Boulder, CO April 2024

UNPLUG AND PLAY. AVAILABLE NOW.

UNPLUG AND PLAY. AVAILABLE NOW.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge doesn’t force you to choose between power and responsible driving. Just take your seat, select a gear and enjoy the comfort of one-pedal drive and the impressive strength of all-electric propulsion with zero tailpipe emissions.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge doesn’t force you to choose between power and responsible driving. Just take your seat, select a gear and enjoy the comfort of one-pedal drive and the impressive strength of all-electric propulsion with zero tailpipe emissions.

Clearly beautiful. Inside and out.

The New DUPLEX GOLD

APRIL 1 – 30

2670 6th Street

Boulder, Colorado

5 BEDROOMS

6 BATHROOMS

4,193 SQ FT

2-CAR GARAGE

Exquisite in every detail, this magnificent architectural showplace boasts a luxurious four-bedroom primary residence, a one-bedroom ADU, and spectacular outdoor space.

Quality is in the details, under the eaves, and around the corners.

“We knew we needed a painter that’s very detailed.”

“The house is large. Lots of eaves and crevices, lots of different corners and angles. More challenging than your typical house painting project. We got proposals from Maurer and 2 other well-known high-end painters. Tami was so friendly, so easy to talk to and flexible with scheduling. It just felt right. And the whole job was done so well. The tape lines around the mullions. No spills, no vertical roll marks, no flashing or any of that. All right on schedule. They were really good painters. In the end it’s the quality that matters, and it’s just a cherry on top when they’re such good people and easy to work with.”

CLAY AND MIA DELLACAVA

Lot 62 Modern Style

Homestead Style 90

Trusted Advisors. Powerful Advocates. Strategic Partners.

New Growth

While January may get all the credit for a time to set goals and resolutions, spring seems like a much more reasonable timeframe. I mean, come on, January first? Six days after the most stressful six-week time frame of the year is supposed to be the time we all implement sweeping changes to better enrich our lives? It is no wonder why roughly 85% of New Year’s resolutions do not stick.

When the thermometer is reading single digits, and the sun is setting an hour after the kids get home from school, we should just be happy to keep our sanity. Maybe it’s just the procrastinator in me, but I believe that warmer weather, longer days and flower buds blooming bring a much better environment for change.

So, if you are like me, and whiffed on the traditional “New Year’s resolution” thing, join me in making April the “unofficial” start to the New Year!

With gratitude,

ANDY MANZ, PUBLISHER @BOULDERLIFESTYLE

April 2024

PUBLISHER

Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Chantel Ellerington chantel.ellerington@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Kate Manz | kmanz@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

Kailey Beuerlein | kailey.beuerlein@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Millie D'Souza | millie.dsouza@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Tony Firestine | anthonyjfirestine@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tony Firestine, Grace Adele Boyle, Linden Butrym, Kailey Beuerlein, Katherine Owen, Meredith Rowe, Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Keith Ladzinski, Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer, Amanda Tipton, File Photo, Lindsey Mazzaferro

Photo, MBER Creative, Jess Smith Photography, Sunnie Heers, Ben Knight

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

YOUR MOUNTAIN RETREAT, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF BOULDER.

DISCOVER SADDLE CREEK RESIDENCES

A limited collection of innovative, modern multi-level residences at the iconic Silver Saddle Motel location.

REPRESENTED BY

D A P H N E Q U E E N

REALTOR | PARTNER 303.589.4308 | daphne@8z.com & A N G E L A M O S S

REALTOR | PARTNER | REAL ESTATE COACH 303.775.5295 | angela@8z.com

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: Acme Fine Goods kicked off the 2024 First Friday Art Walk season with two of their favorite female artists, Hannah Sone and Rebecka Atwell.

Photography by Scott Crady

BEFORE AFTER

1-7: On February 2, the Downtown Boulder Partnership hosted their Annual Awards Luncheon at the St Julien Hotel and Spa.

Photography by Eddie Clark / Downtown Boulder Partnership

city scene

CONTINUED

1-3: On Feb 13, locally owned luxury store, Beatrice the Divine collaborated with Chocolove and Vinnie Fera Winery for a very special Galentine’s Day soirée. Guests enjoyed handcrafted truffles paired with beautiful locally produced wine, all while shopping exclusive pricing on globally curated collections of couture.

Photography by Scott

Crady

Want to be seen in the magazine?

TAG YOUR INSTAGRAM PHOTOS WITH @BOULDERLIFESTYLE

business monthly

Four-Star St Julien Hotel & Spa

For the 12th consecutive year, St Julien Hotel & Spa earned a Four-Star hotel award from Forbes Travel Guide, the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Owned by Boulder locals, St Julien offers genuine hospitality within a casually elegant setting, featuring 201 guestrooms, a 10,000 square foot spa, Jill’s Restaurant, T-Zero Cocktail Bar and more than 16,000 square feet of meeting and event space—all with beautiful views of Boulder’s Flatirons.

Kate Fagan on the Purpose of Youth Sports and How Parents Can Support Their Athletes

May 15, 2024, from 6:00-7:30 pm in person

Today’s youth face a much different athletics experience than prior generations. From a different level of parental involvement to the ‘always-on’ pressure that social media creates, today’s athletes face the mounting pressures of our performance culture. Ms. Fagan will share insights from her personal and professional experiences and bolster parents in their role as supporters of the real goal of youth sports. Ms. Fagan is also a former CU Women’s Basketball teammate of BCD’s very own, Randie Wirt.

Register at BoulderCountryDay.org/ParentEducation.

Sculptra to increase collagen production and improve volume

Hyperdilute Radiesse to promote collagen and elastin formation for fine lines and skin laxity

PRP injections for skin rejuvenation and treatment of periorbital texture, pigment and wrinkles

And treat fine lines and wrinkles with a COMPLIMENTARY area of Jeuveau and Revision’s serum, Revox Line Relaxer ($464 value).

Boulder Ballet’s Annual Spring Gala

May 2, 2024, at the Dairy ARTS Center, Boulder Ballet presents the AMPLIFY Gala, an evening of dance, fundraising and celebration, highlighting art, wellness and connection.

Enjoy wine, cocktails by PoolBoy Catering, deliciously curated small plates by Executive Chef, Alberto Sabbadini of The Academy, live & silent auctions and DANCE! Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event. Thank you to presenting sponsors: BETC and Holland & Hart. Formal attire is encouraged!

For more information or to purchase tickets visit: BoulderBallet.org. CONTINUED >

Tinker Art Studio Celebrates 12 Years

Saturday, April 13, 10 am - 1 pm

Tinker Art Studio will host a 12th anniversary party with free art projects for all ages in their South Boulder studio. Since 2012, Tinker has been providing art classes and programming across a wide variety of mediums for youth, teens and adults, and has become a cornerstone of Boulder community arts education.  TinkerArtStudio.com @tinkerartstudio

Let’s create an extraordinary space together.

Few things change the quality of your life like the built spaces you live in. There’s power and joy in enhancing your home and creating spaces that reflect who you are so you can thrive now and into the future. But a project can only be as exceptional (and as fun) as the people who create it. That’s where we come in. Melton is the people-first (our clients, team, and our community) design-build firm that elevates your project and brings joy to the process. We can’t wait to craft a space you’ll love being in for years to come.

