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Castle Rock, CO August 2026

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Grant Van Der Jagt, Attorney

Pure Joy: Our August Kids & Pets Issue

Hi Neighbors,

There is a specific kind of beautiful chaos that defines August in Colorado. The summer is winding down, the kids are making the most of their last free days, and our furry family members are right there beside them tracking mud through the kitchen. Welcome to our annual Kids & Pets Issue;  arguably the most fun issue we get to put together all year!

This month, we are starting at the very beginning by celebrating the absolute magic of bringing new lives into the world. Whether it's welcoming a newborn baby into a Castle Rock family or introducing a bounding new puppy to the household, these milestones fill our homes with fresh energy and remind us of what matters most.

Of course, being a pet owner in our beautiful town comes with its own unique set of responsibilities. Because we share our incredible "outdoor playground" with nature, we’ve included a crucial feature on wildlife and pet interactions. From backyard encounters to safety tips out on the trails, we want to make sure our four-legged buddies stay safe while respecting our local Colorado wildlife.

We also know that giving our pets the best life means leaning on the experts. If you're heading out for one last summer getaway or balancing a busy back-toschool schedule, we’ve got you covered with a deep dive into the top local pet boarding, training, and daycare options. These amazing local businesses treat our animals like royalty, giving us peace of mind when we’re away.

At the end of the day, our kids and pets teach us how to live in the moment— whether that’s splashing in a creek or taking a long nap in a sunny spot on the rug. We hope this issue brings a smile to your face!

Warmly,

August 2026

PUBLISHER

Steve Hill | steve.hill@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Debbie Hill | debbie.hill@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kristen Gonzales kristen.gonzales@kcrcopywriting.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Debbie Hill, Sonja Nix, Allyson Straczek, Emily Davenport

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Abby Watkins, Castle Rock Headshots, Ellen Jaskol Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online.

1: Dr. Jake Hansen and his son Beckham at their Restoration Chiropractic July 4th Community BBQ
DR. JAKE HANSEN
CASTLE ROCK HEADSHOTS
CASTLE ROCK HEADSHOTS

YOUTH& BEAUTY REDISCOVERED

OCULOFACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

At Colorado Eye Consultants, we are proud to offer oculofacial plastic surgery by ASOPRS fellowship trained & board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Carl Rebhun. With years of advanced training and dedication to his patients, Dr. Rebhun combines the latest surgical innovations with artistic precision to achieve natural, rejuvenating results.

WHY CHOOSE DR. CARL REBHUN?

EXTENSIVE TRAINING:

ASOPRS fellowship trained and board-certified.

INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES: Utilizes the latest and most innovative techniques.

EXCEPTIONAL CARE: Personalized consultation to meet your goals.

DUAL EXPERTISE: Specializes in both cosmetic & medical procedures. Call (303) 730-0404 to schedule your consultation today!

Sparq Physical Therapy Welcomes Steph Vanaman

Steph earned her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Spanish from Rowan University before completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Drexel University in Philadelphia. After graduating in 2020, she relocated to Colorado with her husband and has since focused her clinical work on rehabilitation for older adults and seniors.

Steph has a strong interest in helping patients improve balance, mobility, and overall function so they can move better and live more fully at every stage of life.

LOVED BY Dogs, Trusted BY OWNERS

The

Ruff House’s

compassionate care wins hearts and wags tails.

Loving a dog is a special relationship that brings a lifetime of joy and companionship. When families need to leave their dogs in the care of others for daycare or boarding, only the best will do. Founded by Steve Schaefer and his daughter, Meghan Schaefer, The Ruff House is committed to loving dogs as much as their families do, offering social, supervised daycare and cage-free boarding.

Since opening in December 2025 in Castle Rock, The Ruff House has grown through word of mouth and referrals. “Our goal is to become an extension of a dog’s family when they are at work or on vacation. It is an honor to take care of our client’s dog,” Steve explains.

