Blog

At The Gardens at Columbine, December is more than just a month—it’s a season filled with music, creativity, giving, and joy. Spreading Cheer to Furry Friends This year, we’re channeling the holiday spirit into action with a special outreach to our local animal shelter. On Friday, December 12 , residents will pack holiday treats for cats and dogs, complete with hand-written notes. Then, on Monday, December 15 , we’ll personally deliver the goodies—possibly meeting a few wagging tails along the way. Festive Performances & Musical Moments 🎶 Saturday, December 6 : Jackson Kastens & Friends kick off the season with a joyful musical performance. 💃 Saturday, December 13 : LCD Dance Group brings contemporary winter magic to the stage. 🌟 Tuesday, December 16 : Front Range Christian School performs a heartwarming nativity play. 👯 Monday, December 22 : The Ritz Tappers return with a winter tap-dance show to dazzle and delight. Crafts, Baking & Creative Joy Throughout December, residents can get hands-on with: Crafting Holiday Garlands , Miniature Christmas Scenes , and Confetti Ornaments Baking Sugar Cookies and building Gingerbread Houses Making Jewelry and journaling meaningful reflections with Maria Scenic Adventures & Special Outings Take in the winter beauty with scenic drives to Daniel’s Park, Cherry Creek Park, and Christmas in Color. Join us for a trip to the Humane Society Animal Shelter , a shopping run at Walmart, and lunch at Ted’s Montana Grill . Happy Hour Vibes Celebrate with friends and festive drinks on Fridays with performances by Royce E. (Dec 5), Alan V. (Dec 12), and Joyce K. (Dec 19). 🎁 Sign-ups may be required , so swing by the Front Desk to reserve your spot. We’ll do our best to accommodate everyone—because no one should miss out on the fun. From music and movement to meaning and memories, December at Gardens at Columbine is a season to remember. ‍

January at The Gardens: Events, Activities, and a Gentle Start to the New Year January is a time to reset, reconnect, and ease into the year ahead. Across our communities, this month focuses on slowing down, staying engaged, and enjoying meaningful moments together , with a full calendar of outings, creative activities, and social gatherings. A Note of Thanks and Transition We also want to share an important update. Our Life Enrichment Director, Sydney Hertz , will be transitioning off staff, with her last day on January 4 . Sydney has been a cherished part of The Gardens community, bringing creativity, warmth, and connection to residents each day. We are deeply grateful for her time here and wish her all the best in her next chapter. January Theme: Slow Rhythms & Gentle Connections Winter naturally invites a slower pace. This month’s programming is designed to mirror that rhythm—encouraging rest, reflection, and simple enjoyment. Residents are invited to: Take part in gentle movement and relaxation Enjoy creative and hands-on projects Savor cozy moments like story time, crafting, and shared meals Participate as much—or as little—as feels right There’s no pressure to rush. January is about comfort, consistency, and calm engagement . Weekly Focus Week 1: Rest & Reset Week 2: Gentle Connections Week 3: Slow Rhythms Week 4: New Year Adventures January Outings January 5: Scenic Drive to Lookout Mountain January 7: Scenic Drive to Downtown Denver January 19: Lunch at Red Robin January 26: Scenic Drive to Chatfield Park January 28: Scenic Drive to Roxborough Park Creative Craftworks January 7: Cupcake Holders January 14: Penguin Paradise Décor January 16: Penguin Décor January 21: Clay Creations / Pour Paint Class January 28: Personal Time Capsule January 30: Plant Class Baking & Cooking Activities January 8: Chocolate Cupcakes January 9: Let’s Cook Energy Bars January 15: Energy Bars January 23: