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Highlands Ranch FEBRUARY 2017

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Lifestyle Letter

How would you like your arts and culture?

FEBRUARY 2017 PUBLISHER

Andy Manz | Amanz@LifestylePubs.com

elcome to February in the Ranch, a month of love, romance and Arts & Culture!

While your special someone might be the same year after year, the thriving Arts & Culture scene in and around Highlands Ranch is definitely “mixing it up.” The Lifestyle team had so much fun exploring the thriving cultural scene around town, and we were struck by the shear diversity of offerings.

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kevin Kieras | KKieras@LifestylePubs.com Robin Bond | Robin.Bond@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Dana Lapinel | Dana.Lapinel@LifestylePubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

Kate Manz | KManz@LifestylePubs.com ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

For sweeping your sweetie off his or her feet this Valentine’s, check out the out-of-the-box gifts in our feature story “Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts” (pg. 16), or you might opt for the inspiring objets d'art from the ladies of the South Suburban Artists Collective (pg. 22).

Felicia Meyer | Felicia.Meyer@LifestylePubs.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kevin Kieras | KKieras@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

And romantic date ideas abound! From editor Dana Lapinel’s surprisingly serene adventures in dog-sledding to our team’s interview with skilled calligrapher Hannah Howard who’s helping to resurrect the lost art of handwriting (to write, pg. 14), you’ll find there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to celebrating the month of love. Let's go, February!

Jennifer Starbuck CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laura Kinser, Raemi Vermiglio, Michael Rainero

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Smiles, Robin Bond, Publication Director

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

| Matthew Perry

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DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR

ADVERTISING MANAGER AD COORDINATORS

| Brad Broockerd

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| Nicole Sylvester | Janeane Thompson

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by Community ™

HighlandsRanchLifestylePubs.com ON THE COVER Clay sculptor and South Suburban Artist Collective founder, Stephanie Wilson Thomas. PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAEMI VERMIGLIO 6

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | February 2017

JOIN US

TALK TO US

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Highlands Ranch Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Highlands Ranch’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 Highlands Ranch Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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February 2017

Departments 10

Good Times

Around Town

14 DIY 32

Animal Kingdom

Financial Buzz

Lifestyle Calendar

Localâ€™s Choice

16 Him + Her

Valentine's Day gifts that go above and beyond flowers,

chocolate and jewelry.

22 Meet SOSU

The talented artists behind the South Suburban Artist Collective.

32 Alpine Adventure

Dog sledding in Colorado is an adventure you won't want

to miss out on this winter.

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Around Town

AROUND TOWN

TABLE 79 FOODBAR OPENS IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

LOCAL REALTOR MAKES JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME TO HELP A FAMILY IN NEED Jessica Northrop, a real estate professional in Greenwood Village, recently traveled to Masachapa, Nicaragua to build a home for a family in need. Northrop partnered with Giveback Homes, the premier social good real estate platform, and Habitat for Humanity, joining a team of 10 other Giveback Home Members and industry leaders to build a safe and sustainable structure for the Garcia family to call home. The Garcia family includes Carla, a housewife that lives with her husband Mauricio who is suffering from kidney failure. They live with

Restaurateur and Owner of Destination Hospitality Restaurant

their four children and a young grandson. The family had limited

Group (Aurum, Hush Concepts) opened Table79 Foodbar in the

resources and had to make due in an unsafe structure made of old

former bistro c.v. space in Steamboat, Colorado. An 84 seat, New

wood and plastic. Through the work of Jessica Northrop and the rest

American restaurant, the Foodbar will be a multi-seat marquis

of the team, the family will soon have a safe and sturdy place to call

seating option offering guests the front row to hearth-style cooking.

home. The team spent three days mixing concrete and mortar and

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n honor of interviewing a calligrapher, I decided to whip out a pen and draft Hannah Howard’s story by hand. Of course, it’s (much) faster to draft on a laptop, but after talking with Howard about her lifelong passion for handwriting and fonts, it sparked an interest to appreciate an overlooked art form: written language. “I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing,” says Howard when referring to her relatively new business Ink + Root. Howard, a self-taught, left-handed calligrapher, started Ink + Root in March of 2016 after moving a mile high. The Louisiana native formerly worked as a creative director and stylist but, along with the big move, decided to seek new beginnings with her career. With newcomer confidence (while ignoring selfdoubt) Howard sent out networking emails to the local wedding scene to share her nontraditional, organic calligraphy style. Many meetings later, she connected with a network that encouraged her to start her own business. Howard planted her seed at Union27, a coworking space for wedding and event profes-

sionals, and since then the year has been a whirlwind. Back at the root of it all was selecting a meaningful name.

