September Club Member Newsletter

GARDEN VARIETY

SEPTEMBER 2023

MEMBER-ONLY DRINK SPECIALS

50% OFF select wines and cocktails continue in September!

SPECIALS COMING TO ROCKS LOUNGE & DINING ROOM

Chef's Specials, Burger Night, and more!

DISCOUNTED GOLF APPAREL AT KC

Deals ranging from 20% OFF, Buy One Get One 50% OFF, and 60% OFF! Page 25

GIBSON President and CEO

Dear Members,

It is with a mix of emotions that I write my final newsletter before my retirement as the President and CEO of the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, effective September 6th. After five incredible years of serving in this role, it is time for me to embark on a new chapter of my life.

Reflecting on the journey we have undertaken together fills me with a deep sense of pride and gratitude. When I first stepped into this role, I was captivated by the beauty of the club and the warmth of its community. Over the years, we have not only preserved the rich history and essence of this remarkable place but have also worked together to elevate it to new heights.

The achievements we have accomplished during this time are a testament to the dedication and hard work of each member of our team. From enhancing the resort's amenities and services to fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence, we have strived to create an experience that is truly unparalleled. Our shared commitment to providing our members and guests with unforgettable memories has been the driving force behind our success. As I step away from my role as President and CEO, I am confident that the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club is in capable hands. The team we have built is a dynamic and talented group, ready to take on new challenges and continue the legacy we have established.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our owners Brenda Smith and Judy Mackey and to all club members, whose unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our achievements. Your loyalty and enthusiasm have been a constant source of inspiration for all of us. To the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to make all members' experience exceptional, thank you for your passion and dedication.

As I bid farewell to this chapter of my life, I am filled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. Retirement will provide me with the opportunity to explore new passions and spend more time with my loved ones. I am confident that the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club will flourish, and I am excited to see the many achievements it will undoubtedly accomplish in the years to come.

Thank you all for being an integral part of this incredible journey. I am forever grateful for your support, and I look forward to staying connected in the future.

Yours Sincerely,

James Gibson

James Gibson

“ It is time for me to embark on a new chapter of my life... reflecting on the journey we have undertaken together fills me with a deep sense of pride and gratitude. ”

TASTES & SIPS

Member-Only LUNCH SPECIAL

at Grand View & Rocks

For the entire month of September, enjoy our member-only Lunch Special at Grand View and Rocks. Select 1 soup or salad and 1 sandwich for just $24.99!

View Menu Here .

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT

LAURA RUPEJKO ROCKS LOUNGE

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturdays

September 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 30th and Friday September 29th DERYK CUNNINGHAM ROCKS LOUNGE 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Fridays

September 1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd JANA ROSS KC GRILLE 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 2nd

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE 50% OFF DRINK MENU CONTINUES IN SEPTEMBER!

For the entire month of September, we are offering a DAILY secret drink menu for members only! This menu will consist of a variety of wines and cocktails for you to choose from. A new menu at each bar will be created every day with updated wine and cocktails that only our bartender will have access to.

If you want to take advantage of this limited time offer, please ask your bartender for "The Clipboard" to view the discounted drink offerings for that day.

Member Discount Does Not Apply.

Member Discount Does Not Apply.

GRAND VIEW TASTE of the MONTH

BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR MAD HATTER MARTINI PARTY

Wednesday, October 25th OR Thursday, October 26th

Grand View Lounge

Join us for an evening of Mad Hatter-themed fun with creative martinis and appetizer pairings.

Alice in Wonderland garb and Mad Hatter hats welcomed!

Stirlini Martini Cocktails at the Barista just $8 in September!