Let’s Bake Raspberry Buckle Social & Club Events (Sign-Up Required) Some activities require advance sign-up due to space or supply needs. Residents can sign up at the front desk or call for assistance. Highlighted events include: Flower Arrangements – January 2 Fancy Nails – January 4, 11, 18, 25 Men’s Club Lunch – January 12 Trip to King Soopers – January 14 Brunch at Lucile’s – January 26 Journaling with Maria – January 30 Happy Hour Entertainment January entertainment includes folk, country, saxophone, upbeat classics, and Moose Tracks Social gatherings throughout the month. Celebrations & Birthdays We love celebrating our residents. January birthdays are recognized across all communities—be sure to check your community calendar for specific names and dates. Looking Ahead January sets the tone for the year—not by doing more, but by doing what matters well. We look forward to sharing a month filled with connection, creativity, and care , and we’re grateful to experience it together. ‍

🎆 Independence Day Bash — Friday, July 4 • Morning Red-White-&-Blue craft • Backyard BBQ lunch • Patriotic Happy Hour with live music & giant lawn games • Front-patio fireworks at 7 p.m. (brief, resident-friendly show) Spirit Week (July 1 – 4) • Tue – Hat Day • Wed – Patriotic Sock Day • Thu – Stars & Stripes Day • Fri – Wear Red, White & Blue 🚍 July Adventures & Outings Mon 7/7 – Platte River Bar & Grill Riverside Tex-Mex favorite with a shaded patio overlooking the South Platte—perfect for a summer lunch. Wed 7/9 – Trader Joe’s @ Bowles Crossing Stock up on quirky snacks, gorgeous flowers, and freezer staples at our neighborhood market. Wed 7/16 – Black Hawk Casino Day Trip Scenic mountain drive to Colorado’s historic gaming town—soak in the views or try your luck on the slots. Sat 7/19 – Summer Craft Fair (on campus) Handmade jewelry, décor, jams, and more—created by residents & local artisans. Wed 7/23 – Ice-Cream Picnic in Sterne Park Lakeside scoops, shady walking paths, and flowerbeds in Littleton’s prettiest park. Mon 7/28 – M.C.’s Brooklyn Pizzeria Family-run spot serving authentic New-York-style slices with the perfect crunch. Wed 7/30 – Kohl’s Shopping Run Hunt summer sales on clothes, linens, and home décor. Sign up for any outing at the front desk — seats are limited. 🎨 Clubs & Creative Corners • Fancy Nails — Sun 7/6 & 7/20 • Men’s Club — Wed 7/2 • Craftworks — Fri 7/4 & 7/18 • Sun 7/13 & 7/27 • Let’s Bake — Fri 7/11 (banana bread) & Wed 7/16 (peach crisp) • Jewelry with Rita — Mon 7/21 • Journaling with Maria — Fri 7/25 🎶 Friday Happy Hours — 3 p.m. in the Lounge • Jul 4 – Rick R. • Jul 11 – Scott P. • Jul 18 – Royce E. • Jul 25 – Joyce K. 🎂 July Birthdays Lois Y. (7/8) • Connie S. (7/9) • John M. (7/9) • Mike G. (7/16) • Richard S. (7/20) • Blanche H. (7/21) • Lee S. (7/22) • Jeanne N.S. (7/29) • Virginia K. (7/31) 🚐 Transportation Reminder Need a ride to a doctor appointment? Drives run Tuesdays & Thursdays. Submit a transport slip at least one week in advance and our team will confirm your pickup. Family & friends are always welcome. ‍

With the arrival of summer and the longest days of the year, June brings a vibrant energy to our Gardens communities. Whether it’s enjoying fresh air on a scenic drive, celebrating with neighbors, or simply appreciating a flower in bloom, this month is full of moments to savor. Let’s take a look at the joys June has in store. Summer Solstice BBQ June 2025 Join us in welcoming summer during our Summer Solstice BBQ —a lively gathering to mark the longest day of the year! The season’s official arrival calls for delicious food, sunshine, and great company. Let’s come together outdoors to celebrate warmth, light, and community spirit. Scenic Outings: Exploring Nature's Beauty This month’s outings are specially chosen to help our residents enjoy the natural beauty and cultural richness of our region. 