Parker, CO May 2023

Ladies Building Legacies

Melanoma Awareness Month

The ABCDE’s of Melanoma

May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer awareness month. Anyone of any skin color can get melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. When detected early, it is highly treatable. You can identify the warning signs of melanoma by looking for the following on your skin:

A - Asymmetry

One half of the spot is unlike the other half.

C - Color

The spot has different colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown, black, white, red or blue.

B - Border

The spot has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.

D - Diameter

The spot is the size of a pencil eraser or larger.

E - Evolve

The spot looks different than your other moles or is changing size, shape or color

Practice safe sun this summer! Seek shade when possible, especially between the hours of 10-2. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and make sure to reapply every 2 hours or more often if swimming or sweating. Wear sun protective clothing (sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts, long pants or a skirt) when possible and avoid tanning beds. Know your family history of skin cancer and check your skin monthly for any new moles, spots or growths. Have one of our board-certified dermatologists exam your skin yearly or more frequently if you have a history of skin cancer. If you notice any spots that you are concerned about, call us for an appointment!

call, text or email today to schedule an appointment

720.851.5200 | patient@elevatedderm.com

This May

I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life richer and more beautiful. I have been blessed to work closely with both of my daughters, Kati and Jeni, for the past five years and I am so very proud of them. They inspire me every day!

And of course, with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms. And it’s not just biological mothers, but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, mentors, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives—making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role— connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Parker’s women.

They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way. These women are strong, resilient and unstoppable, and they’re building legacies that connect past and future generations while serving the community they impact today.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

Happy May and Happy Mother’s Day!

JOAN, PUBLISHER

@PARKERCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2023

PUBLISHERS

Joan Dameron | joan.dameron@citylifestyle.com

Jeni Fleck | jeni.fleck@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Mary Abel | Mary.abel@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Hannah Echols | hannah.echols@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Ally Langdon | itsallylangdonllc@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mary Abel, Andrea Bugbee, Cassandra Green, Lori Hawkins

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ally Langdon, Raemi Rue Photography, Wild Joyride Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Rings Construction

Our Client Promise - At 5 Rings we deliver an uncommon construction experience. Our Promise to our clients is simple. We will protect your financial investment by delivering a quality product each and every time. Our team of skilled workers are relentless in their pursuit of perfection on each project no matter how large or small. Lastly, totality, we promise your project will be fully completed! Everyone has a story or has heard a story about having to hire and fire contractors to get a project finished… plain and simple we are here for you from start to finish!

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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

1: Grand reopening of Parker Board & brush. 2: Missi Hackman and Lindsay Newsom celebrate being mom and daughter and women-owned business partners. 3: The staff of Board & brush Parker. 5: Blissful Boards made an incredible charcuterie for the grand reopening. 6: The Newsom and Hackman family celebrating their new ownership of Board & brush Parker. 7: Kyra demonstrates how fun and easy it is to create a project. Photography by Wild Joyride Photography

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Rueter-Hess Reservoir Ready for Recreation

On March 28, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners entered into an intergovernmental agreement with local partners to assume the responsibility of recreation operations at the reservoir and expand opportunities. The reservoir will be open for non-motorized water activities including paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset Fridays through Mondays from Memorial Day to October. Visit  douglas.co.us for more information.

Meditation Sessions Offered at Sacred Serenity Skincare & Body Kurs

Jill Disser, president of Meditation

To Live Well LLC, will facilitate a support group and individual sessions Sundays through Tuesdays at Sacred Serenity Skincare & Body Kurs. As an immersive meditation guide and coach, Jill guides participants from feeling overwhelmed to experiencing calm, serenity and balance.  Sessions will help spark awareness, overcome challenges, shift mindset from confusion to clarity, and understand  the physiological benefits of mindfulness and meditation. Visit meditationtolivewell.com or call 720710-7387 for more information.

