Littleton, CO June 2026 by City Lifestyle

BEHIND THE MASKKENN SOLOMON REFLECTS ON 30 YEARS AS NUGGETS MASCOT

FORGING AN ICONCELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF ROCKY BALBOA

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Legends, Leaders, and the Men Who Inspire

This month’s issue may be one of my favorite issues we’ve ever created. These pages are filled with stories of perseverance, purpose, family, and the kind of quiet strength that leaves a lasting impact on a community.

One of the greatest honors for me personally was being commissioned by Schomberg Studios to design The Making of the Rocky Statue book, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary Rocky films. Through that process, I gained an entirely new appreciation for the artistry, craftsmanship, and determination behind one of the most iconic sculptures in film history. Even more incredible was learning that the famous Rocky statue was created right here in Colorado before becoming a worldwide symbol of resilience and perseverance.

We also feature Kenn Solomon, the man behind Rocky, the Denver Nuggets mascot, whose story goes far beyond entertainment. After decades of bringing energy to generations of fans, Kenn is now focused on encouraging others through conversations surrounding mental health, faith, and perseverance.

You’ll also read the moving story of a brother’s love for his sister, and how one tragic accident inspired an annual golf tournament that now raises thousands of dollars for Children's Hospital Colorado. We also feature a young veteran-owned business built on service and giving back to fellow veterans and the community.

As I worked through these stories, one thing kept standing out to me. So many of the men featured in this issue are not seeking recognition. They are simply showing up, putting in the work, supporting the people around them, and trying to leave things better than they found them.

With Father’s Day this month, I also find myself reflecting on the men in my own life. Losing my father made this season a little harder, but it has also made me deeply grateful for the incredible men who have stepped in with love, guidance, and support along the way.

A special thank you to my stepdad Jack, a Colorado legend in his own right, my father-in-law Dan, who has always treated me like one of his own, and especially my husband Dan (DJ), who has been an incredible partner and father through every chapter of raising our children and building this life together.

To all the men out there quietly carrying responsibility, supporting your families, serving your communities, and continuing to show up every day, we see you, we appreciate you, and this month we celebrate you.

Thank you for being part of our Littleton community.

DANIELLE VONFELDT, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @LITTLETON_CITY_LIFESTYLE

June 2026

PUBLISHER

Elizabeth Watson | elizabeth.watson@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Danielle VonFeldt | littleton@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR

John Kline | johnmkline57@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris W

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katie Bobrow, J.D. McCrumb, Danielle VonFeldt, Elizabeth Watson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian Bahr - Getty Images, Thomas Cooper— Lightbox Images Photography, Christian Marcy Vega—DigitalExposed Media, LLC, Cade Solomon, Scott Strate

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell Proverbs

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city scene

1: The community gathered for Melting Pot Littleton's 30th Birthday celebration! 2: Andrew Mattson and Executive Chef Alvaro Rios, mix up this month's cocktail recipe feature. 3-7: Families enjoying the Littleton Museum’s annual Sheep to Shawl event. 4: Adorable local girls watching the sheep herding demonstration 5: Young visitors practice traditional wool spinning 6: Travis with Rock N Block Landscaping, enjoying the day with his daughters 7: Ryan Volk, The Colorado Home Hunter, with his two children, admires the colorful sheep wool

Free concerts, festivals, and children’s laughter at story time exist because neighbors like you choose to be Friends!

Support Bemis Public Library and the Littleton Museum with memberships starting at $30—find the one that’s right for your family.

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Gear Up: The Science of Bikes at the Littleton Museum

On June 4 at 5:30 p.m., the Littleton Museum will hold an opening reception for their newest exhibit. The public is invited to join a celebration of the exhibit learning how bikes work, their history, science, and technology. Visitors can engage with fun hands-on activities such as 'pedaling' a crank to generate power or rolling balls down a series of ramps to see Newton's Laws in effect. Exhibit runs until September 6. Information at Museum.LittletonCo.gov

Meathead Monday — Private Studio Event for the Modern Man

FASE Lagree Studios invites Littleton men to Meathead Monday, a private monthly event built around strength and connection. This 45-minute Lagree workout is designed for all levels, followed by a curated whiskey tasting and chef-crafted fare by My Fit Foods. It’s an evening of focused training, refined tastes, and like-minded company, reserved strictly for men and limited to a select number of guests. Reserve your place by emailing info@faselagree.com. 129 W County Line Rd, Littleton

