Highlands Ranch, CO February 2025 by City Lifestyle

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Fall in Love With Our Love Local

Welcome to our February Love Local issue. This chilly month is the perfect time to explore and experience our local gems, right here in Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree. And we deliver with some great stories inside this issue to help start your journey.

Here, we introduce you to Devin Patrick Hughes, the artistic director and conductor of the newly rebranded Symphony of the Rockies — formerly Arapahoe Philharmonic for 70 years. Hughes is a true inspiration, not just with his expertise in the orchestral world, but his passion for introducing this old musical artistry to new generations and demographics.

Hughes is the face of a renewed energy for the Symphony of the Rockies, and he's got a solid team of backers promoting this organization. At the ribbon cutting and new logo reveal in the fall, I had the opportunity to speak to Symphony of the Rockies executive director Bess Scully. She's no musician, but she got involved in the organization after championing her kids' musical careers in their schooldays, and she now volunteers tirelessly to promote an art form that simply makes the world a brighter place. As most of us already know, music soothes and heals. And we are inspired by all the Love Local love.

You can carry on this theme yourself. “Love local” means your local businesses, those in your community, but it also means loving what is near, including those under your own roof. So catch up with a friend at Lost Coffee Backcountry Pick up some new games from Game Train USA and head home for a game night around the fire with the family. Or snag a bottle and charc board to go from Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar and indulge in a movie night in. Let us know your own picks for supporting local businesses. Send us photos — we'd love to run your ideas in our City Scene photos pages next month.

We’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do apart. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories told in these pages month after month.

Thanks for letting us be a part of the life you’re building.

Our hope is that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before.

JENNIFER STARBUCK, PUBLISHER @HIGHLANDSRANCHCITYLIFESTYLE

February 2025

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Starbuck | Jennifer.Starbuck@CityLifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Sonja Nix | Sonja.Nix@CityLifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Angie Jehu | Angie.Jehu@CityLifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Lisa Lord | Lisa@PhotoLilo.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Anna Barnes, Amy Dixon, Michelle Glicksman, Kristen Gonzales, Sonja Nix

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amy Dixon, Anna Barnes, Nancy Brandt, Lisa Lord

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

city scene

1-8: The Denver Broncos’ defensive standout OLB Nik Bonitto hosted The Orange and Blue Bowling Bash on Nov. 18 at the Highlands Ranch Main Event. On the field, Nik strikes fear in opposing QBs, and off the field, Nik strikes up support for kids in need with the organization Strikes for Kids, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 2012 that strives to make a difference in the lives of children through the power of sports and community.

9-12: On Dec. 19, the John Elway Cadillac Dealership marked its 10-year anniversary in Lone Tree with a festive Christmas celebration that brought together the community, customers, and staff. Santa Claus was on hand to help reveal the 2025 Cadillac Escalade. 9: John Elway speaks to the crowd. 10: Santa and his new sleigh, a holiday red Cadillac Escalade. 11: Managing Partner of John Elway Cadillac Todd Maul and his wife Lisa with their granddaughter Keyta visit Santa Claus. 12: From left, Saba Kragt of Grace Counseling; Debbie Waines, John Elway Dealership’s marketing director; Laura Graves of Moxycello; Talia Bond of Post Net; and Laura Pringle of Moxycello.

YANA's Savannah Becerril awarded American Heart Association Leader of Impact

YANA's (You Are Not Alone) Savannah Becerril was awarded the American Heart Association's Leaders of Impact for her Hearts4Mama's campaign. Savannah's campaign promoted awareness of the risks of heart disease in postpartum mothers. Heart disease is the leading cause of maternal mortality. Pregnant and postpartum women are particularly vulnerable, often facing undiagnosed or untreated heart conditions. As a part of this year’s class of change-makers, Savannah says she is passionate about making a lasting impact on the health of our community.

From Silenced To Saved Announces New Therapy Dog on Duty

From Silenced To Saved, a local human trafficking recovery nonprofit, is thrilled to announce that after two years of waiting, they have secured a therapy dog for on-scene, forensic interviews, and courtroom needs. Ms. Penny Rose will report for duty in summer 2025. You may see her around town with the FSTS team; feel free to stop and snuggle her. FSTS thanks Beard Brothers Roofing for their amazing contribution in making this dream a reality for victim services. fsts.org.

