Denver North, CO August 2024

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It's the Kids and Pets Issue

As I walk around my neighborhood in North Denver, I am treated to a variety of both of these precious creatures. I love seeing all of their smiling and curious faces. It could be the little boy that appears five steps before his dad on the sidewalk, or the random chicken that appears on my lawn eating my roses; each instance brings a smile to my face. It also sends me reminiscing on days gone by and days not so far gone.

My dog Snowball, hit by a car, had 10 lives. Midnight, the random cat I hid from my mom, that required her to clean the whole family room before company arrived.  And so many more.

Much more than that I remember my, Cody. I remember being so scared because I was a kid myself.  I remember his smiles, but I remember his disappointments more.  Now he isn't a kid.  He's a man.  He's an amazing man.

Remember:  Your pet is one of your best friends, but you will be the only best friend they will ever have.

To my mom, I'm glad I'm your kid.

To my son, I'm glad you're my kid.

COFFEL, PUBLISHER

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Matthew Coffel | matt.coffel@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Crystal Wright | crystal.wright@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Bill Moore | bill.moore@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Roberts | chris@promediacolorado.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Monty Montgomery, Mary Daniel, Luke Grace, Michel A. Velasquez, April Fulk

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray Learn

3:5-6

business monthly

Happy Anniversary Reclaim Dentistry!

Reclaim Dentistry celebrated 2 years in business in June and we are so happy for them and their success!  They celebrated by hiring a new associate, Dr. Creigh Crandall, as well as hiring a new hygienist and another dental assistant. Also, check out Dr. Schwandt as a guest on the Holistic Dentist Podcast: https://sites.libsyn. com/460395/breathing-well-with-holistic-dentistry-exploring-airway-health

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Tattered Cover is being sold to Barnes & Noble

Bookselling giant Barnes & Noble is set to become the next owner of longstanding Denver bookstore Tattered Cover, marking the end of its 53-year run as an independent business.

Tattered Cover has faced a difficult financial situation in recent years, staving off bankruptcy under two different owners. It finally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last October, closing three locations and laying off nearly 30 workers in the process.

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Denver North City Lifestyle is Hiring

Denver North City Lifestyle is currently hiring skilled photographers and writers in the Denver area.  We'd love to have you on our team! If you're interested, contact our publisher, Matt Coffel, at matt.coffel@citylifestyle.com or 720-306-1488.

ARTICLE BY MONTY MONTGOMERY

Cooking Up Creativity

Little Kitchen Academy

For parents, summer is all about keeping the kids busy, stimulated, and learning, lest they fall down the “summer slide” of cognitive stagnation. If this sounds like you, consider Little Kitchen Academy — a Montessori-inspired cooking school that’s whipping up a storm of fun and learning for children aged two to 18.

This isn't your average summer camp. It's a place where kids can chop, stir, and bake their way to confidence and independence. From breakfast dishes to delectable desserts, your young chef will explore a world of flavors while learning about nutrition and responsible eating. Flexibility is the secret ingredient at Little Kitchen. Whether you're

looking for a single class or a seasonal program to keep your little ones cooking all season long, there's an option for every family's schedule. Multi-passes offer the chance to drop in, while the seasonal program provides a more immersive experience. At Little Kitchen Academy, it's not just about creating meals; it's about fostering creativity, building self-esteem, and developing a lifelong love for healthy eating, all within a safe and inspiring environment. And with glowing reviews from parents, you know your kids are in for a treat. Stir up some excitement this summer and enroll your budding chef in Little Kitchen Academy! Just visit https://littlekitchenacademy.com to learn more and register.

Top Homes In North Denver

The return of multiple bidding wars emphasizes the essential role my values play in achieving success

Best wayto sell a home?

Homes lacking substantial features are still widespread

Feel free to contact me to explore ways we can accelerate the process of getting my listings under contract and sold!

Give me a CALL to discuss further!

STARGAZER RANCH

ARTICLE BY MARY DANIEL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STARGAZER RANCH ALPACAS

ALPACAS

If Dr. Suess had designed an animal, it would have been an alpaca, or so says John Heise.  These sweet faced, kind tempered, soft, woolen creatures are right out of a storybook.  However, there is so much more to an alpaca than first meets the eye.