“Ink is what I do, but rooted is who I am,” says Howard. Rooted in her new community, she’s spent the last year adding her personal artistic touch to weddings, and has established her name in the local lettering scene. Howard also teaches introduction to modern calligraphy workshops. As you’d expect, they’ve been a hit. During the workshops, “everyone is on the same page, learning something new,” says Howard. If you’re interested in discovering your style of calligraphy, start with Ink + Root Introductory course. Starting in March Howard will also be offering intermediate classes that will focus on creative design and spacing. But step one is learning your ABC’s.

ARTICLE DANA LAPINEL | PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY INK + ROOT

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | February 2017

February 2017 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

UNIQUE VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS FOR HIM & HER Flowers, chocolate and jewelry: They’re the tried-and-true staple gifts for the celebratory day of love, but instead of the traditional present, here are a few ways to think out of the box this year and give something they’ll really remember.

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | February 2017

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SOSU South Suburban Artists Collective

ARTICLE JENNIFER STARBUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY RAEMI VERMIGLIO

t’s a cold early January morning in the Centennial home of sculptor Stephanie Wilson Thomas. She’s filling coffee cups for her artist friends as they gather in her warm kitchen, scribbling down their plans for the coming

year. The women, some of whom have known each other for more than 20 years, are laughing, making jokes, but they are serious about their mission here: To bring art to the communities south of Denver. They call themselves the South Suburban Artists Collective, or SOSU for short. The group started about two years ago when some friends —and then friends of friends — in Centennial began talking about the need for art community south of the the big city, where the major art museums, galleries and art collectives reside.

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | February 2017

For more information on the SOSU artists, their workshops and how to get involved, go to SoSuArtists.com.

“It’s amazing how much this area is growing, and how

The women are continually scouting retail locations that

fast. Any community benefits from art,” says Thomas, who

would fit their needs, and hope to secure funding from

herself moved to Centennial five years ago from Galveston,

municipalities or other sources to help pay for it.

Texas. “I want to live in a place where art is important.” Most of the SOSU artists are current or former elementary and middle school art teachers, which is how their friendships began, and have collaborated on exhibitions, sales and workshops over the years.

“When I think of the kind of place I want to live, art is a part of it," Thomas says. "We’ve done it on our own, but we want it to be bigger than that." At this morning's meeting, they finalize their next workshop offering: Paint-and-take Valentine’s ceram-

For the past two Christmas seasons, SOSU has leased

ic-heart classes, one for adults at a local winery and one

short-term retail locations for pop-up sales, as well as

for children on a Saturday morning at a member's home.

hosted sales and workshops in various members’ homes.

Julie Vincelette, who teaches elementary art in

But their end goal is to create something similar to the

Littleton Public Schools, says she frequently hears from

Art Students League of Denver, located near downtown,

parents and neighbors about how they want to make

where all of them have spent time taking classes and col-

art but don’t know where to begin. So she’s quick to

laborating with other artists to hone their skills.

repeat her mantra that even her kindergartners know

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well: There are no mistakes in art.

CONTINUED >

that houses a gallery, affordable shared studio space, and workshop in which to teach classes for anyone in the area.

February 2017 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

SOSU (CON TI N UED)

“Part of what I enjoy is teaching the creative process,” she says. “It’s frustrating when I hear people say ‘I can’t do that. I’m not an artist.’ But it’s about taking the time to sometimes be uncomfortable.” SOSU's mission of providing workshops to the public will only make the community stronger, she said. “Community is the biggest piece,” Vincelette says. “I can go work in my own space, but to make art together is a powerful thing.”

STEPHANIE WILSON THOMAS CLAY SCULPTING

The logistical operation of SOSU has been a learning process for everyone. Someone sets up the payment system for sales and workshops; someone else takes on finding temporary retail locations; a couple others have lobbied Centennial city staff with their vision for an arts center. “We’re artists, not businesspeople. But we just jump in and try to figure it out,” Vincelette says. Mar Knight-Hall is an herbalist who makes skin-care products with herbs she grows and forages. She hand-sews eye pillows from renowned Liberty of London fabric and creates balms from recipes that have been around for hundreds of years. She says the favorite part of her creative process is seeing people close their eyes to linger over the fragrance of her products. Making people feel something is at the heart of art and being an artist. “There are so many hard things in the world,” she says, “and what we do makes people happy.”