Boulder Startup Week Coming in May

The 15th Annual Boulder Startup Week will take place May 13-17. This weeklong conference is a conduit for connection and entrepreneurship, hosting a variety of sessions throughout Boulder focused on creating connection, making tangible business progress and provoking dialogue. All are welcome—from founders and investors to those just curious about the world of startups. Come join us for this inclusive, grassroots event put on by the startup community for the startup community!

BoulderStartupWeek.com

CONTINUED

Intro to Space Clearing Workshop at Home Within | April 14

Intro to Space Clearing is an interactive morning workshop designed to teach the basic principles and techniques for clearing and enhancing the energy of a space, whether it's your home, workplace or any other environment. You will learn the causes, symptoms and methods for clearing the most common forms of imbalanced energy, and will leave with a new understanding of the power of positive energy to create uplifting and rejuvenating environments for yourself and others.   HomeWithin.com/Events CONTINUED >

People at BCD are kind, loving and hardworking."

BOULDER COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Preschool

Cultivating curiosity and wonder

Elementary

Fostering engagement, perseverance, and joyful learning

IB Middle School

Developing inquiry, innovation, and critical thinking

The Bluebird Music Festival Returns

The Bluebird Music Festival returns to Macky Auditorium on April 20 & 21 for its sixth year! This year's lineup includes full sets, as well as Strings & Stories sessions, from Gregory Alan Isakov, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, Joy Oladokun, Langhorne Slim and many more. Both Sunday events are sold out, but Saturday tickets are still available.

BluebirdMusicFestival.org

Photography by Glen Ross

Time to be thinking spring! Let RSL get you back outside, living a healthier lifestyle in your own backyard.

303.772.4736

ARTICLE BY KATE LACROIX PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESS SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

Colorado-Born Winemaker Graham Markel Remains Agile at His Oregon Winery

It’s an early morning after what is arguably the worst ice storm in Oregon’s recent history. Winemaker Graham Markel stops to get a gas station coffee before heading towards the Columbia River Gorge to assess the damage. Highway 84 has been closed for days (Oregon does not salt their roads) but Graham wants to have a look at his vines. He assures me they are most likely fine because winter is when they are most dormant. “In recent years we haven’t been as lucky as we’ve had freezes in both spring and fall,” Graham says.

BUONA NOTTE CREATES IN A CHANGING

CREATES BEAUTY CHANGING CLIMATE

Buona Notte is the brainchild winery of Graham and his father, the late Jeffrey Markel. “In 2016 my dad gave me the money to buy my first fruit," Graham says. "The day we showed up to buy the Sangiovese it was twice as much but he doubled down and purchased four tons of grapes (300 cases of wine). There was no turning back.” The grapes are organically or naturally farmed. The wines are made with no additives other than a little sulfur and made in the ”low intervention” way that allows the grapes to take center stage. Buona Notte contracts around 20 acres of co-opted vines grown by some of the best farmers in The Gorge and their winemaking and bottling space has been shared with Son of Man Cider since 2018. Italian varietals like Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio and Syrah grow well in the sunny climate and volcanic soils of The Gorge, nearly mirroring the climate in some of the famous grape-growing regions in Italy.

Having been steeped in food and wine from an early age he is not surprised by his career path. His father ran an organic fruit and vegetable distribution company in Boulder and his mother is an intrepid global traveler with her eponymous company, Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures. After

graduating from Buddhist-inspired Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, he worked at the famed restaurant The Kitchen and became interested in the indelible combination of food and wine. In 2011, Graham followed another Boulderite, Nate Ready, to the Willamette Valley to work with storied natural winemaker, Maggie Harrison of Antica Terra. “For four years, Maggie gave me all the encouragement in the world to start my own winery,” Graham says. In 2015, Graham followed Ready–one of a small handful of Master Sommeliers–to help him make his natural wine that has been broadly recognized as some of the best in the nation. In 2016, Buona Notte began making wine at Hiyu Wine Farm before moving to where they are today.

Ice isn’t the only environmental winemaking hurdle. Forest fire season is anywhere between June through September and in both

“For four years, Maggie gave me all the encouragement in the world to start my own winery.”

2017 and 2020, the grapes turned smoky. In 2017, the entire Oregon side of The Gorge burned down—part of the broader West Coast fires. Wine correcting techniques such as less skin contact and meticulous leaf and stem removal had to be employed to mitigate the effects of the smoke. To provide full transparency, “This wine is going to be smoky,” had to be communicated to all of Graham's accounts.

No aspect of winemaking is without its rigors and now those in the craft must remain agile with a series of unpredictable weather events. The fall 2023 harvest was nearly a month earlier than the previous year. “It was crazy, the grapes were ready to pick almost four weeks earlier than the year before," says Graham. "We had to train and hustle for weeks to make sure we didn’t miss the moment.” Any description of that month feels like an understatement. Graham worked 18-hour days with his farmers, pickers, winery employees and his partner, Jess Smith, also the winery photographer.

“If you believe you have been entrusted with a thing of beauty, you have to chase it—you have to put in the work,” Graham says.

Graham is also doing his best to stem the tide of climate change in his packaging. Buona Notte’s labels are 50 percent post-consumer waste and 50 percent hemp. The bottles come from recycled glass in the area and the cork-sealing beeswax comes from local hives.

Despite increased challenges, Graham continues to imbue his wines with inspired food and warm hospitality wherever he goes. 2024 is already packed with a spring winery lunch series in which he cooks and conducts to the many guests who come by each Saturday. He’s also planning an ambitious eight-city West Coast wine tour with some of his favorite restaurants running along the coast from Washington to SoCal. And he’ll be continuing to process another kind of change—the death of his father from stomach cancer last year. Regardless of professional and personal setbacks, Graham’s philosophy is to do the work no matter what it takes. “If you believe you have been entrusted with a thing of beauty, you have to chase it—you have to put in the work,” Graham says.

“The vines are fine!” Graham bellows from a faraway row.  Just another day in the life of winemaking on a swiftly changing planet. Though he continues to speculate about climate change, Graham is willing to accept the conditions necessary to keep making wine.  As he climbs into the car, he smiles and repeats a well-known Buddhist phrase: “The only thing constant is change.”

PUT YOUR FEET UP

AND STAY AWHILE

In less than a year, Creature Comforts Café has become a beloved community hub on an energetic corner of Pearl Street in Boulder. When setting foot into the airy and cheerful space you immediately feel the notion of intention behind every aspect of the inviting atmosphere. High ceilings, comfortable mixed-use seating and warm welcomes from behind the counter all contribute to the vision that owner and proprietor Jess Liu has created by deliberate design. “It makes me really happy to see people put their feet up on the benches,” says Jess, “because it means they’re feeling comfortable to relax.” With nearly two decades of dedication to

hospitality, Jess brings a unique blend of passion, creativity and commitment to her establishment, offering patrons an unforgettable experience that transcends the ordinary. Creature Comforts is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. It's a labor of love, a testament to Jess's unwavering dedication to her craft and a reflection of her vision for a space that fosters connection, comfort and community.

With roots that trace back to Jess’s earlier years in Japan and New York City, her journey in the hospitality industry has been varied and extensive. From her time as a server and front-of-house manager to her

ARTICLE BY TONY FIRESTINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY AND CO.