Second Friday Art Reception at ROX Arts GalleryAspen Grove

Join ROX Arts Gallery every second Friday from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. for an engaging artist reception designed to connect the community with local talent. Guests can meet featured artists, explore original works, and enjoy wine and light fare in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Each month may also include live demonstrations, guest speakers, or music, creating a dynamic experience that invites conversation, inspiration, and the opportunity to discover and purchase oneof-a-kind artwork. RoxArtsGallery.com

BEHIND THE MASK

LESSONS LEARNED AND LIFE AFTER MORE THAN 30 YEARS AS THE DENVER NUGGETS MASCOT

ARTICLE BY ELIZABETH WATSON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

KENN SOLOMON

The last seconds of the 2023 NBA final ends with the Denver Nuggets play-by-play announcer, Koz, shouting into his headset, “The 47-year wait is over!! The Denver Nuggets stand on top of the NBA world! They are champions!!”

An absolute cloud of confetti explodes into the air. Players, coaches, family, and fans rush the court. The more than 19,000 spectators at Ball Arena are on their feet. On the court, in the middle of the chaos, is the Nuggets Super Mascot, Rocky.

Kenn Solomon has been the spark, the genius, the athlete that is Rocky for 30 of the Nuggets' 47 years. This NBA championship win will be the last game where he stands in front of the Nuggets faithful. He says it himself, “You couldn’t write a better ending than this.”

In 2021, Solomon stepped away from performing and became a mentor for the new performer, his son, Drake. After health issues sidelined Drake for the second half of the 2022-23 season, Solomon was asked to return for the championship run.

His history with the organization is a combination of myth and legend. Extreme stunts, ridiculous trick shots, and over-the-top crowd and player interactions kept Solomon in the spotlight during his three decades with the Nuggets.

1990s Rocky, Solomon at the start of his career

Solomon with his grandson at the 2023 NBA finals

Solomon’s first appearance with the Nuggets was on December 15, 1990. After famously cold calling the organization, he was brought in to hype up the crowd, participate in events, and be the friendly, furry public-facing representative of the team.

What he accomplished is so much more. In an interview with Littleton City Lifestyle, Solomon discusses his ties to our community, his current projects, the influence of faith, and the next steps for a born performer.

TIES TO LITTLETON

For years, families attending Powell Middle School would notice a nearby home with a carnival-worthy, bright yellow slide connected to the house. Solomon says, “My first Littleton home was custom-built on top of a hill where I could see all the way to Denver. I had designed it for kids with an industrial-grade, yellow slide attached to the deck and an in-ground trampoline.”

Solomon originally lived in Littleton in 1995. He moved back in 2010 after living in Parker and Aurora because Littleton always felt like home and he knew Littleton was where his kids wanted to attend high school.

He explains, “When I moved back in 2010, I chose a house near Heritage High School so my boys could have a gathering place for them and their friends. That home had a lot of character. We had a teak wood fountain, a hot tub, outdoor living space, vegetable garden, all of which were built by my boys and me. I built a theater room in the basement that became a gathering place for family and friends. And during wrestling season, half of the basement

was a genuine wrestling mat. I had a costume room where I could store and build props for the season.”

As part of his job, Solomon drove a branded “Rocky Mobile” to events as well as to games. He recalls, “My Ridge Road house had a long driveway where I thought I could hide my Rocky Mobile, but often people would knock on the door and ask for Rocky or ask for an autograph. I would tell a little white lie and respond with, ‘I’m just his driver’.”

CURRENT PROJECTS

Solomon has spent his career creating connections so it makes sense that he is now involved in a multitude of projects that involve public interactions and serving the community. In addition to still performing as a mascot for several different organizations, Solomon is also stepping into more personal projects where his face and experiences are front and center. He currently hosts a Podcast, Between the Fur, will be releasing a book he co-authored, and is a sought-after public speaker

Regarding the upcoming book release, he says, “My book is a combination of life lessons, mental health, the balance of my career and family, and the challenges and rewards associated with achieving greatness. One idea I share in my book is this: when you feel like you’ve reached the end and have nothing left, ‘just run.’ Don’t pause or overthink it. Take action, any action, and momentum will create opportunity. It’s a mindset I’ve carried into both my daily life and my career. I was born with the attitude of what if I can instead of what if I can’t.”