That commitment shows in how Steve and the team at The Ruff House honor pet owners’ trust and go above and beyond. “We had a 13-year-old Terrier named Jessie who was blind and had diabetes. When her owner was away, she needed to go to the vet, who recommended the emergency animal hospital. I stayed with her at the hospital until she received medication that ultimately brought her acute condition under control,” says Steve. It is this commitment that keeps dog owners coming back.

Steve and Meghan proudly share that they have never had a dog that wasn’t excited to come back to play and stay. “Dog owners tell us that their dog is dragging them into the lobby from the car,” Steve says. “Once the dog comes to us, we greet them like a child.”

Featuring boarding suites and condos for dogs of all sizes, each glass suite is airy and spacious, with no cages. Pets are welcome to bring their favorite toys, blankets, daybeds, and pillows to make them feel more comfortable. “Boarding pets have one-on-one time with staff from 6 to 7 am before going outside, and they stay outside until later at night. Dogs that play with other dogs outside

and in the playrooms will not be as anxious in the suites and will sleep well,” explains Meghan. In addition to outdoor and indoor play areas, staff can also give dogs a relaxing break in the dog chill room.

At the end of every stay, staff write handwritten notes that include daily photos and favorite memories. “Every note is personalized,” says Meghan. “We’ll include their favorite playtime moment, who the dog played with, and if they made a new friend.”

With today’s technology, dog owners can also watch their furry friend 24 hours a day, whether in playrooms, outside, or in their dog’s suite.

Owners are welcome to determine whether The Ruff House is the right place for them through an extensive meet-and-greet process. “Safety is important to us, so all dogs must show they can adjust safely to this environment,” explains Steve. “New dogs are on a slip lead and start by playing with a small group of dogs for 15 minutes. Staff monitors how the dog behaves with other dogs during playtime. Once the meet-and-greet process is completed, dogs are invited to stay for a free daycare trial.”

Part of doing things differently is transparency. “Dog owners are invited to tour the suites, playrooms, and outdoor space so they can see how often the facility is cleaned,” Meghan explains. Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations, and daily deep cleaning with veterinary-grade products keeps The Ruff House clean.

Dog owners can add services such as the popular Kong service, which fills up a Kong toy with treats before bedtime, additional one-on-one cuddle time, and solo walks. “One of our newest services is a partnership with Misfits Dog Training, which allows us to offer on-site training.

Steve and Meghan are committed to hiring staff members who care about and love dogs. “Our staff is responsible, reliable, and loves playing with dogs,” Meghan explains. “Dogs fill our cup, and we love caring for them.”

Find out more at: https://ruffhouseco.com/

“We connect with dogs and their owners during every interaction,” says Steve. “Dogs heal people, and they deserve devoted love.”

YOUR BIRTH, YOUR JOURNEY

How AdventHealth Castle Rock’s Concierge Program Redefines the Birth Experience

Bringing a new life into the world is potentially the most profound, yet entirely unpredictable event a woman will ever experience. Medical advancements have made childbirth much safer, but it can feel disconnected from the intimate experience most mothers hope for.

Anna, Diana and William
“When a mother is an active partner in her care, both she and her baby thrive.”

The Birthplace Concierge at AdventHealth Castle Rock bridges that gap so mothers and babies receive high-level medical care hand in hand with personalized support, making childbirth an empowering and transformative journey.

This focus on personalized care builds deep trust and connection. Consider Lone Tree resident Anna Gorka. Anna turned to the Birthplace Concierge program for two significantly different deliveries: the grueling, 27-hour induced delivery of her firstborn, Diana, in 2022, and the “precipitous” threehour labor with her son, William, in September 2025 . After such a positive initial experience, she returned to the Castle Rock team for her second birth without hesitation.

“We loved everything about our experience there,” Gorka says. “So we knew it was worth it, even though it was further away than some of the other hospital options closer to us.”

That exceptional care was conceived by Birthplace Concierge founder and current Director of Women’s

Services, Jacque Northrup. Before joining the AdventHealth Castle Rock team, Northrup worked as a labor and delivery nurse. Tasked with leading standard group tours, she found the sessions impersonal, crowded, and chaotic. Visitors felt disconnected and rarely asked sensitive questions in front of strangers.