Douglas County Libraries Summer Reading 2023

Fetch some fun during the Dog Days of Summer at Douglas Country Libraries, sponsored by the DCL Foundation. Summer reading officially kicks off on June 3 and online registration is underway. Readers will be entered in Days of Giveaways prize drawings in June and July. The celebration includes puppy-themed activities, fun events, outdoor movies, a friendly school contest, and a community reading challenge that benefits Guide Dogs for the Blind if the goal is met. dcl.org/ summer-reading

Want to be featured?

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

Photography Hutch Tibbetts, Douglas County Libraries

What you'll find here, is Quality

Trees

Shrubs

Perennials

Annuals

Pottery

Hard Goods

Gifts / Decor

Classes / Events

Thank You!

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAEMI RUE

THESE SMART, HARDWORKING LADIES

AREN’T JUST BUILDING BUSINESSES, THEY’RE BUILDING LEGACIES

YOU OWN A CAR MUSEUM! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?

Vehicle Vault is really a labor of love. The joke is my degree is in anthropology with a minor in art history. I always knew I’d work in a museum, but I never thought I’d own an automotive one. I’ve loved cars my entire life. My family was fortunate enough to start collecting. After a while, my father said, “Well, what are you going to do? They’re all just big paperweights right now.” And so the idea of a museum was born. I feel very strongly that we have to honor the past to appreciate where we are now. So that’s the big thing for me—the history of the cars and the artistry. We have 55 cars and they are all works of art.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR PHILANTHROPY.

I sit on the boards of the Rocky Mountain chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Make-aWish Colorado.

AND YOU RENT OUT THE MUSEUM FOR SPECIAL EVENTS?

Yes, we have a lot of social events—lots of anniversary and retirement parties. We’ve even hosted a few weddings. The museum is a wonderful venue for special celebrations.

Erin Hutchison

Owner, Vehicle Vault Museum and Event Center

Yumi Tran

Owner, Indochine Thai & Vietnamese Cuisine

HOW DID YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND GO FROM BIG TECH CAREERS TO OWNING A RESTAURANT? WERE YOU DONE WITH THE CORPORATE WORLD?

I wasn’t done. I mean, I loved the corporate world. I loved the stress that came with it. But my husband just decided he wanted to open a restaurant. I have no idea what the rhyme or reason was. So my husband opened it first. And then after a few months, it seemed like it wasn’t going to make it. He was struggling. So, I quit my job to help him.

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT INDOCHINE?

We have, in a roundabout way, developed a very healthy menu. I can’t have MSG and cannot cook the way how most Asian people cook. I know other people can’t tolerate it either, so I revamped all recipes to eliminate MSG completely. And then all of a sudden, the whole gluten-free thing happened. Some of our regular customers were telling me, “I cannot eat wheat” and “I have celiac.” So I created many gluten-free recipes very early on. At that time people were saying it was just a fad. But really, this is a health-related issue, so our menu has been almost entirely gluten-free since 2007. And it’s all because we really want to accommodate our customers, who are so good to us.

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP YOUR LOVE OF PHOTOGRAPHY?

Well, even though my mom was a photographer and I majored in photography in college, it took me three decades to really realize what I wanted to do with my life. Before I landed on photography, I was an adventurer. I went to Europe by myself in my 20s to explore the world. It was the best thing I’ve ever done.

HOW DO YOU HELP YOUR COMMERCIAL CLIENTS BUILD THEIR BRAND THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY?

I really am passionate about helping businesses show the public their true colors, their true face, and the true client experience. Because people want real; they want to see the real thing. We can spot a stock photo a mile away, and we scroll fast through stock stuff. But when it’s real, and people get to see who you and your business really are, that’s a special experience. And when I get to see a business winning, like when I get to help that single dad who had an amazing idea and now he has a shop on Mainstreet in Parker, how beautiful is that?

SO, A BUSINESS CAN SHOW ITS AUTHENTICITY THROUGH IMAGES?

