AvidLifestyle.com
JANUARY 2020
Old Rooms, New Tricks Meet the latest
Ways to refresh those neglected spaces
NONPROFIT
hundreds of women are talking about Get ready for
next-level
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Centennial has a new
HALL OF FAMER
INDIAN FOOD
New decade, new vision. Helm Weaver Helm at Compass. We’ve made the move to Compass, a technology-driven real estate company fusing the best of a brokerage with incomparable innovation. This move allows us to elevate our business and provide our clients with revolutionary service.
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Libby Weaver
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MOONLIGHT SONATA
MORNING PAPER
From classical to rock to jazz, the STEINWAY SPIRIO is the rst high-resolution player piano capable of delivering all the nuance and passion of the greatest artists’ live performances. It’s a masterpiece of artistry and crasmanship worthy of the STEINWAY & SONS name and a place in your home. e perfect place to play it, listen to it, and savor it. Experience STEINWAY & SONS exclusively at Schmitt Music in Englewood.
Visit schmittmusic.com/denver, call 303-777-1900, or email steinway@schmittmusic.com for details.
THE KEEP Sedalia
“
“
5158 Le Duc Lane 3334 Place ListedTweet at: $975,000 Listed at: $3,299,000
We selected this site due to it’s stunning panoramic views from Longs Peak to Pikes Peak. With a 4.32 acre estate site and over 700+ acres of private nature reserve, this home is
the embodiment of pure tranquility.
STEVE REDMOND 303-359-7559 sredmond@livsothebysrealty.com
EVA BARKMAN 720-404-4462 ebarkman@livsothebysrealty.com
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty ® is a registered trademark licensed to LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LTD. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated. This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All pricing pertaining to properties are subject to change. If you have a brokerage relationship with another real estate professional this is not meant as solicitation.
THE VILLAGE at Castle Pines
“
“
5109 Pine River Trail Listed at: $1,195,000
Privately situated on a lushly landscaped lot, the home is surrounded by towering pine trees and native foliage for
an idyllic Colorado setting.
WANDA
720-320-8901 wford@livsothebysrealty.com wandaford.com
FORD
For those who seek a lifestyle featuring world-class golf, indulgent amenities, and curated experiences, we have but three words. Join the club. With a collection of courses frequently recognized as golf’s finest, Desert Mountain Club is pleased to extend you a special invitation to become an honored member. Those who decide to join are well advised to prepare for truly inspired experiences—not only on seven courses, but throughout our award-winning Sonoran spa and fitness center, ten restaurants & grills, our abundant tennis and pickleball courts, and the dozens of hiking and biking trails that await your exploration. Announcing a rare and limited real estate opportunity. While home ownership in the exclusive community nestled nearby our six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses is not required, it is an element of our newest enclave, Seven Desert Mountain™, featuring No. 7 at Desert Mountain™—a par 54 championship course, designed for players of every level. This limited master plan constitutes a rare and special opportunity for those who seek a truly rewarding lifestyle. With model homes now open, there’s never been a better time to schedule a tour.
DESERT M O UNTA I N.CO M | 4 8 0 - 5 9 5-4 1 1 0
CONTENTS
// january 2020
departments
10
SETTING THE TABLE If you need me, I’ll be entertaining around my dining-room table. By Kendall Kostelic
12 14
ON THE AGENDA Beekeeping, Chinese New Year, an indoor tryathlon and more.
MADE FROM SCRATCH The Denver Tech Center started with a dinged Lincoln. By Brady Pieper
local f lavors
16 18
IN A BLAZE OF TANDOORI We recommend the tasting menu at this new Lone Tree restaurant. By Kendall Kostelic DEAR (FOOD) DIARY Clean eating advice from a local health coach. By Kendall Kostelic
dwelling well
PHOTO: KIM LAYNE INTERIORS
FEATURED
30
22 24
HAPPY LIFE Juju Be Gone says it’s about time for more good vibes. By Malissa Stark-Rodenburg
NO ROOM LEFT BEHIND Tour the redesigned room from last summer’s décor contest. By Ali Longwell
ready to wear
46 57
THE COMMON THREAD Where to consign old wears. By Laurel Thompson
Lisa Cook and Leslie Heins of Affair with Flair have been bringing special moments to life for almost four decades. Now, they are changing lives with a nonprofit. By Claire Martin
37
It’s about time the mudroom, powder room and entryway became your favorite rooms in the house. By Kendall Kostelic
ON THE COVER: Lone Tree mudroom, on page 39; PHOTO: Chad Chisholm, Custom Creations 6
january 2020 // AvidLifestyle
SCREEN TIME BLUES A look at blue-light-blocking glasses. By Malissa Stark-Rodenburg
influencers
58 60
GOOD OFFICES Zack Sanders takes us behind the scenes at Merchants. By Claire Martin
KING OF THE HILL Steve Raymond’s bond with the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team. By Lori Midson
wayfarers
64
SWOOSH, SWOOSH Having a ball (with unique slopeside activities) in Vail. By Samantha Lefave
N EW
TOTAL BODY
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THINKING ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING?
January 2020 // vol. 1 // no. 10 PRESIDENT/GROUP PUBLISHER Allen J. Walters PUBLISHER Chris Phillips EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jon Rizzi sales, marketing & advertising SENIOR SALES DIRECTOR Craig Hitchcock SALES DIRECTOR Mike Carver
NANCY WALTERS
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Hillary Locke Mujica Linda Monroe
Professional, Trustworthy and Dedicated
DIGITAL SPECIALIST Drew Kort BUSINESS MANAGER Cindy Palmer art & editorial EDITOR Kendall Kostelic CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jani Duncan Smith ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Chelsea Oglesby EDITORIAL INTERN Brady Pieper CONTRIBUTORS E.J. Carr, Chad Chisholm, Samantha Lefave, Ali Longwell, Lori Midson, Claire Martin, Malissa Stark-Rodenburg, Laurel Thompson PRINCIPALS Ray L. Baker, C. Don Baker, Dick B. Baker ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: chris@avidlifestyle.com EDITORIAL INQUIRIES AND LETTERS: kendall@avidlifestyle.com CUSTOMER SERVICE: 720.493.1729 MAILING ADDRESS: 7200 S. Alton Way #A-180 Centennial, CO 80112 AvidLifestyle (ISSN 2642-0562) is published twelve times a year by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC, and printed by Publication Printers Inc. volume 1, number ten. 7200 S. Alton Way #A-180, Centennial, CO 80112. Order your personal subscription to AvidLifestyle by calling 720-493-1729. Subscriptions are available at the rate of $12 per year. Copyright © 2020 by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to AvidLifestyle, 7200 S. Alton Way #A-180 Centennial, CO 80112. The magazine welcomes editorial submissions but assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material.
720-220-5446
nwalters@kentwood.com nancydenverrealtor.com
8
january 2020 // AvidLifestyle
THE GREENWOOD EXPERIENCE OVER 230 COMPLIMENTARY CLASSES PER WEEK
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BE OUR GUEST
3-DAY PASS GREENWOODPASS.COM
SETTING THE STAGE
where you
LIVE
TALK OF THE TOWN
KNOW SOMEONE who should be featured in AvidLifestyle? Tell me about him or her at kendall@avidlifestyle.com.
Strategically connecting buyers and sellers with the best properties in Colorado.
SETTING THE TABLE This year, I’m changing absolutely nothing about my dining room.
THERE ARE MANY BIGHEARTED REASONS to play host to family and friends. The list of events and incentives my husband and I have cultivated over the years to inspire quality time with loved ones—the driving force behind moving into our current residence—is probably endless. The beautiful cork table that sits center stage in our dining area, I keep having to remind myself, is not one of them. And yet, once it’s settled that new friends are coming over, a single-minded, greedy thought takes hold: We’ll get to parade The Table. The subject is usually broached the same way: Guests meander and then take a seat at said table while we serve from the kitchen. “Is this cork?” they ask. “Yes!” I exclaim. The anecdote as to why this is our favorite piece of furniture follows: Décor-wise, my husband would create a brutalist paradise if left to his own devices; I prefer to live in color. How we were going to mix these varying design approaches while shopping for our new main-floor furniture, we were unsure—until the oblong focal point, made to seat eight, caught our eye. It was the first solution to our design puzzle. Other days, I feel thankful to have a conversation piece around which so many memories are formed. This issue, I’m afraid, is no help to my moral hang-up.
EX P ERI EN CED, T RU S T E D A DV I S O R .
LUXURY RE A L E S TATE BROKER WITH LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
303.921.2964 csanders@livsothebysrealty.com
The home inspiration on pg. 37 is loaded with ways to transform the powder room, mudroom and entryway—those most-used-by-guests areas that are also the most cumbersome to put together—into places we’ll all want to throw a party in. Once those spaces are in showstopping order (you don’t need me to tell you that January is the best time to do such a thing), notice the other new pursuits to make time for in 2020, like an Indian-street-food inspired eatery the AvidLifestyle team can’t stop talking about (pg. 16) and a special new nonprofit (pg. 30). To friends of mine in the audience, be advised: We just acquired a cork pitcher that matches the seating space. Here’s to living well,
Kendall Kostelic
10
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PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM, CUSTOM CREATIONS
LOVE
// editor’s letter
2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS450 THE MERCEDES-BENZ WINTER EVENT IS ON!
Come and see the largest Mercedes-Benz showroom in the region and meet Terry Minnick and his staff. The Winter Event has the best values of the year. Visit Mercedes-Benz of Denver and try out the 2020 GLS450. We’re sure you’ll agree, it’ll fit you like a glove. Surround yourself with luxury beyond compare.