Photography credit Brian Bahr / Getty Images

Solomon began his career in public speaking when he retired after the 2023 Championship. “My message is to pursue your dreams, even when you’re surrounded by negativity. I talk about the ‘masks’ we all wear, and how learning to take them off can lead to real healing and stronger mental health. I share stories of perfecting my craft, what inspired me to chase such a unique career, and memorable interactions with players like Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. I also dive into milestones like achieving my halfcourt shot and pulling off unforgettable stunts.”

INFLUENCE OF FAITH

Like many high achievers, Solomon struggled under the pressure and expectations that went along with his public role. As he faced those challenges he says, “What helped me through my toughest times was my relationship with God. I’ve learned that I need to let go and let God. And whatever happens to me, good or bad, is for my own good.”

And there were tough times. Solomon looks back at some of the hardest saying, “I went through a divorce. I was arrested under false charges. I sank into depression and loneliness. Fortunately, I was able to keep my career, but no one really knew the turmoil

going on behind the scenes. I learned the hard way what it was like to lose the light of Christ in my life. At my darkest hour, I dropped to my knees and asked for forgiveness. I decided to put my life in order and commit to first God, second my children, and third others. Life since hasn’t necessarily been easier, but my ability to navigate it and keep it in perspective has increased. I’m far from perfect, but it’s nice to be living in His light again.”

NEXT STEPS

Book release. Podcast. Mascot engagements. Time connecting with family. Supporting the community. All of these are what is next for Solomon. He says, “I enjoy being busy and having a lot of irons in the fire. That’s the way I’m built.”

For his lasting impact he says, “If I had to boil it down to one thing I would like to continue doing in five years, it would be public speaking. It’s a form of entertainment, and I was born an entertainer. But mostly, sharing and giving back is the ultimate reward. My goal is to help others navigate this crazy, wonderful world that is a blessing to each of us.”

Connect with Solomon at KennSolomon.com and @SuperKenn1

Solomon with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. He says, “You can’t write a better ending than this.”

How a Colorado Sculptor Created the Rocky Statue - A Global Symbol of Perseverance

FORGING AN ICON

ARTICLE BY DANIELLE VONFELDT PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SCHOMBERG STUDIOS

As Rocky approaches its fiftieth anniversary, millions of people around the world still travel to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to stand beside the bronze statue of Rocky Balboa. They raise their fists, recreate the famous pose, and celebrate one of the most enduring symbols of the underdog spirit in film history.

What many people don’t realize is that the statue’s story begins far from Philadelphia or Hollywood. The iconic sculpture was created in Colorado by artist A. Thomas Schomberg, and for years one of its castings remained connected to a studio in Littleton.

Schomberg began his career in the mid-1970s, creating bronze sculptures that explored themes of sport, struggle, and perseverance. Boxing in particular fascinated him. In 1980, tragedy struck the U.S. Olympic amateur boxing community when members of the U.S. Olympic boxing team were lost in a plane crash near Warsaw. The loss deeply affected Schomberg, who lived near Colorado Springs, where many of the athletes trained. Determined to honor their memory, he created a powerful sculpture titled Down But Not Out… Lost But Not Forgotten.

At the time, one of Schomberg’s collectors was actor Sylvester Stallone, who had purchased a boxing sculpture during an exhibition in Las Vegas. When Stallone began planning Rocky III, he contacted the Colorado sculptor with a new idea, a statue of Rocky Balboa himself. Schomberg traveled to California to meet Stallone and begin capturing the character’s likeness. Using plaster bandages, he created a life mask of the actor’s face and photographed him striking variations of the now-famous victory pose.

But Schomberg was not interested in simply sculpting Stallone’s portrait. “I was trying to create Rocky Balboa, not just Sylvester Stallone,” Schomberg later explained. “I wanted a figure representing many people.” Back in his studio, Schomberg began sculpting the first model. The initial maquette, a twenty-eight-inch wax sculpture built on a wire armature, captured Rocky’s triumphant stance, arms raised and chest open in victory.

Turning that small model into a monumental sculpture, however, would prove to be an enormous challenge. Traditionally, sculptors use a mechanical pointing machine to transfer measurements from a small model to a larger form. At the scale required for Rocky, the device proved ineffective. Instead, Schomberg relied on hand calculations and sculptural instinct, enlarging the figure proportionally and building the full form in clay at Art Castings of Colorado.

Working alongside several assisting sculptors, he gradually shaped the massive surfaces by hand. As the sculpture increased in size, the complexity multiplied. Details that appeared subtle on the model became enormous on the full-scale figure, requiring each muscle, fold of clothing, and facial expression to be carefully reinterpreted across the larger form.

