NORTH By Colorado Media Group - OCT/NOV 2021 Edition

Oct/NOV 2021

Business, Real Estate & Lifestyle for NORTHERN Colorado Springs & EL PASO COUNTY $4.95USA

Check Out BootBarn Hall’s October & November Concert Schedule!

A Blank Canvas Becomes a Destination One Developer’s Perspective on the Extraordinary Growth Around Colorado Springs’ North End - Page 20

Growth in N. Colorado Springs A Special Message from COS Mayor John Suthers - Page 12

Special Feature: Best New U.S. Attraction - Page 26 Colorado’s Bourbon Revival - Page 36

Profiles in Excellence Flying Horse GM, Wendy McHenry Leads the Club & Resort with Excellence Through Unprecedented Economic Waters - Page 42

Residential Real Estate Update Leading into Q4 - Page 62

ColoradoMediaGroup.com

Fly without traffic Enjoy a short drive and easy parking at Colorado’s small airport.

Inside you’ll find smaller waits, smaller lines and a much smaller walk to your gate. Yet our spaces are big and open and have a way of making people feel comfortable. Friendly employees are happy to greet you. There’s even a fireplace. When you fly back to our airport, getting home or to a hotel is easier too. FlyCOS.com

Five major airlines departing daily to great destinations with hundreds of connections

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The Next Generation of Health Care in Colorado Springs Meet the Area’s Finest & Newest Young Physicians Coming February 2022*

Save-the-Date: February 2022 Edition of NORTH Introduce your newest, younger physicians to the community in one or two page profiles/bios to create interest and awareness of new providers, and perhaps even contribute to fuller panels, sooner! Preferred age: 45 years or younger.

Release: Late last week of January 2022 Materials Due: January 10, 2022 *Space reservation deadline: December 10, 2021 Call John Lerohl for program details: 817.658.3631, jlerohl@coloradomediagroup.com or info@coloradomediagroup.com.

Copyright © 2021 Colorado Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Publisher’s NOTE Welcome to North

®

What is North? It’s a multi-media business, real estate, and lifestyle media group - where we live, work and play - that caters to folks who are actively involved in the northern Colorado Springs community and who want to be connected to what’s going on and who is advancing our community forward. A lot of great folks and businesses have moved to the area from other parts of the U.S. to take in what we residents already know - Colorado Springs is a great place to live! We’ve gotta help them get involved and share the great work they intend to bring to our region. NORTH is a Connector - part business journal and community calendar and part people-connector, supporting B2C and B2B media group. We are ready to tell our story and invite everyone from all over the community to join in on this exciting time in Colorado Springs history. Let’s invite them up to our neck of the woods for some great food, entertainment, do a little business, and perhaps, consider one of our amazing neighborhoods.

Over the last several years, community and development leaders have worked tirelessly to attract businesses like those found along the Interquest and Northgate corridors and in Monument. We want them be able to remain here and to be wildly successful! Part of that process is making sure folks know about all these new assets available to them, and get connected to what’s going on and where.

While we’re growing and shoring up our own little micro-economy up here, let’s not forget, we’re a part of a repeatedly celebrated community - Colorado Springs, which is fastly becoming a world-class destination.

Why NORTH? It starts with the fact, I love connecting people, connecting great businesses to customers, showcasing what is good in our community, and the amazing people who make up this incredible region. At present, there is not an engaging periodical on the northern end of Colorado Springs that covers news, information in the categories we’ve outlined. Now, there is - partnering with you northern Colorado Springs on what we hope will be your go-to resource for business, real estate, and lifestyle aspects of living here.

I hope you enjoy our efforts. It’s for you. We’ve got a unique and warm personality and way of presenting information that you can use and share, maybe even spark a fun conversation up with new friends.

Welcome to NORTH! We look forward to being of service to you, and this great American community! Don’t forget to meet Alistair!

Sláinte!

Dirk R. Hobbs

Dirk R. Hobbs, IABC MS AHCJ Media Executive & Publisher DHobbs@ColoradoMediaGroup.com 719.330.7448

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Sponsor a bed. Transform a life.

For just $25 a month, you can make sure thereʼs always a bed for someone in need.

Make a difference today.

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Give these in abundance to everyone you see, and watch in amazement, the blessings that come in to your life!

Have a splendid autumn.

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Did You Know?

Not surprisingly, folks will ask us, what does NORTH mean, and what is the compass all about?

It may raise your interest to know, we’re using it as both a metaphorical, and a factual element to our media group.

If you’ve worked in a corporation in the last 15-years, you’ll be familiar with True North as a tool used to calibrate an organization of people on a good path toward goal, and in the same general direction. Well, we’ve dropped the “true” as we saw it as over-used.

Separately, the icon that is the Compass, is a customdesigned logo that does represent Colorado Springs’ current reading in relation to the geographic North Pole or True North.

At present, to reach the point of True North from Colorado Springs, you will need to travel by lines of longitude. Each line of longitude begins and ends at the Earth’s poles and represents direct north and south travel. Today, we’re 8-degrees off from true north. In 2022, it will change to 9-degrees. Cool, huh?

The Earth’s magnet isn’t perfectly aligned with the geographical poles. For that reason, there is a difference between true north on a map and the north indicated by your compass. That difference is called the magnetic declination and is measured by the angle between true north and magnetic north when plotted on a map. Even a one-degree difference in true north and magnetic north can land you up to 920 feet off course!

The metaphor for our team, is always to present information that is as calibrated to exacting standards - a true north of sorts to maintain the integrity of our publication and alternate mediums. It’s a founding principle of our organization.

There you have it. A bit of trivia you can take to your next gathering!

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Colorado Media Group, LLC. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Founder & Executive Publisher Dirk R. Hobbs VP Partnerships & Business Development John Lerohl Business Development Cheryl Morford Design & Production Editor Nicole McCabe Layout & Design Nicole McCabe Web Site Manager Sterling McMannis October Writers & Contributors Rick Ansorge, Otis Miller, Whitney Johnson, Nathan Carpenter, Honorable Mayor John Suthers, Doug Price, Courtney Barr, Eric Fedastion, Marquesa Hobbs, Cami McIntosh, Josh Erickson, DDS, Kim Majors, Centers for Disease Control Independent Photographers Greg Lee, Nick Lehoux, John Mortland, Jason O’Rear Videography Keith Singer

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: NORTH® is published by and is the exclusive property of Colorado Media Group, LLC A registered C-Corp in the state of Colorado.

The NORTH Compass is property of Colorado Media Group, LLC and may not be used without consent.

P.O. Box 13395 Voyager Parkway Ste 130 - PMB #746 | Colorado Springs, CO 80921 719.330.7448 | info@coloradomediagroup.com POSTMASTER: Please send notices on form 3579 to the address above.

Copyright © 2021 - Colorado Media Group, LLC - All Rights Reserved.

ADAM ATCHISON

LINDSEY BOETSCH

DANIELLE KRUETTER

MARK MCPHEARSON

NEWS NEVER STOPS

AND NEITHER DO WE WATCH YOUR BREAKING NEWS LEADER WEEKDAYS 4:30-7AM | 9AM | NOON | 4PM | 5:30PM | 10PM WEEKENDS 5:30PM | 10PM NORTH BY COLORADO MEDIA GROUP

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A C O M M U N I T Y O F E X C E L L E N C E W I T H T H E H E A R T O F A C H A M P I O N

Colorado Springs is the heart of the nation’s Olympic movement, where a timeless culture of achievement, patriotism and dedication sits comfortably alongside aweinspiring beauty and refreshingly down-to-earth views.

We are home to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee headquarters, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, 24 National Governing Bodies of sport and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Here, sport and recreation are a way of life.

Our diverse and ambitious community has always reached for the sky, while remaining firmly grounded in the tremendous opportunities that the Pikes Peak Region affords us every day.

Colorado Springs is Olympic City USA – where a majestic landscape and community of excellence pave the way for a great, yet resoundingly humble American city.

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OlympicCityUSA.com

#OlympicCityUSA

What’s INSIDE: Special Message from Mayor John Suthers

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VisitCOS CEO, Doug Price Reflects On the Last Year

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Special Feature

Olympian Laura Ryan walks us through the Best new US Attraction - The US Olympic & Paralympic Museum

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COVER FEATURE

Reflecting on Northern Colorado Springs’ Extraordinary Growth from the Perspective of One Developer

PROFILES IN EXCELLENCE

Flying Horse GM Shows BOURBON Poise & Resilience SERIES During Economic Casey Ross, Distiller takes us inside his Twists and Turns world at Axe and the Oak

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Amazing People of NORTH

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Where is this?

Lt. Colonel Rikki Heflin & Chloe Kemp

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Real Estate Update Leading into Q4

Marquesa Hobbs, Realtor

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coloradosprings.gov/PlanCOS PlanCOS 12

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Mayor John Suthers

A Special Message

Mayor of Colorado Springs, John Suthers Growth in Colorado Springs

By John Suthers, Mayor

Even through the challenges of the last year, growth in Colorado Springs continues in a positive and strategic manner, with an influx of housing and retail development occurring in the north and northeast sectors. This growth is an indication of Colorado Springs’ continued desirability and increasing popularity as a place to live, work and raise families.

Colorado Springs’ business-friendly environment also continues to draw, bringing businesses of all sizes and types into our city.

Scheel’s Sporting Goods, In-and-Out Burger and ENT Credit Union are three major north side tenants who have developed large campuses over the past year. With these arrivals come revenue for the city, jobs and positive economic development.

Penrose-St. Francis Hospital has also broken ground on a large campus environment just south of Interquest Pkwy, bringing vital healthcare services to our growing north side.

migration in 2017. At the same time, Colorado Springs also ranked among the most popular destinations for retirees.

According to a 2018 study by SmartAsset, Colorado Springs was the 21st most popular destination for retirees.

While growth is an incredibly positive indicator of vibrancy, there’s no doubt it comes with challenges and the need for strategic vision and management. In Colorado Springs, I’m proud that we have a comprehensive plan entitled, “PlanCOS” guiding our expansion. PlanCOS is a vision for our city’s future, which was developed via extensive community input. The planning map identified five themes for future development. Those are: • • • • • •

Vibrant Neighborhoods Unique Places Thriving Economy Strong Connections Renowned Culture Majestic Landscapes

Through the pandemic, the construction industry remained busy and resilient in Colorado Springs, meeting demand created by our increasing migration.

These themes are in place to inform the future development of our city. To learn more about PlanCOS, visit www.coloradosprings. gov/PlanCOS.

The proof of this trend lies in the month-by-month sales tax numbers that have shown Colorado Springs to be among the nation’s most resilient cities through the international crisis. In April 2020, when economies nationwide screeched to a halt, Colorado Springs sales tax revenues actually rose 4.5% over the year before. That month, building materials made up 20% of all retail sales.

