Colorado Springs, CO May 2024

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Ladies

April showers bring May flowers. Does that include showers of the snow and graupel variety? If so, we should have bunches of flowers just in time for Mother’s Day—the day we celebrate moms and other important women in our lives.

This issue is dedicated to all of the ladies in our community.

To the moms.

To the grandmas.

To the women business owners.

To the visionaries and the workers and the dreamers who are making the Pikes Peak region a better, more beautiful place every single day.

Thank you.

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, take a little time to celebrate yourselves. Go out for coffee. Take a hike with girlfriends. Grab a cocktail or mocktail and listen to some great local music.

In this issue, we are highlighting some amazing women. Read about Miss America Madison Marsh, a recent graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. Learn about women-owned stand-up paddleboard yoga and wine boutique businesses. Get the latest on a health-care collaborative with an innovative approach to women's health.

We have the scoop on three powerhouse local women artists, a business that can help you outfit your outdoor space and another that can help you with all of your glass projects.

For those looking to give back, we have a Q&A with three local nonprofits, who explain the power of local support. And finally... we have a fun story about a cool cyberpunk lounge, right here in Colorado Springs.

Happy May! And thanks for reading...

ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK, EDITOR

@COLORADOSPRINGSLIFESTYLEMAG

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Scott Barr | scott.barr@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Stephanie Barr | stephanie.barr@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Ashley Hamershock ashley.hamershock@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Cara Bukacek | coloradosprings@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Hamershock, Rochelle Reeder, Cara Bukacek, Lindsay Tallman, Kristain DePue

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Strata Wellness, Miriam Thurber, Joes Miguel T. Tamondong, Miss American Organization MAO, Christy Sports, Chiba Bar, Wine Gallery, Cara Bukacek, Pella Windows & Doors, Kira Whitney, Lauren Browning, Lisa Faherty, Dragonfly Paddleboard, Care & Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado, Pikes Peak Humane Society, Goodwill of Colorado, Madison Marsh, US Air Force Academy, Mindy Warman Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman Learn

NO LIMITS

Madison Marsh’s story is as inspiring as it is unconventional— from dreaming of space exploration to attending the United States Air Force Academy and Harvard to becoming the first active-duty military member named Miss America.

With a deep commitment to her passions and an unwavering dedication to service, Marsh is breaking barriers and crushing stereotypes at every turn.

“They call it a leadership laboratory for a reason.” -Madison Marsh, speaking about the United States Air Force Academy

AIMING HIGH

"I had a dream to go to the Air Force Academy to become an astronaut," Marsh says, reflecting on the aspirations of her formative years.

Her path toward fulfilling this dream led her to civilian aviation, soloing at age 15, and helped pave the way for her enrollment at the prestigious Air Force Academy. The school's rigorous education and opportunities for flight training provided Marsh with the ideal platform to pursue her goals.

"It’s such a unique place that you can’t really put a lot of labels on it because of all the things you get to do," says Marsh, who graduated as a second lieutenant in 2023.

USAFA not only equipped her with a top-notch education in physics and engineering, but also honed her leadership skills through its immersive environment.

“They call it a leadership laboratory for a reason,” she says.

To young women (and men) considering military service, Marsh offers encouragement, highlighting the supportive community and “endless”

opportunities the military provides. The Academy's emphasis on personal development helped propel Marsh toward remarkable achievements, including impressive scholarships and recognition as a Rhodes finalist.

She graduated with a degree in astrophysics last year, but during her time at the Academy, Marsh’s career dreams shifted.

A DIFFERENT MISSION

“For a long time, I kept saying I wanted to be an astronaut because it had become a part of my personality. ...," she says. "I thought if I stepped away from that, people might be disappointed, but it’s been the complete opposite experience from that.”

After her mom died of pancreatic cancer when Marsh was 17, she and her family launched the Whitney Marsh Foundation, which raises money for pancreatic cancer research. As she neared college graduation, Marsh realized that her heart was leading her toward a career that would further that mission, rather than space missions.