The finished clay sculpture stood larger than life inside Schomberg’s Colorado studio. The bronze casting took place at Art Castings Foundry, using the centuries-old lost-wax method. Large molds were made from the clay sculpture, wax versions were produced, and molten bronze was poured into ceramic shells to create the final form. The statue was assembled from roughly twenty sections welded over a steel armature.

CONTINUED >

“What most people don’t realize is that one of the most recognizable symbols in movie history was created right here in Colorado.”

A. Thomas Schomberg and Cynthia Schomberg with Rocky Statue #3 inside their Littleton studio

During the final stages of production, one of the foundry owners welded a small bronze heart inside the sculpture. Rocky, quite literally, has a heart of bronze.

Once completed, the statue returned to Schomberg’s Colorado studio for final patina finishing before being shipped to Philadelphia. It debuted alongside the release of Rocky III in 1982 at the top of the famous museum steps.

The art world initially rejected the statue, dismissing it as a movie prop rather than a serious sculpture. The public, however, embraced it immediately.

Visitors from around the world lined up to take photos beside Rocky’s raised fists. After filming ended, the statue was moved to the Spectrum sports complex in South Philadelphia, home to the city’s major teams. Yet fans continued seeking it out, recreating the famous pose and running up the museum steps just as Rocky did in the film.

Over time, the sculpture became something larger than the debate surrounding it. It represented resilience, determination, and the belief that anyone could overcome the odds.

In 2006, after years of public popularity, the Rocky statue returned to the grounds of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. While it was not placed back at the top of the steps, it found a permanent home nearby at the base of the staircase, where it remains today as one of the most photographed public sculptures in the United States.

Few people realize the Rocky statue is not a single sculpture. Schomberg created three monumental castings, all produced from the same molds at Art Castings Foundry in Loveland.

The best-known statue stands beside the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. A second casting was installed at the San Diego Hall of Champions before being purchased at auction by Sylvester Stallone for his personal collection. The third remained in Colorado for nearly two decades, displayed at Schomberg Studios in Littleton until 2025, when it was acquired by the City of Philadelphia and installed at Philadelphia International Airport.

Today, the Rocky statue stands not only as a tribute to a fictional boxer but as a universal symbol of perseverance. And its roots trace directly back to Colorado.

For decades, Schomberg’s work and archives remained tied to the region, with sculptures and studio history connected to the Littleton area until as recently as 2025. That makes the Rocky statue not only a piece of movie history, but also a surprising part of Colorado’s artistic legacy.

So the next time someone raises their fists beside Rocky Balboa, they may think of Philadelphia, Hollywood, or the famous run up the museum steps. But the statue that represents one of cinema’s greatest underdog stories was first shaped in Colorado, in a sculptor’s studio where clay, bronze, and perseverance were forged into a legend.

CONTINUED >

A. THOMAS SCHOMBERG

Creator of the world-famous Rocky statue

For more than five decades, sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg has built an international reputation for powerful figurative work that captures the intensity of the human experience. Raised in Iowa in the late 1940s and 1950s, Schomberg pursued formal training in the arts, earning both MA and MFA degrees and continuing his studies in Europe before beginning a teaching career.

In 1975, he relocated to Colorado and established Schomberg Studios with his wife, Cynthia, who serves as his agent. The move would shape the next chapter of his career and ultimately lead to one of the most recognizable sculptures in the world.

Schomberg’s work explores themes of perseverance, sport, and human emotion. His sculptures appear in major museums, memorials, and public spaces around the globe, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Butler Institute of American Art, and the United States Olympic Training Center.

Among his many works, the Rocky statue remains one of the most celebrated pieces of public art ever created.

Explore A. Thomas Schomberg’s work at SchombergStudios.com and order The Making of the ROCKY STATUE at RockyStatue.com.

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Playing It Forward: A Brother’s Commitment

HOW ONE LITTLETON FAMILY TURNED TRAGEDY INTO PURPOSE.

ARTICLE BY J.D. MCCRUMB

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED AND BY THOMAS COOPER, LIGHTBOX IMAGES

Tournament director, Ryan Campagnola with his sister Kelsey Osman (formerly Campagnola)

In Littleton, impact doesn’t always begin with a grand plan. Sometimes, it starts with a few guys getting together, deciding to do something meaningful, and then choosing to show up for it year after year.