BY KELSEY HUFFER

foray into patisserie and event management, Jess's diverse background has equipped her with the skills, knowledge and passion needed to bring Creature Comforts to life.

“Creating my own space is something I’ve always wanted,” says Jess. “Since I was a little girl, I wanted to open up a dessert shop or a restaurant. I was just always intrigued by hospitality and going out to restaurants was something my family did pretty regularly, so I got some early exposure.”

As Jess grew older, her vision of what that space looked like evolved. She fell in love with cafe culture in her twenties and realized that the space she wanted to create would be in that vein—a gathering place for the community. Visiting

CREATURE COMFORTS CAFÉ CULTIVATES COMMUNITY CONNECTION ON PEARL STREET

local cafes is still one of her favorite ways to explore and get to know a new place. After more than two years of planning and jumping through hoops to obtain the proper licensing— including speaking on her own and other small businesses’ behalf at more than one City Council meeting—the culmination of Jess’s experiences and skills came to fruition. Since its opening, Creature Comforts has morphed into a magnet for community connection.

The proof of meaningful intention at Creature Comforts is not only evident in the design and warmth of the space but also in the imaginative fare. Being open from 9 am to 7 pm daily (4 pm on Sunday, and closed Monday) and serving

CONTINUED >

“I WOULD SAY IT HAS A LOT OF ASIAN INFLUENCE. I STUDIED PATISSERIE IN JAPAN… PASTRY SHOPS THERE ARE LIKE GOING INTO A JEWELRY STORE. THEY’RE LAID OUT METICULOUSLY AND THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT. SO MUCH SO THAT PEOPLE ARE LIKE ‘I DON’T WANT TO BREAK THE EXTERIOR’… BUT THEN YOU TASTE IT.”

breakfast, lunch and light dinner fare, the small kitchen puts out plates that are as pleasing to the eye as they are gratifying. “Everything we do has a really unique twist, more importantly, presentation,” says Jess. “I would say it has a lot of Asian influence. I studied patisserie in Japan… Pastry shops there are like going into a jewelry store. They’re laid out meticulously and they are beautiful to look at. So much so that people are like ‘I don’t want to break the exterior’… but then you taste it.” One section of the menu, “Toasts” are all served on Japanese milk bread that comes from a local Japanese bakery. The presentations are simple, yet elegant and precise. Yuzu marmalade toast is lathered with a sunshine-yellow preserve, studded with pomegranate seeds. Cucumber goat cheese toast with smoked salmon and “everything” seasoning is a simple ode to an East Coast staple but on pillowy milk bread instead of a bagel. The beverages exude as much love and care as the food. The espresso-based drinks are complete with swirling and frothy latte art and the signature salted honey latte achieves the perfect balance between sweet and savory.

In addition to their own creations, Creature Comforts is intentional in their non-alcoholic, beer, wine and mercantile selections by often sourcing from women and/or BIPOCowned businesses. A unique hospitality-included, tip-free pricing structure eliminates the need for tips (Creature Comforts does not solicit or accept them) and allows Jess to provide a living wage to her small staff, providing more financial stability in an industry that often has many different factors that can affect one’s income. Jess believes by removing tips from the check-out process, her team can better focus on providing delightful hospitality and their guests receive greater price transparency. Through partnerships with local businesses, sustainable business practices and curating an environment where patrons want to sit and enjoy, Jess is committed to creating a space that not only serves delicious food and drinks but also supports small businesses and fosters a sense of belonging.

Creature Comforts also hosts a variety of events aimed at enriching the cultural landscape of Boulder. From coffee cupping classes and live music performances to themed dinners and pop-up markets, Creature Comforts offers a diverse range of experiences that appeal to patrons of all ages and interests. Looking to the future, Jess remains committed to growing Creature Comforts while staying true to its core values of hospitality and community engagement. Jess emphasizes focusing on building the layers of community within the current space and the importance of preserving the unique identity and atmosphere of the cafe. With its commitment to sustainability, its dedication to ethical business practices and its unwavering focus on providing exceptional experiences for its guests, Creature Comforts is a destination truly worth savoring.

Photo by Will Smith

Photo by Will Smith

BEHIND

KEITH’S

ARTICLE BY KAILEY BEUERLEIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEITH LADZINSKI

National Geographic Photographer Keith Ladzinski and His Passion for What Falls in Front of the Camera

In the world of visual storytelling, few wield the camera with the mastery, finesse and distinct style that Keith Ladzinski does. World-renowned for his captivating and thrilling shots, Keith has carved his own distinguished path through the photography and film realm as he captures the essence of life’s myriad moments. Whether he’s directing Emmy-nominated films, or traveling on his latest National Geographic assignment, Keith shares how his career has taken him on journeys around the globe and how this path has led him to his greatest love of all: fatherhood.

An avid skateboarder growing up, when Keith picked up the camera, it made sense to start taking pictures of what he knew. “My early work was skateboarding and nature, two subjects I knew from growing up in Colorado," says Keith. "They couldn’t be any more different: One was trespassing in the city, rushed camera setups that usually resulted in running from security guards alongside my friends. While the other was hiking alone in the quiet mountains waiting for the light to unfold or wildlife to present itself. It was a very polarizing two things to be gravitated towards, but it helped me establish a voice later as I would start to figure out what this career looked like.”

How does one combine a passion for the sharp edges of skateboarding and an appreciation for the outdoors? Rock climbing. “A friend introduced me to it, and I started going out and photographing it quite a bit,” says Keith. “I started traveling around Colorado and the surrounding states with top climbers based here, which opened up doors

to magazines and commercial work for sponsors and brands.”

As he fell in love with rock climbing, Keith’s career started to expand. Working with industry magazines, as well as the New York Times and Washington Post Sunday Magazine, led to introductions to National Geographic’s sister publications. He quickly found himself established as a well-known and capable adventure sports photographer. But in 2015, he was given a chance to showcase another side of his photography skills, photographing America’s National Parks and showing how climate change was affecting them—an assignment from National Geographic Magazine.

“That was a real turning point in my career,” says Keith. “It changed the way I was looking at the outdoors, the things that I was learning, and the people that I was working with. The magazine put faith in me to go out and photograph it in my own style, which opened up opportunities to really move more into the natural history and climate change space. It was a real olive branch that I was handed.”

Keith believes he was given this opportunity because of his distinct photography style. “A lot of my work is rooted in off-camera lighting, bringing in my own sort of look,” he describes. “That’s how I approached that entire first story. I brought in high-power strobes and gigantic lighting rigs into the natural history space, for a story that was primarily landscape. I approached it the same way I would a climbing shoot or a running shoot, just doing everything on a larger scale. And I became someone they could call on for that look.”

“The breath of my career is a small series of successes, wrapped up in a lot of failures," says Keith. "You get used to hearing the word ‘no’. But once you get people to trust and believe in what you can do, you can then begin to do work that you hope makes a difference.”

And thus began the exciting, illustrious, exhausting and exhilarating career that Keith has found himself in for the past 20 years. It seems like all of his experiences led him to the climate change and natural world he has grown to be so passionate about. His adventure/sports backdrop instilled in him inquisitiveness and a taste for adventure.

