Castle Rock, CO June 2023

The Men's Issue

OWNER JOHN HALLET OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN

SELF DEFENSE IS COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY'S HEALTH & SAFETY

JUNE

FITNESS

The Men in our Lives Matter!

Have you ever wondered, “Do fathers matter? What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous! Fathers make countless differences in their home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you!   A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.

As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:

• A father’s strength can be powerful

• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational

• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting

• A dad’s smiles can instill joy and confidence

• Time with a dad can be fun and productive

• A dad’s physicality can be challenging

• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational

• A father’s correction can be lifesaving and life-giving

• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable

Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.  Special thanks and gratitude goes out to the Fathers of my children!  Lance and Bradley - wishing you a very Happy Father's Day!  Our children are truly blessed!

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there!  With Love, MEL MILES, PUBLISHER @CASTLEROCKLIFESTYLE

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Mel Miles | mel.miles@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Mary Abel | Mary.abel@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Kaleigh Gibb | Kaleigh@wonderstruckphoto.com

STAFF WRITER

Callie Miller | Callie.Miller@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Matthew Harlan | castlerocklifestyle@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Suzie Glassman, Mary Abel, Melissa Anciaux, Glenna Hope

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kaleigh Gibb, Mel Miles, Mary Rodriguez, Hutch Tibbetts,

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

What you'll find here, is Quality

Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony on April 22, 2022

1: John Manka (Owner of One Stop Auto), Kevin Bracken (Mayor Pro Tem of Castle Rock) and Brad Langerak (Vice President of DoCR) 2: Mel Miles (Publisher of Castle Rock City Lifestyle) Lisa Miles (Winner of Small Business Owner of the Year for Burly Brewing) 3: Greg Garmon and Stacy Garmon (President & CEO of Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce)

4: Kristen Read (Assistant Town Manager for Castle Rock) and Mary Anderson (Chair of the Board of CRCC) 5: Natalie and Cody Vice

Hide in Plain Sight’s annual charity Spring Fling Event was held on April 23rd, 2022

1: Steve and Andrea Peterson (Owners of Christian Brothers Castle Rock and Lone Tree) 2: Renee & Chris Kemmesat, Sarah & Peter Barber, Julie & Jon Kessler 3: Jerry & Leigh Camel with Greg & Suzie Glassman 4: Dr. Kristine & Caleb Godsil, Dr. Kesly & Parker Rayl, Mel & Bradley Miles and Elaine Miles Gay 5: Sponsors of H.I.P.S. Spring Fling 6: Auctioneer Jim Berz and Founder of Hide In Plan Sight Joe Roos

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @castlerocklifestyle

ART & SCIENCE

Advanced eye care is complex and requires knowledge, skill, and experience.

COLORADO EYE CONSULTANTS is committed to delivering compassionate and quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Using the latest technology and innovative practices, our doctors dedicate themselves to excellent outcomes, every time. For more than forty years, the Colorado Eye Consultants team has been caring for patients and changing lives.

To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404.

1501 West Mineral Avenue | Suite 100 | Littleton, CO 80120 ColoradoEyeConsultants.com

1: Owner Aaron Van Wingerden of Dutch Heritage Gardens at the influencer event

2: Swag from Dutch Heritage Gardens influencer event

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Grand reopening of Butterfield Crossing Park and ribbon cutting for Possibilities Playground

Be the first to experience the sensory-rich, fully inclusive Possibilities Playground that allows visitors of all ages and ability levels to play, be challenged and have fun together. Thanks to the support of heroes like you, the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation received nearly $1.3 million from our community to fund adaptive and inclusive play equipment. There will be a ribbon cutting by our own superheroes, food trucks, adaptive sports demonstrations, activities, a DJ and more.

Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce 2022 Award Recipients

Small Business of the Year – Burly Brewing Company – Lisa Miles

Large Business of the Year – Chickfil-A Castle Rock – Joe Weber

Nonprofit of the Year – Douglas County Land Conservancy

Citizen of the Year –Patti Fincken Hostetler

Ambassador of the Year – Alan McDaniel – Farmers Insurance Alan McDaniel Agency

Advocate of the Year- Kristin Read –Town of Castle Rock Government

Volunteer of the Year – Patrick Sullivan – Northwest Mutual

Annual Hide In Plain Sight’s Spring Fling Gala Raised $240,000

Summa Cum Laude Title Sponsor Christian Brothers along with a crowd of more than 250 people gathered on April 23, 2023. The program honored Hide In Plain Sight’s recently retired executive director, Joe Roos, who founded the organization in 2015. Students shared their stories about the impact of the scholarships they received, and attendees were introduced to the new executive director, Leah Goss, who talked about the future goals of the organization.

Want to be featured?

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

Photography Town of Castle Rock Government Photography Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce

Photography Jimmy's Photography

local experiences

Grab your guys and plan a relaxed or adrenaline-induced day, weekend, or guys night out with any one of these local experiences made for the males.

Our Picks for The Man Clan

IMMERSIVE GAMEBOX : Simply select your game and prepare to enjoy a truly unique immersive experience with your group. With motion tracking, touch screens, surround sound and drinks delivered during your game, Immersive Gamebox is like nothing you have experienced before!  82 5 Albion St, Denver, CO 80220, Denver, Colorado 80220

FELT BILLIARDS : Denver/Englewood’s PREMIER pool room, bar, and restaurant! In addition to over 20 tournament-quality pool tables, we’ve got foosball, skeeball, arcade basketball, pinball, and several video games. 101 W Floyd Ave #2421, Englewood, Colorado 80110

COLORADO PINBALL PUB: Sippin’ and Flippin' at Colorado Pinball Pub with 150+ stellar whiskeys, legendary pinball game entertainment, local beer, food, and cocktails and classics from our full, handcrafted bar. 6209 South Santa Fe Drive Littleton, CO

COLORADO WILDERNESS RIDES AND GUIDES™ : If you’re looking for worldclass guided fly fishing and float trips, or just to be exposed to an art form that you’ve only seen in the movies, they have the trip for you.  6560 Odell Pl D , Boulder, Colorado 80301

PAINTBALL ADVENTURES: Colorado's premiere outdoor wooded paintball field on 110 acres. The fields  incorporate forts, buildings and various structures to battle it out. 3730 Norwood Dr Littleton, CO

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MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Matthew Harlan | @matt3wharlan

Part time Publisher’s assistant for Castle Rock City Lifestyle, Matthew Harlan was born and raised in Colorado. His passion is thrifting and finding all the latest and greatest second hand finds for his clients who don’t have time to find what they are looking for themselves. He treasure hunts the city at large on the daily and unwinds through his love for fishing, hanging with his squad and traveling locally and around the world. Because he spends most of his time out and about in our great state, he’s found some of the coolest places to hang with your guy clan the next time you are looking for a new adventure.

Immersive Gamebox

The best places and things to do in our area.

MATTHEW HARLAN

BUSINESSMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE MEADOWS

Castle Rock’s thriving business community is home to many incredible men, women, and families who’ve poured their hearts and souls into serving their customers and giving back to the people who’ve contributed to their success.

James Lewis, Isidre Baques, and Steve Peterson are no exceptions. While they took very different routes to get where they are, they each attribute their business success to the community’s support, especially in tough economic times like during the pandemic.

With businesses in the Meadows community, these men are helping shape what it means to live and work in this fast-growing city.

ARTICLE BY SUZIE GLASSMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

KAYLEIGH GIBB

JAMES LEWIS, ISIDRE BAQUES, AND STEVE PETERSON ALL SHARE A LOVE FOR THIS COMMUNITY

Isidre Baques

ISIDRE BAQUES

As the owner of Castle Rocks and Jewelry, Isidre (Isi) Baques spends his days immersed in precious stones, artifacts, watches, and fine jewelry. He and his wife, Jennifer, opened the store in 2017, combining his experience as a wholesale jewelry seller and her gift for jewelry design.

