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545 Strada Rossa Road Golden, CO 80401 5 Beds | 6.5 Baths | $3,995,000

Lori Abbey Broker Associate lori@theabbeycollection.com M: 720.840.4984 Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

New Construction on Lookout Mountain 545 Strada Rossa is a stunning mid century modern-inspired home located in the gated Strada Rossa Estates. This exquisite property offers 5 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and a range of luxurious features that make it a true masterpiece. The home is intentionally designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The mixed-materials palette creates a harmonious connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing residents to enjoy breathtaking views from every angle. The property provides exceptional serenity while also offering easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including world-class skiing and hiking. Denver amenities are also within reach, offering the best of both worlds. It’s an ideal retreat for those who appreciate both modern elegance and outdoor adventures. Call for more information!

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Cody Sturma | cody.sturma@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Dana Slone | dana.slone@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

‘Tis the season Hey Arvada, As we approach the end of the year, it’s always a great time to reflect on how your year went. Did it go as planned? Did you give it your best shot? What would you do differently? What could you have done differently? I’ll wrap it up and get to the point. Good or bad, you’ve made it this far and you have more to look forward to. Take advantage of this beautiful life we have been given, and cherish the time with your friends and family, pets as well! Our time is very valuable. I am honored you take the time to read this and flip through these pages every month. Arvada, you are the gift!

CODY STURMA , PUBLISHER @ARVADALIFEST YLEMAGA ZINE

SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

Lynn Davis STAFF WR ITER

Valerie Bianculli | valerie.bianculli@citylifestyle.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

Rachel Audette | rachel@theturqoiusecamera.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Michelle W. Parnell CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Rebecca Sloan Photography, Amy Sturma

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Arvada Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Arvada area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Arvada Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Home Sales & Heartfelt Tales

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Giving Back LO CA L S ERV I C ES

Local Limelight LI FE + C U LT U R E

Party Planning FO O D + B EV E R AG E

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Pet Friendly LI FE + C U LT U R E

Local’s Choice LI FE + C U LT U R E

Mental Wellbeing LI FE + C ULTU R E

Realty Report R EA L ESTAT E

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Events

Our Town LO CA L S ERV I C ES

Diving into Pete Gee’s philanthropic superpowers

16 Arvada Fire Co.: Going Above and Beyond Serving, protecting and connecting since 1907

26 Raspberry Pretzel Dessert A festive, easy holiday treat

42 Meet the Editor

An introduction to the newest Arvada Lifestyle team member

Whisking You a Whisking You a

MERRY CHRIS TMA S B R E A K FA S T PA S T R I E S • D E S S E R T PA S T R I E S COOKIES • BAGUET TES • WEDDING CAKES MACARONS • CUSTOM COOKIES & CAKES

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DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. PUROCLEAN RESTORATION COMPANY

PUROCLEAN RESTORATION COMPANY

7 5

FIVE PARKS CHIROPRACTIC

1: PuroClean Restoration Company hosted its 3rd Annual End of Summer BBQ on Sept. 29. 2: Guests enjoyed a day of food, family and fun at the PuroClean’s Boulder office. 3: PuroClean team poses during the 3rd Annual End of Summer BBQ. 4: The Finding Nectar Fall Pumpkin Festival included plenty of pumpkin picking. 5: Arvada’s Finding Nectar Nursery created an autumn adventure with its Oct. 21. Fall Pumpkin Festival. 6: Musicians during the Finding Nectar Fall Pumpkin Festival. 7: Five Parks Chiropractic Owner Dr. Jim Roles with guest Emilee during an office Halloween celebration.

CONTINUED >

C I T Y SC E N E

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8: Sara B as Jareth the Goblin King from the film “Labyrinth” at Five Parks Chiropractic. 9: A costumed guest of Five Parks Chiropractic. 10: More Halloween scenes at Five Parks Chiropractic. 11: RE/MAX Alliance in Arvada hosted its annual team Halloween Chili Cookoff. 12: Real Estate Agents created their chili recipes and the agency team voted on their favorite. 13: Real Estate Agent Sarah Prystupa takes a sample. 14: The top four chili cookoff winners in their Halloween attire at RE/MAX Alliance in Arvada.

