, The Commemorative Air Force, Rocky Mountain Honor Flight, The Audie Murphy Infantry Museum and The Young Aviators 43.

720-924-1945 • 1940sball.org 15

The Colorado Celebrity Classic salutes our fallen heroes. Held at the Grove Family Ranch at Cherry Creek to benefit TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors).

303-696-0450 • taps.org 17

The annual Play a Round for Kids Golf Tournament at Omni Interlocken Golf Club benefits Mount Saint Vincent.

303-458-7220 • msvhome.org

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SOCIAL CALENDAR

20

Save the date for the annual Corks for a Cause wine-tasting event at Blanc Event Center to benefit the Tennyson Center for Children.

303-433-254 • tennysoncenter.org 22

The Fine Arts Foundation Debutante Presentation and Ball celebrates 17 new debutantes at Denver University followed by dinner at the History Colorado Center. thefineartsfoundation.org 23-24

Junior Achievement’s Dinner & Silent Auction at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse kicks off the two-day Junior Achievement Golf Classic at Sanctuary Golf Course.

303-534-5252 • jacolorado.org 26

Wine, dine and dance at Reaching for the Stars—A Night Out of this World— is the theme for this year’s National Repertory Orchestra gala at the Seawell Ballroom.

970-453-5825 • nromusic.com 28

Faces of Freedom Sporting Clays Tournament in Denver at Kiowa Creek Sporting Club benefits Freedom Service Dogs.

303-922-6231 • freedomservicedogs.org 29

Join the Central City Opera for the 2019 Yellow Rose Ball and Flower Girl Presentation at the Central City Opera House.

303-292-6500 • centralcityopera.org 29-30

Bike MS, starting and finishing at Front Range Community College in Westminster, raises funds for the National MS Society.

303-698-7400 • nationalmssociety.org

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM JUNE/JULY 2019

July 8

Tied to a Cure Denver Golf Tournament at Pinehurst Country Club benefits the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.

303-863-1200 • childrensdiabetesfoundation.org 20-21

Starting and ending in scenic Copper Mountain, the Courage Classic raises money for Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation.

720-777-1700 • childrenscoloradofoundation.org

August 2

Held at Buttermilk Mountain, ArtCrush is Aspen’s premier summer event benefiting the Aspen Art Museum. aspenartmuseum.org 3

Cooking Light and Health magazines return for the Fit Foodie Festival & 5K at Westminster City Park to benefit No Kid Hungry. fitfoodierun.com/denver-colorado 3

Save the date for Urban Nights Ignite The Night—Runway for a Reason at the EXDO Event Center to benefit Urban Peak.

303-974-2598 • urbannightsdenver.org 5

The Children’s Classic at Sanctuary Golf Course raises funds to support the patients and families at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

720-777-1700 • childrenscoloradofoundation.org 5

Enjoy a round of golf at the Denver Scholarship Foundation Golf Classic at Colorado Golf Club, while making

college possible for students at Denver Public Schools.

303-951-4140 • denverscholarship.org 7

The Motorized Madness Media Challenge is a morning of remote control car fun at Children’s Hospital Colorado to benefit pediatric cancer.

303-758-2130 • morganadamsconcours.org 9

Join The Morgan Adams Foundation and Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing at High Plains Raceway for the ninth annual Race Against Kids’ Cancer.

303-758-2130 • morganadamsconcours.org 10

Get glammed up for The Old Hollywood Gala, featuring honorary chair Richard Dreyfuss, at the Seawell Ballroom to benefit the Shining Stars Foundation.

970-726-8009 • shiningstarsfoundation.org 10

The Trailblazer Challenge is a hike catered to all levels. Challenge yourself while supporting Make-A-Wish Colorado.

303-750-9474 • colorado.wish.org 17

Save the date for the 9th Annual 5K Pajama Jog at City Park to benefit Sleep Tight Colorado.

720-295-9276 • sleeptightcolorado.org 18

The annual Race For Research 5K run/ walk at Washington Park raises funds for the Cancer League of Colorado. race4research.com Social Calendar covers formal fundraising events for nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado. If you wish to have an event listed, please contact Colorado Expression at 303-694-1289, or email info@coloradoexpression.com.

PUBLIC PERSONA

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DOCTOR WILLIAM FRENCH IS A veterinarian at the Littleton Equine Medical Center and the President of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association. A fifth-generation Coloradan, Fort Collins native and graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, French personifies old-school Colorado. In fact, he essentially eats, breathes and talks horses. Not only is he married to a fellow equine veterinarian, his mother tells the story of him not wanting to care for horses as a young child, but to be a horse.

However, perhaps his most Colorado trait is that whether it’s with his clients (owners), patients (horses) or fellow veterinarians, the relationships he develops are the most valuable assets he owns. Not only does he spend his working hours around horses, he owns horses and enjoys going on pack trips.

Dr. William French

Photo: Kokoro Photography

What surprises people about you?

My interest in and ability to play musical instruments. I play the piano and cello.

How do people describe you?

Caring, thoughtful, dedicated and hard working.

Who do you most admire?

Dr. Terry Swanson is one of the founders of Littleton Equine. He is the consummate professional with tremendous ability. He cares about his patients and clients, but also has a wider view of service to the profession.

Favorite Denver metro restaurant?

I love a good steak at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse.

What was the last great book you read?

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth.

She writes about grit as a defining characteristic for success. It’s a combination of passion and perseverance.

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THIS VETERINARIAN HAS LEARNED HOW TO RELATE TO BOTH HIS PATIENTS AND HIS CLIENTS

By Scott S. Evans

Name: William French, DVM Age: 34 Marital status: Married to Rebecca Dietz, DVM Children: Zane, 1-year-old Career: Veterinarian at the Littleton Equine Medical Center Hometown: Fort Collins Where do you call home today? Sedalia Website: littletonequine.com

GET TO KNOW COLORADO’S TOP PERSONALITIES

What is your biggest fashion faux pas?

I often walk into a place outside of work with a speck of blood on my face or manure on my shoes.

What is one thing that you absolutely can’t live without?

My wife. She is one of the steadiest people that I have ever been around.

What was your last major purchase?

Ownership shares in Littleton Equine Medical Center.

What gadget can you not live without?

I love the ultrasound I have on my vet truck. It’s fascinating to me what information we can get with just the ultrasound probe.

What are your hobbies?

I love to ride my own horses, particularly in the mountains on pack trips. I also enjoy playing the piano and cello.

What is your most memorable Colorado experience?

One of the most formative Colorado experiences was visiting a friend’s ranch in Walden for branding. It set the foundation for me as to the beauty and wildness of Colorado as well as the toughness of Coloradans.

It’s in North Park, and it’s pretty stark up there.

What one word describes Coloradans to you?

Passionate.

What is your favorite spot in Colorado to visit?

I love taking a pack trip into the Rawah Wilderness area.

Are you involved with any charities?

I’m the president of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association and we have a foundation that does a lot of charitable work.

What took you down this career path?

Surprisingly, there are no vets in my family. But I knew growing up that I wanted to work with horses.

I liked being outside and science, so it seemed like a natural fit.

time are the most memorable to me.

For example, a horse in Watkins was having a significant issue. The patient was pretty suspicious of people, but after a number of re-checks, I really developed a strong relationship with the horse and the client.

Have you always focused your veterinarian practice on horses?

Yes. After vet school, I did a one year internship at Littleton Equine, and I stayed.

What is the biggest challenge for an equine veterinary clinic?

Not unlike any business, it can be difficult to hire people that can stay long term in an area that has such a high cost of living. This applies to vets and staff. Additionally, the increasing urbanization presents its own set of challenges to keeping people.

What drew you to horses?

When I visited my aunt’s farm when I was really young, according to my mom, I told her that I didn’t want to touch a horse or ride a horse, but that I wanted to be a horse.

What is unique about the Littleton Equine Medical Center?

Our collegiality and collaboration are really great. The way that all of the vets and staff work together creates a really high standard.

Has the practice changed with the urbanization of Littleton?

The practice has changed quite a bit. The practice used to be Littleton Large Animal Clinic, so we saw cows and other farm animals in addition to horses. We also used to work with horse racetracks, but now we work with a lot of sport horses which are competition horses that aren’t race horses. Those include hunting horses, dressage, barrel racing. It’s now one the biggest parts of our practice.

How has technology played a role in your practice?

It has allowed us to do far more on the farm or on location. We can be so much more mobile and provide sophisticated care in the field because of the advances in technology.

What is your most memorable experience treating an animal?

The long-term relationships you can build with a client and a patient over

What is the biggest difference between being an equine veterinarian and being a general vet?

The size of the animal, of course.

But honestly, cats scare me more than horses. Our clients are very educated and invested in their horses, and we focus on athletes.

So, the owners are very different.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Ideally, I’d still be here contributing to the profession.

If you hadn’t been a veterinarian, what would you have been?

I think I would have liked to do agricultural-related law or policy.

What is the best thing about practicing with your wife?

It’s really cool to work in the same environment. We understand each other’s victories and frustrations.

That understanding of what this profession entails is very helpful.

Scott S. Evans is graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia School of Law and is a father of two, a business litigation attorney, writer and high school lacrosse coach living in Centennial. Scott has freelanced for various newspapers, magazines, journals and academic publications including The Wall Street Journal and The Military Law Review.

JUNE/JULY 2019 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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NONPROFIT PROFILE

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THERE ARE THOSE WHO TAKE home ownership for granted, but you can be sure they’re not among the families whose dream of having a safe, affordable and permanent roof over their heads was made possible by Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver.

For these families, the stability and peace of mind that homeownership brings can be life-changing, enabling them to create better lives for themselves—often in ways they never thought possible.

David and Furaha, for example, came to America to escape violence in their native Congo—violence that included the murder of David’s father by rebels who also burned down the family home.

This month, David, a security professional, Furaha, a housekeeper, and their three children will move from an apartment in a sketchy neighborhood and into the Habitat for Humanity home they helped build in the faith-based nonprofit’s Sheridan Square, a 63-unit development that once completed will increase the town of Sheridan’s population by 350 people, or six percent.

The Details Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver 3245 Eliot St. Denver, CO 80211 303-534-2929 habitatmetrodenver.org Mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community and hope.

Funding: Habitat’s $28 million annual budget is met through donations, homeowner mortgage payments, the support of 130 businesses and income from the five ReStore outlets that sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, cabinetry, building materials and more.

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Helping families build homes and futures

Closing ceremony hard hat toss at Habitat Metro Denver’s Sable Ridge Community

SINCE ITS FOUNDING FOUR DECADES AGO, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF METRO DENVER HAS COMPLETED OR RENOVATED 1,300 HOMES

By Joanne Davidson

When they are settled, Furaha plans to enroll in nursing school while David takes classes to improve his English (he already speaks six languages) and study for a career as a medical interpreter.

“Habitat gave us a second start,” David says. “We came to America and struggled looking for jobs, looking for a life. Habitat is making us alive again.”

Ann Padilla-Parras is another example of a life improved because of Habitat’s housing stability.

In a letter that she wrote to nominate Habitat’s chief executive officer Heather Lafferty to become one of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce’s 25 Most Powerful Women for 2019, Padilla-Parras described how she, her single mother and four siblings moved into a Habitat home in 1982. “As a result of having a stable home and safe place to live, we all graduated from high school and went on to find jobs and build families of our own,” Padilla-

AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE ACTIVITIES AND BENEFICIARIES OF LOCAL NONPROFITS

Parras said. Currently, Padilla-Parras works as a juvenile diversion officer in the Denver District Attorney’s office, serves on the Habitat board of directors and is about to start work on a master’s degree.

Since its founding in 1979, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver’s 20,000 volunteers have completed or renovated 1,300 homes and is the fifth largest affiliate in Habitat for Humanity’s international network.

Each family that qualifies for a Habitat home is required to put in 200 or more hours of sweat equity during the construction process.

Habitat doesn’t give homes away.

In addition to the sweat equity, prospective homeowners must stay current on the monthly payments for their below-market loan. An overwhelming majority do, as evidenced by the 0.3 percent foreclosure rate. Homeowners can sell at any time, but must give Habitat first right to purchase it. The average occupancy is 25 years.

“Having mortgage payments that don’t fluctuate gives our homeowners peace of mind, and enables them to settle into one job, instead of having to work two or three just to keep up with rent payments that would often increase with little notice. Seven of every 10 of our homeowners say they have an easier time budgeting and paying their bills on time, and that they’re not adding debt.”

In addition, 98 percent of the kids who have grown up in a Habitat home have graduated from high school, and are often the first in their family to do so. Ninety-two percent expect to attend college. One homeowner recently told Lafferty that her son had just been admitted to Yale on a full-ride scholarship.

Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver had its start 40 years ago “when a group of community leaders sat down in a church basement to talk about the lack of affordable housing in the metro area,” Lafferty recalls. “We started out with homes

Today Habitat’s focus is on building new homes

Habitat Metro Denver homeowners

Volunteers at the 2013 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project

that were donated to us, but they needed to be moved from the lots they were on and were in need of extensive repair.”

Today, the focus is on building new homes, although repairs and renovations are still being done on homes and condominiums that are otherwise fine to remain where they are.

Habitat volunteers also partner with non-Habitat homeowners in the Globeville, Elyria-Swansea and West-

wood neighborhoods to help them stay put by making repairs to roofs, windows, entry ways and the like.

A partnership with the Visiting Nurse Association will reach 160 individuals this year, offering homehealth visits and light modifications that improve occupant safety by installing handrails on both sides of stairs, tub and shower grab bars and ramps for easier wheelchair access.

Lafferty describes Habitat’s new builds as “very efficient, with a focus on an open floor plan to maximize the space in homes that average 1,100 to 1,350 square feet.” Architectural features vary, and are determined by existing structures in the neighborhood.

In Swansea, where ground for a 32-home site was broken in late March, “We reached out to neighbors who live nearby and asked them to walk the neighborhood with our architect to point out what they did and didn’t like in homes already there. We wanted to build something the neighborhood would be proud of.”

Joanne Davidson gives thanks every day for having a roof over her head and the ability to maintain it. She also shares Habitat for Humanity’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

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BITS & PIECES

What’s Happening in the West

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Known for USDA Prime steaks, bone-in cuts and signature sizzle, the restaurant also offers guests seasonally inspired chef creations along with a notable collection of award-winning wines and handcrafted cocktails. The spacious bar has a panoramic mountain view while a fireplace on the outdoor patio beckons for a romantic dinner or happy hour with friends.

By Joy Lawrance

Photo: Will Rutledge

Midici: While the food may be fast, the experience is not. The secret is the wood-fired oven handmade in Naples, Italy and brought to Denver exclusively for Midici. Neapolitan pizzas feature a crust that is soft yet crisp topped with fresh ingredients.

Sushi Rama shrimp and tuna roll

Belleview Station

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BELLEVIEW STATION, A MIXED-USE development and transportation gateway, is a place for people to work, play, shop, dine and live a Colorado lifestyle. Its location on the I-25 corridor in the Denver Tech Center provides easy access and abundant options for residents, office workers and visitors. Six of the restaurants there are offering diners enough choices for every day of the week include: Urban Egg A Daytime Eatery: One visit and this might become your favorite breakfast spot—if you can get a table. Pancake and egg creations range from benedicts to award-winning biscuits and gravy. Using locally

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Photo: Will Rutledge

Tempts Tastes with Six Restaurants The bar area at Sushi Rama

Bread pudding at Ruth’s Chris Steak House

sourced ingredients whenever possible, Urban Egg is a Colorado gem. It is open daily until 2 p.m. Be sure to check out the build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.

Le French: One of France’s top chefs teams up with her sister at the recently opened Le French at the corner of Newport and Chenango.

The restaurant offers pastries baked daily along with delectable French fare for lunch or dinner. A welcoming casual-chic environment invites customers to linger—especially when sipping a glass of rosé while savoring crepes and foie gras.

Tap & Burger at Belleview Station: Highland Tap and Burger’s third location captures the southeast Denver market as the best location to catch Rockies games while enjoying gourmet burgers and sandwiches along with one of the multiple Colorado craft beers offered on tap. Some enjoy soaking up Colorado sunshine on the outdoor patio with its prime location on Newport Street.

Sushi Rama: With a retro-mod vibe and conveyor belt sushi delivery system, Sushi Rama is a dining experience like no other. It serves high quality sushi to customers within minutes. Simply pull off the bite-size plates from the conveyor belt and sample a variety of sushi creations.

For more on these restaurants, visit belleviewstation.com.

BITS & PIECES

Junior League of Denver Releases Sixth Cookbook in July

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Raise your hand if you have at least one Junior League of Denver cookbook. You may even have all five of them. Now, in conjunction with the organization’s 100th anniversary, comes Centennial Celebrations, filled with more than 200 thoughtfully selected and thoroughly tested recipes for every season and occasion. There are crowd-pleasing game day appetizers, traditional holiday favorites, light summer fare and winter comfort foods—all celebrating the seasons and occasions in the Centennial state.

Since 1978, the Junior League of Denver has sold more than 2.1 million cookbooks while raising close to $7 million to support the League’s mission of empowering women to become civic leaders. This edition is sure to inspire you to cook, connect and celebrate Colorado-style. jld.org

VAIL DANCE FESTIVAL 31st Season Runs July 26-August 10

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Photo: Erin Baiano

DANCING—AND VAIL. SUCH A perfect combination for joyous expression in a stunning Rocky Mountain setting. The Vail Dance Festival’s 31st season features two weeks of world premieres and commissions, new collaborations and debuts by artists and companies. Under the artistic direction of Damian Woetzel, the

2019 summer season continues the tradition of creating innovative opportunities for artists and audiences.

More than 150 dancers, musicians, composers and choreographers will enchant attendees during 11 performances, as well as public events celebrating dance and music. vaildance.org

Where the Chefs Eat Executive Chef Paul Nagan Narrative restaurant at the Jacquard Hotel & Rooftop 222 Milwaukee St. Denver, CO 80206 303-515-2000 narrativecherrycreek.com Acorn: I love their style and flavors.

Favorites include the ribeye for two, the razor clam ceviche and the oak roasted pretzel.

Stanley Marketplace: Fun place to hang out with family. Rosenberg’s Bagel, Maria Empanada and Rolling Smoke BBQ are all great.

Denver Biscuit Company: Get the Lola or the shrimp and grits or both.

Cherry Creek Grill: Love the french dip and the Macho Salad.

LuBo’s NY Pizza: My son’s favorite spot. We go there a lot since it is right around the corner from us.

JUNE/JULY 2019 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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BITS & PIECES

What’s Happening in the West

COLORADO BALLET

2019-2020 Season

Drums Along the Rockies with Blue Knights on July 13

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IF YOUR FEET MARCH ALONG WITH the pulse of a great marching band, this event is for you. Drums Along the Rockies is Colorado’s premier marching musical extravaganza and one of the best and most popular events of its kind in the world. Held at Broncos Stadium at Mile High, it has become a Denver institution and a thrilling summer evening for families across Colorado. In addition to

the fabled Blue Knights, other bands include The Battalion, Blue Devils, Crossmen, Pacific Crest, The Cadets and Troopers. The Blue Knights, operating under Ascend Performing Arts, are recognized for their innovation in visual design and contemporary programming, and the group has been a DCI World Championship finalist more than 20 times. ascendperformingarts.org

Tweet Kimball 1914 -1999

A delightfully eccentric international traveler, philanthropist, equestrian, award-winning cattlewoman and legendary hostess.

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COMING OFF YET ANOTHER YEAR of record-breaking ticket sales, the Colorado Ballet’s 2019/2020 season will again feature five productions at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

Artistic director Gil Boggs has announced the ballets to be presented will include Don Quixote, which opens on Oct. 4; The Nutcracker, which sells out every year and opens on Nov. 30; followed by February, March and April productions of Peter Pan, Tour de Force, and Ballet MasterWorks. Boggs credits the company’s financial success to “countless hours and years of hard work, dedication and passion by many

WATERLOO a Jubilee

CO- PRE SE NTE D BY MORGA N S TAN L E Y

Celebrating the Legacy of Tweet Kimball

DAT E

Saturday, June 8, 2019 T IME

6:00pm - 10:00pm P L AC E

C H E RO K E E R A N C H & CA S T L E FO U N DAT I O N

www.CherokeeRanch.org CASTLE TOURS • TEAS • LUNCH • BRUNCH

303-688-5555

6113 Daniels Park Road Sedalia, Colorado 80135

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM JUNE/JULY 2019

Cherokee Castle Veranda Cocktail Reception, Elegant Dinner, Silent Auction, Music in the Moonlight

Tickets On Sale Now PLE A SE CA LL FOR YOUR RE SE RVATIO N

720-627-7173

BITS & PIECES

The 18th Annual

LULU’S BBQ

supporters and leaders who have given their time and talent to make this company what it is today.”

The thanks extend to Colorado Ballet patrons, donors, trustees and the dedicated dancers and staff. coloradoballet.org

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What could be better than a great evening of fun and food that benefits homeless pets and horses?

One that includes an intimate performance by a six-time Grammy award-winning and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-inducted band. Join Jana and Fred Bartlit at the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center for an evening that includes hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet barbecue dinner by chef Tom Perini of Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, Texas, silent and live auctions and a chance to mingle with adoptable pets. A pre-gala horse demonstration and tours start at 4 p.m. ddfl.org/lulus2019, 720-241-7123

Photo: Dumb Friends League

Photo: Fernanda Oliveira by Allen Birnbach

August 17 in Franktown

Dedicated to Denver.

Through personalized service and unparalleled expertise, we provide a special kind of banking experience. We offer commercial and industry lending, SBA loans and commercial real estate – all with the steadfast focus necessary to help local business and the community thrive. Stop in and discover what makes the MidFirst experience truly special.

Cherry Creek – 101 Cook St. 303.376.3800

Downtown – 555 17th St. 303.376.5460

University Hills – 2805 S. Colorado Blvd.

303.376.3840

midfirst.com

JUNE/JULY 2019 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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HOT TICKETS

In Town Through June 9 Wicked, Buell Theatre This Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle.

303-893-4100 • denvercenter.org

Can’t-miss Events Throughout Colorado

By Elizabeth Jones

Through Aug. 25 Leonardo da Vinci, Denver Museum of Nature & Science The most comprehensive exhibition about da Vinci ever presented—Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius.

303-370-6000 • dmns.org

Through Aug. 25 Serious Play: Design in Midcentury America, Denver Art Museum Designers bring fresh ideas to the American home, children’s toys and play spaces and corporate identities. denverartmuseum.org

Through Sept. 15 Human | Nature, Denver Botanic Gardens 18 sculptures, figures from the Craig Ponzio collection, explore the human form in classical and abstract styles.

720-865-3500 • botanicgaredns.org

Through year end Stickwork, Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms This outdoor exhibit by Patrick Dougherty, created by weaving flexible saplings into complex and whimsical architectural forms, will remain on view until they naturally fall apart.

720-865-3500 • botanicgardens.org

June 9-Aug. 25 Concert Series, Hudson Garden Since the first show 20 years ago, Hudson Gardens brings a terrific lineup to one of the Denver’s great outdoor concert venues to include America, Don Felder, Seal, Chris Isaak and others.

303-797-8565 • hudsongardens.org

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM JUNE/JULY 2019

SeriesFest, Red Rocks, June 21-25

June 1-2

June 8-9

Denver Chalk Art Festival, Larimer Square This 17th annual event is a free two-day street-painting festival perfect for the entire family. larimersquare.com

Summer Art Market, Art Student’s League of Denver The 27th annual event features 200-plus visual artist booths, artist demonstrations, KidART programming and food and beverage vendors. asld.org

June 8 Garth Brooks, Broncos Stadium at Mile High Singer, songwriter and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Brooks brings his stadium tour to the Mile High city. fielddenver.org

June 9 Dispatch, Red Rocks This upbeat rock band is heralded as one of the biggest independent bands in history.

720-865-2494 • redrocksonline.com

HOT TICKETS

June 11-16 Fiddler on the Roof, Buell Theatre The new production is rich with musical hits you know and love, including “Sunrise, Sunset” and “If I Were a Rich Man.” 303-893-4100 • denvercenter.org

June 14-16

Gregory Porter, Nat King Cole & Me, Boettcher Concert Hall, Feb. 23 Photo: Denver Art Museum

Denver BBQ Festival, Bronco Stadium at Mile High Join some of the country’s most award-winning BBQ legends this summer for America’s biggest Father’s Day BBQ. denverbbqfest.com

June 19 Jennifer Lopez, Pepsi Center In celebration of her birthday, the “It’s My Party: The Live Celebration” tour will be Lopez’s first in more than six years.

303-405-1100 • pepsicenter.com

Serious Play: Design in Midcentury America, Denver Art Museum, through August 25

vative episodic content screenings, panels, workshops, sneak peeks and television premieres. seriesfest.com

June 20 Train, Fiddlers Green Train made its mark on music history with “Drops of Jupiter” and chart-topping single “Meet Virginia.” With the Goo Goo Dolls. fiddlersgreenamp.com Photo: Joan Marcus

June 27

June 21 Andrea Bocelli, Pepsi Center Bocelli returns to Denver for the first time in more than five years, closing his summer tour at the Pepsi Center with the Colorado Symphony.