“I’m a very curious photographer,” says Keith. “I love shooting wildlife as much as I love telling meaningful stories around climate change, pollution, natural history and humanitarian projects. I like to shoot underwater. I like to shoot night photography and aerials. I’m a little disorganized when it comes to how you would categorize the work that I do. I feel like I learn a little from each genre that helps me work better in different environments.”

The perfect partner in crime to Keith’s curiosity is his next love: travel. From having traveled to all seven continents multiple times over on various assignments and projects, Keith expresses how it’s given him a deeper understanding of the world, more empathy and how he cannot live without it.

“Once you’ve seen it, you can’t unsee it. Once you’ve experienced it, you yearn to experience it again and again,” Keith says. “I’m addicted to it. I’m the luckiest person ever, that travel is one of the prerequisites of doing the work that I do, to go to

The Fragility of Greatness - National Geographic

“I love shooting wildlife as much as I love telling meaningful stories around climate change, pollution, natural history and humanitarian projects.”

Keith Ladzinski, Photo by Ian Glass

these wild places and see these incredibly moving things.”

Aside from the travel and experiences, Keith’s favorite thing about his work, and what drew him to it in the first place, is the way that photography makes him feel. “I have a pretty busy mind, and from the moment I picked up a camera, it gave me a very blissful form of tunnel vision. It’s the only thing I’ve found in my life that gives me this hyper, intense focus,” says Keith. That was until he became a father.

Now in the midst of a self-proclaimed reinvention, Keith’s new strategy is: how can I stay home more? In the process of doing two books, more public speaking, writing and editing from home, Keith has found his newest love in fatherhood. “I find greater joy in being a dad than anything in my life,” he says.

Dad to four-year-old son Gray, Keith shares earnestly that fatherhood has

changed everything in his, and his wife Dana’s life. “My wife has always been such a source of encouragement for me,” Keith says. “But as soon as we became parents, I don’t push it anywhere near as hard as I used to (regarding traveling). I want to be home for every possible moment I can experience as a father. My biggest responsibility is making sure that he understands that you have to work hard if you want really great things to happen in your life. I want Gray to feel pride and a good sense of appreciation for going out, working and finding your passion.”

Keith and Gray just returned from a trip to watch the Sandhill Crane migration in the San Luis Valley. Staring at four different mountain ranges as they all collide into one massive valley, Keith said it didn’t matter what direction you looked in— you’re just seeing waves of these beautiful birds. “I shot some photos, but it was so

minimal compared to what I would do if I was alone,” Keith says. “I was just watching Gray get excited, watching him see it for the first time. He has changed everything.”  As Keith now navigates the balance between raising his son and pursuing his passion, he finds inspiration in the simple joys of everyday life. He’s always shooting photos, always “exercising that muscle”, now through the lens of parenthood—something that has given him a renewed sense of purpose and boundless creativity. On this evolving journey as a parent, intertwined with his identity as an artist, Keith’s biggest adventures are yet to come.

Keith Ladzinski is a National Geographic Photographer and Emmy-nominated director, based in Boulder, CO.

@ladzinski on Instagram Ladzinski.com

The Scales of ExtinctionNational Geographic 2019

Polar Plunge - National Geographic 2017

The Great Flood (Part 1) - National Geographic 2022

OWN THE LIFE

RADICAL INCLUSIVITY

IN THE WORLD OF COLORADO’S WINTER SPORTS, IGNITE ADAPTIVE SPORTS REDEFINES WHAT’S RADICAL

ARTICLE

“Last May, we celebrated the groundbreaking of our new Ski & Ride School building which will be the new headquarters for Ignite,” says Bass. “This project increases our capacity so we can serve more adaptive athletes and young learners.”

In the small mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, Eldora Ski Resort is home to Ignite Adaptive Sports––the only comprehensive adaptive sports program on the Front Range that is accessible by public transit (RTD). Since its inception in 1975, Ignite Adaptive Sports has provided life-changing opportunities for community members who otherwise couldn’t access winter sports programs due to cognitive, physical or behavioral issues. Ignite’s entire operation is run by skilled volunteers who are dedicated to the mission of providing “caring, safe and fun adaptive winter snowsports opportunities” that foster “personal growth, independence and confidence in people with disabilities.”

From January through March, Ignite offers lessons in alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ski biking and snowshoeing for all ages and levels of ability. Each lesson includes fitted adaptive equipment, a parking pass, a lift

ticket and trained adaptive instructors who work with individuals to create the best learning environment for empowering each student. While Ignite offers group rates and first-time athlete discounts, they also have a scholarship program to help make lessons accessible to every member of the community.

Through partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Paralympic Military Program, Ignite provides specialized opportunities for wounded active duty and military veterans. These programs not only promote physical rehabilitation but also offer a sense of camaraderie and connection among veterans.

The sense of community Ignite fosters is not just among the adaptive students. The crew of over 250 volunteers collaborate to make every part of the organization run smoothly from lessons to fundraising and program management. “The level of professionalism our volunteers bring to Ignite is incredible,” says Carol Nickell, executive director of Ignite. “Our volunteers are

from all walks of life, from high school students to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to writers and business owners. Ignite is one of those unicorn nonprofits where people bring all their skills and talents to support the organization––it’s an incredible community to be part of.”

Each year volunteers return to Ignite, drawn by the enduring sense of fulfillment, purpose and joy that the organization imparts to their lives. While community members are welcome to volunteer yearround, winter marks the commencement of orientations tailored for newcomers, commencing each October. These sessions not only offer opportunities for adult engagement but also extend a welcoming opportunity to younger enthusiasts, aged 16 to 18, through junior volunteer programs. For those aspiring to attain their PSIA Level I Ski Instructor or AASI Level I Snowboard Instructor Certification, Ignite presents an ideal launching pad. Additionally, teenagers seeking to fulfill their volunteer requisites for the National

Honor Society (NHS) will find Ignite's junior volunteer positions tailor-made for their aspirations.

“Oftentimes, when you volunteer for an organization, you don’t quite get to do what you want. But with Ignite, we make sure each volunteer gets the training and opportunities they’re looking for,” says Nickell. “We train people for snow sports instructing, working in the equipment room, outreach and client services––where you get to be the face of Ignite––and organizing our big fundraising event at Boulder JCC.” Known as “the best party Boulder throws”, Ignite’s annual fundraiser is an opportunity for the community to hear the inspiring stories of adaptive athletes whose lives have been transformed.

Kevin Wilson, Ignite’s operations manager, is one such adaptive athlete. If you want to feel intensely inspired (and possibly shed a heartfelt tear), check out Wilson’s 9-minute video with Outdoor Magazine. “Speaking from Eldora’s perspective, we are incredibly proud of our relationship with Ignite,” says Sam Bass, marketing director for Eldora. “Last May, we celebrated the groundbreaking of our new Ski & Ride School building which will be the new headquarters for Ignite,” says Bass. “This project increases our capacity so we can serve more adaptive athletes and young learners.” Construction on the new lodge is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.

In the lexicon of resilience, "bouncing back from adversity" is the prevailing definition. Yet, the experience of resilience involves a more profound journey of transformation––being vulnerable to life’s challenges, allowing them to shape you and deepen your self-discovery. In essence, resilience serves as an anchor, tethering you to a sense of purpose and passion for life. Igniting that passion is what’s brought volunteers and adaptive athletes to the slopes of Eldora for the past 50 years.

