NORTH || June/July 2025 || World Golf Hall of Fame Member, Hale Irwin
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Hail to Hale
Once in a while, one receives the privilege of meeting someone who achieves greatness or celebrity status in their respective field, whether it be in business, sports or another aspect of life.
We — and I say we, because several members of NORTH had the opportunity to spend a little time with the gentleman who graces this month’s edition of NORTH — Mr. Hale Irwin — the Honorary Chair of this year’s U.S. Senior Open. Senior Writer Pam Bales had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to chat with Mr. Irwin, one-on-one, for nearly 90-minutes. While pieces of the story will be familiar to you, other insights may be new and inspiring as he presents himself as a man on life’s journey, just like the rest of us.
Renowned photographer Don Jones (creator of NORTH’s covers) and I had a truly one-of-a-kind experience to sit down for lunch with Mr. Irwin along with Par 5 Championship Manager Keri Hardin and Broadmoor Director of Golf Russ Miller, who was simultaneously
orchestrating a tournament for 100 media golfers on the very course the 45th U.S. Senior Open will take place.
What struck me was how warm and down-to-earth the whole encounter was. There was no pretense. It was some friends who invited Don and me to share lunch and chat about everything and nothing at the same time. Mr. Miller and Mr. Irwin had playful, inside jabs and shorthand exchanges, emblematic of two men who have clearly known one another for a long time and who authentically enjoy each other’s company. And the rest of us were casual participants and observers among three friends, enjoying a burger and a brief respite. What a privilege.
Here’s to the Broadmoor, their staff, the army of behind-the-scenes personnel from the USGA, the U.S. Senior Open, local volunteers, players, families and fans who will take in this year’s event. In Colorado Springs, we are honored and proud to be the host of this grand spectacle in professional sport. May the players have a great time, and may Colorado Springs shine once again
on this splendid, international stage.
To our NORTH friends: Enjoy the summer of 2025. We are blessed to live in America’s outdoor playground – with 300 days of sunshine and a natural aesthetic that is simply aweinspiring. Now, go play!
Until next time,
Executive Publisher Colorado Media Group
NORTH Magazine, The Business Digest/CSBJ and the new Southern Colorado Insider! (formerly The Indy)
Listen to some of the region’s most interesting people on TrueNORTH.
Dirk R. Hobbs Founder,
Photo
Hale Irwin with Mayor Yemi Mobolade.
Founder & Executive Publisher
Dirk R. Hobbs dhobbs@coloradomediagroup.com
Managing Editor Lee Harper lharper@coloradomediagroup.com
Senior Copy Editor Rhonda Van Pelt info@coloradomediagroup.com
Director of Operations
Francis J. Zankowski franz@coloradomediagroup.com
Creative Director Christopher Tombaugh ctombaugh@coloradomediagroup.com
Digital Director Sean Cassady scassady@coloradomediagroup.com
Senior Graphic Designer Geraldine Villanueva gvillanueva@coloradomediagroup.com
Julia Decker, Meegan McCorkle, Marquesa Hobbs, Carriann Johnson & Michael Stuzynski
NORTH Partners
KKTV 11 NEWS, Salem Media, Visit COS, United States Air Force Academy Athletics, Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Springs Airport & YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region
20 TH ANNIVERSARY
Smoke & Sauce in the Sunshine
in the Springs Find the Best BBQ
BY LORELEI SMILLIE,
As the summer months roll in, it’s the perfect time to enjoy barbecue in the sun with family and friends. The barbecue landscape in Colorado Springs holds more than a few hidden gems, with food trucks, restaurants offering live music, various happy hours and a variety of full-service catering options. Whether you’re looking for Texas-style brisket or Korean short ribs, there’s a wide range of barbecue restaurants in town that won’t disappoint.
Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q
315 S. 31st St., 80904
rudysbbq.com/menu | (719) 471-4120
Sun-Thur 7am-9pm | Fri & Sat 7am-10pm
Rudy’s has been supplying Colorado Springs with Texas-style BBQ since 2010. Founded in Texas in the 1800s, the chain operates in six states. Their wood-fired pits only use oak, which burns slowly and imparts a bold, tasty flavor into whatever’s cooking. A true homestyle restaurant, Rudy’s serves its cuts of meat on waxed paper, sold by the half-pound.
The restaurant offers inside and outside seating at long, communal picnic tables. The walls inside are decorated with old license plates and big American flags, creating a homey atmosphere suitable for families and children. Rudy’s offers a wide selection of sausage, ribs, brisket, other meats and desserts, as well as breakfast tacos for an early-morning treat. In addition to the restaurant, diners can shop for BBQ sauces and Rudy’s merchandise, including aprons, T-shirts, hats and more. Open seven days a week, Rudy’s is the perfect place to grab a delicious bite for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
BBQ Party Ready
Front Range BBQ
2330 W. Colorado Ave., 80904
frbbq.com/menu | (719) 632-2596
Wed-Sun 11am-9pm
A staple of Old Colorado City, Front Range BBQ has been operating since 2000. The owner, Brian Fortenberry, brought his family recipes to the Springs from Birmingham, Alabama. The ribs take about four hours to cook, while the pork and brisket smoke for up to 14 hours. Everything is made in-house, with care and thoughtfulness.
Fall Apart Tender
In the summer, Front Range BBQ serves around 300 to 400 people per day. Diners can enjoy frequent live music events, typically featuring weekly bluegrass and country music performances. Their large menu offers BBQ, Cajun homestyle cooking and an extensive list of craft beers on tap. For appetizers, Front Range BBQ serves HouseFried Pork Skins, Country Fried Okra and Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends. The crowd favorite is the Sloppy Pig sandwich, which was featured on the Food Network TV show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The sandwich contains pulled pork, grilled Kielbasa sausage, smoked pepper-bacon topped with BBQ sauce, house-smoked cheddar cheese, spicy coleslaw and pickles. Decadent and delicious, Front Range BBQ’s menu has something for everyone.
Tucked in The Promenade at Briargate is Seoul BBQ, a Korean BBQ restaurant that serves a variety of marinated meats, vegetables and side dishes. On the menu are cuts of beef and other meats, which you order and then cook yourself (with the help of a server) on a grill located in the center of your table. The meat is served with small dishes known as banchan. These include kimchi (spicy, fermented vegetables), bean sprouts, white radish, cucumber salad and more. If you’re not in the mood for meat, other dishes are available too, including noodles, tofu and seafood. Lunch combos are served Monday to Friday from 11 am to 3 pm, which include an entree plus sides for $35 or less. Go to Seoul BBQ for a fun, interactive BBQ experience with a big group of friends or family, and don’t forget to order some soju or rice wine with your meal.
Operating out of a food truck on the Northeast side of town, BC’s Barbecue serves delicious Texas-inspired and Mexican food three days a week until they sell out. The dailychanging menu features beef cheeks, beef barbacoa, Pueblo chile cheddar sausage and a variety of tacos. For sides, BC’s has jalapeño and cheddar-stuffed cornbread, white cheddar mac and cheese, chickpea salad and more. BC’s is committed to providing its customers with healthful, wholesome, seed oil-free food. Instead of canola or
A+ Plate
soybean oils, they use beef tallow, pork lard, avocado oil or ghee to cook their food. Right next to Lost Friend Brewing Co., BC’s is the perfect destination to grab some BBQ and get a beer at the craft brewery afterwards.
Porkbutt BBQ
2220 Academy Place, 80909
porkbuttbbq.com | (719) 698-6126
Wed-Sat noon-8pm | Sun 11am-3pm
Mouth-Watering Goodness
First operating as a food truck in 2023, Porkbutt BBQ just opened their doors as a brick-and-mortar store in 2024. Popular for their house rubs and sauces, their BBQ is also completely gluten-free. Co-owners Joshua and Bonnie Cheney wanted to craft a menu that anyone could enjoy, regardless of dietary needs or restrictions. Featuring smoked turkey, St. Louis-style ribs, a variety of homemade sauces and a few different sandwiches, the extensive menu will leave any customer satisfied. Their loaded sides include something called the “Brisket Grenade,” which consists of a fried baked potato stuffed with brisket, bacon and cheese sauce. Porkbutt BBQ also carries gluten-free treats and desserts sourced from Gluten Free in the 303, as well as the occasional homemade pie made by Bonnie. Enjoy their menu alongside some house-made sweet tea.
OMG!
Chuckwagon 719
6453 Omaha Blvd., 80915 (832) 877-0549
Thur-Sun noon until sold out
A newcomer to the Springs’ BBQ scene, Chuckwagon 719 opened as a restaurant last year after beginning as a food truck in 2023. Their relatively simple menu features wagyu brisket, pastrami, beef short ribs, pork spareribs, some sandwiches and sides. The owners were born and raised in Houston, Texas, and the menu is heavily inspired by their upbringing. The meat is smoked fresh daily on handcrafted smokers with post-oak wood, which is traditional for central Texas. Family-owned and operated, Chuckwagon 719 also has a significant catering operation for your bigger dining events. They offer the same menu for both their catering and restaurant business. Boasting a large fanbase, their BBQ often sells out within a few hours of opening, so be sure to get there in time to enjoy everything on the menu.
With endless options and cuts of meat, you can enjoy barbecue in the Springs all summer long. This summer will be the perfect opportunity to hit up your favorite place or to try something new. Whatever you choose, these barbecue spots are sure to satisfy.
READY, SET... GOLF
Discover the ultimate golf staycation and elevate your game to new heights. Indulge in exquisite dinners overlooking breathtaking landscapes, wake up to the best views, and play every hole with a stunning mountain backdrop.
CULINARY EXCELLENCE
Fresh, Flavorful, Innovative
LUXURIOUS LODGING
Freshly Renovated Rooms With Mountain Views
Settle in and relax amid awe-inspiring surroundings during your stay. Enjoy breathtaking front-row views of the Garden of the Gods Park and freshly renovated rooms.
Enjoy dining with a casual ambiance, and mountain views to spare. Wherever you choose to dine, any of our 3 restaurants are sure to impress, each one with thoughtfully crafted menus, flavorful cuisine and a side of mountain air.
LEGENDARY GOLF
Mountain Views at Every Hole
Our 27-hole golf course features immaculately groomed fairways, bunkered greens, and towering pines — a picture-perfect backdrop to your game. Experience both the serenity and challenge of our famed course.
DID YOU KNOW?
Garden of the Gods Resort & Club was established in 1951 with the Kissing Camels Golf Club being built shortly after in 1961. Members can enjoy annual tournaments that date back to over 60 years ago.
BY TIFFANY UNDERWOOD, Staff Writer
Calling itself the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado,” Ouray is the perfect basecamp for explorations, with a treasure trove of unique experiences all year long. This southwest Colorado town offers year-round adventure from its perch at 7,800 feet in the San Juan Mountains. Surrounded by rugged peaks rising to 13,000 feet and fed by cascading creeks, the high-alpine town serves as a hub for hiking trails, hot springs, history, art and natural beauty.
Visitors from around the world can soak in the Ouray Hot Springs, explore local trails, learn about the Ute people and mining history and experience the area’s signature “3 Ws”: wildlife, wildflowers and waterfalls.
History of Ouray
In the 1870s, the San Juans became a hub for gold and silver mining, attracting thousands of hopeful prospectors from around the world. Towns like Ouray,
Silverton, Telluride and Lake City grew rapidly, while others faded into history. The Red Mountain Mining District, just south of Ouray, offers striking views of the remnants, and the Ouray County Historical Museum provides a deeper look into the area’s mining heritage.
Arts Options
The Alpenglow Arts Alliance is an evolving, informal coalition of arts-focused organizations in Ouray County dedicated to increasing awareness and participation in local cultural events. Managed by the Weehawken/ Sherbino staff team, the alliance publishes and maintains up-to-date schedules for film, music, special events, art exhibitions, theater performances and lectures. By streamlining promotion and fostering collaboration, Alpenglow helps the arts community thrive in the small-town setting.
Photo courtesy of Ashlee Designs, LLC
Activities in Ouray
Ouray offers visitors a rich variety of activities that blend natural beauty, adventure, history and culture. Whether you’re scaling canyon walls with expert guides from Basecamp Ouray or exploring the haunting remnants of historic ghost towns, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. For those seeking arts and entertainment, the Wright Opera House, restored and operated by a dedicated local nonprofit, stands as a cultural gem, hosting performances and events that enrich the community year-round.
Ouray Hot Springs
A soak in Ouray’s geothermal, sulfur-free hot springs is a must for visitors seeking relaxation after a day of adventure. With four unique properties offering everything from serene, adult-only pools to family-friendly features like slides, rock walls and volleyball, the springs provide a rejuvenating escape amid stunning mountain views. Whether unwinding after hiking, ice climbing or shopping, the hot springs offer a restorative experience year-round, but especially in winter, when snow-covered canyon walls frame the pools. | Photo courtesy of VisitOuray.com
Basecamp Ouray
Boasting itself as the leading provider of mountain guiding services and adventure leadership programs, this group’s mission is to connect people to the outdoors through services including ice and rock climbing, Via Ferrata and E-bike rentals.
Photo courtesy of Basecamp Ouray
Ghost town sightseeing
Scattered across the mountains near Ouray, these places offer a haunting yet captivating look into Colorado’s mining boom of the late 1800s. Once bustling with fortune seekers, sites like Animas Forks, Ironton and Red Mountain Town now stand in quiet ruin, with weathered buildings and old mine shafts nestled among alpine forests. Many are accessible only by four-wheel drive or hiking, and visitors are urged to explore with caution and respect.
Wright Opera House
The Friends of the Wright Opera House, founded in 2008, is a nonprofit organization committed to restoring and preserving the historic 1888 venue as a hub for arts, education and community events. The all-volunteer board has brought vibrant cultural programming to Ouray County while working with state and local partners to ensure the opera house remains a cornerstone of the region’s artistic and economic vitality. Photo courtesy of VistOuray.com
Photo courtesy of Ashlee Designs, LLC
Dining Options
From upscale dining to casual family favorites, Ouray offers a diverse culinary scene that reflects the town’s unique character and rich mountain heritage. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and warm hospitality, Ouray’s dining options are as memorable as the scenery that surrounds them.
Brickhouse 737
This locally owned restaurant in Ouray offers contemporary American cuisine crafted with farmfresh ingredients and inspired by travel. The restaurant emphasizes community, hospitality and creative yet approachable dishes.
Dead Canary Bar
Owners Tilton and Crysta Orr drew inspiration from generations of miners in Tilton’s family to create a restaurant that celebrates resilience, authenticity and the beauty of the natural world through locally sourced, earth-inspired dishes. With a menu blending traditional flavors and modern techniques, and a space designed to reflect the raw elegance of mining culture, the couple offer guests a unique, story-driven culinary adventure rooted in sustainability and community.
Goldbelt Bar & Grill
The family-friendly restaurant has been serving delicious dishes since 2011. Known for its fresh pizza dough, gluten-free options and signature cocktails, the restaurant offer a diverse lunch and dinner menus perfect for any craving. Guests can enjoy outdoor seating with stunning mountain views, live music in the summer and a cozy patio complete with heaters and a firepit.
The Smokehouse
Located at the Ouray Riverside Resort, The Smokehouse offers a vibrant dining experience featuring contemporary American dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Known for its signature entrees, daily smokehouse specials and a family-friendly kids’ menu, it also features Colorado craft beers and wines.
Accommodation Options
Ouray Riverside Resort
Located in the scenic San Juans, this resort offers a variety of accommodations for every type of traveler, from deluxe riverfront cabins with full kitchens and private baths to rustic, pet-friendly cabins and spacious RV sites with full hookups. The resort also features hotel rooms with mountain views, some equipped with full kitchens, making it an ideal base for romantic getaways, family vacations or outdoor adventures.
Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs
Established in 1959, this Victorian-style hotel blends historic charm with natural relaxation. Nestled near the entrance to Box Canyon just south of Ouray, the lodge features seven red cedar tubs filled with mineral-rich water that flows from the hillside behind the property. With a quiet, end-of-road location and easy access to Ouray’s scenic attractions, the hotel offers guests a timeless retreat.
Hotel Ouray
Designed for a restful and restorative escape, this serene, smoke-free and pet-free hotel in Ouray caters to guests ages 12 and older, with designated quiet hours from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Fifteen individual units offer queen or king beds, some with refrigerators or sitting rooms, however some are interior rooms with no views (for those late sleepers).
Black Bear Manor
According to reviews, this is a beautifully appointed bed and breakfast located in mountain paradise. The charming inn features nine guest rooms, each with a private bathroom and both interior and exterior private entrances. Guests enjoy a full breakfast daily, a thirdfloor observatory with panoramic views of Ouray’s mountains, an outdoor hot tub and a daily happy hour with complimentary beer and wine. Note that the inn does not allow pets and guests must be 15 years and older.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re drawn to Ouray for its rugged mountain adventures, restorative hot springs, rich mining history or vibrant arts and culinary scene, this hidden gem in the San Juan Mountains offers something for every traveler.
MicroWeddings
BY JULIA DECKER
Mallory Kincaid and Cassie Lopez are passionate about their niche. As professional planners and co-founders of Wild Social Micro Weddings, Kincaid and Lopez help tailor and personalize the experience of their clients to reflect their values and priorities.
“The wedding industry is vast, and our superpower is that we only hold small weddings with 50 guests or less,” Lopez says. “We became the micro-wedding girls and the first business in Colorado to do that.”
Their Denver-based business, launched in 2019, also organizes weddings in Colorado Springs and Woodland Park. The idea for the business came from personal experience.
“I had a traditional wedding that society expects of you, and regretted a lot of it,” Kincaid says. “I felt so lost in the process. You put on this huge event for
everyone else without thinking of you and your partner. I wish I could go back and do a micro-wedding.”
During the swing of the pandemic, micro-weddings were necessary, and the wedding industry pivoted to adapt to changing regulations and social norms.
According to Lopez, on average, wedding trends last five to seven years, and micro-weddings disrupted the industry.
“I wish I could go back and do a micro-wedding.”
— Mallory Kincaid wildsocialmicroweddings.com
Photo from Wild Social Micro Weddings, courtesy of Rachel Case Photography.
Sarah Wood González, a style and culture writer, recently held her wedding in New York City and wrote an article for Vogue titled “Can You Throw a Wedding for Under $10,000?” She married at the City Clerk’s office, and the celebration hosted only 27 guests. Micro-weddings force couples to prioritize what is most important. Additionally, they tend not to break the bank.
“Microweddings are definitely becoming more mainstream”
—Sarah Wood González
“I love a constraint. I think it makes me more creative,” Wood González continues. “It allowed my friends to step up and get involved. One of my best friends is a florist, and she did the flowers. It was a community effort, which I appreciated.”
Colorado is on par with European destinations in the industry, offering many venue options at various price ranges. Destination weddings have skyrocketed in the post-pandemic era, which has meant plenty of new business for Colorado. Photographers, planners, venues and clients have benefited.
State officials have taken notice.
According to reporting from Colorado Public Radio, the State of Colorado has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money for private weddings as “part of an incentive program meant to lure event planners to spend money here and bolster local economies after the pandemic.”
The state tourism office has even paid out-ofstate travel writers to pump up Colorado’s image as a destination.
Another Colorado venue hopping on the trend is Almagre. Based in Colorado Springs, with what they call an Aspen-meets-Santa-Fe vibe, the venue can host about 40. The pricing for a micro-wedding, which includes the venue, catering, day-of coordination, DJ, etc., at Almagre, is the same year round, regardless of season or day.
“We believe life should be celebrated,” says Grace Harrison, who founded Almagre in 2019. “Our micro package allows us to cater to couples that want something intimate, and it is special, because you get face time with every single person.”
Harrison says social media wedding trends have been helpful to the business because they provide people the imagery to explain what they want, which in turn helps bring the vision to life.
“Celebrities, especially, are gravitating toward destination ‘I-dos,’” says People Magazine Senior Weddings Editor Emily Strohm. “The weddings we have coming up will be in some fun places like Colorado, Ireland and Italy.”
almagrevenue.com
Bride & groom photo courtesy of Abby Skye Photography. Table setting photo courtesy of Devin Richter.
For Michelle Betz, a professional wedding, elopement and family photographer, micro-weddings benefit her business. Betz works with couples from out of state who come to Colorado as a destination to elope. She says the average market price for two hours of photography coverage in Colorado Springs is $2,000. A six-hour wedding with her can cost $3,500.
“Everybody is charging that much to make it more worth it for you."
— Michelle Betz
Nicole Hepperle, an event planner and tour guide based in Monument who runs the Hearth House venue, says she has seen the wedding industry become more accessible.
“Price is the biggest benefit of a micro-wedding,” she says.
Some key features of Hearth House are its indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, spacious bridal and groomsman-getting-ready cottages and its pricing. It is known for its low venue booking rates and affordable all-inclusive packages.
michellebetz photography.com
Hearth House sources its vendors for all-inclusive weddings and, because it has a relationship with them, the venue can offer affordable pricing. The space alone costs between $3,000 and $6,000, depending on the season and day. The all-inclusive package starts at $8,300.
“People will get married no matter the economy, but how much they spend is very tied to it.”
—Nicole Hepperle hearthhousevenue.com
During COVID-19, micro-weddings kept the industry alive. In 2025, people who may not have been able to afford weddings before may be able to jump on the trend.
Photos courtesy of Michelle Betz Photography. Hearth House photo courtesy of Julie Morgan Kuhlmann photography.
CIRCLE
Wildfire Season is Here
HOW TO PREPARE
BY PAM BALES, Senior Writer
Coloradans know that wildfires can spread rapidly, posing immediate threat to life and property. It is crucial for residents, homeowners and renters alike, to be well-prepared for such emergencies, especially if they live in areas prone to wildfires, like Colorado Springs, El Paso County and Southern Colorado. Prepare now! Read on to discover how to create a detailed evacuation plan, an emergency Go Bag, a pre-packed important documents box (or two) and a communication plan to ensure you and your family can evacuate quickly and safely.
Pre-Plan Now
Reduce the risk of wildfire damage to your home with a few simple steps. Remove flammable vegetation and debris around your home. Install fireresistant landscaping and materials. Keep gutters, eaves and roofs clear of leaves and other materials. Store firewood, propane tanks and other flammable materials away from your home — don’t opt for convenience over smart storage. Ensure that your house number is visible from the road for emergency responders; painted address numbers on driveways are helpful as well.
As a renter, you can also assess debris and flammable vegetation around your apartment or condo complex. Contact the landlord or property manager to point out issues of potential danger.
Illustration credit: UC Berkeley
Video your home and its contents — take a video of each room in your home. This can be as simple as using a smartphone. Video each room’s contents slowly and then label each video by area, i.e., Bedroom 1, Bedroom 2, Kitchen, etc. Video special things separately such as jewelry, art, outdoor equipment, cars, etc.
Create a family emergency plan. Compile a list of phone numbers of family members, friends and local emergency services. Keep a printout in a visible place and keep a version on your phone. Establish a safe location outside your community where family members can reunite if separated. Make sure all family members know that location. Identify multiple evacuation routes in case one is blocked by fire. If there is only one route, all family members need to know it well. Then decide how you will communicate during the emergency if cell service is disrupted. This is why having a specific place to meet is important during and after a wildfire event.
Pack your Go Bag Now
And store it in an accessible location. Items to include:
• Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days.
• Food: Non-perishable items and snacks to last at least three days.
• Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
• Important documents: Identification, insurance policies, medical records and financial documents. These can be paper or uploaded into a computer cloud system that can be accessed later. Take photos of these documents on your smartphone.
• Clothing and bedding: Enough for at least three days, including
sturdy shoes, a jacket and blankets.
• Personal hygiene items: Soap, toothpaste, sanitary supplies, etc.
• First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers and any other necessary medical supplies.
• Tools and supplies: Flashlight, batteries, multi-tool, waterproof matches and a whistle.
• Electronic items: Mobile phone chargers, a battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• Pet supplies: Food, water, medications and any other essentials for your pets.
In addition to the Go Bag, pack a plastic tub or two with items you never want to lose. This is an individual and family decision — these tubs could include special art, scrapbooks, books, family heirlooms, etc. Pack them now, so that they can be quickly put into a vehicle if an evacuation is imminent.
In Case of an Evacuation: The most important thing is to stay informed and follow evacuation orders. Monitor local news, radio and official websites for updates on the wildfire situation. Sign up for emergency alerts in your area. El Paso County and Colorado Springs residents can access these resources:
• El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority: elpasoteller911.org
• Colorado Springs Fire Dept.: coloradosprings.gov/fire
• Ready, Set, Go! Program: wildlandfirersg.org
If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately. Do not wait. Wear protective clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes. Lock your home
and take your Go Bag and the extra tub or two. If possible, take your vehicle and use one of your preidentified evacuation routes. Follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency personnel. Inform your family and friends of your evacuation status and location. Use your emergency communication plan to stay in touch. Upon reaching safety, check in at the designated emergency shelter or meeting point. Keep informed about the wildfire situation and follow any further instructions from authorities. Being prepared for wildfire can save lives and property. By creating a comprehensive evacuation plan, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are ready to act quickly and safely in the event of a wildfire. Stay informed, follow the guidance of local authorities and utilize available resources to enhance your preparedness. Remember, preparation can make all the difference.
For More Info & Resources:
• El Paso County Office of Emergency Management: Provides resources and information specific to El Paso County residents - elpasoco.com
• Colorado Springs Office of Emergency Management: Offers preparedness guides and emergency alerts - coloradosprings.gov/oem
• Firewise USA: A national program that provides information on how to protect your home and community from wildfires - nfpa.org/firewise
• The DFPC Fire Intelligence Unit prepares a weekly Fire Environment/ Weather Brief each Monday morning. To view this week’s brief: drive.google.com/file/d/1v6hGTQz nFv68eK3SHTA0cxjzFnTKcfuW/view
YEARS LATER, A WILDFIRE LEAVES SCARS AND SCARY MEMORIES
BY JEANNE DAVANT, Senior Writer
A Sikorsky S-64 helicopter drops water on a fire during the June 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeremy Lock)
The morning of June 23, 2012, was bright and hot as I headed from my home in Manitou Springs to the Old Colorado City farmers’ market. Returning to my car after shopping, I noticed a pet carrier in the window of a store on Colorado Avenue. I hesitated for a moment, thinking I should go in and buy it — I had three cats but only two carriers, but I decided to come back another time. It was a decision I would regret.
Pictured Above
As I headed home, I noticed a strange-looking vertical cloud rising from the western horizon. As I approached Manitou, I realized it was a smoke plume, punching aggressively into the clear blue sky, and it was not far away.
By noon, we learned that a wildfire had started in the Pike National Forest in the vicinity of the Waldo Canyon trail, a popular hiking area off Highway 24 about three miles west of Manitou. The abundance of dry fuel in the forest, record high temperatures in the 90s and gusty winds created the perfect conditions for the fire to grow rapidly. By the end of the day, it was headed toward Manitou Springs and Cedar Heights.
On June 24, then-Mayor Marc Snyder and Manitou city officials made the call to evacuate. They quickly formulated an evacuation plan, instructing residents to leave zone by zone. My zone was one of the last to be evacuated. As I waited until it was time to leave late that night, I stood on my deck and watched the fire consume the trees along a ridge that was just two ridges away from my home. I saw ponderosa pine and Douglas fir explode atop the ridge one by one as the fire devoured them.
I had time to gather some personal items and important documents, load some clothes and supplies into my car and locate a vet who was willing to board my cats. Two went into the carriers I had; for the third, I punched some holes in a banker’s box and tied the lid closed with a scarf.
I met up with a couple of friends who had two cats of their own, and we caravanned to the vet’s office. I have forgotten the name of the veterinary practice in the Cheyenne Mountain area that took them in, but I am forever grateful that they and other vets stepped up to help pet owners. We left our little guys looking scared but comfortable in kennels the vet provided.
We had been told to go to Cheyenne Mountain High School, where cots had been set up in the gym. It was
“My zone was one of the last to be evacuated. As I waited until it was time to leave late that night, I stood on my deck and watched the fire consume the trees along a ridge... that was just two ridges
away from my home.”
nearly 5 a.m. on June 25 when we lay our heads down for the first time in nearly 24 hours. I rested but was unable to sleep. I was too worried about whether I’d have a house to go home to, and I kept thinking of things I wished I had brought with me and how they might be lost.
By 11 a.m. that morning, the fire had grown to 4,500 acres, but the wind direction had changed, and we were allowed to return home. But we closely watched the progress of the fire, fearing we might have to leave again.
Manitou Springs was spared that week, but on June 26, the wind picked up, propelling the fire into Colorado Springs, where it grew to more than 15,000 acres overnight. It raced down the hillsides into Mountain Shadows as terrified residents fled their homes.
By June 27, the fire was only 5% contained, and the next day, we were horrified to learn that two Mountain Shadows residents had been trapped inside their home and did not survive. The Colorado Springs evacuation orders remained in place until July 1, and when they were lifted, 346 families learned that their homes had been destroyed. A massive firefighting effort and 4 inches of rain on July 4 helped to knock down the fire, but it wasn’t until July 10 that it was declared 100% contained. In all, more than 30,000 people were evacuated, and more than 18,000 acres were scorched.
Though it escaped the fire itself, Manitou Springs suffered aftereffects for years. On Aug. 9, 2013, the city was heavily damaged by flooding as rainwater poured down the denuded hillsides. I can still look across the canyon and see the remains of burned trees, standing like skeletons along the ridge.
Much has been learned since the Waldo Canyon fire about preparing for and fighting fires in the wildlandurban interface areas where many of us live. My experience taught me that planning ahead is vital. I still have a box of crucial documents ready to grab if I need to get out fast. And I have a carrier for every pet.
YourPreparingHome for the Season
BY TIFFANY UNDERWOOD, Staff Writer
Colorado homeowners face the unique challenge of preparing their homes for a season that can swing from sweltering sunshine to sudden storms. The transition from spring to summer isn’t just about packing away coats; it’s an important time to inspect, maintain and refresh both the interior and exterior of your home. A tailored approach to seasonal maintenance can help protect your property, improve energy efficiency and set the stage for a comfortable and enjoyable summer.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Of the $2,000 the average American spends paying for energy annually, $200 to $400 could be going to waste from drafts, air leaks around openings, and outdated heating and cooling systems. By reducing these losses through energy efficiency upgrades, you can save money and be more comfortable in your home or business.”
Of the $2,000 the average American spends paying for energy annually, $200 to $400 could be going to waste from drafts, air leaks around openings, and outdated heating and cooling systems.
— U.S. Department of Energy
Inside Systems
Start inside by ensuring your home is ready to handle warmer temperatures while recovering from winter’s wear and tear. First and foremost, schedule a maintenance check for your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. Having your air conditioning unit inspected, cleaning out vents and replacing air filters will not only ensure optimal performance but also improve indoor air quality as allergens begin to circulate.
Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise; this simple adjustment helps push cool air down and circulate it more efficiently throughout your living space. Inspect windows and doors for any drafts or gaps. Replace weather stripping or caulking where necessary to improve energy efficiency.
Don’t forget safety; test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, particularly if you’ve relied on gas heating or a fireplace during the winter months.
Lastly, embrace the spirit of the season with a deep spring clean. Decluttering and thoroughly cleaning your living areas makes the transition feel fresh and revitalizing.