When Northrup joined AdventHealth Castle Rock in 2013, the concierge service was born. At the time, management and administration teams supported her vision of creating private, one-on-one tours for expectant families. She quickly confirmed what she had long suspected: individual tours offered the opportunity to ask personal questions and share concerns that parents withheld in large groups.

“The grand opening of the Castle Rock hospital corresponded with a transformation that was happening in the community,” Northrup says. “Young families were moving here, seeking a tight-knit, small-town feel, alongside the convenience and proximity to Denver, which allowed this one-of-akind program to blossom.”  CONTINUED >

Katelyn Rogers, RN, Jacque Northrup, Chelsea Dykstra, RN

What started as focused one-on-one tours has matured into a suite of options and amenities. Having nurtured this program from its infancy, Northrup stepped away from bedside nursing in 2019 to pursue a larger role at the hospital, trusting her labor of love to Chelsea Dykstra to protect and grow it.

Dykstra was on the opening team for the hospital and brings her background as a NICU, labor, postpartum, and lactation nurse to the role and understands that birth is about more than standardized care. During individual concierge appointments, she creates a space where mothers feel comfortable sharing sensitive concerns that they might withhold in a group setting.

“Most patients are introduced to the program via their OBGYN at the 20-week appointment, leading to a dedicated concierge appointment between 28 and 30 weeks,” Dykstra says. “During this time, we provide private tours and walkthroughs of the check-in, labor, and postpartum areas.”

Beyond the tour, Dykstra, along with fellow concierge nurse Katelyn Rogers, manages the administrative details of childbirth, such as pre-admission paperwork and birth certificate processing, freeing the bedside nursing staff from administrative duties. These meetings help identify potential issues and manage expectations, distinguishing between medical standards of care and personal preferences. They also serve as a resource for the many classes offered,  including birth preparation and newborn care.

For mom Gorka, this resource brought relief before her second delivery. Dykstra recommended a specialized sibling class to help her four-year-old transition into an older-sister role. “That brought a lot of peace of mind,” Gorka recalls. “It was an awesome class that we really appreciated.”

The family-focused care extended to Diana’s first visit to meet her baby brother, during which staff honored her with a pink “Big Sister” hospital bracelet and a doll blanket. “All those things made her just feel extra special,” Gorka notes. The physical spaces, which feature large, bright windows and spacious bathrooms, ensure the new parents feel pampered. Both she and her husband, Michael, enjoyed a special post-delivery steak dinner to celebrate their expanding family.

“Hospital food’s negative reputation certainly doesn’t apply there,” Gorka laughs, admitting that she looked forward to returning to the hospital for its food at the renowned Manna Restaurant.

Perhaps the most impactful amenity is the Labor Menu, giving mothers autonomy over their birthing environment. Laboring mothers have full control over a spectrum of options, from aromatherapy and battery-powered candles to twinkle lights and sound machines. Also available are advanced physical comfort tools, peanut and positioning balls, water therapy tubs for labor, and a host of pain management options.

“I always felt so listened to by the staff there,” Gorka reflects. “If I had questions or concerns, they would stop and explain things to me and talk through options. I felt like I was in control of the direction things were going.”

Research confirms that maternal autonomy directly impacts clinical outcomes, including higher APGAR scores and more successful early bonding. When a mother

“If I had questions or concerns, they would stop and explain things to me and talk through options. I felt like I was in control of the direction things were going.”

is an active partner in her care, both she and her baby thrive.

Once baby and mom are ready to go home, the team send families home with a meal and celebratory mini bundt cake so they don’t worry about their first meal. Other post-discharge concierge care includes lactation support groups and pediatrician transitions. The concierge team runs The Mommy and Me Market the last Friday of most months, where families can find gently used baby items for free, no questions asked.

