Centennial, CO February 2026

GET INSPIRED EAT & DRINK

SHOP LOCAL

From our founding in 2000 to today, Centennial’s success has been guided by dedicated leadership and a shared commitment to our community.

This celebration marks more than an anniversary– it highlights decades of collaboration, innovation, and civic pride that continue to shape Centennial and strengthen the community we call home. Thank you for being a part of it!

Follow our 25-year birthday celebration at centennialco.gov/25years.

Commerce is committed to supporting strong communities.

Strength of community is a hallmark of Centennial, and of Commerce Bank. For more than 160 years, Commerce Bank has committed to shaping strong and resilient communities through meaningful relationships and innovative programs, here in Centennial and beyond.

Our team members are the driving force behind this vision – sharing their time, skills and knowledge to make a difference – whether by volunteering for charitable organizations or supporting causes that create lasting impact.

In 2025, we were honored to collaborate with our community in several ways.

Volunteering in the community.

Commerce Bank gives every team member 8 hours of paid time off to volunteer each year, and we’re proud to say many team members go beyond that, volunteering on nights, weekends or days off.

In 2025, team members made two visits to Ronald McDonald House to prepare meals for more than 50 family members of children receiving treatment for illnesses.

They also organized school supplies at the Denver Public Schools Back to School Bash, equipping nearly 2,300 students with resources to start the school year prepared and confident. Additionally, they prepared breakfast for families at Brent’s Place, the long-term home away from home that supports individuals receiving treatment for life-threatening illnesses.

Nonprofit board leadership & engagement.

Beyond hands-on service, several Commerce team members contribute to the community through leadership roles with local nonprofit organizations.

Darren Lemkau, president and CEO of Commerce Bank – Colorado, sits on the board of Brent’s Place. “Even a common cold can be bad for these kids who are immunocompromised because of their treatments, so the safe, clean housing that Brent’s Place provides is truly critical.”

Commerce senior vice president Robin Wandschneider-Stiegelmar currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Colorado Dental Association Foundation (CDAF), an organization dedicated to advancing access to oral healthcare.

“When people have access to basic healthcare, including dental care, they’re better able to show up for their families and their futures,” she said. “At Commerce, we believe in helping people focus on what matters most, and expanding access to care is foundational to that mission.”

Commerce team members showed their support by volunteering at CDAF’s annual golf tournament and electronics recycling fundraiser.

Philanthropic investment.

We’re proud to financially support organizations making meaningful differences in the communities where we work and live.

This year, Commerce sponsored the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, an award-winning program that teaches young people about the power of entrepreneurship, at the Centennial Chalk Art Festival, where we awarded cash prizes to the top three youth businesses as determined by public vote.

At our Aurora branch, the “Jeans for Joy” initiative — started in 2008 — encourages employees to contribute $2 in exchange for wearing jeans on Fridays. Their 2025 contributions supported The Salvation Army.

A shared commitment to community.

By combining professional talents with philanthropic investment and heartfelt dedication to service, Commerce is creating lasting, positive change in Centennial and Greater Denver — a place we’re proud to call home.

With Heart, XO XO

Dear Readers,

There’s a message that carries through this entire issue: look at everything you’ve been through...and notice that you’re still showing up. That matters. You’ve learned, you’ve grown, and you keep getting up every day. You’ve taught others more than you probably realize, and you’ve inspired people simply by being yourself.

I’ll be honest... I started this year feeling off-bal ance. Thinking I wasn't where I needed to be, maybe it was being consumed with systems, admin, and behind-the-scenes work. I was in my head, overthinking everything, and forgetting why I started this in the first place.

Then I went to my first Chamber event of the year and surrounded myself with people who genuinely support the community...people who uplift others and show up with good energy and BOOM, my energy was refilled.