303-623-7876 • coloradosymphony.org

Wicked, Buell Theatre, through June 9

June 21-23

Photo: @michaelraymondsmith

Umphrey’s McGee, Red Rocks McGee returns to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre for three nights on his “Wax On, Wax Off Tour.”

720-865-2494 • redrocksonline.com

June 21-25 SeriesFest, Red Rocks With legendary Stevie Wonder on June 24, SeriesFest showcases inno-

Dispatch, Red Rocks, June 9

Top Taco, Stanley Marketplace Festival attendees get unlimited taco tastes, margaritas and tequila cocktails, plus People’s Choice voting chips and live entertainment. toptacodenver.com

July 1- Aug. 13 Summer Concert Series, Denver Botanic Gardens Another year of musical talent will include Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Judy Col­lins and John Hiatt, among others.

720-865-3500 • botanicgardens.org

July 3 Santana, Pepsi Center The “Supernatural Now Tour,” with supporting act the Doobie Brothers, honors the 20th anniversary of Santana’s celebrated “Supernatural” album.

303-405-1100 • pepsicenter.com

JUNE/JULY 2019 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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HOT TICKETS

and special guest Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.

720-865-2494 • redrocksonline.com

July 16

Photo: Gladones Photography

Norah Jones, Red Rocks Singer, songwriter, pianist and nine-time Grammy winner Jones has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.

720-865-2494 • redrocksonline.com

FOOD & WINE Classic, Aspen, June 14-16

July 19-21 String Cheese Incident, Red Rocks From the mountains of Crested Butte and Telluride, this Colorado band formed in 1993.

720-865-2494 • redrocksonline.com

July 20

July 3

July 11

Independence Eve Celebration, Civic Center Park Bring the family and enjoy a free patriotic concert, an innovative light show and a stunning fireworks finale to kick off the holiday. denver.org

Ariana Grande, Pepsi Center The “Sweetener World Tour” is in support of Grande’s studio albums, “Sweetener” and “Thank U, Next.”

303-405-1100 • pepsicenter.com

Lavender Festival, Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield More than 2,000 lavender plants set the scene for this family-friendly celebration.

720-865-3500 • botanicgardens.org

July 13

July 20

Michael Bublé, Pepsi Center The “Don’t Believe the Rumors Tour” marks the sixth tour for fourtime Grammy winner Bublé.

303-405-1100 • pepsicenter.com

Lunar Landing 50th Anniversary Celebration, Boettcher Concert Hall Celebrate the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing with scores from the legendary John Williams—including “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Star Wars.”

303-623-7876 • coloradosymphony.org

July 5-6 Dead & Company, Folsom Field See Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart along with John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti. deadandcompany.com

July 15 Lyle Lovett, Red Rocks Lovett plays with His Large Band

July 5-7

July 22

Cherry Creek Art Festival, Cherry Creek North This weekend event is a world-class and award-winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts. cherrycreekartsfestival.org

Diana Ross, Red Rocks In celebration of her 75th birthday, the legendary Ross will grace Red Rocks on her “Brand New Day Tour.”

720-865-2494 • redrocksonline.com

July 10

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July 26-27 Photo: Doug Wong

Hugh Jackman: The Man. The Music. The Show, Pepsi Center The “World Tour 2019” with a live orchestra will include hit songs from: “The Greatest Showman,” “Les Misérables” and “The Boy From Oz.” 303-405-1100 • pepsicenter.com

WAVE: Light + Water + Sound, Breckenridge, through June 2

Tedeschi Trucks Band, Red Rocks Veteran blues-rock powerhouses Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks return for a two-night event.

720-865-2494 • redrocksonline.com

HOT TICKETS

July 28 John Prine, Red Rocks A two-time Grammy winner, Prine joins the Colorado Symphony with guests I’m With Her band.

303-623-7876 • coloradosymphony.org

July 31 Peter Frampton, Red Rocks After rousing crowds for more than 50 years, music legend Frampton is saying goodbye on his “Farewell Tour.”

720-865-2494 • redrocksonline.com

July 31-Aug. 25 It’s Not You, It’s Me, Garner Galleria Theatre The Second City takes shots at heartbreak, missed connections and the mire of human relationships.

303-893-4100 • denvercenter.org

Out of Town Through June 2 Governor’s Art Show & Sale, Loveland Museum Don’t miss the largest juried fine art show to exclusively feature Colorado artists. The 2019 show features 56 artists. governorsartshow.org

Through June 2

this beautiful Colorado setting. gosnowmass.com

June 8-Aug. 22 Free Concert Series, Snowmass On Thursdays and two bonus Saturdays (June 8 and July 13) throughout the summer, Snowmass hosts a weekly free concert series on Fanny Hill. gosnowmass.com

WAVE: Light + Water + Sound, Breckenridge Featuring interactive artworks, temporary installations and musical performances. gobreck.com

June 11-12

June 8

June 12-Aug. 21

Rendezvous Craft Beer Festival, Snowmass Enjoy a weekend of craft beers, paired cuisine and live music in

Snowmass Rodeo, Snowmass Celebrating 46 years, the rodeo takes place on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. gosnowmass.com

Ride the Rockies, Snowmass The annual Denver Post Ride the Rockies celebrates 34 years with an overnight stop in Snowmass Village. gosnowmass.com

Experience the Unforgettable MADAMA BUTTERFLY COLORADO PREMIERE

Tickets on Sale Now! centralcityopera.org | 303.292.6700

JUNE/JULY 2019 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

PAINTING BY GREGG CHADWICK

BILLY BUDD THE BLESSED DAMOZEL LITANIES TO THE BLACK VIRGIN ENCORE: A MUSICAL REVUE

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HOT TICKETS

study and perform for concertgoers. aspenmusicfestival.com

July 6-Aug. 6 Central City Opera 2019 Festival, Central City Opera House Main stage productions include Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd and Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. centralcityopera.org

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Buell Theatre, July 9-28

June 14-16 FOOD & WINE Classic, Aspen Winemakers, celebrity chefs and culinary experts come together in one breathtaking setting. classic.foodandwine.com

June 20-23 Bluegrass Festival, Telluride Join festivarians and musicians from around the world for four days of unfor­gettable music at 8,750 feet.

800-624-2422 • tellurideskiresort.com

June 20-23

Photo: Joan Marcus

July 26-28

Our Senses: Creating Your Reality, Denver Museum of Nature & Science An exhibition that playfully reveals how and why what we perceive is not all, or exactly, what’s going on.

303-370-6000 • dmns.org

June 27-30 Wine Festival, Telluride Experience wine, spirits and epicurean indulgences by some of the world’s most revered chefs. tellurideskiresort.com

Through Sept. 2 Water World, Federal Heights Celebrating 40 years of fun in the sun, featuring nearly 50 attractions for the entire family.

303-427-7873 • waterworldcolorado.com

June 27-Aug. 18 Aspen Music Festival and School, Aspen More than 1,000 students, artist faculty and guest artists convene to

Through Nov. 2 Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, Denver New for 2019, the first artist-driv­en dark ride the world has ever seen— Meow Wolf’s Kaleidoscape.

303-595-4386 • elitchgardens.com

June 20-23

Photo: Jeremy Swanson

Vail Craft Beer Classic, Vail Enjoy craft beer, cooking and beer-pairing and more at the state’s highest elevation beer tasting. vailcraftbeerclassic.com

June 20-Aug. 4

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For the Kids Through Aug. 4

make Vail their summer home for a season of extraordi­nary music. bravovail.org

JAS Aspen Snowmass June Experience, Aspen This year’s focus will be on programming multiple smaller venues and a greater variety of artists and genres. aspenchamber.org

Bravo! Vail Music Festival, Vail Four of the world’s greatest orches­tras

Food & Wine Festival, Breckenridge Starring an array of varietals created by top wineries, guests will get more than their fair share of delicious sips. gobreck.com

JAS Aspen Snowmass June Experience, Aspen, June 20-23

July 9-28 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Buell Theatre Featuring songs from the original film. Get ready for Oompa-Loompas and more.

303-893-4100 • denvercenter.org

FOR THE FOODIE

That’s the Spirit The Wood brothers are bottling their passion for fine spirits

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By KIM D. MCHUGH

YOU NEVER KNOW HOW AN IDEA IS going to manifest. For P.T. Wood, it happened in the 1990s while river rafting through Arizona’s Grand Canyon. During the trip he and his fellow boaters were enjoying the scenery, solitude and varieties of whiskey brought along by the owner of a local bar.

“By the end of that trip I decided it would really be cool to actually make whiskey,” Wood said. “That idea bounced around (in my head) for a little bit, I brought it up with my brother, Lee, and since we appreciated whiskey, we agreed it was a natural fit.”

In 2001, their first attempt to start a distillery was mired in red tape surrounding licensing, an indirect result of the 9/11 attacks. At that time the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was responsible for giving out federal licenses for producing distilled spirits, and the agency wasn’t moving very quickly in issuing them.

“It was really hard then,” P.T. said. “I’d been selling kayaks, my kids were two and three years old, so I was looking for a different gig. I gave up on the distillery for a bit and bought a pizza place.”

The Salida resident, then a kayak rep and whitewater guide on the Arkansas River, operated Moonlight Pizza, a popular local eatery. But his thoughts were never very far from creating a distillery.

He and his brother couldn’t have been happier when, in 2003, the regulation of distilling licenses shifted from the ATF to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. In hopes of joining Colorado’s blossoming craft distillery 42

COLORADO EXPRESSION JUNE/JULY 2019

movement, Wood sold the pizzeria and began focusing on the new enterprise.

When the brothers received their license in 2012, they put their business degrees to work, finalizing their operating plan, finding a suitable location, arranging financing and getting equipment for production.

As luck would have it, P.T. had already acquired a still. “My buddy Scott tells me he knows a super interesting German guy named Rudy who has a Ph.D. in distillation,” said the coowner. “He’d bought a still in Germany in 1960 and brought it to America, but it just sat in his living room essentially as a decoration. I worked out a deal with him and brought the still to Salida. That was in 2009.”

Wood estimates that the 150-liter pot still was built in the 1880s, underscoring that little has changed over the centuries regarding the fundamentals of distillation. Nicknamed “Ashley,” it is one of three stills employed in the distillation of spirits at Wood’s High Mountain Distillery, which has a tasting room and offers tours of the facility. The modern stills, constructed of stainless steel and copper, hold 2,400 liters, something that allowed the company to significantly increase its production. Deciding what spirits to distill came down to personal preferences.

ON THE RIVER P.T. Wood on a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon

“I pretty much make things I want to drink,” P.T. said. “The three different whiskeys came out of ideas based on flavor profiles I had in mind. And when I have a cocktail, I prefer gin.”

Accordingly, the distillery produces Sawatch American Malt Whiskey, Tenderfoot Malt Whiskey and Alpine Rye Whiskey. The first is matured over four years in charred, new American oak barrels, using two-row barley, cherry wood smoked barley malt, dark choco-

Wood’s High Mountain Distillery

144 W. 1st St. | Salida, CO 81201 719–207–4315 | woodsdistillery.com

late barley malt, malted rye and malted wheat. The second is an American malt whiskey with a bold nose, hints of tobacco, smoky and spicy notes and dark chocolate bitterness to balance it out. Aged for two years in new oak barrels, the third whiskey relies on rye malt and specialty barley malts to make an assertive rye whiskey with a flavor profile of cinnamon, caramel, smoky rye spice, orange peel and coffee.

Inspired by London’s dry style gins, the company’s Treeline Gin is distilled from grain spirits with Colorado-grown juniper. The result is a crisp, bright gin with floral and citrus undertones, and hints of licorice and pepper. Using the same distillation process and botanical recipe as the aforementioned gin, Treeline Barrel Rested Gin employs the extra step of aging in new American white oak barrels, which adds caramel, oak and vanilla notes to the flavor profile. A marriage of Rocky Mountain juniper, Colorado-grown cascade hops, elderflowers and other exotic spices, the Mountain Hopped Gin has an earthy, floral spirit with a hint of sweetness.

Made with Colorado-grown elderflower and finished with local honey, the Fleur de Sureau is Wood’s signature liqueur. A Colorado wine-based spirit, it has hints of raspberry and strong floral notes, making it enjoyable neat or for adding complexity to champagne and cocktails. San Luis Valley Vodka, a recent addition to the lineup, is a potato-based spirit that relies on multiple distillations to give it a smooth, crisp finish.