Cindy Fronk and John Heise started Stargazer Alpaca Ranch 25 years ago as a way to enjoy the various "benefits" of country living on their gorgeous, sprawling 20 acre ranch in southeast  Loveland.  John and Cindy eventually grew their herd of nationally recognized, seedstock alpacas from just 10 alpacas in the beginning to over 150 alpacas.  Stargazer Ranch is now a full time, nationally recognized livestock business. In the last couple years, with a “slower lifestyle" on the horizon, they have sold many of their award winning alpaca and now have about 50 alpacas and spend the majority of their time mentoring new owners, writing for livestock publications, and hosting educational programs rather than competing in shows on a national level.

“The vision of Stargazer Ranch has always been to raise the best quality alpacas using genetics and science as the guide. Other alpaca farms focus on "petting zoo" qualities (fluffy faces, exotic colors and tolerant personalities), while Stargazer focuses on fiber/production qualities that can be measured through the use of a mathematical matrix called "Expected Progeny Differences" (EPDs). Rather than simply looking ahead one year to the next crop of crias (alpaca babies), Stargazer breeds for multiple generations of improved fiber qualities. After 25 years of focused improvement, and over 400 crias born on their ranch, they are now in the 4th and 5th generation of planned Stargazer offspring. Their top quality alpacas routinely exhibit multiple fleece traits in the Top 1% in the national EPD program.  In short, these alpacas are the cream of the crop, the best of the best!

Think your kiddo might want to become involved with alpacas? These organizations have youth activities with alpacas: AOA (Alpaca Owners Association) www.alpacainfo. com and ABR (Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies) www.alpacabreeders.org . Many counties also have 4-H programs which can be researched through the individual county offices.

The love that Stargazer Ranch, and all who work there, show these incredible animals is truly touching.  Cindy and John believe that their lives have been enriched in more ways than they can count by these fascinating alpacas.  They love and care for each animal in its own special way!  On this ranch, there are cheeky nicknames, laughter, sneaky alpaca tricks, and even alpacas playing in the sprinkler on a hot day.  Even the barn swallows who nest in the rafters of the ranch are treated with care and love. Stargazer Ranch is a special and magical place, for both humans and animals alike.

For more information on the breeding and owning of alpacas visit https://alpaca.net to get in touch with the wealth of knowledge at Stargazer Ranch.

Rock Solid

Experience Summer with the Silver Rock Family

Imagine the sounds of laughter echoing through your sliding door. You hear giggles, splashing, a friendly bark or two. You peek outside to see your kids playing, the sun shining, the dog laying in the shade. All of this is possible because of the deck you recently had built! Family life is best when it happens outside. Kids and pets alike thrive when you add a little sunshine and a little fresh air to any day.

Family is priority number one at Silver Rock Builders. Blase de Rocco spent the majority of his career in the mortgage business. However, when his son in law, Jose Plata, approached him about going into the decking business together, he jumped at the opportunity! Working with his daughter, Andi, Jose and their three kiddos: Bella (14), Blase (10), and Gabi (8) is a dream

come true for de Rocco. Silver Rock is built on the idea of family coming together and working together to create something beautiful. Even their name, decided by Blase's grandson, Blase, represents their family. "Plata" means "silver" in Spanish and "de Rocco" means "of the rock" in Spanish…and so Silver Rock Builders was born!

Silver Rock is a premier deck company, certified and preferred by the professionals in the industry, that create exceptional projects. According to de Rocco, "Our finishing touches, the details and attention to detail, are what really set our work apart from others." Silver Rock makes sure that their customers feel like family and know that they care about them and the project as if it was their own. Their motto, "Build it Rock Solid" means that they use the best materials, perfect for Denver's ever

changing weather, and focus on quality above all else. Silver Rock believes that the right space can help a family feel comfortable and create the atmosphere for memories and joy…right in your own backyard.

Silver Rock Builders has grown from superior decks into interior work as well. They do everything from refinishing bathrooms, bedrooms, and basements, to modernizing entire spaces, building rooms, even lighting and insulation are in their repertoire. Living spaces, both inside and out are the specialty of this incredible family! They are even able to help finance your project with Silver Rock Financial, a full service mortgage company Blase runs with his daughter, Samantha.