That same week, three different people stopped me to tell me I’d inspired them, or that the magazine continues to impress them month after month. It stopped me in my tracks. Because when you’re busy doing the work, it’s easy to forget that people are paying attention. That what you’re building matters. Don't forget why you started doing, what you're doing in the first place.

We all have moments where we feel down or off our game. We just have to remember,  there is always someone watching. Learning, feeling encouraged, or finding inspiration through you. When doubt creeps in, find the people who uplift you....and tell them. They may need that to uplift them.

Our Love + Local issue highlights local leaders like Jimmy Bemis, owner of Basketball Social House, and Katherine and Dr. Josh Chow, of Ohana Direct Primary Care. Basketball Social House brings art, movement, and connection together in a creative, inclusive space, while Ohana puts relationships back at the center of healthcare, treating patients like people, not numbers.

You’ll also meet Madison Maidenberg from Love Is Blind , filmed here in Colorado. Her story inspired me and reminds us that real love starts within—by choosing yourself and trusting your voice.

This magazine exists for one simple reason: to connect, spotlight what’s good here, and bring people together through stories that feel real.

With Heart, XO XO

MEGAN DE LA ROSA , PUBLISHER @CENTENNIALCITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Megan De La Rosa | megan.delarosa@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Valerie Bianculli, Cassidy Ritter, Megan De La Rosa, David Simonson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Elliot Steinberg and MAM Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

CENTENNIAL NIGHTS

city scene

1: Smiles, style, and celebration as the Eden Health Club team gathers for their FaLaLa Laser event and Moxi Laser launch. 3: Madison Maidenberg and Felicia Hernandez attend Eden Health Club’s FaLaLa Laser event, celebrating community & collaboration. 4: Celebrating Stephanie Piko's Birthday at Branch and Barrell 5: Celebrating the Lion and Dragon Festival at Mt. Fuji Sushi & Hibachi, hosted by Lilly at The Streets at SouthGlenn. 7: Marissa Firstenberg celebrates the Lion and Dragon Festival at Mt. Fuji Sushi and Hibachi.

SKIP THE DEALERSHIP

Our friendly, expert auto brokers will help you get the right new or used vehicle, at the best price, in the simplest way possible. From researching and finding vehicles that meet your criteria to scheduling convenient test drives and deliveries, we’re here to provide “Your BEST Automotive Buying Experience.” Read our reviews to learn more!

FIRST CLASS SERVICE

Jeff Snyder and Aimee Ferris are here to provide personalized automotive guidance throughout the entire process to save you time and eliminate stress. Stop getting the runaround at dealerships where you have to deal with salespeople, managers, and the finance office. Work with one auto broker who has your best interests at heart and can get you almost any vehicle.

ANY NEW OR USED CAR

At Centennial, you have a variety of new and used vehicles at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking for your first car, your dream car, or a fleet of trucks, Jeff and Aimee can help! Once you’ve found your perfect car, they’ll help you decide if leasing or purchasing is best for you. Our unbiased approach eliminates pressure and makes getting a car enjoyable!

business monthly

Centennial Celebrates 25 Years

Centennial celebrates 25 years of community, growth, and connection this February. Since incorporation in 2001, the City of Centennial has grown into a place where families thrive and local businesses flourish. It’s a milestone worth celebrating—and a reminder of why we love living, working, and supporting local in Centennial, as we look ahead to the future.

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Centennial Nights 2026 Brings Businesses Together

This February marks the launch of Centennial Nights, a new community driven experience created through a collaboration between Centennial City Lifestyle and The Basketball Social House. Designed to unite businesses from across Centennial, Centennial Nights reflects a growing movement toward collaboration, shared visibility, and meaningful connection. Taking place February 21, Centennial Nights highlights the power of local businesses coming together to create meaningful connections within the Centennial community.

