CURATE YOUR DREAM OUTDOOR SPACE
Schedule
THE PERFECT GARAGE
CLEANER, ORGANIZED, LESS STRESS, MORE PRIDE
FLOORS | DOORS | STORAGE
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE ESTIMATE:
GARAGE KINGS DENVER
Locally Owned & Operated
Derek Keller, Highlands Ranch Resident
Emergency Experts in Two Convenient Locations
When every second counts, count on us to be there for you at AdventHealth ER. If you experience any of the symptoms below, don’t hesitate to seek emergency care at one of our two convenient Littleton locations.
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Debilitating back pain
• Fractures
• Head injuries
• Pelvic and urinary pain
Close By to Care for You
AdventHealth Littleton Hospital and ER
• Severe headaches
• Shortness of breath
Full-service hospital with an onsite 24/7 emergency department
AdventHealth West Littleton ER
Freestanding, full-service emergency department only 8 miles from
AdventHealth Littleton Hospital
For more information, visit AdventHealth.com/Littleton.
Gratitude and Giving
What a year. As we wrap up 2024, we can't help but look back at the past 11 issues of Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle and be grateful for the opportunity to share good-news stories of influencers, events and businesses of impact right here in Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree. Thank you for sharing your stories, and thank you for opening these pages month after month.
As we reflect on the past year — no doubt a year with ups and downs for all of us — we bring to you this issue focused on Giving. What can you give this month? How can you use your time, talent and treasure to make life sweeter for your family, for your community, for a stranger?
As a City Lifestyle family, we're excited to bring to our communities a fourth season of our City Lifestyle Giving Campaign — a way that we as a company can offer a financial gift for those in our community who are especially deserving. We're asking for you to help us make this year another success. In this issue, go to our story featuring our City Lifestyle National Giving Campaign to learn what our mission is and how to nominate someone you know who could use a little help with a big impact.
In the spirit of Giving, we bring to you a story of Mauzie Mays, a local jewelry designer and owner of Mauzie's Fine Jewelry, who spends her spare time helping wild mustangs find sanctuary and recovery. It's a touching story and we hope it inspires you to find a meaningful cause to work on in the coming year.
While this season can be beautiful for some, it can be painful and lonely for others, especially those who have recently lost a loved one. In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our community who need assistance or who are alone. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace and that we all remember to take care of each other, extending grace, empathy and love.
Happy Holidays, Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree!
SONJA NIX, MANAGING EDITOR @HIGHLANDSRANCHCITYLIFESTYLE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Jennifer Starbuck | Jennifer.Starbuck@CityLifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Sonja Nix | Sonja.Nix@CityLifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Angie Jehu | Angie.Jehu@CityLifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Sonja Nix
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
TJ Holmes, Holly Myers, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
inside the issue
Floyd’s Community Connections
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop Gives Back to the
Where the Wild Horses Roam
Local Jewelry Designer Mauzie Mays Spends Weekends in the Wild to Connect With Mustangs
Join Our Mission to Spread Warmth and Compassion by Nominating Someone Who Deserves a Christmas Blessing
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: On Oct. 31, Highlands Ranch Metro District hosted The Last Stop Halloween event at the Highlands Ranch Mansion. Ghouls and goblins, both big and small, enjoyed the spooky lighting, cash bar, signature cocktail, dancing, and fun all-around.
8-14: Olive Juice Beauty Bar held its first Howl-o-Ween event on Oct. 26 at its Highlands Ranch Pkwy and Fairview Pkwy location. Two-legged and four-legged guests got tricks, treats and caricatures to celebrate the day. Aussie Pet Mobile, Bandit Brims, Fiesta Beverly, and Sweet Paws Path added special touches to the paw-ty.
15-21: On Nov. 8, Motion Dance Studio’s company performed at the Denver Nuggets Basketball game, and debuted their feature, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Motion has been performing at Ball Arena for more than seven years. Next year, Motion has been invited to dance during halftime. The Nuggets beat the Toronto Raptors 121-119, after trailing much of the game.
business monthly
DougCo Schools Win Summer Reading Award From DCL
ThunderRidge High School is one of four schools to receive a cash award from the 2024 Flock to the Library summer reading program. ThunderRidge, Mountain Ridge Middle School, Larkspur Elementary School, and Renaissance Secondary School each earned $500 from the DCL Foundation for securing the most summer reading signups. “It’s wonderful to see how eager students are to join," said Stephanie Sjoland, librarian at ThunderRidge High School, a thirdtime winner in the high school category.