Absolutely. Because it’s about what you want people to feel emotionally when they come to you with a need. When I can create an emotional connection between the business’s product and their potential client, their sales go up. Whether we want to admit it or not, we all make purchasing decisions based on emotion.

Raemi Rue

Owner, Raemi Rue Photography Studio

"I really am passionate about helping businesses show the public their true colors, their true face, and the true client experience. Because people want real; they want to see the real thing."

—Raemi Rue

Gwen Nava Hairstylist, Legacy Builder

HAIRSTYLING IS A TRUE FAMILY AFFAIR.

Oh, yes. My mother was a famous hairdresser on the east coast. She created her own method of hair extensions, and I still use that method. She also created the first dress made of human hair and one of her dresses is in Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Canada. She has passed, but she left her legacy. I had a salon in Aurora for many years and now my oldest daughter owns a salon there called The Hair Fetish Experience. And my son is a barber who works in one of my brother’s many barber shops. All of us grew up in this industry and we will carry on my mother’s legacy.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR HAIRSTYLING JOURNEY.

I started beauty school at 12 years old and graduated at 13. And then I had my own salon in North Carolina where I was raised. My mom told me I should learn to do hair so I’d have something to fall back on, but I love doing hair. It’s my hobby and my career.

WHAT’S THE NAME OF YOUR SALON IN AURORA?

It was called Rumors, and I opened it in 1999. It was one of the largest salons at the time because it was a salon and a barber shop. The business grew by word of mouth and the barber shop became a place where a lot of Broncos players came, and then word spread and we became the set for 26 episodes of “Live at the Barber Shop.” I had so many famous people coming in there. It was so cool and we had so much fun.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SALON?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and then the pandemic came, and it all just became too much. I still own the name and maybe one day I’ll open another salon. But for now, I’m just waiting for the next opportunity. I don’t know what it is, but I believe it will come along. And you know, I’m just so blessed. I have my wonderful husband—we’ve been married 32 years—and I have my four children and 10 grandchildren. I do not live by sight; I live by faith. And I recommend that to everyone. Because it’s working. It works.

Tasha Beckman Owner, EXIT Mosaic Realty

TELL US ABOUT THE UNIQUE SERVICES YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS OFFERS.

I have a master’s degree in change management, and one of my talents is identifying logistics and systems and processes to help in a situation. I apply that to a program we offer that we refer to as the Moving Makeover program. It’s typically for probate or conservatorship situations, in which a family member has inherited real estate and needs or wants to sell it. We will invest up to $10,000 on behalf of the personal probate representative to improve the property from a marketability perspective, and then collect direct reimbursement out of closing proceeds. Then at closing, that investment is returned to us. So many times in these situations, someone has inherited real estate that they have never lived in, so they have no idea what needs to be done to maximize the value of the property. And they may not be in a position to lay out a large sum of money to get the property ready to sell. We do that because it’s the right thing to do. We offer this service to traditional sellers as well.

AND YOU ALSO MANAGE YOUR AGENTS DIFFERENTLY THAN THE STANDARD REAL ESTATE FRANCHISE.

I’ve been in the business since the mid-1980s and I opened my own franchise in July of 2020 with four agents.

And I now have 19. I wanted to do things differently because I was trying to solve pain points for myself. When an agent is producing at a high volume, they end up having to hire a third party, like an assistant, to help them. That can become very expensive and comes right out of their profits. Instead, I hire assistants for them to take care of marketing, social media, administrative duties, etc. The agents don’t have to foot the bill for those services. I don’t like being nickeled and dimed for those things, so I didn’t want to do that to my agents. I want them to focus on being out in the community, building the business they want to build in order to feed their family.

The other thing that is unusual for us is we are actively engaged in mentoring, guiding and coaching the agents to improve their business. I really am driven to raise the bar of excellence in this industry. I am a Tom Ferry coach; Tom Ferry International is a coaching organization in the real estate industry. So I coach agents around the country as well as the agents in my office to make sure they are delivering a higher standard to the consumer. I am very driven to make sure that agents aren’t playing at this. Buying a home is usually the biggest financial decision any consumer will make, and it’s not fair for us to be practicing on the consumer. We practice and practice with each other before we’re ever out in the community.