To complement PlanCOS, additional long-range plans have been initiated, including ConnectCOS - a multi-modal city-wide transportation plan that will evaluate vehicular and non-vehicular needs to accommodate the anticipated growth.

Not only did that trend continue through the worst periods of COVID-19 restrictions, it increased. In Oct. 2020, building materials were up almost 28% over the pre-pandemic October of 2019. And, our most recent sales tax returns showed building materials in May of 2021 up 38.4% over 2020.

What causes this sort of exponential growth and how does a city manage it responsibly? Well, a city’s desirability is a major factor in such incredible growth. Put simply, build a city people want to live in, and talent, industry and visitors will follow.

Colorado Springs ranked seventh in the nation for millennial

Along with preserving our city’s vision and values, growth requires additional investment in infrastructure and resources, to include first responders. I am pleased to say that this was anticipated by the City of Colorado Springs, as both the Colorado Springs Police Department and the Colorado Springs Fire Department are continuously planning for expanded service requirements.

We live in a beautiful and desirable community. As migration trends show people leaving large cities and relocating to midsized cities that offer a superior quality of life, we should expect our city’s growth to continue. It is incumbent upon us at the City of Colorado Springs to thoughtfully and strategically manage this growth so that Colorado Springs continues to be a vibrant, healthy and enjoyable city, a city that matches our scenery.

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WHERE FOOD & FASHION FIND YOU

VISIT COLORADO SPRINGS’

PREMIER SHOPPING & DINING DISTRICT WITH MORE THAN 50 FABULOUS SHOPS & RESTAURANTS Anthropologie | Evereve | lululemon athletica | Apple | Sephora | Modern Market P.F. Chang’s China Bistro | Ted’s Montana Grill | Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar & more

Follow us!

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1885 BRIARGATE PARKWAY | I-25 EXIT 151 ThePromenadeShopsAtBriargate.com

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Attractions

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION & FREE VISITORS GUIDE VisitCOS.com 719-635-7506 515 South Cascade Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80903 WE’RE HERE TO HELP! Our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers will not only share their vast knowledge of the region but also will provide you with maps, brochures, coupons, visitor guides, and directions to make your trip as exciting and stressfree as possible. The Visitor Center on Cascade Avenue offers FREE wireless Internet access.

As visitors return, there has never been a better time to invite friends and family to the Pikes Peak Region to experience everything new and exciting in and around Colorado Springs.

Artist rendering: Gateway Visitor Center - United States Air Force Academy - 2022 16

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wth

As one of the fastest-growing

cities in the United States, Colorado Springs seems to be expanding in every direction. However, in the last few years, it’s been the northern end of the city that has seen the most growth. As an area of town with land available for development - both Doug Price, President & CEO retailers and commercial developers have taken advantage of the space and are building and curating with the goal of family fun in mind – for locals and visitors alike.

One of the biggest developments to the area was the spring opening of the new Scheels, an employee-owned chain for outdoor and sports enthusiasts. Just the second store in the state of Colorado, Scheels brought more than 400 jobs to the area. Featuring two levels of retail merchandise and 80 shops selling a variety of sporting gear and clothing, Scheels is an attraction as well as a shopping destination (complete with a 65foot Ferris wheel and delicious food from Ginna’s Café.).

Surrounding entertainment establishments, retail centers and restaurants have created a mini destination within the city.

With the residential growth of the area came a demand for restaurants, coffee shops and bars as well. With everything from a very popular In-n-Out Burger location to a locally owned wine bar, there’s a food and drink destination for occasions of all kinds.

Uva Wine Bar, opened by two local wine-enthusiasts, opened in 2020 and offer dinners, monthly wine education tastings, and more. Mission Coffee Roasters, another new and locally owned spot, is a coffee shop owned by a family with a rich coffee history.

Just as the name suggests, Mission was founded with the intent to financially support various ministries and non-profit organizations.

of Downtown Colorado Springs gives families and visitors incentive to extend their stay and enjoy everything the city has to offer. This expansion also provides more jobs for residents and tax dollars for the City of Colorado Springs.

Within a few years, the area will be even more attractive with the completion of the renovation at the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, scheduled for completion in 2023. The final fixture of the City for Champions projects is the Gateway Visitor Center at the Academy, which will break ground by the end of 2021. The Visitor Center will create a welcoming stop not only for visitors who might otherwise simply pass through town, but also a meeting and event destination with several hotels, restaurants and retail space as part of the project.

“This wealth of diverse offerings makes the lodging properties that much more attractive to leisure travelers, individual business travelers and meeting/event planners. When a hotel or resort is close to attractions, outside restaurants and entertainment venues, it creates a strong package that’s hard to resist.”

— Doug Price President and CEO of Visit Colorado Springs For anyone in the area looking for a great seasonal job or a position that could lead to a rewarding career, the north end of Colorado Springs can now be considered a hot-spot for employment opportunities.

Other new businesses include Zoup!, The Summit, an expanded Lodge at Flying Horse, and even Top Golf, which is coming soon.

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A new movement is afoot at Centura Health - See back cover!

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“At Pine Creek Dental we create a painless experience and help our patients feel comfortable. That’s my promise to you.”

Comfortable, State-of-the-Art Facility

Warm, Friendly, Highly-Trained Staff

Bill Thompson, DDS

DENTISTRY MADE EASY Comprehensive Dental Care & Laser Dentistry

719.268.9400 | PineCreekDental.com

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Cover Feature: From Blank Canvas to Destination

One Developers Perspective on What has Been a Non-Stop Boon for Northern Colorado Springs and the Realization of A Once Grand Vision Finally Comes into Focus... orthern Colorado Springs continues for flourish. Just five short years ago, about all anyone

could tell you about what is up at Interquest Parkway is New Life Church, Hollywood Theaters, Great Wolf Lodge, a lot of open space, and several stalled or dormant commercial projects.

Of course, that has all changed, thanks in large part to lower interest rates, a strong economy and some outstanding talent on the commercial development and brokerage side to recruit big brands like Scheels, several new specialty stores, restaurants and bank chains, In-n-Out Burger’s regional distribution center and management offices, as well as, one of its celebrated restaurants. And now, Centura Health’s new orthopedic hospital is steadily rising out of the ground on the southeast corner of I-25 and Interquest Parkway.

What commercial realtors refer to as the northeast sub-market has seen substantial growth due in large part to the success of developers like Westside Investment Properties’ Otis Moore, who is the project lead for Victory Ridge, and other projects at Nor ’wood across the street at the InterQuest Marketplace. The transformation on this end of town is wonderful to see and there’s still a lot of opportunity up here.”

By and large, residents on the North End are very pleased with the convenience and selection offered in these expanded commercial developments.

This expansion season has helped those businesses who arrived several years ago to realize new interest in their offerings. For years those who lodged at area extended stays and hotels, for the most part journeyed over to the Shops at Briargate or further down to Academy Boulevard for services, retail, entertainment, and food. Now there are a lot of premium choices within walking distance.

Sure there will be some adjustments to the formerly quiet commutes, but overall, there have been some wonderful inclusions that make the area a mini-destination within the greater community. These tax dollars are very helpful in keeping infrastructure in top working order and the aesthetic looking good.

Timeline from 2004 – 2021

In the mid-2000s Jannie Richardson, who started from the ground up as an immigrant to the United States, grew her enterprise to what was supposed to be one of her marquee projects – Colorado Crossing.

“When 9/15/2008 hit, and Lehman Bros goes belly-up, we enter the Great Recession and she no longer has access to traditional financing, municipal financing, or any way to salvage the deal. She unfortunately had to file bankruptcy,” Otis Moore states. Moore is a Partner at Westside Investment Properties, located in Denver, but handles projects statewide.

“She lost the project to G.E. Johnson (GEJ) the general contractor, who was owed more than $2M and had a judgment for $8.4M, (normally in the Great Recession, business would lose 20

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2014

2021

the project to a bank). When GEJ finally got a marketable title to the project, they started marketing it for sale, Our firm, Westside Investments Partners, has history of unique deals like this, that have run aground or had some other unusual extenuating circumstances to getting off the ground,” Moore continues.

Otis Moore, III time.”

“In 2016, most people in our business saw the deal as an exposed, half-built office building, partial elements, with a lot of steep hills to climb. We saw this as an opportunity. We liked what we saw in the research and data along the Interquest corridor and the expansive growth that area was starting to see.

We’re a glass is half-full kind of company and saw this as a great head start for development. Now, we couldn’t predict how fast this area would grow exactly, but we knew the area was ripe for expansion over

Now, Westside had to procure the title to the project. “We developed a great rapport with the selling group (GEJ) and other contractors and were able to put together a deal for everyone. The timing of 2016, had mostly to do with Richardson to get through bankruptcy, get all the lien-holders settled, and past foreclosure. There were a lot of legal hurdles to make it a sellable property first.

How close to the original plan is the current project?

“Jamie set the framework for development for this multi-use project. The PUD documents and overall plan allowed for a lot of flexibility. So we took the existing parameters and made updates and adjustments to make it a more refined and relevant plan for the current time,” Otis claims.

“We had a few great drivers and breaks along the way to help us make headway. After acquisition – we got the theater sold off to ICON Cinemas. This was a big win early on in terms of getting people on site. We were able to do a bond issuance, for additional NORTH BY COLORADO MEDIA GROUP

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way they have and with the unique usage mix of hotels, multi-family residential, business Class A, and small boxes like restaurants, retail (Sherman Williams, some of the banks), and others, this is a far healthier approach to multi-use properties than we’ve seen in prior efforts.

dollars for infrastructure and fixing the existing structure that had been exposed. We finished the parking garage – no major structural issues fortunately.”

For those businesses already present along the Interquest and Highway 83 corridors, This expansion season has helped those businesses who arrived several years ago to realize new interest in their offerings. For years those who lodged at area extended stays and hotels, for the most part journeyed over to the Shops at Briargate or further down to Academy Boulevard for services, retail, entertainment, and food. Now there are a lot of premium choices within walking distance.

How has this project been so successful?

“The projects pace and success is really a testament to our retail brokers, our partners, engineers, planners, and a little luck when we got In and Out. Overall, this is a difficult deal, but once we had them involved, this became a huge catalyst for their distribution center and then of course, Colorado’s first In and Out restaurant. And the corridor has just taken off.

Scheels, now the hospital. The timing was a huge benefit,” says Moore.

Victory Ridge is a very sophisticated campus with an upscale urban feel. You can almost create a whole life around this new area with all the selection and amenities coming in.

Does the pace of development concern you?

“We don’t feel this corridor is in a bubble. There is a lot of smart development going on up here, with adjacent uses, corporate campuses, medical office space, hotels, etc. We deal with all kinds of asset classes, so we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. We don’t do deals for deal-sake only. Must do good for the community, and be a sound project,” Moore claims.