Terry Minnick - General Manager | Phone: (303) 888-3921 | E-Mail: terry.minnick@mercedesbenzofdenver.com (855) 557-4501 | 940 South Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80246 M-Sat: 9AM-8PM | Sunday: Closed as Mandated by State Law www.MercedesBenzofDenver.com
// can’t miss events
JANUARY PHOTO: ANNIE GRIFFITHS, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
Jan. 6-Feb. 24 LANDSCAPE PAINTING If you’d prefer to be spending your free time capturing Colorado’s beautiful scenery with artistically inclined brush strokes, then this intermediate/advanced sixweek hands-on course is for you. Class time will focus on fundamental painting concepts and how those apply to landscape works in things like composition, color and texture. And, of course, plenty of painting time. Send us a signed original when you’ve graduated, won’t you? CURTIS CENTER FOR THE ARTS greenwoodvillage.com/art
Jan. 17 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: PHOTOGRAPHY WITHOUT BORDERS Annie Griffiths’ adventures through more than 100 countries have not left her empty-handed. In the form of photography, National Geographic presents Griffiths’ change of focus—to supporting systems that empower women and children in the developing world. LONE TREE ARTS CENTER lonetreeartscenter.org
BEEKEEPING EXPRESS Farm-to-table chefs and essentially anyone who has tasted fresh honey agree: Beekeeping is the bee’s knees. This two-part class led by Hudson Gardens’ lead beekeeper, Bob Shiflet, claims to condense the usual six howto courses into these two sessions. It’ll be a hive of activity. THE INN AT HUDSON GARDENS, LITTLETON hudsongardens.org
FOLLOW THE LINK
Jan. 25 CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AND CULTURAL FAIR Ring in the Year of the Rat with the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association, SCFD and the Great Wall Chinese Academy. At the fair, expect educational demos, arts and crafts displays and special items available for purchase. At the performance, get inspired by dances, Chinese martial arts and choir performances, all by academy students. RECREATION CENTER AT SOUTHRIDGE, HIGHLANDS RANCH hrcaonline.org
Jan. 26
Jan. 19
Jan. 8 and Feb. 12
PHOTO: GREAT WALL CHINESE ACADEMY
ON THE AGENDA
COLORADO BRIDAL SHOW Here come the brides—think someone in your family is going to be one of them this year? The self-proclaimed No. 1 “boutique” bridal show in Denver—it’s been featured on 9News, CBS Denver, in Westword and The Denver Post and more—is rolling out the red carpet for all of the services needed to plan the big day. Plus big prizes! Keep your eye on the two $15,000 wedding package giveaways from The Black Forest Retreat. HYATT REGENCY DENVER TECH CENTER theexpopros.com/hyatt-dtc-2020
// what’s online
SOUTH SUBURBAN TRYATHLON Do you have what it takes to leave a triathlon in the dust? Only time, and this friendly practice, will tell. The South Suburban Parks and Recreation event mimics the real thing using the Goodson Recreation Center track, spinning bikes and swimming pool. Distances are recorded, but no winners are awarded— this is about “completion, not competition.” Anyone 14 and up who can swim in deep water is welcome. GOODSON RECREATION CENTER ssprd.org
LAST CHANCE!
Through Feb. 2 CLAUDE MONET: THE TRUTH OF NATURE This is an absolutely urgent reminder that the acclaimed exhibit is only on view for one more month. DENVER ART MUSEUM denverartmuseum.org
LET’S GET SOCIAL
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT:
SOMETIMES we go on décor tours. Alexis Weisenburger’s AW Lashes gets playful with wall art.
What to Know About Recycling the Holiday Tree ORGANIZATIONS across the South Suburbs save us from having to deal with disposing a now dead, especially spiny topiary on our own every year. We gathered this year’s guidelines. AvidLifestyle.com
@avidlifestylemag 12
january 2020 // AvidLifestyle
THE REST IS HISTORY
BREAKING GROUND The Denver Tech Center begins to take shape with a grader leveling the property.
PHOTO: COURTESY DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
// how it all started
Made From Scratch
THE TAKEAWAY FROM THIS TESTIMONY: PARKING PERKS WORK.
more than nine million square feet of office space and thousands of apartments. As local real estate watchers already know, the area continues to hold high property values.
By Brady Pieper WHAT WOULD the South Suburban landscape be without the Denver Technological Center? The illustrious business complex’s 100-foot-tall winding steel sculpture and urbanesque centers have become a sort of compass within the last nearly-60 years.
These outcomes were, of course, not left to chance: A master plan keeps the spirit of the community alive. The campus-like layout looks to maintain a clean and natural aesthetic by utilizing tree-lined streets and large parks, designed to spark social engagement. Those important parking spaces are also hidden.
The buildings that have made space for an impressive 1,000 companies and 35,000 employees, approximately, point our way home.
“Superblocks” keep the business-to-open-space ratio on track. Every 30 acres, or 16 to 20 city blocks, is dubbed a superblock. Each uniquely designed zone has to have at least 30 percent of free space. Long-term, that promises that at least 40 percent of DTC is made for play.
And it’s all thanks to one simple, exceedingly relatable motive. In 1962, founder George M. Wallace just wanted a safe place to park his car. His new Lincoln had a scratch. PHOTOS: COURTESY SHEA PROPERTIES
1999 The mechanical engineering executive had come out of his downtown Denver office after a day of work to find the tarnish. The limited parking space in the area, he decided, was the culprit. And suddenly, he found himself on a mission to find free parking and more overall space. He searched for a new location for his firm. Wallace needed five acres, but the South Denver landowner he was negotiating with would only sell him 40. Thus, a developer was born—a title Wallace really grew into.
1964
DTC was one of the country’s first out-of-town “office parks,” and now covers 909 acres with 14
january 2020 // AvidLifestyle
Shea Properties took the reins on the nationally recognized epicenter in 2006. Business is still booming. 2013
LOCAL FLAVORS
// restaurant to watch
In a Blaze of Tandoori AUTHENTIC INDIAN STREET FOOD is about to become your meal of choice.
PHOTO: JONI SCHRANTZ
By Kendall Kostelic
EAT HERE
Urban Village Lone Tree 720.536.8150 urbanvillagerestaurant.com
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LOCAL FLAVORS
// restaurant to watch
EVERY TABLE is the chef’s table at Lone Tree’s new Indian eatery, Urban Village. This is not because nearly every area in the small setting offers a view into the as-open-as-they-could-get-it kitchen, brought out of hiding with two windows. And it’s not because the dishes’ expert presentations mirror a fine dining experience. We assign the coveted designation for one reason: Executive chef Charles Mani, who will ask that you call him Charlie, works to chat with every group of guests, bringing life and an electric candor to the unique plates—for Americans, anyway— that sit before them. “Indian restaurants in the U.S. have some of the worst Indian food you can eat,” starts Mani as he settles in with our crowd. “The Indian food Americans have become used to has too much cream, too much butter, too much food coloring.” GOLGAPPA
URBAN CAULIFLOWER which pull up to wood tables made from 1930s cart rails. Before you ask (and you will), the well sitting next to the front door is a nod to the contributions Mani and Madakasira hope soon to start making to local organizations. Socialize—the entire kitchen staff is encouraged to mingle with diners—or let the hum of constant conversation lull you into something of a food coma.
Mani is tired of too much.
PHOTOS: TODD KELSEY-FERGUSON
“FROM THE POTS” SAMPLER KALE MONG DAL CHAAT
The chef’s Indian-street-food-inspired menu is changing the conversation. The dishes, which are developed over hours of careful work, are light and even feel, dare we say, healthy. “When people tell me they are worried about how much they are eating, I tell them to look at me,” says the slender chef. THE TEAM Mani isn’t on this mission alone. Owner Ramesh Madakasira, also from India, is with him at the helm. Mani was a continental chef who was wooed by the American dream 14 years ago. He “came to America with $100 in his pocket” and made a name for himself at Indian eateries in New York City before moving to Colorado. They opened Urban Village in September last year.
THE FOOD The relationship with our go-to Indian eatery was in trouble once a piece of Golgappa ($5), a crispy semolina ball filled with tangy sauces, burst with a single bite—the way Mani politely suggests the starting appetizer be enjoyed. The one-page dinner menu is easy to digest on its own, but when there’s a chef’s tasting menu that samples most dishes for $39 a person, ordering becomes even easier. The remaining courses went something like this: First, Kale Mong Dal chaat ($8), with crispy leaves that taste nothing like a bitter vegetable. Then Urban Cauliflower ($9), a dish New Yorkers traveled for when Mani called the city home, that has florets so crispy and coated in a sharp tomato chili sauce they resemble fried chicken. Next up: a powerful boneless Tandoori chicken ($15). When five “from the pots” tasters came to the table, we surrendered to the rich and addictive Classic Coconut Curry (vegan by itself, like a few other dishes on the menu; starting at $14). The dish also goes by the name Coconut Crack Curry; the cardamom pistachio Kulfi ($5), a textured ice cream treat, deserves similar recognition. Lunch (served Tuesday to Friday) tackles similar flavor profiles with quicker bites like kebabs and bowls. WE’RE COMING BACK FOR Seconds.
THE AMBIANCE “Every single group that walks in become my regulars. … I just put a GPS tracking device on them and pull them inside when they’re close.” Just like Mani’s jokes, Urban Village is friendly and animated. Chef says he doesn’t get a second of rest when the place is open, but we felt plenty relaxed in the oversized wicker dining chairs, 17
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KULFI
LOCAL FLAVORS
// clean eating
Dear (Food) Diary We know; you know; the masses know. Our input as you go about RESETTING EATING HABITS THIS MONTH: MEAL PLAN inspiration. Greenwood Village HEALTH COACH LINDSEY GREEN shares what she recently ate in a week, plus recipes and a bit of advice. SPOILER ALERT: Her success is in simple, tried-and-true steps. By Kendall Kostelic
Breakfast THE STANDBY: ⅓ of a sweet potato and ¼ of an onion, both chopped and sautéed in a pan with olive oil, topped with two fried eggs and half an avocado.