As one of Colorado’s estimated 100 artisanal distilleries—and the hundreds worldwide—Wood’s High Mountain Distillery recognizes the importance of standing out. That’s why consumers see Ashley and P.T.’s signature moustache on the hand-numbered labels. Then there are the ingredients, most of which are sourced in Colorado, the aging durations and the recipes that create the flavor profiles.

“I think one thing we do really, really well is we’re not trying to copy anybody else’s style,” P.T. said. “We like to put a unique stamp on everything.”

Sample their products and you’ll taste proof of that.

Kim McHugh, a Lowell Thomas awardwinning writer, has written about golf, travel, resort hotels, cuisine and architecture since 1986. Being of English and Irish descent, he has an appreciation for small batch, artisanal whiskey and gin, though he wouldn’t turn his nose up at an icy cold vodka.

PRE-PROHIBITION RYE OLD FASHIONED

2 oz Wood’s Alpine Rye Whiskey 2 dashes Angostura bitters 4 dashes Orange bitters 1 ⁄8 oz simple syrup, recipe below (a bar spoon or two to taste)

Add all ingredients to an ice-filled glass and stir to chill. Remove ice with a strainer to keep the drink at a good water ratio or pour over fresh ice. A large ice cube or whiskey stone will have the least surface area, so minimal hydration will occur.

Simple syrup is made by heating equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan and stirring until sugar dissolves.

MALT WHISKEY MANHATTAN

2 oz Wood’s Tenderfoot Whiskey 1 oz Vino Vermouth di Salida - Rosso 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Add all ingredients to an ice-filled glass and stir to chill. Remove ice with a strainer to keep the drink at an adequate water ratio or pour over fresh ice. A large ice cube or whiskey stone will have the least surface area so minimal hydration will occur.

TREELINE GIN SOUTHSIDE

1 ½ oz Wood’s Treeline Gin ½ oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice ½ oz simple syrup 3 sprigs fresh mint

Add two mint springs to shaker with lemon juice and muddle lightly. Add the rest of the ingredients to the shaker and shake 10-12 times. Double strain over fresh ice in a lowball glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig.

BARREL RESTED GIN NEGRONI

1 oz Wood’s Barrel Rested Treeline Gin 1 oz Vino Vermouth di Salida - Rosso 1 oz Campari liqueur

The perfect twist on a classic. Add all ingredients to a proper stirring glass and stir with ice until chilled. Serve neat or on the rocks. Garnish with half a moon orange slice or orange ribbon twist.

ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR— MOUNTAIN COLLINS

1 ½ oz Wood’s Mountain Hopped Gin ½ oz elderflower liqueur ½ oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice ½ oz simple syrup Soda water Add ice and first four ingredients to a shaker and give it a few quick shakes.

Pour over fresh ice into a collins glass and top with soda water.

ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR –ELDERFLOWER SPRITZ

½ oz elderflower liqueur ¾ oz Campari ¼ oz grapefruit juice Prosecco sparkling wine to taste Soda water to taste Mint

Add elderflower liqueur, Campari, grapefruit juice and ice to shaker.

Strain into a wine glass full of ice, then add half Prosecco, half soda water, top with mint sprig.

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RESTAURANTS

Hospitality Runs in the Family Sierra joins La Loma in the Brinkerhoff restaurant collection

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Just like La Loma, “the restaurant is filled with character and charm,” according to Mark Brinkerhoff, the son of owner William Brinkerhoff, who joined his father in running La Loma back in 2005.

As for the menu, Sierra offers twists on traditional American and MexicanAmerican cuisine. “We offer elevated American fare with a heavy Southwestern influence,” Price says.

Sierra’s killer shrimp is one of their

Sierra

10680 Cabela Dr. Lone Tree, CO 80124 303-662-8800 sierrarestaurant.com

most popular dishes. It features a Louisiana Creole sauce and oversized shrimp on a bed of coconut rice that is “just to die for,” according to Price.

“Our food is a compilation of Brinkerhoff family recipes, with some carry over from La Loma. We are a scratch kitchen where everything is made in house daily, including bread and tortillas, and we even cut all of our own greens. When you walk past our open kitchen, you will see our rotisserie

Photo: Grace Gatto Photography

BRINKERHOFF HOSPITALITY IS A family-owned company that opened its first Denver area restaurant, La Loma, in 1980. La Loma has been a staple in Denver for many years, operating as a family-run kitchen known for traditional Mexican meals, margaritas and an upscale-rustic atmosphere, and famous for such specialties as their green chili. In December of 2017, Brinkerhoff Hospitality opened its second restaurant, Sierra, in Lone Tree.

The idea was to establish Sierra as a “wood-fired grill offering the very best in food, beverage, hospitality, ambiance and architecture,” says Deanna Price, director of operations for the restaurant company.

In just over a year, Sierra has established itself as an upscale kitchen open daily for lunch and dinner. The restaurant features warm dining spaces, including a horseshoe bar. It has an in-house bakery, rotisserie and old-world clay oven.

The building is a dynamic A-frame structure sitting on a bluff in the RidgeGate community. “The floor-to- ceiling windows in our lower dining area offer stunning views of Lone Tree, especially at night, and create an unmatched dining experience,” Price says.

The look and feel of the restaurant is warm, inviting and rustic. The interior includes copper and red bricks, many of the bricks reclaimed from the original La Loma location, according to Price.

Photo: Sam Koerbel

By LINDSAY MITCHELL

where we cook chicken, Wagyu beef and lamb daily,” she adds.

Sierra also boasts a robust bar menu, offering a wide selection of wine and spirits. The restaurant recently rolled out a brand-new cocktail list, featuring nine original cocktails. “My personal favorite is the Prickly Pear, which is light and refreshing with bright citrus notes— perfect for spring!” Price says.

Sierra is also committed to supporting local food providers. Roughly

Photo: Brittni Bell

The Brinkerhoff family says they “strive to maintain simply great food and provide world-class hospitality to their guests.” Certainly, with La Loma and now Sierra, they seem to be achieving this goal, while also aiming to uphold their values of remaining consistent for everyone—from the families they have served for years to Denver’s and Lone Tree’s newest residents to tourists from across Colorado and beyond.

Photo: Brittni Bell

Lindsay Mitchell is a freelance writer and content marketer based in Colorado Springs. In addition to writing for Colorado Expression, she is a regular contributor to Southwest Art magazine. Learn more at coloradocreativecontent.com.

ALL IN THE FAMILY ABOVE: Inviting and rustic, inside and out. TOP, the bar is built with bricks from the orginal La Loma location; BOTTOM, the patio is just the right combination of warm and cool. OPPOSITE: A sampling of Sierra’s craft cocktails. TOP, Sparkling Vida; BOTTOM, Southern Berry

70 percent of the food that the restaurant serves is locally sourced, including dairy from Farmer’s All Natural of Longmont and greens from Larkspur. The bar menu lists several locally made spirits.

SPARKLING VIDA

1 oz reposado 1½ oz mezcal ½ oz agave syrup 1 oz brut rosé 2 dashes bitters

Pour tequila, mezcal and agave syrup into shaker. Shake and strain. Top with rosé and bitters.

SOUTHERN BERRY

2 strawberry slices 2 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon 1 oz simple syrup 2 oz lemon juice Ginger beer Muddle strawberry slices in shaker, add Buffalo Trace bourbon, simple syrup and lemon juice into shaker. Add ice and shake. Strain over ice and top off with ginger beer.

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People & Pets

LOVE OF PETS For the

Locals introduce us to their favorite four-and two-legged friends 3

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1 Nikki and Jeb Todd with Twomby and Judd (chocolate Lab). Named after the artists Donald Judd and Cy Twombly, Judd is a big ham and Twombly is aloof. Mostly they prefer Visions West customers who give them treats. 2 Angela Lieurance and Tater Tot. Tater Tot is the definition of a joyous dog. He’s an avid traveler (with owner Angela) and loves summer. Fun fact: Tater Tot and Hunter are cousins. Photo by Jensen Sutta 3 Alissa Shanley-Silkwood and Chris Silkwood with Boomer. Chief Doggo Officer at B. Gardening, Boomer’s responsibilities include looking cute and riding around with the Silkwoods in a purely supervisory role.

Photo by Carl Bower Photography 4 Jami Jensen and Chewie. Chewie loves giving kisses to visitors at the sanctuary and also enjoys running after and kicking a giant soccer ball! Photo by Sharon McElvain 5 Bradley Joseph and Moses. Moses and Bradley enjoy walks, hikes and movies. More importantly they challenge each other for who gets to choose their side of the bed first. Photo by Jeff Nelson

Tater Tot. Photo by Jensen Sutta 6

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6 Stephanie Richards and

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Elandro. Stephanie Richards’ Elandro is a naughty pony in a big horse body. He loves to stick his tongue out and beg for peppermints—or his favorite, bananas. Photo by Martina Gates 7 Max Rosenstein with Pumba, an outgoing pig that loves Canadian folk rock and The Monkees.

8 Steven Wiskow with son Lincoln and Peking Duck Penelope. “No paparazzi please,” says Lincoln with a serious brow. 9 Misti Miller and Hudson. Hudson loves his walks with Misti and prancing down the sidewalk knowing people want to stop and talk to him. 10 Dana Davis with Nick and Hunter (on the right). Dana Davis says Nick and Hunter (Tater Tot’s cousin) use to be California pups who loved the ocean, but now they are true Colorado-loving dogs. Photo by Jensen Sutta 11 Sharon Magness Blake and Thunder. Patient and stable, Thunder the Denver Broncos mascot with his owner Sharon Magness Blake made appearances at Super Bowls 48 and 50. Photo: Gary E. Pettit, Starwest Productions, Inc.

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COLORADO WEEKENDS

Horsing Around

PoloFest Denver combines sports, technology and music

By Elizabeth Kosar . Photography by Horseplay.tv

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WHEN THINKING OF POLO, ONE conjurs images of the British royal family or perhaps Julia Roberts’ iconic turn in “Pretty Woman.” Of course, in Colorado, we do it a little differently. Now in its third year, PoloFest Denver thrives at the intersection between extreme sports, outdoor recreation, cutting edge technology and musical experiences.

PoloFest and its sister company Horseplay TV are the products of cofounders Rob Jornayvaz and Ty Mac Carty. Polo players themselves, Jornayvaz and MacCarty are striving to bring a more inclusive perception of the sport of polo to the public while showcasing the incredible capabilities of athletes on and off the field.

“These horses are running at speeds of 30-40 mph and the ball can go at 120 mph, which is faster than an NHL slapshot,” says Ford MacCarty, festival manager. It’s a sport that requires hand-eye coordination, animal management and sheer nerve.

By being the first to film and broadcast polo games using drones, slowmotion cameras and other techniques, Horseplay TV has been able to show the reality of polo to masses via events like PoloFest Denver and on Polo Channel, their proprietary streaming network. Recognizing that a polo field is the size of nine football fields and that the action often takes place far

Agustin Nero hits the ball on the nearside in front of a packed house

THE DETAILS PoloFest Denver Aug. 31 Denver Polo Club 6359 Airport Rd., Sedalia, CO 80135 polofest.com

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM JUNE/JULY 2019

There’s something for everyone at PoloFest Denver

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO UNFORGETTABLE COLORADO GETAWAYS

A portion of the proceeds from PoloFest go towards the Equine Partnership Program

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COLORADO WEEKENDS

World No. 1 polo player Adolfo Cambiaso scores a goal

The Denver Polo Club in Sedalia offers views of the Front Range

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM JUNE/JULY 2019

away, the team at Horseplay TV created strategies to “live produce” games, including instant replay, videos on the history of polo, the players and more.

PoloFest Denver, held at the Denver Polo Club in Sedalia, is the result of a dream to create a live, X Gamesstyle event for polo. By creating a festival that combines great live music with world-class polo matches, the team at PoloFest Denver hopes to draw a new and more diverse population to polo. Last year more than 3,000 people attended and this year, with back-to-back musical acts, the finals of Colorado Open featuring Adolfo Cambiaso, “the best Polo player of the last 50 years” according to MacCarty, and activations around the sport, attendance is expected to grow.

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO UNFORGETTABLE COLORADO GETAWAYS

Women’s polo player Pamela Flanagan

The bucolic grounds of the Denver Polo Club offer views of the Front Range. Family-run for more than 30 years, it began in 1986 and is currently owned and managed by Erica Gandomcar-Sachs, daughter of the founders. Though Denver Polo Club itself has a storied history and has hosted visiting polo teams from around the world, including those from India, the U.K., Pakistan and Australia, PoloFest is a Colorado-casual event. Think denim, not diamonds.