That’s how Ryan Campagnola’s annual golf tournament at Raccoon Creek began. What started as a casual outing has grown into a community-driven fundraiser supporting Children’s Hospital Colorado, raising tens of thousands of dollars each year.

But the story behind the tournament isn’t about golf. It’s about family. Ryan grew up in Littleton with his older brother, Kyle, and younger sister, Kelsey. Their childhood was active, competitive, and rooted in a family that valued hard work and consistency.

His father, a business owner, led quietly, leaving early, coming home late, and providing without fanfare. It was an example that stuck. Ryan and his brother carried that same energy into their relationship with Kelsey. As the youngest and only girl, she was never treated differently. If anything, they pushed her harder.

“She was one of those kids who was just good at everything,” Ryan says. “We always joked we made her that way because we didn’t go easy on her.”

Kelsey thrived in that environment, becoming a standout athlete and rising to an elite level in hockey. By her mid-teens, she had a clear path toward playing at the collegiate level. Then, in an instant, everything changed.

At 15, Kelsey was involved in a devastating accident while riding in a utility vehicle. She was thrown at high speed, suffering extensive trauma.

Ryan still remembers the call. The message no family prepares for: their sister had been airlifted to Children’s Hospital and might not survive the night.

“They told us to get there as fast as we could,” Ryan says. There was no time to process—only to act.

Ryan and Kyle did what they knew to do: they showed up. They drove through the night, walked into uncertainty, and prepared for the worst. Fortunately, Kelsey survived.

What followed was months of intensive care and years of recovery. She had to relearn how to walk, talk, and rebuild daily life. The path wasn’t easy, and some effects remain—but she kept going.

She later graduated from Boise State and became a respiratory therapist, inspired by the care she received. For Ryan, the experience changed something deeper.

Time at Children’s Hospital wasn’t just about his sister. It was about what he saw—families facing impossible situations, kids fighting battles they didn’t choose, and parents who couldn’t always be there.

“You’d walk past rooms where kids were going through something just as hard, or harder,” he says. “And not every family had the same support system we did.” That perspective stayed with him.

Years later, while planning a golf outing, Ryan realized the day could be more than just time on the course. If he was going to play, it should matter, and Children’s Hospital was the only choice.

The first year was simply a few dozen golfers, raising $5,000. But Ryan saw it as something worth building. Each year, he came back to it, putting in the work to grow it and improve. What started as an idea became a commitment.

Today, the tournament fills Raccoon Creek, bringing together more than 140 golfers and raising about $25,000 annually. Every dollar goes directly to Children’s Hospital.

Ryan runs the event with his wife and a small group of supporters. It takes time, energy, and personal investment. Some years, he spends more than he gets back. “We’ve been really fortunate,” he says. “This is a way to pay it forward.”

Over time, the impact has come full circle. Friends who once played casually have relied on Children’s Hospital for their own families.

And through it all, Kelsey remains part of the story.

She plays in the tournament each year—a quiet reminder of what it represents. Her life today is full, hard-earned, and still unfolding. For Ryan, that is enough.

There’s a certain kind of man who doesn’t talk much about what he’s doing. He just keeps doing it—year after year. Showing up. Following through. Taking responsibility for something beyond himself. Ryan learned that early—from his father, from his family, and from a moment that changed everything.

At Raccoon Creek each August, that lesson is on display. Not in speeches or recognition, but in action—in the choice to give back, stay committed, and build something that lasts.

It started with being a big brother. It became something more. And in the process, Ryan Campagnola built a legacy rooted in what matters most.

Reserve your spot, become a sponsor, or donate towards Ryan’s August tournament at Shitteegolferopen.com

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Photography by Stacey Stonehocker

AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST

Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short

Creative Director: Jen Birn

Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill

Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX

MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.

After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.

Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?

A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When in all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”

THE QUIET STANDARD:

MIKE JOHNSON

“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”

— Mike Johnson

Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?

A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”

Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?

A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”

This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

MIKE JOHNSON

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SCAN ME

with Spirit Purpose

A Refreshing Cocktail Featuring Littleton’s Pentilla Vodka, Rooted in a Mission to Support Veterans

A new generation of distillers is quietly making an impact in Littleton. Andrew Mattson, a young U.S. Marine veteran, founded Pentilla Vodka with a simple but powerful mission: to create a quality spirit while supporting fellow service members. That mission lives in every bottle.

