THANKFUL ISSUE
3 Things I Love About Arvada
My favorite things about Arvada?
I really love Olde Town All of the fun restaurants, shops, and coffee spots are always welcoming and brimming with laughter from all of the locals From coffee to wine, pasta to pizza, tacos to ice creamwhat’s not love!
1 2 3
The scenic views while walking my dogs...
Some of my favorite things about Arvada are the scenic walking trails and dog parks where I can take my four dogs. We can all breathe in the fresh Colorado air and stretch our legs while enjoying the mountain views.
One more thing...
I love being able to help families find homes where they can build their dreams and create lasting memories together in Arvada, all while enjoying this incredible community.
LETTER
A Sincere and Heartfelt Thank You to the Arvada Community
To everyone who makes Arvada what it is—thank you. Arvada isn’t just a city on the map. It’s a place where people care deeply about one another, where businesses go the extra mile for their customers, and where stories are told that remind us what it means to belong. Every day, I am reminded how lucky I am to be part of this incredible community, and how much Arvada Lifestyle owes its existence to the people who live and work here.
We are more than a magazine. We are a reflection of you—the families, the entrepreneurs, the dreamers, and the doers who make Arvada so special. Your stories, your successes, and your spirit are what fill the pages of Arvada Lifestyle every month. Without your support, there would be no magazine, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share your journey.
This publication exists for Arvada, with Arvada, and because of Arvada. Your trust and engagement make everything we do worthwhile. From the businesses that partner with us to the readers who turn our pages each month, I want you to know how much you’re appreciated. This isn’t just a job for me—it’s a passion, fueled by the incredible people who make up this community.
With deep appreciation,
CODY STURMA, PUBLISHER @ARVADALIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Cody Sturma | cody.sturma@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Lynn Davis | lynn.davis@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Rachel Audette- The Turquoise Camera rachel@theturquoisecamera.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michelle Parnell, Valerie Bianculli | valerie.bianculli@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
1: Jenny Mears, owner of Arvada Barre,
Photography by Arvada Barre
4: RE/MAX Alliance Arvada Agents participated in the 99th Annual Arvada Harvest Festival Parade. 5: Dalton Addison geared up and ready for the parade with a salute to heroes. 6: RE/MAX Alliance Agents honored those who have served and are currently serving our Country. Photography by RE/MAX Alliance Arvada
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city scene
7: Arvada braved the heat for this year’s Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair in Olde Town Arvada. 8: Fairgoers explored nature puzzles and children’s books from Jennifer Hobbs, a local author. 9: The fair featured over 100 hand-selected artisans, including local vendor Mile High Beads. Photography by Jennifer Hobbs, Chickens on the Moon Publishing
business monthly
AVOS Dental Specialists Celebrate 4 Years
AVOS Dental Specialists celebrates four successful years in business with their entire surgical and administration team. This success highlights the dedication and commitment of their exceptional team to providing outstanding dental care to the community. To celebrate, the entire team attended a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field.
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The Barking Lot: Best of 2024 Pet Boarding and Daycare
The Barking Lot has been honored as the Best of 2024 for pet boarding and daycare services in Arvada by the Arvada Award Program, marking their second consecutive year of this achievement. This recognition underscores their commitment to providing exceptional care and a safe environment for pets. With a dedicated team and a passion for animal welfare, The Barking Lot continues to set the standard for quality pet services in the community.
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Five Parks Chiropractic Celebrates 5 Years
The team at Five Parks Chiropractic recently celebrated their 5th anniversary of serving the Arvada community with a special event. This milestone underscored their dedication to promoting health and wellness locally. Additionally, they proudly commemorated 129 years of chiropractic service that has enhanced lives worldwide, igniting their commitment to providing exceptional care right here in Arvada. The celebration was a testament to their passion for supporting the community’s health and well-being.