She earned a coveted Truman Scholarship, deferred her pilot training and is pursuing a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. One semester in, she's taking a year off for Miss America duties, and will return to Harvard in 2025.

“I’ve had the very special opportunity to study with people at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School for how they do early detection–how artificial intelligence intersects with pancreatic cancer. And now, we need to relay that into policy.”

Meanwhile, she will fulfill her required Air Force commitment in three ways: first, through a public affairs/recruiting role while serving as Miss America; second, through the Air Force Institute of Technology's Civilian Institution Programs for the remainder of her studies at Harvard; and third, through a more conventional role in the Air Force.

SCHOLARSHIP + LEADERSHIP

At first glance, the Air Force and Miss America might seem worlds apart. Marsh, however, sees the shared values of education, leadership, service and camaraderie that underpin both institutions—as well as the common battle against unfair stereotypes.

“I would say they have a lot more in common than what meets the eye,” she says.

She points out that the Miss America Foundation is a major provider of women's scholarships, having personally received around $70,000 herself, and notes that this commitment to education mirrors the Air Force's focus on higher learning to foster leadership development.

No matter the domain, Marsh believes the best leaders possess two qualities: They are hardworking, and they care.

"Not everyone is going to be 100 percent at all times and if you can make your unit value on leaning on one another, I think you can be truly unbreakable."

FINDING YOUR PASSIONS

Marsh has a busier schedule than most, and recently got engaged on top of it all. She acknowledges that she has, at times, used "a giant calendar" to map out her days in 30-minute increments.

“There were definitely some times when people had told me to pick one thing. … If I had given up one any one of those passions, I wouldn’t have been authentically me,” she says.

In recent years, Marsh has learned that an important facet of time management is self-care.

“For the first year (at the Academy), I definitely did not prioritize that. … Once I started to slowly focus on, ‘OK. I need to make time for the gym. I need to make time to read a book every night and to unplug my phone,' that’s when I saw things really start to turn around."

Since then, she has worked tirelessly to better envision her life as she wants it to be.

“I really think that’s where you find your passions—not having the input of maybe what society wants you to be or what you think social media might want you to be,” she says. “And once you can find that, ... the only person that really gets to define what you’re going to do and define your love and your life is going to be you.”

WEBSITES + SOCIAL MEDIA

Madison Marsh: @madiisabellaa

US Air Force Academy:  https://www.usafa.edu/ Facebook: @USAFA.Official Instagram: @af_academy

Miss America Opportunity: https://www.missamerica.org/ @MissAmerica

Whitney Marsh Foundation: https://whitneysrace.org/

Our goal is to make connections with our customers and to help them find their perfect bottle of wine.

-Amy Haight

Cindy Reiman is a woman who wears many hats. A retired Army veteran and registered nurse, Reiman purchased a commercial property on Delmonico Drive 25 years ago. Five years later, she opened Mateo’s Salon and Day Spa as the anchor business in her building. For several years, Reiman kept hoping that someone would open a wine store in the space next to her spa.

“I love wine and wanted a wine boutique, not a liquor store,” Reiman says.

Reiman knew exactly what she wanted, but it took her several years to convince herself to open the wine boutique herself. In 2013, she did just that. She created a space with a “Colorado feel” and did most of the construction herself. She wanted people to feel welcomed as soon as they walked in the door. Every detail, including sight, smell, and sound were carefully considered.

When you walk through the doors, you will notice that the layout of the store is thoughtfully and beautifully organized. The smell of cedar and gently scented candles fill the air. And the sounds of relaxing jazz music set the tone for a high-end, boutique shopping experience.

WINE BOUTIQUE WITH A CONSCIENCE

Unlike most wine retailers, The Wine Gallery focuses on smaller, family-owned vineyards. They are building a selection of wines that are at minimum organic, but also bio-dynamically farmed. They do not sell mass-produced wines or products.

“Grapes are on the Dirty Dozen list with over 95 percent testing positive for pesticides and chemicals,” says co-manager Amy Haight. “It is important to us to sell wines that are chemical- and pesticide-free.”

