Castle Rock Crew #043

Happy Halloween week. Hope you’ve got your costume ready to go and your Trick-or-Treat route all mapped out…per usual, I procrastinated which means I’m going to be Goose for the 5th year in a row (it’s the only way I can justify having a mustache for a few weeks). Yes, there is dyeing involved, and no, I’m not ashamed (thank you, Just for Men)…

Anyways, in this week’s newsletter, we’ve got some fun announcements and events but also a spotlight on a local nonprofit working on some serious stuff, so I hope you enjoy it on all fronts!

Last week, I asked if there’d be interest in trying out a small-group dinner to meet new people and support local restaurants, and the feedback was a resounding yes (thanks to those who think it’s a horrible idea and spared me from their feedback).

Well, I’ve partnered with a platform to handle the logistics and make it easier to pull off. This first dinner is a test run, and based on the feedback, we’ll decide whether it’s worth doing again.

Here’s how it works:
🍽️ Take a quick quiz (created by the platform) about your personality, interests, and food preferences.
✨ Get matched with five other members of the Crew who fit your style (food preferences, interests, life stage, etc.).
📍 Your table of six meets for dinner on Wednesday, November 12 at 6:30pm. The restaurant is revealed that morning (yes, the suspense will be killing you).
🥂 After dinner, all groups are invited to a casual after-meetup to keep the conversation going.

Want to go with someone specific (spouse, good friend, etc.)?
Fill out the form, then forward the link to that person. At the end of the quiz, you’ll have the option to invite a friend. They’ll get an email and need to book within 12 hours so the platform can seat you together.

👉 Take the quiz & grab your seat

If you’ve been wanting to meet new people in town, this might be the easiest (and most fun) way to do it. Plus, you’ll be supporting local restaurants at the same time. Win, win.

Four Seasons Lighting Co.

You don’t need a ladder, more than one extension cord, or 25,000 twinkle lights.

Permanent, year-round lighting that’s installed once, customized for every season, and handled by your local Castle Rock couple at Four Seasons Lighting Co. Use code JF25 for 25% off installation.

Get a quote before the rush!

And now on to the serious stuff!

Nonprofit Spotlight: The Aspen Effect

In May of 2021, Children’s Hospital Colorado made headlines with a sobering declaration: “Colorado declares a state of emergency for youth mental health.” It wasn’t hyperbole. Our state ranks near the bottom nationally for youth suicide, overdose deaths, and mental health challenges (43rd in combined metrics). Here in Douglas County, the crisis is close to home.

But in the middle of this heavy reality, something hopeful has been quietly taking root—now ready to multiply and spread across our community, like an aspen grove poised to burst into full color.

The Aspen Effect started in 2017 when founder Jerry Van Leuven launched Ranch Hand Leadership Academy. By 2018 it became a nonprofit, and since then the organization has bloomed into one of the most unique and impactful youth programs in the county. Today, The Aspen Effect calls Happy Dog Ranch in Sedalia home, and it’s become a place where kids put their phones away, breathe fresh air, and connect—with animals, with the outdoors, with mentors, and ultimately with themselves.

A Ranch With Purpose

Happy Dog Ranch isn’t just scenic—it’s a 117-acre sanctuary full of horses, goats, alpacas, cats, and even a pig named Charlotte. For kids, this place is magic. Cleaning stalls, grooming a mini horse, or simply being present with the animals unlocks conversations and life lessons that a classroom or therapist’s office often can’t.

Jerry puts it this way: “Does a horse think about the mistakes it made yesterday? Is it anxious about what might happen tomorrow?” It’s a reminder to live present, grounded, and unburdened—a lesson many of these kids desperately need.

The Programs

The Aspen Effect runs a range of free programs designed to build resilience, leadership, and connection:

• Ranch Mentor Club (middle & high school): A 12-week program pairing kids with trusted adult mentors. They muck stalls, complete projects, and build friendships that matter.