YOUR FAVORITE SPECIALS

COMING TO ROCKS LOUNGE

BURGER NIGHT

COMING TO ROCKS LOUNGE EVERY SUNDAY

Starting Sunday, Sept. 10th

CHEF SPECIALS THE ROCKS

SEPTEMBER 6TH

HANGAR STEAK & TRUFFLE FRIES 35 steak sauce, cipollini onion

SEPTEMBER 13TH

PINE ROASTED TROUT 25 shaved vegetables, lemon

SEPTEMBER 20TH

WAGYU BOLOGNESE 25 pappardelle, parmesan, mascarpone

SEPTEMBER 27TH

BISON FLANK STEAK 35 steak sauce, cipollini onion

Member Discount Does Apply.

PRIME RIB NIGHT

COMING TO ROCKS LOUNGE EVERY FRIDAY

Starting Friday, Sept. 8th

SIP of the MONTH

“SPARKLING SEPTEMBER"

30% OFF ALL Sparkling Wines for the entire month of September

REMINDER:

Kissing Camels

Grille & Bar will be Closed for Renovations starting Tuesday, September 5th

We welcome you to enjoy member-only Rocks Lounge & Dining Room. With the influx of members wanting to utilize the Rocks, reservations are highly recommended.

To make your reservation, use the Open Table widget on the Member Portal or simply call 719-329-6901

GRAND VIEW BRUNCH

BUFFET RETURNS

STARTING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH

$65 per Adult

Price includes Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys

$25 per Child

Member Discount Does Apply.

THE ROCKS

SPECIALS at Member Discount Does Apply.

FRIDAYS

$39 PRIME RIB NIGHT

Starting September 5th, Happy Hour will run until 5:00 p.m., when dinner will commence at both Grand View and the Rocks

TEED UP

REMINDER ...AS WE MOVE

TOWARDS FALL

...please remember to fill your divots with the sand/seed provided on your golf carts. The golf course will come out much better in the Spring if we all continue to practice proper course maintenance. Please repair your ball mark and 1-2 others when on the putting surface. Leave it better than you found it. You will be amazed at how much better the greens will roll!

UPCOMING GOLF EVENTS

Sunday, September 10th

Shirley Cup (27-Holes) a.m./p.m. Tee Time

September 6th - 12th

Course Aerification Begins Courses will vary

Wednesday, September 13th

Coronado HS Cougar Classic

10:00 a.m. Shot Gun

Saturday, September 16th

St. Mary's HS Golf Classic

9:00 a.m. Shot Gun

Tuesday, September 19th

Colorado Senior Golf Association

9:00 a.m. Shot Gun

Tuesday, September 26th

Friends of CC Hockey Golf Outing

9:00 a.m. Shot Gun

Wednesday Mornings

MGA Playday's 8:30 a.m. Shot Gun

HOURS OF OPERATION

GOLF SHOP

MON - THURS 7:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

FRI - SUN 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (until September 5th)

FRI - SUN 7:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (September 6th - 30th)

GOLF COURSE

MON - THURS 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

FRI - SUN* 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (until September 5th)

FRI - SUN* 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (September 6th - 30th)

*Fridays - Sundays when there are no scheduled events taking place.

FOOD & BEVERAGE CARTS

MON - SUN 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Members bringing repeat guests to the course, please remember our policy is 6 guests visits per year with the same guest. We appreciate everyone being respectful to this policy. Please don’t forget to fill in member/guest names to your tee times a minimum of 48 hours in advance to your starting time. TBD’s will be dropped after 48 hours.

Shirt tails are to be tucked in on the golf course and practice range. We’ve seen an abundance of shirt tails out/untucked this season and we politely remind both members and guests about our policy. Hat bills are to be forward facing on the course and practice range. Again, thank you for your continued support of our golf programs and making the overall experience enjoyable for everyone.

Thank you for another great golf season.

Thursday Mornings

KCLGA Playday's 9:00 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. Shot Gun

PRACTICE RANGE

MON & THURS 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

TUES & WED 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

FRI - SUN 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

SHORT GAME AREA

MON - SUN 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Walking restrictions - no walking prior to 9:00 a.m. until Tuesday, September 6th when restrictions expire.