“This is my go-to breakfast because it’s easy and has good fats and proteins that keep me full.” CHEESE, PLEASE: two-egg omelet with onions and sharp cheddar cheese inside. Salsa and half an avocado on the side. BEST OF BACON: two fried eggs with three slices of bacon and a side of Greek yogurt and berries.
ABOUT PROTEIN POWDER: “I drink protein
SATURDAY SPECIAL: protein pancakes (two eggs mixed with one scoop of vanilla protein powder) with almond butter on top and a side of berries.
“I keep recipes as simple as possible because I know that I get overwhelmed with complicated dishes. When I have a simpler plan, I’m more likely to make better choices.”
Snacks POST-WORKOUT STANDBY: protein shake with Myprotein vanilla powder and 8 ounces of water. ALL DAY: macadamia nuts, apple sauce, fruit, dark chocolate, LaCroix.
powder because I do a lot of weight training during the week. A protein shake is a great way to get fastabsorbing protein after a workout to help with muscle repair. So, my first question for anyone considering protein powder is: Are you currently doing weight training? If so, it’s great for post-workout recovery. “The other reason someone might consider drinking protein powder is because they might not be able to eat enough in their diet alone. The daily recommended amount of protein (at a minimum) is about 0.4 grams per pound of body weight. For easy math, if you weigh 100 pounds, you would need at least 40 grams of protein per day. And if you’re more active, the amount needed will increase. “As far as quality goes, the fewest ingredients in protein powder, the better! You can use a third-party website like labdoor.com to see where certain brands rank on the list of quality supplements.”
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LOCAL FLAVORS
// clean eating
GREEN’S TIKKA MASALA SAUCE Makes 3-4 servings
Lunch THE STANDBY: one chicken breast, chopped and cooked in a pan with ¼ red onion, a full bell pepper and roughly ¼ cup tikka masala sauce. Pour the mixture over half a cup of white rice. THE STANDBY WITH A TWIST: one baked sweet potato cut in half with chicken, onion and tikka masala sauce over the top. TRY TOAST: two slices of whole wheat toast with avocado and bacon on top. OUT AND ABOUT: Chipotle bowl with chicken, white rice, black beans, corn salsa and guacamole.
INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce 1 cup chicken stock ½ medium red onion, diced 3 cloves minced garlic 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric Salt and pepper ½ cup heavy cream METHOD In a large pan on medium heat, add tomato paste, tomato sauce, chicken stock, onion, garlic, chili powder and turmeric. Add salt and pepper to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let sauce come to a simmer, stirring occasionally until it thickens (about 10 minutes). Then stir in the heavy cream until heated through.
YOU KNEW THERE’D BE GREENS: kale salad with ground beef, onions sautéed in red wine vinegar, kalamata olives and avocado.
“I believe it’s super important to eat ‘unhealthy’ things every once in a while. To stay healthy, you need to feel balanced and not deprived. … I don’t love the term ‘cheat meal,’ as it implies you’re eating something bad. Instead, I like to call foods either supportive or non-supportive. One of my favorite non-supportive foods is definitely pizza. A world without pizza is a world I don’t want to live in.”
Dinner THE STANDBY: one chicken breast, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, fruit (grapes and berries), cashews and a spinach salad with avocado and Primal Kitchen salad dressing. NOW WITH RED MEAT: the same spinach salad, broccoli and Brussel sprouts with pork chops and no cashews or fruit. AND SHELLFISH: shrimp, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, the spinach salad and a side of grapes and berries. LITTLE BIT OF ITALY: spaghetti with meat sauce, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and the spinach salad. SALAD, ROUND TWO: mixed greens salad with rotisserie chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, almonds and a balsamic vinaigrette.
GO TO THE PRO
Lindsey Green Greenwood Village lindseybrookegreen.com
SIMPLE AND SWEET: one chicken breast, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
“Any time I cook Brussels sprouts or broccoli, I tend to like them steamed. I cook them for about 5-8 minutes on medium heat and add a little salt to taste. But the other way I prefer to cook Brussels sprouts is to roast them in the oven after tossing them in avocado oil, balsamic vinaigrette and salt. They cook for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees.” 20
january 2020 // AvidLifestyle
ERE H S ’ ER T N I W DY? A E R OU Y E R gym A e m o h ur
n yo Desig
( 67)
NORTH STORE 5220 Broadway Denver, CO 80216 303-308-1100
( 25)
CENTRAL STORE 2595 S Colorado Blvd Denver, CO 80222 303-399-1000
( 18 )
SOUTH STORE
2690 E County Line Rd, Unit Q Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 303-730-3030
NEW STORE PARK MEADOWS
8449 S Yosemite St, Unit A Lone Tree, CO 80124 720-728-5913
DWELLING WELL
// home + garden
Happy Life COURTNEY MAMUSCIA and LISA CONNER have an idea of how to start the year (or any other time you’re in need of a refresh) off on the right foot. By Malissa Stark-Rodenburg
WHAT DO YOU GIVE someone who is going through a transitional, tough time to let them know you care? Two years ago, Courtney Mamuscia did not have the answer. And that was a problem. She had seen friends go through divorces, lose their parents, struggle to get pregnant, and felt like she came up empty-handed when she went searching for something meaningful, uplifting and helpful to pass on in times of crises. Around the dinner table one night with some friends, she came to the conclusion that this dilemma should be a dilemma no more. A right “alchemy of goodies”—a mix of gifts that she hopes will feel like a virtual hug—is her solution. In October 2018, Mamuscia launched JuJu Be Gone, a company that
BOX OFFICE
Juju Be Gone Lone Tree and Denver jujubegone.com
PHOTOS: COURTESY JUJU BE GONE
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DWELLING WELL
// home + garden
that’s a blend of rosewater and peppermint essential oil; affirmation cards that promise no “self-helpy-ness”; Bounce Back: Breakup, a deck of challenges to get those who are newly single back on their feet; a Bathroom Guest Book for the powder room; bold kitchen towels; and more. “Finding these is a massive game of hide and seek,” she says. Juju Be Gone has 18 gift sets and counting, ranging in life moments from a new year of school to breakups to general self-care to moving into a new home (specifically put together for “people you like a lot, people you like a ton, people you like even more or people who prefer a little less sass”) and more.
specializes in intentional gift boxes equipped with everything needed to rejuvenate the energy around you. The lighthearted packages include items that fall into two main camps: spiritual and spirited.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF SMUDGING The ritual of burning sacred medicinal plants (like sweetgrass, cedar, sage, tobacco or palo santo) started with Indigenous people from many parts of the world. Though each culture has its own method of performing the ritual, some elements are shared. Most ceremonies include a culturally significant vessel to carry the smoke-producing herbs, which is then wafted over the person or room that is being cleansed using either a feather or a hand.
Nearly every box comes with a smudge bundle—a kit of sage, palo santo and a customscented candle, selenite crystal, feather and matches with instructions on how to complete the cleansing ritual. “Smudging is an important thing to do once a month or once a quarter to refresh the energy around you,” says Lisa Conner, the creativity curator. It sounds New Age-y. But the two insist that with their witty, irreverent approach (which is easy to appreciate after taking time to read through the included note cards), the ritual is instead a modern wellness element. “It’s just about bringing positivity into peoples’ lives and removing stagnant energy,” Conner continues. The other clever goodies in the package will likely be the star of the show for some giftees. Conner, who also handles branding and design from their Lone Tree headquarters (aka her home), connects with artisans far and wide to get treasures like a customscented candle named Glendora; hefty bars of handcrafted chocolate; a Good Karma spritz
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Mamuscia and Conner recommend welcoming the new year with the New Beginnings box. It includes a smudge bundle, affirmation cards, an intention-setting journal, a CBD-infused drink, bath salts and the Good Karma spray. JuJu Be Gone, too, keeps the positive vibes flowing by donating a percentage of proceeds to charities recommended by customers. In the past, they’ve donated to The Breasties, One Colorado and Every Mother Counts; they plan to continue introducing new nonprofits. At the end of the day, the two just hope to give people a reason to smile—like their dear friend whose car was continuously dinged and hit for a short period of time. She called Conner to say, “I’m smudging my car . . . and I’m thinking of you,” all while laughing over her momentary bad luck.
DWELLING WELL
// winner winner
HOW ONE DIFFICULT LIVING ROOM BECAME FANTASTICALLY UNRECOGNIZABLE. By Ali Longwell SOME WOULD CALL IT an ugly duckling. But until Christy Vranesic Brant and Caitlin Marsh, the mother-daughter team behind lulu’s furniture and decor, came to the rescue with their designer eye, homeowners Jim and Terri Garofalo had one word for their awkward living area: useless. By mid-2019, the Garofalos had all but finished a full remodel of their Cherry Hills Village home. They opened up the kitchen. They added an open-concept great room to their floorplan. Overall, they reconceptualized. And yet, there was still this untouched long and narrow living room (pictured above) that was now even more of an eyesore after the updates. “The furniture [which was traditional, beige and from a Garofalo furniture-buying trip 20 years back] didn’t fit. It looked awkward and we never—literally never—went in there,” Terri says. 24
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PHOTO: COURTESY THE GAROFALOS
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DWELLING WELL
// winner winner
The living room’s lengthy profile made for difficult arrangements. “We didn’t have a clue how to make furniture work, but Caitlin and Christy actually found a way for it to look really nice and inviting. You want to sit in here now,” Terri says. The lulu’s team went sparse with accessories due to Jim’s proclaimed dislike of “clutter.”
The new furniture’s muted grey and white shades will age well and can morph with the Garofalo’s design proclivities. These will be much better options five years down the road, says Marsh.