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artma Celebrates 25 Years of Art, Community & Giving

This February, Centennial celebrates a milestone event with artma , a beloved art auction benefiting kids with cancer. Now marking 25 years, artma brings together artists, entrepreneurs, and local businesses for an unforgettable night of creativity and philanthropy at The Streets at SouthGlenn. Produced by The Morgan Adams Foundation, the event showcases the heart of our community, where local business support, art, and purpose come together to make a lasting impact.

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ART & SCIENCE

Advanced eye care is complex and requires knowledge, skill, and experience.

COLORADO EYE CONSULTANTS is committed to delivering compassionate and quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Using the latest technology and innovative practices, our doctors dedicate themselves to excellent outcomes, every time. For more than forty years, the Colorado Eye Consultants team has been caring for patients and changing lives.

To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404.

SCAN ME

1501 West Mineral Avenue | Suite 100 | Littleton, CO 80120 ColoradoEyeConsultants.com

Basketball AND BEYOND

ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAM PHOTOGRAPHY

Where Basketball, Food & Art Collide

From the outside, Basketball Social House doesn’t announce itself loudly. Tucked away in a strip mall, it could easily be mistaken for just another neighborhood spot. But step through the doors, and the experience unfolds in layers... art-lined hallways, soaring ceilings, the hum of conversation, the echo of basketballs on polished courts, and the unmistakable energy of a place doing something entirely its own.

“It’s really hard to explain until you come in,” says Jimmy Bemis, co-founder of Basketball Social House. “I always tell people, you just have to come in. Once you see it, you kind of get it.”

That sense of discovery is no accident. Basketball Social House was built on the idea that people today aren’t just looking for a place to eat or drink, they’re looking for an experience. And in a world filled with pickleball clubs, immersive golf lounges, and reimagined entertainment spaces, Bemis saw a glaring gap.

“Nobody’s ever done this with basketball,” he says. “You’ve got Topgolf, you’ve got pickleball, baseball, everything else. But basketball is a gigantic market, not just here in the U.S., but internationally. And no one had really figured out how to build an experience around it.”

Bemis didn’t come from hospitality, at least not originally. He spent more than two decades in financial services before making a pivot that would ultimately change the trajectory of his career. Along the way, Bemis found himself immersed in food, beverage, and entertainment, and unexpectedly captivated by it.

“I realized people were moving away from traditional restaurants and into experiences,” he says.

At the same time, Bemis and his business partner were experimenting with a basketball skills competition concept. As the events grew, so did the vision.

Basketball Social House defies easy categorization, and Bemis is careful about how he frames it.

“When people hear ‘Basketball Social House,’ they think basketball comes first,” Bemis says. “So they expect concession food. That’s been our biggest hurdle.” First and foremost, Bemis emphasizes, Basketball Social House is a bar and restaurant. “And a really good one,” he adds.

Initially, the menu leaned heavily into trendy, unexpected offerings. “We were doing Korean bao buns and some really cool foodie things,” he says. “But it was a little too unexpected for the clientele.” The solution wasn’t to simplify, it was to refine.

“Now, whatever we do is on trend for a traditional bar and grill, but we do it really well,” Bemis explains. “We just make sure we’re the best in the area.” The approach is intentional... slightly lower prices than competitors, significantly higher quality.

“If we’re going to do something,” he says, “it has to be excellent.”

If you spend time at Basketball Social House, the food becomes part of the conversation, often unexpectedly so.

“My favorite is the pear and goat cheese salad with grilled chicken,” Bemis admits. “I get it with ranch, I’m usually more on the healthy side.”

"Nobody's ever done this with basketball. You've got Topgolf, you've got pickleball, baseball, everything else. But basketball is a gigantic market."

Weekend brunch has become a draw of its own, with dishes like the breakfast burrito, next-level chicken and waffles drizzled with sriracha honey, and a standout avocado toast. “We have a little bit for everybody,” he says. “And that’s important.”