Get your kids and pets outside this summer with Silver Rock Builders!

Visit https://silverrockbuilds.com/ or more information.

VISION OF HOPE

Anchor Center, Denver’s premier nonprofit for visually impaired infants and young children, is changing lives one tiny pair of eyes at a time.

"Anchor Center is our community, our support, and our home away from home," shares Erin, a parent whose life has been transformed by the organization. This sentiment echoes through the halls of this unique 501(c)(3), where dignity and potential are the cornerstones of every interaction. Their facility off of Roslyn Street is more than just a school — it's a source of hope for families navigating the challenges of pediatric blindness. From birth to age five, children at Anchor Center receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs. Early intervention specialists, therapists, and educators work together to nurture each child's development. But the magic doesn't stop there, as families are also embraced as vital partners in their child's journey. Anchor Center is Colorado's sole nonprofit dedicated to this type of pediatric work, and one of few on a national scale. Along with delivering daily care, the organization regularly contributes to valuable research in the field of pediatric visual impairment.

Learn more about their mission, refer a child, or offer your support as a donor at https://anchorcenter.org.

Anchor Center for Blind Children

ARTICLE BY MONTY MONTGOMERY

BREWING Up Love

Some of the best ideas are hatched when we are thrown into uncharted territory and decide to try something brand new.  This was true for Sarah Lemmon, a high school science teacher and mom of three precious kiddos, or as she likes to call them, her three birds.  Sarah’s 3rd Bird, Silas, had significant GI and sensory processing challenges stemming from autism.  This need to help her child thrust Sarah into the world of brain-gut connection and the wanting to make the world “a bit kinder and tastier for him”.  Sarah certainly didn’t consider herself a kombucha expert when this journey began; in fact, she didn’t get the appeal of kombucha that so many around her praised.  To make 3rd Bird work, Sarah had to make it her own.  She went into her garden and focused on combining ingredients to create a diverse and functional flavor profile. Brewing kombucha and balancing those flavors, created balance in her own life and in her family.

Yes, kombucha supports digestive health and immunity, but for Sarah and 3rd Bird, kombucha is so much more than a wellness drink.  It is a way to cultivate community as well as health.  3rd Bird is committed to accessible flavor profiles that are intentionally welcoming and inclusive.  Only the simple, pure ingredients make their way into 3rd Bird’s kombucha.  Sarah likes to say that, “the hardest ingredient to pronounce on our label is kombucha.  We prioritize transparency - even our bottles are clear, allowing you to see exactly what's inside.”  3rd Bird is delivered right to your Denver-area door in bottles big enough to share with those you love.

The vision for 3rd Bird’s future is clear.  Sarah would love to create a shared space for like-minded, women and minority owned businesses that need manufacturing space, have a desire to share resources, want to learn from each other, and cheer each other on

“3rd Bird’s dream is to bring like-minded women and minority owned businesses together under a shared space to truly be a collective. We are only as strong as the foundation we are built upon...”

-Sarah Lemmon

as they navigate the world of small business. Along with helping other entrepreneurs, Sarah believes wholeheartedly in giving back to the community. “As a Colorado Proud ™ small business, supporting local organizations that work hard to make our communities kinder & more inclusive is a must for us. Every quarter, we donate a portion of our sales to various nonprofits in the Denver Metropolitan Area.”

At its core, 3rd Bird is about dedication and community.  From one mom and her love for her son, to their oversized and shareable bottles, to donating to local nonprofits…3rd Bird is creating a flock right here in Denver.

For more information, visit  https://3rdbirdcollective.com or @3rdbirdkombucha

ARTICLE BY CRYSTAL WRIGHT

Mega Hotdog Board

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

SAUCED

BY SUNDAY

All the kids in your life will love this hotdog extravaganza!

Loaded with a lineup of gourmet toppings, this epic hot dog spread is a touchdown for your taste buds. From sizzling sausages to a variety of condiments and creative fixings, this board is a game-changer for your summer gatherings. So gather your crew, fire up the grill, and get ready to kick off a party like never before.

ingredients:

• 12 hotdogs grilled

• 12 hotdog buns

• Ketchup and Mustard

• Stone ground mustard

• Chips- I used regular and bbq

• Fruit- I used watermelon

• Relish

• Pickles

• ¼ red or white onion thinly sliced

• Assorted dips

directions:

1. Be creative and build your board with all the items you love! The board I used is 24×24 inches. It perfectly fits 2 bags of chips and 12 hotdogs. You can then finish your board with whatever toppings and snacks you love.