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About the big new rug: “We used a tapestry that would fit the majority of the space so it could make the living area feel like one room, instead of very broken up like it was before,” Marsh explains.
So they didn’t have much to lose when they entered the AvidLifestyle room makeover contest last summer, held in partnership with lulu’s. Marsh and Brant were offering the winner interior-design services and a $1,000 shopping spree at their Kent Place boutique. Fate, it turns out, could not leave this room be either.
The room is noticeably (and purposely) missing a TV. “We wanted to leave out the TV so it was more of a conversation, relaxing and reading area,” Jim says.
The design duo’s first impression: “It was so dated, it was like everything was yellow,” says Marsh. “There were these weird spaces where there was no furniture, and then ten feet away, some furniture.”
PHOTOS: E.J. CARR
The Garofalo’s design directive: “We just wanted a cleaner, nicer look—though not necessarily modern,” Terri says, describing their style as transitional. They also wanted a room where they could entertain, where conversation would flow with guests and where the couple could relax away from the rest of the house … and the kids. The redesign started by getting rid of everything in the space and dressing things up with a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore Silent Night paint, a blue-gray hue, to match the rest of the house. Marsh and Brant made the room’s existing black marble fireplace, complete with carved wooden details, the center of attention. Light gray Robin Bruce sofas, which feature a low profile and bench seats, now frame the hearth; an ottoman and console table round out the stretch between. Behind one sofa sits a sofa table. Settling into another corner of the room 26
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are two white chairs with black steel arms, also Robin Bruce, that create a kind of nook. For the décor, Marsh hand-selected items from lulu’s: “We wanted to funk it up a bit because this room is a pretty formal room, and they wanted to make it more casual—a place to hang out.” Atop the mantle she placed a wood sign and some metal curios to bring “layers” to the space. Around the rest of the room, Marsh kept the details simple with a few more metallic accents and a big, round mirror to add depth. A large Loloi textured area-rug ties everything together. Now guess where the Garofalos like to spend their time. “Everything they picked out looks really nice and fits beautifully,” Terri says. “This is where I want to sit in the morning, having my coffee and reading the newspaper.”
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TODAY’S THE DAY Leslie Heins (left) and Lisa Cook at the first Lotus Network event.
PHOTO: STEVIE CRECILIUS, WONDERWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY LOTUS NETWORK
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In This Together MORE THAN 700 WOMEN SHOWED UP.
The founders of Affair with Flair are making memories of an entirely different sort with their new nonprofit. Hint: The organization has been a real life changer for the women involved thus far. By Claire Martin
It was a cold Sunday morning in April 2019, but the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts was far from frigid. The venerable space was, instead, ablaze with impassioned compeers making new connections and sparking conversations that would have been unlikely to happen outside of that room. And in this place of, let’s call it brainstorming, the ones moved the most were Lisa Cook and Leslie Heins, who were seeing firsthand the kind of impact they could have with this feeling—this hunch—that just would not leave them alone.
Within the past 37 years, Cook and Heins have crafted their Cherry Hills Villagebased agency Affair with Flair into a renowned event company sought after by Colorado’s well-heeled families and foundations. Now their new nonprofit, Lotus Network (originally coined INTL, or It’s Never Too Late), aims to encourage introspection and meaningful connections that strengthen social and professional bonds and empower women as they age, regardless of stage of life, geography or identity. “This is all about looking at the next chapter of your life and helping women do something purposeful in addition to what they are already involved with,” Cook says. Despite the first event taking place earlier last year, the duo received 501(c)(3) status late last summer and officially launched the organization at the end of 2019. “With Affair with Flair, we try to make every event fun and full of surprises, and now we get to utilize those skills with Lotus Network,” says Cook. “As women, we are so used to doing things for others that we haven’t taken time to think about what’s meaningful to us.”
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PHOTO: STEVIE CRECILIUS, WONDERWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY LOTUS NETWORK
GREAT GROUP Lotus Network’s advisory board inspired more than 700 women at the 2019 gathering.
And their timing is excellent. With Lotus Network, Cook and Heins have tapped into the positive-aging and women’s movements embraced worldwide by, to name just a few, Mary Pipher (Women Rowing North), AARP’s Disrupt Aging campaign, InHerShoes and Women of Denver. If you’re thinking this is just another organization revolved around networking, you’re wasting time in the wrong headspace. Lotus Network is about developing meaningful connections, which are especially important as people age, says Terry Rubin, a retired registered nurse who operated Partners In Pediatrics with her husband and, now, a Lotus Network advisory board member. “I was walking with my friend, Susan McKinney, and we were talking about what is next for us in life,” Rubin recalls. “Both of us are grandparents. We’re both recently retired. What will be our next chapter? And then Susan told me about Lotus Network.” Rubin listened and liked what she learned. As a former nurse, she knows that loneliness and isolation are related to physical and cognitive decline: The National Institute On Aging reported
LET’S TALK ICEBREAKERS LOTUS NETWORK uses the tried-and-true technique to get event participants to talk to someone they don’t already know. Now, Cook and Heins are challenging all wallflowers out there to use these prompts at public events, including concert or theater intermissions, and other social gatherings. FIND A PERSON whose haircut you admire and ask about her salon. Then ask: How long have you lived in Denver? If she’s not a native, ask: What brought you here? START A CONVERSATION with a stranger by asking, with deeper context, for a favorite book or movie: What made it memorable? How did it resonate with her life? ATTEND A LECTURE at History Colorado, an author presentation at a bookstore or a class at a recreation center with the goal of talking to at least one other person. 32
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in April 2019 that researchers have linked social isolation to higher risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, dementia and other health concerns. The mission, says Heins, is to help women understand that personal growth and purposeful living are important parts of aging well, and of life in general. “We want to create a hub that fosters connections,” Cook says. “Ideally, you’ll be able to go to one of our events and meet someone who can become, say, your walking partner. At that first event, people told us that we put a voice to what a lot of them were thinking—emphasizing the personal, face-to-face connection that has been lost in social media.” Something else that proved antithetical to the influence of the online world: The business leaders, retirees, millennials and more who made up the inaugural 2019 audience all heard about the event the same way Rubin first learned of the organization—through friendly conversations. Seven hundred seats (!) were filled with zero advertising. Cook and Heins simply tasked each of the 11 board members with asking three women to join them as table captains. And each table captain asked nine other women to join them at their tables.
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PHOTOS: STEVIE CRECILIUS, WONDERWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY LOTUS NETWORK
SAVE THE DATE CONNECT NOW 2020 It’s Never Too Late to be Happy! WHEN: Sunday, April 26, at 10 a.m. WHERE: Seawell Ballroom, Denver Center for the Performing Arts MAIN SPEAKER: Nataly Kogan, author of Happier Now COST: $50 per person, advanced registration required REGISTER: 303.770.2200, connectnow@lotusnetwork.org, lotusnetwork.org
The process was undeniably effective—and more than appropriate, given that’s how Lotus Network came to be formed from the start. “Honestly, because we’re both so inundated with event planning we didn’t know about much of the positive aging movement until we started Lotus Network,” Cook says. “Then, like gifts from God, we started hearing about all of these other wonderful organizations as people asked, ‘Hey, have you heard about Encore? Have you heard about Boomers Leading Change?’ All this converged with what we were doing.” The meat of the first event was hearing clinical psychologist Dr. Margit Cox Henderson discuss “optimistic aging,” i.e. her research on how behavioral changes can add joy and length to life spans. Speaker Nataly Kogan, author of Happier Now, is the headliner for the 2020 Lotus Network assembly, which will also be hosted in the Seawell Ballroom on April 26. Each conference, if you want to define it as such, will follow the format of the first: a two-and-halfhour breakfast event with one keynote speaker and time to meet other attendees and participate in guided conversations. At the 2019 event, Cook and Heins gave credit to the table captains, who galvanized so many women, and the “directive” communication exercises for the day’s success. One prompt instructed women to look for someone younger than her and ask how that woman spends time with her female friends. 34
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“There was one attendee who shared with us that she was feeling lonely and displaced,” Cook says. “The young person she approached explained that she and her girlfriends go out once a week for ‘girlfriend time,’ which was a revelation to this older woman. It gave her the motivation to ask her friends to get together with her every week. And meeting regularly like that got her through her tough time.” As Lotus Network grows, Cook and Heins hope to create an app that connects women with proactive organizations and, eventually, take Lotus Network to women in underserved neighborhoods. “You know how, after an event, people make a beeline to the parking lot to beat the traffic?” asked Cook. “Not at ours! Women hung around to keep interacting. And we deliberately sat strangers together. One of the best things you can do is put people together who don’t know each other but have something in common. “At one of the tables I organized, I sat two such strangers together and by the end of breakfast they were talking about going into business together.” Hunch confirmed.
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Come On In! “Go with your gut” is hardly the advice you expect when considering how to make a proper first impression. But then, Kim Layne of Kim Layne Interiors isn’t typically the doyen you’re asking.
POWDER ROOM Glamour Shot
THE HOME: A 1970s 15,000-squarefoot palace THE WISH LIST: Whatever Layne, the designer on the main floor makeover, thought would be best. “The homeowners just wanted to see what I would dream up,” she says. THE PROCESS: Things started to take shape with the custom marble-tile flooring, which mimics dramatic custom marble flooring throughout the rest of the home. Then, Layne found the Kelly Wearstler wallpaper. “I really love using fine materials,” she says. “They make a statement of quality and they are more long-living; it’s less likely someone is going to pull out beautiful materials in the future.