An energy-saving tip that Black Hills Energy provides is to lower your water heater settings. Lowering your temperature setting a few degrees can also save energy. Reducing your water heater temperature to under 120 degrees can save you up to 10% on your water heater costs.
Home Exterior Maintenance
Spring is the time to assess any damage that Colorado’s heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures can cause. A roof inspection is a good place to start: look for missing shingles or ice damage and clear out any debris that may have accumulated in your gutters. This will ensure proper drainage, which helps avoid water damage during spring showers.
Examine your home’s siding and foundation for cracks, which are often the result of the freezethaw cycles common in Colorado. Addressing these issues early can prevent more costly repairs later. According to hgtv.com, “A nylon scrub brush and all-purpose cleaner should eliminate dirt and mold on engineered wood, vinyl or aluminum siding.”
Touching up exterior paint and resealing caulk, especially around windows and doors, are additional steps worth your time. These small fixes help prepare your home for the sun’s harsh rays and any incoming summer rains.
It’s also time to store away winter gear like snow shovels and snowblowers. Bring out garden hoses, lawn tools and other outdoor essentials to get ready for summer landscaping.
Yard & Garden Readiness
With water conservation and root health being top priorities in Colorado’s dry climate, early lawn and garden care is key. Turn on your sprinkler system and test each zone to make sure they are working properly. Look for broken heads or leaks and make necessary adjustments to ensure even coverage.
Fertilize your lawn and plant beds to strengthen root systems ahead of the hotter months. Prune trees and shrubs, especially those near your home or power lines, to minimize storm damage risks and promote healthy growth. Additionally, refresh your outdoor living spaces: clean and inspect patio furniture, wash hard surfaces and prepare your yard for summer entertaining.
Safety & Utility Checks
With hail season approaching, it’s a good time to review your home and auto insurance policies to confirm coverage. Also consider investing in protective measures such as car covers, impact- resistant roof shingles or scheduling a professional roof inspection to ensure your home is fortified against damaging storms.
By tackling these seasonal tasks now, Colorado homeowners can enjoy peace of mind and a comfortable living space throughout the summer months, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.
BY CARRIANN JOHNSON
OInterior Eyesores Design Faux Pas Pitfalls to Avoid
ver two decades of designing spaces, I’ve encountered my fair share of design missteps — from cluttered rooms that hinder movement to awkward focal points and artwork better suited for a landfill. Since our homes reflect who we are, I approach each project with care. Great design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that feels right for the people who live there. It should never serve the designer’s ego or overshadow the personal touches that make a space unique.
Some design choices are so ingrained that they become nearly impossible to work around — what I call “eyesores” or design “faux pas.” Let’s explore some design details to understand why they’re no longer part of today’s design trends.
1. Shiny Brass Fixtures
Unless you live in a Victorian-era home, bright brass fixtures — doorknobs, hinges and cabinet handles — disrupt a space’s harmony. While they were once popular, especially in the ’80s and ’90s, they often lack the quality of authentic antique pieces. If you’re attached to brass, consider the modern brushed variants, which offer a more refined look.
2. Cheap, Mass-Produced Furniture
Furniture that feels like cardboard? No thanks. Mass-produced, inexpensive furniture made from flimsy materials can cheapen a space and detract from its overall vibe. Items that mimic real materials, but fall short in quality, can make a room feel like a showroom rather than a home. Opt for pieces that are well-made and reflect your personal style.
3. Tchotchkes & Tacky Decor
Lace doilies and knick-knacks might have been Grandma’s thing, but they don’t cut it in today’s design. Instead, focus on decor that reflects your personality and adds to the overall aesthetic of the space. Remember: items that belong in a white elephant gift exchange don’t belong in your home.
Shiny Brass Fixtures Cheap Furniture Tchotchkes
04. Heavy Window Treatments
In the ’70s and ’80s, heavy drapes and valances were all the rage. Today, we crave natural light and open views. Keep window coverings minimal and simple to let in as much daylight as possible and showcase the beauty of your surroundings.
05. Matchy Matchy
Matching furniture and decor can make a space feel flat and uninspired. Instead, mix and match styles, textures and colors to create a dynamic and personalized environment. A sofa paired with different accent chairs or a kitchen island in a contrasting color to the cabinets can avoid monotony and keep your space feeling fresh.
06. Wall-to-Wall Carpet
Wall-to-wall carpeting, especially in dining and living areas, is becoming a thing of the past. It can trap allergens as well as make a room feel dated. Consider alternatives like hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile, and add an area rug for comfort and style.
07. Dated Surfaces
Say hello to 2025! Regardless of your home’s style and age, you can install updated textures and materials. These outdated design choices have had their time, but it’s time to move on. Formica countertops, 20-year-old carpet, popcorn ceilings or high-grain dark woods from the ’70s can date your space. Once you understand the style you wish to incorporate today, scan the internet for DIY projects to help get you started.
How are You, Really?
BY NICOLE WEIS, Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience
pring often finds us in a time of reflection and hope; reflecting on what the past year has brought and hoping for what comes with the warmth and sun. This year, for many, the reflection feels harder and the hope thinner. The events in Las Vegas, New Orleans and now Boulder started the year in tragedy, economic stressors feel pervasive and heavy, and the political world has us feeling more divided than ever. The weight and divide cause us to feel lonelier and more disconnected, an experience often worsened by social media. Now, more than ever, is a time to rally and support one another, to build community, to pause and offer deeper connection.
As our society moves ever faster, we seem to have lost the skill of meaningful conversations. The question, “How are you?” is no longer a real question, but more of a casual greeting. How often do you stop to hear the answer? Neighborly chats have turned into quick nods as we head into our respective houses, and headphones give us an easy-out to avoid conversations. Yet, research has shown time and time again that social support is one of the most important aspects to recover from stress and even trauma. We are social beings; we thrive when we feel connected. Not only do we feel happier and calmer, but social support also actually increases our resilience to future stress and hardships. So why are we doing the exact opposite?
Maybe it feels easier to stay silent, or we hold back, wishing someone would approach us first. Maybe we don’t know what to say, or we are afraid of saying the wrong thing. The pressure of the conversation itself can get in the way of us engaging with one another. But reaching out and connecting in meaningful conversation does not need to be complicated or overly involved. Sometimes, the simple act of listening to the answer behind “How are you?” is enough to activate our social need for connection. Other times, just letting someone know they’ve been on your mind makes all the difference. In other words, it doesn’t take much to meaningfully engage with one another.
The GRIT Program from the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience teaches how to make those simple connections and, in a few steps, hold a supportive conversation. It teaches you how to highlight strengths in another person and share helpful resources in tough times.
In a similar sense that Basic First Aid Training equips the general population to feel enabled to offer aid when someone is physically hurt, GRIT empowers the population to offer social support in times of emotional and mental stress. As a society, we are more likely to ask for advice or support from a friend or colleague before reaching out to professional services. We have the opportunity to support someone immediately; instilling hope, calm and self-efficacy in one another, and even empowering some to seek out those professional services if and when needed. The positive effects of social support are also reciprocal; we feel happier, calmer and more resilient when we offer support, just as we do when we receive it. By equipping everyone with skills of active listening, supportive conversation and helpful resources, we have the opportunity to create a population of resilience and care! That’s the society I’d rather live in.
The GRIT Program is a free, online, self-paced training available to everyone. The program offers multiple tracks and resources and is also available in Spanish. See more
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BY KAY ROWE, Staff Writer
Events + Attractions
First Friday in Downtown Colorado Springs
First Friday of every month, 5-9pm. Free
Features new art, live music and special events at dozens of galleries, retailers and nonprofits throughout Downtown Colorado Springs. downtowncs.com/first-fridayw
First Friday Art Walks in Old Colorado City
First Friday of every month, 5-9pm. Free Browse local art galleries and studios along W. Colorado Ave. in historic Old Colorado City. Art pieces available for purchase. shopoldcoloradocity.com/first-friday-occ
Sesame Street Live!
Sun., June 1, 2 pm. Tickets: $41-$149
Pikes Peak Performing Arts Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 80903
Family-friendly event where the audience can sing, dance and play alongside their favorite Sesame Street characters. pikespeakcenter.com/events/detail/ sesamestreet
Sweet T’s Rude Blues Jam
Tuesdays, June 3 - July 29, 6:30 pm. Free Whistle Pig Brewing Company, 2117 Templeton Gap Rd. Ste. 130, 80907
Come play with or listen to some of the best musicians in Colorado Springs. A twodrink minimum is encouraged by the hosts. upcomingevents.com/colorado-springs/ venues/whistle-pig-brewing-239930
JUNE 6
Gallery Exhibition Explores the Seven Deadly Sins
Artists have long been inspired by themes of human fallibility, vice and virtue, producing iconic representations like the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and Hieronymus Bosch’s “The Seven Deadly Sins.” An exhibit opening June 6 at Bosky Studio in Downtown Colorado Springs offers the unique, modern takes of 13 fine art photographers and painters on the seven deadly sins in an exhibition titled “SIN.”
The exhibition is the brainchild of painter Brett Andrus, founder of Bosky Studio (formerly SPQR). Andrus brought together five other painters and seven photographers from Colorado, New Mexico and Utah during the winter of 2024-25 to collaborate on work themed around pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth. Each sin was assigned to one painter and one photographer. Their compositions use photographs, paintings, cakes and fashion apparel
Springs Contemporary Jazz Big Band
1st and 3rd Wednesdays, June 4 - July 16, 6 pm. Free Trinity Brewing Company, 1466 Garden of the Gods Rd., 80907
Grab a beer and some eats and enjoy a night with the very best jazz musicians in the Springs area and beyond! facebook.com/SCJBB
to examine these themes with varying degrees of horror, humor and titillation. The opening reception from 6-10:30 p.m. will feature SIN-themed art, music and refreshments at Bosky Studio, 17B E. Bijou St., and throughout Downtown’s Arts Alley, midblock south of Bijou Street between Tejon Street and Cascade Avenue. The revelry continues with flash tattoos on a walk-in basis at Lucky Devil Tattoo, 20 E. Bijou St., and Seven Deadly Sin-themed cocktails at Shame and Regret, 15 E. Bijou St., until 1:30 a.m.
Hillside Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, June 4 - July 30, 5-8:30 pm. Tickets: $18. Age restriction: 16+ Hillside Gardens, 1006 S. Institute St., 80903
Enjoy a mixture of local talent where three bands are featured every week. Feel free to bring folding chairs or blankets. No outside food or drink. No pets allowed. hillsidecolorado.com/events-2-1
Photo credit:
Brett Andrus
Brett Andrus
Live Music Night with EJRM (Elton John’s Rocket Man)
Thursdays, June 5 - July 3, 8 pm. Free with one-drink minimum
Ohana Kava Bar, 112 E. Boulder St., 80903
Multi-instrumentalist composer Drew Geiger performs calming and reflective Elton John music. ohanakavabar.com/events
Air Supply’s 50 th Anniversary
Thur., June 5, 7:30 pm. Tickets: $74-$528 Pikes Peak Performing Arts Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 80903
Don’t miss Air Supply, known for five consecutive Top Five Singles (“Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “Every Woman in the World,” “The One That You Love” and “Here I Am”) pikespeakcenter.com/events/detail/ airsupply25
The John Denver Experience
Thur., June 5, 7-10 pm. Tickets: $29-$49
Phil Long Music Hall, 13071 Bass Pro Dr., 80921
Enjoy the music of a Colorado legend, performed by Chris Collins & The Boulder Canyon Band, renowned tribute artists. phillongmusichall.yapsody.com/ event/index/841067/the-john-denverexperience-night-1?tag_code=862e12c3d9
Pikes Peak Apex - Mountain Bike and Gravel Challenge
Fri. - Sun., June 6-8, schedule varies. Tickets: $70-$385
5089 Pikes Peak Hwy., 80809
A unique multi-day off-road challenge on the slopes of Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain. Choose to race one, two or all three days! coloradospringssports.org/events/pikespeak-apex
Pikes Peak Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show
Fri. - Sun., June 6-8, 10 am-6 pm.
Tickets: $5
Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd., 80906
Over 55 vendors specializing in rocks and minerals, as well as fossils, meteorites, sculptures, jewelry, crystals and more, from Colorado and beyond.
Costumed historical interpreters, farmers, shearers and fiber artists bring expert sheepdog demonstrations, traditional sheep shearing and an inside look at the journey wool takes from the animals to our homes. rockledgeranch.com/event/sheepshearing
Old Colorado City Farmers Market
Saturdays, June 7 - July 26, 7 am-1 pm. Free 2407 W. Colorado Ave., 80904
Part of the Colorado Springs/Westside community for over 35 years, this is one of the most successful farmers markets in Colorado. pikespeakfarmersmarkets.com
First and Main Summer Concert Series
Saturdays, June 7 - July 26, 5-7 pm. Free First and Main Town Center, 3305 Cinema Point, 80922
Free and family-friendly, bring the entire crew and folding chairs. June 7 – Sofakillers, June 14 – Kopesetic, June 21 – The Guardians Band, June 28 – Zeppelin Alive, July 5 – Run with Scissors, July 12 – Soapdish, July 19 –Wirewood Station and July 26 – Martini Shot. firstandmaintowncenter.com/storiesevents
Colorado College Summer Music Festival
Tue., June 10 - Fri., June 27, showtimes vary. Tickets: $40 (some shows free) Colorado College, 5 W. Cache La Poudre St., 80903
The event schedule includes: festival artists, orchestras, pre-concert recitals and “On the Fringe-The Soldier’s Tale.” See calendar website for details. coloradocollege.edu/other/ summermusicfestival/ concerts/2025calendar.pdf coloradocollege.edu/other/ summermusicfestival/concerts/2025season.html
Texas Flood - Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute
Thur., June 12, 7 pm. Tickets: $29-$59
Phil Long Music Hall, 13071 Bass Pro Dr., 80921
Evolving from the original tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Texas Flood honors the legend as well as the future of blues through their own music and style. phillongmusichall.yapsody.com/event/ index/842005/texas-flood-stevie-rayvaughan-tribute?tag_code=7697c302a8
A Celebration of Jimmy Buffett
Fri. & Sat., June 13 & 14, 7-9 pm.
Tickets: $29-$49
Phil Long Music Hall, 13071 Bass Pro Dr., 80921
Enjoy the music of the legendary Jimmy Buffet. You’ll hear classic hits like “Margaritaville,” “Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and much more. phillongmusichall.yapsody.com/ event/index/841071/jimmys-buffet-acelebration-of-jimmy-buffett-night-1?tag_ code=67bbfad13c
37 th Annual Pikes Peak Supercross
Sat., June 14, 3-10 pm. Tickets: $25 Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd., 80906
Competitors range from ages 4 to 65, beginners and seasoned pros alike, take to the track. Halftime entertainment features The Drifters Co, alongside “Dash for Cash.” There’s something for everyone. norrispenrose.com/events-1/37th-annualpikes-peak-supercross
El Paso County Kite Festival
Sat., June 14, 10 am-2 pm. Free Falcon Regional Park, 10990 Eastonville Rd., 80106
Fly a kite, make a kite, enjoy vendors, create a wind-propelled craft project and much more!
Thur., June 19, 9 & 11 am. Free Celeste Theatre, 825 N. Cascade Ave., 80903
Featuring Really Inventive Stuff, Sara Valentine, Michael Boudewyns and guest Jennifer DeDominici, soprano. coloradocollege.edu/other/ summermusicfestival/concerts/2025season.html
Hot Boots Band/Melange
Thur., June 19 & July 17, 6-9 pm. Free ViewHouse Eatery, 7114 Campus Dr., 80920
Dance your boots off to country music with one of the hottest bands in town. facebook.com/HotBootsBandMelange
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Fan
Fest
Fri., June 20, 5-9 pm. Free Downtown Colorado Springs
The Friday evening before Race Day, more than 35,000 people gather in the heart of Downtown Colorado Springs to experience this 10-block street party. ppihc.org
Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass
Mon., June 23, 8 pm. Tickets: $52-$97
Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 80903
Herb Alpert and his band will perform many of their hit songs that are well known and loved.