Photography by Hutch Tibbetts, Douglas County Libraries
The Kingdom Outreach Honored for Excellence in Service
The Kingdom Outreach Prison Ministry volunteers were recognized by Bent County Corrections Warden Virgil Enzey and Colorado Department of Corrections Faith and Citizens Director Andrew Zack for "Excellence in Service." Kingdom Outreach is the charitable organization of Kingdom Countertops & Cabinetry of Highlands Ranch, owned by Vanessa and Gideon Osei. A ceremony was held to honor Kingdom's faith-based program that resulted in behavior improvement and recidivism reduction. Research shows programs of faith for offenders help change lives. Learn more at thekingdominaction.org
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Senior Living Community
Wind Crest Retirement Community ericksonliving.com/wind-crest | 303.798.3100
Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus esmrc.com | 303.756.9489
Agape Senior Day Care agapeseniordaycare.com | 720.505.7740
The Haven Home TheHavenHome.co | 720.505.6432
Vi at Highlands Ranch ViLiving.com | 888.716.2590
Jeweler
Mauzie's Fine Jewelry mauzies.com | 303.779.9300
Trice Jewelers tricejewelers.com | 303.759.9661
John Atencio johnatencio.com | 303.799.0910
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Ben Bridge Jewelers - Park Meadows benbridge.com | 303.706.1814
Matheu's Jewelers matheusfinewatches.com | 303.471.8463
Holiday Arts
Ceelee Simpson Fine Art ceeleesimpson.com | 720.998.5373
Coors Western Art coorswesternart.com | 303.291.2567
RoXBorough Arts Gallery roxartscouncil.org | 720.724.5730
Lone Tree Arts Center lonetreeartscenter.org | 720.509.1000
Witherspoon Fine Art kaywitherspoon.com | 303.588.0581
Specialty Stores
Abloom abloomhighlandsranch.com | 303.470.1700
Curate: A Local Mercantile curatemercantile.com | 303.770.7030
Enchanted Grounds enchantedgrounds.com | 303.470.1010
The Honey Baked Ham Company honeybaked.com | 303.694.4447
Wild Rose Boutique & USPS Post Office wildrosepo.com | 303.471.4437
Volunteer Organizations
Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch rotaryclubhr.org
All-Stars Club allstarsclub.org
Backcountry Wilderness Area HRCAonline.org | 303.471.7076
Douglas County Libraries dcl.org | 303.791.7323
Schweiger Ranch Foundation schweigerranch.org | 303.790.0557
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop Gives Back to the Community That Made Them
Floyd’s Community Connections
ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop has a longstanding tradition of giving back. The hair salon founded by Colorado brothers Paul, Rob and Bill O’Brien in 1999 built the barbershop and salon franchise with the idea of filling the gap between high-end salons and bargain-priced chains.
Born in a Denver metro neighborhood, Floyd’s extends its connection to the community beyond the walls of its shops. Floyd’s giving-back programs are wide-ranging but one beloved cause is special to Paul O’Brien and his wife, Karen, who are Highlands Ranch residents. It stems from a Type 1 diagnosis of their daughter, Sarah, in 2012 at age 12.
“The diagnosis was life-changing and came on suddenly, which was quite a shock,” Karen says, “Back in 2012, people diagnosed with diabetes didn’t have access to the tools and resources that are available today, which is why the advancements in technology are so exciting,”
For the past 12 years, Floyd’s has been committed to raising funds for Breakthrough T1D, formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Every August, Floyd’s offers a coupon book with discounts on their
services, and the $5 cost goes directly to T1D Breakthrough. Additionally, Floyd’s sponsors the T1D Breakthrough Walk Colorado. Floyds’ Barber Bus is there — they hand out swag, accept donations, and walk as a team. Floyd’s also sponsors T1D Walks in Los Angeles, Dallas, Orlando, Chicago, and Maryland.
Rachael Jacques, director of corporate partnership for Breakthrough T1D National, says Floyd’s giving campaigns have made a real impact in the fight against the disease.
“The money Floyd’s raises directly funds research – to improve lives now while driving toward a cure for T1D – in addition to public education and community support programs. This funding directly improves the health outcomes of the 1 in 30 American families impacted by T1D.”
CONTINUED >
A PLACE W HERE EVERYONEISWELCOMED, VALUED, A ND CONNECTED .
Some of that support goes to the Barbara Davis Center in Aurora.
“When Sarah was first diagnosed, it felt overwhelming to navigate this new world of diabetes. While challenges remain, the progress made—thanks to organizations like Breakthrough T1D—has been remarkable,” Karen says. “Our partnership with them has played a role in driving these advancements, and we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of our employees. It’s brought a sense of peace and control to what can often feel like a helpless situation.”
