AvidLifestyle May 2023 Issue

Bespoke Spokes

Top-notch

9260 EAST LAKE PLACE greenwood village

5 beds + main floor office / 4 baths / 0.40 acre cul-de-sac lot

4,900 sqft / optional 6th bedroom / cherry creek schools

5421 SOUTH DALLAS STREET greenwood village

4 beds / 3 baths / mature, private 0.57 acre lot / $1.385m

cul-de-sac location / cherry creek schools

Build

FEATURED

26

By Kim D. McHugh

10 14 18 20

SETTING THE STAGE

Celebrating Women

By Heather Shoning

ON THE AGENDA

Farmers markets, Derby celebrations, Cinco de Mayo and more

arts & culture local flavors

MAKING AN IMPRESSION

Artist Nancy Haley lights up the canvas with each brush stroke

By Kim D. McHugh

WINE AND WHISPERS

The Rouge Wine Bar & Patio offers Roaring ’20s decor for quiet conversations and great wines

By John Lehndorff

dwelling well

DESIGN INSPO

This beautiful bath has a decidedly “rad hotel” vibe

By Heather Shoning

PLAYFUL PLAYHOUSES

A local artist captures a spirit of imagination in hobbit-style playhouses

By Jessica Hughes

ready to wear

44

POWER SUITS

Colorado clothing designer Rachel Lefort brings highly tailored suits to busy women

By Hailee Lucchesi

48 54

34 38 62 58

HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR ALL

Kentwood Real Estate’s president and CEO, Gretchen Rosenberg, shares ger passion for housing equity

By Lisa Truesdale

FEEDING HAPPINESS

Denver-born chef Mary Nguyen dishes on her culinary inspiration and Denver’s café society

By John Lehndorff

GET MILE-HIGH FIT

Local fitness studios that light up the leaderboard

By Jessica Hughes

SAVING SPECIES

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s conservation efforts help save endangered animals

By Lisa Truesdale

May 2023 // vol. 5 // no. 2

PRESIDENT/GROUP PUBLISHER

Allen J. Walters

PUBLISHER

Chris Phillips

art & editorial EDITOR

Heather Shoning

ART DIRECTOR

Brenna Farrell

CONTRIBUTORS

Jessica Hughes, Amanda Lacey, John Lehndorff, Hailee Lucchessi, Kim. D. McHugh, Vanessa Miranda, Lisa Truesdale, Kastle Waserman

sales, marketing & advertising

VP OF SALES & MARKETING

Lori Perry

DIGITAL STRATEGIST

Brandon Kusek

OFFICE AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

Kari L. Johnson

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Jon Rizzi

CONTENT DIRECTOR

Jim Bebbington

ART DIRECTOR, Colorado AvidGolfer

D.T. Carel

GOLF PASSPORT & SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER

Brandon Ewing

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: chris@avidlifestyle.com

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES AND LETTERS: heather@avidlifestyle.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE: 720.493.1729

MAILING ADDRESS: 9350 E. Arapahoe Road, #210 Greenwood Village, CO, 80112

AvidLifestyle (ISSN 2642-0562) is published twelve times a year by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC, and printed by Publication Printers Inc. volume five, number two. 9350 E. Arapahoe Road, #210, Greenwood Village, CO 80112. Order your personal subscription to AvidLifestyle at avidlifestyle.com or by calling 720.493.1729 Subscriptions are available at the rate of $12 per year. Copyright © 2023 by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to AvidLifestyle, 9350 E. Arapahoe Road, #210, Greenwood Village, CO 80112. The magazine welcomes editorial submissions but assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material.

WELCOME TO A BRIGHTER SIDE OF TEQUILA

CELEBRATE

CINCO DE MAYO WITH MILAGRO’S FRESHEST MARGARITA

2 PARTS MILAGRO SILVER ¾ PART AGAVE NECTAR*

1 PART FRESH LIME JUICE

1 LIME WHEEL

Pour all ingredients into a Boston shaker, add ice, shake and strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Granish with a lime wheel.

Aurora offers something for everyone. From city sponsored live performances, culinary and art events, to boundless outdoor and indoor recreational activities, there’s no shortage of things to do in Aurora. Come see why it’s truly the world in a city!

TALK OF THE TOWN

KNOW SOMEONE who should be featured in AvidLifestyle? Tell me about them at heather@avidlifestyle.com

CELEBRATING WOMEN

YES, WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH has come and gone, but we’re here to celebrate women’s present and future and the gifts they bestow upon us daily. And, boy, have we got some powerhouses in this issue.

Gretchen Rosenberg, Kentwood Real Estate’s president and CEO, talked with writer Lisa Truesdale about her passion for housing equity and belief that everyone deserves the opportunity for homeownership (Homeownership For All, page 48). Learn about the organizations she supports that help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

I’m also excited for you to meet Denver-born chef Mary Nguyen, owner of Olive & Finch and Little Finch restaurants, who has taken the kitchen by the rice balls—at one point being the only female executive sushi chef in North America—and then opted to forge her own path serving chef-driven, scratch-made food in a café-style environment (Feeding Happiness, page 54).

Clothing design powerhouse Rachel Lefort recently launched a line of timeless blazers and trousers meant for successful women burning the “Midnight Oil” and so named the line. As she told writer Hailee Luchessi (Power Suits, page 44), after years working in the fashion meccas of New York and Paris, Lefort moved to Colorado and found her passion helping women curate a closet of modern classics with seasonless silhouettes.

Artist Nancy Haley built a career in interior design and then three golf apparel companies before turning her artistic intentions toward painting (Making An Impression, page 18). As she told writer Kim D. McHugh, she paints whatever grabs her attention today and embarks on travel to inspire her creative outlet.

In addition to doting on the ladies, we’ve got some other fabulous features about Colorado's custom-made bike industry (Bespoke Spokes, page 26); hobbit-style playhouses (Playful Playhouses, page 38); The Rogue Wine Bar & Patio (Wine And Whispers, page 20); the latest fitness trends (Get Mile-High Fit, page 58); and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Saving Species, page 62).

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms—no matter what form that comes in for you. We celebrate all the influential caretakers and those bringing up the next generation.

Heather Shoning

AvidLifestyle is a luxury lifestyle magazine serving Denverʼs south suburbs. And weʼre excited to add new, experienced writers to our growing list of contributors. Do you have magazine writing experience? Do you know Denver’s south suburbs? Can you dig deep for the unique story about the people, places and events that make our community special? If so, we want you! Please email heather@avidlifestyle.com with basic info about yourself and at least three published clips (links are fine).

REDEFINING THE WORLD OF LUXURY APPLIANCES

Materials, Performance, and Ownership. Each of these upholds our commitment to high quality, innovation, and our ongoing relationships with designers and consumers. Through these pillars and our new collections, we’ve created a luxury brand experience that you can see and feel for yourself.

Exquisite brands. Unparalleled service. Amazing attention to detail.

Local, family owned and operated for over 29 years, we are Colorado’s most complete appliance source, offering every major appliance line to fit any budget.

Call us or visit one of our stunning showrooms. Our appliance experts will walk you through the entire selection process, from browsing, to purchasing, to delivery, offering you the one-on-one attention and advice you’ve come to expect.

Thank you for supporting Colorado’s local businesses.

THE U.S. AMATEUR

is the oldest USGA championship in golf having been created in 1895 and won by the greats: Palmer, Nicklaus, Woods and many others. Many legends of golf credit the U.S. Amateur as a “turning point” or stepping stone in their careers.

PLAYERS UP CLOSE

Unlike other Championships, the U.S. Amateur has no grandstands. Fans get to walk side by side the competitors and see each shot up close as they cheer for their favorite player.