Lone Tree Mental Health Services

Nancy L. Bakalar, MD, DFAPA, FABP, is the owner and director of Lone Tree Mental Health Services, offering in-person and telehealth appointments. Dr. Bakalar is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who does intensive psychodynamic psychotherapies with adults, couples and families. Reach her office at (303) 909-5950. In The City List business listings in the January issue of Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle, an incorrect website and phone number were published for Lone Tree Mental Health Services. We regret the error.

As a local, family-owned company, we are especially thankful to our community for supporting us through the years. When you choose Applewood, you’re investing in our employees and their families, and in turn, our community.

Know that you can rely on our team of licensed professionals to take care of any home comfort issues you may have, as we’ve been doing for over 50 years.

for the Masses CLASSICAL MUSIC

A

Conductor for the 21st Century: Symphony of the Rockies’ Devin Patrick Hughes

ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA LORD

Artistic Director and Conductor of Symphony of the Rockies Devin Patrick Hughes’ passion for symphonic music is as palpable as his red shoes. Think of the dramatic opening of Beethoven’s Symphony Number 5, its strings hitting each note of this well-known melody with conviction and urgency. Or Mozart’s Symphony 40 in G-minor’s galloping, almost optimistic beginning.

Hughes holds his conductor’s baton with an almost tentative grip as if a simple flick might dislodge it and the delicate rotation of his wrist like that of a calligrapher. This visual restraint, alongside the music, builds tension and anticipation for the audience. Suddenly, his arms rise toward the heavens with the crescendo of the violins, the bass of the percussion, and the triumph of the brass.

In as much as Hughes’ presence on the stage belies the cliché of a wild-haired conductor, he is very much a conductor for the 21st century. He aims to modernize and expand the reach of symphonic music, where orchestras are active, accessible cultural hubs, bridging traditional music with diverse, modern American experiences.

American orchestral music is truly a melting pot of many cultures, Hughes tells us. “Our European predecessors brought symphonic music to the new world, but today, American symphonic music blends influences from African American and Native American musical traditions.”

Hughes recognizes that conducting requires sensitivity to a specific score’s cultural history, as most music was composed in response to current cultural events. His lifelong pursuit to “democratize symphonic music,” to make orchestral music appealing to the masses, informs his work.

Hughes values innovation in orchestral programs, from adding multimedia and popular music to engaging audiences through novel formats like candlelight performances or yoga-infused sessions.

Additionally, Hughes hosts a podcast that explores classical music’s relevance in our modern lives. With titles like Trace Bundy Guitarist & Acoustic Ninja and Cracking Tchaikovsky Nuts , Hughes appeals to listeners beyond the typical orchestral audience.

Hughes’ upbringing itself is a fusion of cultures and identities. He grew up in Springfield, Ill., the son of an American father of Irish descent and a Guatemalan mother. His father served on the board of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, where at times, he witnessed the stuffy atmosphere of classical performances that deterred newcomers, inspiring him to make symphonic music more accessible.

His formal education includes a bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College, studies at the Vienna Conservatory, and two graduate degrees in music and conducting: an M.A. from Ithaca College and an artist diploma from the DU Lamont School of Music.

He currently serves as the Artistic Director and Conductor of Symphony of the Rockies (formerly Arapahoe Philharmonic) and Music Director and

Conductor of the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy

Previously, he held artistic leadership positions with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association, Denver Young Artists Orchestra, and Denver Philharmonic Orchestra.

Hughes acknowledges the challenges of appealing to contemporary audiences with shorter attention spans. His management merges symphonic traditions with the entrepreneurial spirit of America, making music relevant and engaging through creative programming, community involvement, and effective marketing.

“Breaking down barriers between the orchestra and its audience through children’s programs and school engagements,” Hughes hopes to “foster this generation’s love for classical music, sharing the transformative power of music’s emotional resonance.”

Whether he is conducting his version of the Three B’s, Beethoven, Brahms, & Brittany, Hughes substitutes contemporary American composer Brittany Green for Bach, or Epic Love: From Shakespeare to Superheroes, which includes Verdi’s La Traviata alongside Rogers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma, Hughes is ever innovating to bring his beloved symphonic music to the masses.