Some of the activities planned for 2019 include the opportunity to ride a polo horse (as long as you sign a waiver), try out a foot mallet, try out a mechanical bull, or hop on a wooden horse. PoloFest also features virtual reality headsets so attendees can experience what it’s like to be a professional player. After you’ve built up an appetite, head over to one of the many food trucks to satiate your appetite.

If you like polo, but are still on the fence about attending, PoloFest’s musical guests should convince you.

This year’s music headliners are Kygo, who holds the world record of fastest 1 billion streams on Spotify and Sofi Tukker. Kygo is a Norwegian DJ, record producer, and songwriter whose previous engagements include

the 2016 Olympics closing ceremony in Rio de Janeiro and the iHeartRadio Music Festival. Sofi Tukker is a Grammy-nominated American musical duo consisting of Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern.

The group is perhaps best known for their track “Best Friend,” which was featured during Apple’s unveiling of the iPhone X. These artists, with their distinct links to the sports and technology communities, are perfect choices for Polofest Denver as it showcases the sport of polo via streaming, film and more. It’s also appropriate to include an international artist, since polo is perhaps better known in Europe, Asia and South America than it is stateside. “Our mission is to grow and rebrand polo,” says Ford Mac Carty. “We’ve spent years working at this. Our long-term goal is to expand this beyond Denver.”

While this event is certainly a good time, it also benefits a terrific organization. A portion of the proceeds from Polofest go towards the Equine Partnership Program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Elizabeth. EPP provides mental health services to children, families, individuals, and groups utilizing horses in a form of psychotherapy called Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. “As polo players ourselves, we understand the importance of a connection to horses,” MacCarty adds. Last year more than $45,000 was raised for the organization.

No matter if you’re a Colorado native or a visitor from out of town looking for something that captures the essence of the area, check out PoloFest Denver. “Whether you’re a horse, music or food lover, you’ll find something at PoloFest to enjoy,” MacCarty promises.

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Elizabeth Kosar sat on her first horse at the ripe old age of two. The highlight of her riding career was a routine performed to “Greased Lightning.” Unfortunately, no videos of this performance survive.

JUNE/JULY 2019 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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GETAWAYS

Unbridled Relaxation

At Lost Valley Ranch, horseback rides are scenic and fun, but it’s the hospitality and relationships that keep guests coming back

By Lisa Perry . Photography by Jen Britton

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ANSWER THAT TEXT. FINISH THAT project. Do it all now! Sound familiar?

Maybe it’s time to just start horsing around. Lost Valley Ranch offers the chance to unplug and relax with horses and hikes, fly-fishing and food. Get a massage. Add in swimming and hanging out, trapshooting and boot-scooting. Travelers plan their own itineraries at this revered, all-inclusive guest ranch with trail access to 26,000 acres of Pike National Forest near Sedalia.

Lost Valley added its “guest ranch” designation in 1960 and traditions have endured. “Oooo-aaah!” is a ranch cry that’s used as a greeting, farewell, acknowledgment and happy exclamation. Accommodations remain beyond clean and comfortable, food is made to order and the views sure are pretty.

No surprise, the venue continually earns rave reviews. But the elements that elevate AAA Four Diamond Lost Valley Ranch into the must-stay stratosphere revolve around heart-felt hospitality and relationships—guests even have the same horse to bond with throughout their stay.

Two hours from Denver and a smidge less from Colorado Springs, once guests head west from I-25, they begin to disengage from work and stress. The last nine miles are pure dirt road, the ranch “driveway.”

THE DETAILS Lost Valley Ranch 29555 Goose Creek Rd. Sedalia, CO 80135 303-647-2311 lostvalleyranch.com

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM JUNE/JULY 2019

Lost Valley Ranch has a stellar kids’ program for little ones

There’s a cattle guard close by the main lodge, and ranch hospitality dictates that once you pass that line of demarcation you’ve officially started your stay. Wants and needs are completely, meticulously taken care of by a high-caliber veteran staff. “We always tell everyone that whatever’s going on on the other side of that cattle guard, it stays there,” says owner Tony Warnock. “When you cross the cattle guard for however long you’re here, we are going to take care of it.”

Warnock says today’s vacationers have replaced dude-ranch cowboy fantasies with a simple desire to ride off into the wilderness, relax and enjoy the scenery. Lost Valley remains a working ranch and cowboy wannabes can still help work cattle, so it follows that food and amenities reflect Western themes. But it’s also a guest resort with 300-thread count sheets and carefully chosen artwork in the cabins, courtesy of Warnock’s wife Brooke.

“Our cabins are AAA Four Diamondstandard quality, with natural materials in bathrooms and other areas, higher-end floor surfaces and seating,” says Warnock. “You walk in and go, ‘OK. It feels like a ranch, but it doesn’t feel like working for a ranch.’ We put a lot of money into our cabin experience and our beds, and in our dining area.” Hearty meal selections incorporate guest preferences within a menu made up of Colorado and Southwestern ranch-centric choices, all created with the best possible ingredients.

“We don’t have cell phone service, we don’t have phones in the cabins, we don’t have televisions in the cabins,” Warnock continues. “We have Wi-Fi in the main lodge and that is it. This is all by design, because we need people to unplug for their time here to be able to engage with our staff, with the environment, with their families—and build relationships. It’s not just for families. “Any individual who wants

INSIDERS’ VACATION GUIDE

to step outside the pressures of their daily existence comes here,” says Warnock. “The horses are just facilitators to that. The horses and hiking and fly-fishing. And people love it.

We try to stay close to who we are and what we are. We’re still a ranch.

Preferably the focus is about disconnecting and relaxing and enjoying just being outside in a really pretty part of Colorado.”

Eighty percent of the guests are in the repeat-customer category. “What brings people back year after year is our hospitality, our staff—the way that they take care of people. I do believe that’s a major differentiator,” Warnock says. Guest reviews may talk about activities, easy transportation and the stellar kids’ program, but also about a subjective feeling. Some say the ranch feels like home, others say it’s a place they dream about.

President/CEO Warnock grew up in rural Oklahoma and went from years of running Lost Valley Ranch operations to acquiring Lost Valley Corporation in 2011. He’s at the venue on a full-time basis. “For us, having shareholders and a board of directors is really a fantastic model because it gives us accountability, it gives us structure, and it gives us (more) expertise,” he says. During the school year, Warnock, his wife and their five children divide their time between a house on the ranch and another in Colorado Springs, allowing the kids to be home-schooled and also participate in sports and dance activities.

But every summer the entire clan is at Lost Valley full time, along with the ranch management team, who lives onsite as well.

The ranch accepts guests from March 1 through the Thanksgiving weekend. “For nine months we run this thing wide open and it takes close three months to put everything back together to give the staff, horses and facilities time to recuperate,” says Warnock. Holidays are a big deal, including a Fourth of July parade with kids and decorated horses and

Food and amenities at Lost Valley Ranch reflect Western themes

An all-inclusive guest ranch with trail access to the Pike National Forest

tractors. “It’s the goofiest, hokiest, silliest thing you’ve ever seen, and people just flat love it,” he says. Easter sells out quickly and Warnock says the Thanksgiving meal is a “huge blowout to end the season,” sold out from one to two years in advance.

Reservations are booked by phone only, with multiple conversations between travelers and staff. “It’s not a transaction, it’s a relational experience,” Warnock says. “It sets everyone up for success. We’d hate for guests to show up and not meet their expectations.”

Do guests need cowboy boots? “Cowboy boots or not, just be comfortable for riding,” says Warnock. “We’re a casual place. Whatever you bring, don’t worry about fitting an image or what everyone else is wearing. Just be yourself, and whatever that looks like is just fine.”

Lisa Perry has written about Colorado attractions and events for 25 years. She grew up in Oklahoma, graduated from Oklahoma State University—and was jazzed to learn that Tony Warnock is both a native Oklahoman and an OSU grad.

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BODY & SOUL

Doggone Good Medicine Therapy animals spread comfort and healing in hospitals and beyond

Photo: Terri Watson

By Jen Reeder

that breakthrough moment and how grateful they were …. Sometimes animals can do things that people just can’t do.”

Tieman is one of many Coloradans who volunteer with a therapy animal as a special way to give back to their local community. While service animals are trained to assist their handlers (such as a guide dog for a person who is blind), therapy animals help strangers.

Dogs are the most common species of therapy animal, but the national

nonprofit Pet Partners (the parent organization of Denver Pet Partners) also registers cats, horses, donkeys, ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs, domestic rats, birds, pigs, llamas and alpacas.

Laura Ackerman, director of marketing and communications for Denver Pet Partners, said there are about 130 therapy animal teams who visit hospitals as well as senior residences, memory care facilities, programs for at-risk youth, pretrial counseling sessions with court witnesses, reading programs for

Therapy dog Munchkin from Freedom Service Dogs

W

WHEN LINDA TIEMAN FIRST LEARNED about therapy dogs who visit patients in hospitals to “bring smiles,” she thought it would be a fun thing to do in retirement with her golden retriever, Dillon. But their experiences during the past 12 years volunteering with the nonprofit Denver Pet Partners have proved to be even more meaningful. In a particularly memorable encounter at a hospital, a woman ran into the hallway to ask if the dog could visit her young daughter, who had been in a coma for about three months—and loved dogs. The mother started petting Dillon with her daughter’s hand.

What happened next was extraordinary.

“The girl—who was in a deep coma—opened her eyes, smiled and started moving her hand to pet him,” Tieman recalled. “Her parents broke into tears. I will never forget

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Mike and Linda Tieman with Dillon and Darby from Denver Pet Partners

Photo: Patty Howe

LIVING A LIFE OF BALANCE

kids (a miniature horse named Duke is particularly popular), universities during finals week and special events.

“The effect on people is amazing,” she said.

Research has shown numerous benefits of interacting with animals, from lowering blood pressure to decreasing symptoms for veterans with PTSD and boosting sociability in children with autism.

“Oxytocin, which is the hormone that’s released in women when they bond with their babies, is actually released in your body if you’re looking into the eyes of a dog and having a positive reaction,” Ackerman said.

“There are a lot of studies going on now, and it’s interesting to see things being proven that we just know anecdotally.”

Many nonprofit organizations offer animal-assisted interventions in metro Denver (and throughout the

Photo: Linda Chassman Craddock

Mike and his professional therapy dog Bagel who graduated from Freedom Service Dogs in 2016

Wally the goat from Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado

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BODY & SOUL

THERAPY PET PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH A variety of programs throughout the Denver Metro area and across the state offer pets to help people in need. Research is also being done.

Alliance of Therapy Dogs therapydogs.com

Barking C.A.A.T. Ranch 7275 Kipling St. Arvada, CO 80005 720-266-4444 animalassistedtherapyprograms.org

Denver International Airport’s Canine Airport Therapy Squad 8500 Peña Blvd.

Denver, CO 80249 flydenver.com/cats

Denver Pet Partners

Photo: Terri Watson

P.O. Box 271505 Littleton, CO 80127 720-556-3434 denverpetpartners.org

Freedom Service Dogs 7193 S. Dillon Ct. Englewood, CO 80112 303-922-6231 freedomservicedogs.org

Wonton is a therapy dog graduate from Freedom Service Dogs

Human Animal Bond Research Institute Shares research about therapy animals habri.org

Pet Partners

10325 W. Poncha Pass Littleton, CO 80127 720-556-3434 petpartners.org

Photo: Linda Chassman Craddock

Prescription Pet Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado

Numerous locations—call volunteer office for information: 720-777-6887 childrenscolorado.org

Therapy Dogs International tdi-dog.org

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Mini horse Misty helps clients through Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado

state). For instance, Therapy Dogs International has teams that visit Ronald McDonald House Denver, The Anchor Center for Blind Children, Colorado State Veterans Home of Fitzsimons in Arvada, elementary schools and other institutions.

For more than 30 years, Children’s Hospital Colorado has offered an in-house therapy dog program called the Prescription Pet Program, in which carefully vetted dogs and handlers visit children with cancer and other patients with a doctor’s “prescription”—the first program of its kind in the nation.

Denver International Airport has another distinctive therapy animal program: Canine Airport Therapy Squad. The program started in 2015 with 28 animals and has since grown to 124 dogs and, yes, one cat. Dogs are registered with the nonprofit Alliance of Therapy Dogs and circulate in terminals wearing “Pet Me” vests to ease stress of frazzled travelers.

Their handlers give away trading cards with their pet’s photo and stats like “Favorite Treat.”

“We are excited to currently have the largest airport pet therapy program in the country,” said Lisa Dittberner, manager of volunteer programs. “We encourage airport guests to take a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the airport to hug them, pet them and take a picture with them.”