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Photography by AVOS Dental Specialists
Photography by The Barking Lot
Photography by Five Parks Chiropractic
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL AUDETTE- THE TURQUOISE CAMERA
Food Drive Edition Supporting Arvada Together:
ARVADA’S THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
Arvada Lifestyle, Lantern Home Group, and Arvada High School students team up to unload donated meals from Arvada’s Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Lantern Home Group is once again rallying the Arvada community this holiday season to support families in need through its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. “In the past, we door-knocked hundreds of doors and asked neighbors if they would be interested in providing food items for families in need,” says Diane Howard of Lantern Home Group. “After 5 years we are still door-knocking but happy to say that we have partnered with local businesses and the community at large is very generous.” From November 11th through November 14th, the real estate team is organizing a collection of food and donations that will directly benefit over 150 families from Arvada High School who require a little extra help during the holiday season. “The first year we were able to secure 75 complete meals and last year that number jumped to 175,” smiles Diane. “This year our goal is 200 meals. All surplus items will go to the school food pantry, which can always use the extra help.”
The drop-off location for food and donations is conveniently located at Lantern Home Group’s Office, 7903 Ralston Rd in Arvada, making it easy for community members to stop by and contribute. The team is seeking complete meal kits for each family, encouraging donors to include all necessary ingredients for a traditional holiday meal. A full meal kit should contain:
Assembling complete meal kits for families in need.
Surplus items are donated to the school food pantry, which is always in need of donations.
Arvada Lifestyle joins Lantern Home Group to pack meals for the Thanksgiving Food Drive.
• A $25 grocery store gift card
• Canned vegetables (2)
• Canned fruit (2)
• Canned or packet gravy (2)
• Instant potatoes (family size)
• Stuffing mix (family size)
• Canned cranberry sauce (2)
• Jell-O (4)
• Bisquick (family size)
• Juice packets or boxes
• Dessert mix (cookies, brownies, etc.) (2)
These items will ensure that the families receiving the donations can celebrate Thanksgiving with a warm, nourishing meal. In addition to food items, monetary donations are welcome via Venmo, check or cash. These contributions are invaluable for purchasing additional meal essentials and for gift cards to grocery stores which allows families to purchase perishable items such as turkey or ham.
This initiative is a true community effort, with a variety of local businesses coming together to support the cause. The Alternative Apothecary, West & Main Homes, Carly's Boutique, Great Harvest Bakery & Cafe, Adi Luna Boutique, The Local Church, Footers Catering, Arvada Lifestyle, and of course, Lantern Home Group have all partnered as sponsors to ensure the success of the food drive. With the support of the community, Lantern Home Group aims to provide these families with not only a meal but a sense of comfort and togetherness during the holiday season. This Thanksgiving, your donation can help spread warmth and gratitude to those in need. To learn more, you can scan the QR code which includes additional information as well as the full list of ingredients.
The incredible students at Arvada High School were ready to help unload donated meals.
A team effort to drop off and unload donated meals.
Thankful for Advocacy
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANZALONE LAW OFFICE
Alana Anzalone’s Journey to Support the Injured
Early in her life, Alana Anzalone remembers watching her father passionately advocate for his clients and it set her on a course to do the same. “We grew up around the kitchen table talking about how people are wrongfully injured due to other people’s negligence and how, since people don’t hold themselves accountable, it’s our job to get justice for those people who deserve it,” she shares. “I never even looked at other parts of the law, I just always knew I wanted to represent injured parties.”
After attending law school, Alana joined her father and brother at Anzalone and Doyle Law Firm in Pennsylvania. A few years later, she moved to Colorado and opened a satellite branch of the firm, Anzalone Law Office Colorado. This boutique firm specializes in medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and injuries that occur on people’s properties. Having a narrow focus allows Alana to connect with her clients and give them the attention they deserve.
“The clients I represent are truly the most vulnerable. Their lives are severely affected, and they are facing the largest Goliaths,” she says. “Oftentimes when someone is injured, they have no idea what to do or what type of compensation they are entitled to. So, as their lawyer, I am their voice. I step in and advocate for them against insurance companies who otherwise may downplay the value of their life and the value of what they’ve lost due to someone else’s negligence.”
