Dr. Even and two other certified practitioners will assess your labs, lifestyle, medical history, and symptoms to create a custom treatment plan designed to promote vitality and optimal health.
HRT is a great treatment option for men and women experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalances from aging, thyroid dysfunction, and other conditions.
Penrose Hospital • St. Francis Hospital • St. Francis Hospital - Interquest
Hospitals, clinics, and caregivers all connected to advance health care in Colorado, Kansas, and Utah.
Explore uncharted territory, right in your backyard.
Hotel Polaris is Colorado Springs’ newest frontier for world-class dining and recreation, now welcoming overnight stays and day getaways.
Flight simulators
Set your flight path to awe-inspriring getaways and gatherings
Ascend Spa & Wellness
Rooftop bar
All-day brunch
Unforgettable dinners
50s-style soda shop
Health + Wellness
Health. Wellness.
Each time I return from travel, I am struck by how much more these two words seem to matter in the Pikes Peak Region than they do in many other places.
People here get outside. They drink water. They eat some fruits and veggies most days. They exercise. When I volunteer at my kids’ schools, a sur prisingly large number of students ask for water and a granola bar rather than soda and a candy bar.
It’s all about balance, right?
Work hard, play hard. Eat well most of the time, splurge occasionally. Take care of our bodies, as well as our hearts and minds.
It’s easy to find balance in the Colorado Springs area. There are endless opportunities for an active lifestyle here—hiking, biking, climbing, skiing and more. Manitou Incline, anyone?
Beyond physical activity, the Pikes Peak Region is home to a thriving wellness community, with local spas, yoga studios and wellness centers focusing on holistic health. Many of these establishments emphasize stress reduction and mindfulness, promoting mental and emotional wellness alongside physical health.
The January issue of Colorado Springs Lifestyle Magazine shines a light on health and wellness.
Read about a wellness sanctuary with a special focus on massage, about a concierge medicine practice that makes health care beautifully simple, and about the health benefits of hot tubs.
Learn about a business that preserves memories for future generations, about a wine bar with views for days and about a retired teacher who now creates stunning scarves. And finally, get all of the details about the newest resort-style hotel in town.
Happy New Year from all of us at Colorado Springs Lifestyle Magazine!
Ashley Hamershock, Rochelle Reeder, Kristian DePue, Cara Bukacek
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Daniel Scott Forster Photography, Camino Wellness Sanctuary, The Elan Studio, My Cellar Wine Bar, Strata Med, Silas Carter Photography, Jaxs Fishhouse and Oyster Bar, Amici Scarves, Why Wait Stories, Hotel Polaris, Arctic Spas
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-6: Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar hosted a “Miracle Bar” for the 2024 Holiday Season. Festive drinks, decorations and dishes lined the restaurant and menus providing a fun and festive atmosphere which began on November 18th, running through January 5th, 2025. Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar hosted the only Miracle Bar location in Colorado Springs, and one of just three in the state of Colorado. At the end of this year’s Miracle Bar at Jax, Miracle will donate 10% of all proceeds from the sale of Santa Pants, Christmas Carol Barrel and Santa Heads signature glassware to the Seva Foundation, a global nonprofit eye care organization that works with local communities around the world.
Want to be seen in the magazine? TAG YOUR INSTAGRAM PHOTOS WITH @COLORADOSPRINGSLIFESTYLEMAG
Strata Med: New Location, More Availability
Strata Med, a local concierge medicine practice, now has a second location at 11675 Ridgeline Dr. on the north end of town. The new location opened on November 6. Patients will see new and familiar healthcare provider faces and will be able to access services in all of the core service areas, including functional medicine, internal medicine, structural medicine, and mindful well-being. Immediate openings. Please call 719-689-8493. www.stratawell.com
Photography by Strata Med
CAPTURING Loved Ones' Stories
Why Wait Stories: Preserving Memories for Generations to Come
ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHY WAIT STORIES
“My advice is... ‘Why wait?’ Tomorrow is never promised.”
She waited.
She was pregnant when her dad was diagnosed with cancer. He chose not to disclose his diagnosis to make sure there was no added stress on her or the baby during that delicate time. Unfortunately, he passed before career broadcast journalist and anchor Lauren Ferrara had a chance to interview her dad about his life.
