HEALTH + WELLNESS
AN EARLY ARRIVAL MAKES FOR UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS
The Thankful Issue
HOME + DESIGN
CORNUCOPIA WITH ABLOOMS
HOLIDAY DELIGHTS AT THE GAYLORD TRAVEL
CURATE YOUR DREAM OUTDOOR SPACE
Schedule
We Are Thankful for You
Welcome to our Thankful issue, our chance to pause during the busy year and reflect on our many blessings. One of them is you. Thank you for being here, for reading the stories we bring to you all year round. In these pages, we hope to share goodnews stories of the people who live and work here, of influencers, of businesses that make our part of the world go round.
This month, we share a story of family, hope, and community with the Hazzard family and their little son Max, who was cared for in the NICU department at AdventHealth Littleton hospital. These doctors, nurses, and supportive staff truly put their hearts into their work and serve others well.
Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back to our community. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our city the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you.
This holiday season as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, and in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings.
Blessings to you and your family,
SONJA NIX, MANAGING EDITOR
@HIGHLANDSRANCHCITYLIFESTYLE
November 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 PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lindsay Barlow, Janie Jones
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Celena Cisco, Kara Witherow
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
Manna Resource Center hosted its fundraiser gala, “Transformational Journeys to Lasting Impact,” at Cielo Event Center in Castle Pines on Sept. 26. The food pantry and resource center in Highlands Ranch serves clients in Douglas County and surrounding areas. 1: Mauzie Mays and Kennedy Dickie. 2: Elise Clemons, LuCinda Miller & Erin White - Executive Director of Manna. 4: Chairman of the Board Mark Willis and Board Member Scott Lanzen. 6: Lori Zwart and Tammy Lopez. 7. From right, Sandy and Stephen Virden, and guest.
The Symphony of the Rockies hosted a ribbon cutting on Sept. 27 with the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, unveiling a new logo and new brand after playing as the Arapahoe Philharmonic for 70 years. The Symphony of the Rockies aims to bring its music to new audiences throughout the Front Range. 9: Ribbon cutting with Jeff Keener, president and CEO of the South Metro Denver Chamber. 10: Executive Director Bess Scully and Artistic Director and Conductor Devin Patrick Hughes. 11: Oboist Virginia
12:
Goertzen and husband, Stephan.
Board Chairman Travis Bockenstedt and Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle Publisher Jennifer Starbuck.
Morgan Adams and WillStrong Join Forces
The Morgan Adams Foundation is proud to announce its merger with WillStrong Cancer Foundation. WillStrong’s founder, Claudia Maniatis, lost her son, Will, to acute myeloid leukemia in 2020. Like Morgan Adams' founder Joan Slaughter, Claudia was called to action to help fund research into better treatment options. With the merger, Claudia becomes the new Director of Leukemia Programs for the Morgan Adams Foundation. This merger marks an incredible step forward to bigger, broader, and bolder investments in kids’ cancer research.
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Lone Tree Brewing's Fall Season Offering
Among the crop of Lone Tree Brewing beers made for the fall season is one of the South Metro Denver brewing company’s most talked about offerings: Vanilla Caramel Amber. This autumnal seasonal is available at both Lone Tree Brewing locations and on retail shelves across Colorado. Vanilla Caramel Amber is full of seasonal flavors but still super drinkable. The vanilla comes from beans, and the caramel comes from caramel malt in this recipe, with no added sugar.
DCL's Annual Forest of Stories
Step into the season's magic at all Douglas County Library locations to experience a whimsical Forest of Stories. This festive exhibit has grown from 120 to more than 175 book-themed, decorated trees, sparkling with all the best parts of your favorite stories. From classic children’s tales and literature to crime thrillers, mysteries, larger-than-life characters, and more, it’s a holiday delight for everyone in the family. Learn more at DCL.org/forest-ofstories. November 16th-January 4th
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the CITY LIST
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.