Since most women act as primary healthcare decision-makers, when the time comes to seek emergency treatment for a broken arm, sudden illness, unforeseen surgical procedure, or specialized imaging, many choose to come back to the place they began their journey.

of

How much extra does all of this cost, you might ask? While the “concierge” designation might imply a premium price tag, this service is a 100% free, inclusive component of the maternity care that anyone who delivers at AdventHealth Castle Rock can access.

The Birthplace acts as a pay-it-forward gateway, welcoming families into the hospital community during a significant life milestone.

AdventHealth Castle Rock’s birthplace is nationally recognized. They have a 100% “Likely to Recommend” patient satisfaction score, Leapfrog “A” rating, and CMS 5-star status. Additionally, they have been named a Newsweek Best Maternity Hospital .

While the data and accolades are impressive, the concierge team knows that real success is measured not in numbers, but in each mom’s and baby’s health. They all believe that when you empower a mother, you protect a family and provide a lifelong home for healthcare.

To reach the concierge team, email them at CRK.BirthConcierge@adventhealth.com

Opposite Top: Co-lead
the Birthplace Concierge, Chelsea Dykstra, RN
Top: Co-lead of the Birthplace Concierge, Katelyn Rogers, RN
Right: Jacque Northrup, director of Women's Services and the founder of the Birthplace Concierge at AdventHealth Castle Rock hospital.

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

KEEPING PETS AND WILDLIFE SAFE

When They Share the Same Backyard

In Castle Rock, our pets don’t just share our homes, they share our neighborhoods with wildlife. Whether it’s your dog on a trail, your cat watching birds through the window, or a curious pup sniffing along the fence line, our pets are constantly interacting with the natural world around them. In a community surrounded by open space, those interactions are happening more than we realize.

Baby Raccoons
Leashed Pets on Trail

As neighborhoods expand into wildlife habitat, pets and wild animals cross paths more than ever. These encounters don’t just affect wildlife; they directly impact the health and safety of our dogs and cats. Pets and wildlife are deeply connected. They can unintentionally harm each other through disease, parasites, stress, and habitat disruption. Understanding that relationship is one of the most important steps toward keeping both safe.

Most harm to wildlife comes from ordinary moments. A dog chasing “just for fun.” A cat slipping out for a short wander. A curious nose in the bushes. For wildlife, those moments can be life changing. An unleashed dog doesn’t just startle a deer or flush a bird—it can separate parents from babies, burn needed energy, or push animals out of their only safe shelter. Even a brief chase can lead to exhaustion, injury, or death. Cats hunt because it’s their instinct. One cat can quietly erase an entire backyard ecosystem without the

owner ever knowing. Unvaccinated pets carry diseases and parasites that wildlife have no defense against. Protecting your pets also protects wildlife. Vaccines, parasite prevention, leashes, and supervision don’t just keep your pet safe—they help keep the wild in balance. When we care for one, we protect both.

HOW TO KEEP PETS (AND WILDLIFE) SAFE

• Keep dogs leashed in open space and wildlife areas

• Keep cats indoors or in enclosed outdoor “catios”

• Keep pets current on vaccines and parasite prevention

• Do not leave pet food outside

• Supervise pets, especially at dawn and dusk

• Never allow pets to approach or harass wildlife

CLEARING UP COMMON MYTHS

• Do hawks or owls really carry off small dogs and cats? No. While raptors may investigate very small animals, CONTINUED >

they cannot lift or carry away pets. Attacks on dogs or cats are extremely rare and almost always involve defensive behavior near a nest.

• Will a fox kill and eat your dog or cat?No. Foxes are really quite small, often weighing less than a house cat. They avoid people and pets. They will, however, go after unsecured poultry, eggs, or food left outdoors.

• Does relocating wildlife protect my pets? Not really. Relocating wildlife is not a solution, it’s usually a death sentence. Wild animals rely on familiar territory to survive. When moved, they often die from starvation, exposure, predators, or fights with resident animals. If your yard is good habitat, another animal will move right back in.