JUNIOR GOLF EXPERIENCE

An added addition at Cherry Hills will be a Junior Golf Experience where youth can come into a pavilion and challenge themselves to a long putt contest, try out a golf simulator and learn about sustainability and golf. There will also be opportunities for youth to be exposed to all that golf can offer them through scholarships, job opportunities and life lessons.

BE PART OF THE ACTION

Cherry Hills and Colorado Golf Club look forward to welcoming the community as we dwindle from 312 players to 2 and crown our champion in 2023. We can’t wait to welcome you. For tickets and information, please go to chcc.com.

Save the Date!

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS SUMMER EVENTS

The Summer Concert Series and Evenings al Fresco at Denver Botanic Gardens always sell out, so get tickets early. The concert lineup wasn’t yet announced at press time, but always includes world-famous artists. Evenings al Fresco allow visitors to explore the gardens at their own pace during evening hours, with talented local musicians performing in small ensembles throughout. Food is available for purchase or bring a picnic dinner.

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS, botanicgardens.org

May 4–6

COLORADO POTTERS GUILD SPRING

POTTERY SALE

The bi-annual Colorado Potters Guild show and sale will offer a variety of functional pottery, home decor, jewelry and garden art all made by its 40 members. The show is staffed by member artists who can help you find the right piece and explain the wide variety of pottery-making processes on display. New work is added daily.

FIRST PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 3501 S. Colorado Blvd., coloradopotters.org

May 6

THE BIG WONDERFUL

May 3–7

CAÑON CITY MUSIC & BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Now in its 85th (wow!) year, this festival celebrates the start of the growing season with community events like a craft fair, a kids’ zone, a huge parade and more, plus it also includes the largest community-run school music competition in the state. High schools and middle schools from all over the country compete in concert band, jazz band, marching band, orchestra and concert choir categories, and performances are open to all. Find the full schedule of events online. CAÑ ON CITY, ccblossomfestival.com

May 4

MCA MAX MIX 2023

The world-renowned Teen Programs at Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art offer young artists the chance to be risk-takers and explorers without judgment, and to discover the art of our time through their own creations. This event raises essential funds for the programs and features a VIP reception, a runway show in conjunction with Max Clothing Stores, and an “epic” dance party. Get tickets in advance online. THE COOKIE FACTORY, mcadenver.org

TheBigWonderful at Belleview Station is a huge, all-day festival celebrating live bluegrass music; local breweries, cideries and distilleries; and street food and food trucks. This year, it’s also a Derby Party, with a livestream of the Kentucky Derby on the big screen, and there’s a Craft Vendor Village, too. Tickets are required for some events, so check online. Noon–8 p.m. BELLEVIEW BEER GARDEN, thebigwonderful.com

May 6

DERBY DAY AT THE BROWN PALACE HOTEL & SPA

Watch as award-winning horses compete for the trophy during “the greatest two minutes in sports” at Ship Tavern, the historic hotel’s vintage pub, and Churchill Bar, Denver’s iconic, full-service cigar lounge. Both have their TVs tuned to the race and will be offering traditional mint juleps. Woodford Reserve, the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, will be on-site to offer custom engraving on commemorative bottles of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey as purchased.

THE BROWN PALACE HOTEL & SPA, brownpalace.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADO POTTERS

PHOTO BY SCOTT DRESSEL-MARTIN

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAÑON CITY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BROWN PALACE HOTEL & SPA

GOLF HISTORY

123RD U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

AUGUST 14-20, 2023

JOIN US!

CHERRY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB | CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, COLO.

123RD U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

COLORADO GOLF CLUB | PARKER, COLO.

AUGUST 14-20, 2023

CHERRY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB | CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, COLO.

COLORADO GOLF CLUB | PARKER, COLO.

To volunteer, purchase tickets or learn more about the upcoming U.S. Amateur, please scan the QR code with your smart phone.

We can’t wait to see you there!

To volunteer, purchase tickets or learn more about the upcoming U.S. Amateur, please scan the QR code with your smart phone.

We can’t wait to see you there!

May 6

SPRING UP THE CREEK

Help keep local creeks and trails around Castle Rock clean during this annual communitywide effort. Volunteers are divided into 10 teams, each tackling a different area around town. All ages are welcome, and it’s also an opportunity to fulfill community service hours. Trash bags, gloves, snacks and water are provided. Online registration (with a waiver) is required; check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the event is from 9–11 a.m.

CASTLE ROCK , crgov.com

May 12–14

MOTHER’S DAY HIGH TEA

Treat all the special women in your life to this popular annual event, featuring a traditional four-course high tea. The fancy spread includes scones, fruit, tea sandwiches, desserts and tea, all served in a spectacular setting—Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs. There are three different seatings on each of the three days, plus special prices available for “princesses” and “princes” under 12.

MIRAMONT CASTLE , miramontcastle.org

May 13

MOTHER’S DAY 5K

Celebrate Mom at this family-friendly walk/ run for all ages and abilities. Presented by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, the 8th-annual event includes giveaways and a post-race pancake breakfast. Find the kettlebell hidden somewhere along with 5k route, bring it to the finish line and win $100. Awards are presented to the top three finishers in several categories and to the overall winner. Register in advance online; the race begins at 9 a.m., so arrival before 8:15 is recommended. CRESTHILL MIDDLE SCHOOL , hrcaonline.org

May 14

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH THE BROWN PALACE HOTEL & SPA

May 6–7

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATE

CULTURE FESTIVAL

Denver’s popular Cinco de Mayo events include live music on three stages; food and drink options; vendor booths; a big parade (Saturday, 11 a.m.); the Lowrider Car Show; and entertaining contests like Chihuahua races and taco eating. See the full schedule, downtown Denver parade route, contest entry info and more online. CIVIC CENTER PARK , cincodemayodenver.com

To celebrate moms this Mother’s Day, The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa is offering an elevated reception-style buffet with carving stations, omelet stations and more. The Mother’s Day Brunch will take place in the 5280 Ballroom, located on the historic hotel’s second floor. f10 a.m.–2 p.m. Prices are up to $95 per person. Reservations are recommended. Call 303.297.3111.

THE BROWN PALACE HOTEL & SPA, brownpalace.com

Scratch & Win a $500

PHOTO COURTESY OF CIVIC CENTER PARK

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BROWN PALACE HOTEL & SPA

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIRAMONT CASTLE

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK

May 13

HOPS IN THE PARK

Sample brews from local craft breweries while you also check out the food trucks, artist and vendor booths, yard games, live entertainment, and beer-related swag. Vote for your favorite brewery and see who wins the Best of the Fest prize. Ages 21+ only, no exceptions.

Noon–4 p.m., rain or shine. Buy tickets online. CLEMENT PARK , ifoothills.org

May 20

CASTLE ROCK SPRING KICKOFF CONCERT

Downtown Castle Rock’s summer event season opens with a big concert, open to all. The 1–7 p.m. festival also includes food trucks, beer from local breweries, vendor booths and activities for kids like face painting.

FESTIVAL PARK , downtowncastlerock.com

May 26–28

MEADOWGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL

This huge festival, now in its 14th year, features three full days of live music! The family-friendly event is held on a property in Black Forest that spans several hundred acres filled with canyons, trees and historic buildings. Dance the night away to dozens of bands, including headliners Jig Jam (Friday), Donna the Buffalo (Saturday) and Cha Wa (Sunday); the weekend also includes a beer festival, yoga, guided hikes, workshops and opportunities for camping onsite. Kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult.

LA FORET CONFERENCE & RETREAT CENTER, meadowgrass.org

May 20–21

RUN TO THE SHRINE

Run to the Shrine is an annual tradition at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and it’s the only time of year when guests are allowed to travel the road up to the shrine on foot. The fourmile roundtrip walk/run takes participants

1,000 feet up to Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun and then back down. Along the way, runners are treated to spectacular views of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. This popular event (5–8 p.m. both days) is a fundraiser for the zoo’s many important conservation programs.