Jo Azu

Owner, Sunrise Pharmacy, Compounding & Medical Supplies

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY INTO OWNING YOUR OWN PHARMACY.

I attended college in my country of Nigeria and majored in French. When I graduated, I couldn’t get a job. Everyone wanted experience, but how would I have experience? I went straight from high school to college; I had never had a job. Then somebody advised me to get my master’s degree. And I said, “Well, it’s not going to be a master’s in French. If I have to go back to school, I have to do something else.” So I decided to try science. I didn’t have any background in science; I had to start all over. I started taking general science classes at a community college in Denver. Along the way, I found an interest in medicine and decided to be a pharmacist. And I was accepted to the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy.

OPENING YOUR OWN PHARMACY IS SO BRAVE. HOW CAN YOU COMPETE WITH THE BIG CHAINS?

I can’t compete with the big chains. I’m really not here to compete with anybody. I just want to be myself. I’m just here to take care of my patients. I’m not in competition with anybody.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’VE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION?

Yes, I still feel I made the right decision. Each time my phone rings, I can hear myself talking to myself. I love to help people, and when I’m helping them, I feel like I’m helping myself. I don’t feel stressed out about anything. I know the people will come and my business will grow. Even if I only help one person today, I will go home happy knowing I did my best today.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?

I’ve always felt like I can’t fully think unless I have paper in front of me. Writing things down is just how I process and make sense of the world. I feel like if I’m not writing, my mind is going a million miles a minute and it becomes difficult for me to be present. I’m grateful to write because it helps me not only see the world around me, but to see the people around me as well—it’s just a way to slow down and be present.

AND YOU RECENTLY PUBLISHED YOUR FIRST BOOK! TELL US ABOUT IT.

I work as a copywriter, and part of my job is ghostwriting books for our founder. The book came out in January. It’s called Run Your Race. How to Fulfill God’s Will for Your Life with Peace, Patience, and Productivity. It’s the book I wish I had when I was fresh out of college. It’s an answer to so many of the questions I had about faith and how it practically affects my life when it comes to my career and my finances. It’s filled with wisdom and insight about how to navigate life as a young adult. I would have loved this book and I know a lot of other people will too. I feel so honored to have been a part of it.

Hannah Echols-Grieser

Freelance Writer, Book Author

"I’ve always felt like I can't fully think unless I have paper in front of me.

Writing things down is just how I process and I make sense of the world."

—Hannah Echols-Grieser

Gwen Nava

Seeds of Hope

The team at Mustard Seed Ranch believes that healing begins by gaining the trust of a horse

ARTICLE BY CASSANDRA GREEN

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MUSTARD SEED RANCH

What started as a ministry in 1999 has developed into a mental health program for at-risk youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. Mustard Seed Ranch provides equine-assisted psychotherapy specifically for youth who have experienced trauma. “As humans, we are wired for connection,” says Mallory Nicklas, Mustard Seed Ranch’s Colorado program director. “When that need isn’t met, it can be debilitating.” But Mallory is confident that there is hope in healing.

Mallory explains that MSR’s program is backed by in-depth research from which a unique 16-week curriculum was developed to help rebuild trust for at-risk youth throughout California and Colorado. “So many are facing mental health challenges right now,” Mallory says. “At-risk youth are struggling with depression and anxiety. They don’t feel supported in their

environments. Many of them are out of home placements. They don’t have an understanding of healthy, trusting relationships because they were never given that chance.” MSR’s goal is to get them out of where they are feeling stuck and bring them to a place where they can take a breath, feel safe and heal.

The program includes weekly meetings where struggling youngsters work with the same horse each time they visit. They get to know their horse by simply being in the same space. As trust builds, these encounters progress into haltering, leading, and later a series of more independent activities until they become self-sufficient.