Denver is also home to professional therapy animals that assist therapists, social workers, school counselors and other mental health professionals. A prime example is Barking C.A.A.T. Ranch in Arvada, run by the nonprofit Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado.

Linda Chassman, a therapist and educator, co-founded the organization in 2010 after witnessing the positive effect that her cat Norman had on patients when she was in private practice. Now the ranch offers animal-assisted psychotherapy with more than 30 animals, includ-

ing horses, donkeys, alpacas, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and rats (named “Peanut” and “Butter” by clients).

A domestic violence survivor working to find her voice might learn to assert herself by leading a horse, or clients might start a conversation about substance abuse after watching a canine “fetch addict” relentlessly chase a ball. All the animals are rescues, which cultivates empathy, Chassman said.

“For what we do, the animal story is really important,” she explained.

“If we’ve had an animal that’s been abandoned or neglected, then the client feels for the animal and then they feel like they’re helping the animal, too.”

Freedom Service Dogs is an Englewood-based nonprofit that rescues dogs and trains them as service animals for veterans with PTSD and people with disabilities (for free). If a dog is disqualified from working as a service dog—for instance, if he startles at loud noises—he can be retrained as a therapy dog for professionals like Chassman, who got her dog Rupert from the organization.

Erin Conley, director of communications for Freedom Service Dogs, said graduates have gone on to assist many therapists, including those who work with elderly veterans and children who are victims of sexual abuse. Some rescued dogs have clearly had rough starts, but she said with positive reinforcement training, “You really see them come out of their shells and start to shine.”

“We try to help them fulfill their purpose,” she said. “These therapy dogs get to touch many, many lives.”

2914 East Sixth Avenue 303/333/2493

LIVING A LIFE OF BALANCE

Award-winning journalist Jen Reeder is immediate past president of the Dog Writers Association of America. Her work has appeared in Family Circle, BBC News, Modern Dog and many other publications. She wrote about her experiences volunteering at a Durango hospital with her therapy dog, Rio, in the anthology “Second-Chance Dogs.”

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Photo: Ron Ruscio

Clutch Design Studio keeps client needs at center of its custom homes

Form, function and delight have been the three fundamentals of design since the ancient dawn of architecture. Beyond the basics of shape and purpose, it is in the definition of delight that each piece of architecture finds its own unique reflection of whoever commissioned it. For the team at Clutch Design Studio, architecture begins with understanding the particular wants, needs, pet peeves and dreams of their custom home clients.“

By Sean O’Keefe SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS ABOVE: The Cliff House heavy timber bunk room OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP PHOTO: Washington Park duplex kitchen; three rooms of a University Hills home: custom dining room table, living room and master bedroom

Photo: Ron Ruscio

Photo: Ron Ruscio

Photo: Ron Ruscio

Photo: Visual Entities

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As a team, our focus is on creating incredible architecture,” says Robin Ault, director of design at Clutch Design Studio’s Denver office. The studio is a low-slung brick building in the Baker neighborhood where a mix of bungalow homes and blue-collar commercial enterprises comingle. When Clutch took possession of a former warehouse building at 309 W. 1st Avenue, they gutted it to the rafters and floors.

They then detailed the space to reveal a material-rich sensibility of exposed brick, rough-hewn timber and time.

From this platform, the Clutch team explores purpose and possibility with a combination of commercial, civic and custom home projects of almost any scope or scale, putting the client at the center of the conversation.

“Incredible architecture requires building genuine relationships with great clients,” Ault says.

Since the firm’s founding in 2013, Clutch has been hands-on with projects as large as a 400,000- square foot Denver Tech Center office building and as small as a 1,200 square-foot mountain getaway for two. Regardless of scale, design excellence is achieved by the people doing the work.

On Clutch’s high-end custom homes, Kristen Tonsager, head of interior design, is in the mix at every stage of the process.

“I love the hands-on craft Clutch Design Studio experience of custom residen309 W. 1st Ave. tial, says Tonsager, who grew Denver, CO 80223 up in Colorado before migrat303-459-2799 ing east for college at Drexel clutchdesignstudio.com University. Her formative years in design were spent in Miami creating luxury interiors. To begin exploring new project types, she took a position at Leo A. Daly working on aviation architecture, where the scale is enormous. After returning to Colorado in 2007, she landed at Denver’s famed Fentress Architects, where she met Ault while working together on airport projects in Los Angeles and Charleston, S.C. “I found that I missed the personal connection with my clients on those very large, commercial assignments,” shares Tonsager. When Ault and partners Matt Robertson and Christopher Campbell approached her about joining their new venture, the decision wasn’t hard to make. “In a custom home, we are designing down to the doorknobs and drapery. These are the tactile parts of the project. Allowing the client to touch, feel, and choose the materials is paramount to achieving a personal connection.”

For Tonsager, achieving a personal connection with homeowners needs to start in the most intimate of spaces, their home. She enjoys meeting somewhat informally, generally in the evening for a glass of wine and a thoughtful conversation about how they live and what makes them happy.

“It’s important to understand their lives and lifestyle.

What they like about their space and don’t like as well,”

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AT HOME IN YOUR DREAMS RIGHT, TOP: Blending old and new are challenges common to residential renovations BOTTOM: A relaxed gentleman’s quarters

Tonsager says. “We get their wish list and ask enough questions to become slightly intrusive. Then we design.”

Concept exploration is, of course, the fun part. Clutch generally presents three conceptual iterations of a floor plan. Concepts are communicated in person through a combination of digital 3-D models, 2-D floor plans, renderings and a sincere enthusiasm for the process of fine-tuning the direction through client interaction. Tonsager frequently uses mood boards, which combine images of furnishings, furniture, fixtures and finishes as an ensemble to depict an evocative expression of place. The vision boards not only help custom homeowners establish a genuine presence in the finished work but as important, they often help keep them on track along the way.

“Many custom homeowners have never experienced the process of architecture before, which can become overwhelming,” the interior designer says. “We can take them to design showrooms, see and feel countless materials, and even commission artisan pieces of furniture until the home is absolutely unique to their expectations.”

Project material choices need not only align with the design, but also meet cost expectations. Tonsager manages the budgetary boundaries of her work by being organized.

Detailed spreadsheets developed for each project tabulate material options, purchase costs, installation costs, maintenance obligations and other differentiators.

“It’s irresponsible to advocate for things the client can’t afford, but we don’t hesitate to propose luxury items that they can afford,” says Tonsager.

As the client’s comfort level and confidence in the emerging design solution grows, for much of their custom home projects, Clutch takes on something of an owner’s representative role. Just like architects or materials, there are a lot of choices for general contractors. In consideration of the design style and building materials, project location and available, qualified, resources, Clutch will recommend three or four contractors for clients to choose from. They will manage a qualifications review, interview introduction process and solicit cost proposals. Once the contractor is selected, collaboration ensues between Clutch and the contractor as the design transitions from the digital realm to reality. Clutch remains involved throughout construction, monitoring the contractor’s adherence to drawings, answering questions and finding solutions to any challenges that arise.

“We’re not designing homes to a builder’s spec,” Ault says. Achieving a homeowner’s dreams is in the details.

“Clutch goes full custom on every home we touch because that’s the way we think it ought to be.”

Sean O’Keefe writes for publications, architects, builders and product manufacturers based on 20 years of experience in the design and construction industry. He can be reached at sean@sokpr.com.

Photos: Ron Ruscio

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Buying and selling a home can be one of the most exciting, stressful and confusing times of one’s life. There are many elements to consider, decisions to make and a necessary bank of knowledge that most people simply do not possess—and that’s just to begin the process. And after the home is bought or sold, more work is often needed to “make it one’s own.”

But it doesn’t have to be difficult. Colorado born-and-bred father and daughter team Bob Brown of RC Brown Construction and Grace Brown Sullivan of Compass Real Estate are looking to change the real estate process, utilizing his more than 30 years of construction know-how and her digital marketing savvy to provide knowledge and resources to make buying and selling a home easier. The result is a fullservice experience that’s leaving clients wondering, “Why doesn’t everyone do it this way?”

Grace’s idea of working with her dad sparked because she found it challenging to be a solo real estate agent. “You never want to do a disservice to your client by not having the time, the resources or the knowledge to give them the absolute best service possible,” she said.

Her solution? Bring in her dad for his construction background and knowledge of Denver. “It’s like he’s the ultimate resource for any buyer or seller in Denver,” Grace said.

She convinced him to pare down the number of houses he would build and work with her. And that’s how the pair

created Brown Residential, providing their knowledge and skills on many facets of real estate to clients.

Bob is not only an expert in every part of the building process, he also has extensive experience working with architects and designers on projects from the ground up.

He’s cultivated a network of subcontractors and other professionals that he trusts and who have a reputation for being both professional and easy to work with.

“I like creative projects,” Bob said, adding that he’s been doing more modern designs recently. He’s inspired by creative contemporary design and likes focusing on getting a house to connect with its natural surroundings.

Among his more impressive projects was a 6,700-squarefoot modern residence in Cherry Hills Village named by Colorado Homes & Lifestyles as its 2016 Home of the Year.

Grace took a more indirect route to real estate, but she came up in the business.

“I grew up with my dad building houses. I was probably 5 or 6 years old and he started doing spec projects in Cherry Hills and southeast Denver,” Grace said. After graduating from the University of Colorado-Boulder, Grace decided that she wanted to be in a bigger city, so she moved east to Baltimore, working for Under Armour in the finance department. She then moved to Los Angeles and worked for Pandora Radio.

“But I had this draw to real estate,” Grace explained. “I ended up getting my real estate license in California and when I moved back to Colorado, I decided that real estate was exactly what I wanted to do.”

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Photo: Travis Bartlett, Bartlett Creative

Quitetheteam

A father-daughter pair at Brown Residential keeps it all in the family with construction and real estate savvy to meet their client needs KEEPING IT REAL Grace and her father Bob are the perfect combination for creative collaboration

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Brown Residential Compass Real Estate Denver Office 201 Columbine St., Suite 300 | Denver, CO 80206 | 720-530-5443 compass.com/agents/denver/brown-residential

home inspection or maybe the clients are envisioning a kitchen remodel. Bob is able to assess the situation and provide advice as well as potential costs for fixing or enhancing the property. And though he may not always be able to do the work, he provides recommendations for tried-and-true contacts that can complete the project.

With the Browns providing this level of service and expertise, clients can save time and effort in decision-making, creating a much more enjoyable buying experience.

Photo: David Lauer Photography

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Sellers who work with the Browns also receive “an exceptional amount of value,” Grace said.

As an example, the duo is working on a listing in Cherry Hills which is likely to come on the market in June. Getting the house ready for sale is a two- to three-month process, Grace explained, because modernizing the interior with paint and using subcontractors to fix things that might come up during the home inspection.

Bob and Grace provide a combination of skills that make sense for any potential client looking to buy or a sell a house. But clients not only get the knowledge that these two possess—they also get the chance to work with two people who genuinely love being together.

“When I think about us working together, it’s just the greatest thing in the whole world,” Grace said. “I mean, there are so few father-daughter businesses out there, especially in construction, and I just love it. We just have so much fun, on the job site or thinking creatively about properties or about strategy. I’m excited to see where it takes us.”

Katie Coakley is a freelance writer based in Denver covering travel, beer and outdoor adventure. Her work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, online outlets and Outside online.

She’s trying to figure out a way to work with her dad, but he’s enjoying his retirement too much.

Photos clockwise from upper left: Susie Brenner Photography, Susie Brenner Photography, Travis Bartlett, Bartlett Creative, Susie Brenner Photography

She started working at Sotheby’s International in Cherry Creek, building her base of contacts. And though she wanted to collaborate with her dad right away, “I kind of got shut down for about a year,” she said with a laugh. Bob was in the midst of several custom projects at the time. However, when those were completed, Grace’s team dream was realized and the two started working together in December of 2018.

Here’s how they operate. Grace has a potential buyer looking for a home. She sets up the viewings and helps find what may be the perfect property. When they walk through the house, Bob brings his building expertise to the conversation. Perhaps there are concerns that might arise on a

MAKING HOMES BELOW: An Englewood home with an open floor plan and lots of natural light OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT: Renovated Observatory Park home; kitchen in a White Deer Valley home; an addition to a Denver Highlands home; a living room with views of the surrounding foothills

OFFICES

Personalized Office Space Feeds Productivity Coworking meets the needs of both employees and business owners

S

Newly opened RISE Collaborative Workspace is a coworking space for women

SKYROCKETING REAL ESTATE prices and low unemployment point to coworking as the future for many companies. With one of the largest remote workforces in the United States, Colorado employers that are still requiring employees to battle traffic, conform to a dress code and punch a clock, only to sit in a cubicle and teleconference with another employee, client or vendor in a different time zone, will have high overhead, stressed employees, a tense culture and difficulty hiring talent compared to their telecommuting competitors.

