Castle Rock, CO August 2023

Summer Favorites!

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.

This issue is always one of my favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy that children bring to their families and the significant impact they make on their communities.

Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment and we are happy to highlight the best for Castle Rock’s kids in this issue.

Secondarily, who could forget pets? The special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love and the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility and companionship.

Although children are of infinitely more value, what children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention and intention shapes how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.

Cheers!

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Mel Miles | mel.miles@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Mary Abel | Mary.abel@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Callie Miller | Callie.Miller@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Matthew Harlan | castlerocklifestyle@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Glenna Hope, Mel Miles, Bailey Morris, Leann Parker

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mel Miles, Matthew Harlan, Alvan Nee, Leann Parker

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Time

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Cutest Baby Boutique: Cece & Rose Baby

Are you looking for the best place to spoil the new baby in your life? This sweet little shop has been in business since 2010. Located in the heart of historic downtown, you'll find them inside The Barn. The only problem we could find with this store is that we would like to see some of these styles in adult sizes! ceceandrose.com

Memories and Marshmallows OH MY!

Do you want to create the most beautiful summer evening roasting marshmallows and enjoying s'mores over your fire pit?  S’mormet Gourmet S’mores is our newest obsession!

You'll find a wide variety of flavored marshmallows, including espresso, chocolate peanut butter, black forest cherry, toasted coconut, rosemary lemon, Nutella and vanilla. They even have a S’morecuterie (perfect for summer events starting at $75)! To order and learn more, find them on Facebook!

Looking for a summer trip adventure with the family?

A visit to this popular berry farm is the perfect activity for getting out of town without having to drive to the plains. The 40-acre berry patch lets you pick your own strawberries, raspberries, currants, pie cherries, plums, basil, flowers, and pickling cucumbers through September. In addition to tons of produce, kids will love seeing the barnyard animals and farm equipment. berrypatchfarms.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/CastleRock

AUGUST

local experiences

Grab the kids, pack your bags and hit the town for some end of summer fun. Use our list for some family-friendly adventures that will do everything from raising your heart rate, excite the little ones, and create lasting memories together.

Photography

@lovely_may27 12

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO: Named the fourth best zoo in the nation. Explore award-winning exhibits, hand-feed the huge giraffe herd and walk among the free-roaming wallabies and penguins. 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO

MEOW WOLF DENVER: Convergence Station is an all-ages interactive art experience in the heart of Denver. Discover immersive psychedelic, mind-bending art as you step into a different dimension. 1338 1st Street, Denver, CO

SKATE CITY COLORADO: Family-, friend- and budget-friendly, this is the place to hang for all ages. Buy your summer membership for $10 and skate all summer for only $1 admission! 5801 S Lowell Way, Littleton, CO

BURGESS MEMORIAL POOL: Located next to Centennial Park, this is an old-school favorite for the Rock kids. The great vibe keeps this pool in high demand.  22 North Gilbert Street, Castle Rock, CO

MILLER ACTIVITY COMPLEX: This aerial ropes and obstacle course features four levels with over 100 challenges and zipline tours. You can have a full-day adventure if you want! 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock , CO

Ready for School

MERRYHILL PRESCHOOL IS DEDICATED TO TEACHING YOUNG CHILDREN THE NECESSARY SKILLS FOR FUTURE ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Merryhill Preschool, located at 4250 Trail Boss Drive in Castle Rock, has been serving students from six weeks old through pre-K since 2005. Merryhill Preschool’s signature Links to Learning preschool curriculum prepares students for kindergarten and beyond by tapping into a child’s readiness to learn with activities that are fun, challenging, and engaging.

The seven components of Links to Learning are Language and Literacy, Mathematical Thinking, Social-Emotional Learning, Wellness, Creative Expression, Scientific Exploration, and Citizens of the World. Throughout the day, students participate in a variety of activities that touch on all seven components, including exercising fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, learning about healthy choices through basic nutritional and safety concepts, practicing self-expression through music and art, recognizing and labeling emotions, sharing, and making friends.

“For nearly two decades, Merryhill Preschool has proudly been serving the Castle Rock community by combining learning experiences with structured play to help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally,” said Peyton Johnston, Principal at Merryhill Preschool in Castle Rock. “Our staff is full of passionate educators who are dedicated to providing a learning environment that fosters curiosity and creativity, and prepares students for their futures inside and outside of the classroom.”