Layne and others who know how to shape intuition into striking spaces that outlast a hasty verdict are exactly the experts to talk to when transforming the powder room, mudroom and entryway. Hence, this inspirational guide. Feel free to make yourself at home. By Kendall Kostelic
“Even though one pattern is a bit more angular and the other is kind of rounded, the tile and wallpaper work together because they match in color and in strength.” The Lotus chandelier from Currey and Company, along with a few other carefully selected details, finish the vibe. THE IMPACT: “This room feels like a jewel box,” Layne says. “Every single thing in this powder room is an exceptional piece, including the wallpaper, the floor color and pattern and the vanity, with its gold legs. Everything has a certain level of quality.” THE BOTTOM LINE: Embrace lesser square footage. “The reason we put so much drama into this room is because it’s easy to feel like there are just boring walls in a tiny space,” says the designer. “There’s not a magic bullet that can make a room feel big. What’s more important: that a space feels big or well-designed and small?” Will the vanity fit? If a sink area has at least 40 inches of space to work with, Layne can typically fit a vanity with drawers. KIM LAYNE INTERIORS, Greenwood Village 303.246.6680 | kimlayneinteriors.com
PHOTO: EMILY MINTON REDFIELD
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WHAT’S NEW, according to KIM LAYNE
Second Nature
THE HOME: Empty nesters’ modern-mountain haven
POWDER ROOM 1. Concrete sinks. “They are just so earthy and textural.”
THE WISH LIST: The Castle Pines transplants were of the same mind as their interior designer, Margarita Bravo: “They wanted the powder room to be something special and creative—a place where we could have a little more fun.”
2. Smart toilets. “They are surprising when you aren’t used to a toilet seat doing things like opening on its own, but once you know what to expect, those warm seats are really nice.”
THE PROCESS: On one hand, creating the finished look was a challenge. “The homeowners were still living in Chicago when we designed the house,” Bravo says. “They saw things from a distance until they could visit—literally every choice was done by email, phone calls, etc.” On the other hand, Bravo found the fun she mentioned earlier: “This was easy because the homeowners weren’t afraid to try new, different elements. I had a wide canvas to work with.” A Porcelanosa stone statement wall was the first interesting detail to enter the room. It’s the biggest representation of what the homeowners wanted to accomplish in the overall design of the new build. “They really enjoy raw materials with metals and stones, but we wanted to make sure the house didn’t feel too heavy,” says Bravo. “That’s why the finishes are softer materials, but still earthy.” Next came the stone sink and vanity. “We wanted the sink area to mimic wood,” Bravo says. “In the vanity stone, which I believe is from Brazil, you can see how generous the veins are, which gives you the illusion of wood. We went with stone for practicality.” The Hubbardton Forge glass sculpture, hung from the ceiling to look like a modish light (but still accompanied by recessed illumination), was the cherry on top. THE IMPACT: “This room showcases the natural elements present in other parts of the home that guests might not get to see,” explains the designer. THE BOTTOM LINE: Don’t second-guess the statement wall. “Every single space in a house needs to have that focal point,” Bravo says. Know your materials. “Sometimes one of the reasons to hire an interior designer is that they know more about these things. I wouldn’t recommend a stone wall like this for a kitchen backsplash, for example, because it would come into contact with grease and food.”
PHOTO: ANNA HUDSON
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Be flexible. “With a powder bath, one of the first selections you make will usually be the sink. However, I’m always looking for a starting point of any kind.” MARGARITA BRAVO, Denver 720.735.7533 | margaritabravo.com
PHOTO: KIM LAYNE INTERIORS
Keep It Simple
THE HOME: Modern and petite THE WISH LIST: Balance— something that’s interesting, but not overdone, and appeals to a broad audience. THE PROCESS: This room comes with a bit of an optical illusion: what looks like tile on the far wall is actually wallpaper. Layne and the homeowners chose it, yes, for the pattern and neutral hues, but also because it played nice with the budget. The faux finishing effect was a morethan-pleasant surprise. A wood slab vanity, faucet, backlit mirror and vase make up the short list that is the rest of the powder room’s design elements—proof, according to Layne, that working to find even a few details can make a small space come alive. “We’ve all gone into the house where the owners decided to do an accent wall,” Layne says. “There’s that blue accent wall! But there are no design elements to support it.”
WHAT’S NEW, according to KIM LAYNE
THE BOTTOM LINE: You need more than one unique piece to make a room whole. Think of the details as a collection, Layne says. Prepare your pipes. “If you’re doing a countertop where pipes will be exposed, you need to know what those pipes look like.”
PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM, CUSTOM CREATIONS
THE IMPACT: Consistency with the rest of the pretty modern home.
MUDROOM We keep finding new ways to incorporate our pets and other commotion. The question of the hour: “By making the mudroom area a bit bigger, how can you really capture diverse uses in the one space?” Turn the page for Puppy Paradise ➼ 39
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MUDROOM Puppy Paradise
THE HOME: No-fuss Lone Tree home base for a family of five THE WISH LIST: “We, most importantly, wanted the room to be functional,” says homeowner Amy Kirschke. For her and her husband, who acted as their own interior designers, that meant room for everyone’s shoes and coats, locker-like personal cubbies for their three kids, a place to sit down and a lot of organized storage. Finally, they needed a place for the family pups’ favorite things. The leashes, bags of dog food and more for Ruby, a golden retreiver, and Mae, a Bernese mountain dog, occupy a fair portion of the 13-and-counting
cabinets, drawers and shelves. “The little cubbies keep the small stuff—basically anything you don’t want in plain sight—off the counter,” Amy adds.
it later.” And that’s what’s poignant about this space, she continues; it’s something that could have been designed yesterday or years ago.
THE PROCESS: The mudroom was made out of almost nothing, so it needed to be right. The Kirschkes took square footage from their garage, on top of which they also added something akin to an apartment, to make the room. “I don’t think very many people could do that,” Amy says. “Travis has done a lot of construction. … Design-wise, we just know what we like and what we don’t, so it’s normal for us to execute our own vision.”
Custom cabinets, a fresh coat of paint, durable stone tile (with a nonporous finish to deter damage from dogs), decorative handles from Anthropologie with teal backs that enliven the classic color palette and a cowhide ottoman, Mae’s preferred lounging spot, make it timeless. THE IMPACT: Ruby and Mae now have a prized place to hang out. “Their favorite part is that their cookies are in there,” Amy teases. “But they usually sit back there because they know, when we come home, we’re going to come into that room first from the garage.”
Of course, to pinpoint their décor goals, Amy and Travis looked through a lot of design inspiration. “We like things that are clean, simple and classic,” Amy explains. “We also try to pick things that won’t be so unique that we won’t like
THE BOTTOM LINE: With or without an interior designer, “make a list of your nonnegotiables and be sure you utilize all of the space,” Amy says. Don’t be afraid to get embellished finishing touches. “That’s a good place you can change things up later if you get tired of the detail,” she says.
Great, and Small
THE HOME: Empty nesters’ modern-mountain haven, take two THE WISH LIST: A little bit of storage. A simple area to sit. A place to keep their going-out things organized in an appealing way. “Being empty nesters, they didn’t need a lot here; we kept it simple,” Bravo says. THE PROCESS: Less was more in both the outcome and the design process. A wide bench makes space for the homeowners and anything they might be carrying on top; the divider underneath makes “his” and “her” compartments. The cubbies above the coat hooks are for friends and family and, when friends and family aren’t around, a little decoration. A beautiful space is as important as a practical space, Bravo says: “The key to a simple area like this is those accessories.” The walnut finish ties in with the home’s kitchen island, which is nearby. And the basket makes space for a common mudroom design trick: “I am very adamant that things should look effortless,” Bravo says. “Keeping a house magazine-ready is usually not probable. But with pretty storage baskets, things can look nice on the outside but be a little messy inside.”
PHOTO: ANNA HUDSON
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THE IMPACT: The mudroom is part of the homeowners’ dream house, Bravo says. Practically speaking, they also have a place to set groceries while they unpack them in the pantry. “If you’re sitting on the mudroom bench, the pantry is what you’re looking into,” explains the designer. THE BOTTOM LINE: Bravo’s starting point when configuring a mudroom: “Do you keep your shoes in the mudroom or in a closet? The answer will really alter the design.”
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PHOTO: EMILY MINTON REDFIELD
The All-in-One
HOME TEAM
THE HOME: New-build for a family of four THE WISH LIST: Combination was key. The whole family needed a place for their outerwear, footwear and laundry, and Mom needed to spread out crafts.
Bear talks interior design with close-to 30,000 attentive Instagram followers every day at @elizabethbeardesigns. Here, questions she is asked most often and her solutions to the décor snags.
THE PROCESS: Boots, shoes and coat stations introduce the 144-square-foot activity area. Here Layne stuck with staples, mainly benches and individual shelves and cubbies. Dirty shoes go straight to the sink.
How can I pick a good white or gray paint color? “Whites and grays can be tough because of lighting; one gray can look great in your house, but terrible in someone else’s. You’ve probably heard this before, but I tell people to go to the paint store for a sample, paint a piece of cardboard with that sample and walk around your house to watch how the light changes the color. Sometimes you have to paint part of a wall.”
For the crafting corner, Layne “outlined all of the projects the homeowner likes to do and every piece of equipment she needed to do them”— down to the number of different ribbons she wanted to regularly have on hand. “We based the shelf measurements off of the sizes of the specific crafting paper she uses as well,” Layne adds. Notice the island? It’s higher than the standard size “to accommodate Mom’s height.” The countertops from Arizona Tile look like concrete, but are actually made out of a stain-resistant quartz. And for the two family dogs, there’s a doggy door and a gated bed for them to sleep in at night.
How do I keep my style consistent from room to room? “It depends on whether they are asking me about one room or about the whole house, but I like to use the same color palette throughout my home. Some people separate colors into rooms, which is fine, that’s just not my look.”
THE IMPACT: Comfort. “Before, this was all in a small laundry room where everything was squeezed in,” Layne says. THE BOTTOM LINE: A space like this may need to be a long-term goal. “This kind of room isn’t usually an easy thing to do in a remodel,” warns Layne. “Unless you have preexisting extra space, new construction accommodates this best.”