What sets Pentilla apart is not just its clean, smooth profile, but its commitment to something bigger. For every bottle sold, a portion is donated to the Operation Allies Refuge Foundation (OAR), helping veterans reconnect with purpose through disaster

relief and community service efforts. It is a brand rooted in service, both past and present.

The Pineapple Basil Smash reflects that same balance. Bright pineapple brings natural sweetness, fresh basil adds depth, and a squeeze of lime keeps it crisp and refreshing. It is the kind of cocktail that feels right at home on a warm Colorado evening.

Featuring a locally owned brand makes this even more meaningful. Supporting Pentilla means supporting a young entrepreneur right here in Littleton, building something with purpose, grit, and a strong sense of community.

This is more than a summer drink. It is a toast to craftsmanship, to service, and to the kind of local stories worth celebrating.

Enjoy the Pineapple Basil Smash at Antonio’s Neighborhood Cafe, 5925 S. Zang St., featured through June.

Pentilla Pineapple Basil Smash

ingredients

• 2 oz Pentilla Vodka

• 1 oz Pineapple Juice

• ½ oz Lime Juice

• ½ oz Simple Syrup

• 3-4 Fresh Basil Leaves

• Crushed Ice

• OPTIONAL: Pineapple wedge or basil Leaf for garnish

directions

1. In a shaker, muddle basil leaves with lime juice & simple syrup.

2. Add Pentilla vodka, pineapple juice & ice.

3. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

4. Garnish with a basil leaf.

For store locator, visit PentillaVodka.com

Andrew Mattson, Founder of Pentilla Vodka

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JUNE 4TH - AUGUST 13TH

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Summer Concert Series Returns to Clement Park with Live Music

Clement Park, Grant Amphitheater, 7306 W Bowles Ave, Littleton | 7:00 PM

Enjoy summer evenings every Thursday night at Clement Park with this popular outdoor concert series. Local and regional bands take the stage each week, featuring a mix of rock, country, pop, and more. Bring a blanket, gather with friends, and relax under the open sky for a fun, family-friendly night of live music all season long.

EVERY FRIDAY STARTING JUNE 5TH

Aspen

Grove Farmers

Market Brings Fresh Finds Every Friday

Aspen Grove, 7301 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton | 10:00 AM

Shop local every Friday at the Aspen Grove Farmers Market, kicking off June 5 through September 25. This open-air market features fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, and artisan finds. Stroll, connect, and enjoy live music in a relaxed setting. Grab lunch, meet friends, and support local makers while easing into the weekend.

JUNE 7TH

43rd Annual Colorado Concours d'Elegance & Exotic Sports Car Show

Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton | 9:00 AM

This event showcases over 400 of the Rocky Mountain region’s most prestigious and prized automobiles. Enjoy live music, food, and a variety of vendors. Don’t miss out on the chance to see these exquisite cars up close and meet fellow car lovers. Proceeds from this event benefit Ability Connection Colorado (ACCO), a 501(c)(3) organization. Purchase tickets at AbilityConnectionColorado.org/Special-Events/Colorado-Concours

JUNE 13TH

Littleton Block Party

Downtown Littleton, Historic Main Street | 5:00 PM

Celebrate summer in the heart of Downtown Littleton at this high-energy block party. Enjoy live music across multiple stages, street performers, local food and vendors, and a vibrant community atmosphere, all leading up to a fireworks finale under the stars. It is a night of music, movement, and connection you won’t want to miss. See more information at LittletonBlockParty.com

JUNE 21ST

Dadapalooza

Father’s Day Celebration at BARBOX at Aspen Grove

Aspen Grove, 7301 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton | 11:00 AM

This annual event brings the community together for an afternoon of laid-back summer fun with something for dads, kids, and the whole crew to enjoy. The event will feature live music, plus food trucks, an ice cream truck, mini golf, crafts, activities, whiskey tasting, water elements, and more. Dadapalooza is the perfect way to celebrate the day. Free to attend AspenGroveCenter.com/Event/Dada-Palooza-Brews-BBQ

JULY 18TH

Lift, Vote, Give Back at Gym’s House Charity Car Show

Gym's House, 9729 W Coal Mine Ave, Unit T, Littleton | 10:00 AM

Join this high-energy community event in Littleton from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a local car show where attendees vote with donations to support the Hornbuckle Foundation. Don’t miss the Lift-a-thon benefiting Rotary Club of Littleton, with squats, pushups, and situps. Cheer on participants, including local youth, and help raise funds for two impactful nonprofits.

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