As guests move through the space, they’re met with something unexpected: art. Not as decoration, but as identity. “When you walk through the facility, it’s like walking through an art gallery,” Bemis says. The idea evolved organically. A chance conversation with the owner of Black Book Gallery sparked a collaboration that now defines the space. “He said, ‘I have all this artwork but nowhere to display it. Why don’t you let me display it here?’” Bemis recalls. “And I thought, that’s amazing.”

The main hallway now rotates curated pieces from artists across regions and styles. Beyond that, Basketball Social House has become a platform for local, female, and minority artists. “We really wanted to give people an opportunity to showcase their work,” Bemis says. “It’s always changing. Every time an artist comes to us, we’re like, yes let’s find a space.”

The building itself plays a role in the experience. From the outside, it’s unassuming. Inside, it’s expansive. “You walk in and it doesn’t look that big,” Bemis says. “And then you realize it’s 22,000 square feet.” Guests pass through art-lined corridors before emerging into the main bar and restaurant, where Bemis says he can always spot first-time visitors. “They just stop,” he laughs. “They’re looking around like, ‘I don’t know what this place is.’” That moment of surprise is exactly the point.

“I wanted it to feel like a hidden warehouse, a speakeasy,” Bemis explains. “That downtown vibe, but without the hassle of being downtown.” In the early days, Bemis imagined Basketball Social House as an open, community-driven gathering place. Reality required some recalibration. “People need a little more structure,” he says candidly.

“That’s where the themed nights and social events came from,” he says. From live music and trivia to large-scale corporate gatherings, the space adapts fluidly. A standout event this winter is the Centennial Casino Night Gala on February 21. “I really wanted to celebrate all the businesses in Centennial,” Bemis says. “People overlook

"People need a little more structure. That's where the themed nights and social events came from. From live music and trivia to largescale corporate gatherings, the space adapts fluidly. I really wanted to celebrate all the businesses in Centennial."

it sometimes. But I have this facility where I can bring everyone together and highlight what’s great about this community.”

When pressed for a simple explanation of the space, Bemis pauses. “The easiest way to describe it is to say we’re like the Topgolf of basketball,” he says. “That makes the connection.” But the differences are what matter most. “Nobody just hangs out at Topgolf for dinner and drinks,” Bemis says. “Here, you can. That’s how good our bar and restaurant are.”

For those willing to walk through the door and see for themselves, Basketball Social House offers something rare: a place where sport, food, art, and community don’t compete, they coexist. Check Out The Basket Ball Social House:  7450 S University Blvd Suite 200, Centennial, CO 80122

ARTICLE BY MEGAN DELAROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLIOT STEINBERG

STILL

Choosing HERSELF

"CHOOSING MYSELF WASN’T ABOUT PROVING ANYTHING. IT WAS ABOUT SLOWING DOWN, LISTENING INWARD, AND LEARNING TO TRUST MY OWN VOICE AGAIN."

Loving yourself doesn’t always arrive in a big, cinematic moment. Sometimes it shows up quietly in the choices you make when no one is watching, in the pauses you allow yourself to take, in listening inward instead of pushing through. For Madison, choosing herself meant slowing down and listening inward. It meant rebuilding self-trust after a very public heartbreak, when outside opinions about her body, worth, and relationships threatened to drown out her own voice.

BEYOND LOVE IS BLIND, MADISON MAIDENBERG EXPLORES SELF-LOVE, BOUNDARIES, AND WHAT CHOOSING HERSELF TRULY MEANS.

“SLOWING DOWN CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR ME. I STOPPED RUSHING TOWARD CONNECTION AND STARTED LISTENING INWARD. TRUSTING MYSELF MEANT HONORING MY BOUNDARIES, PAYING ATTENTION TO HOW I FELT, AND LETTING CLARITY ARRIVE NATURALLY INSTEAD OF FORCING SITUATIONS THAT NEVER FELT FULLY ALIGNED. IT TAUGHT ME PATIENCE, SELF-RESPECT, AND CONFIDENCE I CARRY.”