With the northwest and southeast corners developing the 22

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“On the whole, what we’re seeing over last 12 to 18-months is a reflection of what is happening in north Colorado Springs in general. We’re only 40-min away from Highlands Ranch area – it’s cheaper here than in Denver. For many folks, they are just priced out of Denver. Here in the Springs, they can be on a mountain bike trail in 15 min. The trip to the mountains is often quicker, said Moore.”

Current projects underway: Lokal is well underway at Victory Ridge–it’s their most successful project to date.

We’re now under contract for a 17-acre parcel to a national apartment developer 475 units.

There is also a new specialty grocery concept on the way, but it is has yet been made public who or what it is.

One may wonder, is the almost overnight saturation of franchise burger chains, for example, coming on line so close to one another- cause for concern of being overbuilt? Not really. Parent companies to conduct feasibility studies and research as to where they build.

Based on the development thus far, what is projected in the near future and what looks to be a reasonably steady economy so far, those organizations clearly see the demand and are willing to put up their stores to enjoy some of the record-traffic and migration we’re seeing on this end of town. Groups like CBRE and other commercial realtors, show them the sites and their research materials, and the corporations obviously make the decision as to whether or not they’ll take the space.

With this area quickly becoming a “destination” in southern Colorado, there is plenty of support for these businesses to locate here. The developers have provided a lot from which to work.

You can’t do this alone – who have been your greatest supporters?

Moore credits some of our community’s leadership with a measure of success of the project. “Without a doubt, the City of COS has been amazing. Community leaders here are reactive, reasonable, and looking for solutions. Folks like Jeff Green, Bob Cope, have a great attitude that they bring to the city. There are many others of course. We’ve had nothing but support during

Southeast Corner of Interquest & Voyager Parkway Victory Ridge Master Plan shows the big picture since the “Field of Dreams” project was removed.

The southeast section of the property has now been zoned for a community park, multi-family and residential acreage.

Sections A, C-E are mostly built out. Many of these spaces are leased while others are ready for new tenants.

Sections B and F is currently being prepped for more retail and restaurants.

this project, and the support of City Council. This kind of collaborative and collegial experience has resulted in the quality project you see today. Of course, Whitney Johnson and her team at CBRE have been incredible at marketing the project and spaces. It’s been gratifying to see things go as fast as they have.”

We’re proud to be a part of the successful growth in northern Colorado Springs. It will be kind of sad to turn over the last parcel, since it’s been fun. I’m hopeful we will leave Colorado Springs better than when we found it. We still have some responsibility to complete the project well.

We’re just trying to capture unique uses and partners who can bring value to northern Colorado Springs,” he said.

points for buyers, and of course for us, long-term residents who have waited patiently for our numbers to reach thresholds for installment of these great services.

Now, our job is to maintain our area’s value. Part of that effort comes from supporting our locally-owned and operated businesses. Not just Bass Pro Shops and Scheels, but those one-off businesses we have come to rely on like fitness centers, specialty stores and clinical offices, local eateries and pubs, post annexes, grocery, pet stores, locally-owned coffee and pastry shops, and so on.

What’s next for Westside Investment Properties?

“Over next 24 months, the majority of the ground should be covered at Victory Ridge. Next is probably South of Castle Rock-master-plan community will be rising up soon.

And as I-25 finishes, we’re open to other projects along the corridor,” Moore concludes.

These local enhancements add real value to the surrounding Residential Real Estate market as well.

Formerly, one had to drive to Briargate Parkway to get a take-out meal, and it wasn’t too long ago one had a similar trip just to get gasoline. But recent development is quickly filling most of the available lots at Victory Ridge and Interquest Commons and at the NorthGate exchange.

These kinds of amenities, our great schools, and our wellmanaged residential developments, are strong selling-

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Bars, Cafes, Coffee Shops & Restaurants on Interquest Parkway Victory Ridge In-N-Out Burger Panda Express Slim Chickens Interquest Commons Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta Atmosphere Gastropub Baskin Robbins Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Jimmy John’s McDonalds Omletes, Etc.

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Interquest Marketplace Barnwood at Great Wolf Lodge Big Deal Burger Burger King Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chili’s Grill & Bar Clean Juice Colorado Mountain Brewery Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Dunkin’ at Great Wolf Lodge Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger It’s Just Wings Jersey Mike’s Parry’s Pizzeria & Taphouse Starbucks Subway Summit at Interquest Taco Bell Torchy’s Damn Good Tacos

Uva Wine Bar Whataburger Wing Boss Zoup!

New Life Church Campus Dutch Bros. Cafe

See more restaurants and bars Page 40

You don’t need permission if she wants one too!

5867 N Nevada Ave., COS, CO Just east of I-25 at Woodmen Road!

719.278.2300 | PikesPeakHarleyDavidson.com

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Special Feature ‘Best new U.S. Attraction:’

Olympic, Paralympic museum in Colorado Springs makes you feel like you’re at the Games

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BY COLORADO MEDIA Photo

by Jason O’Rear-Courtesy of GROUP US Olympic & Paralympic Museum

Article reprinted with permission by UCHealth - By Rick Ansorge for UCHealth In the summer of 2020, the new U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs opened its doors to a world that had largely closed its doors. Fearful of COVID-19, most would-be visitors steered clear of the gleaming three-story Museum and its 60,000 square feet of exhibit space.

“With COVID-19, we were getting days when only about 150 people showed up,” says Laura Ryan, a three-time Olympic athlete and member of the Museum’s Guest Experience team. But what a difference a year has made!

Now that COVID-19 vaccines are widely available, folks are re-entering normalcy, daily attendance has spiked to about 800.

The Museum in downtown Colorado Springs has “reopened” on the grand Olympic scale that its founders had originally envisioned.

“It’s good to see people,” says Ryan, a team handball player who competed at three Summer Games: Seoul, South Korea (1988), Barcelona, Spain (1992), and Atlanta, Georgia (1996). She also carried the Olympic Torch through Atlanta in 1996 and the Salt Lake City torch during the 2002 Winter Games.

Ryan and her teammates won gold medals at the 1987 and 1996 Pan American Games. But they fell just short of medaling at the Olympics, finishing fifth, sixth, and seventh, an outcome that still stings a little. “I thought I’d get over it when I got older,” Ryan says with a laugh.

But her sojourns in the spotlight gave her a lifetime of great memories and a reason to encourage people from all walks of life to pursue their dreams – Olympic and otherwise – in their own passionate way.

A Wisconsin native, Ryan was a star basketball player at the University of Minnesota, becoming the first Golden Gopher to score 2,000 points in her collegiate career. In Colorado Springs, she worked for the U.S. Olympic Committee (now the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee) for 12 years where she served as associate director of the Paralympic Military Program.

After taking a break from the Olympic and Paralympic world, Ryan found that she missed the Olympic life and eagerly accepted an offer to join the Museum’s Guest Experience team.

UCHealth is the official health system of the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and UCHealth also has a new partnership with the museum.

Like Olympians and their trainers and medical teams, UCHealth providers are strong proponents for any sports or physical activities that get people out and moving.

Photo by Jason O’Rear-Courtesy of US Olympic & Paralympic Museum NORTH BY COLORADO MEDIA GROUP

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During a recent sweltering summer day, Ryan escorted a first-time visitor through the museum in Colorado Springs and offered an insider’s tips on how best to enjoy the exhibits and interactive activities that have earned it rave reviews and a “Best New Attraction” award from USA Today.

Here are some of her favorite things to see and do at the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, including a few that might be easy to overlook.

Enjoy the world’s greatest waiting room The Museum’s atrium isn’t just a place to kill time before your tour begins. It’s a world-class attraction in its own right.

At the entrance is a 400-pound bronze sculpture – Olympus Within – which depicts a discus thrower in motion. Like the Museum’s taut aluminum façade, which has a dynamic pinwheel design, the sculpture epitomizes the grace and energy of Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Created in 1984 by Olympic fencer Peter Schifrin, the sculpture includes the hand print of Nathan Perkins, a 1986 Paralympic discus thrower.

Olympic Torches, including the two carried by Ryan.

Inside the atrium, visitors awaiting the start of their tour can peruse the permanent new home of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame. It features four interactive digital pylons where you can learn the life stories of famous Olympians such as 1930s swimmer (and future Tarzan star) Johnny Weissmuller, boxer Muhammad Ali, and figure skater Peggy Fleming.

The collection goes back to the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, the site of the first Olympic Torch relay and the scene where a young African American named Jesse Owens made history by becoming the first American track and field athlete to win four gold medals at a single Olympics.

Although the colorful 40-foot LED video sail will definitely catch your eye, don’t forget to look up at the four observation platforms which extend into the atrium space. The highest one is the same distance from the floor as Bob Beamon’s Olympic record-setting long jump at the 1968 Summer Games: an incredible 29 feet and 2 ½ inches.

Speaking of Owens, you can pit your running skills against his – virtually – during an interactive 30-meter dash at the Athlete Training gallery.

After craning your neck to see the platform from the ground level, you’ll get an added perspective when you look down from the top of the platform, which Ryan says “is just incredible.”

Race against Jesse Owens … and lose The formal tour starts on the third floor at the Introduction to Olympism gallery, where you can see a complete collection of

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Photo by Laura Ryan

Don’t expect to win, though, unless you cheat. “When it says ‘go’, you go and Jesse goes,” Ryan says. “Even for fast runners, don’t blink or you will miss Jesse!”

The gallery’s other interactive sports demonstrations include alpine skiing, archery, goalball, skeleton, and sled hockey, all of which are Olympic and Paralympic events.

Join the Parade of Nations Even if you’re only a casual fan of the Olympics, the Opening Ceremony and Parade of Nations is must-see TV. At the Museum, a 360-degree multi-media simulation allows you to experience the thrill of entering an Olympic or Paralympic stadium alongside members of Team USA

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during the Parade of Nations.

For Ryan, the exhibit brings back vivid memories. During one Opening Ceremony, she walked alongside tennis star Chris Evert while a flock of doves circled overhead. The doves did what doves do, and Ryan was startled to see Evert using a Kleenex to wipe bird poop off of a teammate’s white skirt.

Doves are no longer released during the Opening Ceremony because they could fly into the flame of the cauldron.

During another Opening Ceremony, Ryan met the gregarious basketball star Charles Barkley, who was competing as a member of the first American Dream Team.

A teammate snapped a picture of Barkley as he wrapped his arm around Ryan.

Interior photo showing people at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs For non-Olympians, the Parade of Nations display is as close as possible to the real thing, says Ryan: “Athletes are very competitive and train hard, but when we walk into the Opening Ceremony, the Olympic spirit is there. This is what the Olympics are all about.”