CONSTRUCTION WITH THE GROUNDS TEAM

A nursery green is crucial to a golf course especially in a climate like Colorado. Depending on what kind of weather we have, there is always turf loss on the golf course. Some winters are harsh with frigid temperatures, large amounts of snowfall and ice. Other winters we lose turf because of the weather being too dry and windy. Having a nursery green readily available gives us the opportunity to quickly plug out winter kill spots with new turf rather than taking weeks to seed or spend money buying sod. A nursery green also lets us quickly replace any damaged turf throughout the summer season as well from mowers, golfers, animals, fungus, or any other pest damage.

We first picked a flat spot in a native area on the golf course to start construction of the nursery. We picked the area between #2 South and #3 South because it was out of the way of play, fairly flat, and we could tie irrigtion into the nursery from an old, abandoned irrigation line. We used our John Deere skid and mini excavator to clear out old vegetation and grade the green.

After irrigation was complete, we then added 80 tons of a 80/20 USGA specific soil profile in order to give us an 8 inch soil depth for our greens profile. After the greens mix was dumped, we used a sand pro to spread the greens mix out evenly as possible.

After the grading was complete, irrigation was the next step. We installed 320 feet of 2 inch PVC with 6 rainbird 752 heads. We used a small trencher to help install the mainline and electric valve. We were able to locate and tie the main line into an old abandoned irrigation line that ran through the native area.

Cores from our spring aeration were kept and spread over the top of the greens mix and T1 bentgrass seed was spread over the top of the cores. The seed and Cores were rolled and flattened over the top of the soil mix. We then started to sand top-dress the nursery consistently every week and multiple fertilizers were spread once a week until the turf started to grow in. We started to mow the nursery green with a greens walk mower set at .250 Hoc and slowly dropped the height down to .095.

NURSERY CONSTRUCTION

IN OUR COURT

Once the nursery green was grown in and a good root structure was established, we were able to pull plugs and sod and transplant them to areas out on the golf course. As plugs and sod are taken from the nursery, we will back fill these areas with sand and seed so that they can recover and the green can still be used.

RACQUET SPORTS TIP OF THE MONTH

IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING YOUR EYE ON THE BALL - Ever feel that miss-hit off your racquet or your paddle? Many times, this occurs due to us looking up to see where the ball is meant to go rather than looking to see it make contact on the racquet. Keeping your head down and eyes focused on the ball allows you to execute a solid, clean shot every time. My tip and challenge for you is to try and see the ball through the back of your strings at the point of contact. By doing so, this will keep your head still at contact and allow you to hit square on the middle of the strings.

LABOR DAY TENNIS

POWER 120 TOURNAMENT

Monday, September 4th

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

$40 per Member, $50 per Guest

Join us for a high energy doubles-based tennis event where your points accumulate throughout the entire event. Players with the most points at the end of the event will be crowned champions!

3-WEEK SESSIONS

SEPT 11th - SEPT 28th

OCT 2nd - OCT 19th

OCT 23rd - NOV 16th

(Halloween Week will be a Drop-in)

NOV 27th - DEC 14th

Registration is open to attend 2 days a week or just 1 day a week.

Cost $120 for 2 days a week or $90 for 1 day a week.

FALL JUNIOR CLINICS

Monday & Wednesday Red Raiders

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

(Ages 6-8 years old)

Orange Crush

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

(Ages 9-10 years old)

Wednesday's Only Tiny Tot's Tennis

3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

(Ages 4-5 years old)

Price: $45 for the 3-week session

Tuesday & Thursday Green + 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

(Ages 11-13 years old)

Yellow Madness

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

(Ages 14-16 years old)

For Tennis or Pickleball lessons, contact Director of Racquet Sports, Greg Hearrt, at 719-329-4012 or ghearrt@gardenofthegodsresort.com

Registration is on the member portal with a 24-hour deadline the day prior to the clinic/event.