HOW HAS LEARNING TO TRUST YOURSELF CHANGED THE WAY YOU MOVE THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS AND LIFE?

Trusting myself has changed everything. I don’t rush the way I used to. I pay attention earlier to how I feel in my body, to whether something feels calm or chaotic, aligned or forced. I no longer ignore discomfort just because something looks good on the outside. That shift has allowed me to approach relationships, work, and even daily decisions with more clarity. It’s not about being closed off; it’s about being present and letting things unfold naturally instead of forcing outcomes.

WHAT BOUNDARIES DO YOU PROTECT TODAY THAT YOU DIDN’T REALIZE WERE ESSENTIAL BEFORE?

One of the biggest boundaries I protect now is my time and energy. I’ve learned that not everything deserves immediate access to me. I also protect my emotional space — I don’t engage in situations that require me to shrink, over-explain, or prove my worth. These boundaries didn’t come from fear; they came from understanding myself better. They allow me to show up more fully, not less.

FOR WOMEN WHO MAY BE QUESTIONING THEIR WORTH, THEIR BODIES, OR THEIR INSTINCTS — WHAT DO YOU WANT THEM TO HEAR RIGHT NOW?

You don’t need to prove anything to be worthy. Your instincts are there for a reason, and you’re allowed to listen to them. You’re allowed to slow down, to change your mind, and to choose yourself , even when it doesn’t make sense to everyone else. Loving yourself isn’t selfish; it’s grounding. And trusting yourself might be the most important relationship you ever build.

Spending time with Madison doesn’t feel like sitting across from someone you’ve seen on TV. It feels more like girl talk, the kind of conversation where you’re catching up, settling in, and realizing how open it feels almost right away.

Yes, her story played out in front of cameras. But what drew me in most wasn’t the visibility. It was everything that came after.

“There’s a part people don’t see,” she shared. “When it’s over and you’re left alone with everything you felt.”

The part where life keeps moving, emotions linger, and you’re left figuring out what was real, what was noise, and who you want to become after it all.  She talked about how disorienting it was once everything played out publicly. When the cameras stopped, but real life didn’t. Suddenly, it was quiet. No edits. No commentary. Just you and your thoughts. She didn’t shy away from how heavy that felt. Being on Love Is Blind changed how Madison learned to listen to herself. That experience taught her to go inward and drown out the noise, especially when outside voices grew loud. When opinions came fast and heavy, she learned to get quiet. But that quiet wasn’t about pulling back or disappearing. It was clarity. And loving herself didn’t have to stay quiet either. It became a steady sureness that showed up through habitual actions and the boundaries she kept, the pace she chose, the standards she no longer negotiated. Over time, she realized that how she treated herself set the tone for everything else. When we show people how we love ourselves, they follow suit. We teach people how to treat us. Not everything she took from the experience was heavy. Some of the truest love she found came through friendship. The women she met. The bonds that formed through shared experience. Madison talked about how real that felt, and how being surrounded by people who truly understood her mattered more than she expected.

What came next wasn’t loud.

She began slowing down, paying attention to how things felt instead of how they looked. She learned to notice the difference between calm and chaos, and to stop rushing toward anything just to feel settled.

Trust didn’t return all at once. It showed up gradually, listening to herself again, honoring discomfort earlier, and allowing things to unfold instead of forcing them.

Boundaries came up naturally in the conversation. Not as rules, just awareness. Madison reflected that the longest relationship we have is with ourselves,  and when we love ourselves first, it creates space for others to love us too.

She also spoke honestly about the impact of words. How comments and opinions can cut deeper than people realize, especially after something plays out publicly. Comments about her body were some of the hardest to shake, and learning to tune out that noise became part of her healing.

Learning what to hold onto and what to release became part of her growth.

“I used to think choosing myself meant losing something,” she said. “Now I see it as creating room for what actually fits.”

That line stayed with me.