Ski Shop
SKI & BOOT LAB skiandbootlab.com | 720.641.3740
Christy Sports Ski & Patio christysports.com | 303.708.8535
SnoBahn Indoor Ski + Snowboard Center snobahn.com | 303.872.8494
BC Surf & Sport @ Lonetree bcsurf.com | 303.768.8908
Eskimo Ski & Board Shop eskimoshop.com | 303.761.1101
Photographer
LiLo Photography & Branding photolilo.com
Angela Kleinsasser Photography angelakleinsasser.com
Lindsay Barlow Photography lindsaybarlowphotography.com
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Nikki Brooker photographer nikkibrookerphotography.mypixieset.com
Elle Photography ellephotostudio.com
Charity
Manna Resource Center mannaresourcecenter.org | 720.515.8814
Nourish Meals On Wheels nourishmealsonwheels.org | 303.798.7642
Sleep In Heavenly Peace Denver 303.809.5780
From Silenced to Saved fsts.org | 866.455.5075
Douglas County Community Foundation dccf.org | 303.733.2656
Holiday Happy Hour
Old Blinking Light oldblinkinglight.com/home | 303.346.9797
Social Bar & Lounge socialbarlounge.com | 303.248.3397
Sierra Restaurant sierrarestaurant.com | 303.662.8800
Shanahan's Steakhouse shanahanssteakhouse.com | 303.770.7300
Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar indulgewinebar.com | 303.730.7200
Holiday High Tea
English Tealeaves englishtealeaves.com | 720.851.6099
Miss M's Tea Parlour missmsteaparlourcastlerock.com | 303.814.2276
Cherokee Ranch & Castle cherokeeranch.org | 303.688.5555
Lynn's Tea Shop & Cafe lynnstea.com | 303.973.0224
Babe's Tea Room babestearoom.com | 303.455.4832
Make MERRY MEMORIES
POLAR EXPRESS™, JACK FROST, MISTLETOE VILLAGE, SANTA'S WORKSHOP AND MORE AT THE GAYLORD ROCKIES
ARTICLE BY KARA WITHEROW | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Cirque: Frost
The Sweet Shop ICE!
Holidays are for family, friends and making memories. Whether bundling up and spending a day walking through a winter wonderland, decorating gingerbread or singing Christmas carols while enjoying cookies and milk, guests will find it all at Gaylord Rockies Resort near Denver.
Amid dazzling holiday lights, seasonal cuisine, the enchanting Mistletoe Village, a delightful Sweet Shop and a sleigh-full of Christmas cheer, everyone will experience a Christmas to remember.
From Nov. 22, 2024, through Jan. 1, 2025, Gaylord Rockies will be transformed
into a winter wonderland full of twinkling lights, sparkling trees and hours of festive entertainment and activities for all to enjoy.
After checking into one of the resort’s plush guestrooms, head to ICE! featuring The Polar Express™. This holiday spectacle, kept at 9 degrees and hand-carved by artisans from 2 million pounds of brightly colored ice, is back again this season.
In this one-of-a-kind retelling of the modern Christmas classic, guests will see familiar characters, including the children from the train, the conductor, the Hobo, Steamer and Smokey and Santa, come to life in scenes from the movie. See the North Pole, Santa’s Workshop, the
Polar Express itself and more, all carved from ice.
ICE! isn’t the only festive fun to be had at Gaylord Rockies this season. Holiday activities abound, including photos with Santa, a festive scavenger hunt, gingerbread decorating and more.
Afterward, discover the magic of the allnew Cirque: Frost, where breathtaking stunts and stunning artistry take center stage. Follow young Jack’s journey to become Jack Frost in this 50-minute spectacle of heartwarming moments and awe-inspiring acrobatics.
This season, there’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than by gathering friends and family at Gaylord Rockies Resort.
Learn more and book packages at ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.
The Gaylord Rockies Dressed up for the Season
Santa's Workshop
Mistletoe Village
ICE! Polar Express™
COLORADO
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. 1501 West Mineral Avenue | Suite 100 | Littleton, CO 80120 ColoradoEyeConsultants.com
Unexpected Blessings
Caring for NICU Babies and Their Families Takes a Small City
ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Hudson, Asher & Max
Sometimes, life brings blessings out of nowhere. Other times, blessings are shrouded in uncertainty and challenge. For Sandra Hazzard, the arrival of her son Max was a mixture of joy and unexpected trials she didn’t anticipate.
Max’s entry into the world wasn’t expected to be tough. Sandra’s pregnancy had been progressing smoothly, and like many parents, Sandra anticipated a delivery without complications. But at her 32-week appointment, a benign heart arrhythmia was detected, leading to increased monitoring. By 37 weeks, movement had slowed, and they decided to induce Max early.
CONTINUED >
Dr. Hollinger and Dr. Salinas
Three years prior, Sandra and her husband, Brian, were pregnant with their second child, Bennet. Approaching the day of his birth, the Hazzards didn’t have reason to be concerned. But tragically and unexpectedly, Bennet’s delivery resulted in a stillbirth. The emotional weight of that experience loomed large. Sandra and Brian had since welcomed another son, Asher, in December 2021 after another early induction. The decision to deliver Max early was made with hopes of preventing another tragedy and alleviating the enormous anxiety Max’s approaching delivery created.
Max delivered quickly, as many fourth babies do, and he was immediately placed on Sandra’s chest. But that moment was fleeting, as it became clear that Max required immediate assistance with his breathing. Sandra watched as her newborn was whisked away to the NICU.
Dr. John Hollinger, a neonatologist, the doctor on the ward that day, explains, “Most babies born at 37 weeks do well, but Max faced respiratory distress syndrome due to a lack of surfactant, a critical substance for lung function that often develops closer to full term.”