Fri., June 27 - Sat., July 12, schedule, locations and ticket prices vary (see website, email: info@greenboxarts. org, or tel: 719-465-3065)
Green Box Arts, 6990 Lake St., 80819
Enjoy a wide variety of classes as well as community, performing arts, health and wellness and visual arts events. greenboxarts.org/arts-festival
94th Annual Donkey Derby Days in Cripple Creek
Fri., June 27, 10 am - Sun., June 29, 9:30 pm. Free
200 E. Bennett Ave., 80813
This three-day event is packed with activities and entertainment, including: Live donkey races, a parade, Cripple Creek Donkeys concert series, a silent auction, kids’ zone and much more.
Pikes Peak Performing Arts Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 80903
A journey of exploration and adventure through the galaxies, showcasing a premier cast of aerialists.
pikespeakcenter.com/events/detail/ urbancirque
Guns & Hoses, City Slicker Rodeo
Sat., June 28, 6-9 pm. Tickets: $20
Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Gold Camp Rd., 80906
Celebrate western heritage and honor first responders and military members in the Pikes Peak region at El Paso County’s first annual Guns and Hoses City Slickers Ranch Rodeo. norrispenrose.com/events-1/guns-hosescity-slicker-rodeo
Kids’ Painting and Plushie Making Party
Sat., June 28, 10 am - noon. Tickets: $35
Painting with a Twist, 2834 N. Powers Blvd., 80922
Children will enjoy painting the 3D wood figurine of their choice and creating their own stuffed animal at this fun arts and crafts party.
Featuring eight private gardens in the Briargate and Old Farm neighborhoods plus the Old Farm Community Garden. Colorado Master Gardeners from the El Paso County Extension will be at each of the gardens to answer your questions about plants and good gardening practices. extensionfriends.org
Family Fourth
Fri., July 4, 1-4 pm. Tickets: $4-$8, children 2 and under, free Rock Ledge Ranch, 3105 Gateway Rd., 80904
Join the kids’ patriotic parade, tour the historic homes, play festival games and witness historic speeches and live music. Apple pie, lemonade and food truck fare will be available for purchase. rockledgeranch.com/event/family-fourth
Star-Spangled Banner Symphony and 4th of July Fireworks
Fri., July 4, 4:30pm. Free Pikes Peak Performing Arts Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 80903
Enjoy patriotic favorites performed by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic amid a community fireworks display. csphilharmonic.org/event/star-spangledsymphony
Sat., July 5, opens 8 am, parade starts at 10 am. Free S. Tejon St., Downtown Colorado Springs
Much more than a parade… Lil’ Cowpokes Stick Horse Races, “City Stickers Cup” Stick Horse race between city/county officials, “Headline Herders Cup” Stick Horse Race between media outlets and, finally, the 81st annual parade starts! pikespeakorbustparade.com
America’s Music Festival
Sat., July 5, Noon. Tickets: $65-$135
TAVA Event Center, 201 Saddle Club Ave., Woodland Park, 80863
Featuring a diverse lineup of Western/Red Dirt performers, a variety of food vendors, mountain arts and other activities. tickets.americasmountainfestival.com/e/ americas-mountain-festival
El Paso County Fair
Sat., July 12 - Sat., July 19, 3-9 pm (varies daily). Tickets: $1-69
El Paso County Fair and Events Center, 366 10th St., Calhan, 80808
A different historical era highlighted each day, from the early 1900s to 2025. Experience the past with themed activities, exhibits and opportunities to dress in vintage fashion. elpasocountyfair.com/p/fair-information
Dave Mason
Wed., July 15, 7pm. Tickets: $39-$109 Phil Long Music Hall, 13071 Bass Pro Dr., 80921
One of the most talented songwriters and guitarists in the world, still performing over 100 shows a year to sold-out crowds. Renowned for penning “Feelin’ Alright,” the rock anthem first recorded by Traffic and then, Joe Cocker. phillongmusichall.yapsody.com/event/ index/840903/dave-mason?tag_ code=68407f752e
So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience
Fri., July 18, doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets: $40-$161
Pikes Peak Performing Arts Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 80903
Created by Robert Neary, a tribute to one of the greatest recording artists in history is packed with 24 classic hit songs, nostalgia, stories, trivia and a Broadway-caliber finale. pikespeakcenter.com/events/detail/ sogood
Mexican Rodeo Spectacular
Sun., July 20, 2-4 pm. Tickets: $30 Norris-Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd., 80905
Features Mexican-style bull riding, bareback riding, trick roping, Mariachi music, sidesaddle riding, and Portuguese-style bull fights choreographed by champion Jerry Diaz. showclix.com/event/mexican-rodeospectacular
Cat Fest Colorado
Sat., July 26, 10:30 am-5 pm. Tickets: $20, under 5 is free Norris-Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd., 80906
Included with admission: Costume Contest, Creation Station (to make a toy for your cat), face painting, Hello Kitty Bounce House and much more! norrispenrose.com/events-1/cat-festcolorado-1 catfestco.com
87th Annual Bronc Day Festival
Sat., July 26, 7 am-8 pm. Free Gazebo Lake Park, 100 Lake St., 80819
Join in the celebration of western heritage with a pancake breakfast, parade, art/craft vendors, kids’ activities, pie contest, live entertainment, food trucks, a dance and more. broncdayfestival.org
Photo credit: Bronc Day Festival
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SHORT TRAVEL TO ANOTHER WORLD
BY THERESA WOODS, Staff Writer
Wait until dark. Go outside. Look up. Gaze until satisfied.
Stargazing is the perfect activity for summer nights. Requiring little equipment or knowledge, stargazing transports you out of this world.
Artificial lights make a sight common to our ancestors a rare view today: star-filled, dark skies at night.
Dark sky-certified locations offer exceptionally starry nights, protected to keep views of the stars possible in a world of increasing light pollution, and Colorado is filled with them.
WHERE TO GO
Stargazing is about the quality of the darkness. The places listed here are destinations for novices and enthusiasts alike. Trailheads, scenic overlooks, parks, locations in remote areas and campgrounds all provide spaces for stargazing. Check for posted regulations, as not all are open after dark. Local visitor guides and websites will list popular stargazing spots in the area.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Florissant, just 55
miles from Colorado Springs, is a great place to stargaze. The Front Range mountains screen out light pollution from the nearby city, revealing two to three times more stars than usual. The park hosts frequent public star viewing parties and solar observation events. Mueller State Park south of Divide is another option.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Mosca is the premier destination for stargazing in Colorado and one of the best sites in the United States.
A truly special place in an increasingly light-polluted world, the night sky here is astounding. Near the park, Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa offers stargazing in luxury as well as public events. Learn more at kosmosresort.com
Westcliffe and Silver Cliff are part of the Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night tour. The self-guided tour features seven Colorado locations known for their dark skies and incredible stargazing. The Smokey Jack Observatory, located in The Bluff Park in Westcliffe, is an excellent stargazing site and hosts public star viewing parties with its 14-inch telescope. Visit darkskiescolorado. org/smokey-jack-observatory for details and dates. Nearby, Planet Walk is a 15-minute interpretive walk through our Solar System. Other towns in the Experience the Night tour are Creede, Crestone, Cuchara, La Veta, Ridgway, Naturita, Norwood and Nucla. Go to colorado. com/coloradostargazing for more information.
The Gunnison Valley’s Curecanti National Recreation Area is another remarkable gazing spot. Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park are popular, as well. Gunnison Valley Observatory offers telescope viewing and other programs on Friday and Saturday nights. Visit their calendar of events at gunnisonvalleyobservatory.org
Lake City and the Slumgullion Center Dark Sky Park holds stargazing events at Windy Point Overlook Wednesday evenings under exceptionally dark skies.
Jackson Lake State Park in Orchard and Navajo State Park in Arboles, while not as dramatic as other places listed, still put on an excellent celestial show.
WHAT TO BRING
All you need to stargaze are your eyes, proper clothing, cloudless skies and darkness. A few safety precautions and additional items will greatly enhance your experience, however. Outside, at night, temperatures drop. Dress for the anticipated low temperature at your location: hat, gloves, layered clothing and a coat. Snacks and hot beverages add to the fun.
Blankets or a chair are excellent additions. Snuggled up in a blanket and portable chair or lying down with a layer separating you from the cold ground are much more comfortable than standing.
A source of light is important but be careful. Exposure to light
from a flashlight or phone screen can ruin your night vision for up to 30 minutes. To protect your night vision, cover light sources with a red filter during stargazing. Make your own with a piece of red cellophane or tissue paper or purchase a night vision flashlight from Maglite or Celestron for $10 to $20. There is plenty to see with just your eyes. If you add binoculars, look for a minimum 7x40mm size and 6º to 10º field of view. Manufacturers such as Athlon, Bushnell, Celestron and Nikon offer several options between $50 and $300. A tripod is recommended. Telescopes are not recommended for beginners.
The night sky at the Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa in Mosca, Colorado.
(Photo credit: Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa)
Gunnison Valley Observatory
This image illustrates the Bortle scale, which measures the impact of light pollution on the dark skies at a given location. It shows, from left to right, the increase in the number of stars and night-sky objects visible in excellent dark sky conditions compared with cities.
The illustration is a modification of an original photograph taken at ESO's (European Southern Observatory) Paranal Observatory in Chile, a place with excellent dark-sky conditions, perfect for astronomy.
(Photo credit: ESO/P. Horálek, M. Wallner)
HOW TO GET STARTED
Have a game plan with what you are looking for and where in the sky to find it.
Websites such as earthsky.org and skymaps.com are invaluable for planning your stargazing itinerary. The sites have information, maps, star charts, suggestions and tips for your trip. The site timeanddate.com provides times for sunrise and set, moonrise and set, phases and times to view visible planets. Other useful sites are skyandtelescope. org/interactive-sky-chart and astronomy.com/in-the-sky
The best time to stargaze is when the moon is not visible at night: during a new moon. One to two hours after sunset and two hours before dawn, the sky offers
its best darkness. If planets are your goal, check for viewing times. Some planets are only visible at dawn or dusk. Clear, cloudless skies are necessary. Check the weather forecast.
Bring along a physical sky map or planisphere to navigate the skies, or use one of the many apps available, such as Night Sky, Sky Guide, Sky Safari, Sky Tonight, SkyView, SkyView Lite or StarWalk. Note that many areas good for stargazing are bad for mobile phone service – download or take notes of any information you need to locate specific night sky objects.
Nervous about trying it on your own? Go to a Star Party hosted by one of Colorado’s amateur
astronomy groups such as: Colorado Springs Astronomical Society, csastro.org; Black Canyon Astronomical Society, blackcanyonastronomy.com; or Northern Colorado Astronomical Society, nocoastro.org.
Need a soundtrack? Investigate stargazing playlists on Spotify. Catch some episodes of the “Sky Tour” podcast from the American Astronomical Society or “Star Trails” from an amateur astronomer. Learn a few things with the “Crash Course: Astronomy” YouTube channel. And get out there. There’s plenty for an astro-tourist to see.
Astronomy Day Extravaganza
June 7, 10am-2pm
Front Range Community College, Fort Collins
A fun-filled, interactive and hands-on day spent learning about telescopes, astronomy and the night sky with Solar Observing if weather permits.
SUN-Day in the Park
June 21, 9am-noon
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant
Solar observing telescopes will be at the Visitor Center to share some unique views of our nearest star, the sun! The sun is at solar maximum, and we’re looking forward to seeing some amazing views of our dynamic sun.
Star Party: Florissant Fossil Beds
Dark Sky Program
June 21, 9-11pm
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant
Join others enjoying the night sky. Telescopes will be set up for viewing. National Monument park fees apply (currently $10 per adult).
Star Party: Celebrate the Summer Solstice Under the Stars
June 21, 9:45-11:45pm
Smokey Jack Observatory, 100 S. Adams Blvd., Westcliffe, CO
Celebrate the summer solstice under the pristine dark skies of the Wet Mountain Valley. Through telescopes, we’ll marvel at Vega, one of the brightest stars in the summer triangle, and delve into the sparkling Ring Nebula (M57) in Lyra.
EVENTS THIS SUMMER
As twilight fades, we’ll share celestial stories, including the myth of Orpheus and his lyre, whose music still graces the heavens. Attendees will be able to observe our pristine night sky thru the lens of the Smokey Jack Observatory’s 14-inch, state of the art telescope. Additional telescopes will be set up around the Observatory for viewing, and one of our trained Star Guides will be pointing out the brightest stars and constellations.
Astronomy and S’Mores
July 8, 9-11pm
Lakeview Terrace, 10580 Foster Avenue, Green Mountain Falls
Join experts from the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society for some informative stargazing and then retreat to the fire circle at The Outlook Lodge to make and enjoy your own delicious camp-style s’mores. greenboxarts.org/events/astronomysmores
SUN-Day in the Park
July 12, 9am-noon
Garden of the Gods Park
Solar observing telescopes will be at the Visitor Center to share some unique views of our nearest star, the sun! The sun is at solar maximum, and we’re looking forward to seeing some amazing views of our dynamic sun.
Garden of the Gods Star Party
July 12, 8:30-10:30pm
Telescopes for public viewing in the parking lot area immediately adjacent to the Visitor and Nature Center.
Electronic Assisted Star Party (EAA): See the Universe in Amazing Detail!
July 26, 9:30-11:30pm
Smokey Jack Observatory, 100 S. Adams Blvd., Westcliffe, CO
View a pristine night sky! We’ll hook up a camera to our state of the art 14-inch telescope and project live images on a 10-foot outdoor screen. You will be able to see full-color images with amazing detail of galaxies, star clusters, planetary nebulae and globular clusters from the comfort of our newly built mini amphitheater. darkskiescolorado.org/events
Astronomy Hike
July 31, 7:30-10:30pm (3-mile hike) or 8:30-10:30pm (1-mile hike)
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Come join us for a free adventurous astronomy night hike at Cheyenne Mountain State Park! Free, although a park pass is required for entrance into the park.
Explore the Cheyenne Mountain State Park trails, where we will use our five senses to help us navigate at night. We will learn fun facts about how our eyes adjust to darkness, how nocturnal animals survive, night sky sights and more.
Both hikes conclude back at the Limekiln Trailhead Parking Lot with 30 minutes of viewing celestial sights through telescopes; 8 years old and up. Advance registration is required. Space is limited.
Know us before you need
Three ERs serving Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas.
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. And we’re here when they do. Our emergency specialists are standing by 24/7 with advanced imaging, NICU, Flight for Life®️, and expert trauma, stroke, and cardiac care at three Colorado Springs locations.
Scan the code or visit mountain.commonspirit.org to find emergency care nearest you.
Penrose Hospital ⋅ St. Francis Hospital ⋅ St. Francis Hospital – Interquest
phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711).
Summer Energy Savings
BROUGHT TO YOU BY COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES
The weather is starting to heat up. But no sweat! These low-cost, quick-to-implement tips will help keep your home comfortable while saving energy.
Tips for Homes with or without Air Conditioning
• In Colorado, the air temp cools to the 50s or 60s at night. Use this natural air conditioning to your advantage. Leave the windows open at night, or open windows and doors first thing in the morning, to bring cool air in and move stale, warm air out.
- Portable fans can help create an air flow to speed up the process. Put one fan in an open door or window facing inside on one end of the house and another fan on the opposite end of the house blowing outside.
- Once the house has cooled, close everything up. If you have curtains or blinds, keep them closed — especially on windows facing the sun.
• If you have ceiling fans, make sure they are rotating counterclockwise — that will push the cooler air down.
