Gathering in Gratitude
WHAT WILL YOU GET THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE FOR THE HOLIDAYS? GIVE THEM THE GIFT OF A NEW GARAGE
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Thankful: Here's To Lives Well Lived
What’s the best part of where you live? Chances are, people factor into at least part of your answer. It might start with family under your own roof, or extended family nearby (if you’re lucky). Maybe it’s friends who have become like family, or the people you see each week at church, your civic group or your favorite sports or hobby club.
Here in Colorado, we’re spoiled by a rich outdoor life, natural beauty on display from our very doorsteps. But it’s the people around us who bring the most joy.
In this November Thankful issue, we’ve taken time to reflect on the people who make our community such a wonderful place to live. The volunteers giving their time to worthwhile causes, and the business community that lifts each other up.
In our City Scene section this month, we feature just a few of the many events that filled our recent weeks. As is the case every month, there are far more happenings than we can fit on these pages. But you’ll see nonprofits, businesses and civic groups doing inspiring work across our city.
We’re continually blown away by the dedication of people here, those who genuinely want to solve problems and make our community even better. In short, we’re especially thankful this month for all of you. Wishing you a joyful and blessed holiday season filled with connection, gratitude and the rewards of lives well lived.
JENNIFER STARBUCK, PUBLISHER
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Jennifer Starbuck | jennifer.starbuck@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Sonja Nix | sonja.nix@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Angie Jehu | angie.jehu@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angie Jehu, Sadie McMullen, Kara Witherow, Jerry Van Leuven
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Sadie McMullen
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN NOVEMBER
city scene
1-4: On Sept. 26, Discover Strength boutique fitness studio in Lone Tree hosted its grand opening and ribbon cutting with the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce. 1: From left, franchise co-owner Wafa Qureshi; Lone Tree Mayor Marissa Harmon; franchise co-owners Ajmal Ahmed and Saif Ahmed. 5-7: On Oct. 1, Vectra Bank Lone Tree celebrated its grand re-opening with the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce and welcomed new branch manager Delmi Gomez. Gomez replaces Peggy King, who is now the Vice President of Community Development for Vectra Bank Colorado.
ANGIE JEHU
ANGIE JEHU
ANGIE JEHU
ANGIE JEHU
8, 9, 11: On Sept. 12, the Lone Tree Police and Park Meadows Retail Resort hosted the First Responders Fun Fest at the Vistas at Park Meadows. Educational activities included hands-on fun with fire trucks, police cruisers and rescue gear, a photo booth with first responders and Dunk a Cop. First responder agencies from the south metro area and northern Douglas County (NoDo) included the Parker Police Department, Castle Rock Police Department, South Metro Fire Rescue, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, South Suburban Parks and Recreation Park Rangers and RTD Transit Police. 10, 12-14: On Sept. 18, Cabinet IQ Lone Tree owners Wayne Jeffs and Alan Jeffs celebrated their grand opening and ribbon cutting with the South Metro Denver Chamber. 12: Cabinet IQ Lone Tree head designer Jan Taylor. 13: With scissors, co-owner Wayne Jeffs, with family and members of the South Metro Denver Chamber. 14: Jeffs with South Denver Food founder Krista Simonson.