Since the beginning of her career, Alana has worked diligently to counteract the negative reputation of personal injury lawyers. “When I first started, I had a really hard time dealing with those stereotypes, but after practicing almost twenty years, I
“Just seeing how I can assist
in
making their lives a little bit better is all I can hope for”
know that is not me,” she shares. “I genuinely look at how people’s lives are changed, how they can no longer do things that brought them joy, and I want to help them. I’m so empathetic and compassionate that all of my clients’ cases become my personal job.”
As an advocate, Alana understands that she cannot take away what happened to someone, but she can work to improve their quality of life in their current circumstances. “They are stuck with this situation that somebody else put them in, so I want to help them get compensation that oftentimes really does help them live the life they’ve been handed,” Alana explains. “It gives them the ability to pay for medical care, alter their homes to accommodate their injury, and if they are
out of work, I can help them be compensated for lost wages and the fact that they can’t provide for their family in that way anymore. Just seeing how I can assist in making their lives a little bit better is all I can hope for.”
Alana wishes that her job was unnecessary, but she knows that is not realistic. “I don’t want anyone to have to be in the position to call me,” she says. “Unfortunately, tragic and traumatic things happen and when they do, you need to be able to call somebody you can trust, not somebody who is in it just for the money. I’m genuinely in this to help people.”
For more information on how to connect with Alana, visit anzalonelawcolorado.com and complete the inquiry page or call 1-877-256-6933.
BUILDING BRIDGES
ARTICLE
BY MICHELLE PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARVADA POLICE DEPARTMENT
National Night Out Event with APD
HOW ARVADA POLICE FOSTER POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESIDENTS
As the Public Information Officer for the Arvada Police Department, Dave Snelling works to foster relationships within the community and help citizens understand that officers are regular people who have an extraordinary job.
“We've made a priority of humanizing the badge and helping people understand that the people who do this work are just like everyday folks. They're not perfect people, and they're asked to be superhuman when they see some of the most inhumane things in everyday life,” shares Snelling, who served the department in various roles before taking on the position of Public Information Officer a few years ago. “So, I love the fact that I get to have a voice in sharing the stories and the good things that the police department does on a daily basis. We've seen an increase in certain violent and gun crimes, and yet we still see police officers coming in wanting to do this work. It's important for me to be able to share, based on my experience, the great things that they do.”
Because the role of a police officer is so complex, the goal of the Arvada PD is to have kids and others in the community have their first interaction with a police officer be a positive experience and not during a stressful emergency or traumatic event. To accomplish this goal, fostering good communication and building relationships within the community is vital.
The department creates opportunities for these positive interactions with kids through several intentional programs including School Resource Officers in the school system. “We've always been very lucky to have School Resource Officers because it's so incredibly important to have a police officer engage with young
people in the community as soon as possible in a manner where it is not an emergency or a crisis,” explains Snelling. “They get to meet and see a police officer in a uniform and understand that they're just everyday people.”
For teens, the department offers Explorer Scouts, a program for 16- to 21-year-olds who are interested in police work to be mentored by an officer once or twice a month. Arvada PD also teams up with Westminster to host the Teen Academy, a week-long summer camp where kids learn about the different areas of the police department. “They come in for a week and get a compacted class where they learn everything from what patrol looks like to driving a police car to how tasers work to crime scene work,” he shares. “They get a little bit of the flavor of police work.”
In an effort to foster a connection between officers and the communities they serve, Arvada PD is divided into area stations. “We basically have a police area station for the different parts of the city, so the officers feel like they are part of that specific community,” says Snelling. “Every community has its own styles and demographics, so the officers can get to know the needs of the community and they can better police them.”
The department also invites citizens to join several educational programs through the Citizens Police Academy and Crime Prevention classes. “With the Citizen’s Police Academy, once a year anybody in the community can come in and they go through twelve weeks of classes, about two hours per week,” he explains. “They get introduced to every section of the police department… everything from the Chief of Police all the way down to evidence, records, and the professional staff work that goes on here.”
In addition to these classes, the department offers opportunities for positive interaction through programs such as Coffee with a Cop, Block Party visits, and National Night Out events.