In addition to the extensive curriculum, Merryhill Preschool also works to instill a sense of social responsibility in all students by participating in a variety of community initiatives throughout the year, including environmentally friendly activities on Earth Day, meeting with first responders and thanking them for their service, donation drives for local organizations, and more! Through these initiatives, students learn from a young age that they have the power to make a difference in the world.

Merryhill Preschool puts the child’s needs above all else and the entire staff is passionate about caring for and educating young children. The teachers are dedicated and constantly work to ensure every child is happy, thriving, and ready for what comes next. Family boards provide daily and weekly classroom updates, a monthly folder includes skills and goals, samples of a child’s work and ideas for activities to do at home, and the Links 2 Home app allows teachers to send daily reports and photos.

To learn more about Merryhill Preschool or to schedule a tour, visit merryhillcastlerock.com

“Our staff is full of passionate educators who are dedicated to providing a learning environment that fosters curiosity and creativity, and prepares students for their futures inside and outside of the classroom.”

—Peyton Johnston

The kids are back in school! Time to plan a trip with your besties and create lifelong memories

PLAN YOUR GREAT GIRLS' GETAWAY

Now that the kids are headed back to school, it’s time to start planning your next great getaway with your favorite gal pals. Girls’ trips are good for the soul. Coming into midlife, I know one thing for sure: Girls’ trips are good for your mental health and happiness and enrich your life . VeryWell Minds states friends do a lot more than give you a shoulder to cry on; they also have a positive impact on your health. Some research even says friendships are just as important to your well-being as eating right and exercising.

That’s why each year my closest friends and I plan an excursion away together. It is something we look forward to all year and spend a ton of time discussing and planning. It’s a celebration for us. A trip with the girls can be as glamorous or low-key as you like. Over the years, we’ve found that the stage of life we were in always led us to design the perfect kind of trip for that year.

My list of suggestions comes from years and years of girls’ trips, and this list is of my absolute favorites. I’ve included places to relax, explore, hike, regroup and reflect, hang or shop. Remember, at the end of the day it’s about spending time with the women who lift you up and

you can celebrate life to the fullest with. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your partners in crime and get your travel on!

LAKE TAHOE, NEVADA

We live in the Valley for a reason, so it’s no secret that getting out of town and heading to Lake Tahoe in the summer still allows you to do all your favorite activities in another beautiful part of the country. We rent a house by the lake so we can cook and get our chat on in the comfort of the same home. Sunbathe on the beach, rent a boat for some water skiing, or check out one of the fishing charters to help you reel in one of the big fish. Rent a kayak and explore the waters or get in a great workout on a standup paddle board. When you’re not enjoying the water, soak in the views from the top of a mountain. Hiking and mountain biking are both extremely popular activities in Lake Tahoe, and there are trails for ladies who work out at every level.

FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS

Fredericksburg was named as one of “13 Perfect Fall Girlfriend Getaways to Start Planning Immediately” by Southern Living . If you and your gal

pals love wine, this place is a must. Spend the day exploring Texas Wine Country. With more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms, you are sure to find your favorite. I can’t say enough about the downtown area and the plethora of photo opportunities. The place feels like a little fairytale town. Shop ‘til you drop! Block after beautiful block you will find fun, trendy boutiques, shops, and galleries offering a wide variety of unique treasures.

JACKSON, WYOMING

Love is an understatement when I talk about Jackson. The local scene was out of this world and we ladies didn’t have to buy any new outfits to fit in here like we lived here. We heard of a great in-town hotel called the Anvil Hotel. The converted motel is full of modern interpretations of cowboy culture and the wild west, from custom brass beds to moccasin-style slippers tucked next to each bedside table, and a lobby area with afternoon cocktails and meet and greets with other guests was super fun. A must stop is the Persephone Bakery. We went every day if that says anything at all. I almost asked my husband to just send the kids and my things because I wasn’t coming home.