With constant connectivity and never-ending notifications, the lines of work/life balance have blurred.

According to Stacy Taubman, founder and CEO of RISE Collaborative Workspace, “Work/life balance is

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Photo: Kathleen Mortland Photography

By Danielle Yuthas

Thrive Workplace has three locations

just not realistic. It’s about work/life blend now.”

Employees and business owners alike appreciate the ability to choose the neighborhood, the look and feel of the space and the community they engage with daily, which is why so many local coworking options have emerged in recent years.

“It’s been amazing to witness the revolution that is occurring in urban Denver—so many people are integrating more of their lives into their work environment.” Said Casper Lundemann, marketing manager of neu.works.

Where you go to work is very personal. Gina Shreck, founder of the soon-to-open coworking space The Village, said “I have owned a business for 24 years and entrepreneurship can be a lonely road. With a team of 12 remote workers, we were looking for an office or coworking space in Denver but couldn’t find one that had the vibe we were looking for, so we started our own.”

Each remote worker must determine the setup that meets his or her needs. Before you are wooed by amenities, close your eyes and picture the ideal workspace. Do you see a light and airy space with new friends and yoga mats or a private space with exposed brick, ping pong tables and craft beer on tap?

Some remote workers are looking to get out of the house occasionally and collaborate and socialize. For them, renting a desk in a community space with an active social calendar is ideal. Conversely, a coworking environment can also be a retreat to work in peace, alone. There is not a one-size-fits-all model. Like most of the trends of today, personalization is paramount. Some workers want the option for kids and dogs to drop in and others are looking for a refuge from yells for “Mom” or “Dad” and barking in the background. Also consider how often and during which

WHERE COLORADANS WORK

Photo: VRX Studios

The rooftop balcony at one of the 14 Office Evolution locations throughout the state

WeWork offers private offices, shared workspaces and event spaces locally, nationally and internationally

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OFFICES

Photo: Andrew Clark, Andrew Clark Studios

hours you intend to be at your new office. Regular business hours and around-the-clock options are available. Some workers prefer two days per month in at a community table and others require a dedicated space daily. If you have a larger team or hold client meetings, you may need the option to rent a conference room or event venue.

Not only will you be more productive as a remote worker, you will be happier when you have a choice of where you want to work and which type of community is right for you as opposed to a sterile, corporate-mandated cube. Best of all, you are not obligated to ask Becky how her weekend was the next time you hit the water cooler.

A look at a few local options neu.works Eames chair fans, this space is for you. The minimalist and light Scandinavian interior that feels more like entering an art gallery than an office in the heart of Cherry Creek North offers an upscale option that is further distinguished by offering 3,000 square feet of private event and balcony space to host events. “We cater to those who want to grow their

Shift Workspaces was the first locally-owned shared workspace in Denver

business in an elevated environment,” Casper Lundemann says.

Office Evolution This space identifies as “Ohana of entrepreneurs.” Ohana is a group of

people fighting for the same purpose. Office Evolution locations offer phone answering service, a locking mailbox and the ability for reception to accept packages and a national network of location for corporations managing multiple satellite teams.

Green Spaces Denver’s green coworking space in RiNo is now expanding to Winter Park so you can split your time between the city and the slopes under one membership. Work while you commute by taking the ski train. Snag a free day pass online to give it a try.

The Village Workspace is a cowork­ing space for female entrepreneurs

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Shift Workspaces As the first locally-owned shared workspace in Denver, Shift Workspaces is an amenity-driven, resort like community with outdoor work and entertainment areas, meditation and massage rooms, gyms, yoga studios, kitchen facilities, three

WHERE COLORADANS WORK

bars onsite and numerous meeting spaces. The arts-oriented community features more than 50 unique works of art by 13 local and regional artists.

Events are held daily ranging from sushi-rolling classes to happy hours and educational programing, including a B Corp certification program.

Not only does Shift Workspaces improve the lifestyle of members, the company is focused on environmental sustainability and became carbon neutral by planting 4,000 trees in Texas and Arkansas.

“Company owners have a unique opportunity to redefine success— we can use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems by balancing the interests of our community, our environment and investors” said Grand Barnhill, founder of Shift Workspaces.

RISE Collaborative Workspace A new coworking space for women has opened where there is a community mission rooted in what is described by Stacey Taubman as “Shine Theory,” which adheres to the mentality of “If I don’t shine, you don’t shine.” Women are connecting and collaborating and in turn, making social capital more accessible to women. To further support the vision of RISE Collaborative Workspace, the charity arm, RISE Society, connects high-school-age students with mentors and scholarships.

The Village Workspace Scheduled to open this summer, The Village Workspace is a coworking space for female entrepreneurs, founded by mother and daughters team Gina Shreck, Taylor Stauffer and Bailey Medearis. “We feel strongly that women think differently, they talk differently and they work differently. Why not create a space that is uniquely different?” said Shreck.

The Village Workspace will provide the amenities that blend the hospitality of a hotel and the services of a business growth coach. Media and

THE DETAILS neu.works 201 Columbine St., Suite 300 Denver, CO 80206 720-500-2345 neu.works

Office Evolution 14 locations throughout the state officeevolution.com

Green Spaces 2590 Walnut St. Denver, CO 80205 303-720-6850 greenspaces.com

Body&Mind ENHANCE YOUR

Improve Your Core Strength, Flexibility & Much More at Greenwood Village’s Finest Pilates Studio...

• Certified Pilates Instruction and Education • Fully Equipped Studio with Amenities • Private Sessions, Equipment and Mat Classes

Shift Workspaces

• Yoga & Barre Classes

Two Denver locations 303-355-5353 shiftworkspaces.com

• BASI Pilates® Teacher Training Program

RISE Collaborative Workspace 730 Colorado Blvd., Suite 200 Denver, CO 80206 riseworkspace.com

The Village Workspace

• Massage Therapy • Men and Women of All Ages and Fitness Levels Welcome • Retail, On-Line Scheduling & App

Introductory Packages Available

7173 S. Havana St. Centennial, CO 80112 thevillageworkspace.com

podcast rooms, kid-friendly offices, mom’s nursing rooms, zen/nap rooms along with monthly educational and networking events are planned. The look and feel is “boho chic” with an indoor patio under a lighted pergola and offices shaped like tiny houses.

Programming is mostly educational but also includes team stretches and WINSday lunches that integrate accountability.

Danielle Yuthas is a Denver native and marketing director for national franchise brand, SpeedPro imaging. She’s an advocate for telecommuting rather than I-25 commuting, and is among the growing sect who believe cubicles belong in 2005.

Located at Village Center Station

6380 S. Fiddler’s Green Cir. Suite 108C Greenwood Village, CO 80111 pilatesdenverstudio.com 303.779.0164

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Home Style

WHAT’S

TRENDING FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME

Inside or out, enhance your living space with items that make a statement

LULU’S FURNITURE & DECOR Lulu’s Furniture & Decor offers an entire range of furniture, including American-made sectionals, sofas and chairs available in affordable custom upholstery; dining tables and smaller items such as side tables and ottomans. In addition, you’ll find pieces that make a house a home, including unique art, functional rugs and an array of lighting. Design services are available, running the gamut from simply choosing paint colors to furnishing and styling an entire home or commercial space.

Lulu’s Furniture & Decor 3475 S. University Blvd., Englewood CO 80113, 303-756-2222 lulusfurniture.com

Have Elephant, Will Travel’ Original photograph from Lisa Limer, published in Travel magazine in 2004 35.5” W x 43.5” H $749

‘Model with Elephant’ by Kenneth Willardt 42.5” W x 32.5” H $929

SHAVER RAMSEY Ikat pillows in handwoven velvet sourced in Uzbekistan and made in Turkey come in dozens of colors and patterns. The stunning handmade designs will add an elegant touch to any home. Shaver-Ramsey strives to bring beautifully unique oneof-a-kind pillows, rugs, kilims and textiles from all over the world.

Prices start at $185.

Shaver-Ramsey Fine & Custom Rugs 589 Fillmore St., Denver, CO 80206 303-320-6363, shaver-ramsey.com

KOHLER Inspired by the charm of turn-of-thecentury homes, an Artifacts free-standing bath is like a vintage treasure rediscovered—and enhanced by the comforts of modern design. The gentle curve in the rim shape offers added neck support while keeping the center at a lower height for easy access in and out of the bath. The smooth enameled interior is complemented by a painted finish on the exterior.

Customize your Artifacts bath with a pedestal base or ball-and-claw feet.

Suggested retail price, $4,499.

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Home Style

Kohler Signature Store Denver 3310 E. 1st Ave., Denver CO 80206, 720-245-2911 kohlersignaturestoredenver.com us.kohler.com/kohler

Denver’s premier curator of outdoor spaces will keep your home beautiful by evoking the vibrancy of the changing seasons with seasonal container programs. B. Gardening Landscape Design will select the right plants, decor and containers for your space based on several factors including architecture, personal style, color trends, design aesthetic and exposure. Installed one to four times per year and refreshed as needed. Seasonal programs include custom design time in order to tailor your look. Price varies per property.

B. Gardening Landscape Design 720-320-3949, bgardening.com

Photo: Carl Bower Photography

B. GARDENING LANDSCAPE DESIGN

ARMSTRONG FLOORING

Home Style

Armstrong Flooring’s Vivero luxury vinyl flooring offers stunning wood and stone styles with high attention to detail. It’s suitable for almost any room—including kitchens, bathrooms and basements—thanks to waterproof planks that won’t swell, buckle or lose integrity when exposed to water.

Vivero is available with Diamond 10 Technology, a durable finish to keep floors looking beautiful. $3-$5 per square foot depending on style; plus installation.

Available at Carpet Exchange Denver 1133 S. Platte River Dr., Denver CO 80223, 303-744-3300 carpetexchangeonline.com armstrongflooring.com

Home Style

THIBAUT Thibaut is the nation’s oldest designer wallpaper firm, established in 1886. The company’s catalog now includes fine fabrics and high-end furniture. Over the years Thibaut’s product offerings have broadened to include a variety of wallcoverings, coordinating print fabrics, embroideries and woven upholstery fabrics. The recent launch of an upholstered furniture line has established Thibaut as a resource of product categories favored by designers and upscale consumers alike.

Available at all Colorado Guiry’s locations, including: Guiry’s Inc. 5475 Leetsdale Dr. Denver, CO 80246 303-757-5435, guirys.com

Thibaut 480 Frelinghuysen Ave. Newark, NJ 07114 800-223-0704 For a complete list of retailers, visit thibautdesign.com.

FERGUSON BATH, KITCHEN AND LIGHTING GALLERY Bring your personality to your kitchen in a new way. The kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where family gatherings start and all great parties end. Dacor has teamed up with Sherwin Williams so you can customize the color of your range, refrigerator, dishwasher or vent hood to your personal taste. Come and see the latest trends in appliances, plumbing and lighting at either of the company’s Denver-area showrooms.

BAC Appliance Center, a Ferguson Enterprise 1880 W. Oxford Ave. Englewood, CO 80110 303-618-7288, 4bac.com Ferguson 17655 E. 25th Dr. Aurora, CO 80011 303-739-8000 fergusonshowrooms.com

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Our home values.

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L O C A L . L U X U R Y. CH ER RY C R E E K

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465 MADISON STREET - CHERRY CREEK NORTH SOLD: $1,850,000

DAGLEY ARNOLD

mobile: 303.710.5550 dagley@perryandco.com

55 S. DEXTER STREET - HILLTOP SOLD: $1,750,000

CARLA BARTELL

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250 COLUMBINE STREET #219 - CHERRY CREEK NORTH SOLD: $1,450,000

CHE R RY CR E E K NO RTH 2902 E. 3R D AVE.

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KAREN NICHOLS

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CORRIE LEE

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AMY SHONSTROM

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Vibrant color, contemporary styling and organic materials are among the fresh notes for homes

Just when we think we’ve defined our personal styles, emerging design trends tease us into secondguessing ourselves by introducing fresh looks.This year and going forward into 2020, design experts have revealed concepts based on blending the new, the old and the different across individual areas rather than restraining decor to a specific style throughout the home.

Living and family rooms While open-

plan living remains popular, clever definition of interior zones is easily accomplished.

Ingenious building materials used on partial or accent walls and half bookcases in beautiful woods, textured acrylic panels or changes in flooring can create depth and subtle borders, establishing areas where design styles can shift but blend well. The goal? The flow of a home finds a more interesting pathway.

design trends Kitchens Open shelving is back and allows for an artful display of glassware and dishes in complementary patterns and colors. It emulates a puzzle where the various parts come together to create an eye-catching design and, in the case of a kitchen, a functional element.