For more information on tickets and support, visit symphonyrockies.org

NEARBY UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:

Epic Love

7:30 PM

Saturday, February 8

Lone Tree Arts Center

Agree to Disagree Children’s Discovery Concert

11 AM and Noon

Thursday, February 27

DCSD Legacy Campus Theater

Symphony of the Rockies Gala, A Bridgerton Affair

6 PM

Saturday, May 3

University of Denver, Knoebel Tuscan Ballroom

Stars & Stripes Forever 2025

8 PM

Thursday, July 3

Breckenridge Brewery Farm House

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Recovery With Zivel

Making Physical Recovery a Vital Part of Everyday Life

ARTICLE BY KRISTEN GONZALES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Whether people are competitive athletes, avid exercisers, dealing with chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, or mental health issues, various forms of recovery help alleviate the body’s stress and inflammation.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves stepping inside a cryotherapy chamber at temperatures as low as -220 F for 2-3 minutes. Masks, socks, slippers, and gloves are provided to protect extremities. Cryotherapy reduces inflammation, increases circulation, and provides faster recovery from workouts; studies have also shown that people have better cognitive function and a reduction in depression after cryotherapy sessions.

Infrared Sauna

The opposite of cryo is the infrared sauna, which offers a room heated up to 150 F. As the body heats, the heart pumps faster, resulting in better circulation and calorie burn. Sweat also releases toxins and reduces muscle tension. Sessions last about fifteen to twenty minutes, and hydration afterward is imperative.

“We’re all walking around with inflammation,” says Deena Taylor, owner of Zivel Performance and Recovery in Highlands Ranch. “All of our services, even just one of them if not all, are going to help with your sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety, help with aches and pains, and inflammation.”

Deena and her husband, Tom, opened their Zivel franchise in May 2024 to bring recovery, health, and wellness to their community. Their passion for helping others recover is highlighted in four primary modalities: cryotherapy, infrared sauna, dry float, and compression.

“We have some members that will come in the morning and do a compression and sauna, and then later in the afternoon pop back by and do their cryo,” Deena explains. Pairing compression with either cyro or sauna is encouraged while pairing cyro and sauna is discouraged due to the drastic temperature difference. It’s best to let your body temperature regulate to its norm to reap the benefits of each therapy.

Deena mentions how people strapped for time love coming to Zivel for cryo because it’s quick and easy. “You could run in and cryo and be in and out of here in 10 to 15 minutes.”

Dry Float

Another popular recovery technique is dry float. It involves lying on a soft, water-filled membrane with a weighted blanket, eye cover, and noise-canceling headphones. The technique provides the feeling of weightlessness and relaxation without getting wet. Typical float sessions last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.

Acoustic wave sounds complement the dry float to further relaxation. Deena explains, “The acoustic wave therapies are for concentration, stress, relaxation, or improved sleep quality…everyone’s walking around with one of those issues.” Zivel’s staff guides members to the right wave therapy based on their needs.

Compression

The last recovery method is compression. Using Normatec leg compression sleeves promotes faster muscle recovery. Squeezing the legs increases circulation, supports oxygen-rich blood to muscles, and helps reduce swelling. Compression pairs well with other therapy techniques too.

ARTICLE BY AMY DIXON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Courage Crosses

Artist Amy Dixon Channels Inspiration into Lenten Tithing

Last year, I gave away 120 small (5x7” and 6x6”) original collaged paintings to mostly strangers via social media. The idea emerged in church on Ash Wednesday, pondering if I thought I could actually succeed in “giving up” something for Lent. Instead, I focused on something positive and paid it forward with art — in a sense, tithing art to individuals to spread a bit of light into the lives of others. Originally, I planned to give away 40, one for each day of Lent, but it quickly became apparent that this was not God’s plan. I needed to create more because there seemed to be so many people who related to the message of the art. I intuitively knew it wasn’t because I gave these gratis.

The recipients were thrilled, but the gift from God to me was the peace and excitement that I experienced creating them. Colors, shapes, and forms flowed effortlessly with an indescribable creative energy. Burning the midnight oil was easy, and the crosses became a spiritual experience that benefitted others and my soul. It was as if the power of an unidentified spirit fueled my work, coupled with numerous stories that strangers poured out to me as to why they needed courage. Each cross was mailed with the following note enclosed and an easel to display the art:

“As an artist and a colorist, I gifted myself with the time to explore and create small color studies incorporating mixed media and texture. The idea emerged into what I call ‘courage crosses.’ Simply put, abstract art echoes the image of a cross that reminds us of how we ALL need courage . . . in life’s

good times and challenging times. Take that next step forward, and another, and one after that. Trust that God will show you the way and open the path for your journey. With COURAGE!”