CELEBRATING MEMORIES
She explains how weighty the regret was in the coming days as they planned his celebration of life at a local Irish pub. Ferrara thought to call a friend in the business and hired him to set up his camera in a corner of the pub and have her dad’s loved ones tell the stories that made up John Murphy’s life.
Although Ferrara no longer has her father here with her, she and her sisters watch the film every year on his birthday and celebrate his memory through the stories of those who knew him best. She has this touching tribute of her father to share with her daughters when they are old enough to participate in the tradition. And the legacy of John Murphy will live on through the memories of those who experienced life with him.
A VALUABLE SERVICE
Throughout the process, she realized what a valuable service this could be for families. And shortly after wondering why no one was doing this, realized she had exactly the skillset to make this happen. “If nobody is doing this, I will do it,” she said to herself. The seed was planted and Why Wait Stories officially launched on April 2, 2020—on what would have been her dad’s 70th birthday.
“The stories have evolved and grown,” Ferrara says, as she talks about the process. She goes to the people and works with them to brainstorm and discover themes in their stories. “I think in pictures and video, and I think I always did."
She spends time with the families in their homes and also as they are doing activities to create a fuller picture of life. Sometimes, she is contracted by the kids or grandkids and sometimes she is contracted by the storyteller. She has commemorated 70th, 80th and 90th birthdays, as well as interviewing a storyteller who was 40 years old.
These stories account for the good times, but also the moments that forged the storytellers and their families, often through trials and tumult. It is a responsibility she doesn't take lightly.
CAPTURING HISTORY + LEGACY
As a chronicler of these stories, Ferrara has gained so much perspective. “Some of the people I have interviewed are wildly successful,” she ponders, “but at the end of life, all that really matters is family.” She goes on to explain the highlights people recall with the most fondness are the moments they made time for each other. Often it was the lack of resources that necessitated a focus and value on setting aside time to make memories.
Ferrara has created a space to capture the history and legacy of a life well lived. She is focusing on the intentionality that weaves the fabric of our society—family by family, story by story.
“We’re all going to pass from this life,” Ferrara says. "Ask the questions while there is still time.”
Lauren was a broadcast journalist for more than 13 years, reporting and anchoring in Colorado, Tennessee, Nevada & Texas. She’s appeared on CNN, FOX News, and even the Colbert Report. She’s won two Colorado Broadcasters Association awards for feature reporting and received an Emmy nomination for her coverage of human trafficking. Lauren lives in Colorado with her husband and two little girls.
Strata Med: An Accessible, Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STRATA MED
MIND. BODY. SPIRIT.
In the hurried world of modern medicine, Strata Med offers an alternative: a holistic approach that embraces the well-being of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Call it concierge medicine. Call it holistic primary care. Call it an evolution in healthcare. It’s all of the above. By blending traditional medical practices with lifestyle medicine, nutrition and supplement guidance, as well as myriad other therapies, Strata Med provides an approachable, accessible healthcare experience that is at once cutting-edge and old-school.
EASIER ACCESS
Traditional health care has come a long way over the last century.
On the one hand, advancements in medicine are mindboggling. On the other hand, accessing care can be tougher than ever. There are the patient portals, phone labyrinths, one-issue appointments, referrals, authorizations, waits, denials and appeals.
"To me, the traditional healthcare system is just inaccessible," says Strata's Dr. Sheila Bee, MD, who specializes in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine.
Strata Med offers a customized model of care with extended appointments, reduced wait times and dozens of specialists under one roof. Doctors and therapists have the opportunity to get to know each patient, guiding them through their health journey.
“It is truly accessible care,” Bee says. “It is personalized care.”
Each patient has a primary doctor, but the entire 40-person team works collaboratively.
"If I’m tied up, every patient is a patient of the entity," says Medical Director Michael Barber, MD, PhD, FACC, FHRS, FAHA.
Practitioners see far fewer patients per day here, leaving ample margin in the schedule to dig deeper with each patient and to accommodate near-term appointments, as needed.
CUSTOMIZED CARE
Strata Med believes health is more than the absence of disease—it's about achieving balance and wellness across all aspects of life. It’s about reducing risk factors and developing a health plan that is preventative rather than reactive.