A LOOK AT THE SOSU ARTISTS:

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | February 2017

“We live south of a huge urban center with lots of galleries and art centers, but there are many artists south of the city. There’s a lot going on here, and we take art very seriously.”

“I do think it’s important for us to have strong, artful moments with people in this area. People are hungry to tap into their creativity.” CONTINUED >

MARY LYNN BAIRD

CLAY, PRINTMAKING, PHOTOGRAPHY, MIXED MEDIA

February 2017 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

SOSU (CON TI N UED)

“You work by yourself all the time and it’s important to get that support and network from other artists. You’re exposed to working in other ways, which helps you to grow as an artist.”

MAR KNIGHTHALL HERBALIST

“It’s a fun way to be inspired by each other and share art. I try to make an experience of color, smell and for people to have a piece of the gardens. Sharing gifts from nature add value to our lives.” 26

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | February 2017

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | February 2017

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Animal Kingdom

OF T E W L L H A C ARTICLE DANA LAPINEL

PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL RAINERO

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | February 2017

D L I

MY IDEAS ABOUT DOG SLEDDING CAME FROM JACK LONDON’S FAMOUS NOVELS CALL OF THE WILD AND WHITE FANG; Disney also threw in a bone with their not-so-famous 2006 movie Eight Below. All in all, it seemed like an amazing experience. So when we had the assignment to do a dog sledding feature, I was all in. The primary motivation behind this dog sledding feature was pure curiosity. As I sat looking at my two dogs (a pug and wannabe pug that’s a lab), I was interested to see a dog at work. I typically get pulled by my dogs on leashes, but for pulling to be a dog’s actual duty was fascinating. Alpine Adventures Dog Sledding, known for their unique, hands-on dog sledding tours, caught my attention because of the rave reviews and long reputation, a total of fifteen seasons. I sent an email, owner Loren Priem confirmed, and we were off to the races. As photographer Michael Rainero and I took off Sunday morning on 1-70 West, dressed in ski clothing and plenty of wool, I envisioned playing with big, fluffy Siberian Huskies. A few hours later (thanks, mountain traffic) we finally made it and were in for a surprise. After meeting Dana, our guide and the alpha of her 12-dog team, we walked over for the rest of the introductions. What first caught my attention were all the colors, shapes and sizes of the dogs. Although purebred Siberian Huskies can be used in dog sledding, Alaskan Huskies, we learned, dominate in both racing and touring. “Alaskans are a crossbreed created and bred for long-distance running. Siberians are a pure breed, but could never run the miles that Alaskans do. So you see them bred with running breeds,” says Loren. And during this peak season, there’s a lot of running. “Only during the very busiest time of our peak holiday season does a team run four tours a day. In theory, a team could run a total of 22 miles in a full day,” says Loren. “But that is broken up over four tours throughout the entire day. A 5-6 mile run for these athletes is barely stretching their legs.” CONTINUED >

February 2017 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

Animal Kingdom

(CON TI N U ED)

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | February 2017

Dana’s team would be on their second tour of the day with us in tow. Becca (2) and Scout (4) were the leading ladies and the smallest out of the team. “We have the muscle in the back, speed and intelligence in front,” explained Dana. We opted for the one-hour "tagsled" tour in which two dog sleds are attached, and the guide takes the first sled to help guide. Both Michael and I got the opportunity to help drive, ride and control the team. I started out as the driver and let out an enthusiastic “mush,” and the packs pent-up excitement was let out in one cooperative pull. The ride was serene and the perfect way to spend a Sunday. There

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was an impending snowstorm set to hit the following day, so the view of typically blue skies and Mt. Elbert (the tallest 14-er in Colorado) was blocked. We didn’t mind since it felt like a true tundra, alpine adventure. When we got back, we helped bring each dog back to his or her station, and then it was feeding time. As soon as they were done

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eating, you could see through their soft grunts, barks and occasional howls their excitement to get back to the ride. We saw families with children of all ages, couples old and young, and groups of friends. Most of Alpine’s business comes from out-of-staters visiting the slopes looking for a unique snow experience outside of skiing. “Everyone knows about snowmobiling, which I love to do as well, but dog sledding is one of those bucket-list activities for tourists,” says Loren. “We hear it every day, all day long, that we are the highlight of everyone’s winter vacation, and we take pride in that.” I may not be a tourist, but it was the highlight of my winter and a definite conversation starter. If you’re near Breck, Vail, Copper Mountain or Keystone, visit Alpine to cross 'dog sledding' off your bucket list.