All clinics must have at least 3 or more registered on the member portal 24 hours prior to the clinic to host the class.

All clinics take place at the M&M Tennis Center unless otherwise noted.

WEEKLY TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL CLINICS

SMARTPHONE HAZARD

Being on our mobile devices has become an important part of our daily lives. We depend on our smartphones to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues. However, the constant use of mobile devices for texting and entertainment can have adverse effects on our health, particularly on our neck.

Text neck syndrome is a modern medical condition associated with neck and upper back pain caused by repeated forward head posture while using electronic devices. When we tilt our head forward to read or type on our smartphones, we put extra stress on our neck muscles, which were not designed to withstand this prolonged position.

Preventing these neck disorders is important. Simple measures like taking regular breaks from mobile device use, ensuring a proper viewing angle, and practicing good posture while texting can significantly reduce the risk of developing text neck. Regular stretching exercises that target the neck and upper back muscles can also be beneficial.

The effects of texting on neck disorders can be far-reaching. The most common symptom is neck pain, which can range from mild discomfort to severe chronic pain. Text neck can also cause stiffness, headaches, and even radiating pain down the arms due to nerve compression.

Additionally, continual use of mobile devices for texting can lead to poor posture, as it encourages slouching and hunching over (a diagnosis called Kyphosis). The repetitive position of looking down at our mobile device results in an upper body posture that extends the neck forward as in the illustration on the next page. The further our head and neck are extended forward and focused downward, the more our head will effectively weigh placing an unnatural strain on our neck, shoulders, and spine.

MEET NISSA DAVIS, OUR FITNESS TRAINER IN SPORTS MEDICINE

Nissa is a Certified Functional Strength Coach, Personal Fitness Trainer and Colorado College Volleyball Assistant. More importantly, she is getting her Master’s in Sports Medicine at UCCS and will work with our Strata Med providers to ensure that their recommendations for your health are followed with care and diligence. She is passionate about running, cycling and all sports.

BONUS: Nissa is a rare Colorado Springs native!

Please welcome Nissa to the Fitness Team as our newest talented Fitness Specialist.

SURFACE HAIR CARE PRODUCTS

SPA OPTIMAL SPINE HEALTH MED

A Word from Dr. Shane Wells

Save the date for our next Lunch & Learn!

Strata Spa and Salon is proud to offer Surface Hair Care products, and this is why:

Surface is committed to giving back to the environment , providing natural, organic ingredients for their products and packaging as well as giving back to the community.

In response to the Oregon Bootleg Fire of 2021 where 647 square miles were devastated, Surface Hair directly supported the planting of 11,589 trees. The project will not only reforest the burn scar and restore the tree canopy for wildlife including bald eagles, big game, and small animals, the new trees will be critical to improving the Klamath River water quality for the largest fish restoration project in US history.

Strata Spa and Salon will soon be adding a Scalp Detox treatment to the menu. This service gently exfoliates the scalp and nourishes and refreshes the hair follicles. Great for all hair types including color treated hair. Thinning hair will also see the key benefits of this therapeutic blend.

Come try them out today! Click here to view the Surface Hair Products we carry!

One of the best exercises for overall spine health is “Supermans with thumb tracing”.

Lying face down on a yoga mat or on a bed with your hands out in front of your head in the superman flying position, lift your feet and hands up in the air while turning your head and looking at one of your thumbs. Then relax your limbs back down to the floor. Repeat again, this time looking at your other thumb. That counts as two reps. Do this for three sets of 10 reps.

Enhance your spine health routine with magnesium supplements. Magnesium supports muscle function and relaxation, complementing 'Supermans with thumb tracing' exercise. Strengthen your back while promoting muscle recovery.

For optimal spine health, schedule a session with Dr. Wells at Strata Med, call 719-428-2202.

Strengthen your back and enhance well-being today!