The Strata team is dedicated to addressing the causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. They explore factors like sleep, diet, exercise and stress levels, working with patients to optimize health and prevent disease.
"I like to look for root causes," Dr. Barber says. "What’s going on underneath? We have the time to figure it out. Most of the time, these things are intertwined."
If needed, Strata Med offers high-quality supplements, carefully vetted for safety, efficacy and cross-interactions.
"It’s the Wild West out there when it comes to supplements," says Assistant Medical Director Jennifer Habashy, NMD, MS.
Though medications or supplements are sometimes necessary, Strata Med's experts also help patients explore whether lifestyle changes might accomplish the same goals.
CONCIERGE MODEL
How does concierge medicine differ from direct primary care? While both models emphasize enhanced access to healthcare, concierge medicine goes a step further by integrating a wider array of services, from preventive care to specialist consultations.
This concierge medicine model offers various memberships at various prices. Patients choose a plan based on what services they want—anything from simple primary care for men or women to cardiology. Membership provides access to comprehensive appointments, follow-up care, laboratory studies and more.
Strata offers a broad base of services that include functional medicine, internal medicine, structural medicine and mindful well-being. The team includes MDs, naturopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, dietitians, nurses, behavioral health specialists, sports medicine specialists, fitness coaches and others.
“There’s a lot of value here,” Barber says.
In addition to medical care and therapies, Strata Med offers “Lunch and Learns” quarterly, as well as eight-week Stress Management and Resiliency Training courses that teach participants self-care practices to reduce stress.
TWO LOCATIONS
Strata now has two locations. The original is at Garden of the Gods Resort & Club. The new location is on the north side of town, near Interquest and Voyager. New patients are being accepted.
Website:www.stratawell.com Facebook: @StrataWell
CLOSE TO HOME, A WORLD AWAY.
Make our home your getaway. As a token of our appreciation, The Broadmoor is extending exclusive nightly rates to our Colorado neighbors for select dates in January and February 2025. Enjoy weekday rates as low as $298* in January, and $339* in February. With weekend rates starting at $318* in January.
Offer includes:
• Complimentary golf greens fees (cart rental not included) thru April 3, 2025
• Complimentary outdoor tennis and pickleball court time thru April 3, 2025
• Suites available at 25% off of published rates
Savor delightful meals in our award-winning restaurants including three-course prix fixe dinners January 1 st through February 28 th* at The Broadmoor’s Ristorante del Lago, Golden Bee and La Taverne. Italian-centric Del Lago’s is $59 per person, gastropub Golden Bee is $49 per person, while the steakhouse Taverne’s is $69 per person. Visit broadmoor.com for more
Wine, Community + Fabulous Views
A New Kind of Experience
Eric and Sheryl Medeiros, retired lawyers, spent much of their working careers in California and Washington. Their proximity to wine country fueled their desire to learn more about and to immerse themselves in wine culture.
“We lived in Woodinville, Washington, a suburb of Seattle, where there are over 100 wineries and tasting rooms,” Sheryl says. “We had many friends in the wine industry that we hung out with, and we picked up a lot of knowledge about wine, wine regions, varietals and tasting.”
RETIREMENT GOALS
When they decided to retire in Colorado Springs, the Medeiroses had a plan to design and open a wine bar that they would want to go to. They spent several months looking for a second-generation building to realize their vision and were continuously outbid by investors. Then they came across a potential opportunity with an incredible view in a fast-growing area of Briargate. There was just one problem: It was a dirt slab.
DESIGNING THE DREAM
While the Medeiroses weren’t originally planning to build, they were excited about the opportunity to plan their perfect space. Sheryl and Eric, along with Sheryl’s brother, an architect, designed the entire structure, inside and out. The bar is the centerpiece of the space and also a work of art that came from Sheryl’s imagination.
ARTICLE BY CARA BUKACEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY MY CELLAR WINE BAR
“We intentionally picked out soft, comfortable seating that would encourage people to come and relax with a glass of wine, soak up the views, and stay awhile,” Sheryl says. “We added large glass garage doors to create an indoor-outdoor experience for our guests and to take full advantage of our mountain vista.”
Original artwork from local artists decorates the space.