“When we protect our pets, we protect wildlife. When we protect wildlife, we’re protecting the community we all depend on. It's all connected.”
Screech Owl
Porcupine
Baby Bat

Coexistence doesn’t mean choosing wildlife over pets or pets over wildlife. It’s recognizing that we all share the same landscape and taking responsibility for how our choices affect the world around us. Fear often leads to wildlife being harmed unnecessarily. Most conflicts happen because animals are protecting territory, young, or food—not because they see pets as prey. In a place as wild and beautiful as Castle Rock, learning to live alongside nature isn’t just a privilege, it’s part of what makes this community home.

“Emily M. Davenport—a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (CWR) and Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) with nearly 20 years of veterinary and wildlife care experience—is the Founder and Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance. Through this Colorado-based nonprofit, she focuses on wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, and community education. Specializing in raptors and native wildlife, Emily champions evidence-based rehabilitation practices, collaboration within the conservation community, and inspiring public stewardship of wild places.”

Kestrel Squirrel
Photography by Patrick Barron
Great Horned Owl
Photography by Patrick Barron

August Garden Guide

Sweet summertime! There is nothing quite like the taste of ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, and peaches whose juice runs down your arm with every bite, not to mention more zucchini than you know what to do with. This is the month we finally reap the bounty of our hard labor. While nothing beats cooking a meal with backyard produce, sharing the surplus with family, friends and neighbors is even better.

However, the season isn’t over yet. Keep your garden thriving and beautiful well into autumn with this essential August checklist:

• Sow Fall Crops: Plant cool-season lettuce, broccoli, kale, radishes, carrots, peas, and a second crop of bush beans.

• Refresh Blooms: Replace spent, tired annuals with vibrant chrysanthemums for instant fall color.

• Prune Berries: Clean up cane-fruiting plants, like raspberries, after their final harvest.

• Adjust Watering: Shift to deeper, less frequent watering to build resilient roots for our dry climate.

• Pest Patrol: Check daily for late-summer pests like tomato hornworms.

• Plan Ahead: Order spring-blooming bulbs and plant hardy perennials like coneflowers and irises so they can establish before the first freeze.

Debbie and Nashville

Gardening is more than a lifestyle—it’s a passion cultivated over 25 years in landscape design. I cherish every moment spent nurturing the earth, watching beauty unfold, and sharing nature’s bounty. From vibrant blooms to fresh harvests, my hope is to inspire you to step outside, breathe deeply, and grow with intention. Let’s create something beautiful—together. Happy Gardening!

AUGUST 2026

AUGUST 9TH

Castle Pines Day at Rueter-Hess

Rueter-Hess Reservoir, 9343 Double Angle Road, Parker, CO, 80134 | 10:00 AM

Castle Pines Day at Rueter-Hess! Castle Pines residents are invited to spend the day at Rueter-Hess kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply enjoying a picnic or hike near the water.

AUGUST 16TH

Summer

Concert

SeriesFinal Concert

Elk Ridge Park, 7005 Mira Vista Ln, Castle Pines, CO, 80108 | 5:00 PM

The final show of this year's Summer Concert Series will feature a fan favorite - The Long Run, playing all of our favorites from The Eagles. Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs to "Take it Easy" while enjoying some great tunes. (Note earlier time than previous concerts - this one will be from 5 - 7 p.m.)

AUGUST 16TH

Castle Rock Day at Rueter-Hess Reservoir

Rueter-Hess Reservoir, 9343 Double Angel Road Parker, CO 80134 | 8:00 AM

Join us for a day of adventure and relaxation at the picturesque Rueter-Hess Reservoir. Register with Castle Rock Parks and Recreation for this one-day event packed with activities designed to connect you with nature and your community.

Event highlights include: access to Rueter-Hess Reservoir for registered participants; a variety of activities including hiking, stand up paddle boarding, fishing and boating.

AUGUST 16TH

Summer Concert Series — Cheap Trick

Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway Castle Rock, CO 80109 | 6:00 PM

Nestled in the beautiful setting of Philip S. Miller Park, the Amphitheater has become one of the most sought-after live music venues along the Front Range.