• Ranch Resilience Camp (ages 9–13): A weekend camp where kids and parents practice being grounded, connected, protected, and nurtured. This program is planned to restart in April 2026.

• Teen Advisory Board: A select group of 10-12 high school students who primarily advise The Aspen Effect and also represent youth voices in Douglas County, presenting to commissioners and speaking at statewide events on teen mental health.

• Ranch Resilience Field Trip: A special field trip for youth groups and adult groups to experience the lessons of resilience taught by the animals and ranch.

• Horse Bond Therapy: A limited therapist-led equine program supports students carrying especially heavy stories.

At the core of every program is resilience—helping kids learn to be grounded, connected, protected, and nurtured. And because research shows that a trusted adult is one of the most powerful influences on youth well-being, mentor relationships are central to how The Aspen Effect helps kids build confidence, hope, and strength for the future.

Real Impact

In just a few short years, The Aspen Effect has supported hundreds of Douglas County youth, with more than 240 participating this year alone. The average participant is 13 or 14, often navigating stress, anxiety, or the everyday challenges of adolescence.

The results are clear: kids leave with stronger boundaries, healthier coping skills, and—perhaps most importantly—hope for the future. Every parent surveyed has said they would recommend the program.

The Village Around It

Behind the scenes, The Aspen Effect is held up by a whole community of mentors, donors, and partners. Mentors drive from as far as Broomfield to show up for kids. Local institutions like the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Douglas County School District send referrals and volunteers. Businesses and foundations including Fidelis Wealth Advisors, CORE Electric Cooperative, Chick-Fil-A, ALOHA FUND, Monarch Investment and Management, and many others provide financial support.

And now, the Aspen Root Guild offers an opportunity for deep partnership. With operating costs at $1,000 per day, Guild members commit to covering a certain number of days each year for five years—literally underwriting the stability of the program.

Looking Ahead

The Aspen Effect is aiming high: Strengthening programming around preventing substance use disorder, adding family programming so parents can strengthen their own resilience alongside their children, and eventually hosting a county-sponsored youth leadership conference, and replicating their proven ranch-based model.

For Jerry and his team, the vision is clear: “All youth and families will become more resilient by connecting people, animals, and the outdoors.”

How You Can Help

• Become a mentor: No horse experience needed—just a willingness to show up for a kid. Male mentors are especially needed!

• Donate: Every contribution helps cover the $1,000/day it takes to run programs.

• Spread the word: Share their story, invite a friend, forward this spotlight, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

The Aspen Effect has begun their “Breathe, Heal & Rise” campaign where every donation will be matched up to $10k by Fidelis Wealth Advisors.

Too many of our teens are struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, and isolation. But on a ranch just a few miles from downtown Castle Rock, hope is growing—one kid, one animal, one mentor at a time.

Hear some personal stories of how families have been impacted by the wonderful work being done at The Aspen Effect. Viewer grabbing tissues advised…

We Saw Him Smile

Change for a Child and Her Family

Learn more at theaspeneffect.org

Pet Adoptions

Since Casper is known as a friendly ghost, I’m just going to assume that Casper is a friendly dog…I don’t think he or his sister (assuming) are going to be available to rescue for very long…so if you want to be the lucky new parents, be sure to move fast…just note that Blanca looks like she might need a little help holding her head up!

HOWL-O-WEEN — if you haven’t already and want to be part of Humane Colorado’s Halloween Pet Costume Contest be sure to snap a photo of your pet in costume and enter by November 3 for a chance to win a spooky gift basket and social media shoutout. Voting’s open daily. No adoption history required to join the fun.

Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter. [email protected]

Sports

Broncos - alright, alright, alright…glad to see the Broncos bounce back and just control a game right from kickoff. Oh, wait…Nix threw an interception right away, so I guess after that. I did get a little nervous once Surtain didn’t return after the half, considering George Pickens was left wide open for the rest of the game, but the offense was driving the ball on an even more banged up Dallas D…loved seeing 44 points on the board with everyone contributing and a big day from Harvey (three TDs) and Franklin (two TDs)...we could’ve had even more points, but I won’t get too greedy…special shoutout to the Rook Jahdae Barron on his first interception of his career! Looks like Surtain will miss at least a few weeks with a pectoral strain. It’s TBD on whether or not he goes to IR. Now, we hit the road to take on the Houston Texans who have a stout defense but have struggled offensively this year. The game is on Sunday, November 2 at 2:25pm.