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

First, my friends and I read WILD. Enough said. The main character’s journey through the Appalachian Mountains intrigued us with wanting to learn more about this mountain range in comparison to living in our beloved Rocky Mountains. This town was vibrant with some of the best BBQ at Buxton Hall, art district, and American Literature history. Don’t miss downtown for a day, The Biltmore Estates, and, if you have time, squeeze a day trip over to Weaverville and of course do a nice hike on the Appalachian Mountains.

SEDONA, ARIZONA

One year all of us were focused on our spiritual journeys as well as one of my friend’s family member’s tragic death; she needed to be surrounded by her friends in a peaceful and healing place. Sedona is widely known as one of the most spiritual places. As Visit Sedona explains, Sedona has developed a worldwide reputation as a place of enlightenment. This is home to a large community that promotes a variety of alternative healing and spiritual practices. There are wellness shops and boutiques scattered throughout the town. In addition, many of Sedona’s spas offer Native American-inspired treatments using indigenous materials like red rock clay and local plants. Anyone on a journey of self-discovery can find out more from expert practitioners through the Sedona Metaphysical Spiritual Association at sedonaspiritual.com.

AKUMAL RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

We have our favorite resort, and yes, it’s Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya. But truthfully, I’ve heard amazing things about other resorts in the area. We loved the all-inclusive vibe and we never fell short of activities to do—from excursions to Cenotes and snorkeling to tequila tastings and glorious spa treatments. Every night they had some adult-themed activity and we really enjoyed that it was an 18-and-up resort. It was beautiful anywhere on the property and felt like the ultimate escape a quick flight from the states.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Fun? You don’t need to look for fun here. It finds you! My friends and I found an adorable Airbnb and wouldn’t do it any other way. We were celebrating a few of our big birthdays and this was the town to do it in. There are endless brunch spots, cafes, bars, and so many great areas to shop around and explore. We loved Biscuit Love and I felt like I brought home a few extra pounds to prove it. Don’t miss Music Row. Nashville has such deep musical roots. So much so that entire blocks of record label offices, radio stations, and recording studios have been named Music Row. The nightlife is never ending, with live music at every turn and people ready to help you celebrate whatever occasion you are there for.

Lights, Camera, Action!

HOST A SUMMER

OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT WITH YOUR KIDS

Does your family love to watch movies together? Why not take your movie night to the great outdoors? There’s something magical about watching a film as the sun sets and the stars twinkle above. Hosting an outdoor movie night is easier than you might think, and it’s a fantastic way to bring family together for a memorable evening. Here’s a guide to help you create the perfect outdoor movie experience.

BUILDING THE SCREEN

You don’t need fancy equipment to set up an outdoor movie screen. With a few basic materials, you can create a collapsible DIY screen. All you need are PVC pipes and a plain white sheet. Simply assemble the pipes into a frame and attach the sheet securely. Voila! You have your very own movie screen.

THE PROJECTOR AND SOUND

To bring your movies to life, connect your laptop to a portable movie projector with speakers. Ensure you have an extension cord long enough to reach your desired setup location. For safety, plug everything into a surge-protected power strip. This setup allows you to enjoy high-quality visuals and sound under the starry sky.

CREATING A COZY ATMOSPHERE

Make your outdoor movie night a comfortable experience for everyone. Set up a cozy seating area with blankets, floor cushions, and even outdoor poufs or ottomans. If you prefer a more casual vibe, camp chairs work great too. Keep a few extra blankets on hand in case it gets chilly as the night progresses.

LIGHTING THE WAY

While the darkness adds to the ambiance, it’s essential to have some strategic lighting. Illuminate the food table area and mark the path to the house for bathroom breaks. String lights or solar-powered lanterns are perfect for creating a warm and inviting glow.

BANISHING BUGS

Pesky bugs can be a nuisance during outdoor gatherings. To keep them at bay, light up a few citronella candles or use citronella-soaked torches. These natural insect repellents can help create a bug-free zone. Additionally, provide bug spray for your guests’ convenience.

DELICIOUS MOVIE SNACKS

No movie night is complete without delicious snacks. Instead of the usual theater fare, take this opportunity to whip up some unique treats. Popcorn is a must-have, but you can also get creative with nachos, gourmet hot dogs, or themed snacks that tie in with the movie you’re watching. Don’t forget to set up drink coolers and snack stations using whatever you have around the house.