When the participants can build a trusting relationship with their horse, they start to learn how to do the same with people. It’s as if they have a 1,200-pound reminder that they are worthy of love and connection.

After all, a horse doesn’t define anyone by their past or present struggles. Mallory and the team at MSR encourage them to take a positive inventory of their life. “There is always hope,” she says.

Mustard Seed Ranch builds from a pure heart to help. To reach those in need, MSR relies on volunteers and doesn’t charge for their services. Due to a lack of residential treatment facilities, most of their funding now comes from a community effort. They fund their program by sharing their story with counties and schools as well as networking with foster parents.

During the month of May, MSR will be fundraising through a mental health campaign called “Seen Through Horses.” If you’re interested in helping at-risk youth rebuild their lives, you can visit mustardseedranch.org and follow them on social by searching @mustardseedranchinc

THE OWNERS OF DEKA LASH CAN HELP YOU CUT VALUABLE TIME OFF YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE

AN EYEOPENING EXPERIENCE

ARTICLE BY JOAN DAMERON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLY LANGDON/PROVIDED

For busy women, time is a valuable commodity. How would it feel to wake up every morning with your brows and lashes ready for the day? Not needing to apply mascara is a game changer. From new moms getting pampered to wedding parties scheduling their services together and having a mini celebration, Deka Lash changes the morning and special occasion beauty routine for everyone.

Deka Lash co-owners Kearin Schulte and Lexi Tehven have teamed up to best serve the community in the Denver metro area.

“Deka Lash is a one-stop shop for all things lashes and brows, including sugaring (hair removal) for face and brows,” Lexi emphasizes. “We can take care of everything from the neck up.”

“New moms look in the mirror and love the way they look,” Kearin says, “and they really enjoy getting a few minutes to themselves.” This makes a great gift from a new father.

The wide range of eyelash extension styles and eyebrow services offer everyday luxury for all lifestyles. The services and products are great, but the team of lash artists make the magic happen. They are highly trained experts who love building relationships with each client. You are included in the decision-making process during customized consultations.

“You feel good when you wake up,” comments one satisfied customer, “and you don’t have to spend extra time getting ready.”

District Manager Peri Tehven concurs. “Our products and services do things that makeup can’t do. There is no smearing, smudging or caking. It’s a natural look that customers love.”

Of course, maintenance is the key to ongoing results and time-saving mornings, and the advantage of the no-contract membership option saves hundreds of dollars per year. In addition to the two refills a month for eyelash extensions that are part of the plan, discounts are available on other services and products. Exclusive service add-ons such as hydrating lip and eye masks are also available.

Eyebrow microblading is a form of semi-permanent tattoo artistry, where pigment is implanted under the skin with a handheld tool that makes hairlike strokes mimicking natural brow hairs that can last up to a year.

Sugaring by Alexandria Professional is a simple, safe and natural hair-removal product made from sugar, lemon juice and water. It is less irritating than traditional waxing and can

be a more permanent hair removal solution with repeated treatments.

Total Brow is a customized service for brows that includes mapping, shaping with sugaring and makeup maintenance.

Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to start simplifying your beauty routine.

“In Colorado, women want to get out in Mother Nature and still look their best,” Kearin says. “You can get out and hike, swim, participate in sports, and go camping—all with your lashes on!”

“We love helping you feel the best version of you,” Lexi adds, “and we look forward to seeing your smiling eyes soon!”

