Professional Services

Finding Purpose With Dogs

Ryan and Stacey Abramson Find A Dog's Love Through CDOC's Prison Trained K9 Companion Program Article by Kristen Gonzales | Photography by Abby Watkins “What is it they say?” Ryan Abramson, co-owner of 24/7 Dry Cleaners in Parker, muses. “You rescue them, but they really rescue you.” As he leans over to pet his 16-month-old puppy, Jaxson, an Australian cattle mix they rescued through the Prison Trained K9 Companion Program, it’s hard to tell whether the human or the dog is happier at being...

Food + Beverage

More Than Ice Cream

Each Scoop is Served By Employees With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Article by Cassidy Ritter | Photography by Abby Watkins As a self-proclaimed ice cream connoisseur, I’ve been to Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, an ice cream shop at 6340 S. Parker Road in Aurora, countless times. My father-in-law, a fellow ice cream lover, and I initially came for the decadent dessert (mainly the Chocolate Velvet Peanut Butter Cup), but after reading the company’s mission on the wall and meeting its...

Life + Culture

Embracing Parker's History

Honoring The Town’s History With Gratitude Article by Kristen Gonzales | Photography by Provided by the Historical Society As Parker looks toward the future, local leaders are emphasizing the value of its roots. “Preserving local history should be important to everyone,” says Jan Truskolaski, President of Parker History, outlining the organization’s commitment to guiding the town as it navigates the future.  As Parker expands, staying true to its heritage with every new business and...

Local Services

Nourishing the Elderly

Nourish Meals on Wheels delivers hot meals and personal connection. Article by Julie Hoglund | Photography by Justin Cook and Provided In 1968, Virginia C. Baker started cooking meals in her kitchen and delivering them to her Littleton neighbors in need. 58 years later, her legacy continues through Littleton's Nourish Meals on Wheels, which cooks and delivers 650-800 each weekday to older adults. Nourish is a member of the national Meals on Wheels America organization, but operates...

Education

Bjorem & Bolles Childhood Apraxia Education Initiative

Helping Those With Childhood Apraxia Find Their Voice Article by Cassandra Green | Photography by Abby Watkins Two worlds of influence colliding with significant purpose, Bjorem & Bolles Childhood Apraxia Education Initiative was founded by Garett Bolles, left tackle with the Denver Broncos, and Jennie Bjorem, M.A., CCC-SLP, to empower speech-language pathologists and give a voice to children with childhood apraxia of speech.  Jennie has been a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for 27 years...

Food + Beverage

Fiesta Parker Features Our Latin Culture

The Inaugural Fiesta Parker Event Celebrated Latin Culture with Food, Music, Festivities, and More Article by Kristen Gonzales | Photography by Abby Watkins The Mariachi Las Dahlias stands in the shade of Parker Station, delighting the crowd lined up to enter the first-ever Fiesta Parker. An enormous marquee lists different entry fees and what’s in store. Wristbands are distributed, IDs are checked, and a stroll to the first tent means a wheel spin for prizes. A spectacular day was in store. ...

Food + Beverage

Parker Garage

The Magic of Relationships That Come Full Circle Article by Cassandra Green | Photography by Abby Watkins When a business is based on relationships, you can feel a heartbeat of care and hospitality at its core. Parker Garage business owners, Brent Walker and Todd Simons, have taken intentional steps to “honor the past, elevate the present, and serve the community with authenticity and pride.” Over the summer, they renovated Parker Garage in order to modernize and ensure that every space could...

Food + Beverage

It’s Always S’mores Time

The Founders of S’mores Time, Jennifer and Richard De La Rosa, Bring Nostalgia and Community to Colorado Article by Cassidy Ritter | Photography by Abby Watkins It doesn’t get much better than sitting around a campfire, roasting (or burning) a marshmallow, slapping it on top of a piece of chocolate, and sandwiching it between two graham crackers. For Jennifer De La Rosa, it’s always time for a s’more. “I know it sounds so basic, but there is just something about sitting around a fire and the...

Food + Beverage

Trick or TREAT

A Spooky Candy Bark That Anyone Can Make! Article by Emma Cahill | Photography by Kati Cahill My name is Emma and I am 11 years old. I love to be independent in the kitchen. This recipe is a great way to use leftover Halloween candy and make it your own. You can also easily find spooky ingredients at your local grocery store. You can effortlessly make this Halloween-themed recipe on your own with minimal adult supervision. The main step where you need a grown-up is melting the chocolate...

Arts + Culture

Meet Your Neighbor: Brandi Wilks

Third-Generation Parker Native, Brandi Wilks Sees Parker As The Rare Find It Truly Is Article by Cassandra Green | Photography by Abby Watkins Brandi Wilks Parker Town Councilmember, Small Business Owner, Wilks Real Estate Could you please share a little bit about yourself? I’m a third-generation Parker native, and that has shaped so much of who I am. My roots here run deep. I grew up knowing Parker as a small, close-knit town, and I’ve had the unique opportunity to watch it evolve while...