KRISTA SIMONSON
KRISTA SIMONSON
business monthly
In The Blink Offers Support Through Eye Loss
Hope begins with being seen. In the Blink believes no one should have to navigate life after eye loss alone. This nonprofit, started by Highlands Ranch resident Meagan Oberle, offers financial, emotional and community-based support to individuals who have experienced vision loss and need a prosthetic eye. Through compassionate care and collective action, In The Blink helps people rebuild their lives and helps them reclaim their sense of self. Visit www.intheblinkltd.com and www.meaganoberle.com
Author Publishes 'Adventures of Pork Bun and Mooncake'
Highlands Ranch resident Ali Yang has released her children's picture book, "The Adventures of Pork Bun and Mooncake: The Quest for the Perfect Noodle," which follows two spirited siblings on a magical, food-filled journey across cultures in Asia. In her seven years in the Navy, Yang lived throughout the Pacific and developed her love for global cuisine and storytelling. Her stories are inspired by her multiracial family, her travels and a desire to help children feel seen and curious. porkbunmooncake.com
Douglas County Library Volunteer Receives State Award
Douglas County Libraries is proud to announce that Chris Brannock was honored with the 2025 Volunteer of the Year from the Colorado Association of Libraries at its annual conference in September. A DCL volunteer for 15 years, Brannock's most significant contribution has been her leadership in the Sensory Storytime program, designed for adults with special needs, says DCL Youth and Family Services Librarian Alex McCall. “Her dedication has helped foster strong, meaningful relationships with both participants and their caregivers,” McCall said. Scan
Diary of an Olympic Hopeful
MY JOURNEY FROM THE TRACK TO THE SLED
ARTICLE BY ANGIE JEHU AND SADIE MCMULLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BY
SADIE MCMULLEN
Bobsled track in Winterberg, Germany
Team USA - World Cup Trials (Sept 2025)
Dreams often take root in our childhood. Sadie McMullen’s passion for track and field propelled her through Valor Christian High School and the University of Wyoming. However, her athletic prowess unexpectedly led her to bobsledding, a sport renowned for its exhilarating speeds of up to 85 mph and G-forces that reach five times a person’s body weight. As the 2025 World Cup season approaches and Olympic aspirations loom, Sadie shares her remarkable journey. With unwavering determination, she aims to carve her name in this demanding sport, drawing strength from her faith, grit and an ever-present sense of gratitude.
2016 - 2020: HOW IT STARTED
I began competing in track and field in eighth grade through the Valor Christian High School Track Academy led by Brian Kula. I fell in love with training and competing. That decision laid the foundation for my future athletic endeavors.
My freshman year at Valor, I competed for the track team and solidified my passion for the sport. Over the next four years, I honed my skills in various events and developed a deeper understanding of my athletic potential.
In 2020, I was recruited by Coach Quincy Howe as a Division 1 track athlete at the University of Wyoming. I specialized in long jump and short sprints, training under both Coach Howe and strength coach Josh Little. Competing at the collegiate level was intense, rewarding and formative. It laid the groundwork for the unexpected next chapter of my career.
SUMMER 2024: AN UNEXPECTED DETOUR –THE BOBSLED BECKONS
The summer of 2024 brought an unexpected twist. Coach Howe received an email from Curt Tomasevicz, USA Bobsled Director of Performance, seeking college athletes for a recruitment combine in Salt Lake City. Though bobsled was entirely new to me, I felt a strong pull to explore this icy possibility.
AUGUST 2024: TESTING THE WATERS –THE COMBINE EXPERIENCE
On Aug. 17, I attended the combine in Salt Lake City, an intensive day designed to test speed, strength and power. The atmosphere was electric, filled with athletes pushing
their limits. That day, I also met Head Coach Chris Fogt and pilot Kaysha Love, both of whom would later play pivotal roles in my journey.
AUGUST 2024: THE INVITATION TO LAKE PLACID
One week later, I received an official invitation to rookie camp in Lake Placid, New York. My performance in Salt Lake City spoke for itself, and my journey into bobsledding was officially underway.
AUGUST – OCTOBER 2024: 8 WEEKS OF TRAINING FOR THE ICE
With rookie camp on the horizon, my training underwent a strategic shift. While maintaining my track regimen at Wyoming, Josh Little added weighted prowler sled pushes, a targeted strength and power workout explicitly designed to build explosive power and endurance essential for a bobsled push start.
OCTOBER 2024: ROOKIE CAMP – AN ICY INTRODUCTION
I joined 12 other rookies at Mt. Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid for Rookie Camp. We learned sled mechanics, explosive push techniques and the unique demands required to navigate ice tracks.
Midway through camp, I received an unexpected call from Curt: an invitation to stay three more weeks to train with the World Cup team and compete in selection races. It meant forgoing my indoor track season, but the opportunity was too extraordinary to decline.