Ready for an eye-opening experience? Make an appointment at a Deka Lash near you:

DEKA LASH PARKER

17051 Lincoln Ave. | Unit D 303-532-5823

DEKA LASH HIGHLANDS RANCH

1485 Park Central Drive | Suite 200 303-835-0236

Peri Tehven, Kearin Schulte, Lexi Tehven

Eyelash Extensions

CLASSIC (Natural Look)

TRUEXPRESS (Natural Look)

HYBRID (Dramatic)

Brow Services

TRUEVOLUME (More Dramatic)

MEGA VOLUME (Most Dramatic)

WISPY (Summer 2023)

EYEBROW MICROBLADING (Semi-Permanent Tattoo Using Hair-Like Strokes)

BROW LAMINATION and/or TINT

TOTAL BROW (NEW) - shape, fill, lock brows in place

Other Services

SUGARING (NEW) - Natural, Organic, Safe Waxing Product For Face And Brows

LASH LIFT and/or TINT

LOWRY

HIGHLANDS RANCH

PARKER

EDGEWATER (SLOAN’S LAKE)

CHERRY CREEK

Planting Spring Flowers

Helpful tips for planting spring flowers

Sun-Loving Plants:

Spring is here! We compiled a list of flowers that - depending on your planting zone - can be planted in the season.

Plumbago

Has beautiful dark blue or white flowers on a large shrub of 3 to 5 feet. This tends to freeze down in winter and comes back from roots in the spring.

Hibiscus

The tropical variety will not survive the winters so move those pots inside. The plant can get up to 5 feet tall and there are many different colors and varieties. The perennial varieties will freeze to the ground but come back in the spring. The variety Moy Grande is known as the dinner plate hibiscus. The Texas star hibiscus has beautiful flowers in red or white.

Bougainvillea

These colorful plants can be planted in baskets and pots, not in water-logged or low areas where water might collect. They will grow best when given enough space to spread out, and should be planted in an area that will allow them a minimum of 5-6 hours of sunlight every day. Colors include orange, pink, purple, white, red, tangerine and fuschia to name a few.

Purslane

This is great in baskets for trailing leaves with lots of colors. The bees love it!

Butterfly Weed

This 3 to 4-foot bush is a must for monarch lovers. Monarchs feed on the leaves before making their cocoons. It has beautiful orange and yellow flowers.

Lantana

This is a great hot weather plant that comes in many colors and varieties. Trailing varieties only get about 1 foot tall but can get 3 to 4 feet wide. There are bush varieties that get 4 feet tall and dwarf bushes only get about 2 feet tall. It comes in yellows, purples, reds, oranges, pinks, fuschia, and many others.

Greggs Blue Mist

This fuzzy light blue flower is a butterfly favorite.

Pentas

This is another bee and butterfly favorite that grows about 10 to 12 inches tall. There is a graffiti variety in different colors that works in beds or pots.

Vinca/Periwinkle

This plant comes in upright or trailing varieties. There are many colors to choose from: lavender, white with a red center, peach, white and red pink to strawberry.

Sages

There are many varieties of sage. The Texas sage is a shrub that has beautiful lavender flowers - a favorite for bees. They usually bloom around the time it rains. Henry Duelberg variety is a smaller bush 18 to 20 inches tall with blue stalks of blooms. Russian Sage is a tall silver lacey foliage with light blue flower spikes and grows to 4 feet tall. Deer tend to stay away from most of the sages.

ARTICLE BY LORI HAWKINS

Shade-Loving Plants:

Turk’s Cap

This plant makes a large bush of red or pink flowers. It has low water needs once established and can tolerate drought conditions and hot temperatures. Prune back plant in winter if it gets too leggy.

Impatiens

These need more water than most other plants and come in many colors. They are valued for their vibrant colors, abundant blooms, and tolerance for shade.

Caladiums

With lush multicolored leaves, many larger than the palm of your hand, caladiums have become one of the most popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shady gardens—with many recent introductions being sun tolerant.

Make an Impact for Mom

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Take a Flower Arranging Class

Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

Plan a Spa Day For Her and Her Friends

Mom will truly appreciate you going out of your way to set her up with a massage or facial appointment. Invite her friends along, too!

Craft the Perfect Playlist

Songs about mothers and mom’s favorite songs can come together into the perfect playlist to put on during brunch or dinner. You can either make it for her or take turns being DJ and alternate picks.

