Gratitude Village July 2025 Newsletter

✨ Summer Connections & Fresh Momentum ✨

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the July 2025 Gratitude Village Newsletter!

Summer is in full swing here in Colorado, and we’re soaking up every moment of sunshine, fresh produce, and high-country adventures! From wildflower hikes to mountain biking trails, it’s a season that reminds us why living here is truly magical year-round. At Gratitude Village, this season is also filled with exciting progress and opportunities to connect.

In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing some big updates and ways to get involved. You’ll find details on our much-anticipated event with internationally acclaimed architect and cohousing pioneer, Charles Durrett—including the evening’s agenda, how to get tickets, and how you or your organization can sponsor this special gathering. We’re also stepping up our land search to bring our dream of a full accessible, NetZero, multigenerational cohousing community closer to reality. Plus, don’t miss our fun “What’s Your Cohousing Personality?” quiz, meet the newest members of our Explorer community, and get to know Akshay Pradhan, one of our inspiring board members.

We hope this newsletter sparks your curiosity and keeps you feeling connected to the movement we’re co-creating—one neighbor, one step at a time.

An Evening With Charles Durrett!

We’re thrilled to welcome Charles Durrett—the author and architect who helped introduce cohousing to the US—for an inspiring evening September 18, 2025! Charles has designed more than 50 cohousing communities and will share lessons from a lifetime of creating community as well as from his newest book, One Life, Live It! Tickets are on sale now! Click here for event details and to get your tickets.

This special event features:
✅ A dynamic presentation on cohousing as a solution to isolation, affordability, and climate change
✅ Stories from Solheimar EcoVillage, a groundbreaking neuroinclusive community in Iceland featured in his latest book
✅ A Q&A session with Charles & GVCO founders
✅ Door prizes from local businesses and partners valued up to $250
✅ Networking and connection timewith like-minded neighbors & community enthusiasts including snacks & soft drinks

Amplify Your Impact!

Be a Sponsor, Grow the Vision!
Your support helps bring this event to life and fuels the Gratitude Village mission. Choose the level that fits you:

• Seed Planter – $50

• Community Cultivator – $100

• Village Builder – $200

• Gratitude Visionary – $500

Let’s build something extraordinary together! Become a sponsor

Stepping Up Our Land Search

We’re closer than ever to finding the perfect site for Gratitude Village. Learn how we’re refining our search, the criteria we’re prioritizing, and ways you can help us bring our dream location to life. Click here for the full article!

Meet the Board: Akshay Pradhan

This month we’re spotlighting Akshay Pradhan, Esq., LL.M., one of Gratitude Village’s dedicated board members whose legal, strategic, and philanthropic leadership helps shape our vision for a just, inclusive, and sustainable community.

We’re deeply grateful for Akshay’s thoughtful leadership and his unwavering belief in the power of community living to build a more connected, just, and sustainable Colorado.

Read more about Akshay

What's Your Cohousing Personality?

Ever wondered how you would fit into a thriving, connected community like Gratitude Village? Take our quick, fun “What’s Your Cohousing Personality?” Quiz and discover your unique style of community living!

In just a couple of minutes, you’ll get personalized insights into how you might engage with cohousing—and what your next step could be in this exciting journey.

👉 Start the quiz here

Welcome New Explorers

Our Explorer community continues to grow, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming two more amazing future neighbors in August!

👋 Kathy is excited about the idea of living in a close-knit, sustainable neighborhood that's actually affordable and where people truly look out for one another.

👋 Marcela is passionate about community living and creating a supportive environment for all generations.

Each new Explorer brings fresh energy, unique perspectives, and a shared commitment to building a neighborhood rooted in connection, sustainability, and belonging.

Could you be next? Becoming an Explorer is one way to stay involved in shaping Gratitude Village and to take your first step toward community living.

👉 Learn more about becoming an Explorer!

Upcoming Gatherings & Events

🍽️ Founders, Explorers & Board Summer Dinner
Tuesday, July 30 | 6:00 PM | Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

💻 August Info Session via Zoom
Monday, August 5 | 6:30–7:30 PM
👉 Register here to get the Zoom link!

🏡 Private Tour of Geos Community in Arvada
Thursday, August 8 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Founders, Explorers, and Board members are invited to join us for an exclusive tour one of Colorado’s pioneering NetZero neighborhoods.

• Meet Norbert Klebl, the visionary developer behind the original Geos design

• Tour three beautiful homes to see sustainable living in action

• Walk through the community greens and shared outdoor spaces that make Geos so unique

Space is limited to 12 participants—please let Suzie know ASAP if you’d like to join this special tour!

🚗 Mile Hi Church Auto Show
Saturday, August 9 | All Day | Mile Hi Church, Lakewood
Gratitude Village will have a booth at the Mile Hi Church Auto Show! Stop by to say hello, meet some of our members, and pick up information about our upcoming events. The show is free to attend, so bring your friends and family!

🥗 Founders, Explorers & Board Potluck
Saturday, August 24 | 4:00 PM | Addenbrooke Park, Lakewood
Join us for a relaxed potluck picnic at Addenbrooke Park! Founders, Explorers, and Board members will gather to share good food, great company, and plenty of community spirit. Bring a dish to share and your favorite outdoor games!

Why We Love Colorado Summers

There’s something magical about summer in Colorado—the long, golden evenings, the abundance of fresh produce at local farmers’ markets, and endless adventures waiting in the mountains. Whether it’s hiking among wildflowers, biking scenic trails, or simply enjoying a meal outside with friends, this season reminds us why living here is so special.

At Gratitude Village, we dream of creating a community where these simple joys are part of daily life. A place where neighbors gather for spontaneous barbecues, kids play freely in shared green spaces, and the connection to nature is just as strong as the connection to one another.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we’re co-creating something beautiful—a sustainable, inclusive neighborhood rooted in belonging.

Wishing you a joyful, adventure-filled late summer!

With Gratitude,
Suzie Shride &
The Gratitude Village Team
Gratitude Village Colorado

720-689-4821

suzie@gratitudevillageco.com

Gratitude Village Colorado