Experience a ‘tunnel vision’ between these two galleries The Summer Games gallery and the Winter Games gallery contain a vast number of priceless artifacts and an interactive wall that offers detailed information about each Olympic and Paralympic sport. A tunnel connects the two galleries.

“Don’t forget to look up!” Ryan says as we walk through the tunnel. Overhead, video screens show ski jumpers and snowboarders such as Shaun White zooming through the air at breathtaking speed.

Relive the ‘Miracle on Ice’ If you ask people to name their all-time favorite Olympic moment, the 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” in which the U.S. hockey team beat the highly favored USSR hockey team, is a likely answer.

More than 40 years after this historic upset, Ryan is still thrilled with the outcome. “That wasn’t just sport,” she says.

“So much was going on in the world.”

After exiting the tunnel connecting the Summer Games gallery and the Winter Games gallery, make a quick left turn into the Chapman Events Space, a hall often used for

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Photo by Nic Lehoux-Courtesy of US Olympic & Paralympic Museum

conferences and other events.

If the hall is open, you’ll see a significant “Miracle on Ice” memento: one of the original 850-pound black scoreboards from the Lake Placid Winter Games where the Americans beat the Soviets.

The scoreboard is set to the precise moment when Team USA took a winning 4-3 lead with three seconds left on the clock, the moment when sportscaster Al Michaels made the comment which will probably be engraved on his tombstone: “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” Converse with two artificially intelligent Olympians In The World Watches gallery, the Museum documents the connection between the Olympics and world events.

Much of the content focuses on serious events. These include the protest by Black sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who raised their black-gloved fists on the podium of the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” They also include the Munich massacre, during which 11 Israeli athletes and coaches and one German policeman were murdered by the Palestinian

produces abstract, Neimanesque action portraits of visitors posing as athletes in any sport they choose and in any color palette that tickles their fancy.

After leaving the Museum, visitors can digitally access and download the portrait along with other highlights of their visit.

Ryan is hopeful that the Museum experience will encourage many visitors to get more physically active.

“You cannot walk through the museum and not be inspired,” she says. “If you did really well at (virtual) archery, maybe you’ll want to try that.”

She also envisions a day when future Olympic and Paralympic medalists credit the Museum for sparking their dreams of sports glory when they first saw it as children.

“Everybody has to start at some point,” she says “Why not here?”

terrorist group Black September during the 1972 Summer Olympics But the gallery also features some lighter moments such as the Wheaties Wall, which displays cereal boxes honoring 17 Olympians such as triathlete Bruce Jenner (also pictured now as Caitlyn Jenner), skier Lindsey Vonn, and swimmer Michael Phelps.

An entertaining interactive exhibit allows visitors to converse with Paralympic gold medalist Matt Scott (wheelchair basketball) and Olympic gold medalist Kikkan Randall (crosscountry skiing). Through the magic of Artificial Intelligence, both athletes give thoughtful, detailed, and believable answers to any question. It’s like you’re talking to them in your living room. And for the record, Scott’s favorite food is sushi.

Pose for an ‘action portrait’ by a world-famous artist The Museum has a rotating gallery that currently features the vividly energetic art of LeRoy Neiman, who was the official Olympic painter for five Games starting in 1972.

In one corner of the exhibit is the Neimanizer, a device that

Background photo by Jason O’Rear-Courtesy of US Olympic & Paralympic Museum NORTH BY COLORADO MEDIA GROUP

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Colorado’s Bourbon Revival Move over wine-cellars ... The new mancave requirement: a bourbon bar!

Unless you’ve been under a rock for the last several years or have not ventured out to a local watering hole lately, you can hardly not be aware of the phenomenon of what has emerged as the Bourbon Culture - a robust, renewed interest in the all-American libation: bourbon.

Heck, even in the halls at work or just a casual gathering at your house among friends, you’re bound to hear some folks go on about their newest, favorite make.

Before we get too far into this fun topic, let’s get one question out of the way:

What’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey?

Well, first: All bourbon is whiskey. But not all whiskey is bourbon.

To be to be classified as bourbon, a whiskey needs to be distilled from a mixture of grains, or mash, that consists of at least 51% corn. Corn gives bourbon its distinctive, sweet flavor.

“Straight” bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two-years, and cannot include any colorings or additives.

Next, bourbons must hit certain ABV levels.

Typically, the mash is distilled at 160 proof or 80% alcohol by volume and is aged in barrels until it is 125 proof or less. Bourbon is further filtered down and diluted to no less than 80 proof or 40% ABV. 34

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~ Bourbonology 101 ~

“The Kentucky Hug”: a light to heavy, burning sensation (warm, some would call it), in your throat and upper chest some bourbons give when swallowed.

d

Myth: “It must be made in Kentucky to be a true bourbon.”

False. Although, many of the world’s finest bourbons either come from Kentucky or have Kentucky roots and origins, bourbon can made anywhere. The key is to be able to make a great tasting bourbon mash and proper distillate, and the skill and taste of a great Distiller.

Fun Fact 1: There is a Bourbon County in Kentucky, and it is this “region” of the state, formerly known as Old Bourbon, that gave the spirit it’s name. Kind of like how wines are named for regions in France.

The great thing about the “bourbon conversation” is, you can’t be wrong. It’s not sensitive or controversial like far too many other social topics, And like wine or beer, it’s completely subjective. If you like it - it’s good!

Ain’t no one gonna get butt-hurt if you don’t like their favorite too. Just move on to the next brand you can remember and that you enjoy. The best part is the question “why”? Why do you like or dislike a particular pour? For many, it’s a quiet moment between their sense of taste and smell and their ability to discern what the distiller was trying to accomplish.

Even if your a shy person at a party, almost anyone can glide up and eventually jump in to good chat about the countless brands that have come on-line in the past five-years. Yes, bourbon is the ultimate friendmaker. And the actual beverage is only part of the fun.

The real fun comes when people open up and discuss their experience with what’s in their glass.

Fun Fact 2: The name bourbon stems from the Bourbon Dynasty of France (The French House of Bourbon-which is just a name), and was given after the American Revolutionary War for the assistance Louis XIV of France provided the Colonists.

For true bourbon aficionados, it is not about getting drunk. Like wine for many, bourbon tasting and gatherings are about discovering and exploring subtle notes, flavors (that may or may not be there), how it

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finishes, how it tastes with and without ice, with and without complements (like lemon peel, cola, bitters, etc.), and yes, even how it pairs with food.

It’s not pretentious either. Samplers should just be authentic.

Say what is you taste. It may or may not be in there, but who cares. That’s part of dialing your pallet into flavors you may not recognize in this context. Once you do find out what spices, wood and other elements are in the brand, then retaste. See if you can pick up on that unusual note that you just couldn’t seem to put your finger on at an earlier tasting.

Our new friend, as met through our shared interest of, non-other than bourbon, Nathan Carpenter, a local Orthopedic PA, owns a Facebook Page called, Colorado Springs Bourbon Society (COSBS). You can find it easily in the search bar Nathan Carpenter and ask permission to join.

Orthopedic Physician Assistant, Founder, The group will periodically Colorado Springs Bourbon Society host “meet-ups” and be at different tastings around the community. They also have merchandise with the incredibly cool COSBS logo engraved in, so you can look and present like a pro.

Carpenter suggests, “I advise new members just observe for a few weeks. Get a sense of our friendly culture on-line. See what folks are saying and most of all, just enjoy reading other folks’ comments about a particular make. That’s what this whole thing is for - just a nice distraction about something all the members agree on: bourbon is fun and it’s good! Then, when you see something interesting on sale, discover a great taste, or finally finish a great bottle, share it with the group.”

Over the years, Nathan has become an experienced connoisseur of bourbons. But like me, he agrees, you can’t be wrong about liking or disliking one brand or another. His pallet; however, has developed to the point where he can detect some otherwise very subtle notes that a given distiller uses.

He can also discern various casking techniques the maker may have used in creating the bourbon’s finish. He can even tell you if a bourbon is a younger make, or a more mature brand.

There’s an entirely unique vernacular associated with bourbon and whiskey too - another part of the fun. Here’s a little help from Nathan, getting to know some of the terminology.

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Some Local Distilleries you can visit: 1350 Distilling 3 Hundred Days Distilling Axe and the Oak Distillery & Whiskey House Black Bear Distillery Blackhat Distillery Cockpit Craft Distillery Distillery 291 Lee Spirits Company Distillery & Tasting Room Private Label Distillery

Bourbonology • Wet cake: Coarse, wet grain derived from residue at the bottom of the still after fermentation.

• Legs: When you swirl a glass of bourbon and watch as liquid runs back down the side of the glass. Like wine.

• Mingling: When you swirl a glass of bourbon and watch as liquid runs back down the side of the glass.

• Bunghole: The hole that is used to fill or empty a barrel. Why, what did you think it was?

• Congeners: The alcohols in the distillation process that are considered toxic, but also add a unique flavor profile to the whiskey.

• Rectifier: The people who bought low quality whiskey pre-prohibition and added in chemicals, tobacco and other toxic liquids to bottle and sell to the public.

• Angel’s Share: he amount of whiskey that evaporates from the barrel while the whiskey is aging.

• Rickhouse: The storage space for barrels during the aging process. Heat rises, therefore, temperatures are warmer and drier in the upper levels of the space and the barrel ages faster and produces a higher proof spirit. Closer to the ground floor, it tends to be cooler and more moist- barrels age slower at a lower proof.

• Clock the Barrel: In order to prevent whiskey from being lost, it’s required the 100-pound barrel be rolled into the rickhouse with the bung hole to 12 o’clock.

• Whiskey Thief: When you swirl a glass of bourbon and watch as liquid runs back down the side of the glass • WIYG: An acronym for “What’s in your glass”

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4 Tasty Autumn Bourbon Cocktails

Nothing is more soul-warming than curling up by the fire with a hot toddy or whiskey-spiked eggnog in hand. If your experience with the spirit starts and ends with Jack and Coke, it’s high time you branched out. Whiskey’s signature oak flavor pairs beautifully with everything from apple cider to hot cocoa. Plus, there are many varieties to explore, like sweet bourbon and peppery rye.

Whiskey also pairs well with tart produce and sour beverages, like blackberries and lemonade, so you can sip it during the summertime too. Here are 27 whiskey cocktails to shake up at home all year round.

SLOW-COOKER CRANBERRY HOT TODDY This soothing sipper is like the cashmere sweater of cocktails, thanks to cranberry juice, fresh tangerines, ginger and warm spices. The recipe calls for amber rum and brandy, but feel free to substitute the former with traditional bourbon.