OCTOBER 2024: ROOKIE PUSH CHAMPIONSHIPS –VALIDATING THE DECISION
Days later, I competed in the Rookie Push Championships and delivered results that suggested I had the potential to reach the World Cup stage.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024: MY FIRST RIDE & TRAINING WITH ELITES
I finally took my first bobsled ride with Olympic medalist Elana Meyers Taylor, a disorienting rush of 5–6 G-forces that quickly became addictive.
Along with Elana, I was also mentored by Olympic Gold Medalist Kaillie Humphries and World Champion Kaysha Love.
CONTINUED >
“The moment I had been working towards came in St. Moritz, Switzerland. I competed in my first World Cup race with the legendary Elana Meyers Taylor. It was an exhilarating experience, culminating in a podium finish —a remarkable result for my debut World Cup race.”
NOVEMBER 2024: THE WORLD CUP DREAM REALIZED
Unseasonably warm weather limited practice time on the track, but I was still able to compete in the World Cup Bobsledder challenges. My performance secured a coveted spot as a World Cup Bobsledder for the 2024-2025 season.
LATE NOVEMBER/EARLY DECEMBER 2024: FAREWELL TO TRACK
Before shifting to bobsled full-time, I returned to Wyoming, completed my graduate classes and competed in my last track meet as a Cowgirl at the UW Power Meet. It was a bittersweet farewell to a sport that had given me so much, provided countless memories and shaped me into the athlete I am today.
DECEMBER 2024: EMBRACING THE WORLD TOUR
After Christmas, I officially joined the World Cup circuit.
Team USA - World Cup Trials (Sept 2025)
Innsbruck, Austria
USA Bobsled Team 2024-25 Season
JANUARY 2025: WINTERBERG –ACCLIMATIZATION AND LEARNING
My first stop was Winterberg, Germany: a whirlwind of adjustment and learning. I didn’t race, but it was a crucial period of acclimatization, allowing me to absorb the pace and demands of World Cup bobsledding.
JANUARY 2025: ST. MORITZ – A PODIUM DEBUT
The moment I had been working towards came in St. Moritz, Switzerland. I competed in my first World Cup race with the legendary Elana Meyers Taylor. It was an exhilarating experience, culminating in a podium finish —a remarkable result for my debut World Cup race.
JANUARY 2025: INNSBRUCK – THE EAGLES TRACK
The tour continued its rapid pace. Here I raced alongside Olympic medalist Sylvia Hoffman in Innsbruck, Austria, and loved the challenges of the course. I learned that each track brings its own unique character and learning opportunities.
JANUARY 2025: ST. MORITZ – A RACE LOST TO WARMTH
I returned to St. Moritz to race with Kaillie, but warm weather forced a cancellation, a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the inherent challenges of winter sports.
FEBRUARY 2025: LILLEHAMMER –ALTERNATE, PATIENCE & ANTICIPATION
During two weeks of training, I served as an alternate brakewoman for the Norway race. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to compete on that particular track. It was a time of continued learning and readiness, even from the sidelines.
MARCH – APRIL 2025: LAKE PLACID – THE HOME STRETCH
In the latter part of the season, we returned to Lake Placid for six weeks of training and competition. It felt good to be back where the journey began.
MARCH 2025: WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS –READY FOR ANYTHING
A pinnacle event in the bobsled season, Lake Placid hosted the World Championships. I served as an alternate on Elana’s sled.
APRIL 2025: PILOT OLYMPIC TRIALS –SEASON’S END AND NEW BEGINNINGS
The season ended with the Pilot Olympic Trials, where I raced with Lauren Brzozowski. It was the conclusion of a transformative first World Cup season.
SEPTEMBER 2025: A SECOND WORLD CUP SEASON CONFIRMED
Building on the incredible momentum of my debut season, I returned to Wyoming for continued training with Coach Howe and Josh Little. At the National Team Push Championships, I secured my spot on the World Cup team for a second season.
JANUARY 2026: OLYMPIC DREAMS ON THE HORIZON
The highly anticipated Olympic team announcement. My dream is to secure a coveted spot on the world’s most prestigious stage and represent the U.S. in Cortina.