ENJOYING THE EXPERIENCE

An outdoor movie night provides a relaxed and low-fuss way to spend time with loved ones. The cozy setting, the starry sky, and the shared excitement of watching a film together create a truly special atmosphere. Encourage everyone to disconnect from their devices and immerse themselves in the cinematic experience.

Hosting an outdoor movie night is a delightful way to enjoy quality time with family and friends. With a DIY screen, a portable projector, comfortable seating, proper lighting, bug repellents, and tasty snacks, you can create a memorable movie night under the stars. So, gather your loved ones, grab a blanket, and get ready for an evening filled with laughter, popcorn, and fantastic movies. It’s time to make memories that will last a lifetime. Lights, camera, action!

BEST FAMILY MOVIES FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY

Mary Poppins

The Karate Kid

The Wizard of Oz

Matilda

Enchanted

The Sandlot

Annie

The Parent Trap

Dolphin Tale

The Mighty Ducks

Cool Runnings

The Princess Diaries

Rudy Newsies

Finding Nemo

All Harry Potter Movies

Miracle

Frozen

Princess Bride

The Secret Life of Pets

"I think cinema, movies, and magic have always been closely associated. The very earliest of people who made film were magicians."

—Francis Ford Coppola

A STORY TO TELL

AMANDA MCKOY FLANAGAN SHARES HER STORY OF LOSS AND LOVE IN HER DEBUT BOOK

A native New Yorker turned Castle Rock resident, Amanda McKoy Flanagan takes a pragmatic, yet soulful, approach to loving and losing. She is no stranger to either, which she shares in her debut book, Trust Yourself to be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go

“I never had a lifelong dream to write a book, even though I’m an English major,” Amanda says. “I’ve always been interested in the written word and communication, and I also have a master’s degree in social work as well.” But Amanda’s children were older a couple of years ago, and she began to think about the next chapter in her life. “I was thinking about my education, my natural abilities, and

what I’m passionate about. And I wanted to bring all those things together. Then, I was out running one day, and it just kind of hit me—I was going to write a book.”

Trust Yourself to be All In is an honest and raw memoir that describes in heartbreaking detail what Amanda calls the “false myth of generational family dysfunction”—that everyone leaves you or hurts you. Compounded by the trauma of losing her brother to an overdose, Amanda says, “I shined up the emotional armor I wore to protect myself from pain and soldiered on.” After a decade of self-reflection and personal growth in 12-step recovery, she experienced a spiritual awakening that radically transformed deeply engrained lies about love, loss, and connection.

Amanda is also an inspirational speaker and co-founder of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Castle Rock Clubhouse, a recovery clubhouse that serves as a meeting space for various twelve-step programs, Amanda is passionate about sobriety, meditation, and spirituality. Learn more at amandamckoyflanagan.com .

ENJOYING SUMMER

In the moments between fishing in our pond and swimming in the pool, our family will celebrate birthdays and have outdoor parties. True to form, I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way. My beach ball garland is a spin-off of the traditional balloon garland. Everyone uses balloon garlands… so let’s make one out of beach balls instead! Everyone serves a birthday cake… how about one carved out of a watermelon for a crazy twist?? I hope you join me in the making of these fun additions to a party!

Beach Ball Garland

Have you ever noticed that when blown up, beach balls have a little plastic loop that forms where they are blown up and sealed?  It makes for the perfect place to string twine through and use as an outdoor “balloon” garland! String it up, add some extra beach balls to the pool or yard and you have all the party decorations you need!

Materials

• 2 packs of assorted sized beach balls (assorted 20”, 16” and 12” for a total of 36)

• 1 pack of mini beach balls (5” sized, total of 25)

• Thin rope or twine

• Air pump

Instructions

1. Using an air pump, blow up all the beach balls... It takes a while!

2. Arrange inflated beach balls in a line on the ground, alternating sizes as you go.

3. Starting on one end, thread your string or twine through the blow loop of each beach ball until you reach the end.

4. Tie each end of your beach ball garland to a post or tack to a wall.

Watermelon Cake

A cake that you could eat for breakfast! Made only of fruit and (if you want to go real crazy) some fresh mint and whipped cream too. A few years ago we started making watermelon cakes for our summer birthday celebrations due to one of our little ones suffering from food allergies. In order to make a cake that even she could enjoy, the watermelon cake was born in our lives. Even if you don’t have family or guests with food allergies, this cake is a thriller and loved by all!