• 2½ quarts cranberry juice cocktail • 1/2 cup honey • 3 tangerines, thinly sliced, plus more for serving • ¼ cup whole cloves • 2 cinnamon sticks, plus more for serving • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled • 1¼ cups amber rum • 1 cup brandy • Fresh cranberries, for serving

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2 BLUEBERRY WHISKEY BUCK The drink is topped with ginger beer, so it’s equal parts sweet, sour and spicy. Use fresh blueberries when they’re in season and substitute frozen when they aren’t.

Cocktail • 1 lemon wedge • 2 teaspoons organic sugar • 15 fresh blueberries • 2 ounces whiskey • 1-2 ounces ginger beer Garnish • Blueberries • slices Lemon • Lemon balm or mint Instructions In a cocktail shaker, muddle lemon and sugar.

Add blueberries and muddle until all the blueberries are crushed. Pour in the whiskey, cover and shake vigorously. Fill a rocks glass with ice. Strain cocktail over ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish if desired.

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3 CHAI HOT TODDY Using chai tea instead of black makes this drink super autumnal. Serve it with whiskey, spiced rum or even Baileys.

• • • • • • •

HOT BUTTERED BOURBON Just as decadent as its rum-laced predecessor. The base is a rich concoction of butter, brown sugar, maple syrup and spices. Once it’s cooked, all it needs is hot water and a few shots of bourbon.

2 cups water 4 chai tea bags (or ½ cut loose-leaf chai tea) 1½ cups milk ¼ cup honey ¼ cup sugar 6 ounces rum ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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BUTTERED BOURBON BATTER • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened • ½ cup packed brown sugar • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup • ½ teaspoon cinnamon • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg • ¼ teaspoon allspice TO MAKE 1 DRINK: • 1 to 2 shots bourbon • 4 to 5 ounces boiling water • 1 to 2 tablespoons buttered bourbon mix • whipped cream for serving INSTRUCTIONS In a bowl of your electric mixer, place the butter, sugar, maple syrup, spices and salt. Beat on medium speed until combined and smooth. At this point, you can place the butter in a sealed container and store it in the fridge! To make the drink, bring a pot of water to a boil. Fill your mug with 1 to 2 shots of bourbon. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture into the bourbon. Fill the mug with boiling water and whisk constantly until the butter melts and dissolves.

Top with whipped cream and serve.

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M AG N U M S H O OT I N G C E N T E R.C O M

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Amazing Peop

Class of October 2021

Wendy McHenry

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ple of NORTH Lt. Col. Rikki Heflin

Chloe Kemp

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NORTH: Profiles in Excellence Photo by John Mortland John Mortland Photography 44

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Wendy McHenry

The Club at Flying Horse General Manager is All Business When it Comes to Delivering World-Class Hospitality

In

1999, veteran businessmen, Jeff Smith, Doug Stimple and George Lenz planted their flag in a then, very remote part of northern El Paso County, Colorado - still in the city limits of Colorado Springs, just west of the famous Black Forest. The development filing read, “The Club at Flying Horse”. Acre after acre of scrub oak and horse pastures was the pallet on which these men would craft one of the most aesthetically pleasing and highly sought-after luxury destinations in Colorado.

So who’s going to execute this vision? For that, they started with Fredo Killing, also a veteran in his field of hospitality and membership development. Mr. Killing spent the prior 15 years as general manager at Cheyenne Mountain Resort in southern Colorado Springs, where he honed his skills in the highly competitive and often thankless world of resort management and project management.

When asked to join the team to help execute the vision of Flying Horse, Killing was reluctant as his career was on track where he was. But, a little time and persuasion later, Fredo Killing was on the team that would launch the green field project.

Now it was Fredo’s turn to strategically build his leadership team. He’d need someone who knew the “resort & club” ropes, and wasn’t afraid of hard work and a blank canvas. He needed an Operator who he could trust to bring this vision to fruition. Enter, Wendy McHenry.

Unassuming, warm and friendly, a highly-focused and experienced operations professional, Wendy McHenry started her Flying Horse journey. For her, this role was new territory. “I’m a behind the scenes operator,” McHenry concedes. “Up to then, I didn’t really have experience with sales and development. I’m trained to run the back of the house and make certain everything happens

Leadership

Leading with Conviction

By Dirk Hobbs

for guests and members, not recruit them.

Fredo saw something in Wendy while they worked closely together at Cheyenne Mountain Resort that would translate into the results that Flying Horse would need to get off the ground.

Sure enough, Wendy found herself heavily courted by Fredo and in mid 2004, she also joined the team, not as an operator; rather, as the Membership Director.

Even though she knew the hospitality industry very well, Wendy was privately reticent about the idea of daily sales figures, proformas, and recruitment of members to a club that was mostly still on the drawing board. This was all new territory for her as her training and background were squarely in ops.

“They said in 2004, northern Colorado Springs was not quite ready for a high-end country club.

Back then, it seemed a reasonable statement,” McHenry states. “There was nothing up here yet: no shops or restaurants, very little housing development, no grocery, and gas was miles south on Briargate Bv. Even though infrastructure and amenities were sparse, I trusted Fredo and was inspired by the leaders who put this project together.”

A New Beginning

After nearly 18 years at Cheyenne Mountain Resort - a very successful and well-known destination for those living in that area and leisurely visiting Colorado Springs - Wendy made the leap and hitched her professional career to the promise of Flying Horse. It wasn’t an entirely blind leap. There were some enticing ingredients from which to work. The founders were already working with Tom Weiskopf, a professional golfer who won 16 PGA Tour titles between 1968 and 1982, and had become a noted golf course architect. The Tuscan-inspired

iV sion

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renderings from a well-known California architect Barry Berkus, were emerging out of the ground in what would become Flying Horse’s signature look and main Clubhouse and Athletic Club.

Still, there were a lot of quiet days in the sales trailer sitting in those fields of earth-movers, hardhats, ambiguous roadways, and a lot of pointing at things that just weren’t there... at least not yet. There wasn’t a lot of traffic passing through the northern roadways of Interquest, Northgate and Highway-83 except commuters and residents of the Black Forest, so foot traffic wasn’t exactly pouring in off the streets. Wendy’s work was cut out for her and she knew she had to draw from deep within to make this endeavor successful from her position.

Undeterred, Wendy dove into her new role and began meeting with prospective members one family at a time. Lot’s of “we’ll think about it”, and “maybe in a few years when it’s more developed” were common refrains. But ever the determined professional, Wendy continued the tours and vision-casting and soon, ten families became a hundred, and so on, until the membership had arrived at a respectable and financially viable level. Wendy was fast becoming a confident representative of the project and folks were steadily buying into the vision.

Two Unprecedented Economic Storms

In the election year of 2008, the collapse of the housing industry hit the U.S. and no area of the country was spared. Then, newly-elected president, Barrack Obama presided over a tough economic climate. And Colorado Springs hadn’t seen this kind of meltdown since the 1980s where building in the region all but stalled completely.

What are now referred to as “predatory lending practices”, were common among banks and lenders who were desperate to artificially keep the economy afloat in a post-9/11 America.

Unqualified buyers were in homes they could not continue to afford and many simply walked away from their mortgage responsibilities causing an 46

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economic calamity that would take the country nearly a decade to dig out.

This national reality hit the sprouting local development market hard, not the least of which, Flying Horse. After a few years of steady buyin by new and existing residents, The Club was finally getting some momentum when the crisis hit.

“I remember meeting with our leaders during this time. It was amazing to me in that while they were realists and knew what the recession was capable of doing to our project, they never lost their faith and determination to make sure we persevered,” McHenry recalls.

“I was struck by how they were consistent throughout the slow-down. The common refrain was, “regardless of what’s happening out there, we’re always going to do the right thing for our staff, for members, for the project.”, and sure enough, they did just that. To me, that is inspiring. I knew I was at the right place and could make a life here.”

Next, Covid-19

With the Great Recession settling a bit, Wendy and her now vastly expanded team enjoyed a number of years of steady growth. The Club was growing and so too was her role and scope at Flying Horse. A great many of the wrinkles had been ironed out from the earlier years of getting the Club on its feet. In 2015 the owner’s gaze turned toward the “resort” aspect of the project and they broke ground on the “The Villas” and “The Lodge” at Flying Horse. Wendy was promoted to General Manager and firmly running day-to-day operations on a project with multiple facets: expanding facilities and service offerings, events, a growing membership, and now, guest visitors from all over the U.S. “We began to evaluate how we utilized the space and how we could provide our members and guests with more access and a better experience,” says McHenry. “We tore down the big fireplace in the main dining area and opened it up to allow for more members and guests to be

the Spanish Flu, 1918-19. “This was not the same as an economic slow-down, or recession,” McHenry opines. “This was different. No one has a handbook on ‘how to weather a pandemic’.

Like every business out there, we had to figure this one out on the fly. The entire reason for our existence for members and guests: socializing, relaxing, golf, fine dining, a little of the good life - country club living - was completely shut down.”

Armed with the 2008 Recession in her book of experience, Wendy resolved to emulate the owner’s and her mentor’s posture and lead the team through this next storm.

“Sure, tough decisions had to be made, but overall, the leadership team made certain that this project will survive this new paradigm, just like we survived earlier challenges. We had to get creative in how we maintained relevance and a presence in our member’s lives,” McHenry says with the conviction of a now seasoned leader.

“During the pandemic, the team and I would talk almost daily. Our meetings were parttherapeutic and part practical application of business fundamentals.

seated per evening. We changed the concept from traditional country club fare to an upscale steak house. This redesign was a very positive step for us. Most nights, we’re at capacity and The Steakhouse at Flying Horse has earned a reputation as being one of the best in town.”

With expansion well-underway and seemingly firing confidently on all cylinders at Flying Horse, Jeff Smith and team broke ground on Flying Horse North - a prestigious new country club community embedded in the Black Forest.

There seemed to be nothing but greener pastures ahead.

March 2020: The nation learned for certain that it was embroiled in the first true pandemic since

Even though we knew a prolonged stay-athome order would jeopardize our livelihoods, we chose to focus on what we could do to make it work rather than the countless alternatives that could happen.

We began offering curb-side service to members, remote fitness classes and of course, finding ways to do more with less. Ideas were popping on a lot of fronts. We had no choice but to adapt and make our way through the pandemic. We didn’t let it enter our minds the concept of ‘what if it continues for years’. We just took one day at a time and made every encounter we did have with our members, the best it could be.”

This is the kind of internal leadership that was required to keep the culture and spirit of Flying Horse alive during this unprecedented time.

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McHenry led her staff and encouraged them to embody excellence with every opportunity.

This would be a significant difference maker in keeping members - many which, may have had to consider asking membership at Flying Horse off the monthly budget list. She was able to keep her department leaders focused, her front line staff sharp, and her members pleased with every effort the Club was making to offer some semblance of normalcy, when normalcy was in short supply.