Date: Thursday, October 26th

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Location: Three Graces Ballroom

Topic: Staying Healthy and Thriving Through the Holiday Season

Price: $50 per member

Register with Anna Johnson: ajohnson@gardenofthegodsresort.com OR 719.725.6638

LABOR DAY POOL PARTY

RECREATION CENTER

YOUNG AT HEART

PET ROCK DAY

POOLS & KIDS' CLUB HOURS

Starting September 5th

Recreation Center Pool: CLOSED

Recreation Grille: CLOSED

Three Graces and Infinity Pool: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Infinity Pool is 21+ Only

Three Graces and Infinity Pool

F&B Service: Call Room Service at 5234

Teen Room: CLOSED

Starting September 5th

Kids' Club: Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Friday - Saturday 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 5th

Kids' Club

Rocks don’t need grooming, they don’t require visits to the vet, they don’t eat, and never get sick! Come to Kids Club and make your own pet rock to take home and add to the family. Your pet rock will love you forever!

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH

10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Celebrate the end of a great summer season by having fun at the Recreation Center pool! Grab a free ice cream from The Meltdown ice cream truck, play lawn games with friends and family, and cheers to the beginning of a new school year!

We will be grilling up some good food for ticket purchase. Tickets can be purchased at the Pool Shack.

(1) ticket = $5

(2) Tickets = (1) Plate of Food

(1) Ticket = Dessert

(1) Ticket = (2) Soft Drinks

(3) Tickets = (1) Premium Cocktail

(2) Tickets = (1) Beer, Wine or Cocktail

NATIONAL

GUACAMOLE DAY

Saturday, September 16th 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in Main Lodge Lobby

Guacamole is made from avocados, which are packed with healthy fats that help the body lower bad cholesterol.

Come by the front lobby and celebrate national Guacamole Day with the Recreation team and indulge in this delicious, healthy snack!

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EVAN & MICAH

3 SUTTON & HYDE WEDDING

2 3

Micah and Evan had a beautiful June wedding with us this year. All of our couples are special to us but when one of our very own Strata clinicians chooses to have their big day at our Resort, we are truly honored. Dr. Micah Sutton is one of our amazing Chiropractors here at Strata Med with over 15 years of experience. Micah and Evan's wedding was an intimate ceremony and reception with their closest family and friends. Many of their guests are members of the Resort and had the pleasure of experiencing a wedding on our Hill Terrace and Garden Terrace. Micah and Evan's love for each other was beaming all day and their smiles were contagious. The positive energy they displayed throughout the day really set the tone for their guests' experience. The whole day was filled with joy and ended with an entertaining celebration.

We are honored when our members and employees choose to say "I do" at our Resort. Dr. Micah Sutton spends most of her time taking care of her clients, which include our members, guests, and public. It was a treat to show Micah and Evan the same love and care on their big day.

1. DR. SUTTON WITH HER DAUGHTER

2. MICAH AND EVEN POSING AS HUSBAND AND WIFE

3. THE COUPLE JOINING COCKTAIL HOUR AS HUSBAND AND WIFE

Photography by Carissa Gross

SOMETHING new

GOLF SHOP SALES!

SEPTEMBER SALES AT THE GOLF SHOP

20% OFF all in-stock Shoes

30% OFF all Kids Apparel

30% OFF all in-stock Lohla Sport

WEDDING HIGHLIGHT

Micah and Evan had an ideal early summer wedding with sunny and 75 degree weather. They were able to enjoy their ceremony on our Hill Terrace and then ended their celebration by dancing on Garden Terrace. As we are quickly approaching the fall months and cooler weather is upon us, we start to see more couples requesting to have their wedding events outside.

The terrace venues come with an awning, making it the perfect spot to enjoy our spectacular backdrop with protection from unpredictable weather. Many of our couples and their guests enjoy taking in all the natural elements and beauty that surrounds our property when they experience an outdoor wedding.