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO, cmzoo.org

Ongoing FARMERS MARKETS

May and early June are when most area farmers markets begin to open for the season! Shop local produce, fresh meats and dairy products, fresh flowers, handcrafted body care products, artisan booths, and much more. Many markets also offer food trucks, live entertainment and activities for the kids. Here’s just a sampling of some of the popular markets in the area; check each website for more details.

Castle Rock: Sundays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. beginning May 28 at Festival Park; thelocalcolorado.com

Cherry Creek: Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. beginning May 6 at 1st Avenue and University Boulevard; coloradofreshmarkets.com

Greenwood Village (South University Farmers Market): Fridays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. beginning June 2 at 5859 S. University Blvd.; southuniversityfarmersmarket.com

Highlands Ranch: Sundays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. beginning May 7 at Highlands Ranch Town Center; denverfarmersmarket.com

L ittleton: Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. beginning June 14 at Aspen Grove; denverfarmersmarket.com

Parker: Sundays, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. beginning May 14 at 19565 Mainstreet; thelocalcolorado.com

May 28

KEVIN NEALON AT PACE CENTER

Actor, comedian and author Kevin Nealon takes the stage in Parker for one night of hilarious stand-up (with adult language and adult humor). This event is sure to sell out, so get tickets early. PACE CENTER, parkerarts.org

South Pearl Street: Sundays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. beginning May 7 on the 1400 and 1500 blocks of South Pearl Street (between Iowa and Arkansas); southpearlstreet.com

University Hills: Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. beginning May 13 at University Hills Plaza; farmersmarketscolorado.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

Making an Impression Making an Impression

WHEN A POSTER SHE CREATED in the third grade to promote a school event earned first place, it sparked Nancy Haley’s interest in art. As a child growing up in suburban Detroit, that interest amplified in junior high, where she helped paint backdrops for school plays. After a teacher introduced her to jewelry design in high school, her enthusiasm for art and design accelerated.

“I really loved creating things, so when I started at Michigan State University, it was frustrating because I had to take social science, history, English and classes I wasn’t really interested in. I just wanted to get into the art building. In my sophomore year, it was like they’d opened the barn doors, and I was set free. I did pottery, jewelry, etching, oil painting and even graphic design.”

In the early 1970s, shortly after earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, she ventured to Colorado. Over the decades, her career accomplishments included starting Haley Interiors, an interior design company, which she helmed for ten years. Her entrepreneurial skills spawned three golf apparel companies— Sun Daze, Sport Haley and Tehama (pronounced Teh-HAY-muh), which she co-founded with legendary actor Clint Eastwood. After a long and successful run, the two sold Tehama in 2009, officially marking Haley’s retirement from the business world. Facing a “now what?” moment, she shifted her attention to painting.

“The whole time I was running my interior design business and then the lifestyle apparel

ARTIST NANCY HALEY lights up the canvas with each brush stroke

By Kim D. McHugh

Photography Courtesy of Nancy Haley

Lots of Lemons Oil on canvas

Artist, Nancy Haley

businesses, I had no time to paint. Zero,” she says. “But I always knew that I would do it. Two years into retirement, I’d been talking and talking about painting, and at Christmas, I opened my present from my oldest son, and it was for art classes. That was the catalyst.”

Typically working from her studio in Golden, she often paints in a style known as “alla prima,” or wet-on-wet, where layers of wet oil paint are applied to earlier layers of wet oil paint.

“I’m not as comfortable working with acrylic because it dries faster,” Haley says. “It’s more relaxing to work in oil because I can work on a painting and still move the paint around on the canvas for several days.”

Haley paints whatever grabs her attention— landscapes, portraits, still life, abstracts. And her impressionistic work has garnered numerous awards. Whether letting her imagination direct her brush strokes or doing a painting on commission, her goal is to put those emotions on the canvas. Artist organizations such as Plein Air Artists Colorado, the American Impressionist Society and Oil Painters of America have afforded Haley opportunities to travel, with trips to Italy, France and Mexico as some of her most memorable experiences.

“It is so much fun,” Haley says. “I can travel, meet new people and enjoy different cuisine. Really, for the last ten or eleven years, that’s what I’ve been doing, and I just love it.”

And it shows in her art.

HALEY FINE ART

Cowgirl Up Oil on canvas

Mexican Food Truck Oil on canvas

Colorado Explosion Oil on canvas

Wine and Whispers

The Rouge Wine Bar & Patio is a ROARING ’20S REFUGE for good friends, quiet conversations and flights of great wines

By John Lehndorff

Photos Courtesy of The Rouge Wine Bar & Patio

PINBALL DINGS, bowling ball strikes, billiard smacks, rock music and crowds of people grab your ears the second you walk into Pindustry. The popular multi-story Greenwood Village entertainment complex was made to host a party. However, it was evident to guests that Pindustry did lack one critical feature of good hospitality.

“After Pindustry opened two years ago, the one question we got from our customers was: ‘Can we go somewhere nearby where it’s quiet to talk?’” says Chris Collins, culinary director of The Rouge Wine Bar & Patio. The Rouge is the answer the team behind Pindustry came up with. The wine bar opened recently in Pindustry’s neighboring but separate—and very quiet—space.

Everything about The Rouge whispers comfy intimacy, from the sunken bar and multiple fireplaces to the velvet chairs; the gold, crystal and red decor highlights; and lots of twinkling lights. An expansive rooftop patio offers westward views, pergolas for shade and firepits for nighttime coziness.

“We wanted to offer a more sophisticated, quieter space with a great wine program and food to pair with it,” says The Rouge’s general manager, Ryan Graber.

Whispers

—RYAN GRABER

“ We wanted to offer a more sophisticated, quieter space with a great wine program and food to pair with it ...”

JUST-RIGHT WINE

With its retro speakeasy lounge vibe, The Rouge takes a stand against the pretentiousness wine bars sometimes exude. Rather than make guests feel insecure about their red, white and rosé savvy, The Rouge aims to make wine fun and accessible, Graber says. Its extensive list stands out locally because it offers more than 50 wines by the glass. That means there is a wine for almost any set of taste buds.

“One of my favorite interactions with guests is asking: ‘What do you drink at home?’ From there, I can build on flavor profiles they might enjoy. You want to give them a glass where they say ‘Aha,’” Graber says. The key is tasting a few different wines. “If we have a wine by the glass, we’re happy to have customers try it first to see if they like it,” he says.

The Rouge also stocks an array of serious celebration vintages for big birthdays and business meetings. “We have some great wines for special occasions, some fine Burgundies and Bordeaux-style blends from California,” Graber says. Naturally, bubblies of various pedigrees and prices are available chilled with fluted glasses.

WINE-PAIRED FARE

Le Rouge’s shareables, small plates, entrees and desserts are served everywhere in the 5,000-square-foot space, including the comfy dining area and patio. “Our approach is to serve simple, high-quality dishes that are easy to pair with wine or cocktails,” Collins says.

Tables can start with a charcuterie board or a series of big-flavor starters such as chile shrimp hush puppies or roasted Brussels sprouts with maple glaze and crispy pancetta.

One small plate is a real standout. Braver diners are discovering the joy of roasted 7X Farms wagyu beef bones served with ciabatta toast. “At the end of the day, it’s just delicious beef with butter, and we shave black truffles all over it,” Collins says.

The eatery’s main plates range from roasted salmon and Bolognese sauce with cavatappi pasta to steak and show-stopping bone-in short ribs with gnocchi.

SATURDAY BRUNCH AND A BIG SHOW

On weekends, The Rouge transforms into a peaceful refuge where the bleary-eyed can tastefully awaken with biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, waffles, prime rib hash and eggs Benedict. The brunch entrees can be paired with wine or bottomless mimosas, bloody marys and micheladas.