A Parting in the Clouds: “I draw great strength from my family and faith. I also draw from a variety of experience in the club and resort industry.” But she is very quick to point out, “My success and development as a confident business and team leader is due in large part to my mentor and friend, Fredo and our owners who set the culture of our business: Always do the right thing.”

Like most of us in 2021, Wendy and her team are getting used to being a little more backto-normal. Flying Horse North has launched its inaugural golf season and both projects are showing tremendous promise as we move into the mid-2020s. Wendy will also take the operations lead at North as her path continues to unfold.

As for continuing growth, she still consults regularly with Fredo and has a contagious sense of optimism both personally, and about the Club. She and her team have weathered some tough storms, but she doesn’t regret those at all, and realistically, expects more storms to come along the way, and will handle them as they come along.

“I think like a lot of people, I’ve always learned more from the tough times than the easier times. Those lessons just stick with you longer and they give you the confidence that you can handle just about anything that comes your way,” McHenry concludes.

Wendy McHenry has created a culture and a call-to-excellence at Flying Horse that is evident throughout the member and guest experience. And her team is clear on what it takes to be a part of this mission. That’s what winning leaders do - they lead by example and help coach team members to realize their full potential.

The Wine Tower at The Club at Flying Horse - just one more unique feature at this worldclass resort and club.

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Working & Learning from the Comfort of Your Ideal Home ...

Brought to you by ...

Marquesa Hobbs, Realtor® CNE 719.238.0330 | mhobbs@erashields.com coloradohearthstone.com Buying | Selling | New Construction | 1031 Exchange | Military Families | Corporate Relocation | Vacation & 2nd Homes

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U.S. SERV ICE M E M BER SP OT LIG H T - O C TOBER 2 0 2 1

Lt. Colonel Richelle Heflin, aka: Rikki “Boom Boom” Heflin continually surveys the situation in while the Cadet sitting to her left lands the second of two sorties for the day. It’s a perfect August morning for flying on the USAFA airfield and three groups are active on the tarmac and in the air: parachutists, glider aircraft on tow, single engine training sorties. The air traffic tower controllers are cool and calm as daily operations and management of Air Force personnel and assets are well in hand through the morning hours.

There’s a buzz as you make your way through 557th Flying Training Squadron corridors: weather screens, radio chatter and fliers checking in with the operations supervisor before they enter the airfield. There’s flight jargon flying off the lips of the airfield staff as flight instructors and cadets prepare for the morning flights. As a lay-person, it’s so cool to hear the exchanges as they confidently relay pieces of information to one another in aviator parlance. Some coming off sorties, some going on, others in simulators, and still others doing pre-flight training.

This is her office – the airfield we drive by on I-25 to the West, where she works to prepare America’s finest master the fundamentals of aviation and piloting. It’s serious business with little margin for error. For Heflin, it’s another day to make a strong connection with a cadet and help them realize their ability to confidently and calmly manage any number of scenarios that can happen while in flight. It is not lost on her, these aviators are very young men and women who have yet to encounter the complex variables of flight.

She’s aware she may need to take over on a moment’s notice if it gets beyond the cadet’s ability to handle. But, she’s quick to point out, these cadets are very capable, ever-hungry to learn, and see their way through the challenges of becoming a pilot.

An extremely confident aviator and trainer herself, Heflin is warm and sincere. At the same time, no-nonsense, yet very patient and caring of those who are in her purview. She is determined to see cadets succeed and grow their confidence as they initially take to the air through graduation.

“Teaching the landing phase is definitely the most challenging part of instructing, because the situation changes very quickly while you are close to the ground. I have a very short window of time to decide whether I should intervene or allow them to recognize deviations and attempt to correct them on their own. It’s rewarding to see them progress through their training, improving their ability to interpret situations and data rapidly in real time, and develop the intuition and feel needed for flying the aircraft. The look of joy on their faces when they successfully make that first landing on their own is priceless. It’s even greater when I sign them off to solo,” Heflin says.

That’s quite the high-wire this married mother of three children walks daily. But it’s clear from Heflin, she loves what she does. To date, Heflin has logged more than 3,500 hours in five different air craft.

The daughter of a U.S. Marine who served in Vietnam, Rikki is no stranger to a life as a service member. Like many young, aspiring aviators, Rikki was hoping to one day see the world from an entirely different perspective: from space as an astronaut. But as she went from college AFROTC to active duty, in the course of her assignments, she found herself in Ramstein AB, Germany behind the wheel of one of the Air Force’s largest assets – the C-130E for 377 missions throughout Europe and North Africa. Anyone in Colorado Springs knows a C-130 – Heflin found her niche in the Air Force, and never looked back. There she met her husband, Pat Heflin, also an Air Force pilot, now flying for a prominent commercial airline.

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While at Ramstein AB, Heflin honed aviation skills were honed flying airlift missions into a diverse range of airfield environments from remote airstrips in the mountains of Bosnia and Kosovo, to busy airports throughout Italy, Turkey, Greece, and many other countries. She practiced flying low-level (300-feet above the ground), over terrain as varied as the fjords of Norway, the beaches of France, and the mountains of Morocco, and became skilled at flying tactical formation at low levels to air drops or assault landings on unimproved fields in all weather conditions, day or night, and while using night vision goggles.

In 2006, she transitioned from active duty to the Air Force Reserve. From being a full-time active-duty Air Force Pilot, to becoming a full-time stay-athome mom and part-time reservist, balancing career and family was never an overwhelming hurdle. “My husband and my children are the greatest joys of my life and I wouldn’t change a thing. I feel very blessed that I have been able to continue to do what I love while devoting the majority of my time to raising my family,” Heflin reflects.

Following her tour in Germany, she requested an Instructor Pilot assignment with VT-31, Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, TX. During her three years there, she flew more than 1000 hours with students in the T-44A and spent many more hours in the classroom teaching students visual and instrument flight procedures, navigation, and the principles and techniques used in flying multiengine turboprop aircraft. The training was rigorous. From the instructor seat, she had the ability to fail certain avionics on the student’s side of the cockpit and nearly every flight involved the simulation of equipment malfunctions, engine failures, or full system failures.

“Students graduating and earning their wings from that program felt a great sense of pride and I found it very rewarding to be a part of that training,” Heflin states.

While at VT-31, Heflin learned that her greatest strengths lie in her love of learning and her desire to connect with, motivate, and inspire others to pursue their dreams. Being an instructor pilot was the perfect way to combine her aviation skills with her love of teaching. She made the decision to transition from active duty to the Air Force Reserve and apply for a position with the 70th Flying Training Squadron at the United States Air Force Academy. Hired in 2006 she has been instructing there ever since. Transitioning to the Air Force Reserve allows her to continue to do what she loves, while also devoting more time to raising a family. As a reservist she has more time to invest in the community outside of work. She started by volunteering in her children’s classrooms, then gradually expanded her involvement.

For the past five years, Heflin and her daughters have been members of the National Charity League, an organization with a vision of connecting hearts, hands, and minds, so that every community thrives. She currently serves as a board member and liaison of the Colorado Springs Chapter for Operation Homefront, an organization dedicated to helping military families thrive at home.

“Through this organization, my daughters and I have been able to directly serve 16 different philanthropies throughout Colorado Springs. It has been inspiring to see the many ways in which members of our community work to improve the lives of others and a blessing to be able to give back to the community that has given us so much,” says Heflin.

For the past 15 years, Heflin, Pat and their three children (Allison, 16, Katherine, 13, and Benjamin, 9), have called Colorado Springs home. They enjoy being outdoors and have taken full advantage of all that Colorado has to offer—skiing, hiking, camping, and rafting in the summer. They also love to travel and have made trips to 12 national parks, with plans to visit many more.

Heflin has served various leadership, management, board, and committee positions over the years. “Throughout all of my experiences, I have learned the importance of community and that everyone has a vital role to play in that community, so I strive every day to give my best in all I do, and to live a life of gratitude and service to others,” she concludes.

AirCraft Flown: T-37, T-44A, C-130E, DA-40, T-53A, T-41D, T-51A Aug 2021 - present: Simulator Instructor, True Course Simulations, United States Air Force Academy.

Feb 2016 - present: Certified Instructor and Quality Assurance Subject Matter Expert (independent consultant), Convergent Performance LLC Oct 2006 - present Lt Col, USAFR, T53A / T41D / T51A Instructor Pilot, 70th

Flying Training Squadron, USAFA, CO Dec 2002 - Apr 2006: Captain, USAF, T44A Instructor Pilot, VT-31, Corpus Christi NAS, TX Jul 2000 - Dec 2002: Captain, USAF, C-130E Aircraft Commander, 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein AB, Germany Jun 1998 - Jul 2000: Undergraduate Pilot Training Student (T37 Columbus AFB, MS and T44, Corpus Christi, TX) NORTH BY COLORADO MEDIA GROUP

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Looking to strengthen your mother-daughter relationship while giving back to the community?

Consider joining National Charity League, Colorado Springs Chapter!

In NCL, moms and daughters share philanthropic work, cultural experiences, and leadership development.

Over the past three years, the Colorado Springs Chapter has contributed 6,322 volunteer hours to charities in our community.

Nationally, our 200,000 members have made a $68 million dollar philanthropic impact.

We're proud to be developing strong women leaders who help their community today and will continue making a difference for years to come.

Our membership drive kicks off November 1, 2021. For more information, email membershipcoloradosprings@nclonline.org.

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Next Generation Leaders Sponsored by

Chloe Kemp

Respec

Pine Creek High School Senior

Meet, Chloe E. G. Kemp, a high school senior at Pine Creek High School who has been constructing what has become her path in life since the age of five through some of life’s obstacles that would challenge even the strongest of wills.

Born in Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, an independent nation of islands in the south Pacific near the Equator, Chloe is the youngest of three sisters: Amelia (22), Isabelle (19) and Chloe (17). The Kemps lived on the islands primarily for father Bill’s job with the missile defense systems located on the U.S. Army base on that Atoll. When Bill and wife, Beth had the opportunity to make a change, it was a simple choice to move to Colorado Springs where he could work “in the center of space information and satellites” and near Cheyenne Mountain.

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aF mily

If you’re one of those people who weeps for the generations upcoming, here is one stand-out individual of many, who will help reset your perceptions ... rather, misconception of those who will one day, be leaders in the world, in their selected field, and in the community.

With the exception of some very basic imagery, Chloe doesn’t recall too much from her earliest years on the Marshall Islands.

Chloe was born with a rare GI disorder called Hirschsprungs Disease - a colorectal disease associated with the absence of essential ganglion nerve cells in the large intestine, which help to aid in the completion of digestion. Failure to address this abnormality promptly can result in sepsis and ultimately death.

Of course, Beth and Bill worked immediately to identify world-class clinical experts who had the necessary experience specific to this condition, which affects fewer than 200,000 cases per year in the United States.

