Parker, CO February 2025 by City Lifestyle

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Love Local, Love You!

Taking the month of February to highlight and share the local gems in our community is a genuine honor. With Valentine’s Day at our whim, we can take an intentional step to show our appreciation to those we love and care about. That includes the local businesses and artists that make our town of Parker so unique and beautiful. With the Colorado chill enticing us to wear big comfy scarves and winter jackets, I hope you find yourself feeling adventurous to explore the local shops in our town. With spots like Convict Coffee and The LOCAL to hidden nooks within Fika Coffeehouse, there is a cove for everyone to enjoy. I especially love visiting the library in Parker.

I was even more excited when Douglas County Libraries Staff Writer and Editor, Melissa Anciaux connected us with local Parker Librarian, Andrea Wyant. In this issue, she shares about her favorite reads and listens on her 2025 bookshelf. May the magic of cozy reads keep you warm this season.

As you continue to turn the pages we also highlight local artist, Dave Reiter as well as our very own treasured photographer, Abby Watkins. I hope their words encourage you to pursue your dreams as well as embrace life itself. The charm in our beautiful town of Parker is endless and it’s the people that make it so. That's you!

May you find February to be full of love and heartfelt moments. May you discover the little things that make you smile and the local spots that bring you joy. May you see that it’s you that makes each day magical in this beautiful community.

Always,

February 2025

PUBLISHERS

Joan Dameron | joan.dameron@citylifestyle.com

Jeni Fleck | jeni.fleck@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Cassandra Green | cassandra.green@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Abby Watkins | abby@abbywatkinsphotography.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kristen Gonzales

kristen.gonzales@kcrcopywriting.com

COPY EDITOR

Elizabeth Watson | watsonmarketingllc@yahoo.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Hoglund, Kristen Gonzales, Cassandra Green, Andrea Wyant

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hutch Tibbetts, Abby Watkins

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 Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn

Studio Space Conveniently Located in Castle Pines “I

Phone: 303-909-0466

Email: abby@abbywatkinsphotography.com Contact Me

business monthly

Ovest Via Ristorante Now Open

Ovest Via, a scratch kitchen by Parker hospitality powerhouse Pamela Briere, is now open in The Parker Hotel. Specializing in homemade pasta and inspired dishes crafted by Chef Victor Mira, this culinary gem brings bold flavors and artisanal creations to life. Ovest Via pays homage to Pamela’s first Parker restaurant, West Main, blending tradition and innovation. A true celebration of community and craft, Ovest Via promises an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Parker.

Local Author Available for Book Club Events

In her debut novel, retired teacher and business owner Melissa Simonye dramatizes her beloved grandmother's harrowing childhood, telling a riveting, true story about losing trust and gaining wisdom. Surviving Southwood Avenue: A Story of Family Secrets and Resilience is an inspiring novel of strength and perseverance that will appeal to fans of memoirs, historical fiction and drama. Local book clubs may request an appearance by Melissa Simonye through her website at www.MelissaSimonye.com

Regal Dog Training: Personalized, Professional Training for You and Your Dog

Regal Dog Training, newly established in the Parker area, brings over 10 years of professional experience in dog training. Owner, Lauren Marino, designs personalized training plans tailored to each dog's learning style and the client's objectives. With a focus on simplicity, Lauren utilizes minimal tools to achieve effective results. Services include private sessions and day training, ensuring that your dog receives consistent, personalized attention without the need for boarding.

Training Young Athletes for Excellence

Ingram Teaches Kids to Mentally Prepare for Sports Performance and for Life

Stacy Ingram coaches young athletes; not at a gym or pool, not on a field or court, but at a table for two at a local Starbucks. In fact, she can train her clients anywhere. Why? Because she trains the mind. She equips her clients for mental toughness to advance in their sport. Athletes and coaches often say that sports are 80% mental and 20% physical. Stacy’s specialty lies in the 80%.

Her practice is called Cultivate Your Courage and her current clientele are between 12 and 21 years old. Years ago she saw a need for young athletes to have mental and psychological support. “Kids start playing when they are like three years old and by the time they get to middle school and high school, they are pretty darn good. They are under a lot of pressure because most of them play year-round, and they have high expectations from their coaches, parents and themselves. They don’t have a lot of outlets for the pressure.”