“We want to bring some of the vibrant downtown art scene to the Briargate area,” Sheryl says. “We have some talented artists in our community that we enjoy highlighting here. In fact, we began hosting our own First Friday event where we invite the public to come and listen to live music, view art from local artists, and potentially purchase a work of art.”
The space also includes a retail space where guests can buy wine accessories, decor, charcuterie boards and gifts.
My Cellar Wine Bar:
THE WINE
When it comes to the wine, the Medeiroses stand behind everything they serve. They have personally tasted every wine in their carefully curated collection. They also made sure to include bottles at every price point so that wine can be accessible for everyone.
“We don’t pour anything that you can get at a grocery store, big box store or local bottle shops,” Sheryl says. “We want to offer wine that you can only find here. We want our guests to find their favorite wines and then return for another taste.”
If wine isn’t your thing, My Cellar Wine Bar also offers beer on tap, as well as spirits, cocktails, and mocktails.
THE FOOD
The menu is designed around foods that pair well with wine and that are easy to share and graze on while you sip. Items such as warm baguettes with dipping oil, charcuterie spreads, paninis and flatbread pizza are just some of the delicious bites you can enjoy during your visit.
COMMUNITY
“We want people to mingle at our wine bar,” Sheryl says. “We decided to host events that bring people together and create opportunities to connect with other people.”
Making connections with their local community has been a priority for the Medeiroses. They do this through creating events with local businesses, hosting live music and art events, providing wine tasting and education experiences, craft nights, and holding various holiday and pop-up events.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMINO WELLNESS SANCTUARY & THE ELAN STUDIO
Camino Wellness
Sanctuary: Developing a Community around Wellness
Many make resolutions in a new year to align themselves with the goals and plans they have moving forward.
Erin Poovey is no different. She moved to Colorado Springs 15 years ago and wanted to make her mark on her new city through wellness. At that point, she had been a massage therapist for seven years and had specialized in working deep tissue massage with athletes. Having just recently started working with physical therapists and introduced to myofascial work, she sought a way to incorporate this into her practice.
THE POWER OF FEET
Focusing on muscles is what massage therapy taught her, but the myofascial work helped her to focus deeper on the connective tissue that supports the muscles throughout the body that often holds on to tension or become strained due to repetitive activity.
“This was the work I had been trying to do with my hands–and I found it happened effortlessly with my feet,” she says.
Ashiatsu massage is a form of massage that uses the therapist’s bare feet instead of their hands to apply pressure. It allows deep, broad strokes using the therapists body weight to distribute consistent pressure using long gliding strokes while incorporating assisted stretching. Clients who struggle to find massage that is deep enough—or when it is, it feels sharp— will usually appreciate ashiatsu.
Poovey goes on to explain how this type of massage also provides nervous system deregulation as the pressure shifts the client into the parasympathetic, allowing them to relax and let the body resume focus on vital functions.
FROM STUDENT TO INSTRUCTOR
She found this practice to be so effective that eight years ago, Poovey became an instructor of ashiatsu. She wanted to teach other therapists the benefits of this type of massage in hopes to extend the reach to more of her community. She not only trained her own therapists, but invites therapists from all over the U.S. into her classroom to learn the benefits of ashiatsu.
Poovey recently expanded the downtown location. In addition to a classroom, and a couples’ massage room, she has also added a recovery room which incorporates a cold plunge, a sauna and a shower.
In 2025, Poovey plans to expand classes not only to massage therapists, but also to the rest of the community. These classes started out of necessity during 2020, when she was offering online classes to the community on self-massage and corrective exercise. She plans to expand these classes both online and in person to clients and community members wanting to know how to maintain the effects of their massage through self-myofascial release, or how to massage their partner. She is planning mommy-and-me classes to introduce safe touch and communication to promote relaxed, co-regulated states. And workshops around relaxation through floating soundbaths or suspended meditation.
Camino Massage has evolved as a business and grown with Poovey throughout the years. To better reflect all of the options Camino now offers, Poovey recently rebranded. Camino Wellness Sanctuary is developing a community around wellness and offering clients incredible massage.
Hotel Polaris: Stunning New Hotel at the United States Air Force Academy
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOTEL POLARIS
Step inside the new Hotel Polaris and into a different world. This is no run-of-the-mill lodging—it’s a stunning resort-style hotel situated just feet from the bustling north gate of the United States Air Force Academy.