Ingredients

• 2 large watermelons

• Assortment of berries and fruit

• 4 wooden skewers

• Toothpicks

• Whipped cream (optional)

• Fresh mint (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep both watermelons by cutting off the rinds and sculpting to create a cylinder shape with a flat top and bottom. Make the bottom cylinder bigger and the top cylinder slightly smaller.

2. Stack your smaller watermelon on top of the larger using wooden skewers to support the center.

3. Use assorted berries and fruit to decorate the outside of your watermelon cake. For the sides of the cake, use toothpicks to help the berries stay in place.

4. Serve alone or with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.

“I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way.”

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

National Night Out

PHILIP S MILLER PARK

Castle Rock Police Department is throwing a party. National Night Out was created to help foster positive relationships between police departments and the residents they serve. In addition, there will be plenty of giveaways for kids! Castle Rock Police will also be manning the grills, serving up free hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks to attendees. crgov.com/nightout

Palmer Lake Wine Festival

PALMER LAKE RECREATION AREA

Spend your day in the hidden gem of Colorado, beautiful Palmer Lake, enjoying generous wine tastings from 25 Colorado wineries. Listen to live music and enjoy food and gift vendors while sampling delicious wines and enjoying the beautiful views. All attendees will receive a free Palmer Lake Wine Festival souvenir tasting glass and wine tote! palmerlakewinefestival.ticketspice.com/palmer-lake-wine-festival

Vino in the Village: A Wine and Whiskey Walk

VILLAGE SHOPS AT CASTLE PINES

Vino in the Village is back and better than ever! The 2022 event sold out, so be sure to get your tickets now. Those who attended in the past know that this event is a five-star experience and a great way to entertain clients and friends at a reasonable price in an absolutely beautiful setting.

Taste of Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY EVENTS CENTER

Join from 5 pm–8 pm at the Douglas County Events Center. Located on the grounds of the Douglas County Fair in Castle Rock, this indoor, air-conditioned facility offers the perfect venue for an event of this type. The Taste this year will once again offer food samples from dozens of area restaurants and food service establishments, beverages from Pepsi and live entertainment.

Tunes for Trails / Perks for Parks: The Radio Band

AMPHITHEATER AT PHILIP S. MILLER PARK

Celebrate the summer season and participate in a good cause with the Tunes for Trails / Perks for Parks free concert series. Gates open at 5:30 pm; the concert will begin at 6:30 pm. Food and alcohol are available for purchase. While this is a free event, donations will be accepted for the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation.

34th Annual Colorado Artfest at Castle Rock

FESTIVAL PARK

The weekend after Labor Day, the Castle Rock Chamber hosts this annual juried fine art show with artists from across the country. The Annual Colorado Artfest has become a summertime tradition for residents and art enthusiasts alike. Enjoy continual live main-stage entertainment featuring popular musicians, interactive exhibits for the kids, fabulous food/beverages and so much more!

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/CastleRock

Fun Tricks To Teach Your Puppy

A list of exciting new tricks to teach your puppy

We created a list of some fun tricks to teach your puppy! Whether you just welcomed a new furry friend into your home or you’re teaching an old dog new tricks, you and your pet are sure to have a fun time! Spending time playing and training with your pet makes for a great bonding experience! Don’t forget to reward them with some delicious dog treats when they successfully do a trick. My pup’s personal favorite treats are chicken, peanut butter, and carrots. We hope you and your pup have a great time learning the tricks on this list!

SPEAK

Get your dog to bark naturally (try ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door). Once they bark, say ‘speak’ and reward them.

STAY

Have your dog sit and then tell them to stay. Hold your hand out with your palm toward their nose in the stop position. If they hold the position for a second or two, praise them and reward them with a treat. Keep repeating this and gradually having them stay longer.

SHAKE

Hold your hand out in front of your dog. Your dog may do some experimenting trying to figure out what you want. Once they put their paw in your hand, immediately praise and reward them.

more delight

more relaxation

You don’t have to choose to savor, splash, play, and explore – you can have it all during your summer of more at Gaylord Rockies.

EXPERIENCE MORE AT GaylordRockies.com

more excitement