In addition to their support of Breakthrough T1D, Floyds offers discounted haircuts to those who serve in our communities. In honor of Veterans Day, Floyd’s offers half-off haircuts to members of the military in November. In July, Floyd’s recognizes first responders for their commitment to safety in our neighborhoods, and in September, educators are celebrated in recognition of their dedication to the future.
Community involvement doesn’t stop there. Floyd’s supports the next generation in the barbering and hairstyling industry. They partner with local schools like Emily Griffith Technical College and Paul Mitchell Schools, offering scholarships and programs. The Jump Start provides hands-on training and mentorship to turn classroom lessons into real-world expertise.
The O’Briens built their business on the belief that a barbershop is more than just a place to get a haircut—it’s a place where everyone is welcomed, valued, and connected. They feel privileged to share that every day in Highlands Ranch and beyond.
So, the next time you sit in the chair, know you are contributing to shaping the community, one connection at a time.
Contemporary Fine Art
WHERE THE WILD HORSES ROAM
Jewelry Designer and Store Owner Mauzie Mays Spends Weekends in the Wild to Connect With Majestic Mustangs in Sanctuary Program
ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TJ HOLMES & HOLLY MYERS
Colorado’s majestic mustangs offer a sense of wonderment and awe, roaming free on wild lands not found in many other places. Take in the flowing manes, the muscular shoulders, and the ease with which they move along in stride with one another. Jewelry designer and owner of Mauzie’s Fine Jewelry, Mauzie Mays spends many weekends close to these fantastic creatures.
Mays volunteers with the Serengeti Foundation, founded in 1997 by Bert von Roemer, to protect threatened mustangs and their habitats. The foundation’s work in Colorado includes protection, sanctuary, advocacy, and working with all interested parties to achieve a balanced solution.
Serengeti focuses on balanced ecosystems in which all creatures who occupy the habitat have a vital and irreplaceable role.
“We have restored the freedom of more than 250 highrisk mustangs and burros, primarily seniors and those with temperament concerns. They now live a hands-off life in a dynamic herd setting, free to roam, graze, and socialize. They are re-wilded on a vast landscape within our sanctuary borders and live as free as ethically possible,” says Holly Myers, Serengeti’s director of Wildlife and Community Projects.
“We focus primarily on those with nowhere else to go. Many are deeply traumatized and are highly fearful and reactive of people. The horse’s well-being is prioritized by providing a refuge away from the public.”
Mays was drawn to the Serengeti Foundation, inspired by its mission and passion. “I’m captivated by the horses’ resilience, strength, and remarkable capacity for forgiveness. Their sheer beauty and spirit are absolutely awe-inspiring,” Mays says.
Horses are naturally inquisitive, curious, and intelligent animals. In fact, early humans were able to domesticate horses due to these character traits. Mustangs are curious about humans, and while some are too skittish and fearful to get close, others can form bonds with specific individuals.
Myers praises Mays’ work with the horses. “Sinatra, Mira, and Pete, for a brief time, experienced a taste of human kindness before being subjected to abuse and starvation. That experience with kindness, combined with Mauzie’s gentle heart and respect for their autonomy, has given them the sense that she is safe. Several of our herd members take comfort in her presence; it’s heartwarming to see.”
Mays’ work includes navigating the vast terrain to photograph the horses and document their condition, progress, and general locations within the sanctuary.
For those of us who’ve only seen these wild horses in photographs or videos, Mays says, “these creatures are truly majestic—strong, gentle, sometimes skittish, but always remarkable. The first time I watched a band of about 25 running over the hills, coming close to check on us, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I had never witnessed such powerful grace. Each horse weaves around the others, finding its place in the line; you can see their manes flowing in the wind, hear their whinnies, and feel their strength—all while reminding you they are still wild. They command respect, and they truly deserve it.”
If there is one thing that both Mays and the Serengeti Foundation want people to know, it is that education is the best way to support these amazing animals.
“There are many perspectives on the issues surrounding land and wild mustangs; learning and listening are essential in a balanced approach to their protection,” Mays says. “Beyond education, sanctuaries rely heavily on public support.”
If you’re curious to learn more, explore the topic further and consider contributing, even in a small way, at serengetifoundation.com
You can also support the foundation in December while shopping for the holidays. Mays will donate 10 percent of proceeds of a purchase to the Serengeti Foundation for shoppers who mention this story in December. Find her at Mauzies.com .