Designed in the post-World War II, midcentury-modern style to mirror the award-winning architecture of the adjacent Academy, the hotel encompasses “a lot of glass, a lot of concrete and a lot of wood,” says Kevin Barosso, director of sales and marketing.
Oh... and a lot of color.
Each Academy cadet class has a color: blue, red, gold or silver. The hotel embraces those symbolic hues throughout—in the tiles framing the three entrances, in the custom carpeting, in the event spaces and in each of the 375 rooms.
THE AMENITIES
It is the city’s second-largest hotel, after the Broadmoor.
“There’s nothing on the north end like this,” Barosso says.
Outdoor pool with cabanas and a sun deck. Sprawling plaza with grassy areas. On-site docents who will share facts and stories about the Air Force Academy. About 40,000 square feet of customizable indoor and outdoor event spaces. A full-service spa and fitness center. Six restaurants and bars. A lighted bocci ball court that will double in the winter as a mini curling court.
And… wait for it… the only in-hotel flight simulators in the United States. The three simulators—two F16s and one Boeing 737—are housed on the lower level and available to rent in 30-minute increments for individuals, birthday parties, corporate events and more.
“They are the actual cockpits of the planes,” Barosso says. “It is a real, immersive experience.”
The hotel also is connected by a bridge to the Hosmer Visitor Center, scheduled to open later this year.
FOOD + BEVERAGES
The restaurants and bars range from full-service to graband-go, with everything in between.
“We expect a very large local crowd,” Barosso says. “We want to be open to all.”
Pamela’s, one of five dining experiences on the lobby level, offers all-day brunch and dinner in the evenings and has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It features regional American cuisine, such as cioppino from the Bay area, chowders from the Northeast, seafood and other delicacies.
CONTINUED >
CROWD.
WE WANT TO BE OPEN TO ALL.”
“WE EXPECT A VERY LARGE LOCAL
“It’s ... reflective of the best of America,” Barosso says.
Others on the lobby level include the Thunderbird Bar, Backyard Bites outside near the plaza and pool, The Graband-Go Café and Doolies—a casual, family-friendly, soda shop-style diner.
And… perched atop the nine-story building: The Aviator Rooftop Bar. Quintessential midcentury-modern egg-shaped chairs hanging from the ceiling. Indoor and outdoor seating with sweeping views of the Academy and the Rockies. Craft cocktails and mocktails. Shareable appetizers.
“We anticipate this being a really popular spot,” Barosso says.
Executive Chef Ken Butler, a Colorado native, leads the culinary team. He has traveled the world in search of flavorful combinations—a journey that ultimately led him back to Colorado.
“From Palisade peaches to Olathe corn, Rocky Ford cantaloupe and the endless farm-raised game and beef, Colorado truly is a bounty of incredible foods,” Butler says.
ROOMS + SUITES
Ever wondered what it’s like to walk through hallowed halls of the dorms at USAFA? Take a stroll down the halls of Hotel Polaris—they are purposefully reminiscent (albeit more upscale) of the Academy’s two cadet living quarters buildings: Vandenberg Hall and Sijan Hall.
Room entrances, for instance, are arranged in a “quad” pattern—hall, wider space with four doors, hall, wider space with four doors.
Have guests in town? Planning a staycation? The 375 guest rooms sport a beautiful balance of form and function, with generous windows, warm wood tones, period-inspired lighting, aviation-inspired art and various extras, like Lavazza coffee makers.
Looking for something extraordinary? Take a peek at the 888-square-foot Summit View Suites or “The Boss” Superintendent Suite, a 1200-squarefoot masterpiece with a coat closet, bar and dining room, living room, separate bedroom, wrap-around balcony and more.
Each suite has the option of connecting to a double queen room. All suites, plus club-level rooms on the top floor have access to an exclusive lounge with breakfast, all-day snacks, evening appetizers and cocktails and other perks. Any room can be upgraded to club level for $150 per day.
SPA
Ascend Spa & Wellness, tucked into the northwest corner of the property, has an identity all its own. Pass through the doors and into tranquility. A fitness center and full menu of spa services are just the beginning here. There are also on-site classes, outdoor adventures and special events.