Because what makes Madison’s growth so relatable isn’t how big it is. It’s how normal it feels. She’s not chasing a version of herself. She’s not trying to get anywhere. She’s just paying attention now.

By the end of our conversation, she said something simple. She’s loving herself unapologetically now. Not loudly. Not for show. Just honestly.

And that is the love that matters the most.

To follow along with her journey, find @madisonvm on Instagram.

LOVE IS OHANA

At Ohana Medical Direct Primary Care, Patients Are Treated Like Family.

ARTICLE BY CASSIDY RITTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLIOT STEINBERG

“Ohana” means family, and according to Disney’s Lilo & Stitch , family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.

That motto is at the heart of Ohana Medical Direct Primary Care , a primary care clinic in Centennial.

“The philosophy of Ohana [Medical] is that I treat my patients like I would treat my own family.”

— Dr. Josh Chow

Husband-and-wife duo Dr. Josh Chow and Katherine Chow opened the practice in October to provide personal, attentive, and human care to people in and around Centennial.

“We opened an office in Centennial, where we live, so we could care for the people in our own community,” Katherine says.

Ohana Medical is a membership-based primary care practice built around relationships and accessibility. By operating outside of traditional insurance, the model allows for more time with patients, easier access to care, and a focus on long-term health rather than rushed visits.

Dr. Josh has worked as a direct primary care physician since he finished residency a little over six years ago. The practice he previously worked at was sold to a corporation. This was a tipping point in his career because working for a corporation and the changes taking place at the business were no longer consistent with his personal

philosophy and emphasis on having a relationship with patients.

So, Dr. Josh and Katherine, who have been married for 12 years and have three children, set out to build Ohana Medical as a family-owned and -operated practice that puts people first.

“Part of the philosophy of Ohana [Medical] is that I treat my patients like I would treat my own family,” Dr. Josh says. “I don’t want my patients to feel like they aren’t heard or that their problems are left behind or forgotten or brushed off.”

The couple knew they would work well together, too, and balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Katherine, who is the office manager, is great at communicating, networking, and multitasking. Whereas, family physician Dr. Josh is an introvert, a thoughtful doer, and a problem solver.

“I know Josh very well, and I often know what he’s thinking,” Katherine says. “Working together just makes sense.”

ACCESSIBILITY AND INSURANCE

As Dr. Josh and Katherine worked to open Ohana Medical, the two often discussed what an ideal direct primary care facility would look like. Topics they kept coming back to were availability, accessibility, and insurance.

They, like most families with little ones, were not immune to weekend emergency room or urgent care visits because their pediatrician wasn’t available.

“When the kids were smaller, and I had questions, I could never reach the pediatrician, and every time I called, it was an MA that would answer my question,” Katherine recalls. “But here, when you call, it’s either me or Josh. … He is basically on call 24/7.”

Operating as a direct primary care clinic with a limited number of patients allows Dr. Josh to help patients when they need him. It’s a service he’s happy to provide, too.

“When I’m able to help address the issue at those [unique] times, they’ll tell me that I was able to save them from an ER visit or an urgent care visit. … When I think about those moments, I don’t mind being on call,” he says, even if it’s in the middle of the night.

As a direct primary care practice, work for the Chows doesn’t always stop when the clinic doors close for the night. Patient questions and concerns often carry over into their home life, but the Chows say it isn’t a problem because their mindset has been and always will be to treat patients like family.

Even when patients aren’t calling, the Chows are thinking of ways to help them.

“It’s just like with family, you call them and ask, ‘How are you doing?’” Katherine says.

Before opening Ohana Medical, the couple also discussed medical insurance and how it “doesn’t seem to work well for anyone except the insurance company,” Dr. Josh shares.

“Doctor’s offices sometimes have difficulty getting reimbursed for visits,” he says. “Our patients who have insurance and who are using it at their visits at a traditional practice still have expensive copays and sometimes surprise bills.”