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C I T Y SC E N E

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DECEMBER 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

The Deli Barbershop Opens With Chamber Festivities

Pure Dermal Care Celebrates New Skincare Service

The Arvada Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of The Deli Barbershop at 9850 W. 59th Place. Owner Felipe Gutierrez is a talented barber and first-generation American who is chasing his dream to serve “cold cuts” to Arvada, including fades, shaves, tapers, beard trims and more. Friends, family and community members joined Gutierrez and the team for a festive celebration. Visit linktr.ee/thedelibarbershop or call 575 520 6070.

Located at 13235 W 86th Drive, is a naturopathic skincare practice that offers anti-aging and acne skin care, body treatments, South Seas spray tans, lash lifts, ionic footbaths and more. The team, headed by owner Lynette Kotsay Beard, welcomed its newest service, microchanneling, also called collagen induction therapy, a skin rejuvenation procedure that stimulates the skin’s natural ability to repair/remodel itself and regulate cell function. Visit puredermalcare.com to learn more or call ((303) 601-3456.

Photography Arvada Chamber of Commerce

Photography Pure Dermal Care

Hydrate IV Bar Westminster Opens Hydrate IV Bar Westminster, 10449 Town Center Drive, opened on Oct. 29, offering its unique range of health and wellness services including IV therapy, vitamin injections and NAD+ IV therapy delivered in a spa setting. Proprietors Kevin Poel, PharmD, and Nicole Poel, RN, celebrated with their award-winning medical team of experienced providers and healthcare experts. Every service is administered by an RN for the highest standard of care. Visit hydrateivbar.com/locations/westmi nster/ or call (720) 923-6158. Photography Hydrate IV Bar Westminster

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HOME SALES & HEARTFELT TALES Pete Gee, Broker Associate, REALTOR®, MCNE, SRES, CNHS, RCC, RE/MAX Alliance in Arvada, weaves his real estate work into his community efforts.

RACHEL AUDETTE, THE TURQUOISE CAMERA

ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY

DIVING INTO PETE GEE’S PHILANTHROPIC SUPERPOWERS

G IV IN G BAC K | LOCA L SERVI CE S

Pete Gee, who you may know as a local dedicated real estate agent at RE/MAX, has an alter-ego, as most superheroes do: he’s also known as “The Shoe Guy.” He can be seen showing homes by day and collecting shoes and waste electronics at night to support his philanthropy, and it has truly become his superpower. Pete has managed to seamlessly integrate his business with his passion for giving back, making a profound impact through his charitable efforts. A desire for change drove his journey into real estate after a successful 20-year career in environmental regulatory affairs and project management in the government sector. His career shift in 2014 at RE/MAX Alliance opened doors not just for himself but for those he could help as well. “When you’re a real estate agent, you can help people sell their property, buy new homes, or purchase pre-owned homes. You can do so much more for, and with, the very same people you meet,” Pete shared. This realization marked the beginning of his transformative journey; a

testament to how real estate can provide a platform to give back and weave community work into a daily routine. Pete recognized the multifaceted impact he could make. “I learned from other agents. I would see other agents doing things for the community and how they were touching a larger number of people by community activities and I was inspired to find ways to contribute as well,” Pete says. While he was already participating in smaller-scale volunteer activities through his church and other efforts, the idea of a larger-scale impact appealed to him. His first charitable initiative included a shoe drive, and later a waste electronics recycling program, which gradually expanded his philanthropic horizons. He explains, “The goal was always just to serve regardless of the outcome. I disassociate myself from the outcome just knowing that anything that I put into it is going to help someone out there.” Through his shoe drive via Soles4Souls, Pete collected an astonishing 850 pairs of shoes in 2022, exceeding his initial goal by far. Soles4Souls is a nonprofit that channels shoes to individuals and small organizations in over 100 countries, aiding those facing educational barriers, participating in many relief programs, and working towards creating self-sufficiency in business. In countries such as Haiti and Honduras, 850 shoes can provide a month of food, shelter and education for 15 families. Pete says this initiative appealed to him because the organization also trains people on how to sell shoes to develop a business skillset. In addition, the sustainability factor was also important because instead of throwing away shoes and having them end up in landfills

Pete Gee on Oct. 21 with members from Soul4Soles community and operations management team in Wheat Ridge: Emmy Pham; Joshua Feliciano; and Kelly Modena.