If you’d like to get involved with Ignite Adaptive Sports, reach out to: info@igniteadaptivesports.com.

POWERING

Independent Power Leads the Charge Towards Energy Independence in the Front Range and Beyond

ARTICLE BY TONY FIRESTINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

Independent Power, a Boulder-based company born out of a vision for a sustainable future, has steadily transformed itself from a solar and battery installer into a comprehensive home electrification powerhouse since 1996. At its helm are Liz and Trevor Seelye, two CU Boulder graduates with successful careers in global businesses— with five kids under the age of ten—and a personal commitment to channel their expertise into making a local climate impact.

After recognizing the potential to expand beyond solar and battery installations, Liz and Trevor acquired Windward Electric, a highly regarded local electrical company. This strategic move laid the foundation for Independent Power's evolution into a full-service home electrification provider. With the Windward acquisition, the company expanded its offerings to include a wide range of electrical upgrades essential for transitioning away from oil and gas-based appliances and vehicles. From electrical vehicle chargers to smart

CONTINUED >

CHANGE

panels and induction stoves, Independent Power positioned itself as a one-stop solution for electrification needs. The acquisition also facilitated the establishment of an in-house HVAC team, enabling Independent Power to offer electrified heating and cooling systems like heat pumps, the final piece to achieving a carbon-free home.

"It's important to underscore that these full-scale energy upgrade projects are complicated to assess, estimate and design, let alone build," says Liz. "Our in-house technical capability allows us to make that integration seamless. We pride ourselves on having one of the most experienced and technically sound office and field teams with decades of experience. We have attracted the best electricians, solar installers and HVAC experts in the area to join us. And we're the only company around that installs all of those pieces ourselves rather than sub-contracting to others." This unique blend of expertise drives the company's mission of fighting climate change. This also enables Independent Power to undertake complex and largescale projects that many competitors shy away from, including a massive solar array for the US Navy in the middle of the Indian Ocean to sizable off-grid systems all over the Rockies (the most well-known being a system on top of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park) to thousands of local homes, including their own. "We are also happy customers, as the team helped us complete the construction of our fully electric house in Boulder last year, complete with solar, battery storage, heat pumps, induction stovetop and EV charging. It's amazing to see everything working together and generating zero

“One of the core values of the company we define as 'having a visible, professional presence in our local communities;’ we serve as advocates for impacting climate change.”

pollution," says Trevor. "As more and more homeowners seek to go fully electric, we anticipate seeing more of these integrated large-scale projects in remodels and new construction. We are seeing more interest from the commercial space for these electrification solutions and business and building owners assessing the economic incentives and impacts of making these investments."

The success of Independent Power can be measured not only in its growth but also in its impact. Over the years, Independent Power has helped numerous homeowners transition to energy independence, guiding them through the process with expertise and care. This includes helping their customers navigate the wide range of tax incentives available and eligibility requirements. As a locally owned and operated business, Independent Power remains deeply rooted in its community, providing personalized service and contributing to the local economy. The company is even exploring a solar-powered project for the

Boulder Star, the beloved holiday symbol on Flagstaff Mountain. By offering holistic electrification solutions and integrated installation services, Independent Power ensures that customers receive high-quality, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional energy sources.

Looking ahead, Liz and Trevor envision Independent Power as a cornerstone of the movement for energy independence. "One of the core values of the company we define as 'having a visible, professional presence in our local communities; we serve as advocates for impacting climate change,'" says Trevor. "Our vision for Independent Power is to remain a family-owned local company that will have a large impact on helping the electrification transition of residential and commercial buildings in the Front Range over the coming decades." By leveraging its technical expertise and community-driven approach, Independent Power leads the charge toward a greener, more sustainable future.

home within

by Joe McGuire & Matthew Tenzin

Holistic Interior Design

A h e a l t h i e r , m o r e s u s t a i n a b l e & i n t e n t i o n a l a p p r o a c h t o h o m e i n t e r i o r s

G u i d e d v i s i o n i n g , e n e r g y c l e a r i n g & b a l a n c i n g

F u l l s e r v i c e i n t e r i o r d e s i g n & c o n s u l t i n g s e r v i c e s

H o l i s t i c d e s i g n w o r k s h o p s & w e l l n e s s c l a s s e s

i n o u r N o r t h B o u l d e r w e l l n e s s s t u d i o

homewithin.com

TURNING TRASH INTO treasure

Innovation Takes Center Stage at this Boulder Fashion Show Celebrating Environmental Responsibility

ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA TIPTON

On an unseasonably warm day in late February, 29 middle and high school students gathered at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Macky Auditorium Concert Hall for one of the most exciting and creative events of the season. Trash the Runway is an annual fashion show that displays the talents of Boulder teenagers who spend months designing one outfit and one accessory (from hair pieces to jewelry to handbags) and using only discarded materials to bring their visions to life.

Produced by community sponsors, vendors and volunteers in partnership with Common Threads consignment shop, the show aims to educate and inspire everyone about the benefits of recycling and reusing. “Every part of every ensemble must be made from trash,” says Tanja Leonard, who’s served as the executive director for almost a decade. This year, a kaleidoscope of color filled the auditorium as students walked the runway with their looks, each outfit an impressive lesson in functionality, innovation, construction and design. In the days leading up to the show, Tanja shared more about Trash the Runway and its impact on the Boulder community.

GIVE US A GLIMPSE INTO THE HISTORY AND PROCESS OF TRASH THE RUNWAY.

This is our 14th year. Middle and high school students complete an application, and after they’re accepted, they attend six weeks of workshops. [Mentors and staff] are there to help them with fit or if they have trouble with construction. But otherwise, it’s all the kids.

WHAT GUIDELINES MUST THEY FOLLOW?

They can’t use anything that can be composted according to the city of Boulder. Nothing that would go into the recycling bin. Materials must be things that would end up in a landfill. Students cannot use regular buttons, zippers, Velcro — they have to make those themselves.

DESCRIBE THEIR CREATIVITY.

Students will go to a restaurant or coffee shop and ask for trash, like coffee bags. Last year, one student made an outfit out of soy packets that she collected from her favorite Japanese restaurant. One found a torn tarp on the sidewalk in front of a sorority house. Oftentimes we have students who use bike tires. Those are really hard to work with.

CONTINUED >

“LAST YEAR, ONE STUDENT MADE AN OUTFIT OUT OF SOY PACKETS THAT SHE COLLECTED FROM HER FAVORITE JAPANESE RESTAURANT. ONE FOUND A TORN TARP ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF A SORORITY HOUSE.”

HOW DO STUDENTS SHARE THEIR DESIGN INSPIRATIONS WITH THE AUDIENCE?

Each one answers one of three questions: What do you want the audience to know about your garment? What is your favorite part of your look? And, what was the hardest part of this process?

WHAT DO PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE?

All students receive bags filled with gift cards, items from local businesses and other goodies, like ColourPop Cosmetics, fabrics from Elfriede’s, and gift cards to SewBo, Jacque Michelle boutique, Common Threads and Pizzeria Alberico.

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUTFITS AFTER THE SHOW?