• Supplement ceiling fans with portable fans to keep air circulating throughout your home.
• Wait to run home appliances until the cooler evening hours. A dryer, dishwasher or oven can quickly warm the air in your home, making your cooling system work overtime.
Best Practices with a Cooling System
Temperature Setting
• Set your thermostat higher on hot days so the cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard.
• Thermostat temperatures should also be set higher (78 degrees or more) when you’re not home or at night when sleeping. This can save around 10% on energy use.
• Adjusting your thermostat is easy in the “smart” age. Smart thermostats have become very affordable, especially with Springs Utilities’ $50 rebate on a qualified purchase.
Prepare for Warmer Temperatures
• Drafty doors and windows can allow warm air into your home, making your air conditioning system work overtime to keep the temperature down. For around $20, you can purchase weather stripping and caulk to seal any gaps.
• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing leaks around doors and windows can save up to 20% on heating and cooling.
Maintain
• Neglecting regular tune-ups for an air conditioning system can lead to underperformance. That means more energy use and less cool air.
• Throughout the warmer months, remove any dirt, leaves or debris around your outside unit.
• Routinely change your air filter. A simple filter replacement costs about $10 and can lower your air conditioner’s energy use by 15%.
Consider Upgrading your Insulation
• Insulating is the first step to an efficient home and customers will notice an almost immediate impact on their energy bill after making the upgrade.
• A Springs Utilities’ rebate can cover up to 40% of total installation costs (up to $3,750) for electric or natural gas customers. For each area you upgrade, eligible customers can save up to $1,250 (for attic insulation), $1,250 (for wall insulation) and $1,250 (for crawlspace insulation).
• View full rules and information at csu.org/rebates-incentives/residentialinsulation-air-sealing and "My Account" at myaccount.csu.org/eportal to apply for an insulation rebate.
BY PAM BALES, Senior Writer
Hale Irwin’s roots run deep in Colorado. Born in Baxter Springs, Kansas, but raised in Boulder, Colorado, Irwin’s formative years were spent at the foot of the Rocky Mountains’ Flatirons.
A three-sport athlete in football, baseball and golf at Boulder High School, Irwin’s prowess on the field and course was evident from a young age.
“Baxter Springs was a tight-knit community where everyone knew each other,” Irwin explains. “I started with baseball in Little League because we were right next to Commerce, Oklahoma, where Micky Mantle grew up. Baseball was my first passion.”
The family moved to Boulder when Irwin was 14 years old. It was the big city, exclaims Irwin. He began playing football as a freshman at Boulder High and continued playing baseball until his parents put him into a Jaycees golf tournament.
“It was a two-day event at the Boulder Country Club (now the Flatirons Country Club)
and I hadn’t really played that seriously, but I won the tournament — my first trophy in golf,” says Irwin. “I then progressed to the Jaycees State Tournament. The top four finishers in the state got to go to the nationals in Norfolk, Va. — I was number three!”
Irwin went to the nationals, and although he didn’t make the cut, golf became his new passion.
As a high school senior, he won the individual state golf championship and played a key role in his Class AAA football team’s remarkable 9-1 record. While there are many football players today who play golf, Irwin is a rare golfer who actually played football.
His athletic talents led him to the University of Colorado, where he continued to excel.
Playing on a football scholarship, he was selected twice as a first-team All-Big Eight Conference defensive back. Irwin displayed his golfing skills by winning the 1967 NCAA Division I individual golf championship, and two Big Eight titles.
Hale Irwin hitting his tee shot on the first hole during the final round of the 2011 Senior PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
Irwin was CU’s football team captain for the 1966 team, which finished second in the conference standings. All these wins earned him a place in the school’s athletic hall of fame.
“I had to give up baseball in college because I had to work, play golf, play football, study and I still was trying to have some sort of social life,” Irwin says, laughing..
He credits his parents for instilling a strong work ethic within his family. His mother worked for the University of Colorado and his dad was a salesman who travelled.
“I was really busy, but was expected to get my work done, too,” he emphasizes.
In 1968, Irwin turned pro, embarking on a golf career that would cement his status as one of the sport’s greats. He has 20 PGA Tour victories and an unprecedented 45 Champions Tour wins, a record later broken by Bernhard Langer. Irwin is best known for his U.S. Open victories in 1974, 1979 and 1990, making him one of only six players to win the championship three or more times. His triumph in Illinois in 1990 at Medinah Country Club, at 45 years and 15 days, makes him the oldest player to win the U.S. Open. The dramatic victory, secured by a 45-foot putt on the 72nd hole, forced a playoff, which he won with a birdie
over Mike Donald.
Irwin’s success extended to the U.S. Senior Open, where he claimed titles in 1998 and 2000. His 17-underpar total of 267 at Saucon Valley Country Club set a championship scoring record that stood for years. His accolades also include seven senior major professional championships, tying him for third place in the category.
“Learning how to be a professional golfer was an effort in itself,” explains Irwin. “Colorado was not a hotbed for golf back in the day. I was learning how to adapt to a vastly different lifestyle. Back then, you were living in a hotel room, eating fast food, driving a car to tournaments, playing the golf and working to get sponsors.”
Irwin’s life has been marked by the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities. He credits his wife of 57 years, Sally, for her tremendous support, particularly during his years of travel and competition. Irwin’s dedication to being a devoted husband and father has always been a priority.
“As soon as I was off the tour, the only thing I wanted to do was be home, be a good husband and
a good dad,” says Irwin. “I’m so proud of the way my family handled the notoriety that comes with the golfing profession. We are a very tight family.”
He cherishes the moments spent with his children and grandchildren (who are all in the Colorado area), sharing his love for sports and life lessons learned through his experiences. Irwin’s approach to life emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability and maintaining a positive outlook.
For Irwin, the pursuit of excellence in golf was not just about competition but also about personal fulfillment.
“It’s always been important to me to embrace challenges and strive to be the best version of myself I could be,” he notes.
Beyond his competitive triumphs, Irwin’s influence extends to golf course architecture and charitable efforts. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame in 1974, Irwin’s contributions to the sport are widely recognized. His 2019 Payne Stewart Award highlights his exemplary character, charitable works and sportsmanship.
The United States team for the Sun Alliance Ryder Cup, 1981, clash against Europe lines up at Walton Heath UK. They are (from left) Lee Trevino, Ben Crenshaw, Bruce Lietzke, Ray Floyd, Jerry Pate, Tom Watson, Dave Marr (non playing captain); Hale Irwin, Jack Nicklaus, Johnny Miller, Tom Kite, Larry Nelson and Bill Rogers.
PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
Irwin’s connection to Colorado Springs and The Broadmoor Golf Club is particularly special. He fondly recalls his great association with The Broadmoor’s longtime director of golf, Dow Finsterwald, and appreciates the club’s revered status in both professional and amateur golf. His role as honorary chair for the U.S. Senior Open reflects his strong ties to the state and
He offers valuable advice for those seeking to pursue their passions, encouraging young athletes to find a balance between their commitment to sports and personal growth. Irwin’s journey underscores the significance of hard work, dedication and the willingness to learn from every experience.
“I’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazing people, golfers like Arnie [Palmer] and Jack [Nicklaus] and so many celebrities,” Irwin reflects. “My biggest takeaway from those people is that they are just people. Two people who became true friends and golf buddies were President Ford and President Bush (41).”
Hale Irwin’s journey from a young athlete in Boulder to a celebrated golf champion is a story of dedication, resilience and unwavering passion. As Colorado Springs prepares to host the U.S. Senior Open, Irwin’s legacy in the world of golf and his contributions to the community reflect the values that define this vibrant city. His story serves as a reminder that greatness is achieved not just through talent but also through hard work and an enduring love for the game.
As honorary chair, Hale Irwin will play a pivotal role in representing the legendary champions in the field and inspiring new generations of golfers and sports enthusiasts. His presence at the prestigious championship is not just a testament to his illustrious career but also a celebration of his enduring connection to Colorado.
Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor
Above: The east course 16th hole at The Broadmoor.
Left: (L to R) Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Hale Irwin participate in a charity tournament during day two of The Ascension Charity Classic in St. Louis on September 2021.
(Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI Credit: UPI/Alamy Live News)
THEATREWORKS CELEBRATES
SEASONS
OF DRAMATIC EXCELLENCE
BY JEANNE DAVANT, Senior Writer
Max Shulman takes on the role of Theatreworks’ artistic director at a time when we’ve never needed theater more, he says. The five plays that constitute the venerable theater company’s 50th season speak to “this American moment,” Shulman says.
“We are charging forward to create a place where people can come and enter a different world and imagine possibility,” he says. “That’s what theater does for us.”
Theater “has the ability to help us see ourselves reflected on stage, but also to look through the window and better understand the lives of those around us,” says David Siegel, executive director of the Ent Center for the Arts. It’s what Theatreworks has always done, while it also strives to reach artistic summits.
arts institutions, says former UCCS Chancellor Pamela Shockley-Zalabak. “Murray and Betty really believed that we could have something excellent in what was a really small town, and a reputation beyond Colorado Springs.”
Theatreworks’ 50th season features beloved classics as well as groundbreaking works making their Colorado Springs debut, Siegel says. The 202526 season premieres in September, when the musical “Cabaret” will transform the Ent Center’s Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater into the Kit Kat Club in 1920s Germany.
Theater “has the ability to help us see ourselves reflected on stage, but also to look through the window and better understand the lives of those around us.”
— MAX SHULMAN
Under the direction of Murray Ross, founder and longtime artistic director, and his wife Betty, an artist and costume designer, Theatreworks achieved “a very high bar of excellence and what’s possible” through stellar productions and collaboration with other
Subsequent productions include Oscar Wilde’s beloved comedy “The Importance of Being Earnest”; “Where We Stand,” a one-person show that combines play, poetry and concert with audience participation; “Romeo and Juliet,” reprising Theatreworks’ first Shakespeare production in 1976, newly staged by Shulman; and “The Garbologists,” a new play about two New York City sanitation workers that Siegel describes as funny, charming and poignant.
The Mountaintop with Marisa Hébert, Calvin Thompson, and directed by Donnie L. Betts.
STAGING ON A SHOESTRING
Murray and Betty Ross founded Theatreworks in 1975, along with a small group of theater artists.
“You might say the seed of Theatreworks was first planted when a 10-year-old boy was allowed to stay up and tend bar for his parents’ New Year’s Eve party,” Ross wrote in an essay for Theatreworks’ 40th anniversary in 2015. Ross’s mother piled sawdust on the living room floor for the Western-themed party, and at midnight his father did a performance involving a “tasteful” strip tease that no one would ever forget. “I think it was then I first realized how special and fun theatre could be, like life and like nothing else on earth.” Ross also recalled his first Shakespeare play, a performance of “As You Like It” in an Altadena, California park. It ignited a lifelong passion for the Bard.
Ross came to Colorado Springs in 1974 to interview for a job teaching Shakespeare at UCCS and to start a theater program.
Theatreworks’ first production was an obscure Swiss play, presented in 1975 in a small theater in the basement of the Penrose Hospital cancer ward.
“But really, Theatreworks began that same year one
night in the kitchen on Tejon Street when Betty and I, Sharon and Whit Andrews, Dan Patterson and Bob Nash all decided to create a theatre together,” Ross wrote. They had the university’s blessing but not much else; everything had to be done on a shoestring, including the costumes and curtains, sewn by Betty.
Thereafter, productions moved to various places on the UCCS campus, and plays were presented at Dwire Hall until Theatreworks found a home at the original Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater, in what is now University Hall.
While Ross was working to found Theatreworks, he was also building UCCS’s theater department.
“We were both teaching, and we had offices on the same floor in Main Hall,” says Shockley-Zalabak, who got to know Ross well.
“Working with Murray was always energizing,” she says. “And Betty, not only as an artist, but as a costume designer, was extraordinary, and she provided a lot of the early excellence that we saw in Theatreworks. She had a knack for doing things on a very nonexistent budget. Murray had that passionate zeal that nothing was going to stop him from having this marvelous theater company, and nothing did.”
Lumberjacks in Love, directed by Caitlin Lowans. From left to right: Sammie Joe Kinnett, JPapp, and Jeremiah Walter
FROM CLASSIC TO CONTEMPORARY
Ross directed and adapted more than 100 works in his four decades as artistic director. He drew from the classics but also introduced Colorado Springs to newer works, including his original plays “Monkey Business,” “The Last Night of Don Juan” and “I am Nicola Tesla.” Ross also adapted numerous works for the stage, among them “The Odyssey,” “Huckleberry Finn,” “The Lady of the Camellias” and several versions of “A Christmas Carol.”
Murray Ross initiated many platforms for performances of Shakespeare plays that spanned statewide tours and outdoor performances, beginning with a 1984 production of “The Comedy of Errors” in a circus tent. In 1991, Ross and Colorado Springs Symphony Director Christopher Wilkins collaborated on a memorable production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Pikes Peak Performing Arts Center, with Felix Mendelssohn’s music underscoring the play. Ross also worked with the Ormao Dance Company, Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale and Opera Theatre of the Rockies. His creative imagination took Theatreworks to places like an empty warehouse in Southeast Colorado Springs for a staging of Biblical stories set in the 15th century and an Old Colorado City storefront for David Mamet’s “American Buffalo.”
Theatreworks paid homage to the Shakespearean legacy in 2019 with Free-For-All, presenting abridged Shakespeare plays in parks, libraries and community centers.
“My vision is still in formation, but it really has to do with being of service to this incredible city that we live in, and that we can work to endlessly satisfy and thrill the audiences we have, and to reach out and to create new audiences.”
—MAX SHULMAN
NEW HOME, NEW BLOOD
In the past 10 years, Theatreworks has increasingly engaged with the community, says actor Lynne Hastings, who has been featured in numerous Theatreworks performances and chairs the board of directors.
“They really focus now on local actors, which I love,” although Theatreworks also attracts performers from the Denver area and out of state. “I think we have become more like a regional theater,” she says.
Ross served as Theatreworks’ artistic director for 42 years — one of the longest tenures in American theater history. Late in his career, he became a champion for the construction of a new home for the performing and visual arts for UCCS and the community. He was there in 2015 when the Ent Center for the Arts broke ground but passed away Jan. 3, 2017 — a year before the center opened.
Between 1975 and 2010, Betty Ross designed and made costumes for 106 productions. She died Dec. 7, 2021.
Caitlin Lowans succeeded Ross as Theatreworks’ artistic director in 2018, remaining in that position until her departure in February 2025 to become artistic director for Ten Thousand Things Theatre Company at Northwestern University. Max Shulman, who has taught at UCCS for seven years, officially becomes artistic director in July.
“My vision is still in formation,” he says, “but it really has to do with being of service to this incredible city that we live in, and that we can work to endlessly satisfy and thrill the audiences we have, and to reach out and to create new audiences.”
He hopes to bring back the Free-For-All Shakespeare program and aims to open doors for the community, such as continuing a program connecting members of the military to the theater.
“Having a theater company continuously operating for 50 years is rare,” Shockley-Zalabak says. “That speaks to its value and its impact in the community.”
Seven Guitars. Calvin Thompson, centered, plays the guitar.
2 25 Wedding Gift Guide
BY TIFFANY UNDERWOOD, Staff Writer
Summer is upon us, and so is wedding season — the time to celebrate new beginnings. But with everevolving tastes, diverse lifestyles and endless options, the chore of finding the perfect wedding gift can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a lifelong friend, distant cousin or supportive co-worker, this curated guide can help simplify the process. Find stylish, practical and thoughtful gift ideas to suit every kind of couple and every kind of guest, from timeless registry essentials and creative keepsakes to luxury splurges and unforgettable experiences.
Traditional Registry Essentials
These tried-and-true staples remain the backbone of many wedding registries. Practical and timeless, they help newlyweds who have yet to acquire everyday necessities.