Its opposite, concealed cabinetry, allows for behind-the-scenes, customized storage. Furniture-like finishes add a new twist to cabinets that camouflage a host of convenient and practical pull-out shelves, drawers and appliances.

Unexpectantly, doors open onto fun features like hidden wine fridges and espresso stations.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association reports that black stainless and bright colors are trending this year. Homeowners are looking for

By Marge D. Hansen

appliances that offer full Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as pizza and convection ovens and induction cooktops. Regarding overall style, 88 percent of designers say for its timeless look and relaxed feel, transitional styling is the way to go.

Ranked second, 80 percent confirm contemporary is still a popular choice due to its minimalist look and smooth lines that so easily blend with a kitchen setting.

Bathrooms Homebuyers and especially renovators are universally interested in more bathroom space. Designers are eager to comply with a focus on creating great looks that pair with functionality to meet a variety of family needs. NKBA holds that transitional and contemporary will reign in the bath, too. Upgraded features such as integrated grab bars and more wall-hung cabinetry will be popular, as well as door-less, walk-in showers and varied metal finishes on faucets. Water-saving “smart” toilets with bidet features, along with panel shower systems and voice-activated controls for water and lighting add technology to the mix.

Bedrooms When the dimensions of a room are not as generous as one might like, high ceilings add volume and ceiling moldings of larger proportions not only add interest but create the illusion of more space. A soft palette, smaller-scale tables and chairs, built-ins in the closet rather than oversized dressers and armoires are a great way to provide tucked-away storage and achieve a more orderly and tranquil mood in the master and secondary bedrooms.

Fine linens, luxurious duvets and throws, as well as textiles in subdued shades and textures are definitely the bedding of choice. This is not a massive swing from what we’ve seen recently, but in the last few years more natural fibers and surfaces have found their way into bedrooms.

Outside living The “outdoor room” is even more wellappointed and spacious this year. Backyard has almost become synonymous with resort living, adding amenities like pizza ovens to outdoor kitchens, home theaters and biggerthan-ever fire pits and fireplaces. Expansive water and rock features further naturalize the surroundings and provide a back-to-nature respite. New shapes in pavers add appeal and smart lighting enhances both the land- and hardscapes.

Design elements and finishes With emphasis on wellbeing and a comfortable indoor-outdoor connection, homeowners feel a strong pull toward designing their living spaces in ways that liberate them from today’s often frenetic pace. Keywords include stylish, practical, simple and low-maintenance.

New flooring products, as an example, have met these consumer requisites. “Growth in resilient flooring is driven by DESIGN TODAY PREVIOUS PAGE, clockwise from upper left: Thibaut fabrics and wallpaper in Rain Water and Palm Botanical patterns; Kohler Purist semi-professional kitchen faucet is the perfect counterpoint in the open, light-filled kitchen OPPOSITE PAGE, clockwise from upper: Kohler Real Rain overhead shower panel is the ultimate in imitating nature; Thibaut fabric treatments in blue-green Mekong stripe; NKBA 2019 Design Competition Winner Best Kitchen by Sarah Robertson; NKBA 2019 Design Competition winner Large Luxury Bath by Sarah Diaz-Velasco 78

COLORADO EXPRESSION JUNE/JULY 2019

the fact that its beautiful designs and superior performance make it well-suited for a wide variety of applications,” comments Deb Lechner, vice president of marketing at Armstrong Flooring. “When you combine the realistic visuals and textures, durability, resistance to water, and range of installation options, these products provide an unbeatable combination.” Jeanette McCuaig, Armstrong’s principal designer, adds that “Using colors and textures influenced by nature reduces stress and encourages a feeling of wellness. Our focus on wellness will continue to be a key factor. Design will become less rustic and more refined and soothing.”

Lighting offers its own special effects. Pendant lights with glass globes bring brightness to work spaces. Organic, woven finishes introduce softness over the dining table.

Floor lamps can contribute to the crossover in styles mentioned above, combining everyday useful function with brilliant colored or textured shades that add points of interest and depth to a room.

AMERICAN LIGHTING ASSOCIATION alalighting.com ARMSTRONG FLOORING armstrongflooring.com KOHLER BATH AND KITCHEN us.kohler.com NATIONAL KITCHEN AND BATH ASSOCIATION nkba.org SHERWIN-WILLIAMS sherwin-williams.com THIBAUT DESIGN thibautdesign.com VALSPAR valsparpaint.com

Color in compelling shades splashes across walls, furniture, fabrics and accessories this year. Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year, Living Coral, is full of life and warmth. Reflecting Pool from Sherwin-Williams goes for the green in a classically vibrant shade. Valspar offers a playful Orange Slice, which the manufacturer describes as “zesty.” Earth-bred materials like bamboo, cotton, flax, jute and raffia, as well as second-time-around reclaimed wood and eco furnishings made from recycled content incorporate the sustainability factor and green thinking that is on the rise in 2019.

Respecting trends In the context of high-efficiency, technologically up-to-date features that make life easier, reduce costs and improve the comfort of a home have moved from desirable to essential. The latest preference for matte finishes also tones down the array of digital technology that glows throughout a space, as do natural stone, organic tiles, well-placed internal lighting and warm woods—beautiful and easy to keep. Whether exploring new homes or retrofitting current living spaces, incorporating current trends adds style and, as realtors verify, value to your home.

Marge D. Hansen, who has built 11 personal residences, continues to be inspired by home design trends and amazed by the advances in technology and environmentally conscious, sustainable building products.

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Photos at right: Eugenio Wilman

IN YOUR HOME RIGHT, clockwise from upper left: two options of a Kohler ModernLife bathroom suite; the trend of nature influencing color and texture in a look from Thibaut’s Capetown collection; Armstrong Flooring's Rigid Core Vantige flooring is soothing and refined

JUNE/JULY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION 81

LANDSCAPING

Cultivating Garden Expertise Husband-and-wife team grew landscape firm from the ground up

By Colleen Smith

THE DETAILS B. Gardening Landscape Design 720-230-3949 bgardening.com

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Photo: Carl Bower

A

The B. Gardening team: Alex Venetucci, Andrea Cowles, Matt Fleming, Alissa ShanleySilkwood (owner), Chris Silkwood (owner), Brian Tutunjian, Addie Van Zet

Weeping Redbud Tree

B. Gardening intentionally remains a small business. “We don’t have a fleet of trucks. We only take on what we can manage. If you are on our list, you are someone who values a high standard of design, beauty and workmanship,” says Shanley-Silk-

Photo: Carl Bower

ALISSA SHANLEY-SILKWOOD, A Colorado native, set her first gardener’s roots at her great-grandparents’ farm near Welby.

“I remember picking veggies out of my great-grandpa’s garden. I don’t know if that started my love of gardening, but it got me exposed to working with the earth and seeing plants grow and how rewarding and magical that could be,” says Shanley-Silkwood.

She went on to study horticulture and landscape design in Colorado. She and her husband, Chris Silkwood, a civil engineer, launched B. Gardening Landscape Design 20 years ago.

They began as a small, fine-gardening company. They cultivated their horticulture, design and landscape architecture skills with a commitment to executing projects not only beautifully, but also correctly.

“I see so, so much landscape work that has not been done thoughtfully, and it breaks my heart, Shanley-Silkwood says. “I see trees die because they were not planted correctly or put in the right place. I see patios falling apart because they were not built correctly, and I see so much of the same uninspired design.”

She blames our culture that tends to crave immediate gratification. “We are not a ‘quick’ company,” she says, “but we are the company to call if you value doing things the right way.”

wood, who wears a necklace that reads “boss lady.”

The boss lady cites Gertrude Jekel as a major influence. “The famous garden designer was an artist, a botanist and a colorist. She was a pioneer. But, honestly, I learned

Photo: Andrea Cowles

BEAUTIFYING COLORADO GARDENS

A border of Super Olympia Red begonias creates a big impact

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LANDSCAPING

trees! If there is a place to plant a tree, plant a tree. There are so many beautiful varieties, and they are so great for our environment.”

The husband and wife balance one another, a yin-yang of skill sets and temperaments. Shanley-Silkwood’s designs riff on pop culture and artistic trends while her husband is more pragmatic.

She says, “I look at industries like architecture, fashion and graphic design for inspiration, whereas Chris reminds me of how I imagine Leonardo da Vinci designed—more math-based with a nod to invention and innovation. Chris reins my crazy ideas in sometimes.”

Chris Silkwood masterminds significant landscaping challenges inherent to Colorado, including clay-based soil and extreme temperature swings. As a project manager, he oversees critical details such as

Alissa Shanley-Silkwood working in the garden

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grading, drainage, pluming, carpentry and masonry, gas lines and infrastructure.

“Denver sits atop a large layer of expansive clay soil that tends to expand with moisture and can negatively affect any hardscape, including patios, walks, driveways,” he says.

“To properly build something like a patio, you need the ground to be completely thawed, dry, and compactable. Often, landscapers get into a rush and build atop frozen and saturated soil. This will lead to a sunken patio. Patience is a virtue.”

B. Gardening’s staff includes designer Andrea Cowles: “She is the glue that holds it all together. She and I have been working together since the beginning when it was just the two of us and a little white Jetta VW and as many flats of pansies as we could cram into that car. Andrea is the young, hip energy of B. Gardening, and we have

Photo: Carl Bower

about her after I started this career,” Shanley-Silkwood says.

“I was more influenced by women in fashion design: Coco Chanel and Elsa Peretti. I knew I wanted to be a designer, but I didn’t know my medium. I came about landscaping organically. I love flowers, plants, playing in the dirt and creating beautiful spaces.”

B. Gardening designs often incorporate impressive mass plantings that reflect one of Shanley-Silkwood’s mottos: “Too much is never too much. Why plant one flat of flowers when you can plant 20?”

She favors garden walls to define space and fire features to spark warm intimacy. “I love the use of walls to give dimension: retaining walls, sitting walls, planter walls,” she says.

“No one ever said they didn’t love their fire pit or fireplace.” She also digs trees: “The answer is always

BEAUTIFYING COLORADO GARDENS

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A LANDSCAPING COMPANY Chris Silkwood, a civil engineer and co-founder of B. Gardening Landscape Design, offered the following tips for homeowners hiring a landscaping company.

• Look for a firm that has both experience and specific expertise.

“If you want a design, make sure the team has a landscape architect on staff,” Silkwood says. “Your landscape plans should resemble an architectural floor plan for a house. They should be clear, detailed, drawn to scale and property annotated.”

Photo: Andrea Cowles

• If you are looking for a project or construction management firm, ask about the experience of the project managers. “Do they have an engineer or construction management background? Request a resume.

Ask if you can drive by and see examples of their work in your city.”

A garden bed isn’t complete without layers

an amazing staff working hard for us and our clients,” Shanley-Silkwood says. “We have a very high standard which means that we cater to the most discerning of clients.”

B. Gardening’s lodestar steers them sharply away from mundane designs found ubiquitously throughout Colorado. Shanley-Silkwood will travel to another state to find the perfect pots for container gardens or order custom-made containers from France. To expand horticultural options, she frequently special-orders plant material from nurseries.

“I don’t believe in just using what’s available if it’s not right for the project,” she says. “I believe in waiting, looking and getting it right.”

The couple redesigns their own landscape regularly. “We have redone

our back yard more than five times in 19 years. I don’t recommend it, but I get bored and I like to change things,” Shanley-Silkwood says.

“Right now I am into the Old World courtyard feel: Mexico City with lanterns hanging from trees.

My husband bought me the lanterns and hung them up and now we are building the patio to match.”

The couple and their team respect the environment. “All our fertilizers are organic,” she says. “The only chemical we use is elbow grease.”

Colleen Smith is an avid gardener, a widely published journalist and an award-winning author. The past two years, the Stephen King-founded Haven Foundation awarded her a grant for freelance writers. She also won the 2018 Screenplay Contest co-sponsored by Women in Film and Media.

• If you’re looking for maintenance, ask specifically about how they approach management of your property. “Can they fix minor irrigation issues on site? Do they use organic pest treatments? Or do they just send a couple people with huge leaf-blowers?”

• “The wrong type of company can damage a landscape very quickly if they do not possess the correct knowledge or if they take the wrong approach,” Silkwood says. A good test is simply to see if they can identify the horticulture at your property. If they don’t know what most of the plants are, they probably won’t take the best care of them.

• “The most important thing is that you trust the company you are going to work with and you feel like you can communicate and your needs and desires are heard and understood,” he says.

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