I need a new light fixture. What metal should I pick? “The inquiring homeowners will have brushed nickel in the kitchen, brass on their doorknobs, etc. Either they are fine with mixing metals, which you can certainly do, or they haven’t quite gotten to the whole house with one option yet. I’ll tell them to look to the room in the house whose design is completely done: choose what you used in there and then slowly work that metal through the rest of the house.”
ENTRYWAY Bright Side
THE WISH LIST: “We wanted it to be full of light and feel peaceful,” says Elizabeth Bear, a home design consultant who also works with brands on Instagram and has been remodeling her Centennial home with her husband. THE PROCESS: Bear and her husband had plans to remodel since moving day in 2010. The home’s foundation had good bones, but the floor plan wasn’t open, carpet covered the common areas and there was wallpaper “on pretty much every single wall,” she recalls. For the entryway, an overhaul meant ripping up said carpet, removing said wallpaper, swapping a dated chandelier with three pendant lights and rebuilding the staircase with new banisters, thick wood treads “for a more modern look” and more. There was some hardwood floor on the main level, but it was stained too dark for Bear’s design plan. They had the stain removed and topped the original wood with a water-based polyurethane
PHOTO: ELIZABETH BEAR
THE HOME: Traditional five bedroom turned open-concept delight
What carpet size do I need? “Sometimes people don’t go big enough. If you can’t visualize dimensions, take blue painter’s tape and literally mark out the carpeting area you think you want to fill.”
(which won’t yellow like the oil-based version, Bear says), then filled the rest of the place with new matching planks. West elm had an ideal storage cabinet. “My husband’s office is right off the entryway and he needed extra storage,” Bear says. “We wanted the piece to match the white cabinets we built for his workspace. We also changed the hardware to keep things cohesive.” 42
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For the rest of the accessories, Bear played with height and odd-numbered bunches: “With art as well as accessories, I definitely don’t follow the rule about keeping everything at eye-level. … Across from the cabinet is the closet and above that is some high wall space. I have a piece of art there too.” THE IMPACT: “Our home feels fresh and alive,” Bear says.
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THE BOTTOM LINE: Consider venturing into D.I.Y. territory. “People can get overwhelmed at the idea of trying things on their own because they don’t know how to do it, but there are ways to learn if you’re really interested,” Bear says.
WHAT’S NEW, according to KIM LAYNE
ELIZABETH BEAR DESIGNS, Centennial elizabethbeardesigns.com
ENTRYWAY Rather than a new trend, designers are just enjoying the freedom in the amount of specialty items out there: “Things used to be so much more limited, but now you can find anything—and it’s all so accessible to everyone.” The (home décor) sky’s the limit.
Curated Crowd-Pleaser PHOTO: TORY BOND DESIGNS
THE HOME: Eclectic space for a young family THE WISH LIST: No trends. And instead, lots of vintage décor. “They didn’t want their house to look like it was done in 2017,” says Tory Bond of Tory Bond Designs, the project’s design mastermind. THE PROCESS: The Greenwood Village entryway was outdated, as was most of the floorplan. Both were reconfigured in a roughly nine-month remodeling project. A new wall created a feasible entryway to work with. “You don’t want to just walk in to a big open box, but you also don’t want to walk into a small, tiny room that feels claustrophobic,” says Bond. The Kipp Stewart walnut and rosewood cabinet, Moroccan Kilim rug and coat rack are antiques: “I’d say I use at least 50 percent vintage furniture in most of my projects,” Bond says. And the gallery wall features oil paintings from friends. “The homeowners’ collection of paintings had pieces that were too small to put on a single wall—they would just get lost if you hung them individually,” Bond says. “That made it easy to design a wall around them.” THE IMPACT: “You walk in and you know interesting people live here,” Bond says. THE BOTTOM LINE: “Are you somebody who’s interested in seeing and buying curated things? Do you like going to estate sales?” If yes, then this design approach is for you. “It’s an art, not a science.” To get something eclectic, think about what details resonate with you. “This kind of art wall could be of mixed media pieces or antique textiles or kids’ artwork.” Speaking of photo walls, Bond considers complimentary frames a requirement. “Here, you’re not seeing a bunch of different types of frame styles,” she says. “You lose the value of the art if the frames are competing with each other.”
PHOTO: ELIZABETH BEAR
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TORY BOND DESIGNS, Cherry Hills Village 720.573.0970 | torybonddesigns.com
8457 S. Yosemite St. Unit B2 Lone Tree, CO 80124 | 303.799.9339 | www.VerandaBlue.com
READY TO WEAR
// reset the racks
By Laurel Thompson FATE, Englewood 303.843.9956 | fatecolorado.com When it comes to high-end women’s fashion, Fate takes it all—from everyday wears to special occasion dresses and embellishments. What they’re looking for “We like the unusual, and we definitely like high-end—our store will always be a place where you can find something for $14 or for $1,000,” says owner Casey Burnette. “Most of what we accept are Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus brands, but we also take items from brands like Free People and Anthropologie.” It won’t make it to the racks if … “We prefer to consign things that are less than two years old, but we do have a vintage section that we make exceptions for (think classic Louis Vuitton and Adolfo). The brands we tend to stay away from are Old Navy, Chico’s, Express, The Limited, Gap, Talbots and White House Black Market. That isn’t necessarily a hard and fast policy, though. My rule is if I love it, I’ll consign it.” Know before you go “You don’t need to have an appointment or anything. Feel free to stop by anytime during store hours.” 46
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PHOTO: COURTESY LXR AND CO
In traditional January fashion, THREE LOCAL CONSIGNMENT SHOPS offer up tips for getting the most for the gently worn clothing and accessories you’re planning to take out of rotation this year.
PHOTOS: COURTESY FATE
The Common Thread
READY TO WEAR How to prep your items “The only two rules we have are that items need to be washed and put on hangers, which also increases your chances of getting things consigned since they look more presentable. We can give hangers back to you. “We do have a dry cleaner next door. So if we decide to consign something that needs to be cleaned, you can take that item to our neighbor, pay for it to be dry cleaned and then bring me the receipt. I’ll pick it up and add it to your account with us.” How payment works “We consign for 60 days with a 50-50 split. Once your items are sold or the two-month term is reached, we’ll write you a check for whatever has been purchased (or keep your balance for store credit, of course!) and let you take the other items home. You have a week to pick up the items that didn’t sell, otherwise we put them on our 50 percent off rack and donate that money to multiple mental health organizations and nonprofits.”
// reset the racks
LXRANDCO, Stein Mart Centennial 303.220.8260 | lxrco.com Neglected luxury handbags are getting a renewed lease on life at LXRandCo, a Canadabased consignment company that has in-store boutiques in Stein Mart and other stores across the country. This Centennial location is their only Colorado setup. What they’re looking for “We exclusively take ‘pre-loved’ luxury handbags from top designers,” says Suzanne Atencio, senior storyteller in Centennial. “Our number one seller is Louis Vuitton, though we also accept Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Dior and Chloé. We’re one of 45 LXRandCos inside Stein Marts around the country, so we take lots of other high-end brands at those stores as well. We can transfer items between stores, so we may accept something in Centennial that we know someone is looking for in California or Canada.”
What sells best “High-end items are the bread and butter of our store. Having been in business for 16 years, I have a huge list of people who are on the lookout for Louis Vuitton, Celine and Chanel. As for styles and types of clothes, it’s pretty even.” About the unwanted garb “If you bring me items that I can’t accept but I know another store might, I’ll always give you options for other places to consign. If you’d like to donate your items, I’ll recommend nonprofits.” Monitoring your items “We have software where you can monitor your pieces in real time. When we sell something in the store and you go to your consigner login, you’ll see what has sold as well as the current balance we owe you. I’m big on transparency, so I want customers to know what is selling and when.”
WHERE TO DONATE
PHOTOS: COURTESY LXR AND CO
The Gathering Place Denver 303.321.4198 tgpdenver.org
WHERE TO DONATE Dress For Success Denver 303.832.1889 denver.dressforsuccess.org
It won’t make it to the racks if … “We don’t compete with Stein Mart by accepting any of the brands they sell, like Michael Kors and Coach. As for condition, the newer the handbags look and feel, the better. We can’t accept anything with rips, stains, tears or odors (especially cigarette smoke).” Know before you go “I’m the only one who takes items in, so I need to be here in order for you to sell. You don’t have to make an appointment, but I’d recommend calling to make sure I’m here. Original authenticity cards, receipts and dust bags are great to include, though we do not require them for every brand. With Chanel specifically, we do prefer to have the serial cards for authentication.” How to prep your items “Everything needs to be clean, certified authentic and in working order: original zippers and snaps must be intact. If your items are a 47
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READY TO WEAR
// reset the racks
little worn or dirty, I recommend cleaning them with a little soap and water or taking a handheld vacuum to them. I don’t clean anything before sending photos to my buyers, so the condition you bring them in is what LXRandCo buyers will see.” How payment works “You’ll sign a release waiver allowing me to do everything I need to show handbags to our buyers and authenticators. Usually I’ll get a response within 24 hours or so, and if we decide to purchase your items, we’ll either pay you outright with a check from our Canada headquarters or do a direct deposit via PayPal.” What sells best “Anything Louis Vuitton Monogram is really popular right now. We sell a lot of Chanel handbags as well.” About the unwanted bags “It doesn’t cost anything to get the appraisal. So even if we don’t make an offer, you don’t lose anything in the process. The same goes if we make an offer and you decide not to accept— there is no penalty. Either way, you have 30 days to pick up purses.” Looking beyond Centennial “I have access to over 6,000 items at our other stores as well as the warehouse that supplies us. I can look up certain brands and ship them to our store, and vice versa. For example, if you bring in a vintage handbag that has a higher selling point in another part of the country or Canada, I can accept that item and transfer it.” PHOTO: COURTESY ONCE UPON A CHILD
ONCE UPON A CHILD, Centennial 303.694.0416 | onceuponachild.com Michelle Stover, district inventory manager at the Centennial store, has a plan for those old kids’ clothes, toys and baby wares. What they’re looking for “We do everything ‘preemie to pre-teen,’ including gently used clothing and shoes in infant, child and junior sizes and toys and accessories, like baby gear, furniture, books and games. Our primary thing is clothing. We have all seasons out at all times.” It won’t make it to the racks if … “The only things we don’t do are mattresses and safety items, like car seats. Other than that, we don’t purchase things that are excessively worn or items with rips, tears and stains. We really try to purchase clothing and accessories that look like they are brand new.”