And perhaps the best part? A peaceful indoor/outdoor relaxation area just for Ascend patrons.
Website: www.thehotelpolaris.com
Facebook: @HotelPolarisCO
Instagram: @HotelPolaris_CO
Whether you’re celebrating the biggest milestones in life with friends and family, or simply enjoying a night out with the one you love, we look for ways to over-deliver on every detail. With over 65,000 square feet of event space and everything from catering to floral design, Altitude Hospitality Group is here to account for every detail. Learn more about our family of brands at altitudehg.com
HOT TUB HEALTH BENEFITS
RELAXATION, DETOXING AND SO MUCH MORE
Hot tubs and pools combine innovation and luxury to create spaces that foster both physical and mental well-being, offering everyday enjoyment and wellness.
Using a hot tub can provide a range of health benefits beyond relaxation and detoxing. The combination of warm water, buoyancy and jets creates a therapeutic environment that offers physical, mental and emotional benefits.
Below is a brief breakdown of a few beneficial health advantages associated with regular hot tub use, according to local hot tub authority and spa expert Wanda Shepard of Arctic Spas:
DETOXIFICATION
The heat of the water increases the body’s core temperature, which can induce sweating. Sweating helps to eliminate toxins from the body, promoting clearer skin and overall detoxification.
STRESS RELIEF + MENTAL WELL-BEING
One of the most immediate benefits of using a hot tub is stress relief. The warm water helps relax the muscles and soothe the mind. The buoyancy provided by the water reduces strain and tension in the body. Additionally, hydrotherapy jets can ease muscle tightness, promoting overall relaxation. The reduction in stress can lead to much better sleep and improved mood.
ENHANCED MENTAL CLARITY
The combination of stress relief, pain reduction, and improved sleep can lead to enhanced mental clarity. Regular hot tub sessions can reduce mental fog, improve focus, and increase overall cognitive function.
SOCIAL INTERACTION
Hot tubs can be a great space for quality time spent with family or socializing with friends. Spending time with friends and family in a hot tub can enhance relationships and provide emotional support, contributing to overall happiness and improved mental health.
IMPROVED CIRCULATION, PAIN RELIEF AND MUSCLE RECOVERY
Hot tubs can significantly improve circulation. The heat from the water causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to various parts of the body. Enhanced circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues more effectively, promoting healing and improving cardiovascular health. Hot tubs are often recommended for pain relief, particularly to those suffering from chronic conditions. The heat relaxes the muscles, reducing spasms and stiffness. The buoyancy supports the body, reducing the pressure on joints and making mobility easier. The massaging action of the jets can also help alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness, providing relief.
CONTINUED >
For athletes and individuals who engage in regular physical activity, hot tubs can aid in muscle recovery. After an intense workout, muscles can become sore due to the buildup of lactic acid. Soaking in a spa can reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery time.
HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH
“One of the things that's really great with hot tubs is that it helps reduce stress,” says Shepard, the manager of Arctic Spas' Colorado Springs store. “It helps with detoxing the body, and also with family-time and socializing. The number one benefit is detoxing.”
Regular hot tub use offers a holistic approach to health, benefiting both body and mind. Whether you're seeking relief from physical pain, a way to unwind or a method to improve sleep, a hot spa can be valuable for wellness. Arctic Spas also offers saltwater tubs, cold tubs, allweather pools and swim spas.
Website: www.arcticspascos.com
Facebook: @Arctic.Spas.Colorado.Springs
Instagram: @ArcticSpasColoradoSprings
UPCYCLING NEW + VINTAGE TEXTILES
AMICI SCARVES: TRANSFORMING ORGANIC FABRIC INTO WEARABLE ART
ARTICLE BY CARA BUKACEK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMICI SCARVES
“THE NAME AMICI WAS CHOSEN BECAUSE IT MEANS ‘FRIEND’ IN ITALIAN.”
Nuno felting: Combining several layers of loose fibers, usually wool, into loose weave, organic textiles to create a lightweight and durable fabric.
LEARNING
Fifteen years ago, Susan Stevens learned the art of nuno felting from her sister Trishia at a local workshop. She learned how to use tensile silk and unspun merino wool, called roving, to create felted fabric. Stevens enjoyed the process of creating and transforming textiles into something more beautiful and unique.