Stacy is an impartial adult, not a coach or parent, but a safe place for kids to be vulnerable. She focuses on empowering her clients to excel at their sport and to gain confidence and a positive approach as they navigate life, developing her kids to become what she calls, ”their best self.”

ARTICLE BY JULIE HOGLUND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“Kids are very hard on themselves and don’t have the skills and tools to understand how to adjust their nervous systems, how to adjust what’s happening in the brain, how to diffuse their emotions, and the skills to help them calm down when they have huge anxiety and feel pressure. They aren’t taught any of these skills. What we work on is all of that!” Stacy explains.

She meets with her kids at a coffee shop, in their homes, her office and over Zoom. She starts with an initial consultation for the athlete and their parents. If they all agree it’s a good fit, she develops a tailored plan, specific to that person. Her program is called IMPACT and she uses key elements like identity building, resilience work, emotional regulation, goal setting and other tools. She treats the whole person using scientifically backed methods for success. Next, she starts meeting weekly with the client for a minimum of 12 weeks. Her kids use an app in between weekly sessions to reinforce the principles with brain exercises, motivational recordings,

Stacy

One of Stacy's Success Stories

visualizations and other resources. She teaches them to disarm pre-performance fears by having them mentally rehearse their event throughout the week. They create solutions if any possible glitches occur which reduces anxiety and gives them control.

Many of her clients continue to work with her after the 12 weeks; some during their season and others for tune-ups. One young baseball player continues to meet with her weekly for support and inspiration. She also offers coaching for athletes that are making a transition away from a future in collegiate and pro sports. “Their identity becomes tied up in their sport and stepping away is a big challenge for these athletes,” she tells me. Her goal is to help them through that change.

A young runner achieves a goal time

Stacy also offers services for executives and adults who want to make changes and grow. She worked in the corporate world for years and has extensive education in psychology and performance coaching.

“What’s important to me is to see my clients thrive mentally and emotionally. I want to see them enjoy what they’re doing. I’m giving them skills that can be used throughout their lives!’ she says enthusiastically.

More information is available at CultivatingYourCourage.net.

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OUR LOCAL gem

SUPPORTING LOCAL VENDORS AND CREATING A COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE IN DOWNTOWN PARKER

ARTICLE BY KRISTEN GONZALES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Stepping into The Local in downtown Parker immediately brings an overwhelming sense of community. Maybe it’s because most items are locally sourced from small business owners. Perhaps it’s finding food and unique gifts in the same space. It could be the fact that the store attracts locals as repeat customers while catering to tourists who want a treasure to remember their Colorado trip. Perhaps the combination of all three leads to the secret recipe of success for The Local in Parker’s quaint downtown atmosphere.

“We wanted a store that somebody from out of town could come in and find all kinds of unique things like souvenirs from Colorado to take home, but also a store that a local resident could shop in and find things that they like as well and just know that they’re locally made,” explains Jason Williams, owner of The Local in Downtown Parker.

For Jason and his family, it’s about creating a unique shopping experience and remembering the original mission of staying local. “I think that’s what’s different about us is just that focus on local, and when we opened the door, we literally put it on the front, so we gotta stay true to it.”

Jason and his wife, Jill Williams, have stayed true to their mission since opening their Parker location in August 2020. Their primary focus is on local vendors and supporting small businesses. Over 100 vendors are supported at the two locations Jason and Jill operate in Parker and Southlands and through the Parker, Southlands and Castle Rock farmer’s markets, proving that local support matters.

“Every vendor here has a different reason why they’re here,” Jason says. “Some,

Jason and Jill

it’s a little extra money. Some are starting a business and it’s the first place they can get into. Their goal is to grow that business into something bigger.”

Between buying the Parker Farmer’s Market in 2013, purchasing the Southlands Farmer’s Market a year later, and opening both the Southlands and Parker stores, Jill and Jason keep busy supporting local businesses. Open from Mother’s Day weekend until the end of October, the Parker Farmer’s Market, in particular, speaks to the community in a way that exceeds their expectations.