A little history: I painted my first courage crosses in 2013 after having a conversation with my sister, Jenny, who can run circles around almost anyone on any day in quoting scripture. She enCOURAGED me to take that step of exploring more abstract art and that maybe starting small would be smart. I had so many new directions that I wanted to push toward. The rest is history. Now, my large abstract paintings hang in homes all over the country. One step, one door opened and with enCOURAGEMENT and faith, I couldn’t be more grateful and blessed. Next up for Amy: Finding a way to scale Courage Crosses to meet demand and publishing a book of her work. Find her at amydixonfineart.com

CONTINUED >

Tithing art: spread a bit of light into the lives of others.

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Around Town: Favorite Date Night

Celebrate Valentine’s Day Like a Local

Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle asked three local movers and shakers how they like to spend their date nights. From an at-home cozy evening to a night on the town, you’ll find something that interests you and your beloved.

ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX

Highlands Ranch Metro District Board Chair Renee Anderson and her husband, Scott, enjoy being new to the empty nester lifestyle. Renee’s dream date night involves walks in the evening at Redstone Park , which is near their home. She also enjoys dinner at Los Dos Potrillos in Highlands Ranch. Date nights at home involve family dinners around a Swiss-style raclette party grill, followed by watching movies at home with Scott. Renee’s favorite movies are documentaries and historical fiction. Maybe someday, an inspiring local filmmaker will produce something local for Renee and Scott to watch together.

Raclette

Lone Tree Mayor Marissa Harmon and her husband, Chris, love to spend time right here in the Lone Tree community. Dinner at Sierra , followed by a show at the Lone Tree Arts Center suits them perfectly. Sometimes, it’s just the two of them; other times, their daughters join them. Marissa loves the steak tacos with a margarita, while Chris often orders steak fajitas and a whiskey neat. 2024’s favorite LTAC shows included the Songwriter City show with Lee Thomas Miller and Wendell Mobley. They also enjoy the Lone Tree Symphony.

Chili Rellenos, Sierra

New to the RidgeGate neighborhood, Dr. David Williams, President and CEO of UCHealth Medical Group, and Penny Williams, OD, love to dine out at the many fabulous restaurants the area offers. City Lifestyle caught up with them at Parker’s Wolf Peach (we may have crashed their date), where Dave loves to order the scallops and Penny, who is allergic to shellfish, chose the Bison Ragu from the seasonal, rotating menu. As empty nesters who don’t cook much, the Williams’ also frequent Sierra , On the Rox , and Fiction Beer Co. , where they enjoy playing the card game Phase Ten. Next on their list to try: Red Llama .

photo credit: Nancy Brandt

photo credit: Nancy Brandt Scallops, Wolf Peach

THE SCOTTSDALE LURE OF

The endless skies of blue are interrupted only by cacti rising majestically from the ground, arms reaching skyward, and palm trees, which are often adorned by lights that twinkle when the sun sets. There are vistas of open desert, rising mountains, and even the lush green of the locale’s many golf courses. And, of course, there are the vibrant shopping, dining, art, and event scenes, too.

Scottsdale is a city located in Metro Phoenix in Arizona, which as a whole is nicknamed “The Valley of the Sun” for its more than 330 days of sun each year—one of the reasons the area is a draw for visitors. With few rainy days, it’s easy to plan your daily activities without worry. Yes, though, the summer gets hot. But the rest of the year? Perfection.

Scottsdale is a mix of a resort destination, city, and suburbs, with more open desert the further north you venture.

To the south is Downtown Scottsdale—also known as Old Town Scottsdale—which is a mix of old Southwestern charm

BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

(including the legendary cowboy saloon, Rusty Spur Saloon); modern eateries from famed chefs; lots of shopping at small boutiques and specialty shops; the Arts District , which is filled with art galleries; and even tasting rooms from Arizona wineries located along the famed Scottsdale Wine Trail

Nearby is Scottsdale Fashion Square , one of the nation’s premier shopping destinations. While you’ll find many usual retailers there, there are also more than 40 luxury brands, including Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, and Louis Vuitton.