Have a Make-Your-Own Pizza Party

DIY pizza: It’s a craft (depending on how artfully you place the toppings), an activity and a meal all at once! Start with basic pizza dough, then everyone gets to add their favorite toppings. Mom gets the first pick, of course.

Hold a Lawn-Game Tournament

Croquet, cornhole, bocce, outdoor Jenga or horseshoes — what’s your family’s game of choice? Split into teams and drum up some friendly rivalry — while soaking in rays — with a backyard challenge. Make it an annual event, and pass around a trophy to the winner each year.

Visit an Amusement Park

For the mom who’s always seeking adventure, a trip to your nearest amusement park will be a welcome surprise. Not only will you be able to treat her to her fill of funnel cakes and caramel corn, but she’ll enjoy all the rides and attractions her heart desires. If you ask us, it’s a win-win.

Have a Backyard BBQ

Sure, backyard barbecues are often associated with Father’s Day, but Mom loves her burgers and dogs, too, so why should Dad get all the fun? If the weather cooperates, fire up the grill!

Make Something Totally Unique

If you do a DIY craft project, write a poem or come up with a silly dance, you know mom will love it because it is 100% you. No one can one-up a one-of-a-kind experience! You can make them for her and present them to her, or involve her in their creation.

Spruce Up The Garden

Gardeners know that Mother’s Day is the perfect time to start planting seeds. Get the whole family outside and dig in the dirt together. Every time she sees them, she’ll be reminded of the special day — it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Some flowers that are fairly easy to maintain include sunflowers, marigolds and sweet peas.

Make Pottery

Not only will you leave with a one-of-a-kind piece, but you’ll also be able to bond as you explore a new activity.

Head to the Farmers Market

There’s nothing like waking up with the sun and going to the farmer’s market on the weekend. Pick fresh produce and discover new favorites with mom, coffee in hand.

Watch Home Movies

Whether this involves digitizing old VHS tapes or getting video files off your phone and onto the TV, dig into the family archives and host a home-movie marathon. She’ll get emotional seeing how much everyone has grown.

Check Something Off Her To-Do List

Dad knows - Mom has a to-do list a mile long. Whether it’s tasks around the house or a DIY project, find out what has been nagging Mom and help her cross it off her list by doing it for her!

Play a Family Board Game

If Mom likes strategizing, challenge her to a friendly board game competition. (And, no, you don’t have to let her win just because it’s Mother’s Day.)

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Get Theater Tickets

Go to a play or a musical — lots of towns even host outdoor theater events.

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling. 20

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

Meet Me for Coffee Review Offers Sell Your Home

a t t o g e t y o u t h e m o s t o f f e r s p o s s i b l e

I w i l l n e g o t i a t e o n y o u r b e h a l f f o r t h e b e s t t e r m s p o s s i b l e s o y o u c a n s e a m l e s s l y g e t t o t h e c l o s i n g t a b l e

LOVE YOUR LAZY LAWN

An easy way to help the ecosystem

Give some thought to this. Almost all US fruit and grain crops depend on pollination, yet our insect population has declined by 75% in the last 25 years - and most pollinators are insects.

Fortunately, keeping pollinators (and our local farms) alive couldn’t be easier. Just get lazy about your lawn!

Lawns mowed every two weeks offer more food for pollinators than lawns mowed weekly. So, while you’re lounging on the couch every other Saturday, your longer grass will be supporting American food systems. As a bonus, longer lawns also need less water, so being lazy saves you money, too.

Perfect lawns are literally the empty calories of the ecosystem. By letting go of that green-carpet ideal, you’ll add color to your landscape by allowing dandelions, violets, and white clover to decorate your grass. More important, these “weeds” feed pollinators which, in turn, feed us.

Here’s one more way being lazy can save the world: skip the pesticides. Pesticides kill pollinators, and they’re hardly health food for humans, birds, and pets, either. In fact, research shows that when bees visit plants treated with neonicotinoids (a chemical in most pesticides), even small amounts can build up over time and kill the hive. Neonicotinoids disorient bees and disrupt their fertility. Worse, they can linger in plants and pollen for 2-4 years.