Isi grew up in Barcelona, Spain, and got into the jewelry business by chance when he befriended the president of the Jewelry Makers Association in southern Spain. Isi’s friend soon hired him to sell jewelry, and it wasn’t long before he met Jennifer at a jewelry design show in Barcelona.

Isi spent many years living in New York City and traveling the country before moving to Castle Rock, where they now live with their two young children, Leo and Noah. Jennifer is from Glenwood Springs, and they were attracted to Castle Rock’s lifestyle and the fact that the city had little competition in the way of jewelry stores.

“One thing we love about our community,” said Isi, “is that the people here love to work with local businesses.”

Their business took a 3-month hit during the pandemic but rebounded quickly. Isidre said their business has grown every year since it opened. Every three months, they host an art show on behalf of an artist where they exhibit and sell that person’s work.

Castle Rocks and Jewelry specializes in engagement rings, custom jewelry design, and repair. Isidre says they can match or beat any price because of their worldwide contacts and industry knowledge.  CONTINUED >

STEVE PETERSON

Steve Peterson, owner of two Christian Brothers Automotive locations (Castle Rock and Castle Pines), considers himself incredibly fortunate to run a business he loves in such a beautiful and welcoming community.

After 25 years in the healthcare industry, Steve was ready for a change. He and his family had spent most of their lives in the Dallas area, and, with their children out of the house and the sale of the hospital company he’d started with two partners, he realized this was their chance to live anywhere.

Like many who end up in Colorado, Steve, his wife Andrea, and their two daughters had been out skiing many times and were attracted to the state’s outdoor lifestyle. As he researched franchise opportunities, he found Christian Brothers was expanding in Denver. As a customer, he knew the company had a solid customer service track record, something he wanted in whatever business he chose.

“Christian Brothers did a great job of providing the support and industry expertise that we needed to get going,” Steve said. “Getting up to speed on the industry wasn’t as complicated as I thought it might be.”

Since opening his first location in 2014, Steve has served on the board of the nonprofit Hide in Plain Sight and as a Catholic Public Works Foundation commissioner. He’s also on the board of the Castle Rock and Castle Pines Chambers of Commerce.

Peterson said he doesn’t regret moving here for a second. “Everyone is incredibly supportive,” he said.

JAMES LEWIS

Step inside Crush Wine Bar in the heart of Castle Rock’s Meadows community, and you’ll receive a warm welcome from a tall, smiling gentleman standing behind the bar.

With his easygoing demeanor and effortless charm, you’d never guess that man behind the bar, owner James Lewis, had no idea what he was doing when he and his wife Nancy decided to open the restaurant that quickly became a local favorite.

Before opening Crush in 2017, Lewis spent 17 years traveling the country as a national wine sales representative. That all changed one weekend after getting home late Friday night. “I got up in the morning, unpacked, threw clothes in the wash, and started to mow the lawn,” said Lewis.

“I planned to have dinner with Nancy, repack, and go back to the airport, but halfway through mowing the backyard, I thought, I don’t want to do this anymore.”

He found Nancy in the kitchen (she ran a local catering business), looked at her, and said, “Do you want to open a wine bar?” Nancy said yes immediately, and they started looking for a location that week.

Lewis admits opening a business was incredibly stressful, and there were moments when he worried if they would make it work. But, he credits the amazing Castle Rock community for turning out in droves to support him and Nancy, especially during the pandemic when their business took a massive hit.

“The town turned out in spades to support us in every possible way,” he said. “It was really wonderful to see how the town responded to my local mom-and-pop business. Castle Rock will always be our home.”