“We try to meet community members where they live so people feel more comfortable with officers and their presence in the community,” he shares. “If they're coming out of their house onto their block and going to a neighbor's house during these events, we get out to meet all of them. This is another step to break down those barriers of the blue uniform and really humanize the badge.”
Citizens can, in turn, provide moral support and encouragement for officers by attending programs and embracing events. Additionally, a kind word to an officer in person, or a shout-out on social media, for a job well done goes a long way in building support for a vital part of the community.
For more information on programs and connecting with your local officers, visit www.arvadaco.gov and follow the Arvada Police Department on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media outlets.
APD Teen Academy
Coffee with a Cop
APD Teen Academy
1507888
• Private area upstairs in Jack’s Bar and Grill for 10 to 90 people
• Full bar, catered food
• Breakfast, lunch or dinner
• Full service staff available
In honor of Veteran’s Day, RE/MAX Alliance Arvada extends its gratitude to Kimo Toguchi and Dalton Addison for their service.
As registered Homes for Heroes agents, they provide up to $3000 in savings to Firefighters, EMS, Law Enforcement, Military, Healthcare Professionals, and Teachers through the Homes for Heroes Program. If you belong to these noble professions, allow us the privilege to assist you. Kimo and Dalton are available at the RE/MAX Alliance Arvada office on Ward Road.
Kimo Toguchi
Dalton Addison
HOW JACK’S BAR & GRILL EMPOWERS EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES
A Recipe for Purpose
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL AUDETTE
We work individually with each employee to find their strengths and the tasks that they can succeed at. Some employees thrive by working front of house while others find solace in our prep kitchen.
In 2007, Jack and Athan Miller along with Scott Parker, set out on a mission that served a much bigger purpose than bringing good food to Arvada. What began as a small coffee shop has since blossomed into Jack’s Bar & Grill, a full-service restaurant with a human rights movement attached—employing individuals with developmental disabilities.
“My wife’s entire professional career involved working with that community and we decided to take a chance even though we knew nothing about the restaurant business,” laughs Jack. “We work individually with each employee to find their strengths and the tasks that they can succeed at. Some employees thrive by working front of house while others find solace in our prep kitchen.” Today, the business employs over 150 people, many with down syndrome, autism and a full spectrum of other developmental disabilities. “Our business model is to employ as many people as we can,” says Jack. “We purposely created an ‘inefficient’ work environment so that we can create more job opportunities. We did not start this business with the hopes of becoming restaurateurs, it was always about helping people. Maybe another restaurant or business will see what we are doing and consider employing people with intellectual disabilities as well.”
“We closely work with each individual and it’s unbelievable to see their progress over time,” beams Jack. “We have one employee in particular who is highly autistic. She was frightened of loud noises and would become distressed very easily. We found that with her specific type of autism, she was unbelievable
at doing hyper-focused tasks such as chopping vegetables. She is a machine! Her vegetables come out more perfect than you would be able to find in a grocery store.”
The impact doesn’t stop in the kitchen, Jack’s has fostered a deep sense of community for its staff. For many, the restaurant offers much more than just a paycheck—it’s a place where employees can feel a sense of belonging and pride. “We have employees that started with us and are very shy. Over time we have seen them really come full circle and now joke around with other team members,” says Jack. This feeling of purpose and connection has led to significant improvements in the lives of employees, who feel empowered to succeed and supported in their roles. “Our very first employee is still with us to this day, and we are very grateful to have her,” smiles Jack.
Not only is Jack’s renowned for their hiring practices, but their delicious small-batch jams have also gained national attention. In 2015, the restaurant was featured on the ABC food talk show "The Chew," causing such a surge of interest that caused the restaurant’s website to crash. Today, their jams, under the brand "A Different Kind of Jam," are stocked in the restaurant, online and sold in local stores.
Beyond its inspiring mission, Jack’s Bar and Grill is open daily from 8am to 9pm and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with incredible Happy Hour and daily food specials. Jack's also offers a party room available for rent, making it an ideal space to host holiday gatherings while supporting a business that’s dedicated to giving back. For more information you can visit them at jacksatfiveparks.com.