WHERE TO DONATE A Precious Child Broomfield 303.466.4272 apreciouschild.org
items with pet fur on them because of allergies. We will accommodate any type of bag or box you pack items in, but we do recommend using a sturdy container. We try to refrain from buying jumbled, wrinkled clothes.”
Know before you go “Here in Centennial, we do have to check IDs to make sure you are who you say you are. We don’t require appointments.”
How payment works “We operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. When you drop off your items, we’ll get you signed in, label your containers and give you an estimate of when we’ll be done sorting. Then we’ll text you when it’s time to come back and offer cash or store credit for items purchased. You can take home anything we can’t buy. We do have a same-day policy, so if you can’t come back that day and don’t communicate that with us, your sum will be deferred to store credit.”
How to prep your items “Everything needs to be freshly washed and folded. Another big thing is dog and cat hair— we like to make sure people aren’t bringing in
What sells best “It really depends on the brand and condition of clothing. Gerber Childrenswear is cheaper and tends to sell fast, but you won’t get much 48
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as the seller. We also get brands like Matilda Jane Clothing and Burberry. We can always use more shoes and equipment, as well as toddler-sized apparel.” About the unwanted garb “If you don’t want to take home items we can’t accept, we can donate them for you. We’ve donated thousands of dollars’ worth of stuff to Clothes To Kids of Denver. We send all donations to local organizations that focus on helping kids in need. We also take a carload to the arc Thrift Store across the street almost every day.” Call for info “When in doubt, call us. We get a lot of customers who don’t believe we’re going to buy their children’s swimwear in the middle of January. Since everything is same-day, sellers can also call to get an estimate on how long things will take: Sometimes it’ll be 15 minutes, sometimes it could take an hour or two.”
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Proud Sponsor of Great Drives Golf Passport Member Conditions: 2020 Member Privileges. All rates include a cart. Visit coloradoavidgolfer.com/golf-passport for complete details regarding rates, available tee times, number of rounds and reservation policy. Tee time requests are on a space available basis to Golf Passport members and participating courses’ rain check policies will apply. Unless otherwise stated, the golf offers are good from January 1, 2020 – December, 31 2020, excluding holidays, special events, tournaments or closure to environmental or economic conditions. Mountain seasons may vary slightly. The Golf Passport is limited to one per person and is non-transferable. Prices do not include sales tax. Some courses may require a credit card to secure a tee time prior to play. If a tee time is cancelled, the golf course may charge for its discounted fee. Colorado AvidGolfer reserves the right to make reasonable modifications to the Golf Passport, effective upon notice by e-mail or first class mail to the Golf Passport member. A Golf Passport member may reject any such modification by responding in writing to Colorado AvidGolfer and returning the Golf Passport within ten (10) days. The Golf Passport member will receive a prorated refund. However, no refund will be given if the Golf Passport Member received the Complimentary Two-Night Stay at CasaBlanca Resort and Two Rounds of Golf at CasaBlanca or The Palms Golf Club. The Golf Passport member agrees that he or she is not entitled to any additional compensation. Colorado AvidGolfer disclaims all liability for damage or loss of property or injury to any person occurring while using the Golf Passport. If ordered online, please allow up to 10 days for delivery of your Golf Passport. Golf Passport membership includes a digital subscription to Colorado AvidGolfer with the option to opt-in to the mailing subscription for an additional fee. Members will also be subscribed to the Colorado AvidGolfer weekly newsletter list and can unsubscribe at any time.
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READY TO WEAR
Screen Time Blues
// inside story
What you need to know about BLUE-LIGHT-BLOCKING GLASSES By Malissa Stark-Rodenburg THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS your phone, tablet and computer screen is keeping you up at night. Multiple studies show that artificial blue light (or high-energy visible light that comes from sources besides sunlight, if you want to get technical) emitted from technology can reduce the duration and quality of sleep, and cause you to wake up more frequently in the middle of the night. Blue light also contributes to digital eye strain and can cause afternoon headaches, dry eyes or blurry vision. When it comes to reducing the effects of blue light, things gets murky when you begin browsing blue-light-blocking glasses. Some early adopters claim the newly popular eyewear treatment, which can be used for prescriptive and non-prescriptive specs, is a life changer. Others (including some scientists) say the accessory’s usefulness is a myth. Most are still just trying to figure out what to shop for. Optician Charlotte Mattox from Castle Rock EyeWear is here to ease the learning curve.
ALMOST EVERYONE IS A CANDIDATE FOR BLUE LIGHT PROTECTION Limiting your screen time is objectively the best way to combat the problem, but that is often easier said than done. “Lenses will protect to a varying degree,” says Mattox, but they cannot protect from all of it. Mattox insists on blue-light lenses if you spend eight hours or more in front of screens per day. WHAT TO LOOK FOR WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION ... All blue-light-blocking lenses are going to have a tint. That tint directly correlates with the amount of blue-light waves blocked—generally, somewhere between 30 to 90 percent. According to Mattox, light yellow shades will do an alright job, but the real winner is a dark orange or amber lens. ... AND WITH A PRESCRIPTION The goal, says Mattox, is to find a lens that will block the greatest amount of blue light, provide all necessary vision correction and have a tint that is tolerable to the wearer. Just like non-prescription lenses, orange and amber are going to offer the most protection. Fun fact: If you opt for an anti-reflective lense
SEE CLEARLY NOW Castle Rock EyeWear The Village at Castle Pines 303.663.2034 castlerockeyewear.com
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coating (the optician says most people do), there may already be some blue-light-blocking properties in your specs. DO THE GLASSES LOOK GOOD? As far as frames for Rx-wearers go, choices have blossomed. Mattox recommends Gunnar and, for more style options, a brand like eyebobs, where glasses can be special ordered without a formal prescription. For some people, the lens color can be a real deal breaker. IF YOU CAN’T STAND TINTED SPECS, KNOW THERE ARE OTHER SUPPOSEDLY HELPFUL TOOLS OUT THERE Utilize filters built into your devices to automate the amount of blue light you are seeing. Just head to your devices’ display settings and look for something like “Night Mode” or “Night Shift.” The setting can be left on indefinitely or timed to turn on and off with sunset and sunrise. This can be an even better practice for kids. There are also screen protectors for all devices from brands like EyeJust or Ocushield that are said to filter blue light without distorting screen color.
INFLUENCERS
// all in a day’s work
ZACK SANDERS KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT DESK JOCKEYS—namely the attributes that will make for the best relationship between them and their workspace counterparts.
By Claire Martin ZACK SANDERS grew up getting to know two things: the hallowed streets of Greenwood Village and the surrounding areas and the inner workings of reliable, hard-working office furniture. In adulthood, not much has changed. He is now making neighborhood waves in Cherry Hills Village with his wife, Coleen Sanders, and two kids, Mila and Desmond. And, with his three siblings, Zack is part of the third generation to run Colorado’s venerable Merchants, said to be the state’s oldest commercial furniture company, currently celebrating its 80th anniversary. Zack and his sisters—Alexi McCann, Brooke Wolf and Jynx Messacar—are making some changes to the family business. Since 2012, the foursome has been steering Merchants from the sole-proprietor model established by founder Marvin Sanders, also known as Grandpa, and their dad, Richard, to a collaborative team. The impact: Merchants recently doubled its staff and has drawn clients such as BP, Molson Coors Brewing Company, Air Methods, the Zayo Group, the 58
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PHOTOS: COURTESY ZACK SANDERS, MERCHANTS
Good Offices
INFLUENCERS
// all in a day’s work
City and County of Denver and Northwood Investors (pictured on this page). Here, we look forward and backward with Zack—for starters, Merchants’ sleek downtown headquarters is just a few blocks from Marvin’s original Larimer Street storefront. How has Merchants changed over the years? “It’s changed substantially. My grandpa opened Merchants as an open market stand, with chicken wire fencing separating it from the neighboring stalls. I think the first thing he sold was a cash register. And it was returned the next day.” Thus, cementing the tradition of selling both new and used office furniture. PHOTOS: COURTESY ZACK SANDERS, MERCHANTS
Didn’t your headquarters used to be a Ford dealership? “My grandpa started Merchants on the 1400 block of Larimer Street. Then there was a Market Street location, and an Arapahoe Street location in the 1950s. We moved from there to this building, which used to be a Davis Motors Inc. and then a Bob Jones Skyland Motors, Inc. For years people would come in and say, ‘Oh, I got my first Thunderbird here.’ ” How has Merchants evolved under you and your sisters?
What’s your favorite memory of your dad’s business as you were growing up? “When I was in elementary school, sometimes Dad would drive the furniture truck home, a huge 14-foot truck. In the morning, we’d pile into the back. It was great being dropped off in front of our school in that thing!”
“When I came into the business in 2012, we expanded significantly outside of Colorado. Last summer, we furnished a high-end lobby and amenity center at an office tower on Sixth Avenue in New York City. In 2018, we doubled our sales from the previous year. Now we’re one of the top five commercial furniture providers in Colorado and we have 30 people on staff, including talented designers and installers.”