Cheap Trick has been rocking stages and winning over fans for over five decades. Known for their electrifying live performances, catchy melodies, and innovative songwriting, Cheap Trick has become a staple in rock music history.

AUGUST 20TH

Tunes for Trails / Perks for Parks Free ConcertSanta Rios

Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway Castle Rock, CO 80109 | 6:30 PM

Brought to you by the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation. Celebrate the summer season with live music, and support a good cause with the Tunes for Trails / Perks for Parks free concert series.

This powerful, nine-piece ensemble pays homage to Santana's iconic music blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with Blues and Rock that gets everyone dancing.

AUGUST 22ND

Party in the Park

Elk Ridge Park, 7005 Mira Vista Ln, Castle Pines, CO, 80108 | 5:00 PM

This annual event brings neighbors together for an evening of live music, food, kids' activities, vendor booths, and more!

CONTINUED

AUGUST 22ND

Popcorn in the Park

Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway

Castle Rock, CO 80109 | 5:00 PM

Introducing Popcorn in the Park! A free, family-friendly outdoor movie night designed to bring the Castle Rock community together under the stars.

Guests are invited to enjoy preshow activities, including yard games, face painting, crafts, photo ops and concessions for purchase from food trucks, before settling in to watch a movie on the amphitheater's big screen, featuring The Goonies.

AUGUST 29TH

Still the Same - Bob Seger Tribute with the Denver Pops Orchestra

Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway

Castle Rock, CO 80109 | 7:00 PM

Nestled in the beautiful setting of Philip S. Miller Park, the Amphitheater has become one of the most sought-after live music venues along the Front Range.

Close out the summer with a commanding tribute to Bob Seger, elevated by the rich, symphonic sound of the Denver Pops Orchestra.

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Palisade Peach Beehive Bellini

Make a Statement With This Stylish Cocktail

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 oz. peach nectar

• 1/2 oz. Colorado honey

• 1 1/2 oz. reposado tequila

• 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice

• Ice

• 8 oz. Prosecco

• Palisade Peach slices

• 2 small chunks honeycomb (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small heatproof bowl, microwave nectar and honey, stirring occasionally, until honey is dissolved, about 20 seconds. This can also be done on the stove with a small saucepan.

2. In a cocktail shaker, combine nectar mixture, tequila, and lemon juice. Fill shaker with ice, cover, and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very frosty, about 20 seconds.

3. Divide cocktail between glasses. Top off with Prosecco. Garnish with Palisade Peach slices and honeycomb (if using).

This cocktail celebrates the beautiful state of Colorado and its sesquicentennial birthday! Happy 150, Colorado!

CASTLE ROCK MARKET REPORT

$849,147

97.2%

THE CASTLE ROCK MARKET IS FINDING BALANCE.

For buyers, more inventory and slightly longer days on market mean greater choice and less pressure than in recent years. With mortgage rates holding steady and affordability showing signs of improvement, it's a more favorable time to shop, negotiate, and find the right home.

SELLERS, DEMAND REMAINS SOLID AND HOMES ARE STILL SELLING CLOSE TO LIST PRICE.

While days on market have increased compared to earlier this year, well-priced homes continue to attract strong buyer interest. Strategic pricing, great presentation, and effective marketing are key to achieving top results in today's balanced market.

MORTGAGE RATES HOVER IN MID-SIX PERCENT RANGE

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.49% this week. Mortgage rates have not changed much recently, but economic growth and housing affordabi lity continue to improve for homebuyers as they shop for homes in today's market.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.49% as of July 9, 2026, up from last week when it averaged 6.43%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.72%.

The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.82%, up from last week when it averaged 5.79%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.86%.

Get back to better, faster.

Same- and Next-Day Primary Care

Same- and next-day appointments make it easier to get primary care when you need it. At AdventHealth, our compassionate providers care for the whole you — body, mind and spirit — with annual checkups, preventive care and support for ongoing health needs, all close to home.

Scan the QR code to book your next appointment.

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