“THESE CREATURES ARE TRULY MAJESTIC— STRONG, GENTLE, SOMETIMES SKITTISH, BUT ALWAYS REMARKABLE.”
Mauzie with Mira
Mauzie and Sinatra
Colorado Eye Consultants welcomes board-certified and ASOPRS fellowship trained ophthalmologist, Dr. Carl Rebhun, specializing in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. His extensive training has helped him to establish his reputation as a highly skillful surgeon who utilizes the latest and most innovative techniques, to obtain exceptional, natural looking results. This approach, along with a compassionate bedside manner and dedication to helping others, has led Dr. Rebhun to help his patients achieve their medical and cosmetic goals through both surgical and non-surgical procedures. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404.
Holiday Entertaining Boards
The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Tips for creating the perfect board:
• Start with the larger items first and build around those. If you are using jars on the board, place those first.
• Be sure to have enough to fill the space. It is best to overfill so that the board doesn’t look sparse. Stack, stack and stack some more.
• Use a variety of colors and textures when choosing the foods you want to use. Pick cheese with color and patterns, fruits and veggies that come in a variety of textures and colors and a protein that can make a statement.
• Be sure to place similar colors in away from each other to help give symmetry.
Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board
• Fig Jelly
• Honey
• Variety of Cheeses
• Salami or meat of choice
• Olives (provide a variety)
• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut
• Grapes, berries, persimmon
• Crackers
Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries.
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
NOVEMBER 7TH-JANUARY 25TH
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Cherokee Ranch & Castle Holiday Tea
Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia
This holiday season, create cherished moments at the Cherokee Holiday Tea event, a time-honored tradition. Savor an array of exquisite teas, finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam. Following your tea experience, join the castle docents and hostesses for an insightful one-hour tour of the castle, rich with Douglas County and state history.
DECEMBER
7TH
Holiday Celebration at the Mansion
Highlands Ranch Mansion
Join the Highlands Ranch Metro District for this traditional holiday celebration with horse-drawn wagons, school choirs, Santa Claus, reindeer games on the lawn, and gift and craft vendors. Self-guided tours of the 27,000-square-foot mansion will also be available. All parking, except handicapped parking, will be off-site. Park at Mountain Vista High School for a free shuttle to the mansion. Find out more at highlandsranchmansion.com
DECEMBER
7TH
Austrian Christmas Celebration and Christkindl Markt
Schweiger Ranch, Lone Tree
Celebrate the Christmas traditions of the Austrian family who settled the Schweiger ranch in 1874. This free event is fun for the whole family. Visit Santa Claus and his real reindeer, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, visit the face painting artist, enjoy authentic Austrian food, music and more. Shop the Christkindl Markt to stock up on local hand-crafted presents for everyone.
DECEMBER 12TH
2024 State of Douglas County
Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows | 5:00 PM
The 2024 State of Douglas County event will feature insightful presentations from county leaders, updates on key initiatives, and opportunities to network with fellow professionals. Networking and cocktail reception starts at 5 p.m. Dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $150 each, table of 8 $1,000. Please RSVP to secure your table or ticket at DouglasCountyChamber.org
Want to be featured?
DECEMBER 14TH
Great Gatsby Gala
Business Foundry Lone Tree
An unforgettable evening awaits as you step back in time to an era of refined style, lavish decor, and unparalleled charm. Embrace the holiday glitz of the Roaring 20's as you dazzle and hobnob with the South Metro's finest. While you are there, tour the co-working and business accelerator's space and see what they are doing to enhance the area. BusinessFoundry.com
DECEMBER 15TH
Sweet Time with Santa
Play Street Museum Higlands Ranch
Bring your camera and join Play Street Museum for Sweet Time with Santa. Santa will sit for pictures and interact with the children throughout the space. Children uneasy about the big man in red will be afforded as much warm-up time as needed. Give the gift of wonder to your young ones this season until the day Santa arrives at your house. HighlandsRanch.PlayStreetMuseum.com
STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY
FOLLOW
Holiday ScroogeCore Trend Alert:
Moody, Elevated and Classic, with a Side of Whimsical Irony
ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX
Looking for a twist on a classic?
Combine moody hues like deep blue, charcoal grey, and classic black for a bold take on holiday style. This sophisticated yet quirky palette combines dark colors with tongue-in-cheek decor for a playful take on traditional elements.
This trend lends itself to newly minted products and local thrift store treasures. Look to ScroogeCore to add humor, character, and mystery to your holiday.
1: POUNDLAND
2: GRANDIN ROAD
3: DUNELM
4: WEB GREY
5: ROCKETT ST. GEORGE