“The basic process of nuno felting starts with selecting an organic fabric and
laying it out flat,” Stevens explains. “Then you take the roving and lay it out in a thin strip. Then you fold the fabric over top of the roving. Next you saturate the fabric with water and soap and use your hands to agitate and rub the material together. This technique bonds the fabric and roving together. After agitating, you open the fabric up and rub your hand across roving to make sure all the roving is bonded. Once completely bonded, you rinse the fabric until all the soap is gone.”
TEACHING + CREATING
A few years after learning the technique, Stevens, who was working as a physical
education teacher, was approached by a colleague who wanted to learn. Shortly after that, they went into business together, making and selling nuno-felted scarves through a local boutique and at home shows.
“The name Amici was chosen because it means friend in Italian,” Stevens says. “My business partner is Italian and it just fit. Every creation has an “Amici Star” felted into the fabric as a signature of authenticity.”
ONE-OF-A-KIND, WEARABLE ART
After three years, Susan’s business partner took a job as a principal and didn’t have the time to devote to their creative side gig. Stevens continued and found a space at Eclectic CO., an artist co-op, where she sold her felted scarves and shawls alongside various accessories like hat bands and headbands. She also started selling at local summer markets, which introduced her scarves to larger base of potential customers.
Susan now exclusively sells her scarves at various markets, the International Quilt Show in Oregon, and in-person shopping at her home. Her Instagram is the best way to contact her and find out where her next market will be.
“I am now retired from teaching and I have so much fun with this business,” she says. “It keeps me busy and I create one-ofa-kind wearable art. I just love what I do.”
Website: www.amiciscarves.com
Instagram: @Amici_Scarves_Susan
BROADMOOR THE WINTER POLO CLASSIC
MIXING HEALTH AND FLAVOR
A Delicious Mocktail to Savor Without the Alcohol.
ARTICLE
BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL
INGREDIENTS
ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP
• 1 cup cane sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL
• 5 tablespoons pear juice
• 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
• Sparkling water to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP
Combine sugar and water in a pot and cook over medium heat. Cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Turn off heat and toss in rosemary sprigs. Cool completely.
HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL
Pour pear juice, rosemary simple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water into a glass. Add ice and garnish if desired.
GRAPEFRUIT THYME MOCKTAIL
INGREDIENTS
THYME SIMPLE SYRUP
• 1 cup cane sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup fresh thyme
GRAPEFRUIT THYME MOCKTAIL
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice
• 1/3 cup thyme syrup
• Ice
INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP:
Combine water and sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil and then simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and add fresh thyme and steep.
HOW TO MAKE GRAPEFRUIT THYME MOCKTAIL
Rim glass with sugar if desired. Fill glass with ice. Add 3 tablespoons thyme syrup to each glass and fill up with 1/2 cup grapefruit juice and approximately 1 cup sparkling water. Garnish.
WIZARDLY
BUTTER BEER
INGREDIENTS
BUTTER BEER
• 2 liters of cream soda
• 2 tablespoons butter extract
• 2 teaspoons rum extract
CREME TOPPING
• 7 ounce container of marshmallow creme or fluff
• 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon rum extract
INSTRUCTIONS
Add the rum extract and butter extract to the 2 liters of cream soda. Close lid and gently mix. Prepare the topping by combining the marshmallow creme, whipping cream and rum extract. Beat on high for a few minutes until peaks appear. Add a few tablespoons of whipped topping to the bottom of glass. Pour cream soda over topping. Enjoy!