At Ohana Medical, patients don’t receive surprise bills. Instead, they pay a flat monthly fee for access to Dr. Josh when they need him.

“We opened an office in Centennial, where we live, so we could care for the people in our own community.” — Katherine Chow, co-owner and office manager at Ohana Medical

COMMUNITY LOVE

Ohana Medical isn’t just for individuals and families either. The practice also works with small businesses that want to offer direct primary care as an employee benefit rather than traditional health insurance.

“Many small businesses aren’t able to offer traditional health insurance because of how expensive it is, and business owners often struggle to find affordable coverage for themselves as well,” Katherine says.

So, Ohana Medical offers discounted rates for small businesses. Katherine says this is a way for Ohana Medical to support the local community and help small business owners.

The Chows plan to get more involved in the Centennial community, too. They hope to host a local run, sponsor sports teams, and work with small gyms to excite people about their health and wellness.

To learn more about Ohana Medical, visit https://www.ohanadpc.com

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Date Night Done Right

Date night should be exciting, adventurous, and NOT BORING.

Centennial delivers on all three.

ARTICLE BY DAVID SIMONSON

Dinner and a movie? Put at least a little energy into it and have some fun while you’re at it. Date night should be exciting, fun, adventurous, and most importantly NOT BORING! Here’s some ideas that range from one end of the spectrum

to the other, but if you think it’s something else let us know so we can dive in and experience it as well! Food Trucks to Steakhouses! Tequila Shooters to Wine Lockers! The only person that can define your good time is you!

Challenge Accepted: Food & Fire:

For a fun and entertaining time as well as some nice romantic overtones, Mount Fuji Sushi and Hibachi is a great option. Be entertained by their master chefs and enjoy some of the amazingly delightful and delicate sushi specials including tons of opportunities to share (or not) with that special person. For something different, Sur La Table’s cooking classes are the chance to really get to know someone! From French to Mexican, Italian to Asian, appetizers, entrees, desserts, all of it gives you and your new (longtime) partner a chance to viscerally create something together with others enjoying the same journey.

Who doesn’t like competition? Whether working together to escape either the Clue Room or joining others in Game Show Battle Room , solving puzzles and yelling out answers definitely gives you a different perspective on that person you’re with! Soon Escapology will join in the mix and for something a little more lighthearted, there is always Monster Mini Golf.

Creative Connections:

Want something a little more calm and a different take on refined? Blue Sky Idea Studio is a perfect opportunity to get to know new and upcoming artists in all forms while looking at some truly amazing and innovative artistic concepts. And in the near future, The Streets at Southglenn is looking to embrace a new role of becoming Centennial’s newest arts district.

DAVID SIMONSON

The Simonson Team | RE/MAX Professionals

David Simonson of The Simonson Team | RE/MAX Professionals has been a trusted South Denver real estate professional for more than 25 years. Alongside his wife, Krista, he champions local businesses and community connections through the Facebook and Instagram groups @SouthDenverFood and @SouthDenverStrong

PERMISSION to be

cheesy

VALENTINE’S DAY CHEESECAKE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSIE SUPPES

Valentine’s Day is all about showing your loved one just how much you care. Rather than opting for the predictable chocolates and flowers, why not showcase your culinary prowess and create a one-of-a-kind cheesecake? Not only will this delectable treat demonstrate your affection, but it will also add a personal and luxurious touch

to the holiday celebration. Make this Valentine’s Day truly memorable by going above and beyond with a heartfelt, homemade gift. Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for two because it’s both rich and indulgent, but not too heavy. Plus, it can be easily customized to fit your own personal taste and it’s much easier than you think!

TO MAKE THE PERFECT CHEESECAKE, YOU’LL

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Next, add in the sour cream and heavy cream and mix until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set. Let cool completely before serving.