We display some at Jacque Michelle. We also display some at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, where school groups can see them before next year’s show. We also try to find opportunities for students to enter their garments, like the Colorado Art Awards.

WHAT LESSONS DO STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT?

What I hear most from them is, they didn’t realize how much gets thrown away. They want to change the way things are and come up with solutions to the problems we’ve created.

HAVE ANY TRASH THE RUNWAY ALUMNI ACHIEVED FURTHER RECOGNITION?

In recent years, several have gone on to fashion school. There are three or four at Parsons School of Design in New York City now. Another is in the wallpaper design industry, and a few have attended design school.

HOW CAN OTHERS GET INVOLVED WITH TRASH THE RUNWAY AS A SPONSOR, VENDOR OR VOLUNTEER?

Visit our website, TrashTheRunway.com, or send us an email: trashtherunway@gmail.com.

the ART of REFLECTION

Step Inside the World of Artist Kristen Abbott, Where Creativity and Community are All Waypoints to Finding Center

ARTICLE BY KATHERINE OWEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY MAZZAFERRO PHOTO & MBER CREATIVE

From artist Kristen Abbott’s home studio in South Boulder, each change of the seasons is a chance to collaborate with nature and cultivate new techniques and mediums. Now, with spring and summer on the way, her explorations with cyanotypes will take center stage once again.

One of the oldest photographic printing processes, cyanotyping relies on a reaction between UV light and an iron salt solution that results in deep blue prints.

“I'm collaborating with nature in a sense that, depending on how bright the sun is that day and the intensity of the rays, or if we get an afternoon rain shower that rains on it while it's still exposing… all of those things I just embrace as part of the process,” explains Kristen. “I’m not able to predict or control the outcome, and in a lot of ways, that is what keeps me coming back.”

Kristen’s cyanotype work showcases nature not just in methodology, but imagery as well, incorporating leaves and twigs and other natural materials. (“My kids started calling me the leaf lady last summer,” she adds with a laugh.) But as the seasons shift, Kristen finds she’ll return to her first medium: painting.

“I AM CREATING WORK THAT FOR ME, FEELS GROUNDING AND REFLECTIVE BECAUSE I VERY EASILY GET CAUGHT UP IN THE SPIN CYCLE OF OUR BUSY LIFE.”

“As I move into the fall and winter, I can totally feel my energy shift and I start craving a more cozy, layered feeling,” Kristen says. “How do I bring this in? I'm in my studio with a cup of tea and a really cozy sweater, and I'm creating this textural, layered, builtup-over-time type of work that doesn't feel quite as immediate. It's a little bit more introspective in that way.”

Introspection is a big theme of Kristen’s work—not just for her, but she hopes for the viewer as well. Kristen explains she wants her art to be “experiential and not just another product to be consumed.”

“I am creating work that for me, feels grounding and reflective because I very easily get caught up in the spin cycle of our busy life. And I know that so many other people do too, and that's our natural default—to keep going and to keep adding and to keep

hustling,” Kristen says. “So for me, it's all about creating this sanctuary, this safe haven that I can actually come to rest in.”

And in case it sounds like Kristen has found a path to total calm and clarity—she is most definitely still on the search herself, she clarifies.

“It's not like I'm so zen all the time. It's more about, this is where I want to come to. This is when I'm my best self — in this space,” Kristen says. “We're all craving these anchor points to ground us in the middle of our busy lives, and I want my art to just provide that quiet reflection so that people can pause and become more aware of the beauty that's already around them.”

This search is a big driver behind her community-minded work that’s morphed into two big undertakings: one, an old South

Boulder schoolhouse she is transforming into a studio and community space where she and other artists can host everything from workshops to yoga events to women’s circles. And two, a plan to take the idea of creative community abroad via The Creative Soul Retreat, June 21-28 in Great Glemham, England.

”It’s not just for artists, but for women who are wanting big shifts in their life and wanting things to happen that they didn't even know were possible. For me, that came about after I got to do an artist residency in France in the summer of 2022 that was hugely transformative for me. I knew it was going to be awesome, but it was next level,” Kristen explains. “I brought so much of this creative energy and inspiration home with me that now, I want everyone to have this experience of what is possible when we get out of our normal ruts and rhythms…I want more of that. I want more of those big experiences that we get to bring back with us that change the way we do everyday life.”

Learn more about Kristen’s work and the Creative Soul Retreat at KristenAbbott.com

Mazda CX-70 is Designed with Active Lifestyles in Mind

ARTICLE BY KAILEY BEUERLEIN

Designed with active lifestyles in mind, the first-ever 2025 Mazda CX-70 enters the mid-size, two-row crossover segment. It will soon be available at Broomfield’s Sill-TerHar Motors.

Utilizing Mazda’s most advanced powertrains that offer responsive and electrified performance, the CX-70 provides intuitive handling that keeps the driver engaged and in control.

Designed with drivers in mind, the emphasis on driving dynamics, elegant and sporty design, a focus on a spacious cabin and cargo space that enables owners to use this car to pursue their day-to-day activities and more.

The CX-70 implements several new features to Mazda, designed to improve everyday life, encourage active lifestyles and improve the driving experience. This includes remote-folding rear seats, which allows for easier loading into the rear, as well as a rear cargo area that has been optimized for storage with additional compartments, hooks for bags and other equipment.

With a generous interior, expansive cargo capacity and intuitive features, the CX-70 delivers sporty elegance and utility.

From the trim and front and rear fascia design to the available Nappa leather-trimmed seats, the CX-70 details reflect the care and passion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Driver's Notebook

Along with the sleek design and practical functionality, the CX-70’s appeal is enhanced with several new assistance technologies, one of which is an addition to the Cruising & Traffic support, called Unresponsive Driver Support. This adds an emergency-only system to automatically decelerate and stop the vehicle if the system detects the driver is unresponsive to escalating alerts. Alexa has also been integrated, which allows the driver to make hands-free commands for prompts like changing the temperature and radio station, and controlling smart home devices.

Mazda’s purposeful approach to designing the CX-70 for its customers elevates the CX-70 to higher standards. To see more about the 2025 Mazda CX-70, and learn more about its features, models and benefits, visit Sill-TerHar Motors at 150 Alter Street in Broomfield.

May 3 -19

The Dairy Arts Center | Boulder

An “endearingly funny and deeply affecting” Pulitzer-finalist play about one woman — and all of us.

Improv Series for Kids & Families

Some Librarians Shelve Books. MAD LIBrarians Live Them.

April 6

Boulder Public Library

April 20

The Arts HUB | Lafayette

April 27

The Family Learning Center | Boulder

May 4, 11 and 18

Dairy Arts Center | Boulder

THE AWARD-WINNING BOULDER ENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY

Exploring Boulder's Dive Bar Scene

ARTICLE BY KAILEY BEUERLEIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

N D E R G R O U N D B O U L D E R

In Boulder, where the mountains meet the sky and the city hums with energy, lies a world within a world— dive bars. Tucked away in unassuming corners, these watering holes slow down time and the outside world fades with dimly lit interiors, the scent of well-worn wood and the sound of laughter and the clinking of glasses. Welcome to Boulder’s dive bar scene—where every drink holds a promise of adventure and every patron has a story to tell.