FEBRUARY 2026: CORTINA, ITALY
If selected, I’ll proudly compete in the Olympic Games in Cortina, which would be the ultimate culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice and unwavering dedication to athletic excellence.
SALT LAKE 2034: FUTURE OLYMPIC DREAMS AND BECOMING A BOBSLED PILOT
Beyond competing as a brakewoman, I aim to become a pilot, racing in both monobob and two-woman events. My long-term vision is to pilot at the 2030 Olympics in La Plagne, France and the 2034 Olympics in Salt Lake City.
SPONSORSHIP: FUELING THE DREAM
Competing at the highest level demands relentless training, international travel and world-class equipment, all of which require strong support. I’m seeking partners who share the Olympic spirit and want to be part of this journey from rookie season to the Olympic stage. Together, we can fuel the pursuit of excellence and inspire the next generation of athletes.
LEARN MORE: Competing at the highest level demands relentless training, international travel and world-class equipment, all of which require strong support. I’m seeking partners who share the Olympic spirit and want to be part of this journey from rookie season to the Olympic stage. Together, we can fuel the pursuit of excellence and inspire the next generation of athletes. For sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to me at sadiemcmullen31@gmail.com or follow along on Instagram at @sadie.macc.
Join Highlands Ranch Travel President, Marcie LauritsenMann, for an exclusive South African itinerary in Fall of 2026.
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The Gift of Service
Douglas County Volunteers Strengthen the Sheriff’s Office and Enrich the Community They Serve
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is home to the small but quickly growing group, Community Safety Volunteers (CSV), a specialized team of trained civilian professionals.
The CSV is a non-commissioned, unarmed unit responsible for handling non-emergency calls, among other tasks. By taking on these responsibilities, CSV members free up sworn deputies’ time to attend to higher-priority incidents, ensuring resources are used efficiently and response times for emergencies remain fast. This model delivers immediate, tailored service to residents while strengthening overall public safety.
Most volunteers on the CSV are retired members of the community they serve, who share an interest in law enforcement and the safety of their community. They are deeply committed to keeping Douglas County a great place to live, play and work.
Like Gene Neiges, the CSV Patrol and Program Recruiter. Originally from New York, Gene moved to Colorado 30 years ago after retiring from from a long career in financial services. He, like most volunteers, was looking for a fulfilling way to give back in retirement
Upon moving to Highlands Ranch from the mountains 12 years ago, Gene spent time serving as a docent at the Denver Art Museum, but upon learning about the CSV, decided it was time for a new challenge.
ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX
In addition to his time volunteering on patrol, Neiges has taken on the responsibility of recruiting other volunteers for the program. His pride in the program is palpable.
“We are fully vetted and trained for our jobs, uniformed and drive specially designed vehicles,” says Neiges. “Our program is now 20 years old, and we are a model program for other police organizations around the country.”
CSV members perform a wide range of duties that directly support both the community at large and the Sheriff’s Office:
Patrol: Patrol CSVs drive specially designed vehicles and assist deputies with tasks such as house watches, traffic control, VIN verifications, vehicle impounds and citizen assists.
Community Parks and Open Spaces: Increased patrol of open spaces and parks is another place CSVs can be found. These locations are abundant, and a patrol vehicle adds a significant sense of security to the citizens who use them.
Warrants: CSVs conduct misdemeanor fugitive notification calls to reduce the number of outstanding warrants and perform felony fugitive research.
Investigations: CSVs support detectives in and out of the office with a variety of duties, including liquor code inspections, financial crimes assistance, locating video footage and other related tasks.
Additional Support Areas: CSVs also perform essential ongoing duties, including armory support, Office of Emergency Management support, Computer maintenance, firearms simulator operations and many other areas that leverage our volunteers’ skill sets.
By managing non-emergency situations, the CSV significantly reduces the workload on sworn deputies, allowing resources to be directed toward urgent, critical incidents.
Equally important, CSV members serve as a bridge between the Sheriff’s Office and the community. Their frequent, positive interactions with residents — during routine assistance rather than emergencies — help foster trust and mutual respect.