FAITHFUL COMPANION

When recounting one of the greatest experiences on an artistic level when it comes to a pet, it is impossible not to talk about “Jack”, a pet who, more than a faithful companion, was always a bond and another member of the family of our beloved Tracy. The work became more than a painting, but a story full of love and strangeness Tracy and Joe met late in their lives but had an unrepeatable and incomparable love story. Years later they adopted “Jack,” a beautiful Golden Retriever who would become the soul of the family! As the years went by, Joe fell ill and passed away, leaving Tracy and Jack alone, Fur baby Jack

would become Tracy's greatest comfort after her loss! And that's where I entered this story, I met Jack in life, full of life and loving, a beautiful portrait now adorns the walls of Tracy! However, Jacke became ill and died leaving Tracy alone once again! That's where you think that a single piece of art will commemorate not just a pet but one more member of the family who now happily poses in a work of art!

Michel Velazquez  @velart_denver_co Dm for custom work!

ARTICLE BY MICHEL A. VELAZQUEZ

My Woolever Friend

Friends are Forever

ARTICLE BY LUKE GRACE | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MY WOOLEVER FRIEND

We all wish our furry best friends could last forever...now they can!  My Woolever Friend is a company that makes custom portraits of people's furry friends. These pet portraits are made by needle-felting sheep wool and adding details with polymer clay. Each Woolever Friend is custom-made exclusively for your pet using the needle felting technique with 100% natural, soft wool. Needle felting involves compressing wool fibers together by hand to create specific textures and shapes. The nose and mouth of each Woolever Friend are also handmade. Full-body Woolever Friends include a wireframe to support the stability and mobility of the paws and tail. There are so many different styles to choose from.  There is one just perfect for your fur baby!

For more information visit: https://mywooleverfriend.com or @my_woolever-friend

PHATTY BOOM FOOD TRUCK

Feeding the Community

ARTICLE BY MATT COFFEL

In the heart of Denver, on bustling Colfax Street, there's a food truck that stands out among the rest – Phatty Boom. Owned by my dear friend Felicia Walton, this vibrant truck isn't just about food; it's about love, community, and resilience.

Felicia's journey with Phatty Boom hasn't been without challenges. Once, her beloved food truck was stolen, leaving her devastated. But Felicia's spirit is as hearty as her dishes. With unwavering determination, she rebuilt Phatty Boom from scratch, infusing it with even more passion and purpose.

Phatty Boom isn't just a food truck; it's a symbol  of joy for the students of East High School. During the school year, you'll find Felicia there, serving up

delicious American cuisine made with love. Her meals aren't just nourishment; they're a reminder of her commitment to the community she cherishes.

Beyond the school gates, Phatty Boom caters to private parties, spreading its flavors far and wide. Felicia's journey shows the power of resilience and the love she pours into every dish. When you taste Phatty Boom's food, you taste Felicia's unwavering spirit and her dedication to bringing people together through food that warms both the body and the soul.

Insta: phattybooms.foodtruck

FB: phatty boom  720.461.6736

Ask for Felicia.

We pride ourselves in education and our first step is to assure you understand the entire process. If solar installation isn’t right for your home, we can always help you get your energy from the sun by subscribing to our off-site, community solar gardens that connect to your utility company.

HOME SOLAR PANELS PROMOTION 12 MONTHS, NO PAYMENTS! No electricity bills for 12 months* *Roof must have enough space for panels to offset 100% energy usage.

ARTICLE BY APRIL FULK

HEART OF GOLD

“Hues of Gold” Service Dog Training

My passion for the Golden Retriever Breed began in 1995, when I met Biscuit, Jon, my late husband's childhood dog.It was love at first sight.

In 2002 Bradley Joe entered our life, 1 month after Jon passed. He instantly, at just 12 wks of age, became a large member of our family, rescuing us from a potential house fire. Bradley, now nicknamed Bubba Joe, quickly gained a name in our community for his bravery and large heart for his family.