Dr. Hollinger explains, “We administered surfactant replacement therapy and provided supplemental oxygen. Initially, he needed a small breathing tube, but he transitioned to CPAP to support his lungs as they matured.”
Complications with her placenta kept Sandra from being by Max’s side, and once she was by his side in the NICU, he was surrounded by monitors and tubes that beeped in a rhythm that felt uncomfortable.
“The thing that was really hard, you learn it isn’t up to you. It is up to the baby,” Sandra said. “There is a loss of control, a turning over of responsibility to the baby and the care staff. I was ready to be home with my family, Brian, Hudson, Asher, and Max.”
“Having been through the NICU with my own child, I understand how emotionally charged this environment can be. It’s not just about the baby; it’s about the parents navigating their own fears and uncertainties.”
Sandra continues, “Leaving the hospital and leaving your child is hard to describe; it’s like a homesick feeling. And, of course, I experienced mom guilt.”
Max spent just a few nights in the NICU, battling through regressions and small victories, which is typical for NICU babies. Max’s prognosis was strong, and both Dr. Hollinger and an attending cardiologist expected a quick recovery. Sandra understood this intellectually and knew Max was in the most capable hands, yet she was left with lingering guilt and sadness. The connection she longed for was dulled by separation. Even when she was by his side in the NICU, machines that surrounded her son created a barrier she didn’t like.
Yet amidst the challenges, there were blessings. Despite living 20 minutes away, the Hazzard family chose to deliver at AdventLittleton for several reasons. Sandra’s OB/GYN, Dr. Salinas, delivered all her previous children there, creating a consistency in care that Sandra values.
In fact, a familiar face brought both comfort and tears. The nurse practitioner who had spent the day caring for Sandra after Bennet’s death stopped in to deliver a needed charging cord. Surprised to see each other, they hugged tightly, two people bound by that shared experience.
Max went home on oxygen, but his prognosis is good; the heart arrhythmia needs no treatment and will go away as he grows. Bringing him home was a time of relief and joy, the start of the Hazzard family’s journey as a family of five.
“While my training initially focused on the medical aspects of caring for infants, I quickly realized that taking care of the whole family is equally essential,” Dr. Hollinger says of his 10 years in the NICU. ”Having been through the NICU with my own child, I understand how emotionally charged this environment can be. It’s not just about the baby; it’s about the parents navigating their own fears and uncertainties.”
Kangaroo Care in the NICU
One key aspect of fostering bonding, even amidst the clinical atmosphere of the NICU, is kangaroo care. “Skin-to-skin contact is incredibly beneficial,” he stated. “It stabilizes the baby’s heart rate and breathing, and it’s been shown to promote faster learning of feeding skills. For parents, it builds confidence and strengthens the emotional connection with a fragile baby that all the wires and tubes can challenge.”
Through it all, Dr. Salinas, Dr. Hollinger, and the entire NICU team remain steadfast in their commitment to both medical care and emotional support.
“Ultimately, our goal is to help families thrive,” he said. “By providing comprehensive care, we treat the medical conditions and support the parents in navigating this tumultuous journey.”
“It takes a village to raise a baby. It takes a small city to raise a NICU baby,” is one of Dr. Hollinger’s oft-repeated mantras. Each team member—from the doctors, nurses, therapists, and many more—contributes to a supportive environment that helps families transition from fear to hope.”
Like many in the NICU, Max’s story is one of resilience and love, underscored by the unwavering dedication of a team committed to healing both body and spirit in both babies and parents.
“It takes a village to raise a baby. It takes a small city to raise a NICU baby.”
The Hazzard Family
CORNUCOPIA BLOOMS
The History of the Horn of Plenty Fills
Thanksgiving Day Celebrations
ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY BARLOW
The cornucopia, or horn of plenty, symbolizes abundance and is believed to have originated in Greece nearly 3,000 years ago. According to Greek mythology, Zeus, while being cared for by the nurturing goddess Amalthea, accidentally broke off one of her horns, which then had the power to provide food without end. The horn motif can also be found in other classical cultures, from the Romans to the Vikings.
The word itself is derived from two Latin words: Cornu, meaning horn, and Copia, which means plenty.
The modern cornucopia, a horned-shaped basket or vessel, now honors a plentiful autumn harvest. Fashioned after the European and Asian straw baskets traditionally flung over the shoulders to keep hands free for harvest, this Thanksgiving table mainstay is the symbol of all we celebrate on Thanksgiving: Prosperity, Blessings, Abundance, Nourishment, Friends, Family, Gratitude, Faith and so much more.
Designer Ellie Golden of Abloom in Highlands Ranch curated this cornucopia using florals as their medium of choice. We see abundant autumn flowers, bright sunflowers, chrysanthemums, upright amaranthus, and mountain ash. Never one to limit themselves, the creative minds at Abloom integrated fresh kale, artichokes, gourds, trendy white pumpkins, and mountain berries.