Realtor Pete Gee at RE/MAX Alliance in Arvada.

Pete Gee with Amie Crouch, Marketing Assistant (left) and Debbie Parker, Transaction Coordinator (right).

a project like this can extend the life of shoes while also being beneficial to someone in need. “I have an area in my basement of electronics and shoes; it’s funny. People will see me and say ‘Hey, aren’t you the shoe guy? Can you take these?’ If they ever get to know me as ‘the house guy or the real estate guy or the RE/MAX,’ that would be a cool bonus,” Pete laughed. Pete was also awarded the 2022 Cultural Icon Award for the RE/MAX Alliance Arvada office. His waste electronics recycling program, which coincides with Earth Day, also promotes sustainability. Pete’s recycling efforts have expanded each year. This past April a total of 10,399 pounds of recycling waste, also known as E-waste, was collected. This breaks his previous record in 2022 by over 3,000 pounds, proving that real estate agents can play an influential role in shaping environmentally conscious communities. To join Pete’s efforts, email petegeehomes@ gmail.com or call 303-420-5352. If you’re in the market for a new home or have any real estate needs, please visit the RE/MAX Alliance office at 5440 Ward Road. Walk-in consultations are welcome and you can always drop off shoes. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3

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Arvada Fire Co.: Going

Above and Beyond

A firefighter hangs from the top of Arvada Fire’s Training Center, located on Indiana St., while conducting a high angle rescue drill.

Serving, protecting and connecting with the community since 1907 ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARVADA FIRE CO.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

Station 2 and 5 firefighters conduct annual technical rescue training, which includes high angle rescues. This is one of four special operations teams.

Dating as far back as 1907, Arvada firefighting has a rich history of serving, protecting and connecting with the local community. It all started with a team of volunteers and a great deal of manpower, literally. “Firefighting was a lot different back then and it’s come a long way in terms of the equipment and the safety and protective gear, for ourselves and for our community. In the early days, the hose they carried to the scene of a fire was manually carried by a two-wheeled cart,” shares Brady Johnson, Communications Specialist at Arvada Fire Co. “Our first motorized engine was purchased in 1923 and is affectionately called The Old Dodge. It's kept in good shape, cleaned meticulously, and we bring The Old Dodge to different community events and parades.” For almost a hundred years, Arvada Fire was a completely volunteer fire department. “We were the largest and one of the most successful all-volunteer

Firefighters conduct annual ice rescue training. The City of Arvada has several ponds, streams and reservoirs that freeze, posing hazards for the community.

Arvada Fire hosts community education and engagement events throughout the year and visits groups, such as this local YMCA summer camp.

fire departments west of the Mississippi River. In 1999, we became a paid career fire department, meaning that for the firefighters, this is their job,” explains Brady. “They live at the fire station when they are on shift and are paid for that time. We still have people currently working with us who started in the 1990s as volunteers. That piece of our history is recent and still a source of pride.” The department has grown to nine active fire stations with approximately 200 employees, serving more than 130,000 citizens. In addition to upgrades in equipment and training, the way Arvada Fire serves the community has changed over the years and encompasses so much more than fighting fires. “We’re a first-rate fire department that provides a high level of service to our community,” says Brady. “We’re one of eight fire departments in Colorado, and 150 nationally, that have both accreditation through the Commission of Fire Accreditation

International and a Class One rating through the Insurance Services Office. We provide a breadth of services and have many ways we can help members of the community. We are an all-hazards fire department, which means we are trained for, and respond to, a wide variety of emergencies and 9-1-1 calls.” “We train quite heavily for fires, but we also respond to medical emergencies; about three-quarters of our calls are medical,” he adds. “EMS is a huge component of the modern fire service and Arvada Fire. Every apparatus, meaning every fire truck or ambulance, is staffed with a firefighter paramedic and we bring Advanced Life Support capacity, the highest level of pre-hospital care, to every single incident. We also have four different special operations teams in addition to EMS and fire: wildfire, ice and water rescue, technical rescue, and hazardous materials. Those teams add a unique component to what we do.” CONTINUED >

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The grand opening of Station 3 in 2022, a state-of-the art facility at 7300 Kipling Street, replacing the former station first built in 1962.