At one-month in age, the family was referred to Children’s Hospital in Boston where there is an entire program dedicated to Hirschsprungs Disease and where, at a month in age, she had the “pull through” procedure. This is where surgeons remove the bad portion of the colon and “pull down” the good portion of the colon. Then, at age 5, Chloe had 12-inches of her colon removed - an appendicostomy,

Medicine

And she will accomplish just that! “Chloe has always been an advocate for the out-sider,” her father, Bill says.

“She feels an inherent desire to befriend new and/or marginalized kids. She’s all about inclusion.”

Chloe says of her youngest years, “My life was a string to physicians and clinicians who were committed to putting me Like many active seniors, she’s got a full calendar too: She’s on a path where I could live a “normal” life. And they did!” captain of the Pine Creek Color Guard for the marching band and a member of the Winter Color Guard. As a TAG These early adversities in life afforded Chloe a lifestudent herself, she’s also an IRIS Mentor - a program for perspective and a gravitas that most adults don’t posses Challenger and Chinook Trail Middle School 8th grade until well into their 20s or even 30s. She has a sincere, deep TAG students to assist in their transition from middle to appreciation and respect for what good medicine was able to high school more smoothly. She’s active in orchestra, loves do for her. And even at an early age, she knew she wanted to to draw, and is an avid fan of a variety of crafts. do for others what so many did for her.

And so it began, since the sixth grade, Chloe has maintained a perfect A-average (4.56 GPA), and is crystal clear in her commitment to becoming a pediatric surgeon. “I love science and all things medicine, and I love children,” Chloe states. “For whatever reason, I don’t get grossed out or bothered by the topics of surgery or disease. I remember a time when my sister Isabelle fell and cut her knee to the bone after hitting a rock. Of course she was hurting from the fall and the injury caused by the rock to her knee. But all I could think was, ‘wow, I didn’t know that bone was so white’.”

Clearly unphased by the aesthetics of the trauma, in retrospect, the family now sees something of a pattern that would mature into an authentic interest in the medical sciences, helping people get well.

Chloe’s sophisticated mindset extends beyond a profound interest and desire to become a surgeon. She is also a deeply committed member D-20’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Board. The mission of this highly engaged group is to help create a safe-haven where students of color can go to broaden their understanding and awareness in working against ignorance as it relates to racial issues. This group also addresses issues of intrinsic and implicit bias and works to help identify these areas and ultimately dissolve the biases that exist in numerous facets of our culture.

She’s also a member of Students Supporting Culture (Multicultural Club), where they do similar work at the school level.

Chloe Kemp is a piece of what our world needs today: young people who are seeking positive solutions for a complex, multicultural world, who are filled with compassion and empathy, yet who are determined to reshape how we live, work and play together as a diverse population using intellect, lessons from history, and a passion to do what is right.

For now, Chloe is looking to complete her high school career with a high 4.0 GPA and is presently seeking a strong undergraduate program with high medical school placement success. Some on her short list include Kenyan College, Brown University, CU Boulder, and Johns Hopkins University.

Chloe E. G. Kemp

u M sic

Inclusion

ct

a procedure conducted here in Colorado. These procedures have allowed Chloe to enjoy a relatively normal and sustainable lifestyle.

“My goal is to leave these boards with strong roots that can grow into something beneficial for those coming into Pine Creek or D20 since there is still a lot to be learned by all.”

High School Senior, Pine Creek High School - GPA: 4.56 Extracurricular activities Marching band Color Guard, music, orchestra (plays cello), D20 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Board Students Supporting Culture, IRIS Mentor Passions Family, advocacy/creating awareness and respect for students of color, medical arts and sciences, surgery Short list of undergraduate colleges Kenyan College, Brown University, CU Boulder, Johns Hopkins University Professional goal Become a Pediatric Surgeon NORTH BY COLORADO MEDIA GROUP

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Mothers & Daughters Making a Difference

By Cami McIntosh

When Madeline joined the local chapter of National Charity League (NCL), she simply thought she was gaining an opportunity to earn volunteer hours for her honor society. After packing dry goods for seniors in-need at Care and Share Food Bank, delivering meals for Silver Key Meals On Wheels, and watering trees for Friends of Cheyenne Canyon—all with her mother by her side—she realized she had gained much more: she was making a difference for the people residing in her community and the organizations supporting them.

Mothers in NCL, whose daughters are in grades 7-12 from the greater Colorado Springs and El Paso County areas, value mentoring their daughters in three key areas: community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences. They volunteer side-by-side with their daughters; model leadership by filling board of director and grade-level support roles while guiding their daughter’s own class board positions; and attend cultural events alongside their daughters.

Mostly, NCL is an opportunity to grow into the best individual you can be. Volunteer hours are a great addition to a college application but knowing yourself and caring for others counts too. At a recent Class of 2023 meeting, Ella—an aspiring creative—raised her hand to take on a new position. In addition to holding the title of class Historian, she will also take on the role of Member Recognition Chair. “I think it will be fun to recognize my fellow members by sending cards and recognizing their contributions and birthdays!”

Like Ella, her classmate Caitlin is tapping into her passion—in business and marketing—to develop a program to promote class-level news written and photographed by the young ladies and shared via social marketing. “In DECA, I am writing a business plan that includes similar social media strategies. I think it will be both rewarding and fun for all of our chapter’s girls to learn how to use these tools to get the word out about the fun we have with our NCL classmates.”

Each year in NCL, graduating seniors organize and star in two highly cherished events. The Mother Daughter Tea and the Senior Recognition Ceremony are special celebrations where the NCL experience culminates into a recognition of traditions while paying tribute to the futures of these aspiring young ladies. Typically hosted by a local leader, these functions feature a guest speaker, and a fashion show. Attendees enjoy lunch catered by a favorite local vendor.

NCL Colorado Springs supports 17-plus non-profit organizations and since 2019 has contributed 6,322 volunteer hours in our community. Nationally, NCL, Inc.’s 200,000 members made a $68 million dollar impact. Learn more about NCL Colorado Springs membership by visiting: www.nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/coloradosprings, or email: membership.nclcoloradosprings@gmail.com.

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Colorado Homefront How we do life at home..

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Inside • Cleaning Hacks for An Autumn Refresh • 5 Reasons to Have An Inspection Before Buying a Home • Residential Real Estate Update as we Enter Q4 2021 • Considering A Cash-Out Refinance?

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With over a decade of experience in the mortgage industry, I thoroughly enjoy my career and helping clients achieve their dream of homeownership. I pride myself on my communication skills and the relationships I cultivate. I want you to feel like you have a trusted friend working on your behalf. I work hard to keep myself apprised on all of the changes that take place in our industry and have experience with a wide variety of products including Conventional, FHA, VA as well as down payment assistance programs such as CHFA and El Paso County Bond.

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Cash-Out Refinance On Your Mind?

By Kim Majors

With rates still near record lows and home equity on the rise, it might be the perfect time to act. Here are some great reasons to consider a Cash-Out Refinance: 1. With home values continuing to increase, the equity in your home is also growing. As time goes by, your equity becomes a greater and greater resource to tap into. Refinancing can help you achieve the things you have really been wanting to accomplish.

2. A Cash-Out Refinance can help provide you with the funds for that home improvement project you’ve been dreaming about. Rates are still low, so it’s easier than ever to take advantage of a fixed-rate, Cash-Out Refinance versus a variable-rate HELOC. 3. You can use the equity in your home to pay off high-interest debt. If you have any high-interest debts or credit cards that are a struggle to pay off, doing a Cash-Out Refinance could help put you in a better financial position and alleviate debt-related stress.

4. A Cash-Out Refinance could provide you with the down payment funds to buy a second home or investment property. The equity in your home can be a valuable resource available to help you grow your real estate portfolio.

5. If you are paying mortgage insurance, you might be able to drop that expense and benefit from a little cash out at the same time, depending on your current equity.

If a Cash-Out Refinance is something you’re beginning to think about, it may be a good idea to consult with a lender to learn about your options. Exploring the possibilities does not obligate you to move forward, but it will at least help educate you so you can make informed decisions.

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Real Estate Update as We Move into the 4th Quarter

By Marquesa Hobbs, Realtor & CNE

We live in one of the most desirable cities in the nation. With an amazing quality of life, easy access to outdoor activities, proximity to Denver, and strong job growth, the demand for homes in Colorado Springs remains high. Even with unpredictable and unprecedented global issues, a pandemic, social unrest, natural disasters, and economic challenges, our city continues to attract people from around the world as both a vacation destination and ideal city to live in. Additionally, now that more people can work and learn remotely, we have even more people choosing to make COS their home.

Developers and builders are doing their best to meet demand; this year, they are building the most single family homes in a calendar year in the past 15 years. Additionally, new listings in COS are up 4-percent, and YTD sales are up 3-percent.

Real Estate statistics for El Paso County for August 2021: • Average Days on Market: 8 • List Price/Sales Price: 103% • Single Family Building Permits are up: 491 Units YTD (15% increase) • Average price increased 13.2% and Median is up 15.7% • Total # of new listing YTD is up 549 units (4.6% increase) Forbearance and Foreclosure Update: You will start to hear about foreclosures increasing, but remember that for 2020, the numbers were low due to the use of forbearance program.

However, compared to the last “normal year” of 2019, foreclosures are significantly down.

As many homeowners are exiting the forbearance program, most either caught up on payments or made arrangements with the lender.

Home Sales 2020 was an anomaly, yet saw the best home sale volume in over 10 years. Home sales are difficult to forecast, and we

are seeing sales remain steady. While it isn’t the insane market from earlier this year, nor the market of 2020, it is still considered a “HOT HOUSING MARKET.” Home sales are leveling out a bit, but remain above the 2019 levels which were the strongest in a decade. More people are putting homes on market, new builds are increasing, and buyers want to take advantage of low interest rates.

Continued Low Interest Rates The Fed had lowered the rates to help stimulate economy.

Rates are expected to slowly creep back up, but are still amazing!

Appreciation We have seen tremendous appreciation in Colorado Springs at 13.6% in 2020 and 10.6% in 2021 (FHFA).

Additionally, “In just the last year, increasing home prices have translated into a substantial wealth gain of $45K for a typical homeowner.

These gains are expected to moderate to around $10-20K next year.” Lawrence Yun, NAR’s Chief Economist.

Looking Forward As we more forward with optimism, I expect Q4 to finish strong as interest rates are low and inventory is increasing.

Home Ownership is the American Dream and also the #1 Investment Choice for many. To understand more about todays Real Estate Market, or if you’d like a complimentary home valuation, please contact me directly.