The Wine Gallery has more than 300 varieties of wine from around the world, including rare wines that

are typically hard to find. They also stock a selection of craft beer, spirits, gourmet foods and gifts.

CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Every employee of The Wine Gallery is highly educated about wine. They all hold a sommelier certificate and are continuously educating themselves to better serve their patrons.

“We are very personable,” Haight says. “Our goal is to make connections with our customers and to help them find their perfect bottle of wine. We take the stress out of picking wine and enjoy helping people find the right wines to pair with their food.”

In addition, The Wine Gallery also offers wine and cheese pairings every Friday as well as Wine-less Wednesdays, which focus on spirits, liqueurs, ciders, beer, and everything else they don’t feature during wine tastings. These tastings are typically complimentary and are a wonderful way to broaden your knowledge of wines and spirits.

THE PERFECT GIFT

Wine Gift Crates make gifting exceptionally easy. You can either personally pick items for your crate or have them expertly selected and packed for you.

“Often times, people will just call the store and tell us what type of gift they need,” Haight says. “We select wines, gourmet foods, and various products to create the perfect personalized gift crate.”

If you live locally, The Wine Gallery will even deliver your gift crates!

Website: https://thewinegalleryco.com/ Instagram + Facebook: @TheWineGallery.co

BASSETT FURNITURE MONTH

Now during Bassett Furniture Month, enjoy special savings for every room in your home from this legendary brand.

Sofas and sectionals, bedrooms, and dining rooms custom made in Bassett Virginia, and Conover NC, and delivered to you in approximately 45 days.

For over a century, Bassett furniture has been known for its quality and value. Come shop us today and see why!

American Furniture Galleries....Furniture for your lifestyle!

INTERIOR DESIGN studio

STOREFRONT and

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO

AT JULIE KAY DESIGN STUDIO, WE’RE DEDICATED TO HELPING YOU TRANSFORM YOUR HOUSE INTO A BEAUTIFUL, FUNCTIONAL HOME WHERE YOUR FAMILY CAN GROW AND THRIVE. IF YOU ARE BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME, REMODELING, OR SIMPLY UPDATING FURNISHINGS, WE CAN HELP WITH EVERY DETAIL.

STOREFRONT-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

HERE YOU WILL FIND A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF DESIGNER CURATED & CUSTOM PIECES. WHETHER YOUR STYLE IS MODERN, TRADITIONAL, BOHO, OR ECLECTIC, THERE IS A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! WE CARRY STATEMENT ART, UPHOLSTERY, RUGS AND MANY ONE-OF-A-KIND ACCESSORIES THAT YOU’LL LOVE TO HAVE IN YOUR HOME

FAMILY BLOOMS Business in Colorado

MOUNTAIN VIEW PELLA: WHERE FAMILY AND INNOVATION COME TOGETHER

As Coloradans ride the roller coaster of 2024 housing market conditions the number of homeowners choosing to upgrade their current home has increased compared to prior years. One local family business is helping homeowners enjoy their existing spaces by reimagining their home’s potential.

Kennedi (White) Pettofrezzo, vice president and co-owner of Mountain View Pella says, “It’s rewarding to know we’re helping people fall in love with their homes all over again. I grew up in Colorado. My family has been part of the building materials business in the state for decades, so carrying on the tradition means a lot to me.”

Pettofrezzo and her husband Chris became independent owners and distributors of the Pella Windows and Doors locations in Colorado Springs and Grand Junction in 2021 and have witnessed the local market shift heavily from single-family new build projects to renovation and replacement.

“It’s no surprise that homeowners are opting to hold on to their low, fixed-rate mortgages. Instead, people have focused on upgrading existing features, like windows and doors, because it’s such an incredible improvement in both aesthetics, energy efficiency, and comfort,” says Pettofrezzo.

COLORADO ROOTS

As one of only a handful of women with an ownership stake in the Pella Distribution Sales Network, Pettofrezzo says, “I’m the third generation in my family to lead a business in this industry, following in my grandfather’s footsteps. He was the founder of Arrow Glass in Grand Junction, which began operations in the 1960s, so I guess you could say it’s in my blood.”