Abloom
9325 Dorchester Street, Highlands Ranch abloomhighlandsranch.com
HOW TO: seasonal home scents
ARTICLE BY CELENA CISCO
Fall essential oil combinations provide a warm and cozy scent while also protecting from sickness prevalent in the colder season. Follow these oil combinations to create your own seasonal scent.
immune boost
DIRECTIONS :
Combine the following essential oils with a base oil (coconut oil).
M
SWEET
B E W E L L N E S S
INGREDIENTS:
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiseptic
• Lemon: Uplifts; Kills Bacteria Reduces Inflammation
• Oregano: Antimicrobial; Antioxidant
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing
HOW TO USE:
Apply to wrists or feet. Do not use it on your face.
home defender
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the following essential oils.
INGREDIENTS:
• Orange: Reduces Stress; Antimicrobial
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Black Pepper: Supports the Nervous System
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Rosemary: Reduces Stress; Helps with Respiratory Fatigue
HOW TO USE:
Fill the diffuser with water and apply the desired amount of drops.
STYLISH SENIOR LIVING AT
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
loaded hummus
This crowd-pleaser can be made in advance for easy entertaining.
hummus ingredients:
• 2 cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
• Juice from one lemon (or ¼ cup)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
toppings:
• Olives
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chickpeas
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Fresh Parsley
directions:
In a blender, add all of the ingredients except the olive oil and the toppings. Blend until smooth. Spread Hummus onto a plate or platter and top with chopped toppings. Serve with fresh bell peppers, zucchini, crackers and pita bread.
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions:
Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
PLAN. DESIGN. BUILD.
Transforming spaces through renovation, project management and design. Scan our QR Code or visit our website to learn more about what we do and see what our clients have to say about us.
NOVEMBER 2ND
HRCA Backcountry
Wilderness Half Marathon
Rocky Heights Middle School, Lone Tree | 9:00 AM
This 13.1-mile scenic trail run, presented by Royal Crest Dairy, utilizes the Douglas County East/West trail and the beautiful Highlands Ranch Community Association's Backcountry Wilderness Area trails. Challenging gravel and single-track trails push the limits on this gorgeous route through Highlands Ranch. This is the last installment of the 2024 HRCA Race Series. HRCAonline.org
NOVEMBER 9TH
Chili, Booze & Brews
North Wynkoop Building, LODO Head downtown for this friendly food and beverage competition featuring unlimited samples from Colorado craft breweries, small-batch distilleries, local restaurants, and hot sauces. Formerly known as Zach’s Chili Challenge, this event honors Zach, who was diagnosed and ultimately lost his fight with brain cancer. Zach’s aunt, Michelle Giancamilli, created the Chili Challenge in 2017, and the tradition continues in his loving memory, The event benefits The Morgan Adams Foundation to help kids, teens, and young adults with cancer. chiliboozeandbrews.com
NOVEMBER 11TH
Veterans Day Celebration
Douglas County Library, Highlands Ranch | 6:30 PM
Join the Highlands Ranch Metro District in honoring veterans at the Highlands Ranch Veterans Day Celebration. Arrive early to visit the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument, adjacent to the library. The monument is a tribute to three extraordinary hometown heroes
Contemporary Fine Art
whose names are etched in stone: Staff Sergeant Christopher Falkel, Sergeant Jon Stiles, and Corporal Max Donahue. highlandsranch.org
NOVEMBER 16TH
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Englewood High School
Don't miss Motion Dance Center's presentation of "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Experience Creative Director Helen Estrella's interpretation of this holiday tale told through dance, straddling the time between Halloween and Christmas. Enjoy performances by both eMotion company dancers and class participants. This on-theme recital showcases the creative choreography of Estrella and guest choreographers. Visit motiondancecenterco.com for more information.
NOVEMBER 28TH
Turkey Day 5k
Halftime Help Stadium
Turkey Day 5k is a South Metro Denver tradition. Held annually on Thanksgiving morning, it kicks off the holiday season with wellness in mind; this family-friendly 5k run/walk and Thanksgiving go handin-hand. This fun course serves serious runners and walkers of all levels. Baby strollers and canine buddies are all welcome, making this a great event for you, your family, and friends. raceroster.com
NOVEMBER 28TH
Schweiger Ranch Holiday Display of Lights
Schweiger Ranch, Lone Tree
Enjoy the first night of the annual holiday lights display at the historic Austrian homestead. Schweiger Ranch participates in the Colorado tradition of displaying holiday lights through the end of the National Western Stock Show. Enjoy the lights from the warmth and comfort of your car, or if you’re up for a winter evening walk, get a closer view using the East-West Trail. schweigerranch.org