The Rouge’s Drag Brunch every other Saturday is already so popular that advance reservations are required. “We’ve got a good group of performers,” Graber says. “They are always decked out in ’20s-style flapper dresses for the performances. It’s a hit.”

The Rouge is already tweaking its program to make it even more accessible with Wine Wednesdays, which offers a free 10-inch cracker-crust pizza with every wine bottle ordered. The midweek evening will feature live music, but Graber and Collins promise it will definitely not be loud music.

THE ROUGE WINE BAR & PATIO

7939 E Arapahoe Rd.

Greenwood Village

720.864.9463

therougewinebar.com

BespokeSpokes

Build your dream bike with one of these Coloradobased custom cycle shops

By Kim D. McHugh

“BICYCLE SONG” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers asks: “How could I forget to mention, the bicycle is a good invention?” Well, no worries, Peppers. Here in Colorado, we know the bicycle is a good invention, and so do the wealth of custom-bike manufacturers in the Centennial State. Following in the tire tracks of two-wheel innovators like Wilbur and Orville Wright (they opened their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, in 1892) and German immigrant Ignaz Schwinn (he launched Arnold, Schwinn & Co. in Chicago in 1895), four of Colorado’s preeminent bike makers have advanced the industry exponentially, incorporating sophisticated gearing systems, innovative engineering, durable metals, carbonfiber components and “build-your-dream-bike” capabilities.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GUERRILLA GRAVITY BIKES

FOUNDED IN 2008 by Ryan Cannizzaro, Alchemy Bikes still stands behind the belief that its direct-to-rider process “guarantees you’ll get a bike you’ll love to ride.” A tour around its Golden-based headquarters supports that statement. Whether it’s the company’s patented SINE Suspension system, in-house crafted carbon fiber tube-to-tube frame construction, paint-toorder color schemes and numerous customizing options, Alchemy Bikes is geared to please riders. Every mountain, road, gravel and e-bike is built to exacting specs. Disappointed in your riding experience within 30-days of receiving your bike? Simply return it for a full refund.

“Virtually every bike we produce is unique! All our road and gravel bikes, including our eRonin, are made by hand,” says chief marketing officer Ben Holtz. “We do custom paint and customize the whole process for every rider. Our eRonin is great for people who want a performance bike that gives a little boost.”

While all its bikes are handmade works of art, the eRonin is particularly impressive because it is the first American-made, carbon-fiber frame gravel electric bike. That helps explain why in 2022 CyclingNews rated it “best for on/off road riding,” giving kudos to the e-bike for being lightweight, available in five frame sizes and being energy assisted by the Fazua Evation drive system.

ALCHEMY BIKES

18475 W Colfax Ave., Unit 140 Golden 720.534.4444

alchemybikes.com

LIKE APPLE, AMAZON AND MICROSOFT, Denver-based Guerrilla Gravity was started in a garage. Wheeling into business in 2011, the company was founded by Kristy Anderson, Matt Giaraffa and Will Montague, whose combined passion for mountain biking spawned the startup. Known as “GG” to its fan base, Guerrilla Gravity has three build kits on each of its models—ride, rally and race. The ride builds feature durable components and great value; the rally builds feature a great combo of performance, tunability and weight-saving components; and the race builds feature a full suite of top-of-theline components.

“We’re the only company in the U.S. making a full lineup of carbon-fiber mountain bikes,” says Montague, president of the company.

“Our carbon frames incorporate our patented Revved Carbon Technology. The type of carbon fiber we use creates frames that are three times more impact resistant than traditional carbon frames.”

Also unique to the company is that its bikes employ a modular frame platform—meaning that any frame can be fitted with new parts to build a new bike without incurring the cost of a whole new bike. GG makes mountain bikes for a variety of riders and trails, and the easiest way for customers looking for guidance on a fully custom bike is to visit the showroom outfitted with in-stock bikes, apparel, a builder wall and a kegerator.

GUERRILLA GRAVITY

1495 S. Acoma St., Denver 303.955.4163 ridegg.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF GUERRILLA GRAVITY BIKES

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALCHEMY BIKES

PHOTO COURTESY OF GUERRILLA GRAVITY BIKES

LIVING AN URBAN LIFESTYLE but tired of the what the once two-car couple dubbed the “rude mood–enhancing” city traffic, Victoria Brunner and Kenny Fischer switched to pedal power, buying e-bikes online. While their e-bikes changed their commuting regimen from four wheels to two, they quickly saw room for improvements. After rigorously researching the electric bike marketplace, the two co-founded FattE-Bikes in 2017. As Denver’s first e-bike company, and one of few companies that design and build e-bikes in the U.S.A., Brunner and Fischer are seeing more people trading their vehicles for FattE-Bikes.

“Since many of our customers are the ultimate urban commuters, our purpose-built e-bikes are designed to replace a car, truck or SUV,” Fischer says. “We invite people to our showroom for a test ride, which is helpful in determining what they’d be using their e-bike for—the city or the mountains.”

Similar to other e-bikes, FattE-Bikes have an electric motor, but they have three differentiating features: a half-twist throttle with a safety off switch, powder-coat painted frame and four-inch-wide tires that provide a more comfortable ride than skinnier tires. Since the all-weather e-bikes are assembled in Denver, local buyers can personalize and fine-tune their e-bike before riding away.

FATTE-BIKES

2596 W Barberry Pl., Denver

720.440.2971

fattebikes.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF FATTE-BIKES

PHOTO COURTESY OF FATTE-BIKES

BIKES, BLOODY ELBOWS and a stolen bike ignited the idea for REEB Cycles. Shortly after someone ripped off his bike, Dale Katechis (founder of Oskar Blues Brewery), founded the Lyons-based company—now with a full-service shop at CyclHops in Longmont— knowing he didn’t want to just buy another made overseas bike-in-a-box. So, in 2011, the avid mountain biker collaborated with veteran frame builder Sean Burns, fabricators James Bridge and Adam Prosise, mountain bike sensei Jeff Lenosky, and Steve Ziegler, who brings more than 20 years of aerospace engineering, manufacturing and operations experience to the table. Today, the company designs, manufactures and hand-builds four models under the roof of a 100-year-old barn.

“We’re bringing people, technology and culture together to develop extraordinary products. REEB is committed to retaining the grassroots vibes and exquisite craftsmanship that are synonymous with the brand, all while delivering bikes with exceptional on-trail performance and providing our clientele with industry leading customer service,” Ziegler says.

Customers choose from the Hooptie, Donkadonk, Redikyelous and the SST, a steelframe, full-suspension bike inspired by REEB’s wildly popular SQWEEB, an aluminum enduro race platform that was redesigned in 2020. Offering curious riders the opportunity to testride bikes on a singletrack outside the barn in Lyons, REEB wheels out copious customization options that get the buyers’ gears turning.

MORE BIKES TO LIKE

BOREALIS FAT BIKES

Colorado Springs, 320.328.2453 fatbike.com

DEAN TITANIUM

Boulder, 303.530.3091 deanbikes.com

MERLIN METALWORKS

Boulder, 303.323.8559 merlinbikes.com

MOOTS BIKES

Steamboat Springs, 970.879.1676 moots.com

MOSAIC BESPOKE BICYCLES

Boulder, 720.381.0475 mosaiccycles.com

OPTIBIKE

Paonia, 303.443.0932 optibike.com

QUIETKAT Eagle, 970.516.3880 quietkat.com

REVEL BIKES

Carbondale, 970.456.7336 revelbikes.com

YETI CYCLES

Golden, 303.278.6909 yeticycles.com

REEB CYCLES

PHOTO COURTESY OF REEB CYCLES

PHOTO COURTESY OF REEB CYCLES

APN IS CHANGING THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS LANDSCAPE IN DENVER, VAIL, AND BEYOND.