For this recipe, we decided to add berries and honey to the top of our cheesecake. Take the time to make yours special to your relationship. With toppings such as chocolate, jelly, whipped cream, berries, fruit, or whatever your partner’s favorite is you’re sure to make them smile. Make things colorful by adding food coloring to the mix, it can even be made in

NEED:

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 prepared graham cracker crust

their favorite color. You can also change things up by making your own crust with Oreos or cinnamon crackers.

To elevate this recipe to the next level, consider using high-quality ingredients such as grass-fed cream cheese and locally sourced honey. For added luxury, try using a blend of different types of berries, or even substituting the graham cracker crust with a crust made of crushed pistachios or hazelnuts.

In addition to adding a variety of toppings, you can also get creative with the presentation. For example, try using a springform pan to create a heart-shaped cheesecake, or using cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of the cheesecake slices. You can also garnish the cheesecake with edible flowers or a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a truly indulgent experience.

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 11TH

Centennial City Lifestyle Monthly Happy Hour

Atomic Cowboy | 8271 S Quebec St, Centennial, CO 80112 | 3:00 PM

Join us for our Monthly Happy Hour at Atomic Cowboy DBC, where Centennial connects. Enjoy great food, drinks, giveaways, and meaningful local connections with business owners, neighbors, and friends. Come mix, mingle, and support local in a relaxed, welcoming setting—we can’t wait to see you there.

FEBRUARY 21ST

Centennial Nights 2026 at The Basketball Social House

The Basketball Social House | 7450 S University Blvd Suite 200, Centennial, CO 80122 | 7:00 PM

Centennial Nights debuts February 21 at Basketball Social House, featuring elevated sips, bites, desserts, games and entertainment, live music, and trivia. This inaugural event brings together Centennial businesses and community for connection and collaboration. Co-created by Centennial City Lifestyle and Basketball Social House. Check out thebasketballsocialhouse.com for tickets. (Ages 21+)

FEBRUARY 21ST

Rock your Wellness

Village Workspace | 7173 South Havana Street #600 Centennial, CO 80112 | 12:00 PM

Rock Your Wellness is a free, family-friendly health, wellness, and crafts expo benefiting local nonprofits YANA and Make Mental Health Matter. Now in its third year, the event features 100+ vendors, live music, food trucks, blood drive, kids’ activities, pet adoption, and more—all indoors at The Village for a day of connection, learning, and fun.

FEBRUARY 21ST

2nd Annual Mile High Wine and Chocolate Festival

Arapahoe County Fairgrounds | 25690 E Quincy Ave, Aurora, Colorado 80016, United States | 11:00 AM

Mile High Wine Fest is a premier tasting experience featuring wineries, unlimited samples, live music, and a lively social atmosphere. Guests can explore new favorites, enjoy food options, and connect with fellow wine lovers. Tickets start at $28.45, with upgraded experiences available for those looking to elevate their day.

FEBRUARY 28TH

ArtMa 2026

The Streets at Southglenn | 6707 S Vine St D, Centennial, CO 80122 | 6:00 PM

artma returns to Centennial on February 28, 2026, celebrating 25 years of art, community, and giving. Hosted at The Streets at SouthGlenn, this beloved art auction benefits pediatric cancer research through The Morgan Adams Foundation. Guests will enjoy incredible artwork, local food and beverage partners, and a lively atmosphere, all in support of kids with cancer.

MARCH 4TH

Blue Sky Idea Studio and Gallery Exhibit: Honeymoon in Finland

6412 S Quebec St Building # 1, Centennial, CO 80111 | 12:00 PM

Artist Roddy MacInnes presents Honeymoon in Finland, on view March 4–8, 2026, at Blue Sky Idea. Gallery hours are 1–4 pm, with a popup opening reception March 5 from 5–8 pm and an artist talk Saturday, March 7, at 1 pm.

NEW DIRECT PRIMAR CARE IN CENTENN

WHAT IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE?

Ohana Direct