MARQUESA HOBBS, REALTOR & CNE 719.230.0330 | MHobbs@ERAShields.com 62

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Cleaning Hacks for an Autumn Refresh Renovation often leaps to the forefront when considering a home sale when a deep clean can increase a home’s value and be one of the most cost-effective preparation steps in the home staging process. Deep cleaning is different from regular cleaning because it reaches the deep grime and dirt in your home and should be completed every 6 months even when you aren’t selling. This includes: • • • • • • •

Cleaning behind appliances Cleaning inside the oven and refrigerator Cleaning window and patio frames and tracks Cleaning inside and outside windows Washing blinds Dusting rooms from top to bottom including baseboards Removing scale buildup from tile, faucets and shower heads

Deep cleaning can be an especially daunting task. At Sage, we recommend selecting a beautiful weather day, some tunes you love and these cleaning hacks to ease the task.

Not Just for Pickles - Cut through tough grease and make your home sparkle with vinegar doubled as a cleaning product. This powerful mixture can also kill mold. Mix distilled or white vinegar with one part water.

Creating this self-cleaner is cheap, natural and tough on bacteria and dirt.

Baking it Easy - Dissolve hard water stains on your water faucets and shower heads by wrapping them up in a plastic bag filled with vinegar and a dash of baking soda. Secure the bag with a rubber-band. Leave it on for at least one hour. This will help de-scale and deep-clean without harsh scrubbing.

Hocus Pocus - Bust through cooked on grime in your oven by scrubbing with a Magic Eraser and rid your walls of scuffs with the same tool.

Catch-All Cycle - Use your dishwasher for more than just dishes. Sponges, cleaning brushes, plastic toys, trash cans, dust pans, fridge shelves, pet bowls, vent covers can all benefit from a cycle.

Hop To It - Dust bunnies be gone! On your ceiling fans use an old pillowcase to trap the grime. Place the pillowcase over each blade and slide it off. Quickly dust and de-fuzz a screen door or window screen by rolling a lint roller over the surface. The lint roller is a slick trick to easily dust lamp shades too.

Once your property is spotless, it’s time to prepare your home with on-trend furnishings and accessories. Let us help you show off your property for quick sale or love where you live, contact Sage Styling & Staging today for more information. @sagestylingandstaging | www.sagestylingandstaging.com

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5

Reasons You Should Have a Home Inspection Prior to Buying

While buyers can opt to waive the inspection and buy the house “as is”, skipping this important step can leave a buyer later wondering: “What don’t I know about this house?” And “How much it will cost to keep it and the mechanical systems in working order?”

While there are many reasons to take this step, here are the five key advantages of hiring a home inspector: •

Get an unbiased perspective: Sellers can hire Inspectors prior to listing, so they can address likely issues before putting the home on the market, and help them get the best offers. Buyers often hire Inspectors to gain an objective report of the home’s condition separate from Realtor’s promotions. Inspectors have no incentive to report anything other than what they see in the home. This allows them to view the house and it’s mechanical systems through a very practical lens and identify where current issues exist and where future issues may arise.

•

Identify un-permitted work: Inspectors can identify un-permitted additions, or out-of-code installations that would otherwise be the responsibility of the new buyer.

The Inspector notes deficiencies or undocumented work, allowing the current owner an opportunity to address or not address the items, prior to the buyer taking ownership.

•

Tool for negotiation: Often, when buyers love a home, they often see a few things that would make it that much better of an investment. “If that carpet wasn’t so

dirty”, or “That wall downstairs didn’t show evidence of water damage, this house would be ideal.” An Inspector will identify these items in their report. Now, this report becomes a tool for negotiating the final price of the house, or a “to-do” list the seller must complete prior to closing, if they accept the conditions from the buyer for the sale of the home.

•

Overall safety and health of the home: Inspectors provide an executive summary, giving both the seller and the buyer a big picture view of the home’s condition and how well the previous owners took care of it. Aging homes will generally have more items that may need updating or repair than newer homes, but the report can provide peace of mind of what items will need attention, and what can wait a little longer. Furthermore, tests for radon and black mold can reveal hidden dangers that can be corrected before closings.

•

No surprises for the buyer: Seldom are entire lists completed once the inspection is complete. But with a thorough report, the buyer can still opt to purchase the home even if the buyer and seller agree not to address everything. The advantage for the buyer; however, is that they can gain a much better understanding of what will need to be addressed and how much it will cost beyond the purchase price of the home.

For more information or to schedule a home inspection, speak with your Realtor. Article by: Eric Fedastion, Inspector at PremierOne Home Inspections 719.217.9594 NORTH BY COLORADO MEDIA GROUP

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Popular Pediatric Orthodontics & Dentistry Group Adds New Doctor, New Location We are SMILE Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry. Beautiful, confident SMILES are what we create.

Meaningful relationships are what we build. Amazing experiences are what we deliver. It is our PURPOSE and our VISION to help our patients SMILE. Drs. Josh Erickson and Brik Nielsen have been creating these SMILES for almost 13 years. They are the only residency-trained specialists in BOTH orthodontics and pediatric dentistry in Southern Colorado.

Dr. Josh Erickson

Dr. Brik Nielsen

Our practice began in 2008 and we continue to enjoy the benefits of being a family-owned small business.

Our success and growth are a direct result of our vision and our desire to take care of our neighbors and our community. This growth allowed us to expand into our own building in Colorado Springs in 2018. It is located on North Powers and Briargate Parkway.

We are excited to announce that we have another new building that is under construction in Monument. It is located at the corner of Jackson Creek Parkway and Baptist Road. We will relocate our current Monument practice into this new location January 2022.

We are also excited to introduce Dr. Lucas Carubia. Dr. Luke is a native of Monument and he is excited to give back to the community that has given him so much. He finished his pediatric dental specialty training in 2017 at the University of Chicago and has become a board-certified pediatric dentist.

He also recently completed the educational requirements to receive a Master of Business Administration from LSU.

Dr. lucas Carubia

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Together, Drs. Josh, Brik, and Luke and our team offer compassionate dental care for children. Drs Josh and Brik also provide comprehensive orthodontics for both children and adults. We use the Damon System of braces that help create stunning SMILES in less time and in a more comfort manner than conventional braces.

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We are also recognized as Platinum Plus Providers for Invisalign® as we treat almost 300 patients every year.

During the routine exams and cleanings of our patients, we focus on individual tooth and gum health and then because of our specialty orthodontic training, we immediately evaluate the overall facial growth and SMILE development. This allows us to identify and address problems early.

The convenience that we are specialty trained in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics is unique only to our practice. The expert understanding of comprehensive oral health and SMILE aesthetics, combined with the warm, family friendly environment and the caring knowledgeable team, create a true dental home for our parents and our patients.

Our vision has always been to create the finest SMILE possible, with the most comfortable method, and in an efficient manner. Prior to 2018, using metal and ceramic braces was the best approach to achieve that outcome. Now there are other options.

We are creating these same beautiful SMILES using Invisalign clear aligners. They are discreet, custom-made plastic aligners that straighten teeth without braces. They are virtually transparent and are easily removed to allow patients to brush and eat as they normally would. This feature is the leading reason we prefer using clear aligner therapy. Our patients’ teeth and gums are healthier, and their orthodontic experience no longer interrupts their lifestyle the way braces can. Depending upon the complexity of the case, many patients can get the results they want in as little as six months, but all patients begin to recognize positive changes in their SMILES within a matter of weeks.

We also employ the use of the iTero Element® scanner to map patient’s SMILES through a fast and precise 3D digital scan of their teeth. During the consultation, this technology allows us to simulate what patient SMILES could look like within a few short minutes.

If you want to start on the path to transforming your SMILE, we invite you to schedule a consultation with a member of our SMILE team. Come explore your options to find your new SMILE—It will be one of your greatest assets.

NORTH BY COLORADO MEDIA GROUP

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HEALTH & Wellness Medical Care + Wellness + Nutrition + Fitness + Physical & Mental Health

Healthy Habits to Help Protect Against Flu Centers for Disease Control Note: “Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2021-2022 Influenza Season” has been published. More information on the upcoming 2021-2022 season is also available.

The single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent flu.

Get your flu shot: Seasonal flu vaccines protect against the four flu viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. There are several flu vaccine options this flu 68

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season.

The tips and resources below will help you learn about additional actions you can take to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs.

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Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

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Stay home when you are sick: If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

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Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.

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Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

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Hand washing resources from the It’s A SNAP program, aimed at preventing school absenteeism by promoting clean hands.

From the School Network for Absenteeism Prevention, a collaborative project of the CDC, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cleaning Institute.

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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

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Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Preventing Flu at Work and School At School • Find out about plans your child’s school, childcare program, and/or college has if an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs and whether flu vaccinations are offered on-site.

• Make sure your child’s school, childcare program, and/or college routinely cleans frequently touched objects and surfaces, and that they have a good supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes on-site.

• Ask how sick students and staff are separated from others and who will care for them until they can go home, and about the absentee policy for sick students and staff.

At Work • Find out about your employer’s plans if an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs and whether flu vaccinations are offered onsite.

• Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, keyboards, and phones, to help remove germs.

• Make sure your workplace has an adequate supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes.

• Train others on how to do your job so they can cover for you in case you or a family member gets sick and you have to stay home.

• If you begin to feel sick while at work, go home as soon as possible.

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is flying Southwest , er b em em ont R See Inside Fr out of COS! Cover!

NORTH Advertiser Index October 2021

In alphabetical order

Thank you to each and every advertiser listed herein.

You are greatly appreciated and are why Colorado Springs is an amazing Community. Thank you!

Promenade Shops at Briargate

Air Force Academy Athletics

Senergy One Lending/Kim Majors

Benton Capital

Smile Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

Boot Barn Hall/Bourbon Brothers

Springs Rescue Mission

Centura Health

UCHealth

City of Colorado Springs & Olympic City U.S.A..

VISITCOS

SAge Styling & Staging

Colorado Hearthstone Properties at ERA Shields Marquesa Hobbs, Realtor & CNE Colorado Springs Airport/FLYCOS ENT CENTER FOR THE ARTS/UCCS KKTV-11 NEWS

facebook.com/cmgnorth

Instagram/coMediaGroup

Magnum Shooting Center MATTHEWS-VU Medical Group National Charity League Pine Creek Dental Premier ONE Home Inspections 70

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@CoMediaGroup

Linkedin.com/ColoradoMediaGroup

Building community and connectivity via social media.

Join your favorite platform and tells us the kind of information you’d like to see.

ColoradoMediaGroup.com

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It’s not just health care.

It’s caring about health, every step of the way.

We’re part of a network of hospitals, urgent cares, physician practices and more.

More importantly, we’re people. There are 21,000 of us, united by a vision for the future of health care. Together, we bring you the right care online, at home and in your neighborhood. And the best part is this movement is just beginning. Get ideas, get tools, get inspired at centura.org

Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact Centura Health’s Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright © Centura Health, 2021. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-719-776-5370 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-719-776-5370 (TTY: 711).