🌼 Denver Botanic Gardens – June 25 Step into a world of color, fragrance, and serenity at one of the nation’s premier botanical gardens. Located in the heart of Denver, the gardens feature 24 acres of diverse landscapes—from Japanese gardens to native Colorado flora. With shaded paths, peaceful ponds, and vibrant blooms, it's a rejuvenating escape perfect for strolling and soaking in the beauty of nature. 🍴 Dinner at Texas Roadhouse – June 16 Great food and laughter go hand-in-hand during our evening out at Texas Roadhouse. A delicious way to enjoy a summer evening with friends. 🚌 Other Outings Include: • Lunch at Culver’s – June 2 • Scenic Drives – Throughout the month Community Happenings Welcome New Residents! • Thomas G. • Judy R. • Alan T. June Birthdays 🎉 🎂 Assisted Living: • Jack C. – June 6 • Nancy S. – June 20 • Nancy R. – June 29 🎂 Memory Care: • Betty A. – June 14 • Pat W. – June 20 Entertainment & Happy Hours Assisted Living: • June 6 – Mindy Sterling • June 13 – Father’s Day Celebration w/ Chris Kroger • June 20 – Jon Stull • June 27 – Joyce Karchere Memory Care: • June 4 – Alan Vail • June 11 – Bobbie Bell • June 18 – Luau w/ Denver Uke Jammers • June 25 – Mark Paulson June Activities Sign up at the front desk: • Fancy Nails: June 1, 15, 29 • Let’s Cook: June 6 • Flower Arranging: June 13 • Journaling: June 27 • Tai Chi: June 11 & 18 ‍ As the days stretch long and the sun graces us with its golden light, we hope this June brings you simple joys and meaningful connections. Whether you’re discovering new blooms at the Botanic Gardens or enjoying a quiet moment in our own courtyard, may you feel a sense of peace and possibility.

November is full of gratitude, connection, and special moments at Gardens at Columbine. With new faces in the community and a festive season approaching, it’s a great month to join in, meet neighbors, and enjoy activities together. Special Events & Outings Trip to Park Meadows Mall & Cheesecake Factory – Nov 5 A fun day of shopping and lunch out with friends. Plant Workshop: Houseleeks – Nov 6 Learn about hardy houseleeks and take home one of your own. Flower Arrangements – Nov 7 Create your own fall floral design to brighten your apartment or our common spaces. Watercolor Afternoon – Nov 9 A peaceful afternoon of painting, conversation, and creativity. Scenic Drive to Mother Cabrini Shrine – Nov 12 Enjoy beautiful Colorado views and a meaningful outing. Let’s Bake: Gingerbread Cranberry Cookies – Nov 14 Fill the community with cozy baking smells and sample fresh treats together. Trip to Granny Scott’s Pie Shop – Nov 19 Because it’s not November without a slice (or two!) of pie. Craftworks: Thanksgiving Card Stamping – Nov 21 Make heartfelt cards to share with family, friends, or fellow residents. Brunch at IHOP – Nov 24 Relaxed brunch out with pancakes, coffee, and good company. Journaling with Maria – Nov 25 Capture memories, short stories, poems, and reflections in a guided, creative journaling session. Scenic Drive to Downtown Golden – Nov 26 Take in the charm of historic Golden and its fall scenery. Craftworks: Aromatherapy Sachets – Nov 28 Blend calming scents and create sachets to keep or gift. Thanksgiving Eve Party – November 26 You’re invited to our Thanksgiving Eve Party on November 26 ! We’ll gather with thankful hearts to celebrate the many beautiful things in our lives—including one another. Expect gratitude, friendship, and plenty of fun as we head into the holiday. Two Special Travel Presentations We have two extra-special presentations this month: November 10 – Sydney’s Trip to New Zealand Learn about New Zealand’s food, landscapes, and Māori culture through stories and photos. November 24 – Monty’s Visit to the Creation Museum & Noah’s