“By contributing thousands of volunteer hours, our Community Safety Volunteers help advance the mission of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office while saving taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly. “Their dedication extends the reach of the Sheriff’s Office and also strengthens trust, visibility and safety in our neighborhoods. They’re proof that when the community and law enforcement work together, everyone benefits.”
The CSV represents an innovative and practical approach to law enforcement, demonstrating that civilian support is a vital component of a comprehensive public safety strategy.
To learn more about the expanding Community Safety Volunteer program and its role in Douglas County, visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website, dcsheriff.net
As a local, family-owned company, we are especially thankful to our community for supporting us through the years. When you choose Applewood, you’re investing in our employees and their families, and in turn, our community.
Know that you can rely on our team of licensed professionals to take care of any home comfort issues you may have, as we’ve been doing for over 50 years.
Christmas
ARTICLE BY KARA WITHEROW PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE GAYLORD HOTELS
This Holiday Season, see a Wonderland in ICE! at Gaylord Rockies Resort
Shines Bright
The best Christmas memories don’t have to be made far from home. Just a quick drive from anywhere in the Denver metro area, Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora will transform into a winter wonderland where families can slow down, laugh together and create new traditions.
From Nov. 24, 2025, through Jan. 2, 2026, the resort comes alive with millions of twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, festive music and seasonal treats that dazzle, delight and set the perfect holiday scene.
At the heart of So Much Christmas at Gaylord Rockies Resort is ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
The beloved children’s book is brought to life with more than 2 million pounds of hand-carved, boldly colored ice. Guests can wander through iconic scenes, marvel at sculptures nearly 30 feet tall and zoom down ice slices, all while staying warm in parkas provided by the resort.
Journeying through the attraction, guests will see stunning ice carvings of familiar characters and scenes, including the grumpy Grinch’s lair, Who-ville, the Grinch carving roast beast and 12-foot ice statues of the Grinch.
Beyond ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Gaylord Rockies Resort offers a winter wonderland of festive activities for the whole family.
Brave the indoor four-lane snow tubing hill for a thrilling ride, craft and decorate gingerbread creations, solve riddles on a Grinchy scavenger hunt or step inside Santa’s workshop to meet the man in red himself.
After a day filled with Christmas cheer, linger a little longer over an exceptional meal. At Old Hickory Steakhouse, savor timeless cuts in an elegant setting. Garden + Grain Seasonal Kitchen showcases fresh, local ingredients and Copper Table tempts with authentic Colorado cuisine and traditional flavors. As the day winds down, enjoy an evening stroll through the glowing, glittering Grand Lodge.
This year, skip the travel stress and give your family the greatest gift of all: time together. With so much to see and do, Gaylord Rockies Resort is the ultimate destination for creating holiday traditions and making memories that will be treasured for years to come.
Explore overnight packages, ticket bundles and special offers at ChristmasatGaylordRockies. com, and make this holiday season one your family will never forget.
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IT’S
ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
APPLES GIVING
From Colorado’s Historic Orchards to Your Glass: Apple Cider Bourbon
Did you know that Colorado is home to many heritage apple varieties? In fact, Colorado was one of the nation’s largest apple producers in its early days. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith and McIntosh, often found in large grocery stores, grow well here, as do lesser-known, limited-availability heritage cultivars like Colorado Orange, Ben Davis and Winter Banana.
Consider this cocktail recipe when gathering this holiday season as a tribute to Colorado’s rich apple-growing history. You can press your own cider, visit a local apple orchard or purchase the ingredients for this recipe at the grocery store.
For more information on Colorado’s apple history and unique varietals, visit the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project at montezumaorchard.org.
APPLE CIDER BOURBON
DIRECTIONS:
1. Add the first four ingredients, along with ice, to a cocktail shaker and shake.
2. Serve over fresh ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice.
3. If desired, use cinnamon sugar to rim the glass. Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy of Angela Broockerd.
This easy fall cocktail is festive and delicious. Served chilled in this recipe, it’s also delicious using hot cider. This is a crowd pleaser.