Arvada firefighters pictured with the department’s first motorized fire engine in 1924. Called “The Old Dodge,” it is still seen in Arvada at special events.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

“WE ARE A VERY PROACTIVE AND PROGRESSIVE FIRE DEPARTMENT ... WE DON’T JUST RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES; WE TRY TO PREVENT THEM.” A large part of Arvada Fire’s daily activity focuses on outreach and prevention education. “We are a very proactive and progressive fire department in that we don’t just respond to emergencies, but we also try to prevent them,” explains Brady. “Any given day, we might have a risk reduction specialist in someone's home installing free smoke alarms, a firefighter performing car safety seat inspections for new parents, and someone who is giving a presentation about wildfire safety." The Home Safety Visit program serves the community in a special way. “If a citizen has a safety concern, they can call us or fill out a form online ... we will come to their home for free, check the smoke alarms, and install new smoke or carbon monoxide alarms if needed,” he says. “While we are there, we get to know them, look around for risks and find ways that we can make them safer.” It's not fire though, but falls, that are the number one call for 9-1-1 services, Brady shares. "Someone fell and might be injured or alone and they need help getting up,” he says. “In response, we have a Fall Prevention Program. We partner with an app called Nymbl Training, which is free. Citizens create an account and do different training and exercises, rooted in science, to help prevent falls and improve balance.” The STAR (Support Team Assisted Response) Program, a pilot program, addresses mental and behavioral health crises. “Its entire mission is to improve care and services to people experiencing mental health crises, substance abuse

issues, or homelessness,” he says. “There are a variety of no-cost services delivered with compassion for that demographic.” Recently, Arvada Fire released its 20242028 Strategic Plan. “We’re always looking to improve the services we have and the way we deliver them,” explains Brady. “The strategic plan is a collaborative process and a community-driven plan that serves as our roadmap." Feedback from citizens who call 9-1-1 is a key metric, he explains. Called a Citizen Satisfaction Score, the department is currently at a 97% satisfaction rate. In addition to ongoing programs, the department offers a Citizens’ Fire Academy in spring; the Youth Fire Academy for all youth ages 11 to 14 years old, and Camp Ember, for young women aged 16-18, in summer; and the Senior Safety Camp and Safety Fair in the fall. Events and programs provide an opportunity to connect with the community year round. “[They] provide an opportunity for us to get to know you and for you to get to know the fire department,” says Brady. “We don’t want the only time for you to see and hear from the fire department to be on your worst day. Although we are obviously ready for that day, we’d rather see you on a good day and build connections that way. If we can see people more on those good days, maybe we can prevent the bad days from happening in the first place.” To view the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, visit Arvadafireco.gov and follow Facebook, @ArvadaFire and on Instagram, @arvada_fire.

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Holiday Entertaining Boards The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board • • • • •

Fig Jelly Honey Variety of Cheeses Salami or meat of choice Olives (provide a variety)

• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut • Grapes, berries, persimmon • Crackers

Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh Rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries. CONTINUED >

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Sweet Treat Cocoa Board • • • • • • • • •

A variety of fresh berries or desired fruit Marshmallows Hot Cocoa Mix Chocolate Covered Pretzels Chocolate Covered Cherries Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers Chocolate Covered Biscotti Hot Cocoa Bomb Holiday Cookie Cutter

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Place your favorite holiday cookie cutter on the board first. Fill the cookie cutter with mini marshmallows. Next, layer the large items first. Begin with the chocolate covered Biscotti and build around that using berries. Pile the berries high. Next add a variety of chocolate covered treats on opposite sides of each other between the mounds of berries. Be sure to add touches of berries around the edges. If space allows, place hot cocoa on board. Otherwise, set bowl full of hot cocoa mix and any additional hot cocoa fixings adjacent to the board.