Cookware Sets: Stainless steel, nonstick or cast-iron cookware sets are foundational for home cooking.
Dinnerware: A full set, often service for 8-12 people, works for everyday meals or entertaining.
Glassware: Everything from wine and champagne glasses to durable tumblers for daily use.
Flatware Sets: Coordinated utensils add sophistication to everyday meals.
Towels and Linens: Plush bath towel sets or ultra-soft sheet sets are welcome staples. Upgraded fabric options include organic cotton and bamboo.
Small Appliances: Popular picks include stand mixers, air fryers, blenders and coffee makers. Air fryers are a top kitchen registry gift idea. Currently a best seller on Target.com is the Ninja Air Fryer Pro, for $129.99.
Thoughtful Upgrades
If the couple already has the basics, consider stylish or upgraded versions of household staples that reflect modern design and function.
Dutch Ovens or Enameled Cast Iron: Kitchen staples with heirloom appeal, these pieces combine durability, beauty and everyday functionality for couples who love to cook or entertain.
Smart Home Devices: Video doorbells, voice assistants or smart thermostats add convenience and security.
Designer Serving ware: Marble cheeseboards, charcuterie sets or artisanal serving trays add extra flair to entertaining.
Bar Carts & Accessories: Options range from basic shaker sets to curated outfits with cocktail tools, glassware and mixology guides.
Personalized Home Goods:
Monogrammed robes or embroidered towels are extra personal. Etsy.com, an excellent resource for customized gifts, offers a plush monogrammed spa robe for $62.95 each.
Luxury Splurges
For close friends, family members or group gifts, these elevated options are designed to pamper and impress.
Espresso Machines: A perfect blend of luxury and practicality, high-quality versions can elevate everyday coffee moments to a chic café experience.
High-End Bedding: Cashmere throws, silk pillowcases or hotel-style duvet sets add a touch of luxury.
Subscription Boxes: This gift can be personalized based on the couple’s interests, including monthly wine deliveries, gourmet meal kits or curated culinary collections from around the world.
Custom Artwork or Portraits: Commissioned pieces featuring the couple, their venue or beloved pets.
Luggage Sets: A sleek, durable luggage set is a practical and stylish gift for honeymoon travel and future adventures.
Budget-Friendly and Creative Picks
A meaningful gift doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. These thoughtful ideas are memorable and wallet friendly.
Pair a trending cookbook with matching utensils or spice jars.
Turn their wedding vows or first dance song lyrics into elegant wall art
Board games or card sets, in a variety of themes and styles, are perfect for entertaining or cozy nights at home.
A custom keepsake ornament that marks their wedding year.
A date night jar can be purchased pre-made, or handmade for a personal touch by filling a decorative jar with simple and fun date ideas. Many online resources, including Pinterest, offer ideas. Amazon’s premade versions are typically priced under $20.
Experiential Gifts
For couples who value moments over material things, experiences can be the most memorable gifts of all.
Gift cards restaurants, spa days or getaways.
Event tickets for a concert, sporting event or show they’ve been dying to see.
Lessons in cooking, pottery or dance that they can enjoy together.
A year of cultural experiences at a museum, or outdoor enjoyment at a botanical garden.
Buy local with a gift of experiences like wine tastings, hot springs passes or scenic train rides. The VIP Tour of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is approximately three hours long and includes experiences: a loft animal meet-and-greet, a behind-the-scenes tour and a deluxe giraffe-feeding experience.
Tour prices and availability vary by season; visit: cmzoo.org
Final Tips for Wedding Guests
If the couple has a registry, it’s your best source for wanted items.
Pooling resources with others makes deluxe gifts more accessible.
Make it personal with a handwritten note and stunning wrapping to add a memorable touch.
At the heart of every great wedding gift is the intention behind it, a gesture of love, support and excitement for the couple’s next chapter. No matter your budget or relationship to the couple, there’s a perfect gift out there.
Eis Full STEAM Ahead
BY LUCY RICHARDSON, Staff Writer
xploration Summit, a budding science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) powered experiential learning facility, aims to encourage learners to see the science in the world right before their eyes.
One where kids of all ages are invited to the campus to experience play and learning simultaneously with the museum’s various planned exhibits. Whether you want to learn about physics with a tight-ropebound bicycle or investigate electrical currents with a life-sized circuit obstacle course, Exploration Summit wants to provide the inspiration.
Caroline Morales, founder and CEO of Exploration Summit, credits her 11-year-old son as an inspiration point for the museum. As a single mother, she understood the necessity of making every dollar count and recognized that there weren’t many places in the Pikes Peak region that could offer education, fun and inspiration, all at once.
“We have the indoor entertainment world down pat,” Morales says of the Pikes Peak region. “We also have education; we have fantastic museums, but we have very few places that do both.”
Exploration Summit is still in the works. Under negotiations for a campus location in the Polaris Point area, the museum team hopes
to open its doors in early 2027. While development continues, the organization is searching for strategic partners to join them in anticipation of the grand opening.
The source of childlike inspiration can be hard to pin down, so Exploration Summit has recruited a cohort of junior advisors, aged 7 to 19, to join their exhibition research and development program. These junior advisors are sent to visit similar museums in different states, then report back to the development team about their experiences.
The plan is to use the information to design exhibits for the interests of all types of learners, fostering inclusivity from the museum’s inception, and to inspire anyone who may come through the doors. This is both a professional and personal core value for Morales.
She recalls a visit to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where she and her son, who has a diagnosis of ADHD, sat down at a game powered by brain waves. With electrode-clad headbands donned, the two set out to quiet their brain activity enough to push a ball into their opponent’s goal. ADHD makes this, and many other everyday activities, markedly more difficult — something that troubled her son for years. After he bested her in a few matches, her son recognized
his ADHD as a superpower, not a disability.
“We walk away, and he is beaming — visibly changed, visibly proud of himself,” Morales recalls. “This machine did in two minutes what I was unable to do in two years.”
Partnerships are especially important, due to the museum’s classification as a benefit corporation. The Pikes Peak region has a rather saturated nonprofit landscape and, to reduce competition for a limited donor pool, the for-profit structure will enable Exploration Summit to supply additional grants and tenant partnerships to like-minded organizations.
“We’re not just coming in as a competitor, but instead we’re coming in as a catalyst,” Morales says of their partnership plans. “We believe that a rising tide lifts all ships.”
TO LEARN MORE about partnership opportunities and development updates, visit the Exploration Summit website at: explorationsummit.net
Public benefit corporations, according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s office, are managed in a manner that balances the shareholders’ interests, the best interest of those materially affected by the corporation’s conduct, and the specific public benefit(s) identified in its articles of incorporation.
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BY PAM BALES, Senior Writer
When it comes to combining adventure with comfort, glamping has become the go-to option for many outdoor enthusiasts. Southern Colorado, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, offers some of the most unique and luxurious glamping experiences in the state.
Glamping is a combination of “glamorous” and “camping,” offering a blend of traditional camping with modern amenities. Imagine enjoying the serenity of the wilderness while sleeping on a memory foam mattress. Southern Colorado’s glamping sites offer unforgettable experiences for guests. Sites range from $50 per night to $350 per night.
Cañon City
Silk Road Yurts
silkroadyurts.com
Guests can choose from a glamping tent, modern yurts or traditional yurts in the Royal Gorge area. Each yurt is beautifully designed and equipped with cozy furnishings and essential amenities, providing a perfect retreat after a day of exploration. Each yurt accommodates four people, and the camp layout is ideal for group trips.
Alamosa
Rustic Rook Sand Dunes
rusticrookresort.com
Lodging options include glamping tents and camper rentals in addition to the traditional tent sites (bring your own). Camp hosts will let you know when breakfast and s’mores will be served, and show you to your tent, which is fully made up with sheets, comforter(s), pillows and a set of towels for each person. Sand sled rentals are also available for shredding those dunes!
Monument Glamping on Monument Creek monumentglamping.com
Nestled in the Front Range between Denver and Colorado Springs, guests can choose from eight accommodations in unique containers, safaris or creek-side tents. Each place offers a fully outfitted queen bed — sheets, quilts and fluffy pillows — for a lovely sleep. Deck areas have lounge chairs, grill, fire pit and the creek water experience. Enjoy electrical for coffee and tea, lighting and recharging your devices, along with free and speedy Wi-Fi.
Leadville
Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts
tennesseepass.com/sleep-yurts
Located in Leadville, the Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts offer a Nordicstyle retreat deep in the Rocky Mountains. Outfitted with woodburning stoves, solar lighting and handcrafted log beds, these yurts provide a classic glamping experience for up to six people. Guests can expect a stocked kitchenette, fresh water and optional room service during their stay.
Lake George Puma Hills pumahills.com
This luxury glamping haven has bubble tents, covered wagons, cabins and primitive camping sites with Tensile tree tents, but it’s the geodesic domes that are unique. Deep in Pike National Forest, these domes, almost private planetariums, come equipped with electricity, a queen-sized bed and heated mattress pads. Communal fire pits and dining areas dot the Puma Hills property, which is close to the Lost Creek Wilderness and other hiking on the nearby peaks.
Situated between Mesa Verde National Park and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, this recently renovated 1958 Airstream offers a private retreat for two amongst decades-old juniper trees and the Southern Colorado desert. Spend the day hiking, biking or climbing around the area’s hidden side canyons or check out the nearby backcountry ruins typically closed to the public — eight of which are monitored by the trailer host. Par for the glamping course, a queen-sized bed, shower and outdoor patio await guests after a long day outdoors.
Durango
JW Durango Riverside Resort jwdurango.com
Located along the Animas River in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, this resort is tucked along the river’s edge at the northern end of the Hermosa Valley, just north of historic downtown Durango and right off the scenic Million Dollar Highway. The resort features a pool, game room, convenience store and more. Enjoy your choice of glamping tents, cabins or traditional tent sites. The area offers hiking, biking, off-roading, fishing, river rafting, horseback riding and the popular Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Villa grove Poncha Pass Yurts yurtsatponchapass.com
At the Poncha Pass Yurts, guests can enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, queen-sized bed and living space amongst the rolling hills of central Colorado and the nearby Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. It’s also near Salida and Great Sand Dunes National Park in an area packed with hiking trails and other opportunities for outdoor activities.
Glamping in Southern Colorado offers a unique way to experience the beauty of nature while enjoying the luxuries of modern amenities. Leave that inflatable mattress at home and experience a different type of camping — glamping.
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Favorite Campground Full?
Some Strategies for Alternatives
BY JEANNE DAVANT, Senior Writer
Camping season is in full swing, and Coloradans have a multitude of choices when it comes to getting close to nature. Many sites, however, are quite popular and might be booked on the dates you want. Or perhaps you decide to take a camping trip at the last minute. If you’re willing to do a little research or settle for fewer (or no) amenities, it’s possible to find last-minute camping options. Alternatives to consider include finding a different destination — especially one that offers first-come, firstserved accommodations, visiting a private campground and dispersed camping at undesignated sites.
Find Another Site
Hundreds of sites, from Arches National Park in Utah to Yule Pass near Carbondale, are listed on recreation.gov. You can find information that includes directions, recreational activities, and permit and fee requirements. The site is accessible via mobile app and has helpful features, such as a tripbuilding page and Available This Weekend, which brings up spots that are open. You can set an availability alert for your favorite spots.
Searching the Bureau of Land Management website yields gems like the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area just north of Montrose, a certified International Dark Sky Park where you can enjoy dramatic scenery, hiking and fishing during the day and incredible views of the night sky after dark.
Camping is allowed along the Gunnison River in designated BLM sites, which are available on a firstcome, first-serve basis and require a self-issued permit and payment of a per-night fee. See blm.gov/visit/ gunnison-gorge-wilderness for more information.
FS.usda.gov, the U.S. Forest Service site, features a searchable database of camping sites and cabins.
CPW.state.co.us/camping, the Colorado Parks and Recreation site, offers information on more than 4,000 campsites throughout the state. All are by reservation, but the site makes it easy to find available campgrounds and suggests planning your trip for less-crowded weekdays.
Private Campgrounds
Don’t rule out private campgrounds. With a bit of research, you can find sites from large KOAs to small, family-run campgrounds that often offer unique amenities.
Reservations are required at Big B’s Delicious Orchard in Hotchkiss, a working farm and organic orchard. If you can snag a reservation here, you can camp among peach, apple and apricot trees, enjoy live music performances, dine onsite at the café, pick up edibles at the farm store or pick your own fruit in season. Campsites scattered through the 30-acre orchard are fairly rustic — most sites don’t have hookups, although a few have electricity. Potable water is available at several locations on the property. The orchard is open through November; check the
website for availability.
A very different experience is in store at Serenity in the Foothills, located on a 3,600-acre ranch in Jefferson County near Conifer. It features 12 campsites for tents and trailers up to 22 feet, widely separated for privacy. Activities include biking, hiking, fishing, paddling and disc golf. This campground was rated No. 3 in 2023 on best camping sites in Colorado by Hipcamp, where you’ll find more information and lots of other choices.
Locate more private campgrounds at CampColorado.com, a site that is searchable by type of site (RV, tent or other lodging options) and services available, such as pet friendliness. This site is provided by the Colorado Campground & Lodging Owners Association.
Dispersed Camping
If you can do without the hookups and conveniences at developed campgrounds, give dispersed camping a try. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest lands have many areas where you can just pull off the road and set up camp. On public land managed by the BLM, you can camp for a maximum of 14 days within a 28-day period. There may be additional limitations in some parts of the state, so it’s wise to check with the local BLM office.
Dispersed camping is allowed along most secondary roads on public land, and you may spot existing sites where people have camped before, leaving behind firepits or flat, disturbed areas. The BLM encourages campers to use these existing sites so as not to create new disturbances. For Forest Service lands, the general
rule is to camp 100 feet from any road, trail or water source. It’s important to leave your site as clean as possible and, of course, to take fire precautions, making sure campfires are thoroughly extinguished before you depart. Local bans may be placed on campfires during dry spells, so check before you ignite. The U.S. Forest Service posts information about national forests in the Rocky Mountain region, which includes maps and information about camping, passes and permits, fees and recreational opportunities. Find Colorado-specific information about BLM lands on blm.gov.
Here
are a few
Dispersed Camping Areas to Explore
Halfmoon Creek Road
A Forest Service Road off Highway 24 south of Leadville. Dozens of campsites are found along County Road 11, as well as campsites with fees. Find directions and more information at: thelostlongboarder.com
Cottonwood Pass
Just outside Buena Vista: County Road 306 runs from Buena Vista to the top of Cottonwood Pass. You’ll find lots of dispersed campsites along the road that runs beside Cottonwood Creek, and more can be found on the other side once you cross the summit.
County Road 34
On BLM land just across from Mesa Verde, at Chutes and Ladders Dispersed Campground near Cortez, and on Forest Road 316 and along Crystal Creek near Mancos.
FIND MORE INFORMATION about these and other dispersed sites at: thedyrt.com
Playing with Heart A National Charity League Senior Profile
BY MEEGAN MCCORKLE, National Charity League
Olivia Jackson lives her life with lots of heart, both in her determination and her compassion. The rising Pine Creek High School senior has already committed to play soccer at the Air Force Academy starting in 2026.
To achieve that goal, she has been driving to Denver three or four times a week during the season to train with a higher-level club team — a team that qualified for Regionals this year. She appreciates the teamwork skills that soccer has helped her develop, including improving her communication skills and how she works with others.
Olivia also acts with heart off the field. She says her most important lesson from high school is to “be kind to everyone because each person has a different circumstance and you don’t know what they are going through.” She and her mother, Charity, volunteer throughout the year with National Charity League Inc., Colorado Springs Chapter. NCL is a mother-daughter nonprofit organization that focuses on strengthening leadership skills and instilling a lifelong dedication to philanthropy.
Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House is one of Olivia’s favorite volunteer experiences. She helps prepare and serve meals for family members who are staying at RMH while their child receives medical treatment.
“We get to interact with (them) and I feel like I am really helping them. I have learned how big of a difference just a few people can make,” she says.
“Why see the world when you’ve got the beach?”
FAVORITE QUOTE — Frank Ocean
That said, she dreams of visiting Europe someday.
The Colorado Springs Chapter of National Charity League is made up of mothers and their daughters in grades 7-12, who are committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
Visit nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/coloradosprings for membership information.
Olivia’s other interests include paddleboarding, hiking and skiing — making the most of life in Colorado. She’s also a lifeguard at the local pool. Her long-term plans include becoming a physical therapist and working in the field of sports medicine. She’s grateful to her parents for inspiring her. “They work hard and are always very supportive of me,” she says.
In fact, Olivia believes personal relationships are key to happiness. Her advice for other high school students: “Find a group of people who like you for you and enjoy your time.” With her commitment to hard work and service to others, along with her compassionate nature, Olivia is poised to kick off a happy and successful future.
OLIVIA’S
AWARD LUNCHEON
Celebrates 20th
BY PAM BALES, Senior Writer
Flying Horse Resort & Club began its illustrious journey in a humble “doublewide cottage” off State Highway 83 in northern Colorado Springs, where memberships were sold with nothing but a vision, concept renderings and the desire to make Flying Horse a special place. Wendy McHenry, now general manager, recalls the early days with a smile.
“I had been recruited by my former boss, Fredo Killing, to head up membership for this new type of club and resort focused not just on golf, but the entire family. We knew that if we could sell 200 memberships in the first year, we would make it...and we did.”
In 1999, veteran businessmen Jeff Smith, Doug Stimple and George Lenz embarked on a remarkable journey, planting their flag in a then-remote part of northern El Paso County. The three were inspired by the previous owner, Thomas Blake, who belonged to several clubs in Houston. Blake envisioned a golf course that would rival the best in the world and amenities that would appeal to the entire family, according to Killing, asset manager.
The unwavering belief in their unique “special sauce” carried the Flying Horse founders and leadership team through the challenges of the early years. This special sauce, according to the team, is simple.
“From our greeter at the gates to our golf pros to our fitness gurus, everyone who works at Flying Horse Resort & Club believes that this is a special place. And in return, our members feel the same way about the club and its employees,” says Killing.
Wendy McHenry
th Anniversary
The group hired renowned golf course architect Tom Weiskopf to design the first Flying Horse golf course in 2004. The champion golfer’s expertise and vision were integral to creating a world-class golf facility. Weiskopf collaborated with the team to ensure the course met the highest standards, resulting in a stunning golf course that blended seamlessly with the natural landscape.
“Normally, a developer takes the best land for homes and then asks a golf course architect to create a topnotch course out of the leftover land,” explains Killing. Smith, Stimple and Lenz did just the opposite. Weiskopf got to map the golf course first.
“I was a 32-year-old head golf pro and opened the first golf course at Flying Horse, playing with the legend Tom Weiskopf in front of the first 200 members,” remembers Glenn Wallace, assistant general manager. “It’s a day I will never forget.” Wallace went on to open the Flying Horse North course 15 years later.
The construction of the athletic club, clubhouse and guest lodges marked a pivotal moment in the club’s development. Inspired by the elegance and charm of Italian architecture, the design created a timeless and sophisticated atmosphere. The decision to build lodges on the property was influenced by the desire to provide guest accommodations that matched the club’s high standards. The lodges were designed to offer a comfortable and upscale experience with options including a spacious ballroom and meeting rooms.
“Today, we have less than 100 lots in Flying Horse and additional lots anticipated to be available in the fall in Flying Horse North,” McHenry notes. “We’re excited to commemorate our 20th anniversary with a members’ golf tournament and then a celebration party for the original members. It speaks volumes about our club having retained more than 90 of our original members over the course of two decades. It’s also very humbling,” McHenry adds.
Photos courtesy of Flying Horse Resort & Club.
Flying Horse Resort & Club’s reputation for exceptional service and amenities has attracted national and international visitors. “One of our favorite celebrities was Robert Redford. He stayed at the resort while filming the movie ‘Our Souls at Night’ in Cañon City. He is such a nice guy,” says McHenry.
When you ask Smith, Stimple and Lenz about their reflections on the past 20 years, they concur: “Flying Horse was born from a vision placed on our hearts in 2004 — to create something truly extraordinary. We are proud of our team and deeply grateful for our members, community and employees who have been the foundation of our success.
“Celebrating 20 years is more than a milestone; it’s a reflection of unwavering dedication and the countless memories we’ve shared with every guest who has walked through our doors. Together, we look forward to creating even more remarkable experiences and making the next chapter just as extraordinary as the last.”
Celebrating 20 years is more than a milestone; it’s a reflection of unwavering dedication and the countless memories we’ve shared with every guest who has walked through our doors. Together, we look forward to creating even more remarkable experiences and making the next chapter just as extraordinary as the last. To
Skills Learned in Military Can Ease Transition to Civilian Life
Randy Flanery
Navy veteran Randy Flanery, of Colorado Springs, is married, a father of three sons, ages 27, 33 and 35, and owns a home inspection company. He grew up in Waterford, Michigan, and joined the Navy at age 18, before graduating from high school.
Flanery served four years on the USS Enterprise, was a Construction Battalion member of the Naval Seabees for three years at Fort Carson and spent an additional 14 years in the Air Force as a chaplain assistant.
He began a career in home construction in 1989, after his initial four years of military service. He became a sub-contractor in 2000, specializing in bathroom remodeling and inspections, before returning to service in 2005. He retired from the military as an active-duty member and a reservist in June 2021. He also expanded his business scope from bathroom-only inspections to complete home inspections.
Flanery says that the “transition from civilian life into Navy life was very challenging. This was foreign to me, but it was exactly what I needed. I had to adjust and follow daily ‘orders.’ … Transitioning back to civilian life was perhaps even more challenging, having to reacclimate to being self-directed and self-motivated because that’s pretty much all done for you based upon
BY KAY ROWE , Staff Writer
The Pikes Peak region has five military installations, the National Guard and approximately 45,000 active-duty military, Guard and Reserves personnel. Thus, transitioning from military service is quite common here.
your training and the management of expectations by your superiors.”
While in the military, serving in the Chaplain Corps, his focus was on intangibles. Now he’s in a very handson type of profession — the complete opposite. Once he became familiar with the expectations for a home inspector, it became easier.
“Being someone people can rely on and trust, and knowing that I will carry my integrity, is the attitude and commitment I put into my work. It’s what I did when I was a master sergeant in the Air Force,” Flanery says.
Dr. Rachel Langley Jesse James Bullock
Dr. Rachel Langley is a board-certified family medicine physician who founded her practice in Colorado Springs’ Gleneagle area in August 2023. She is a married mother of five children, ages 3, 6, 9, 12 and 14. Born in Albuquerque, most of her formative years were spent in Fairfax, Virginia, while her father served at the Pentagon.
When her sister finished her time in the service, the military offered Langley a scholarship to attend medical school. She weighed her options — either spend her early years as a doctor serving a bank to repay her loans or serve her country. She enlisted in 2007 and served in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) while in medical school, then started serving as a resident physician at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. She switched to the Reserves in 2019 and continues to be a flight surgeon.
During medical school, Langley attended summer training sessions. When given the choice of residency training in family medicine or family medicine combined with flight medicine, she was eager to care for pilots as a flight surgeon.
“The close-knit community on every base led to only happy memories for my kids,” she says about the impact on her family. “They look forward to going to the Midwest to enjoy some truly hot and humid days at the pool with one set of old friends, face-timing with another family on a monthly basis, and dream of visiting a friend in Germany again one day.
“Our family grew closer with our frequent moves, but also grew in confidence that, no matter where we go and how alone we feel at first, we can find new friends there that will last a lifetime.”
Colorado Springs resident Jesse James Bullock is divorced, the father of two girls, ages 15 and 22, and has been a business coach and consultant since 2018. He was born in Hampton, Virginia, at Langley Air Force Base, while his father was in the Air Force.
Before joining the Air Force in 2004, Bullock worked in fast food and at Walmart. Aside from the military, there were not many economic opportunities. He was stationed in Germany for the first six years of his 10-year stint. He started in operations management, which supports all facility maintenance and upkeep, major and minor. During his last four years, he helped develop airfields in the areas troops were deploying to.
The military taught him that people are more alike than different, which helps him relate to others on a human level. That said, what he misses most are the relationships — lifelong friends who were like family.
When he transitioned out of the service, Bullock says, “I already knew what I wanted to do so it made it a bit easier to do, but still difficult. Experience from the military made it less difficult.”
Bullock is passionate about supporting others who are transitioning. He wants to team up with two Air Force retirees he knows and another retiring in the next year or two. Once he builds the infrastructure for the effort, he will make it more broadly known and available.
The transition process from civilian to military, and military then back to civilian, can be daunting. A key element for success seems to be having a vision and the drive to follow it through.
Balancing Tech in the Digital Age
Healthier Tech Habits
BY EMILIE HAGOPIAN, Staff Writer
Colorado is known for its active lifestyle, strong sense of community and deep connection to the outdoors. Even in a state where “the great outdoors” is a way of life, technology has woven itself into nearly every aspect of daily living. Whether it’s checking emails at Red Rocks, scrolling social media from a ski lift in Aspen or logging miles on a fitness app while running Garden of the Gods, our digital habits shape how we work, connect and unwind.
Technology offers countless benefits like remote-work options and communication with long-distance loved ones, but too much screen time can have real consequences. A
recent survey by Rise Above Colorado found that Colorado teenagers aged 12 and 13 now spend an average of 2.4 hours per day on social media, up from 1.8 hours in 2020. This rise in screen time has been linked to feelings of disconnection from friends and school, and increased tendencies to engage in unhealthy behaviors. And it’s not just teens; a national study found that 50.4% of young adults spend four or more hours daily on screens, with higher usage rates among specific demographics.
So, how can Coloradans find balance in a digital world? Here are a few ways to build healthier tech habits while still embracing all that technology has to offer.
Set Digital Boundaries
Colorado is a hub for remote work, ranking among the top states for telecommuters. While working from home has its perks, the blurred line between work and personal life can lead to burnout. Setting clear digital boundaries, like designated “no-screen” hours in the evening or using airplane mode during family meals, can help create a healthier relationship with technology.
Take a tech-free morning at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, where you can walk among the stunning red rock formations and reconnect with nature. No notifications allowed.
According to recent studies, the average person spends more than two hours a day on social media. With Colorado teens increasing their social media use, concerns about mental well-being, anxiety and reduced productivity have also risen. While platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer entertainment and connection, endless scrolling can lead to unhealthy comparisons and digital overload.
Instead of spending hours watching Instagram stories about mountain hikes, go experience one for yourself. Or ride a bike (PikeRide.com) or a scooter (Lime.com). Doing the things you see online is much more fulfilling than just watching.
Prioritize Digital Detox Days
Limit Social Media Scrolling
With Colorado ranked as one of the most active states in the country, locals already value movement, fresh air and outdoor experiences, but even the most adventurous souls can get caught up in tech overload. A study found that children’s total screen time increased by 1.75 hours a day during the pandemic, and while it has since decreased slightly, it remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Spend an entire Saturday exploring Manitou Springs without a phone. Visit The Penny Arcade, where you can play vintage games and relive childhood fun. Find a seasonal farmers market and enjoy shopping for local goods without the distraction of notifications.
Technology isn’t the enemy; it’s how we use it that matters. By setting healthier boundaries, reducing unnecessary screen time and reconnecting with the world around us, we can strike a balance between digital convenience and realworld connection.
In a state filled with adventure, creativity and innovation, healthy tech habits don’t mean disconnecting completely. Make technology work for you in a way that enhances life, rather than detracts from it.
Embracing a Healthier Digital Lifestyle
BY LUCY RICHARDSON & KAY ROWE, Staff Writers
If you were to ask a horse person about equine-assisted therapy, they might just roll their eyes and say something like, “Any time with a horse is therapy.” There’s a grain of truth here — the human-animal connection can be self-regulating, mindful and transformative, but it is not a therapeutic practice on its own. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International is a Westminster, Colorado-based and federally recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides governing educational standards for professionals in the adaptive riding industry.
PATH outlines three primary modes of this intervention:
Therapeutic/Adaptive Horsemanship
Those with physical disabilities and neurological disabilities often choose therapeutic/adaptive horsemanship. This mode typically involves riding — an act that, surprisingly, isn’t always included in other forms of hippotherapy (therapy that uses the movement of a horse as a treatment tool). Riding a horse can simulate many of the same physical movements engaged in walking, standing, flexing and other movements that may be difficult for physically impaired individuals, making it a valuable form of physical therapy for some.
Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is all about personal development through experience. This tool does not require a licensed therapist or social worker, as it’s not a form of clinical therapeutic intervention. One exercise used in EAL is a round-pen activity; learner and horse are left alone in a circular arena — supervised — and the learner is asked to see if they can gently use their body language to encourage their equine partner to move. This experience requires the learner to think about their physical presence: intentionally changing their energy levels and attention while looking for the smallest reactions in their equine partner. This activity is one of the potentially endless options of EAL exercises.
Therapies involving horses, the last of the PATH-defined modes, incorporate them into clinical therapeutic practices like counseling, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, physical therapy, recreational therapy and speechlanguage pathology. This work is often led by a credentialed therapy professional or licensed social worker. This intervention can use practices from EAL or therapeutic/adaptive horsemanship, but with a more specialized and personal lens for their specific patients’ treatment plans.
With these modes understood, you may ask, “Why do we need the horse?”
There aren’t many words apt to describe the humananimal connection, so take the experience of Angie Greene, a local horsewoman, as an example.
Greene’s love for horses started early in her life. Unfortunately, her dream to have a horse was not possible due to her father’s active military service. Many years later, while going through a divorce, she sought help through the equine therapy program at the Air Force Academy’s Remount Foundation.
Through her involvement with the program, she got her own horse, an Arabian named Omar. Angie shares, “There’s a lot of healing that can come from just being around a horse.” A couple years later, Ella, Angie’s youngest daughter, became intensely interested in horses and learned about the Pikes Peak Rangerettes.
Ella needed a suitable horse if she wanted to practice with the Rangerettes and local musician Jason Wolf offered Willie (named after Willie Nelson). With him, she rode her first rodeo in Cripple Creek — the Top of the World Rodeo.
Late March last year, while practicing for the Sponsorship Appreciation event, Willie collided with another horse and Ella suffered a concussion. The
accident happened on Tuesday, and she was back in the saddle on Friday.
“She’s never been afraid to get back on the horse,” Angie says. “She has taught me so much about staying in the saddle…I don’t like seeing my baby in a hospital bed, but I love to see her character grow; and she works hard.”
After boarding horses and working at the Academy for eight years, Angie was able to buy her own house on 2.5 acres with stalls for their two horses.
Greene says, “People think horses are expensive. I’m not going to lie and tell you they’re not…Working with horses and doing what she’s done and what we’ve done over the years, you can’t pay for that.”
“There’s a lot of healing that can come from just being around a horse.”
— Angie Greene
Pikes Peak Rangerette at Legacy Race Battling Breast Cancer.