So be a hero. Stay in bed this weekend and stop fussing over your lawn.

For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/ treesearch/pubs/55816

ARTICLE BY ANDREA BUGBEE

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Cinco de Mayo DIY Glass Etching and Wood Workshop

10490 S. DRANSFELDT ROAD, UNIT 104, PARKER | 6:30 PM

Join Board & brush Parker for a DIY glass etching and wood workshop! Materials and instruction are included for this two-part workshop to create a beautiful etched glass and wood project. Add personalization to your project with etched glass and choose from a variety of paint and wood stain colors in the workshop. $80; pre-registration required. boardandbrush.com/parker

Denver Ballet Theatre Presents: The Sleeping Beauty

PACE CENTER, 20000 PIKES PEAK AVENUE, PARKER | 6:00 PM

At princess Aurora’s christening, the malevolent Fairy Carabosse curses her to prick her finger on her sixteenth birthday and die, but the Lilac Fairy steps in and tempers the curse so she will sleep instead. Aurora sleeps for 100 years until the Lilac Fairy finds her prince who awakens her with a kiss. A matinee performance begins at 1:00 pm.

Parent & Child Workshop

10490 S. DRANSFELDT ROAD, UNIT 104, PARKER | 2:00 PM

Board & brush is hosting a special Mother's Day Parent & Child Workshop! Select an adult project from our gallery, then choose a child project from the available options. All materials and instruction are provided to create a beautiful piece. All adult women receive a free sign to celebrate how important they are. $73/adult; $25/child. Pre-registration is required. boardandbrush.com/parker

Parker Farmers' Market

MAINSTREET, DOWNTOWN PARKER | 8:00 AM

Parker Farmers' Market is back! Don’t miss locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, a variety of fresh produce, delicious baked goods, artisan-made products and more from dozens of vendors at The Local Colorado farmers' Market. Support local business and agriculture while getting outside, meeting neighbors, and enjoying delicious local fare. Held every Sunday from Mother's Day until Halloween.

Americana: Pop Culture in America

THE SCHOOLHOUSE, 19650 MAINSTREET, PARKER | 9:00 AM

Presented by the Parker Artists Guild, May 16 is the last day to see  Americana: Pop Culture in America,  featuring U.S. and North American pop culture. Browse, enjoy and purchase artworks from Parker artists. parkerartistsguild.com

Downtown Parker Wine Walk

19751 EAST MAINSTREET, #R16, PARKER | 4:30 PM

Enjoy a beautiful summer evening in Parker. Pick up your wine glass at the chamber, then enjoy visiting dozens of downtown merchants serving small pours. A Parker summer tradition! $25 in advance; $30 at door.

Crissy Orris Jennifer Wells & Design Principals

Kevin Nealon

PACE CENTER, 20000 PIKES PEAK AVENUE, PARKER | 6:00 PM

Have a fun night out for the hilarious stand-up of Kevin Nealon! Emmy and SAG-nominated actor, comedian, and author Kevin Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live and has received critical acclaim for his role on the Showtime series Weeds

14th Annual Memorial Day Veterans' Service of Remembrance

J.S. PARKER CEMETERY, 10375 S. PARKER ROAD PARKER | 10:00 AM

Be a part of this this special annual ceremony to honor veterans buried in the J.S. Parker Cemetery as well as veterans attending the event.

Senior Stroll

11920 MOTSENBOCKER ROAD, PARKER | 9:00 AM

To celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day, Parker Parks and Recreation hosts the annual Senior Stroll at the Salisbury Equestrian Park and Sports Complex. This free event features a one-mile fun walk on a paved trail, delicious refreshments, socializing with friends, exciting prize giveaways, and interacting with local business vendors that put an emphasis on senior health and wellness.