The Pastry Board • Donuts • Cinnamon Rolls • French Beignets • Rosemary sprigs for garnish Layer board with larger pastries first and layer in with smaller pastry next. Garnish board with holiday sprigs or fresh herbs.

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R ASPBERRY PR ET Z EL DE SSERT

A FESTIVE, EASY HOLIDAY TREAT

ARTICLE BY DANA SLONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY STURMA

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

R A SPBE R RY PR E T Z EL DE SSERT Raspberry Pretzel Dessert is a sweet and salty treat. Sometimes called Raspberry Pretzel Salad, it is an easy holiday dessert that is deliciously irresistible. Each ingredient makes for a crunchy and artful combination of creamy, savory, and fruity flavors in every bite. Pretzels bring the salt and make up the majority of the crisp crust. Butter holds it together, adding flavor. Sugar helps balance the cream cheese, while Cool Whip adds smoothness. Raspberry Jell-O brings all the bright fruit flavor with the frozen raspberries adding more flavor plus texture. Garnish with a fresh raspberry, mint leaf and mini pretzel for a final flourish.

CRUST: • 2 cups crushed pretzels • 3/4 unsalted butter melted • 3 tablespoons sugar Mix crust ingredients and then place in a flat layer in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Let cool.

NEXT LAYER: • 1 8-ounce cream cheese package • 1 cup sugar In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then fold in 12 oz. Cool Whip. Spread over pretzel crust.

FINAL LAYER: • 1 large box of Raspberry Jell-O • 2 cups boiling water Mix until Jell-O is dissolved, then fold in 12 ounces of frozen raspberries. Pour over top of cream cheese and layer. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. It can be served in cut shares or shaped as shown.

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DOG gone GOOD Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

P E T F R IE N D LY | L IFE + CULTURE

Peanut Butter Dog Treats Ingredients: • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree • 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter • 2 eggs • 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred) Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional). CONTINUED >

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No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Ingredients: • 1 cup pumpkin puree • 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter • 1/4 cup milk or half and half • 3 cups oatmeal Directions: In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.

Birthday Cake for Your Pup Ingredients: • 1 egg • 4 tablespoons peanut butter • 1/2 cup apple, finely chopped • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a ramekin and set aside. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into ramekin and sprinkle a few apple slices on top. Bake for 20 minutes.

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 32

LOCA L’S CH OICE | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3

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Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts ARTICLE BY DELIA JO RAMSEY The art of gratitude can be healing well beyond the month of November, but this is a great time of year to get in the true mindset of gratefulness. To aid in your endeavors, check out these 30 daily gratitude journal prompts and stick to them until it feels natural.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

14. 15. 16. 17.

18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

26. 27. 28. 29. 30.

Five things that make you happy instantly: Did you get any pleasant surprises today? Did you do any acts of kindness today? What's something big or small you can do for those less fortunate than yourself? Five personality traits you're grateful for: Favorite song and how does it make you feel? One small step you can take toward overcoming a challenge you currently face: List something good that caught your attention today. What nice thing did another person do for you this week? What's something you did for another person this week? Three things you own that make your life easier: How can you turn something that makes you angry into something more pleasant? Think of five people who irritate you or you have trouble getting along with. Name three positive qualities about them. What are you most thankful for in your life? Name three of your significant accomplishments. Most stunning place you’ve ever visited: Think about the personalities and unique qualities of someone you admire. Which qualities of them do you want to see in yourself, too? What's your favorite holiday and why? What friends are you most grateful for having in your life? What basic daily necessities are you thankful for today? What are you grateful for in your career? Focus on your five senses and write down how you can make them more active. Three elements of nature you're most grateful for: Three things you love about your town: List three struggles you experienced and overcame in your life. What did you do to overcome them, and who helped you through them? What meals do you enjoy most? Something you saw this week that melted your heart: A time when someone went out of their way to support you: A happy memory from childhood: Make a list of five places you'd like to visit and consider visiting at least one very soon.