Photo courtesy of Ashlee Designs, LLC
Bhaktasharan Patel, MD
Prashant Krishnan, MD
North & Central Colorado Springs
We are conducting Clinical Trials including:
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn's Disease
• Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
• Metabolic DysfunctionAssociated Steatohepatitis
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
• Alpha 1 Anti-Trypsin Deficiency with Liver Fibrosis
• Obesity
• Celiac Disease
• Hepatitis C (Upcoming)
• Colorectal Cancer (Upcoming)
• Non Erosive Reflux Disease (Upcoming)
Three Locations
Colorado Springs (Central & North)
Denver (Lone Tree)
Peak Gastroenterology Associates is the fastest growing and largest gastroenterology practice in southern Colorado. We serve patients from all over the state with comprehensive, personalized care. Peak Gastroenterology Associates opened the doors of its first clinic in Colorado Springs in 1996. The practice was established by a leading board-certified gastroenterologist and researcher, Bhaktasharan “Buck” Patel, M.D. The warmth and top-tier medical care delivered by the medical team and staff have made Peak Gastro the fastest-growing gastroenterology practice in the region.
The medical team at Peak Gastroenterology Associates offers advanced treatments for simple and complex gastrointestinal medical conditions. Our scope of practice covers more than all other clinics in the region, offering the following tests and procedures: General GI, Interventional Endoscopy for Diagnosis and Treatment, General Hepatology, Transplant Hepatology.
Research & Clinical Trials
Our specialists are focused on advancing the field of gastroenterology, engaging in clinical trials and research to discover more effective, less invasive treatments for various conditions and diseases. We are dedicated to serving our patients with the most advanced therapies through advanced research and clinical trials.
For more information about Clinical Trials or if you're interested in participating:
BY DR. HAZEM UBAISSI, Medical Director, Optum Sleep Center
While many Coloradans love the start of summer and all it has to offer, sleeping during the summer months can be a struggle for many. It’s not just the heat that can make sleep more difficult –science explains its effect on the regulation of our circadian rhythms.
When your sleeping/waking routine is altered, which can happen with the change of seasons, your circadian rhythm can be impacted. Circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioral processes that respond largely to light and dark, and they follow a 24-hour cycle.
During the summer, the extended sunlight exposure can improve a person’s mood and seasonal affective disorder. However, elongated sunlight exposure can affect melatonin production, which is important to regulate the circadian rhythm. Melatonin, a natural hormone mainly produced by your brain’s pineal gland, plays a role in managing your sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythm.
Ways to Maximize Your Summer Sleep Environment
• Limit exposure to bright light, especially sunlight, two hours before bedtime.
• Keep your bedroom dark and cool.
• Many people maintain busier schedules in the summer, however, it’s important to allow time to relax before sleep. Prepare for a good night’s sleep 1.5 hours before bedtime.
• Blackout curtains can block early sunlight, which can help people who do not normally wake up at sunrise.
• Bedding sheets and clothing are small but important details to keep your body cool.
• Go to bed and get up at the same time every day –including weekends.
• Keep your bedroom a relaxing environment for sleep. This means your bedroom should not include eating, working or even television.
• Stay physically active during the day and avoid large meals and alcohol before bed and, if you are sensitive to its effects, caffeine in the afternoon or evening.
Do Consumer Sleep Technologies (CST) Improve Sleep?
The field of wearable devices is growing quickly, and the technology is changing rapidly. Some people could benefit from gaining insight regarding their sleep trends and that could lead to better sleep hygiene and habits. However, in some people, the data collected by the CST could cause anxiety and an unhealthy obsession with the data – which often have greater negative effects on sleep and the individual’s quality of life.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine maintains that consumer sleep technologies must be cleared by the Food and Drug Administration and rigorously tested against current gold standards if they are intended to render diagnosis or treatment. Given the unknowns, these tools are not substitutes for medical evaluation. However, CSTs may be utilized to enhance the patient-clinician interaction when presented in the context of an appropriate clinical evaluation.
What to Know about Sleeping at Altitude
Sleeping at altitude can present unique challenges. People just moving here or tourists, for example, may need more oxygen, particularly if they have a history of lung disease. (The atmospheric pressure in Colorado is thinner, which can reduce oxygen levels in the blood.) Research shows cases of sleep apnea are also more prevalent at higher elevations. As a result of low oxygen levels and abnormal breathing patterns, some visitors can experience poor sleep quality and increased awakening.
Long-term residents who are acclimated to the higher altitude may experience less prevalent and less severe sleep symptoms compared to newcomers. Nevertheless, at high altitude there is still an increased prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns and low oxygen levels compared to the general population.
How Much Sleep Do We Need Overall?
The amount of sleep needed depends on your age. For most healthy adults between 18 and 60 years old, seven or more hours per night is recommended. Quality of sleep is also important to your health. Signs of poor sleep can include not feeling rested after the recommended amount of sleep and waking up during the night or experiencing symptoms of sleep disorders, including snoring or gasping for air. Practicing better sleep habits or getting diagnosis and treatment for any sleep disorder can improve your sleep quality.
Comprehensive Orthopaedic Care
Coming to Southwest Colorado Springs
Brought to you by COLORADO SPRINGS ORTHOPAEDIC GROUP
Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group (CSOG) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of our newest facility, opening early November 2025 in the thriving southwest corridor of Colorado Springs.
Located at 1655 Quail Lake Loop with stunning views of Pikes Peak, this comprehensive facility will bring together all facets of orthopedic care — amplifying our community’s orthopedic landscape with two full-service locations designed to deliver elevated convenience and seamless continuity of care for patients and referring providers alike. Whether you’re an individual seeking specialized care or a business partner looking to streamline employee health solutions, the new CSOG South campus is tailored for accessibility, efficiency and excellence. Services will include cutting-edge physician clinics across specialties such as joint replacement, sports medicine, spine, foot & ankle and hand & upper extremity, as well as physical and occupational therapy, orthotic and prosthetic services and Orthopedic Express Care—a walk-in clinic ideal for same-day orthopedic needs. Enhanced diagnostic capabilities will feature MRI, X-ray and CT, offering a streamlined care experience from diagnosis to recovery.
CSOG partners with most government and major commercial insurance plans — including Tricare and Veteran Affairs — reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional care to all Southern Colorado communities.
We invite you to stay tuned for scheduling updates. Appointment availability will be announced soon. To preview the progress and learn more, visit: csog.net/contact-locations/csog-new-south
E-BIKES ROLLING, ROLLING, ROLLING, Onto Colorado Springs Urban Trail System
BY KERI KAHN, Staff Writer
Locals love the urban trails of Colorado Springs.
The 100-plus miles are popular for recreation and exercise, but they also provide a robust off-street transportation system to get around town.
“The trail system here rocks, and you can get virtually anywhere — if you know the right route,” says Mike Wilson.
Wilson runs or rides the Rock Island Trail and Pikes Peak Greenway Trail often to get into and around downtown. He has an e-bike and soon will be joined on the trails by others who benefit from the extra “oomph” of battery assistance.
Beginning July 1, Class 1 Electrical Assisted Bicycles will be categorized as “non-motorized” and allowed on urban trails. Class 1 e-bikes provide boosts up to 20 mph, but only when a rider is pedaling. Class 2 and 3 e-bikes will still be prohibited.
Making Our Trails More Inclusive
The Colorado Springs Park Advisory Board voted in November to support changes to the City Code, and City Council passed the ordinance on Feb. 11. The change was in response to the growing popularity of e-bikes and ongoing requests to allow them access to parks.
“We’re encouraged to see the city expanding access for regulated e-bikes in our community,” says Tara McCarthy, executive director of PikeRide, a nonprofit e-bike sharing program. “The inclusion of Class 1 e-bikes opens the door to more equitable outdoor experiences, enabling individuals of all ages and mobility levels to enjoy our incredible parks and trail systems.”
McCarthy is a big advocate for getting people out of cars and onto bikes. It’s not just the physical and mental health
benefits — e-bikes provide affordable transportation.
Take, for instance, a person who is trying to get into shape, but isn’t yet able to pedal a traditional bike very far, or a person who needs to get to work but does not own a car.
Wilson, who converted an old mountain bike to an e-bike, says he did so for several reasons, primarily for fun and the ability to travel greater distances.
“Twenty miles is doable, but that’s a long day. I can do 40 or 50 miles on an e-bike,” he says. “It’s a little bit of exercise, but not as much as you’d get on a pedal bike. You still get a workout though, and you’re still getting the health benefits of being outside in fresh air.”
The city’s e-bike webpage will soon host an interactive trail map with designated e-bike friendly trails. Trail users also will find signage at trailheads designed to educate users on trail etiquette, bike safety and safe speeds.
Stay updated on the e-bike rules here: coloradosprings.gov/ebikes
“Phase 2 of the e-bike rollout will focus on further review of the remaining trails across the citywide park system, including our open spaces and those on properties purchased with funding from the Trails, Open Space and Parks Sales Tax Program (TOPS),” says Cassie Melvin, public communications specialist for the City of Colorado Springs.
Melvin says particular attention will be devoted to properties that feature a conservation easement, sensitive wildlife habitat or other legal or natural resource considerations.
Pikes Peak Greenway Trail
(Photo credit: Trails and Open Space Coalition)
Pros & Cons for Expanding Access
Local cyclist Greg O’Boyle rides the city’s trails for both exercise and to commute to and from work. He recounts multiple instances of e-bikes creating potential safety hazards, with the most recent being in April.
“My experience is that many of the e-bike riders are out of control, either because they are going too fast or because they don’t have much cycling experience. I also believe more experienced cyclists tend to be less focused when riding e-bikes,” he explains. “A guy who looked like he knew how to handle a bike almost hit me when he wasn’t looking where he was going on an uphill.”
O’Boyle added he appreciates the fact that e-bikes provide more people with access to outdoor recreation, but he hopes an awareness campaign, and maybe even required e-bike training, could be implemented to make the trails safer and enjoyable for all.
Wilson has had similar experiences while running or pedaling, saying he was recently almost taken out by someone going at least 30 mph on a motorized bike.
“There’s always going to be people who do what they want with no respect for the rules, but most of the people I see on e-bikes are very considerate.”
Because the safety of all trail users is a top priority, Melvin says the city will launch an educational campaign in June.
Do Your Part to Keep Trail Experiences Safe & Happy
Though it remains unclear how the rules will be enforced, the city will post rules including a requirement to display the e-bike class designation on the bike. Trail users will also be required to operate e-bikes in a safe manner and yield the right of way to nonmotorized cyclists, runners and pedestrians.
For those interested in trying out an e-bike to hit the trails after July 1, take a look at Criterium Bike Shop (criterium.com). For e-bike rental and delivery, check out Rocke Mountain Bike (rockemountainbike.com)
Trail Etiquette Matters Here’s How You Can Do Your Part:
• Obey the posted speed limits for e-bikes and be especially cautious in crowded areas.
• Ride on the right and pass on the left, just as when driving a car.
• Maintain a reasonable distance between yourself and others.
• Avoid startling people when you pass them. Slow to pass, and either ring a bell or yell “on your left.” Then give people time to adjust their position before passing.
• Pay attention to weather and trail conditions to avoid riding on muddy trails, which can lead to erosion and trail degradation.
• If riding in a group, keep the group size small so it’s less threatening to other trail users.
WARNING! Average AI Lawyers are on the Rise
Brought
to you by
MICHAEL STUZYNSKI, Rector Stuzynski Law Firm
Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded in the last two years and, sadly, the legal field has not been immune to its influence. Examples in the media of highprofile lawyers in various states caught filing briefs written by Chat GPT surface regularly, referencing made-up cases or statutes.
These obvious examples of bad judgment by a small subset of lawyers obscure the more subtle questions that legal industry consumers will undoubtedly face in the coming decade.
Each year, tech companies roll out new programs marketed at lawyers designed to “make their job easier” through automation.
I already see the insidious results of this technological outsourcing in my own practice, when some of my clients come to me after a bad experience with a larger personal injury firm. It’s increasingly common in those scenarios to see offensively large charges in
their expense account that are earmarked to outside “investigation” companies.
To simplify, some less-scrupulous firms are already using AI programs and passing these costs on to their clients. If you think this is outrageous and unfair, you’re certainly not alone. Why should you pay a premium for legal fees if your lawyer isn’t going to actually do the legal work, and instead charge you extra to have a computer do it?
The more serious question I ask myself is: what has gone wrong in the minds of some of my colleagues that they believe a computer can replicate the work of a serious lawyer?
Eventually, technology will probably advance to the point where it can successfully replicate the work of an average lawyer. But even if we get to that point, you’d do well to ask yourself whether you’d be satisfied with average in a case that could impact the rest of your life.
Peter Aurich
719.208.9994 Area
Tale of Two Housing Markets
BY MARQUESA HOBBS, Colorado Hearthstone
In recent years, Colorado Springs has been a “Seller’s Market.” Inventory for homes in El Paso County and other areas of the country was low. Homes seemed to be going under contract relatively quickly, often with multiple offers and even over-asking bids. Fortunately, we are returning to a more balanced market and things are adjusting.
Some neighborhoods still feel red hot, while others see homes sit a little longer, giving buyers more room to negotiate. It’s a tale of two markets — and knowing which one you’re in can make a big difference.
Buyer’s Market vs. Seller’s Market
In a buyer’s market, there are more homes for sale than buyers, giving buyers the upper hand: more time to decide, more negotiation power and sometimes even price reductions or seller concessions.
In a seller’s market, the opposite is true — demand is high and supply is low; homes sell fast, and often for top dollar. Competition can be intense, especially for well-priced or move-in-ready homes.
The Market Is Balancing Out
For the past few years, sellers held the upper hand nearly everywhere. But according to Zillow’s latest data, we’re entering more neutral territory.
This index shows how favor leans — toward sellers, buyers or a balanced spot in between. From 2020 to early 2022, it was a strong seller’s market. Today, it’s much more even, meaning buyers finally have more negotiating power.
In a neutral market, which doesn’t favor buyers or sellers, homes might sit longer, bidding wars are less common and sellers are more open to negotiating.
Inventory Is the Game-Changer
One major factor driving this shift is housing inventory. When more homes are available, buyers have choices — and that softens price pressure due to the simple economics rule of supply and demand.
As the graph shows, areas like the South and West areas of the country (which includes Colorado) have seen big jumps in inventory, approaching pre-pandemic levels. That’s opening the door for more balanced or even buyer-friendly markets. But in places like the Midwest and Northeast, inventory remains tight, keeping those regions in seller territory.
What This Means for You
Real estate is hyper-local. What’s happening nationwide doesn’t always reflect what’s happening in your zip code. In the Pikes Peak region, details such as days on market, appreciation and inventory vary by neighborhood.
Remember that there are macro-markets, and there are micro-markets. Knowing which market your home is in, and even how it is different than a neighborhood a mile away is important. If you are house hunting, you’ll want to understand different neighborhoods as some may allow you more negotiating power as a buyer.
The good news is the housing market is finally normalizing! An experienced real estate agent can help you navigate changes in the market — whether you’re buying your first home, selling a longtime property or somewhere in between.
While other lenders like to talk about their “local” roots, Mortgage Solutions Financial has been Colorado Springs’ hometown lender since 1995. And over that time, we’ve helped more than 130,000 families find their perfect loan. So when you’re ready to buy, we’re ready to help. Because we love to lend where we live.
Summer BarCart
Recipes by @wobblyolive
Photography by Robert Villena
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Combine in a cocktail shaker with ice:
2.5 oz Spring 44 Vodka
0.75 oz olive brine
3 drops truffle oil
Garnish: cover half the rim with truffle oil and salt; add three blue cheese-stuffed olives on a skewer. Pour into a martini glass.
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S
Combine in a cocktail shaker with ice:
1.5 oz blueberry-infused vodka
1 oz white cranberry juice
0.5 oz vanilla simple syrup
0.5 oz lime juice
0.5 oz Blue Curacao
Pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a dried flower of choice.
VIOLET HOUR
Combine in a cocktail shaker with ice:
1.5 oz Spring 44 Gin
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
0.5 oz lavender simple syrup
Pour into a champagne or martini glass. Garnish with a sprig of dried lavender.