Lewis tells anyone spending their time doing something they’re not excited about because it’s safe that sometimes you have to throw safe out the window. “I’m working twice as hard for half the money, but I’ve never been happier.”

Dog Days of Summer Reading Are Coming to Douglas County Library

D Libraries is kicking off another exciting summer of fun with its Summer Reading celebration

ARTICLE BY MELISSA ANCIAUX

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY

HUTCH TIBBETTS, DOUGLAS COUNTY LIBRARIES

The Dog Days of Summer, sponsored by Douglas County Libraries Foundation, is now open at DCL.org/ summer-reading , with the official kickoff on Saturday, June 3. “We hope the community will sign up and join us in having fun with reading all summer long,” says Kristen Kallio, Special Events Supervisor at DCL. “We’ve also got a great lineup of dog-themed events all summer, fun prizes, 15 days of giveaways just for signing up, our K-12 school contest, and so much more!”

K-12 students are encouraged to participate in the friendly annual school contest for the most

sign-ups and help their school earn $500, and all Dog Days of Summer participants can read and log minutes to help meet DCL’s community goal of 9 million minutes of reading. If the goal is met,  Douglas County Libraries Foundation  will donate $1,000 to Guide Dogs for the Blind, which seeks to provide a safe means of mobility for people who are blind and visually impaired.

Register for the Dog Days of Summer and related events at  DCL.org/summer-reading . For more information, visit DCL.org or call (303) 791-7323.

KEEPING UP THE COMMUNITY’S HEALTH AND SAFETY

Just within our small Castle Rock city lines, our community is still sometimes faced with physical challenges, dangers, and everyday worries that might keep our minds in a state of fear. While we can do our best to set house alarms or have top-of-the-line security systems, the final defense tactic we should all be able to count on is ourselves— our strength and defense knowledge for any what-if scenario. Castle Rock’s own martial arts, Krav Maga, and self-defense professional, John Hallet, saw that our community needed just that—self-defense—and so he started his own gym, Rocky Mountain Self Defense and Fitness.

Hallet has been training in fitness and self-defense for over 30 years. As he recalled his background, he told us, “I started training in traditional martial arts (Taekwondo and Hapkido) on Nantucket Island in 1992 and earned the rank of second-degree black belt in Taekwondo. I was then looking for something more realistic and self-defense based, and I found Krav Maga in 2002. I’ve been training in Krav Maga for the last 21 years and have earned the rank of fourth-degree black belt. I’m also a level two instructor under Todd Fossey in the Integrative Defense Strategies, which is firearms training for the

armed citizen defender.” Hallet became a kettlebell instructor around 2004 and found CrossFit back in 2008, becoming a level two coach. With all this experience combined, Hallet now uses his own fitness program at Rocky Mountain Self Defense and Fitness called ProjectFit.

Hallet adds, “My passion for coaching was inspired by my high school football coaches. I first wanted to become a high school football coach, but on the way I found martial arts and began coaching kids and adults, and I never looked back. I love seeing people grow and gain confidence in themselves.”

In 2005, Hallet moved to Castle Rock and opened Rocky Mountain Self Defense and Fitness that December. Since then, the gym continually looks for more members, hoping to reach the whole community. Hallet says, “We continue to grow and survive in Castle Rock by offering a supportive community that is open to helping everyone achieve their self-defense or fitness goals. We offer classes for kids three and a half years old and up, and or oldest adult member is 85 years old, so we have a diverse client base.” Both John Hallet and Jenny Jaeger-Hallet train and coach their client base in what they call “real life training,” which is a no-rules approach to self-defense.

ARTICLE BY CALLIE MILLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEL MILES

Get fit and defend yourself with John Hallet’s Rocky Mountain Self Defense and Fitness classes.

Even with such a diverse client base, Rocky Mountain Self Defense and Fitness still focuses on being a small-town gym with classes that are not overcrowded. By doing this, members can receive plenty of help from instructors and coaches to reach their goals. “The number one thing our members say—from the parents of our youth members to our adults—is how confident they feel about themselves,” Hallet comments. “From knowing how to protect themself to dropping 20 pounds, they all feel better about themselves.”