He would wake her for school, sit with her for breakfast, see her off to school, and wait for her return.

As Bubba grew to the age of 2, my daughter decided to look for a sister for Bubba so he'd have a friend while she did sports and other activities. This began a world wide search. She loved investigating. She stumbled upon a color that would be seen as an oxymoron: cream. Yes, a cream colored Golden Retriever. As my daughter studied further she realized there was health research done in the U.K. that showed that cream Golden Retrievers would have a lesser chance of cancer, which is one disease that could take the breed.

April and her

Our gratitude for the Golden breed only grew stronger as Bubba grew inseparable with my daughter, Mikala, who was at the time overtaken with depression at the young age of 11.

Our trip to California in April 2004 brought us our lovely Cream Golden, Hana (O'Hana means family).  I knew that these two dogs were meant for more than just being pets.  They were meant to serve.

Twenty two years later and I have undertaken dog training, breeding, grooming & teaching about the importance of "Form to Function" in every department it serves. Specializing in Service Dog Training & Grooming.

Our Golden offspring continue to serve the public in therapy work, like our boys Keys & Ace in Memphis Tennessee handled by co-owner/handler Jo Anne Fuscas. They are a team at Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee, West Tennessee Therapy Dogs, West Cancer Center, and St. Jude Children's Hospital. Jo Jo was awarded the John C. New Service Award at the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association MCVC Awards, a prestigious humanitarian award.

A Golden Retriever saved my life in more ways than I can count.  My daughter and I are proud to breed and train these incredible animals to help serve and support people in need all across the country.  From Alaska to you...we are connected by a love of dogs and a respect for the care they can provide. For more information you can find us on Facebook at HuesofGoldHalos

AUGUST 2024

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 9TH– SEPTEMBER 26TH

Thursday Farmer’s Markets

Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt, Erie/ 5:00PM - 8:00PM

Real Farmers Market - Erie. Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt, Erie Shop for locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, coffee, fresh sauces and condiments, pastas, natural products and much more every Thursday evening. Enjoy a vintage car show the last Thursday of each month!

JUNE 19TH – SEPTEMBER 25TH

Wednesday Farmer's Markets

7301 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton/ 10:00AM - 2:00PM

Metro Denver Farmers MarketAspen Grove 7301 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton. Venture outside the city to the Littleton Farmers' Market at the Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center in  Littleton, where you'll find everything from fresh produce to soap, scarves to salsa, and baked goods to handwoven basket .

AUGUST - NOVEMBER

Sunday Farmer’s Markets

varies

Highlands Farmers Market, Osceola St & Lowell Blvd, WHEN: Sundays, August–Oct. 13, 2024; 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Farmers Market Central Park, Founders Green at Central Park, WHEN: Sundays, August–Oct. 13, 2024; 8:30 a.m.–12.30 p.m., South Pearl St. Farmers Market, S Pearl St between E Arkansas Ave and E Iowa Ave WHEN: Sundays, August–Nov. 10, 2024; 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS IN AUGUST

Civic Center EATS

Summer Season

Civic Center Park

Come grab lunch from a variety of food trucks in Civic Center Park on Wednesdays and Thursdays in August from 11:00AM-2:00PM.

CONTINUED

AUGUST 10TH, 11TH, 17TH & 18TH –OCTOBER 26TH

Saturday Farmer’s Markets varies

City Park Farmers Market, City Park Esplanade (E. Colfax and Columbine St.).

WHEN: Saturdays, August–Oct. 26, 2024; 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Urban Market at Union Station, Denver Union Station Plaza

WHEN: Select Saturdays & Sundays,  Aug. 10 & 11, Aug. 17 & 18, 2024; 12 p.m.–6 p.m.

AUGUST 15TH

Gregory Porter with Gabriel Royal

Denver Botanic Gardens | 6:30 PM

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Gregory Porter was raised in Bakersfield, California, and began singing in small jazz clubs in San Diego and later New York City. In 2013, he released his Blue Note debut Liquid Spirit which quickly grew into a global phenomenon, selling more than a million albums and earning Porter his first Grammy Award. In a fusion of original pop, jazz, soul and classic love songs, singer-songwriter and cellist Gabriel Royal’s inimitable voice cuts through the haze.