Ark Hear all about this unique experience and the life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark. You won’t want to miss either of these armchair travel adventures! Veterans Week & New Veterans Wall This Veterans Day, we’re dedicating an entire week to honoring those who have served our country. Look for crafts, presentations, sing-alongs, and more throughout the week. At the end of the week, we’ll be unveiling our new Veterans Wall —a permanent space in our community where we honor and remember residents who served. Please keep an eye on the calendar for details. Memory Care Weekly Themes – November You may notice our Memory Care calendar looks a little different this month. We’ve moved to weekly themes to help create meaningful, connected experiences: Week 1: Autumn Comforts Colorful leaf sorting, comforting flower arrangements, and new Touch Table activities. Week 2: Thankful Hearts Gratitude-themed activities, Happy Hour with Wayne the ventriloquist, creative gratitude collages, and a special veterans celebration. Week 3: Thanksgiving Memories Reminiscing around favorite foods, an Apple Cider Social, and clay crafts to prepare for the holiday. Week 4: Cozy Comforts A hot chocolate bar, holiday garland, and warm, cozy reminiscing as we step into winter. As always, don’t forget to sign up at the front desk for special events. If the signup sheet is full, still add your name—there’s often room to include a few more. November Entertainment Assisted Living Entertainment Leonard B. – November 7 Special Veterans Day Celebration – November 14 Jon S. – November 21 Memory Care Entertainment Raymond P. – November 5 Wayne F. – November 12 Chris K. – November 26 November Birthdays Assisted Living Residents Paul R. – November 1 Joan S. – November 2 Pat S. – November 3 Neil J. – November 10 Arline M. – November 12 Eula S. – November 15 Sally H. – November 21 Ginny L. – November 24 Richard F. – November 24 Al S. – November 26 Memory Care Residents Mary Lou C. – November 1 Donna D. – November 1 Nancy W. – November 4 We look forward to celebrating each of you with treats, music, and lots of birthday cheer. ‍

Fall has arrived, and with it comes one of our favorite seasons at Gardens at Columbine. From crisp outdoor outings to cozy indoor crafts, we have a full month of activities, celebrations, and community events ahead. Upcoming Events & Activities 🍁 Fall Festival – Friday, October 10 at 3:00 PM Join us on the back patio for live music, festive treats, and fun competitions. This is one of our most beloved traditions, and we look forward to sharing the day with residents, families, and guests. 🎨 Creative & Social Programs We’re keeping the month full, warm, and busy with ongoing activity offerings: Fancy Nails – Alternating Sundays Craftworks – Alternating Sundays & Fridays Cooking Club – Alternating Fridays Lunch Outings & Scenic Drives – Alternating Mondays & Wednesdays 🚗🎃 Trunk or Treat – Thursday, October 30 Staff will decorate their car trunks and hand out candy to residents and our surrounding community. Residents will vote on their favorite trunk—winner gets a spooky prize! This event always brings big smiles and lots of laughter. Entertainment Lineup Oct 3 – Royce E. Oct 10 – Joyce K. Oct 17 – Mindy S. Oct 24 – John & Red Oct 31 – Helen R. October Birthdays Help us celebrate this month’s resident birthdays: Gary H. – Oct 1 Joella W. – Oct 2 Pat M. – Oct 2 Wilma C. – Oct 4 Judy K. – Oct 6 Jean M. – Oct 6 Marilyn S. – Oct 7 Katie P. – Oct 14 Diane P. – Oct 16 Ron R. – Oct 18 Penny G. – Oct 22 We look forward to celebrating with each of you! From all of us at Gardens at Columbine, we wish you a beautiful and festive October. If your family would like to visit, join an event, or learn more about community life, please reach out—we’d love to welcome you. ‍