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realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Arvada. N E I G HBO RH O O D

OR IGIN AL PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

Cameo Estates

$2,395,000

$2,300,000

96%

Scenic Heights

$1,450,000

$1,535,000

105%

Spring Mesa

$1,450,000

$1,460,000

101%

Spring Mesa

$1,395,000

100%

Spring Mesa

$1,425,000

$1,335,000

94%

Rainbow Ridge

$1,325,000

$1,335,000

101%

Candlelight Valley

$1,295,000

$1,275,000

99%

West Woods

$1,275,000

$1,250,000

98%

Leyden Rock

$1,214,999

$1,185,000

98%

101

Trail Village at West Woods

$1,150,000

$1,165,000

101%

Leyden Rock

$1,140,000

$1,151,000

101%

Meadows at Westwoods Ranch

$1,125,000

$1,100,921

98%

Sunrise Ridge

$1,075,000

$1,100,000

102%

Saddle Brook

$1,025,000

$1,000,000

98%

Leyden Rock

$1,100,000

$998,000

91%

Woodhaven

$935,000

$975,000

104%

Wildflower Ponds

$995,000

$970,000

98%

Alta Vista

$925,000

100%

Information obtained through RE Colorado Multiple Listing Service. List and sold price reflect one selected home within the respective subdivision.

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INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 oz- Cucumber & dragon fruit gin • 3/4oz- Toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum • 1/2oz- Lime juice • Topped with ginger beer • Hawaiian black lava salt & black sesame

GARNISH • Small paint brush • Simple syrup • Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with a pinch of black sesame

INSTRUCTIONS Infused Gin: Infuse 1 whole peeled and cut cucumber in gin for a week. Strain the cucumbers out. Add 1 tablespoon of organic dragonfruit powder and mix very well with a whisk. To make the syrup, toast 1/2 cup of black sesame at 350 for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool. In a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted black sesame, but not too fine. Add the sesame into one bottle of John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum. Let that set for about 2 to 3 days and use cheese cloth to strain out the fine bits of sesame. Juice one fresh lime and strain to remove the pulp.

Cocktail: Paint a strip of simple syrup down a Collins glass. Take a spoon full of Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with black sesame and layer that down where the painted simple syrup was placed. In a shaker tin combine: 1 1/2oz cucumber dragon fruit gin, 3/4oz toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum, and 1/2oz lime juice and shake that up! Fill the painted glass with ice (I use crushed ice) and strain over the ice. Top with your favorite ginger beer (my choice is fever tree ginger beer).

ARTICLE BY MATSUMOTO MARI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

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DECEMBER 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

D ECE M BE R 1 ST

36th Annual Fine Art Market/46th Annual Holiday Pottery: Multiple Dates

T HE ARVADA CEN TER , 6901 WA DS WO RT H B LV D, A RVA DA | 1 2:0 0 P M Dec. 1 through 18, shop thousands of giftable items like jewelry, ornaments, paintings and more from more than 90 Colorado artists. Also, instructors/students of the Center’s ceramics education studio offers pottery creations. Purchases directly support the artists/the Center Galleries. Wed. -Thurs. (12pm - 7:30pm), Fri. & Sat. (10am – 7:30pm), Sundays (1pm – 5pm). Visit arvadacenter.org or call (720) 898-7200. D ECE M BE R 1 ST

Saturdays with Santa/Olde Town Arvada Water Tower Lighting: Multiple Dates

O L DE TOW N ARVADA S QUAR E 5 7 T H A ND O L DE WA DS WO RT H B LV D, A RVA DA | 1 2:0 0 P M A free, fun chance to see Santa in the Olde Town Arvada Square: 12-3pm on Dec.2, 9, 16 & 23. But that's not all. Explore the Olde Town Holiday Market, 11am-3pm. And. the holiday lighting schedule for the Olde Town Arvada Water Tower is Dec. 18: Hanukkah; Dec. 25: Christmas and Kwanza; and Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve. Visit oldetownarvada.org . D ECE M BE R 1 ST