Colorado has long been symbolic of adventure and retreat for travelers from around the world. But for its residents, life’s stressors still exist. Colorado-based brand All Points North is bringing something new to help locals find total, sustainable health – in mind and body. Taking up residence in Edwards, Aurora, and most recently Boulder, All Points North has opened its doors to the public in two distinct but complementary brands – Plus by APN and APN Lodge.

The team calls Plus by APN a center for interventional psychiatry and neurotechnology. Proudly science-forward, Plus is run by a board-certified psychiatrist and staffed by a team of nurses, clinicians, and techs. With more locations already popping up in Malibu and London, Plus psychiatry has a different flavor than old school med management – a hands-on flavor.

At Plus, clients start with a free consultation to discuss treatment options and goals before moving on to a full psychiatric evaluation. Far less intimidating than it sounds, that evaluation allows clinicians to get to know the client’s individual story, background, medical history, concerns, and goals - enabling the most accurate diagnoses possible. From there, clinicians and the client work together to develop a custom-curated treatment plan.

Depending on individual needs, treatment plans may include a variety of interventions.

to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to treat a range of mental health issues like depression, OCD, and anxious depression.

Astoundingly, Plus’s Brainsway TMS treatment studies show noticeable improvement in up to 75% of depression clients with 1 in 2 achieving symptom remission, a rate that blows SSRI efficacy out of the water.

Beyond TMS, Plus’s ketamine-assisted healing programs offer controlled and medically supervised use of psychedelics for the treatment of depression and PTSD. In addition to its most popular services, Plus offers brain mapping, stellate ganglion block, and neurofeedback on top of traditional psychiatry appointments, therapy, and medication management. And it’s not just self-pay. Plus is in-network with Tricare, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, Medicare, and more. And it works out of network with most PPOs.

A few hours away in a quiet neighborhood of Edwards, CO, a 77,000 square foot mental health destination sits grandly atop the local mountains. Formerly the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera before being acquired and renovated by All Points North, APN Lodge is a home away from home for around 70 people at any given time, all who are pursuing a new chapter in their story. APN and its experienced clinical, medical, and hospitality staff provide residential, PHP, and IOP treatment for trauma, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and more. Though unmistakably stunning with its mountain views from every suite, float tank, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a sweeping lobby and dining area, APN prides itself most on its clinical care – with client outcomes in the top 5% of providers across the US.

APN and its team understand that achieving optimal health requires a comprehensive approach. There’s no silver bullet. There’s no one-size-fits-all. Total health requires a custom approach for the mind and the body. By offering so many mental health services under one roof, they make it easy for the local community to prioritize health and wellbeing in a meaningful way. Check out APN’s services by scheduling a free consultation at apn.com/avid.

One of Plus’s most popular treatments is Deep TMS, which uses non-invasive magnetic fields

Worth the Wait

KATIE SCHROEDER of Atelier Interior Design had been slowly redesigning this home for several years. When the homeowners entered retirement recently, they finally committed to remodeling the primary bathroom. “They’d been dreaming about this remodel for decades,” Schroeder says. “They wanted something lovely to look at and enjoy during retirement.” To accomplish the look and feel of a “rad hotel,” as Schroeder puts it, without breaking the budget, she kept the same layout, only moving the bathtub plumbing slightly. She selected marble-look porcelain hexagon tiles for the floor and, to add visual interest, a pale blue textured tile for the shower walls. Schroeder replaced an outdated storage cabinet with a floor-to-ceiling, built-in armoire.

PHOTO BY SUSIE BRENNER

The vanity area is designed for maximum impact. Built-in, mirrored storage features lighting and interior outlets for plugging in razors, electric toothbrushes and more. The swing-up doors add a modern edge. But the wall is the pièce de résistance in this space. Schroeder selected an ombrestyle mosaic tile to accentuate the ceiling height and create a stunning focal point. It’s a very dark blue at the peak and fades to a soft blue similar to the shower tile as it meets the countertop, where under-mount sinks feature brushed gold fixtures. Rad hotel, indeed.

Project Resources

Tub: Signature Hardware, Ferguson

Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

Floor tile: WOW Tile, Decorative Materials

Shower wall tile: AKDO, Decorative Materials

Cabinetry: Caruso Kitchen Designs

Fixtures: Brizo, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

Lighting: Curry & Company, Ferguson

Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

Vanity backsplash tile: Artistic Tile, Decorative Materials

Mirrors: Robern, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

PHOTO BY SUSIE BRENNER

—KATIE SCHROEDER

“ They wanted something lovely to look at and enjoy during retirement.

Shown: Lloyd Flanders Mesa Seating

Playful Playhouses

A Colorado artist finds his second chance THROUGH ART AND IMAGINATION

By Jessica Hughes

INSPIRED BY HARD TIMES, Colorado artist Rudi Monterroso creates beauty and space for imagination in the whimsical playhouses he designs and builds. Born and raised in Guatemala, Monterroso’s childhood was plagued by civil war and many challenges. To create a feeling of safety amongst the chaos, he built imaginative playhouses with whatever natural materials he found lying around.

“I would start to build shelters, a place to feel safe. A place where I could escape,” Monterroso says. “I would use sticks, wood, grass and whatever I could find to create an imaginative space where I could create stories and games to escape the horrible times in Guatemala.”

Tired of the hard life, Monterroso moved to the U.S. when he was 19 and built a profession as an artist and teacher. He made a name for himself in Denver with his live art demonstrations— painting with his feet while flamenco dancing. But when the pandemic hit, he suddenly found himself let go from his teaching job and all art exhibitions canceled.

At a loss, Monterroso got creative and found a new artistic path, and that’s when the idea for Playhouses Colorado was born. “I decided I wanted to create playhouses like the ones I did as a kid,” he says.

Stepping inside one of Monterroso’s hobbit-like

playhouses is like stepping into a dream portal of the imagination. Whimsical in nature, the fantasy-like structures are detailed with natural elements—reminiscent of hobbit homes from which you might expect woodland fairies to fly.

Truly unique to the individual imagination, no two are alike. Monterroso uses mostly repurposed natural materials such as grass, twigs and greenery, along with whatever he finds at this local antique store. ”I like to make each piece as I would build for my own kids,” Monterroso says. “The process typically starts with something I find at a resale or antique store.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF PLAYHOUSES COLORADO

PHOTOS BY JESSICA HUGHES

—RUDI MONTERROSO

“ IT’S ABOUT CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF IMAGINTION AND CREATIVITY ...”

And because Monterroso is color blind, building these playhouses relies on so much more than just his sight. “My work is about process,” he says. “Understanding my process has allowed me to see things one step at a time.” As a self-taught painter, Monterroso has had to train his brain not to try to figure out the color. “I instead focus on the values versus the color of the paints. I mix colors until they have the same values.”

Monterroso has built nearly 90 playhouses since starting his business a few years ago and has no plans of slowing down. Commissions are customizable to each client’s needs and wants. The structures take about two to three weeks to build, then Monterroso delivers them.

“My hope is to give kids and their families a place where they can come together and create memories for themselves,” says Monterroso. “It’s about capturing the spirit of imagination and creativity.”

Rudi Monterrosso, ARTIST

PHOTO BY JESSICA HUGHES

PHOTO BY JESSICA HUGHES

POWER SUITS

Colorado clothing designer RACHEL LEFORT brings highly tailored suits to women burning the midnight oil

By Hailee Lucchesi

IT’S NOT THAT OFTEN DESIGNERS like Rachel Lefort come about, let alone to Colorado. This East Coast native designer was quite literally born with talent. At the age of six, Lefort started sewing outfits for her dolls. “My mom was an interior designer so I got a lot of my creativity from her,” Lefort says. “She would take me shopping for fabric at an early age and enrolled me in sewing classes at age twelve.”