events
CHECK WEBSITE FOR TIMES AND DATES
Winter Horseback Riding
Academy Riding Stables
You don't have to wait until summer to go horseback riding. Academy Riding Stables offers rides year-round through the Garden of the Gods! Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, trained wranglers ensure your ride is fantastic. During the winter, one-hour rides are at 10 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3 pm. Two-hour rides are at 10:30 am and 2 pm. www.academyridingstables.com
THROUGH JANUARY 31
Skate in the Park
Acacia Park, Downtown | 10:00 AM
Skate on a beautiful outdoor ice rink right downtown at Acacia Park through Jan. 31. Tickets: $13, includes skates. Children four and under are free with a paying adult. $1 off for first responders and military members (with ID). Skate in the Park prefers credit cards. Tickets only available at the rink, at time of session. Times vary by day; please check website for details. downtowncs.com/event/skate
JANUARY 4TH
Saturday Night Improv with Improv Colorado
Peak Improv Theater | 7:00 PM
If you like “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” you will love this show! Improv Colorado will bring laughter to any date night, girls’ night out, meetup event or solo outing. Seasoned improv artists will amaze you with their wit and imagination! Every show is different than the last because it is all made up on the spot! Bring the family or make it a date. improvcolorado.com/events
JANUARY 6TH
STOMP
Pikes Peak Center | 7:30 PM
STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty and unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments–matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps–to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. americantheatreguild.com/coloradosprings/shows/stomp
JANUARY 10TH
The Broadmoor Sessions: An Evening with Bruce Hornsby
The Broadmoor
It's an exclusive multi-day concert experience. Kick-off Friday night with an intimate performance by Hazel Miller and the Collective, as well as local favorite The Disruptors. On Saturday, 13-time Grammy nominee Bruce Hornsby takes the stage for an acoustic genre-defying solo performance. Immerse yourself in live music, western charm, and the timeless luxury of The Broadmoor.www.broadmoor.com/ special-packages/the-broadmoor-sessions
JANUARY 10TH
Air Force Hockey
Cadet Ice Arena | 7:05 PM
Who is ready for some hockey? Air Force has two home matchups in January. The first is against Bentley University on January 10-11; the second is against Holy Cross on Jan. 24-25. Go Falcons! https://goairforcefalcons.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/schedule
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Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization and a standalone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. . At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 877‑320‑1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 877‑320‑1235 (TTY: 711).
JANUARY 11TH
Mozart's Requiem
First United Methodist Church | 7:00 PM
If you’ve seen the movie Amadeus , you might think you know the story behind Mozart’s Requiem... but you would be wrong. This concert lays out the true story, highlighting the individual contributions from as many as six different composers who helped complete the music after Mozart’s death. Learn all there is to know about the deception and mystery surrounding this piece. www.chamberorchestraofthesprings.org/mozarts-requiem
JANUARY 15TH
Springs Contemporary Jazz Big Band
Trinity Brewing Company | 6:00 PM
Join the Springs' hottest 16-piece Big Band for cold beer, dinner and hot jazz. World class musicians playing the best of standards all night long. www.facebook.com/SCJBB
JANUARY 15TH
Wine Boot Camp: Wine 101
Uva Wine Bar | 6:30 PM
Does wine intimidate you? It shouldn't. During this boot camp, experts will walk you through the basics of wine tasting, main wine styles, major grape varietals, decoding wine labels, major wine regions of the world and more! $39 per person. Limited to 12 guests. www.uvawinebarcos.com/event-details-registration/wine-boot-camp-wine-101
JANUARY 17TH
The Colorado Springs Home Show
Colorado Springs Event Center | 12:00 PM
Whether you’re planning on upgrading your home or need a reliable contractor to fix your leaking roof, the Springs Home Show is your place to find all local remodeling experts. The Colorado Springs Home Show hosts local and national exhibitors offering exclusive deals and discounts. You’ll save both time and money while attending the Springs Home Show. Runs through Jan. 19. thespringshomeshow.com
JANUARY 18TH
Lunar New Year: The Year of the Snake
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum | 10:00 AM
In June of 2023, Lunar New Year Day was established as an official observed state holiday in Colorado on the first Friday of every February. The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is thrilled to host the Pikes Peak regional celebration of the Lunar New Year. Guests are invited to celebrate at this family-friendly event with performances, crafts, and information and activity booths presented by local organizations. www.cspm.org/events/lunarnewyear2025
JANUARY 26TH
Josh
Ritter
Lulu's Live Music & Bar | 8:00 PM
Renowned singer, songwriter, musician, artist and best-selling author Josh Ritter has released his anticipated new album, Spectral Lines, out now via Thirty Tigers. One of today’s most thoughtful and prolific voices, Ritter has released 11 studio albums including 2019’s widely acclaimed Fever Breaks. See him at Lulu's. All ages welcome. www.lulusmusic.co/shows/josh-ritter
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