INGREDIENTS:
• Apple cider
• 1 ½ ounce bourbon or whiskey
• ½ ounce honey
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• Cinnamon
• Apple slice
Delmi leads a dedicated team that empowers individuals and businesses to thrive. With deep expertise in financial services and community banking, they deliver personalized solutions to help you grow your business, buy a home, or plan for the future.
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H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
20 Years Of Jewelry, Endless Gratitude
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 8TH
Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon
Rocky Heights Middle School
2025 marks the 17th Annual Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon in Highlands Ranch. This highly anticipated event invites participants to embark on a 13.1-mile trail race through captivating landscapes, encompassing both the Douglas County East/West trail and the picturesque trails of the HRCA's Backcountry Wilderness Area. Don't miss your last chance in 2025 to run in our wonderful natural spaces.
NOVEMBER 11TH
Highlands Ranch Veterans Day Celebration
Douglas County Libraries, Highlands Ranch
Join the Highlands Ranch Metro District to honor our veterans at the annual Highlands Ranch Veterans Day Celebration. Enjoy patriotic music, a color guard and stories from Colorado veteran and historian Flint Whitlock. Arrive early and visit the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument, which includes a special tribute memorial to three hometown heroes: Staff Sergeant Christopher Falkel, Sergeant Jon Stiles and Corporal Max Donahue.
NOVEMBER 18TH
Classical Music at the Mansion
Highlands Ranch Mansion
Join the HRCA for a classical concert featuring members of the Colorado Symphony. Arrive early for the rare opportunity to explore the mansion’s historic rooms and beautiful grounds on a self-guided tour. November's concert is an octet, one of the rarest combinations in chamber music. All eight musicians work together in harmony. Any bigger, and it would be called an orchestra. HRCAonline.org
NOVEMBER 21ST-JANUARY 11TH
Trail of Lights
Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms
Tucked into the foothills under the dark sky, the glow of lights can be seen for miles. Just under a mile of walking trail, the illumination of cottonwoods, boxelders and pine trees line the pathway past the Green Farm Barn and through the Crossroads Garden, Deer Creek Discovery Children's Play Area and 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead.
NOVEMBER 23RD
Heroes and Holidays
Lone Tree Arts Center
The Denver Concert Band invites you to a dual-themed musical celebration: Heroes and Holidays. The performance begins with powerful works honoring heroes of all kinds, both legendary and fictional, that portray bravery, sacrifice and imagination. The second half kicks off the holiday season with a festive collection of holiday music — jazzy sleigh rides, humorous holiday tales and playful twists on familiar tunes.
NOVEMBER 27TH
21st Annual Turkey Day 5K
Halftime Help Stadium
Lace up and trot over to South Metro Denver’s favorite Thanksgiving tradition—the Turkey Day 5K. Join other runners, walkers and wobblers to kick off the holiday with heart, humor and heaps of gratitude. After crossing the finish line, enjoy a post-race pancake breakfast, with donations gladly accepted to support the Douglas County Fallen Officer Fund—giving back to local families of fallen law enforcement.
ARTICLE BY JERRY VAN LEUVEN
The Aspen Effect
Nestled in the rolling landscapes of Douglas County, The Aspen Effect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit changing the trajectory of youth and family mental health through one powerful approach: connection. Using equine-guided and nature-based mentorship, The Aspen Effect surrounds youth and families with supportive relationships that cultivate trust, resilience and emotional growth. Their model has been especially impactful for youth navigating anxiety, substance use disorder and social isolation.
As part of the Colorado Gives Campaign, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 9, The Aspen Effect invites community members and philanthropists alike to be part of something transformative.
Donations directly support preventive care that meets youth where they are, often outside the walls of a traditional clinic. All parents endorse the programming, and families are never charged a fee.
In a time when mental health challenges continue to rise, The Aspen Effect stands as a grounded, innovative solution. This Colorado Gives Day, help them expand their reach and deepen their roots. Go to www.ColoradoGives.org and search for The Aspen Effect.
Jerry Van Leuven of Castle Rock is the founder and executive director of The Aspen Effect.
Douglas County Nonprofit Invests In A Legacy of Healing for Teens and Their Families