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Multiple Dates

T HE ARVADA CEN TER , 6901 WA DS WO RT H B LV D, A RVA DA | 2:0 0 P M Cinderella takes a whimsical turn in the Arvada Center’s production, creating a world where magic is real and dreams come true. Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Now through December 31. A stylish, contemporary take on the fairy tale classic promises fantastical costumes, hilarious dialogue and unforgettable music. For tickets, visit arvadacenter.org or call (720) 898-7200. D EC E M BE R 2 N D

FARVADA Holiday Market 2023

T HREE CR EEKS K-8 S CHOOL, 1 9 4 8 6 W 9 4 T H AV E , A RVA DA | 9 :0 0 A M Leyden Rock and Candelas are joining forces to host the FARVADA Holiday Market 2023. Shop local and check those names off your gift list. The event is posted on Facebook: it is recommended to hit “going” or “interested” to get status and updates. Items include candles, jewelry, ornaments, décor, art, knitted works, ceramics and more. Sign into Facebook at: facebook.com/events/891983308956858. D EC E M BE R 1 2 T H

Marmalade Lounge Holiday Movie Trivia Night with Woody Creek Distillers

MARMALADE LOUN G E, ALLEY E NT R A NC E , 5 6 6 5 O L DE WA DS WO RT H B LV D, A RVA DA | 6 : 00 P M Celebrate the holidays with Marmalade Lounge + Boutique. Grab your team of 3-5 people, brush up on your classic holiday movie knowledge and join The Marmalade team and Basalt, CO-based Woody Creek Distillers for a festive night of trivia in the Lounge. Tickets $10.View the events page at marmaladelounge.com or call (720) 452-2587. D EC E M BE R 3 1 ST

Noon Year’s Eve for the Kids

APEX CEN TER , 13150 W. 72N D AV E ., A RVA DA | 1 1 :0 0 A M Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your little ones (no need to stay up until midnight)! Noon Year’s Eve, ages 3 years old through 10. runs 11am-12:30pm. Apex Center will have music, games, a bounce house and balloon drop at noon to start 2024 off: early. Spots are limited: early registration is recommended: $7.00/residents, $9.00/non-residents. Visit apexprd.org/event/noon-years-eve/ or call (303) 424.2739.

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Arvada

EVE N TS

“A new home is more than just a house – It’s a present and future that holds no boundaries.”

Find Your Dream Home

Real Estate

Today!

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Chris White | Realtor® (303) 458-8188 cwhite@homesincolorado.com christopherwhite.homesincolorado.com 5440 Ward Rd Arvada, 80002

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Hello Arvada! I joined the “Arvada Lifestyle” team recently as its new editor. While my zip code is officially Golden since 2015, my connection to Arvada is omnipresent. I moved to Denver in 2006 and my first time “out” here was searching for a barn to house my horses. I found one; just where 58th meets 93. My regular barn commute showcased daily the area’s evolution: one of growth and change. When I became a mom, needing more room to roam, I found a location on the Golden/North Arvada line. I just have to cross the street to change towns. “Arvada Lifestyle” is a vibrant offering that I’m happy to be a part of, not just as a longtime publisher and journalist, but also as a community member. My career is decadeslong in print media, broadcast news, public relations and corporate communications. As a publisher/editor for two monthly East Coast trade publications, “Arvada Lifestyle” is an added title I am excited to help helm, with my proximity and my love for this area a chief motivator. I recently met with a high school journalism class at Arvada West and was asked why I do what I do: a great question. I’m just naturally curious about the world around me. The paths we explore connect us in small and large ways, one story at a time, and I hope to do that with my role here.

ARTICLE BY DANA SLONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA SLOAN BLANTON

O UR TOWN | LOCAL SERVI CE S

yle est Lif

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE NEWEST ARVADA LIFESTYLE TEAM MEMBER

Meet the Editor

Slone, Editor, A a n rva Da d

The Turquoise Camera Wedding and Elopement Photography

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Readers' Choice Winner for Best Salon Service

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Olde Town Arvada