Nuggets - well, our dream of going 82 and 0 was ended the first night of the regular season, but we continue on after that loss in overtime to the Warriors (137-131). Air Gordon had a monster game, and he’s putting up plenty of highlights already. We demolished the Suns 133-111 and beat the T-Wolves thanks to 43 from Mal…we host the Pelicans on Wed, Oct 29, are on the road for a NBA Cup Group Stage Game against the Trail Blazers on Fri, Oct 31, and visit the Kings on Mon, Nov 3. If you haven’t seen the headlines, the Trail Blazers will be competing without their head coach, Chauncey Billups who had two stints with the Nugs, after being arrested on charges related to rigging illegal poker games.

Avalanche - we’re 5-1-4 with 14 points after OTLs to the Mammoth, Hurricanes, and Devils and a loss to the Bruins. We host the Devils (10/28), visit the Golden Knights (10/31), and then visit the Sharks (11/1).

Rockies - caught a few innings of the World Series Game on Friday! I’m a little torn because I did enjoy seeing the Blue Jays have a home run derby (won 11-4 in game 1), but ‘merica, right? Well, the Dodgers bounced back and won game 2 (5-1). And I’m tapping out at 11:00pm with them tied in the 13th in Game 3…

Sabercats Football - the Sabercats are now 4-5 and 2-2 in league after just falling short against the ThunderRidge Grizzlies (13-10). They’ll visit league opponent, the Mountain Vista Golden Eagles, this Thursday, October 30 at 7:00pm. Check out their schedule here.

Huskies Football - the Huskies are 4-5 and 0-4 in league after taking a loss against the Legend Titans (51-9). They’ll visit league opponent, the Chaparral Wolverines, on Thursday, October 30 at 7:00pm. Check out their schedule here.

The Bulletin

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire you’re looking to make, or just want to say hi to 5,700 friends?

Serava: Serava crafts small-batch, handmade shower steamers designed to elevate your daily ritual. Blending natural ingredients with carefully chosen essential oils, each steamer transforms an ordinary shower into a calming, spa-like experience. With scents for every mood, Serava makes self-care simple, refreshing, and restorative. Refresh your routine!

Wyatt from Cub Scout Pack 260: Hi! My name is Wyatt and I recently joined a local Cub Scout pack! I’m selling popcorn to help fund Cub Scout adventures like camping, zoo and museum trips, and activities with my den. Please support me and enjoy these delicious treats! Any support you can give is greatly appreciated!

Mod Mountain Boutique: The temperatures are dropping while the cute, cozy, fall styles are rising at Mod Mountain Boutique! Check out what’s new for the fall season by shopping online or stopping in the shop in downtown Castle Rock. We can’t wait to show you our newest fall styles – it’s the perfect time to grab a few new sweaters or a great new pair of denim.

Reach out for a spot on the bulletin!

Events:

Tuesday, 10/28:

The Office Co. | Bar & Kitchen (every day) - Happy Hour - 2:00pm–7:00pm

Courtyard Social (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 2:30pm–5:00pm

Bien y Tu (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 2:30pm–5:00pm

The Whiskey Lodge - 50¢ Wings - 3:00pm–10:00pm

Bucketlist Tavern (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm–6:00pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill (every day) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm–6:00pm

I.C. Brewhouse - Trivia - 6:30pm–8:00pm

Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Elizabeth Brews - Trivia Night - 7:00pm–9:30pm

Wednesday, 10/29:

Wide Awake Eatery - Happy Hour - 4:00pm–6:00pm (Wed-Sat)

Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6:00pm–8:00pm

Castle Rock Museum - Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales - 7:00pm–8:00pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - DJ Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Halloween Edition Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Thursday, 10/30:

RNK Running - CHOG - 6:00pm

Crowfoot Valley Coffee and Crowbar - Trivia Night - 6:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - Country Dance Night with Dance Instructor Marla Gifford - 6:00pm–10:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - Flash Jam Classic Rock - 6:00pm–10:00pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - Karaoke with Big E Entertainment - 8:30pm–12:30am

Friday, 10/31:

Hideaway Bar & Grill - Halloween Event - 11:00am–11:00pm

Calvary Castle Rock - Harvest Festival at Calvary Castle Rock - 4:00pm–8:00pm

Alidade Brewing - Halloween Costume Party - 5:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - That Eighties Band Halloween Party - 7:00pm–10:30pm - tickets

Sinners and Saints - Sinners & Saints Annual Halloween Dance Party!!! - 8:00pm–12:00am

Saturday, 11/1:

The Emporium - Holiday Open House - 10:00am–6:00pm

Outlets - Jingle Bucks - through Nov 15 - 10:00am–8:00pm

Castle Rock Museum - Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales of Castle Rock - 1:00pm–2:00pm

Alidade Brewing - Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance - Birds, Brews & Fundraising - 1:00pm–4:00pm

Douglas County High School - Dads of Castle Rock Trunk or Treat - 5:00pm–8:00pm

105 West Brewing Company - Halloween Costume Party - 6:00pm

105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: The Grizzley Gopher - 6:30pm–9:30pm

Wide Open Saloon - Live Music: Six Bucks & A Flight - 7:00pm–10:30pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - Karaoke with Big E Entertainment - 8:30pm–12:30am

Sunday, 11/2:

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Viva Flamenco! - 1:30pm - tickets

Heads up on events that are further out:

Lone Creek Farms (Franktown) - Fall Festival - Wednesdays-Sundays until Nov 2, 10:00am–5:00pm (Wed/Thur) and 10:00am–7:00pm (Fri-Sun) - FINAL WEEK!

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Holiday Tea with Tour - Nov 7, 1:00pm - tickets

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Wine Tasting at the Castle - Italian Wines - Nov 7, 6:00pm

Mission Possible Fitness - Health & Harvest Ladies’ Night - Nov 7, 6:00pm–8:30pm

Wide Open Saloon - Live Music: Front Range Revival - Nov 7, 7:00pm–10:30pm

Miller Park - Pie Bake-Off - Nov 8, 10:30am–1:30pm

Fairgrounds - 33rd Castle Rock Craft Show - Nov 8, 9:00am–4:00pm

Alidade Brewery - Pumpkin Succulent Centerpiece - Nov 13th, 6:00pm-8:00pm

The Grange - Holly Jolly Boutique - Nov 14th, 11:00am–7:00pm and Nov 15th, 10:00am–5:00pm

Elizabeth Brewing - November Succulent Box - Nov 17, 6:00pm–8:00pm

Downtown Castle Rock - Castle Rock Starlighting - Nov 22, 2:00pm–6:00pm

Turkey Rock Trot - 5K Family Fun Run/Walk/Stroll - Nov 27, 7:30am - tickets (use code CRCREW25 for 15% off)

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show LIVE! - Dec 28, 6:00pm - tickets (ALWAYS SELL OUT, SO BUY AHEAD OF TIME)

Worth the drive: other Douglas County Events can be found in our sister newsletter, DougCo Drop - subscribe below

Various Breweries (one in Parker) - Cult of Cthulhu - An Immersive Horror Comedy by the Colorado Theatre Guild - Now through Nov 1

The Hudson Gardens, Littleton - Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns - Now through Nov 2

⚠️ Please verify event details and availability with the respective venues or organizers, as schedules may change.

Let us know of any events, locations, establishments, or businesses that you would like us to highlight in coming editions. [email protected]

If someone forwarded this to you, join the crew and subscribe here! And/or subscribe to our sister newsletter at the county level.