THE PERFECT FALL TREAT
ACORN DONUT HOLES
ARTICLE BY MADELINE LEBLANC
As the vibrant colors of summer slowly yield to the warm and earthy hues of autumn, there’s a distinct charm in the air at the arrival of fall. It’s a season filled with the crisp rustling of leaves, cozy sweaters, and the promise of pumpkin-spiced everything. What better way to embrace the changing seasons than by indulging in a delightful treat that captures the essence of both summer’s sweetness and fall’s rich flavors?
My recipe for “Acorn Donut Holes” combines the light, airy sweetness of summer donuts with the warm, comforting tones of fall. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
• Donut holes
• Melting chocolates
• Fall sprinkles
• Pretzels
Instructions:
1. Pour your fall sprinkles into a small bowl for dipping. Lay wax paper down.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the melting chocolates in the microwave, about 15-20 seconds. Carefully watch to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Dip the top of each donut hole into the melted chocolate, covering about halfway down the donut.
4. After dipping, immediately dip the chocolate-covered portion of the donut hole into the bowl of sprinkles, coating it with the fall sprinkles.
5. Insert a pretzel into the top of the “acorn” to create the acorn stem.
6. Carefully place the decorated acorn donut holes on the wax paper to let them cool and allow the chocolate to set.
7. Once the chocolate has hardened, your acorn donut holes are ready to enjoy!
These delightful treats are perfect for fall and make for a fun and tasty dessert or snack. Enjoy!
NOVEMBER 2ND
Apex Craft Fair
Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada, CO 80003 / 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Explore the one-of-a-kind seasonal creations from over 50 skilled artisans and stop by the Craft Carousel Gift Shop for even more handmade treasures. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Admission is $2 at the door, or free if you donate new school supplies for their local student outreach.
NOVEMBER 2ND - 16TH
Arvada Leaf Recycling Event
Stenger Sports Complex, 11200 W 58th Ave. Arvada, CO 80002
Arvada residents are invited to participate in community-wide drop-off events from November 2-16 (Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays) from 9 AM to 2 PM. These events are part of the City’s Waste and Recycling Program, offering free leaf recycling to help keep leaves out of landfills and prevent storm drain blockages.
NOVEMEBR 14TH
Arvada Book Swap at Fade It Golf & Social Club
Fade It Golf & Social Club, 14701 W 65th Way Arvada, CO 80004 / 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Join the Arvada Book Swap Society at Fade It Golf & Social Club, where book lovers can exchange their books for new reads! Bring at least one book and browse others' selections—take home up to four books each. All ages are welcome! A $5 RSVP is required. For details, email info@bookswapsociety.com.
Want to be featured?
NOVEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 29TH
Once Upon a Mattress Presented by Arvada Center
Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada, CO 80003
Family-friendly, fairytale fun! In this hilarious musical adaptation of The Princess and the Pea, Prince Dauntless’s mother and mute father declare that he cannot marry until he finds a true princess. Once Upon a Mattress celebrates individuality and laughter, making it a perfect show for the whole family! Contact the Box Office at 720-898-7200 for questions and ticket information.
NOVEMEBR 30TH
Trot & Tap 5k at Colorado Tap House
Colorado Tap House, 14982 W 69th Ave. Arvada, CO 80007 / 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join the Colorado Brewery Running Series™ for the Trot & Tap 5k at Colorado Tap House! This fun run starts and ends at the taproom in Arvada. Participants can run, walk, or jog the course, then enjoy a FREE local craft brew and a slice of pie at the finish line. For questions, email brady@breweryrunningseries.com.
NOVEMBER 30TH
Olde Town Arvada Tree Lighting
Olde Town Arvada Square, 5726 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada, CO 80002
Celebrate the holiday season at the Annual Olde Town Arvada Tree Lighting in the Olde Town Arvada Square! Enjoy delightful festivities and a vibrant pop-up makers market.
THE PERFECT GIFT GUIDE
Got a special someone in mind? We've got you covered with the ultimate gifts at Clementine's Salon! From hair to skin care, we are your premier destination for all your beauty needs.
1. 60 Minute Facial - $89+
Scalp Exfoliator - $6