After graduating high school, Lefort moved to New York to study fashion design at Syracuse University. Finishing her undergraduate degree, she was ready to hit the ground running. Landing impressive jobs in Manhattan specializing in workwear, Lefort practiced with some of the top designers. Wanting to further tailor her expertise, she left New York for the mecca of fashion: Paris. She studied at the prestigious Parsons School of Design while falling in love with the Parisian culture and effortless fashion. If Parsons wasn’t impressive enough, she then scored coveted internships with some of the oldest fashion houses: Christian Dior and Pierre Balmain. While most students chose to intern in other departments, Lefort had the incredible foresight to study with the atelier. A critical decision that would give her the skills to set her apart from the rest.

After an extraordinary few years in Paris, her East Coast roots were calling. She moved back to New York to work for the esteemed Maggie Norris Couture, continuing to hone her craft.

Shortly thereafter, her family made a move to Colorado. Transitioning into personal styling, Lefort found her voice and creative edge helping women curate a closet of modern classics with flattering silhouettes. “I couldn’t find what I needed when styling clients. I was looking for modern classics in seasonless tones,” she says. “I couldn’t find the tones and shapes I needed that had the quality I was looking for.” After years of seeing nothing on the market, she decided to go back to design and launched Midnight Oil in 2019.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIDNIGHT OIL

Rachel Lefort, DESIGNER

PHOTO BY CAROLINE MILLER

All her pieces are custom and adhere to three nonnegotiable factors: fit, functionality and personalization. Her fabric is sourced in Italy and manufactured in Portugal, both countries which perpetuate a certain inspired by many things. Architecture. The women in Paris and New York. How they carry themselves with less color and less closet space. By the street style in these cities,” Lefort says. “I’m also highly inspired by menswear. It tends to be more versatile and easier than womenswear. The quality and cut of menswear is better than womenswear.”

This inspiration led Lefort to offer unmatched customization in her line. Each blazer has five interior pockets, allowing clients to have maxi mum functionality. Additionally, the versatility in customization is rather impressive. You’re a news anchor? She has a hidden back pocket for your mic. Don’t love belt loops? Trousers can be designed without. Zip pockets versus open pockets on your trousers more flatter ing for your shape? Done. And it doesn’t stop there. Women have the option of custom lining, buttons, thread colors, sleeve length, lapel and gorgeous initial embossing. This attention to detail not only sets Midnight Oil apart from the crowd but allows women of all shapes and sizes to feel their best in their work attire.

“The collection is named for the women who are burning the midnight oil,” Lefort says. “I want women to be able to focus on work and not what they are wearing. It’s to help women get dressed and to empower them.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIDNIGHT OIL

PHOTO COURTESY

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIDNIGHT OIL

Homeownership for All

Kentwood Real Estate’s president and CEO, GRETCHEN ROSENBERG, is as passionate about housing equity as she is about her career

By Lisa Truesdale

AN MBA AND several years of marketing experience are a perfect segue into real estate. It worked well for Gretchen Rosenberg, who worked her way up to become president and CEO of Kentwood Real Estate, Berkshire Hathaway’s HomeServices of America exclusive Colorado affiliate. The real estate powerhouse graduated from the University of Denver with a public affairs and international studies degree before getting her master’s degree. Then, she worked at her in-laws’ local advertising agency before getting her real estate license. She was a founding agent at the Kentwood Cherry Creek office two years after becoming a licensed Broker in Colorado, and she acted as the managing broker at that office for more than 11 years.

Under Rosenberg’s leadership, her agents consistently win national awards for top-producing agent, sales volume, excellence and more. And Kentwood is consistently ranked among the

top companies in the U.S. for agent productivity. Rosenberg oversees five offices (Downtown Denver, Cherry Creek, Denver Tech Center, Northern Colorado and the recently opened Boulder brokerage) with more than 240 brokers. They assist home buyers and sellers throughout metro Denver, the Front Range, and northern Colorado. The company also focuses on all areas of commercial real estate, including sales, leasing, office, retail, industrial and land. Kentwood recently announced it would partner with the Waldorf Astoria Residences Denver development team that will begin construction next year in Cherry Creek North.

LEADING THROUGH GIVING

Despite such a huge roster of responsibilities, Rosenberg is passionate about homeownership equity, and she was honored Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices selected her to help create the HomeServices Foundation for Housing Equity.

“The foundation helps those who have been left out of generational wealth building and the stable neighborhoods that homeownership creates,” she explains. “We’re committed to enhancing community lending, providing educational resources around homeownership and funding programs that match our mission.”

Rosenberg has been volunteering for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Southern California, she watched her mom teach sewing to immigrant women so they could make clothes for their families or start small businesses. As a 20-something fresh out of college at the University of Denver, she taught at the Clayton School in Denver (now Clayton Early Learning), helping single moms earn their GEDs.

Photography By Vanessa Miranda

is is the life. e sunsets, the cookouts, the early morning trail runs, the snow days, the sleepovers, the pool parties. Every bit is worth remembering and e Meadows is the perfect backdrop.

With miles and miles of trails and open space for everyone to enjoy, the natural terrain is thoughtfully woven into the Community. Landscaped parks around every corner and easy access to recreational facilities make it easy for Meadows residents to explore what living in Colorado is all about.

Come create your own story in e Meadows at Historic Castle Rock.

Even as she raised a son, earned an MBA and continued advancing her career to today’s pinnacle, Rosenberg was helping others. She’s supported dozens of local and national organizations—real estate related and otherwise. She just ended a six-year term on the board of HomeAid Colorado, a nonprofit focused on building housing to assist those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. “I only stepped down because I was term-limited,” she says. “After I sit out for a year, I can serve again.” She was also recently invited to join the board of the Javonte Williams Foundation, a nonprofit created by the Denver Broncos player to provide essential resources to youth in foster care and to foster families.

CREATING A CULTURE OF CARING

Rosenberg is also on the board of directors for the Kentwood Cares Foundation. The nonprofit supports Kentwood employees and several external organizations; they raised funds and assisted 15 families in need after the tragic Marshall Fire. She also has a list of more than 150 other organizations her brokers support: “They’re all civic-minded and embedded in the community.”

Kentwood brokers are as individual in the markets they serve as they are in the nonprofits they

support, she says. They’re also as passionate about real estate as their CEO is. Although words like “prestigious,” “elite” and “luxury” describe the company, that doesn’t mean they have only high-end listings. “We handle all price ranges,” Rosenberg explains. “The word ‘luxury’ is really for us. It’s about how we treat our clientele; everyone gets the same Kentwood treatment, the same fancy signs, the same professional photos, and the same high-end marketing.

Rosenberg is proud that the entire Kentwood community has a deeply held belief that everyone deserves the opportunity for homeownership, and she encourages everyone to pay it forward to whatever extent they can: “Even if you can’t donate money, give of your time. There are so many out there who need assistance, so whatever you can do will help.”

AWARDS

Gretchen Rosenberg has been honored for her outstanding leadership many times over.

Denver Business Journal’s 2022 Most Admired CEO Award Program, honoree HousingWire’s National 2020 Vanguard Award

Titan 100 Colorado’s Top C-Suite Award Denver Business Journal’s 2020 Most Outstanding Women in Business Award, finalist Broker Manager of the Year in 2012, Denver Metro Association of Realtors Realtor of the Year in 2009 by the Denver Board of Realtors

SERVICE

Rosenberg has shared her wealth of residential real estate knowledge by serving on the following boards and committees.

Denver Board of Realtors: Board of Directors, Grievance Committee, International Committee, Roundtable Awards Committee.

National Association of Realtors: Board of Directors, Board Jurisdiction Committee and Communications Committee, President’s Liaison to India (2015), guest presenter at their annual real estate conference in India (2006, 2011, 2015) Colorado Association of Realtors: Board of Directors

She has also supported a variety of other organizations.