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Financial Buzz

EXPERT SAYS with financial wiz Judy Carlson

UNDERSTANDING DISTRIBUTION RATES WHAT JUST AIN’T SO

“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you in trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” -Mark Twain Julie just turned 62. Her entire career she has been maxing out her 401(k) plan and, with company matches and growth in the funds, she has finally reached $1 million. Julie is excited to retire, travel and spend more time with her husband, kids and grandkids. Julie meets with her financial advisor, and for the first time in her life she learns 3 important financial truths: • With $1 million in her 401(k) plan, it will only distribute (provide) $30,000 per year to live on. • Her entire 401(k) – both contributions and gains – is VERITY FINANCIAL

subject to federal and state income tax.

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• The Social Security taxation formula will kick in, and

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85% of her social security benefit will be subject to taxa-

Verity.Financial

tion at ordinary income rates. Unfortunately, Julie spent her “accumulation” years saving money into an asset class (her 401(k) plan) without understanding “distribution” strategies. Distribution rates are the rates at which you can withdraw money year-over-year from various asset classes without the risk of running out of money. Understanding distribution rates is the key to unlocking retirement income cash flow. The 401(k) plan is named after a section in the Internal Revenue Code and was born out of the Revenue Act of 1978. Let that sink in. Contributions to 401(k) plans, IRAs and 403(b)s and the growth in those accounts “postpone” the taxes and the tax calculation. When you reach age 70 ½, the government requires you to take distributions from these accounts (RMDs). Social Security can add $1 million to your retirement income if it’s not taxed. Today, an individual with combined income between $25,000 and $34,000 will pay tax on 50%

P ho

of the social security benefit; with combined income greater

to L aK au r i n se r

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | February 2017

than $34,000, she will pay tax on 85% of the benefit. The thresholds increase to $32,000 and $44,000 for joint returns. Distribution strategies can literally make or break your retirement.

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February 2017 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

Lifestyle Calendar

February FEBRUARY 1 - 26

FEBRUARY 14

KIDS NIGHT OUT!

VALENTINE'S AT THE MANSION

KEYSTONE RESORT

HIGHLANDS RANCH MANSION

Kids, tonight is all about you! Send your parents on date night, be-

Treat yourself to a little fun this Valentine’s Day at the beautiful High-

cause there’s FUN to be had! Join us for an evening of arts, crafts,

lands Ranch Mansion. Guests can enjoy music, dancing, compli-

movies, and more. Age-appropriate outdoor activities may be in-

mentary coffee, tea, sweet treats and tours of the historic home. Bring

cluded, weather dependent. Dinner is served and you’ll enjoy our

your sweetheart, come with a group of friends or bring your kids and

Sunday evening Kidtopia activity, Starquest Night Sky Explora-

treat yourself to a morning of fun. HighlandsRanchMansion.com

tion! KeystoneResort.com

FEBRUARY 9

FEBRUARY 16 LYDIA REEDER - DUST BOWL GIRLS

WINTER CULTURAL SERIES: BROADWAY SINGS!

TATTERED COVER ASPEN GROVE

CHERRY HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH

Lydia Reeder will present Dust Bowl Girls: The Inspiring Story of

Returning for the third year, Mark Middlebrooks will direct a great col-

the Team That Barnstormed Its Way to Basketball Glory. Combining

lection of Broadway songs! This is a performance of amazing vocals

exhilarating sports writing and exceptional storytelling, Dust Bowl

from your favorite Broadway shows! HRCAOnline.org

Girls conveys the intensity of an improbable journey to an epic show-

FEBRUARY 10

down with the prevailing national champions, led by the legendary Babe Didrikson. TatteredCover.com

3RD ANNUAL SAVE THE MUSIC FUNDRAISER – STUDENT PERFORMANCES CASTLE PINES COMMUNITY CENTER There will be two separate and distinct concerts performed by students enrolled in the CCOEIM. (See above for full name.) The purpose is to provide scholarships for tuition and instrument rental for Douglas County families that qualify. The evening, for the third year, is co-sponsored by the two organizations listed above. Refreshments will be served. For tickets visit, CastlePines.org