SUNDOWN SALOON

For over 30 years, formally known as The Downer, The Sundown Saloon has been Boulder’s premier dive bar with craft beer, pool, darts, shuffleboard, foosball and interesting people. The Downer is what I’d imagine it might’ve been like going to college in the 80s—you walk downstairs into a dark basement bar, rainbow string lights covering the ceiling and you can get a pitcher of PBR for $3, which might as well be $0.85 in my Gen Z brain. You can’t beat that price. The ambiance is slim to none; the Sundown Saloon ticks every box when thinking of where to go to have a good time and make some unlikely friends.

THE HUNGRY TOAD

The Hungry Toad Bistro & Bar opened in July 1991, located just blocks north of Boulder’s historic Pearl Street Mall. Since then, The Hungry Toad has been providing both traditional and creative pub food as well as bringing in classic English-style draft beers, and local craft. Smack dab in the heart of one of Boulder’s busy neighborhoods, it feels like you’re shot back in time to England’s storied pub past, as the interior reflects the classic English pub feel. Curious how Boulder does British? See for yourself sitting outside on the patio, soaking in the grand view of Sanitas and some sunshine.

DARK HORSE

The world-famous Dark Horse has been a Boulder staple since 1975. Doling out beer, burgers and such in a space decorated with movie props & antiques, the decor and atmosphere are “sure to boggle your mind and gratify your senses”. The Dark Horse takes you on quite the trip, and your bathroom break will confuse you too; you’ll just have to stop by on one of their many game nights to know what I’m talking about.

MOUNTAIN SUN PUBS

While not what comes to mind when you hear the words “dive bar’, Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery appreciates and encourages the lost art of conversation and connection. A longtime local favorite, their locations will never have televisions, and instead, you’ll find their walls covered in bookshelves filled with novels and board games. Their second and larger location, Southern Sun, matches the same energy; and has an equally passionate following. They pride themselves on their genuine service, laid-back atmosphere and being a go-to spot for a cold beer and delicious burger, especially during Stout Month in February. They serve free Mountain Sun Stouts all month long when you sign up for their newsletter, which will let you in on even more local deals.

THE ATTIC

Don’t let the name of this place confuse you. While not underground, The Attic is as divey as they come. As you walk up the “stairway to heaven”, as my friends have lovingly called it, and as you walk into the self-proclaimed Wisconsin bar, you start to feel at home. Karaoke? They have it. Darts? There. Free pool until 10 pm, foosball tables, 4-person Pacman, Golden Tee, and more—there’s always something to do at the bar and bistro. Check it out and see why employees and visitors alike always have the “Best Day Ever” at the Attic! Order a Fat Albert at the bar and thank me later.

Architect: Surround Architecture

Photo: Dane Cronin

ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUFFER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUNNIE HEERS AND BEN KNIGHT

PRUNED HANDS, WARM HEARTS

Photo by Ben Knight

Photo by Sunnie Heers

For those last lingering winter days, when we are needing and craving a little warmth, Desert Reef Hot Spring has you covered. Just a quick hour and a half drive to the South, the landscape changes from Pine tree covered mountains to tumbleweeds and sagebrush as the desert mesas welcome you to Royal Gorge Country.

As those last surprise cold days come around, a quick escape to ensure a warmer getaway was in the cards, so South we went. We pulled into Florence on a Saturday afternoon to check into our tiny home and immediately had to jump right in to kick off a weekend of relaxation. With their offerings described as “therapeutic waters, big open skies, tranquility, site specific art installations and a non-judgemental attitude with a belief in inclusivity,”, the community built decades ago leaves no deniability about the healing aspects of the water heated by the earth.

The story of Desert Reef brings us back to 1986, where the springs were developed by LJ Conrad and wife, Ro to be a private and peaceful sanctuary of community in Florence. “After hundreds of years in an aquifer deep below the surface, our water is heated by the earth's core and flows out naturally via our artesian well. Coming up from well over 1,000 feet below our water carries up minerals and is extremely hot, (125-135 degrees Fahrenheit) and is of exceptional purity,” the Desert Reef team explains. The hot springs rolled into their next iteration in the early 2000’s to be a member’s only club where locals would come to soak and relax. In 2021, a new life began for Desert Reef as the space was developed by Four Points Funding, into what visitors come to experience today, with new bathhouses, overnight accommodations and even more pools. With many options for an overnight stay, from Airstreams to BYO Camper Van, the tiny homes steal the show with the potential to stargaze and soak the night away in your own personal hot spring.

Once we sufficiently warmed up in our personal pool, we wanted to explore the grounds like Goldilocks, jumping from pool to pool to find just the right temperature. In each pool, you strike up a conversation with people visiting from near and far, learning all about their pocket of the world and what called them to soak in the natural springs of the Colorado desert. As the sun begins to set, we watch the stars begin to fill the sky as we chit-chat about long talked about UFO activity in the area in hopes of catching a little glimpse.

While a quiet relaxing soak as the sun sets is already perfect in every way, I already have it on my list to come back soon for a Desert Reef hosted event. This year they have hosted sound baths, musicians, comedians for Camp Soak, a pop up sauna and cold plunge with Bathe Sauna’s wood burning mobile sauna, and ‘Scream and Soak’ movie

Photo by Ben Knight

Photo by Sunnie Heers

Photo by Sunnie Heers

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1revollewbteef000,wole ruo retaw irrac se u p im laren s a dn i s e x t r e mely hot, (125-135degrees Fahrenheit)andisofexceptionalpurit y . ”

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nights to watch ‘The Hills Have Eyes’, cocktails with ESP Hifi, food with Chef Michael of Bruto, and on Fridays, Water Yoga.

As the night closes, we head back to our tiny home and crawl up into the handcrafted loft bed, but as soon as the sun peeks back over the mesas, we can’t wait to get back to soaking to get to the warmest start to the day, this time with a cup of coffee in hand. After a couple more rounds of musical pools to make sure we experienced them all, it is sadly time to pack our bags and head back home, but not before a pit stop to check out the town of Florence, called the “Antique Capital of the State of Colorado” to search for a treasure to commemorate the trip.

It might not be much longer until Desert Reef and their healing hot springs take claim for what this town is known for. The Desert Reef Hot Spring continues the legacy of building an inclusive community through healing waters, honoring LJ and the original vision. This was my first visit to the oasis of these southern hot springs - a place where time stands still, and the soul finds peace and rest amidst the desert landscape - but it won’t be my last.

Photo by Sunnie Heers

Photo by Sunnie Heers

Photo by Ben Knight

Boulder’s Clean Air Salon

The New Nomads

Built in 1952 by The Nomads, the namesake Nomad Playhouse is in the midst of a renaissance that began in 2015 when Tara Performing Arts High School officially purchased the property, thanks in part to a grant from the state historic fund. Their goal was and is to embrace the quirkiness and the history while modernizing the facilities, both for the benefit of the students and the comfort of the audience.