ACE Scholarships

The American Cancer Society

The Autism Society

Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation

Colorado Public Radio

The Denver Dumb Friends League Foodbank of the Rockies

HomeAid Colorado

Meals on Wheels

St. Jude Children’s Hospital

UNICEF

The Women’s Foundation of Colorado Women for Women International

SPEAKING

Rosenberg has been a featured speaker at some of the industry’s most high-profile and exclusive events.

Luxury Portfolio SUMMIT 2020

Denver Metro Association of Realtors’ WIRED (Women in Real Estate Denver) DenX, BusinessDen’s event for women.

MEMBERSHIPS

Rosenberg supports local organizations through membership.

Asian Real Estate Association of America

Colorado Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals

National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Denver Chapter

National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals

National Association of Real Estate Brokers

Gretchen Rosenberg was a 2022 honoree in the Denver Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO awards.

KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE kentwood.com

55+ Reimagined at OakwoodLife

Our community has all of the amenities and activities that you could ever want. Our clubhouse offers a place to exercise, socialize, or just relax; something for everyone. Experience our resort-style pool, followed by a yoga class in our state-of-the-art fitness center. Whatever your preference, our clubhouse amenities are designed to help you make the most of every day.

But it’s not just about the amenities—it’s also about the people. Our community is filled with friendly, like-minded individuals who are all focused on living life to the fullest. Whether you’re attending a community event, joining a club, or simply chatting with your neighbors, you’ll feel right at home in our active adult community.

If you’re ready to experience 55+ done differently, then we invite you to come visit our community today. We’re confident that you’ll love what you see—and that you’ll be excited to join us in living your best life.

We believe that 55+ doesn’t mean slowing down—it means embracing life and all of its possibilities.

For information and tickets, SCAN HERE:

You don’t want to miss this unforgettable evening benefiting local children’s charity Bags of Fun. Wheels of Dreams is a charity fundraiser that raises awareness and financial support to help provide Bags of Fun to kids fighting long-term and life-threatening illnesses.

The Evening at a Glance

You’ll be valeted to the Vehicle Vault, one of the most distinctive event venues in Colorado, where guests will explore and enjoy a highly curated private collection of vintage and exotic automobiles valued over $20 million, mix and mingle amongst exquisitely decorated lounges from Howard Lorton Furniture and Design, Colorado Style Home Furnishings and more, be entertained by a professional aerialist, food stations with live chefs from INTUEAT, enjoy open bars throughout and an unplugged, intimate performance by Sean Kelly of The Samples, artist presentations with Colorado Artist – James Holmes, state-of-the-art golf simulator from Optimum Golf and today’s hottest luxury cars and more!

Toast the Night

Guests will enjoy amazing cocktails and the mouth-watering tastes and sophisticated flavor of decadence at seven culinary action stations! From sushi to tomahawk steaks and fresh Colorado produce sizzling away on Mountain High Appliance’s luxury grill to the creative recipes of Pint’s Peak Ice Cream and The Donut, while the Personal Chefs from INTUEAT will deliver a Culinary Experience worth remembering! Fresh-shucked oysters from Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood, Charcuterie with Ornery Olive, and the infamous Colorado Mountain Crust of Beau Jo’s Pizza round out an evening of food and fun that won’t soon be forgotten!

An Evening to Help

For more than 19 years, Bags of Fun has brought joy, laughter and relief to children fighting a life-threatening disease or condition. The organization creates “Bags of Fun” that are carefully crafted for each child taking into consideration the best means to reduce their tension, anxiety and fatigue during their treatments. We believe in the rehabilitative power of play for all children fighting for their health and happiness.

Please contact Bags of Fun at 720.476.3022 with any inquiries.

FEEDING HAPPINESS

Denver-born chef

MARY NGUYEN talks about her culinary inspiration, Denver’s café society and feeding twin girls

By John Lehndorff

Photography Courtesy Olive & Finch Collective

IT’S NO MYSTERY who inspired Mary Nguyen’s passion to uplift Denver’s food landscape for the past two decades. The award-winning executive chef and owner of the successful Olive & Finch and Little Finch restaurants grew up in Denver in a food-centric family.

“I remember seeing my parents host these elaborate dinners and parties for a house full of people,” Nguyen says. “The dining table would have hundreds of little plates on it. You could see the happiness you can provide for other people by feeding them.”

A culinary career wasn’t on her radar as she studied finance and worked in that industry for several years. “I was trading commodities, but there was this yearning I had to do more. I always really loved cooking but, I had absolutely no restaurant experience,” Nguyen says.

To learn as much as she could, she took on three food jobs at once for a year. “I’d wake up at three a.m. to work at Starbucks, do the lunch shift at Hapa and then work dinner at The Beehive,” she says. When a full-time job at Denver’s Hapa Sushi Grill became available, she grabbed the opportunity to learn restaurant management, despite a stubborn roadblock.

“At Hapa, I was a woman in a male-dominated space. There were some of the more traditional sushi chefs who didn’t respect what I did,” she says. Nguyen persisted and says that at one point she was the only female executive sushi chef in North America.

Finally, in 2005 at the age of 29, Nguyen opened her first restaurant in Denver to much acclaim. “Parallel 17 was an homage to the food I grew up on,” she says. Her parents emigrated from Vietnam. She eventually opened a second eatery, Street Kitchen Asian Bistro, featuring tastes from across Asia.

In 2014, Nguyen was at a personal and professional crossroads. She was juggling multiple restaurant locations including the freshly opened Olive & Finch. She was also the mother of twin girls who were born early as she faced health challenges. “It was time for a new chapter for me,” she says. Nguyen already had another culinary path she felt passionate about exploring.

“I opened Olive & Finch because there weren’t a lot of places to go in Denver for chef-driven, scratch-made food in an environment that was very casual … and not at fine dining prices,” she says.

Nguyen admits that Olive & Finch’s diverse menu initially puzzled her devoted Parallel 17 guests. “I got the comment: ‘You’re Asian. Why aren’t you cooking Asian food?’” she says. “At Olive & Finch I wasn’t limited to a food genre anymore. It didn’t have to be Asian.”

Nguyen’s operation has expanded with nearly 100 employees creating fare served all over Denver thanks to a large wholesale operation. The scratch-made food and baked goods are sold at coffee shops as well as at hospitals and other facilities.

Nguyen has tried to be an influencer when it comes to the taste buds of her twins, now eight years old. “I was naïve. I thought they were going to eat what I wanted them to eat,” she says with a chuckle.

“One daughter has a European palate like my husband. She will literally sit there and eat butter and loves stinky cheese,” Nguyen says. “The other daughter has a palate like mine. She likes pork belly and gnawing on chicken bones.”

Nguyen is proud of the legion of cooks, pastry chefs, servers and managers her restaurants have trained over the years, but there is one ongoing roadblock to staffing.

“If you get a job in a restaurant, people ask you: ‘What are you going to do when you grow up?’” she says. “We need to remind people that this career is about hospitality. Every day we get to effect a positive change in people’s lives.”

Colorado's Preferred Club Car Dealer for 40 Years

GET MILE-HIGH FIT

South Denver FITNESS STUDIOS that light up the leaderboard

By Jessica Hughes

AS WITH MOST FADS, fitness trends are fleeting, but one aspect remains consistent: Your fitness journey is all about what works best for you and your lifestyle. Luckily, south Denver offers plenty of get-fit options that address not only your physical fitness but also your mental fitness.

Efficient workouts—doing more in less time— is a fitness trend we can all get behind. That’s precisely what BODY20 is all about. Opening its first Denver location in Greenwood Village, BODY20 is a fitness craze sweeping the nation with its intense 20-minute personal training session that uses electrical muscular stimulation (EMS). “Within one 20-minute session, you get 36,000 muscle contractions, which is equivalent to four to six hours at the gym,” says Angela Colt, vice president of business development.