“There’s something about the community in Parker,” Jason muses. “This Farmer’s Market out of any of the markets or events we do, the community owns it… the people just kind of make it theirs.”

“I think people shopping here, it makes them feel good because they feel like they are supporting the cause.”

Jason believes that much of his success is attributed to the wonderful community of Parker and the positive vibe they emit. This shows through the thousands of people who come out to the markets, rain, snow, or shine, and the atmosphere inside the stores, which elicits a sense of happiness and community.

Clearly, the Parker community recognizes The Local as a gem in their town. Every individual

item is different, even between the two stores, and there’s no specific section where you’ll find all the candles or all the ornaments. Part of the ambiance is walking through the store to discover everything personally. As customers wander, they see the skill and mastery of local small vendors, and they feel like they are supporting that venture.

“I think people shopping here, it makes them feel good because they feel like they are supporting the cause,” Jason says. “There’s a hundred local small businesses in here that you’re supporting when you walk in.”

It all leads back to The Local’s passion for supporting local businesses. In addition to the stores and farmer’s markets, The Local hosts oneoff events like Fall Festivals and the holiday event they do every year in Castle Rock. All the events work to support local vendors and give them a space to market their products.

“It’s been great to establish all these relationships and work with these vendors to where they know if they’re doing one of our events, they’re working with somebody that has their best interest at heart,” Jason explains.

THROUGH THE ARTISTIC EYE OF HER CAMERA LENS

ARTICLE BY CASSANDRA GREEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY WATKINS

Abby Watkins Knows How to Bring a Photoshoot to Life and Capture Your Story

“The best advice I ever received was, ‘put your camera in manual mode and go out and get frustrated,’ and so that’s what I did,” Abby Watkins, head photographer at Abby Watkins Photography, LLC reflects on her first steps as a photographer.

It was her dream to be a photographer, but advice from her dad led her down the path toward becoming an elementary school teacher with a minor in Spanish. It wasn’t until Abby was established as a teacher, married and growing a young family that she revisited her original passion.

Abby’s husband, Jim, bought her a camera for Christmas in 2010 and that began a brand new era for her. She shares, “I just started playing around with it. If I didn’t know what something did, I would Google it and then I would take my camera out.”

Completely self-taught, looking back, she realizes that all the elements of photography and learning how to use a camera were the easiest part. The true treasure of her business is found in the stories and the people she finds herself honored to be around.

If you’ve ever met Abby, you know she carries a light and vibrance that makes you feel seen and cared about in the most beautiful of ways. I’ve had the opportunity to

join photo shoots, and watch her bring out the spark and passion in her clients. Only someone with an eye for people and a heart for their story can do that.

Abby loves working with kids and families. She shares, “The teacher in me… I love kids. Give me a cranky toddler. They’re my favorite in the history of ever! I love a challenge!”

When Abby is out on a photoshoot, she creates space for the story being told and she isn’t afraid of a vulnerable moment. “I love my clients,” she says. “We hug. Sometimes there’s tears. They go through life struggles. It’s really vulnerable when you get your picture taken.”

“You’re creating a story,” Abby recognizes the beauty in her work. “It’s a moment in time that is captured and you’ll never get that moment back.” That’s why when you walk into a photoshoot with Abby, she brings the fun!

Her perspective once everyone arrives is, “You’ve already done the hard work, let’s just have fun!” She smiles saying, “Once you get there with me, your outfits are what they are, your kids are either happy or cranky, the weather is going to do whatever it’s gonna do. That’s all stuff we can’t control anymore. What we can control is being there together, creating this story and having fun!”

Abby has been our staff photographer and head of creative photography for Parker City Lifestyle for over a year and the adventure with her gets more exciting each month. She brings the most beautiful moments to life.

Being around Abby makes you feel like anything is possible. When pursuing your dreams she encourages, “Never say no to an opportunity, always say yes and then figure it out. Everything is an adventure. Gotta keep you on your toes!”

Based out of Castle Pines, she specializes in portraiture: newborn, milestones, families, high school seniors, headshots, boudoir and branding. You can view her work at www.AbbyWatkinsPhotography.com

MEET ONE OF YOUR LOCAL LIBRARIANS, ANDREA WYANT!