FEBRUARY 11 VICTORIA AVEYARD & COLLEEN OAKES BOOK SIGNING TATTERED COVER ASPEN GROVE

FEBRUARY 16

In this breathless third installment to Victoria Aveyard's bestsell-

RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET 'THE SLEEPING BEAUTY'

ing Red Queen series, allegiances are tested on every side. Colleen

LONE TREE ARTS CENTER

Oakes's twisted reimagining of the Queen of Hearts origin story con-

Considered the crown jewel of legendary choreographer Marius Peti-

tinues in this thrilling sequel, Blood of Wonderland. Please join us for

pa's career, The Sleeping Beauty is the magical fairy tale of the beauti-

a book signing! TatteredCover.com

ful, sleeping princess who awaits the kiss of her prince. Brought to life

FEBRUARY 13 STEPH JAGGER - UNBOUND TATTERED COVER ASPEN GROVE

by one of Moscow's finest ballet companies, this enchanting tale is set to Tchaikovsky's magnificent score under Artistic Director and former Bolshoi principal dancer Elena Radchenko. LoneTreeArtsCenter.org

Steph Jagger will present Unbound: A Story of Snow and Self-Dis-

FEBRUARY 18

covery. Jagger follows winter across five continents on a physical and

ADULT GLOW-IN-THE-DARK YOGA

spiritual journey that tests her body and soul, in this transformative

SOUTHRIDGE RECREATION CENTER

memoir, full of heart and courage, that speaks to the adventurous-

Wear your favorite neon yoga clothes, and come move to a mellow,

ness in all of us. TatteredCover.com

rhythmic blacklight vinyasa flow set to a unique playlist, under the black

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | February 2017

lights. Kelly Conrad one of HRCA's certified yoga instructors will be leading the class. For adults 21+. IDs will be checked. HRCAOnline.org

FEBRUARY 23 WINTER CULTURAL SERIES: DENVER POPS CHERRY HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH February is a wonderful time to share with your sweetheart. Denver Pops is there to help you and that special someone enjoy an evening together. In the beautiful setting of Historic Grant Avenue, you will enjoy the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Perez Prado, and Cole Porter. HRCAOnline.org

FEBRUARY 24

THE PERFECT HOLIDAYGift

3RD ANNUAL SAVE THE MUSIC FUNDRAISER – EVENING OF JAZZ DANIEL’S GATE COUNTRY CLUB This, our third year, is an evening of jazz, wine and hors d’oeuvres with the famed Hank Troy Trio. A “Wine Pull” is part of the event. The purpose is to provide scholarships for tuition and instrument rental for Douglas County families. It is co-sponsored by Castle Pines Arts & Cultural Foundation and Colorado Camber Orchestra Elementary Instrumental Music. CastlePines.org

FEBRUARY 24 JENNIFER ARNOLD - LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

INTRODUCTORY OFFERS

$2995

Four 40 minute Infrared Therapy Sessions

TATTERED COVER ASPEN GROVE Jennifer Arnold, founder and executive director of Canine Assistants, a service-dog school based in Milton, and the author of the New York Times bestseller Through a Dog's Eyes, will present her new book Love Is All You Need: The Revolutionary Bond-Based Approach

Buy a

$4995 gift card

and get a free 40 minute Infrared Therapy Session

to Educating Your Dog. TatteredCover.com

FEBRUARY 25 SPIRIT TASTING SOUTHRIDGE RECREATION CENTER

Buy

$149

in gift cards

and get a free 60 minute Massage Therapy Session

Join us for a mid-Winter break from the cold with an exotic and mysterious journey through the world of Tiki Cocktails and Rum. Davidsons Spirits Specialist Chris Motley will give a short presentation on the history of America's longest-running cocktail craze before we embark on a trip to the Tiki palaces of old for classic cocktails. HRCAOnline.org

FEBRUARY 26 DENVER CONCERT BAND PRESENTS ALL THAT JAZZ! LONE TREE ARTS CENTER Our annual Guest Artist Concert featuring Denver’s fabulous Queen City Jazz Band playing traditional Dixieland jazz along with the Denver Concert Band for a fun afternoon. The Denver Concert Band is a group of adult musicians who enjoy instrumental music as an avocation. LoneTreeArtsCenter.org

9579 S University Blvd, Ste 270 Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 303.800.6830 | massagegreenspa.com February 2017 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

Local’s Choice 7.

Pantone Color of the Year Picks 8.

WHO: JESSICA DUCE WHAT: INTERIOR DESIGNER WHERE: JDUCE DESIGNS

JDUCEDESIGN.COM

10.

1. Butter Nail Polish by London 2. Manolo Blahnik 2017 shoe collection 3. Steve Madden sunglasses 4. Kate Spade Leopard Ikat rug 5. Gueridons Side Table 6. KitchenAid Mixer 7. Doo Wop Pendant at Lumens 8. Moooi Cloud Sofa 9. Personality Traits Art by Kelly O'Neal

5. 42

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | February 2017

10. Chanel Chance Perfume

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