Far from your ordinary workout, the scientific method uses FDA-approved medical-grade supersuits that practically do the work for you. “We call it the ultimate bio-hack. It’s taking the brain out of the workout,” Colt says. “You don’t have to think about making that

PHOTO COURTESY OF BODY20 PHOTO COURTESY OF BODY 20

muscle work; the suit does it for you.” And while it is an intense workout, it is low-impact, making it accessible to most people.

Indoor cycling is another option for a low-impact, high-intensity workout but in a more traditional fitness-class setting. Leading the pack is Denver-based High Ride Cycle

The award-winning cycle studio focuses more on the experience than the numbers. They don’t track performance or calories; it’s all about the ride and how it makes you feel, both physically and mentally.

Some other studios, such as Cyclebar, are more data-driven with leaderboards and calorie tracking. Even fitness studios such as Orange Theory—a 60-minute, heart-ratebased workout emphasizing strength and cardio—are highly focused on performance, with heart rate monitors and performance board sharing all the results.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HIGH RIDE CYCLE

PHOTO COURTESY OF HIGH RIDE CYCLE

While increasingly more boutique fitness gyms walk a fine line between gym and nightclub with loud music and low lighting, there are other ways to get fit without all the theatrics. Yoga, Pilates and barre are perfect for those who crave more mindfulness and quiet in their fitness journey.

Whole Body Studios is one of the few that offers all three in one studio space. While certainly not new to Denver—opening 10 years ago in the Bonnie Brae area—Whole Body Studios proves that some fitness trends are here to stay. “We focus on a full mind and body fitness experience,” says Dana Dreifus, founder and lead instructor. She started the studio to provide multiple modalities in one space. And while current fitness fads combine these three workouts into one, Dreifus believes in keeping them separate to get the true essence of each.

For those new to these fitness concepts, Dreifus suggests yoga for a holistic full-body activity, and for targeted muscle building, barre is where you should begin. And as someone who used pilates for rehabilitation after a car crash, Dreifus suggests Pilates if you are working on an injury. “It not only helped heal my body, but it changed my overall lifestyle.”

FITNESS STUDIOS

BODY20

8000 E. Belleview Ave., Suite E-10 Greenwood Village 303.265.7009 body20.com

HIGH RIDE CYCLE 1316 E. Evans Ave. (opening in mid-May) Denver 1711 Sheridan Blvd., Suite A Denver 303.477.0793 highridecycle.com

WHOLE BODY STUDIOS 747 S. University Blvd. Denver 720.936.3667

wholebodystudios.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF WHOLE BODY STUDIOS

PHOTO COURTESY OF WHOLE BODY STUDIOS

PHOTO COURTESY OF WHOLE BODY STUDIOS

Saving Species Saving Species

How Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s ONGOING CONSERVATION EFFORTS are making a difference for endangered animals

By Lisa Truesdale

IN JULY 2020, an adorable new resident arrived at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs via FedEx cargo flight. Spindly legged and wobbly kneed, the eight-week-old baby moose had been orphaned in the wilds of Alaska at just six days old and sent to The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage.

“The Alaska Zoo reached out to us because they knew we had room and the right habitat,” says Rachel Wright, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s public relations manager. “Miraculously, the timing worked out, and it was bittersweet, because we had lost our thirteen-year-old moose to old age just weeks before that.”

Atka, celebrating his second birthday this month (May 2023), is just one of the brightest stars at the zoo, which is perched on a mountainside south of The Broadmoor. “It’s so fulfilling to know that we could give Atka another

chance,” Wright says. “I didn’t know I loved moose until I met him, but he’s an absolute joy.”

Of the more than 5,300 establishments in the U.S. that call themselves a zoo or aquarium, the nonprofit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of only about 230 to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. AZA accreditation means an institution has consistently met rigorous standards regarding the care of animals, education, science and wildlife conservation. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo consistently exceeds AZA’s standards, yet conservation is where it really stands out, and what has earned it the respect of other zoos around the country.

One ongoing conservation project involves endangered Mexican wolves. “They’re one of the species now recovering in the wild, thanks

Photography Courtesy of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Atka came to the Cheyenne Mountian Zoo in July 2020 after being orphaned at just six days old. This month, the zoo will celebrate his second birthday.

in part to zoos,” says Wright. “We participate in a species survival plan with U.S. Fish and Wildlife. They monitor packs of wild wolves, and when a litter is born in the wild, if the timing is right, we or another participating AZA zoo can introduce zoo-born babies into the wild, and the mom adopts them.” The ultimate goal, she explains, is that when those babies grow up, since they have a different lineage, it strengthens the genetics, so the entire species can thrive and be more diverse. Other successful programs help reintroduce endangered black-footed ferrets and Wyoming toads into the wild in the U.S., and help protect Amur tigers in the Russian Far East.

Plus, the zoo is just fun to visit, as its 20,000 or so member households (and hundreds of thousands of other visitors annually) can attest to. In fact, this year, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted No. 4 Best Zoo in North America and its Rocky Mountain Wild was named No. 2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. While observing the zoo’s wildly diverse animal population of rare, iconic, native and endangered species— like grizzly bears, African penguins, gorillas, leopards, hippos and a 17-member giraffe herd—visitors can also actively participate in the zoo’s conservation efforts.

May through October, elephant or giraffe feedings are available for a small fee. “Elephant feedings help support our frontline partner in Kenya, working to protect the African rhinos and big-tusker elephants,” Wright says.

For the Quarters for Conservation (Q4C) program, each visitor is given three tokens they can use to “vote” for their favorite projects (and also throw in some loose change if they wish). “There are big colorful kiosks in the entrance plaza,” explains Wright. “As you visit the animals, listen to keeper talks and read the signage throughout the zoo, you can decide which projects inspired you the most, then put your tokens in the kiosks representing those conservation efforts.” Q4C has raised more than $4 million since its inception in 2008, and it’s an effort that has since been adopted by other zoos.

Although the staff is sometimes subjected to anti-zoo sentiments, Wright says they know how to answer the skeptics.

“We understand it, but it’s an outdated view of modern zoos,” she says. “If you want to know that you are spending money supporting a worthwhile organization, make sure they are AZA-accredited, like we are. As soon as you walk into the zoo, we’re encouraging you to get into the conservation mindset. And just by visiting, you’re making a big impact.”

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd. Colorado Springs

719.633.9925

cmzoo.org

Advance tickets are required, and some days sell out.

MEETINGS

Are Better Here

Visitors can hand-feed giraffes every day of the year, and can hand-feed elephants during the warmer months. Proceeds help support the zoo’s conservation programs around the world.

Complete Meeting Packages

Easy half and full day options available for groups of up to 350 guests that include everything that you need for a successful meeting. Imagine, a meeting room set to your specifications, basic audio-visual, and breaks and meals to keep your guests fueled, all at one convenient per person price.

Insanely

Fun Outdoor Games

A healthy dose of sunshine helps keeps your guests engaged and energized. Reserve time on our East Lawn and enjoy over a dozen games including Disc Golf, Horseshoes, Corn Hole, Ladders and Tug of War. Ask about our special pricing.

The zoo is also passionate about educating consumers about the dangers of non-sustainable palm oil, used in popular products like cookies, crackers, shampoo and pet food. It can be harvested sustainably, but when it’s done non-sustainably, it contributes to the destruction of millions of acres of rainforest in Borneo and Sumatra, home to Sumatran, Bornean and Tapanuli orangutans. “Last year, we released a free international mobile shopping app,” says Wright. “You can just scan a barcode and see if that company is using sustainable palm oil. If they aren’t, you can choose a different company that is.”

2X Honors Bonus Meeting planner Points

Every 2023 meeting that you book with a minimum of 20 guestrooms on peak night you’ll be awarded 2X Bonus Points! One catch, all meetings must be contracted by May, 31, 2023.

MORE INFORMATION

KATHY SMITH

303-253-3700

Kathy.Smith3@Hilton.com

7801 East Orchard Road Greenwood Village, CO 80111