Merchants Denver 303.297.1100 merchantsofficefurniture.com
5 WAYS ZACK WOULD REVAMP YOUR HOME OFFICE SPACE 1. BUY and install a keyboard tray that slides out. It saves space and is ergonomically better than a keyboard sitting on your desk. 2. INVEST in a good office chair. Expect to spend $500 to $1,200, Zack says. Look for a mesh or leather fabric. An adjustable chair with rollers on the feet is nonnegotiable. Be sure you are able to recline easily, without straining. 3. CONSIDER a height-adjustable desk, also known as a standing desk. It should be comfortable whether you’re in your chair or standing. 4. USE monitor arms, where your computer monitor(s) can live off of your desk, to free up precious surface area. 5. LOOK for a desk with a surface size of approximately 60 inches by 30 inches. This is the ideal minimum, Zack says, in this world of shrinking workstations.
How are you handling the transition from a small staff to a larger one? “We deliberately create a very collaborative environment; we make sure it’s nonhierarchical here. That’s another reason we’ve attracted the talent we have. We build on one another’s strengths.” And you find time for humor. What’s the red stapler painted on the wall in your showroom about? “My mom painted that. It’s an Office Space reference.” 59
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INFLUENCERS
// the game changer
King of the Hill
STEVE RAYMOND’s inspiring road to becoming a COLORADO SNOWSPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE—his new iconic rank By Lori Midson
PHOTOS: E.J. CARR
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INFLUENCERS From left to right: Trent Bush, Colorado Snowsports board of directors; Bob Meserve; Steve Raymond; and Johnnie Stevens, also in Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame
“I’M NOT BIG ON personal accolades,” confides Steve Raymond. The former cable TV executive turned philanthropist and champion of adaptive skiing—skiing for athletes with disabilities—was recently inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Class of 2019, an honor that Raymond insists he doesn’t deserve: “It sounds silly, but there’s got to be more deserving people out there. When you look at the list of others who were inducted, I’m just beyond humbled.” His support of Colorado’s disabled skiers, however, points to a man whose contributions to the industry are unparalleled.
PHOTOS: E.J. CARR
In the early 1980s, Raymond—a resident of Centennial and the current vice president of client solutions for Gracenote, an entertainment data and technology company—was a freespirited college graduate mogul-skiing on the slopes of Vail Mountain. It was here he met Bob Meserve, a fellow skiing buddy who was later paralyzed following an accident on the slopes. Despite his limitations, Meserve was determined to return to the powder after the setback—and Raymond was his biggest advocate. After a long road of rehabilitation, Meserve went on to race for the U.S. Disabled Ski Team (now the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team). But in 1994 the team learned that one of its major sponsors—Subaru—was pulling out, a crushing setback that would all but eliminate the team’s funding. Raymond, who worked at ESPN and was president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Cable and Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM), along with other CTAM cable industry executives, realized they had a major opportunity to create an event that would result in an avalanche of funding to sustain the group. “We wanted to draw people to Colorado with an educational event that we knew could raise a quick 100 grand,” recalls Raymond, who
“Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” 61
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PHOTO: COURTESY STEVE RAYMOND, ADAPTIVE SPIRIT
// the game changer
INFLUENCERS
// the game changer promptly reached out to Warren Miller, the late American ski and snowboarding filmmaker, to ask him to be the keynote speaker. Raymond, with the assistance of his allies, also secured 20 sponsors.
TRUE GRIT
Cyclist, alpine skier and Colorado Springs dweller Allison Jones was born without a right femur, and her right leg above the knee is missing. She joined the Paralympic Ski Team and won two silver medals at the 2002 Games. She continued to amass medals in subsequent Games up until 2014, when she retired from the sport, but continued to compete in cycling. In 2019, she was inducted into the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame. “Allison’s mom told me that without the support from SkiTAM and Adaptive Spirit, she wouldn’t have been able to compete,” says Raymond.
Since its inception, the organization coupled with its annual fundraiser—which draws supporters and world-class athletes from around the globe—has grown by leaps and bounds. Raymond’s induction into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame comes, in large part, because of his tireless passion and persistence to make the nonprofit a success. His fierce dedication to supporting disabled athletes doesn’t end there: Raymond also serves on the board of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation and is involved in other relevant organizations.
From top to bottom: Oksana Masters, Paralympic alpine skier Stephen Lawler and Brittany Coury
Snowboarding champ Brittani Coury, whose ankle was injured in 2003 during a snowboarding accident, endured multiple operations before making the decision to amputate her right leg below the knee in 2011. Raymond’s organization covered many of the expenses associated with her injury, and at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, Coury snatched a silver medal in the banked slalom. In 2019, she participated in numerous World Cup races, earning a bronze medal in banked slalom and several medal finishes in snowboardcross, which became an Olympic sport in 2006. At the 2019 Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame ceremony, Coury, a registered nurse and E.M.T. who resides in Durango, was named the Adaptive Athlete of the Year.
“Between promoting the skiers, increasing the organization’s visibility, fundraising for athletes and supporting the movement and technology of adaptive skiing, I guess I had a long enough list of accomplishments that made me worthy enough to be inducted,” says Raymond, who believes everyone should strive to make a difference. “At the end of the day, it’s our passion and involvement that have the potential to change things. And while it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important, creating a meaningful legacy that’s caused change should be part of who you are.” PHOTOS: COURTESY ADAPTIVE SPIRIT
Nordic champion Oksana Masters, who was born in Ukraine, was a victim of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor incident, where her legs and hands were damaged by in-utero radiation poisoning. Eventually, both legs were amputated. A Paralympic rower, she took up skiing as a teenager and first competed in the Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia, where her perseverance resulted in silver and bronze medals. She then secured four Nordic world titles during the 2016-17 season. Masters “really had to scrape to make ends meet to compete as a full-time athlete,” recalls Raymond. “Our ability to help fund her training and equipment helped her stay on the team and become the most dominant adaptive Nordic athlete in the world.”
The result? More than enough money to keep the team afloat and the launch of SkiTAM. A nonprofit now called Adaptive Spirit, Raymond co-founded the organization with the objective of providing significant financial support to the U.S. Paralympics Ski and Snowboard Team. The funds are divided amongst three different teams—alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and snowboarding—and cover everything from travel expenses to competition costs.
PHOTO: COURTESY OKSANAMASTERSUSA.COM
“Tough times don’t last, but tough people do,” says Raymond, referring to the disabled athletes whose perseverance inspires him every day. “I’m so impressed by how they handle life, overcome challenges and pursue their sport,” adds Raymond, who below extols the accomplishments of three athletes that have received support and funding from SkiTAM/Adaptive Spirit.
ADAPTIVE SPIRIT
Littleton 303.797.9507 adaptivespirit.com
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PHOTOS: VAIL RESORTS VIA FACEBOOK
// pack your bags
The Other Side of Vail When you’re searching for MORE THAN A SKI RUN, THIS MOUNTAIN DELIVERS
FOR ME, the choice is obvious: As soon as winter swoops in, I’ll be on Vail Mountain. Known for its back bowls, a wide variety of trails and now even more diverse terrain thanks to expansive snowmaking upgrades, Vail is one of the best places to play in Colorado powder. (Not to mention an après glass of Veuve Clicquot at The 10th is an ideal way to end the day.) But this season, classic downhill skiing just wasn’t having the same effect. So, I went in search of unique on-mountain activities. Here, what peaked my curiosity—pun intended.
PHOTO: VAIL RESORTS
By Samantha Lefave
PHOTO: VAIL RESORTS VIA FACEBOOK
brings to life Vail’s roots, which were previously only displayed with Legacy signs visitors could tour on their own.
A TASTE OF HISTORY What’s better: to learn about Vail’s good old days through firsthand research or to clip into skis and let the mountain do the talking? Vail Resorts guest services manager Jeff Wiles prefers the latter, which is why he’s introduced guided Legacy Tours this season. Available Tuesdays at 1 p.m., the trek starts at the Mountain Safety Center atop chair four (also recently transformed into a museum). The journey
With 19 different stops, Wiles and I dashed across the mountain in search of the prominent Legacy displays, where my history lessons waited. Take Riva Ridge run: one of Vail’s first trails, it’s named after a key battle the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division won during World War II. Soldiers who took part trained at Camp Hale about 30 miles away, and Pete Seibert, one of Vail Mountain’s founders, was one of them. Not visiting on a Tuesday? Guests can access a self-guided, less-tell-all map at vail.com. A THRILL RIDE I still had gas in the tank when 5 p.m. came, so I took the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Adventure Ridge to tackle a run like a kid again—on a ski bike. Ski biking began in the 19th century, but 64
january 2020 // AvidLifestyle
PHOTO: VAIL MARRIOTT MOUNTAIN RESORT
STAYING COZY AND CURRENT To keep the whole trip really slope focused, stay at Vail Marriott Mountain Resort. The property has partnered with Golden-based Icelantic Skis to create a unique package this season: During the day you can demo select all-mountain and backcountry skis and, at night, take it easy in an Icelantic-themed Junior Timberline Suite. If you fall in love with the gear you take for a spin, you can purchase and have them sent home. Starts at $969, marriott.com
has grown popular in Colorado within the last decades. Most say ski biking is for all ages and a range of skill levels—it’s less strenuous than skiing or snowboarding and, though it does help to have ski or snowboard experience when learning to turn and stop, nonriders have been known to pick it up quickly. Vail requires bikers be at least 10 years old and be an intermediate skier or snowboarder. In what felt like minutes, with outrigger-style skis placed over my shoes (no ski boots required) and a headlamp strapped on, I was racing my guide on a small bike outfitted with two short skis. With gravity doing all the work, I flew down a route I had skied earlier in a completely new— and, at times, way more thrilling—experience.
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