The building’s design was reminiscent of a Quonset Hut, the half-cylindrical, metal-sided structure developed by the Navy during WWII, and it needed a whole host of updates. In the last nine years, the technical director, Shevek Majors-Peer, and the artistic producer and production manager, Catherine Barricklow, have worked with the team at Tara to write grants and raise funds for flame retardant curtains, reupholstered seats, efficient LED lighting,

A QUEST FOR HIGH-QUALITY THEATER IN COLORADO'S FRONT RANGE

ARTICLE BY MEREDITH ROWE

Photos Courtesy of Wild Heart Dance

“PEOPLE DON’T EXPECT QUALITY LIVE PERFORMANCE IN THIS FUNKY SPACE. WE DEFY EXPECTATIONS,” - BARRICKLOW

reroofing and insulation, new box office and lobby bathrooms, etc. They’ve also installed professional-quality sound and light boards, giving students who tech shows invaluable, practical skills for a future career in theater. Next on the list is a new HVAC system and to rebuild The Shop.

Bringing the theater to a professional level of operation, while maintaining and appreciating what makes it such a gem, has been Barricklow’s top priority since she moved back to Boulder after a successful Off-Broadway career. When she learned that Tara was purchasing the theater, she knew she had to be a part of reviving the Nomad’s legacy. Barricklow has fond memories of walking past the theater growing up and seeing the upcoming performances on the marquee. In coming back, she saw the opportunity to bring a high standard to this residential North Boulder neighborhood.

“People don’t expect quality live performance in this funky space. We defy expectations,” said Barricklow.

Barricklow wears many hats at Tara and The Nomad, one of which is directing the many student shows. The theater is about seven minutes from the high school—for slow walkers—and the students are the resident amateur company of the beloved theater. In fact, it’s a requirement of the school for students to be in the productions.

Some students are leaping with excitement and have been looking forward to being in the shows their whole lives, but some are less enthusiastic. Luckily for them, the energy tends to be infectious. Barricklow reflects on a student who didn’t start at Tara until 10th grade because he was reluctant to be in a production. But experiencing a play in this warm, supportive environment tends to win students over. Soon they’re laughing at and surprising themselves, all while up on stage.

Barricklow really can’t understate the importance of the opportunity to transform into a new character and try new

things—which is exactly what The Nomad provides for Tara students. They can stretch and expand beyond the cocoon of what they’re supposed to do and be and can even learn to be more compassionate by spending a little time in another’s shoes.

We often think of theater as entertainment, but it’s actually essential to the human spirit. It’s an incredible opportunity to practice taking risks and to gain confidence in the ability to face the unknown.

Students also have an opportunity to take a practical theater class. In it, they learn from the technical director, Shevek MajorsPeer, about maintaining the theater, installing and running lights and other equipment, helping with props and fixing costumes. They learn to work in what Barricklow lovingly calls “collaborative chaos” which is a skill they can bring to all sorts of other spaces.

The 12th-grade students just wrapped a production of Dancing at Lughnasa, set in 1936 Ireland, and are now turning their attention to their annual co-production with Wild Heart Dance, a contemporary dance company created and directed by Kat Gurley that’s based here in the Front Range.

Wild Heart Dance shares The Nomad’s mission to create authentic and high-caliber professional work, and they invite students into their process. Tara students will help with set installation,

light hanging and even potentially crew the performance. Plus, they’ll be able to see the show and how it completely transforms The Nomad with a raked stage.

This year, they’ll perform One Lost Song, choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony. The piece centers around becoming and coming home to know and express all of oneself— not unlike the story of The Nomad, especially with Catherine Barricklow sharing the helm.

Fans will have six chances to see the show, with performances spread across two weekends:

April 19, 20 - 7 pm & April 21 - 4 pm

April 26, 27 - 7 pm & April 28 - 4 pm

For more info, visit WildHeartDance.com or NomadPlayhouse.org

Photo by Amanda Proudfit

Photo Courtesy of Wild Heart Dance

Photo Courtesy of Wild Heart Dance

Six Things

to Love about Urban Mattress

From Luxurious and Eco-Friendly Design Details to Superior Service, Here’s Why this Family-Owned Boulder Company is a Dream

ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM

Getting a good night’s sleep can often involve specific requirements: total darkness, cooler temperatures, a perfect mattress, a just-right pillow, a sound machine playing the soothing rhythm of crashing ocean waves, perhaps an air purifier or essential oils spritzed into the room.

For the family behind Urban Mattress Boulder.UrbanMattress. com , there’s nothing more important than creating a clean and comfortable sleeping environment. Combining sustainable practices with three generations of industry knowledge, Urban Mattress offers an array of mattress designs that are made to order in their Denver factory for homes across the Front Range and beyond. Owner Billy Williams and his five children, Madison,

Alexa, Annika, Isabel and William, source 80 percent of mattress materials from the U.S., while organic latex from Sri Lanka and viscous bamboo from Turkey are also responsibly sourced. Their mattress collections include GOTS and GOLS certified materials, meaning textiles are sustainably grown, harvested and maintain a 95 percent purity level. “Through intelligently designed products, we focus on helping people fall asleep and stay asleep,” Billy says. Urban Mattress also carries bed frames, sheets and pillows from companies with similar environmental values.

In our ongoing quest for cozy nights that leave us feeling wellrested in the morning, we asked Alexa to share a few of her favorite things that contribute to sustainable sleep.

ELM MATTRESS

Designed with 100 percent certified organic fibers, the Elm mattress (starting at $699 for a twin) is available in firm or gentle. It’s part of the entry-level Organic line, which is coveted for guest rooms, children’s rooms and vacation rentals that want to provide an elevated guest experience.

COPELAND BED FRAME

Urban Mattress carries bed frames crafted from walnut and cherry wood by Vermont-based Copeland Furniture. Each traditional yet timeless design is built to last for decades and Green Guard certified for low chemical emissions.

TABERNASH MATTRESS

ADJUSTABLE BASE

DREAMFIT SHEETS

“We all sleep on these,” Alexa says. Urban Mattress stocks high-quality DreamFit Degree 5 sheets made with soft bamboo fibers, which are antimicrobial and help you stay cool throughout the night.

Starting at $1,000 for a queen, the Ergomotion adjustable base replaces a box spring. It is low profile (only four-anda-half inches thick) and provides enhanced comfort for any Urban Mattress product. “It’s great for sleep preparation and end-of-day recovery,” Alexa says. What’s more, the zero-gravity setting can evenly distribute pressure in your body to improve circulation and breathing.

Part of the luxe Alpine collection, the Tabernash mattress can alleviate hip or shoulder pain associated with side sleeping. It provides a clean, cool sleeping experience with dense CertiPURcertified memory foam, six inches of organic latex and other natural fibers. The Tabernash is also designed with a zipper, which allows you to replace coils and layers instead of throwing them away after 10-12 years.

ECO-FRIENDLY MATTRESS REMOVAL

During the complimentary white-glove delivery process, Urban Mattress will remove your old mattress and take it to Spring Back Colorado, where it’s broken down and transformed into carpet backing. “Nothing we pick up goes into landfills,” Alexa shares. “That’s something people really appreciate.”

Steeped in architectural detail, this historic Mapleton Hill residence showcases refined luxury. A front living room is illuminated by abundant natural light and warmed by a classic fireplace. Adjoined for seamless entertaining, a formal dining room extends into a kitchen boasting all-white cabinetry and high-end appliances. Revel in outdoor bliss on an expansive rooftop deck or in a stunning backyard oasis with a large patio and lush landscaping.