Heading north are open-air shopping destinations Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons , which sit across the street from each other. Take the afternoon or evening to stroll through, exploring the shops, restaurants, and activity destinations such as the indoor mini-golf destination Puttshack . What else is there to see and do? Plenty.

FROM RELAXATION TO SHOPPING TO GOLF TO SIGHTSEEING, THIS DESTINATION HAS IT ALL

Photo courtesy of Experience Scottsdale

PLAY

Like golf? There are more than 200 golf courses in the Scottsdale area. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, there is a course for you. One of the most popular in the area is the TPC Scottsdale as it is the locale of the WM Phoenix Open, the most-attended golf tournament in the world.

For most of the year, Scottsdale boasts warm temperatures, making spending a day splashing in a pool a perfect choice. Many local resorts have pool areas that feature fun extras such as water slides, lazy rivers, and even a cooled sand beach. And even if you’re not an on-site guest, you can often purchase a day pass to be on-site through ResortPass.com.

Of course, there’s also plenty of outdoor recreation in Scottsdale. Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale is a popular mountain to hike (as is the iconic Camelback Mountain, which is located in nearby Phoenix), and the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is a park and trail system spread over 11 miles. Kids love McCormickStillman Railroad Park , which boasts a small-scale train that circles the park and plenty of play areas.

A destination filled with numerous attractions is A rizona Boardwalk , a center that includes Butterfly Wonderland , OdySea Aquarium , Ripley’s Believe It or Not! , Museum of Illusions , and more.

CULTURE

The beauty of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert led famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), to build Taliesin West , his winter home and desert laboratory, in a mountainside in East Scottsdale. Today, there are daily tours of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and events are offered often.

However, Wright’s architecture isn’t the only art in the area. Beyond the Arts District in Downtown Scottsdale, there is public art all around the city, from sculptures to murals, so definitely keep your eyes open!

There are also museums such as Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West , a Smithsonian Affiliate, which showcases items from the Greater Western region, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art , affectionately known as SMoCA.

On Thursday evenings, there’s a free public ArtWalk in the Arts District, where galleries stay open later. Wander the streets and galleries, often against a backdrop of live music and even artist appearances.

NEARBY

While there’s so much to do, see, and experience in Scottsdale proper, there’s also much to see nearby. Make sure to experience the Musical Instrument Museum (affectionately known as the MIM), which is the world’s only global instrument museum. Desert Botanical Garden features an array of desert plants, and Phoenix Art Museum has an impressive collection of art. And, of course, the Phoenix Zoo is a perfect place for both kids and adults alike.

Photo courtesy of Experience Scottsdale

Photo courtesy of Taliesin West

Photo courtesy of Experience Scottsdale

DR. KAREN TODD,

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 7TH-8TH

Father Daughter

Sweetheart Ball

Highlands Ranch Mansion

Join HRCA for a winter wonderland evening at the Father-Daughter

Sweetheart Ball! Whether you're crafting a custom charm necklace, enjoying treats at the dessert table, or dancing the night away, magical moments await dads and daughters. Capture the memories with a keepsake photo from our photo station to remember the night. Carriage rides will be available for an additional fee. hrcaonline.org

FEBRUARY 15TH

Fairy Tale Ball: Beauty and the Beast

Highlands Ranch Library

Douglas County Libraries invites all beauties, beasts, and even tea sets to "Be our guest" and celebrate the enchanting world of Beauty and the Beast. Dress up and dance alongside Belle, Beast, and other memorable characters. Don’t let the final rose petal fall on this year’s Fairy Tale Ball! Ideal for ages 4-10, but all ages are welcome. Costumes encouraged.

FEBRUARY 19TH

Cold Cases, Murder Investigations, and Cocktails

SouthRidge Recreation Center

Join Jonny Grusing as he explores the real crime story of former Highlands Ranch resident Harold Henthorn. Numerous documentaries (Hulu, ID, American Greed) have explored how Harold, a church-going, wealthy, engaging man, could live such a secret life. Former FBI Special Agent Grusing investigated the deaths of his wives and gained an understanding of how husbands like Harold come to commit such heinous crimes.

LOVE POTION #9

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ANNA BARNES

A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY

WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?

This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!