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1. MICAH AND EVAN READING THEIR VOWS ON HILL TERRACE

2. NEWLYWEDS POSING IN FRONT OF A VINTAGE CAR

3. THE COUPLES' FIRST DANCE ON GARDEN TERRACE

50% OFF all in-stock Footjoy Polo's

Buy One Get One 50% OFF all in-stock Johnnie O

60% OFF selected sale merchandise until its gone. All sales final on markdown merchandise.

Click here to view all of these incredible deals!

WHAT’S NEW IN SEPTEMBER

• Stop by the Kissing Camels Golf Shop and see all the new merchandise that is rotated weekly.

• Come check out the new Vuori apparel in the Fitness Center.

• New arrivals in the Strata Boutique - Lohla's Apothecary, handmade horsehair pottery by a local artist, Kiana Kouture Kimono's local small business. We also now carry Meileg toys, great for early Christmas gifts! Click here to view these cute Meileg toys!

OPEN DAILY 8:00 a.m.6:00 p.m.

TENNIS SHOP MON - FRI 8:30 a.m.1:00 p.m.

Reminder Of Return Policy: Merchandise must be returned within 30 days of original purchase with receipt. If receipt is not present must be able to verify purchase through member account. Merchandise must be in same condition as when purchased. Merchandise must be in original packaging. Payment will be refunded to your original payment method or applied to your membership account. Exchanges: Merchandise can be exchanged for something else of equal or lesser value. Non-Returnable: Merchandise that is not in original condition when purchased, washed or worn items, damaged items and open boxes (beauty products), clearance items and or marked items “Final Sale,” special orders on a case by case depending on if we carry item in the retail outlet or item can be returned to vendor. Gift Cards: No cancellations or refunds.

Photography by Carissa Gross

NEW VP OF STRATA MED Rebecca Ruddell

Garden of the Gods Resort and Club has been named one of the Top 10 Female-Owned Hotels in the World!

Click here to read the article from Travel + Leisure.

Rebecca brings with her a wealth of experience and talent in executive management and medical practice administration, ranging from vision care to urgent care services throughout her career. Duties have included overseeing company operations, communicating between providers and other company executives, and making important decisions that impact the company’s brand and financial health. She has overseen the successful turnaround of an underperforming practice, which encompassed incorporating policies and procedures, analyzing and reducing expenses, creating and implementing a corporate structure and company culture, and hiring new providers and staff members.

Most recently, she spent the last few years like most of us – dealing with fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, she relocated to Woodland Park and took over a failing small business. Together with her daughter, she applied business operations and management knowledge for a complete turnaround of the restaurant by analyzing and reducing expenses, creating a positive work environment, improving the restaurant’s reputation, and creating delicious food. She also implemented a growth strategy, researching and discovering areas of the business that could grow and adding new lines of revenue. As a result, it has become a successful enterprise during a time when many restaurants had failed. Rebecca is ready to hand the restaurant off to her very capable daughter to manage, ready to start the next chapter in her healthcare operations career.

WellSpa 360 wrote about Rebecca Ruddell's appointment to VP of Strata Med. They quoted Director of Wellness Programming and Development, Tania McCorkle, saying "We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca to Strata. The depth of her knowledge will benefit the entire Strata team. With her leading the operational side of Strata, our world-class team will continue to grow and create additional opportunities to better serve our clients."

Click here to read the full article.

We also recently worked with Pikes Peak Aerial to capture some breathtaking drone footage of our beautiful property.

Click here to watch the incredible video!

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew and Ashley Cordova

Golf Family

Ms. Lisa Hale and Mr. Gregory Young

Associate Family

Dr. Brian Yoon and Dr. Neha Sharma

Sports Family

Mr. Thomas Moore and Ms. Sarah Scaling

Young Professional Golf Family

Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Connie Holmes

Golf Family

Mr. and Mrs. Art and Joan Klein

Social