Beyond the Stacks

ARTICLE BY ANDREA WYANT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HUTCH TIBBETTS, DOUGLAS COUNTY LIBRARIES

Librarian, Andrea Wyant

These are the books and stories I can’t wait to dive into this spring.

Andrea Wyant is the Collection Acquisition Supervisor at Douglas County Libraries. She’s a proud Parker resident and one of your local librarians.

Twenty years ago, I landed my first “big girl” job at Douglas County Libraries in Parker and I’ve been in love with this community—and this meaningful work—ever since. I have to give a special shout out to the former Storytime kids who now look me in the eye when I see them out and about, and to our teen volunteers who have grown into delightful, talented adults. We helped make that happen!

Today, I lead the team of librarians who select, purchase and manage all the wonderful things on our shelves. We are enamored with books, authors, BookTok and chocolate.

I wouldn’t be able to get to all of these books without my secret weapon: Libby, DCL’s pipeline for free ebooks and audiobooks. Audiobooks make adulting bearable— scrubbing the shower isn’t quite as dreadful with Rebecca Yarros in my ear.

Without further ado, these are the books and stories I can’t wait to dive into this spring.

All the Other Mothers Hate Me

By Sarah Harman (March)

A snarky retired pop star must protect her 10-year-old son when a classmate goes missing and suspicion begins to point in her son’s direction.

Slow Burn Summer

By Josie Silver (June)

Renowned mystery author Hugh Hudson channels his sorrow over his late wife into a heartfelt romance novel, releasing it under a feminine pseudonym. To promote the book, his publicist, Charlie Francisco, enlists struggling actor Kate Elliot to impersonate the author on the tour, drawing her into an increasingly complicated dynamic with both men.

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter

By Stephen Graham Jones (March)

A local author! This historical horror novel chronicles the life of a vampire who stalks the Blackfeet reservation in 1912. It is written as a diary from the Lutheran priest who takes his confessions.

Our collections librarians are always happy to share about what they are currently obessing over.

We continually update our lists - there is something for everyone!

My bookshelves are also bursting with books for my 11-year-old. She has already claimed a spot on the holds lists for these graphic novels—ideal for the strong, smart, and delightfully kooky kids in your life.

Stuck

By Kayla Miller (May)

This Click graphic novel follows Olive as she juggles friendships, a tricky class project and feeling overwhelmed. Can she help everyone without losing herself?

Cartoonists Club

By the white-hot Raina Telgemeier (April)

When a group of middle-school misfits discovers their shared love for drawing comics, they form an unofficial “Cartoonists Club.” Together, they tackle rivalries, creative blocks and the pressure of finding their unique artistic voices—one panel at a time.

Whether it’s books for yourself or the young readers in your life, Douglas County Libraries has you covered. Happy reading, Parker friends!

Record Your Soundtrack

Unleash your creativity in the Parker Library’s fully equipped, state-of-the-art recording studio! Perfect for podcasts, videos, music, marketing materials and more. Visit DCL.org/Reserve-A-Space.

Buzz-Worthy Play Space

The Plants and Pollinators children’s area sparks imagination, curiosity and learning through hands-on play. It’s sponsored by Tagawa Gardens.

A Storybook Holiday: Charlotte’s Garden Party

Celebrate the classic tale of Charlotte’s Web at our enchanting springtime celebration, with farm-themed crafts, activities, brunch and family-friendly fun galore. Sunday, April 6, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Tickets at DCL.org/ Featured-Events.

Must-See Authors

Douglas County Libraries regularly hosts bestsellers, local authors, children’s writers and more. Meet new or favorite authors at an upcoming event. Visit DCL.org

CONTINUED >

We are enamored with books, authors, BookTok and chocolate.

The Recording Studio

The New Children's Playscape

ORIGINAL LANDSCAPE AND ABSTRACT PAINTINGS

BY DAVE REITER

Representation:

The District Gallery, 5113 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

“Sunflower Dance” Oil on canvas over board, 20 x 30 in.