When it comes to such a loving and caring community, Hallet feels like he is giving back to the community by doing something that has real meaning. “Twenty years ago, I was a contractor and building a house was satisfying, but helping people build a strong mind and a strong body has much deeper value to me,” Hallet shares. “When people are in shape and know how to defend both themselves and their families, we have a healthier, safer community.”

Just one day at Rocky Mountain Self Defense and Fitness for Hallet shows his passion for his work. Bright and early, he starts with a cold plunge at 4:30am to start the day off right, then he does firearms training with a Sirt Laser training pistol and does a ProjectFit class. Next up is Krav Maga coaching and then working with a wrestling coach and working on grappling for concealed carry algorithm. Finally, he has his coffee and continues the rest of the day coaching ProjectFit, a Peaceful Warrior Project Class, Krav Maga, and a Citizen Defender Class. All of this is mixed with his own office work from advertising to contacting leads.

Hallet’s favorite part of the day is getting to coach classes and help people build themselves up. From Krav Maga classes, self-defense training, IDS citizen defender classes, and fitness courses, there are plenty of options to choose from. To learn more, visit the Rocky Mountain Self Defense and Fitness website, rmsdf.com, and schedule a $1 trial class to see if this could be a good fit.

DISCOVERING THE SPIRITS OF THE WEST

Slow down. Take the trail. Heighten your spirits! Use the Colorado Spirits Trail this summer for your next adventure!

ARTICLE BY GLENNA HOPE

Whiskey clubs and vacations designed around hitting distilleries has become all the rage for our Colorado men. Maybe you’ve even taken a trip and traveled the Kentucky Bourbon Trail or the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Did you know that it wasn’t until 2004 that Stranahan’s Mountain Whiskey became Colorado’s first (legal) distillery since Prohibition? Colorado may have come late to the party, but no one cares if you’re late when you bring good whiskey. However, now’s the time to plan one right here in Colorado.

As our craft distillers push their imaginations to new heights, the Colorado Spirits Trail leads you through 14,000-foot peaks, clear mountain streams, historic mining towns, and legendary hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, camping, and skiing areas. Nothing heightens the spirits like a tasting flight of whiskey, a dram of gin, or a carefully crafted cocktail at one of our distilleries, whether taken alone or as part of a larger journey.

What’s the secret to getting all these tasty treats? According to the Colorado Distillers Guild, there is a solution. You’ll find a treasure map of surprising flavors, great cocktails, and a team of passionate people pouring their souls into barrels and bottles across Colorado on the Colorado Spirits Trail.  Colorado boasts one of the largest and most vibrant distilling communities in the country. To inspire the discovery of spirits pioneered by some of the most creative makers in the industry, over 40 Colorado craft distilleries have joined together to create the Colorado Spirits Trail app.

Once I shared this information about the Colorado Spirits Trail with my husband Bill and his friend Calvin, they stated, “We’re up for the challenge! We can easily complete this trail in a summer. With Colorado being 380 miles long and 280 miles wide, this challenge seems worth taking to support our local distilleries.”

HOW IT WORKS

Download the Colorado Spirits Trail app on an iOS or Android device and create a free account to begin participating in the passport program.  Trailblazers will be rewarded for visiting and checking into participating app distilleries. Each time you check in to a distillery, you’ll receive a passport stamp for that location.

• After 10 passport stamps you’ll receive an official Colorado Spirits Trail t-shirt.

• For every 5 distillery visits, you’ll receive a new virtual passport badge and one entry into the grand prize drawing for a Chaffee County Spirits Enthusiast Getaway.

THE GRAND PRIZE DRAWING INCLUDES:

• Two-night stay at the Surf Hotel & Chateau in Buena Vista.

• Private tour for two at Deerhammer Distillery & Woods Distillery.

• Two exclusive Whiskey Flights at The Slammer.

• The drawing will take place on Friday, February 2, 2024. The last day to receive an entry into the drawing is 11:59 p.m. MST on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

• Grand prize drawing winner must provide transportation.

• Prize exclusions may apply.

• Passport holders have two years from the date of their first stamp to complete the trail. After two years, their stamps will expire and they will begin a new passport.

“In the end, the Colorado Spirits Trail is all about the people, just as the spirits themselves are all about the people. Colorado’s distillers and owners are teams and individuals. CHEERS!”

MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OF AGE TO PARTICIPATE. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.

The idea behind the Colorado Spirit Trail is to redefine the American frontier and invite novices and connoisseurs alike to experience our innovative spirits across the Eastern Plains and the Western Slope, through the bustling cities of the Front Range, and the snowy peaks of the Rockies.

Use the trail map feature to build a Google Maps itinerary to link as many of the 40+ distilleries as you dare. But double-check your route, as the itinerary planner can send you on some wandering loops. Verify tasting room and tour hours before you go. And, of course, always take a designated driver.

THE WHY BEHIND THE COLORADO DISTILLERS GUILD

The  Colorado Distillers Guild (CDG) is a non-profit association promoting the licensed distilling industry in Colorado. It serves to educate the general public about Colorado distillers and provide valuable information to its members regarding laws, provisions, directives, and orders as may be made by the United States government, the State of Colorado, and the political subdivisions thereof serving the association.

For the Love of Dogs

Meet dog groomer Mary Rodriguez

ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MARY RODRIGUEZ

WHY SHOULD DOGS BE PROFESSIONALLY GROOMED?

Every breed of dog needs some sort of grooming. even if they have short hair. At a minimum, they need to be clean and have their nails trimmed. Regular grooming plays a part in every dog’s overall health and wellness.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD DOGS BE GROOMED?

I always tell my clients on average, every four to six weeks and no longer than eight weeks. That’s pretty standard for any breed of dog.

YOU’RE NOT ONLY A DOG GROOMER, BUT YOU ALSO TRAIN AND SHOW YOUR OWN DOGS. TELL US A BIT ABOUT HOW THOSE WORLDS WORK TOGETHER.

Being a part of dog sports is not only a passion of mine but it also allows me to learn more about breed-specific grooming. My staff and I are very involved in various dog sports with our own dogs, which in turn helps us learn about all the different breeds, see how they’re getting prepped for shows, and see them in action doing what they were bred to do.

Just being in that environment helps us in our jobs. It is very rewarding to be able to spend time learning about the different breeds while spending time with our own dogs.

WHY ELSE ARE DOG SPORTS GOOD FOR DOGS?

Dog sports are a great bonding experience between dog and owner. It keeps the dog physically active while keeping them mentally stimulated at the same time. Being involved in some sort of sport or activity with your dog is also helping them stay well socialized. I believe that these things play an important role in giving your dog a full, happy and balanced life.

Business Owner

“What I love about my job is the people that I meet and the great dogs. I feel that being a groomer impacts a dog's life in a positive way.”

Dog Lover

“I’ve known from a very young age that wanted to work with dogs. I love being able to spend time with my clients’ dogs, build a relationship with them, make them look nice and feel good.”

Care Giver

“A groomer is really important to a dog’s overall health. We have our hands and eyes on them every few weeks and in most cases that is more than their veterinarian sees them. We always notify the owners if we notice anything unusual going on with their dog or if they need to be seen by their vet.”

Castle Rock’s Local Expert

Ginger specializes in every aspect of real estate whether that is navigating the road to home ownership with first-time buyers, finding a perfect remodel project, or helping you get that dream home in the luxury market. Castle Rock is her home and community; she has all the inside information that will help with your home search as well as information on schools, where to shop, where to dine, or where to hike or play.