The Story Behind the Painting:

“These sunflowers were waving in the breeze. There was movement all around. Since sunflowers have traditionally been associated with positivity, happiness, cheer, good luck, health, and hope, my approach to this painting was direct and precise to coincide with the graceful and expressive act of dancing.”

For availability, prices, or to commission a unique piece, contact Dave: Text: 720-338-8843 | Web: davereiterart.com | Studio: 10200 Casey Lane, Parker, CO 80138

Let us help you spread inspiration at a Beautiful Cards for all of Life’s Journeys: Big and Small!

The Conversation Between Art and Artist

LOCAL ARTIST, DAVE REITER SHARES THE EVOLUTION AND MOVEMENT IN CREATING HIS OIL PAINTINGS

ARTICLE BY CASSANDRA GREEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY WATKINS

Local artist Dave Reiter has a passion for the story and connection that art brings. Graduating from the Colorado Art Institute, Dave found his artistic voice within the fine arts professionally in 2007. I had the opportunity to meet him at a coffee shop where he kindly brought a couple paintings to show me his work and process.

The coffee shop was glowing from the inside out and Dave’s paintings, Ever Changing But Always the Same and No Pretense, only added to the magic of the wintery evening.

“Everything is done in oils and all from original places I’ve been to,” Dave explains. “I’ve gone to [each] place physically… For colors and engagement with the landscape. All the pieces I do I’ve been there physically to engage with what I paint.”

He shares that two details really make his artwork unique. “First, I leave the edges undone. That is a very subtle thing. I do that with the texture, because I want to push the paint forward just ever so slightly,” Dave says. “The second is, I always share

the story or the inspiration behind the piece… I call it the stories behind the paintings.”

Sharing these stories is a beautiful detail that viewers can see on his website, within his ads and truly written on his countenance. Dave is a deep thinker and I would even argue there’s a poet in the midst of his paintbrushes.

He goes on, “On the texture side, when I’m painting I like to show the process. I don’t want to eliminate ‘the mistakes.’ I want to show that there was something else and then I altered it and changed it. For example,” he points out the sky in, Ever Changing But Always the Same, “this was more of a pink before the blue and I could have put the blue and covered all that pink but I wanted to show what was there before.”

These details add an evolution and movement within Dave’s pieces. The way he talks about the steps he takes makes you realize there is a relationship within it. “It comes from living with the piece… almost like having a conversation, and then it

evolves into a very living thing, a very active thing,” he describes.

Dave also does a lot of commission work. “I actually get a lot of joy out of [commissions] because it’s unique and it’s specific,” he says. “I will go and see the space because it helps me get the concept of where it is going … I put my whole heart and soul into making it the best that I can.”

Dave talks about the power of original artwork. He encourages, “If you’ve never purchased anything, get something small. Get to know the artist. Find out who they are… go to their art festival, gallery opening… ask the questions, what inspires them?” Dave loves to share his stories and adventurous pursuits. www.DaveReiterArt.com

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FEBRUARY 7TH

Maggiano's Denver Tech Center - Til Death Do Us Part Murder Mystery Dinner

Maggiano's Little Italy, 7401 South Clinton Street, Englewood, CO 80112 | 6:30 PM

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, but the wedding bells aren’t ringing for this not-so-happy couple when a member of the wedding party is murdered! With a raging bridezilla and an unenthused groom on the scene, it may be happily never after in this nuptial nightmare. Trade clues with your guests and help the hapless couple figure out whodunnit!

FEBRUARY 8TH

Love 'em or Leave 'em Valentine's Day 5K and 10K

Salisbury Equestrian Park | 10:00 AM

Will you embrace the holiday full of heart or will you run from Cupid? Either way, you're going to LOVE this fun and festive workout with family and friends...oh, and those pancakes!

FEBRUARY 28TH

Parker Symphony Orchestra: Everything Old is New Again

PACE Center, 2000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker, CO 80134 | 7:30 PM

Join the PACE Center to hear old classics transformed into new favorites. The Symphonic Metamorphosis by Paul Hindemith may at times sound familiar and it should, as this work has taken Carl von Weber’s themes and made them new again.