The construction industry has always been a male-dominated industry, and for the most part that still holds true. Another steadfast truth of the trade? Women remain the primary decision maker on home-related purchases.

“I think women are more easily intimidated by the window replacement process because it’s something you probably only do once in your lifetime, and it can be a significant financial investment in your home. Making the right decisions can be stressful. Our goal is to make the window buying and replacement experience as painless as possible for our customers. I can’t say it’s simple–it’s construction, after all. But we take time to discuss the customer’s needs and walk alongside her, so she is comfortable all throughout the process from product selection to final price and installation. No guessing games here,” Pettofrezzo says.

THE PELLA DIFFERENCE

Pella of Colorado Springs has a newly renovated experience center located on Corporate Center Circle, as well as a brand-new location in Grand Junction that opened in February of this year. These experience centers offer the ability to see and operate full-size Pella window and door products. While many customers opt for an in-home consultation, the showroom offers ample opportunities for a hands-on experience, allowing customers to feel the quality of the products and see different design attributes.

“I especially like showing customers our Lifestyle windows and patio doors with blinds between the glass. Pella has offered that product feature for years, but people are still amazed when we show it to them,” chuckles Pettofrezzo. “It’s fun to help people think about how their window choices can impact the comfort of their home on a daily basis, and then show them how to customize their selections based on their personal preferences.”

Having a comfortable home is at the top of the list when it comes to reasons to renovate. From blizzards to high winds and huge temperature fluctuations, Colorado homes take a year-round beating. Pettofrezzo says Pella makes the best products for the job.

“We do quite a bit of work in historic neighborhoods where specific design details are required by HOA’s for historical accuracy.”

Pella also works on a number of notable buildings in the area like the west tower and the golf club at The Broadmoor; and replacing the windows of the historic Western Hotel in Ouray, which was being restored to its original grandeur.

“Everything had to meet the historical requirements and be the exact size within a sixteenth of an inch,” she says, “the precision is incredible.”

Colorado Springs has experienced a surge of new residents as homeowners move further from Denver looking for housing affordability and improved cost of living.

Pettofrezzo says, “We chose to keep our roots here in Colorado and build a business here not only because the region is growing, but because we’re committed to investing in the communities where we live and work.”

Pella has 43 full-time team members between their two locations, some of whom have been selling and servicing Pella windows for decades. “Their expertise and work ethic is simply unmatched, and I hope that watching their dedication will inspire my own kids to embody those same traits,” she shares.

As the tapestry of Colorado's housing landscape continues to evolve, Pettofrezzo and Mountain View Pella embodies a steadfast commitment to enhancing the beauty and functionality of homes across the state. Through a blend of innovative products and a customer-centric approach, they're not just adapting to the market's shift towards renovation and replacement, but are leading it with grace and expertise. Pettofrezzo’s dedication to her family's legacy and to the homeowners of Colorado is a testament to the enduring spirit of local entrepreneurship and community investment.

Website: PellaofColoradoSprings.com

Facebook: @PellaWindowsAndDoorsOfColoradoSprings

Instagram: @PellaColoradoSprings

Creating a Perfect Patio

Christy Sports: Experts in Outfitting Outdoor Third Spaces

Averaging more than 300 days of sunshine a year in the state, the outdoors is an integral part of the Colorado Springs lifestyle. Whether it is adventuring in the mountains or lounging with a craft beer in the backyard next to the grill, there are many ways Coloradans choose to encounter the outdoors.

THE THIRD SPACE

The patio is many Coloradans’ thirdspace, and outfitting a home’s outdoor square footage is a priority to locals. It is important to have furniture that can accommodate the desired lifestyle as well as gracefully weather the Colorado seasons. In many ways, picking outdoor furniture can be similar to picking indoor furniture. It is an investment with color scheme, durability, and materials all being factors taken into account.

Christy Sports aims to meet everyone’s seasonal needs. They are a staple in the community, well known for outfitting locals with the necessary equipment catering to an active outdoor lifestyle. However, some are unaware that they care

about how locals experience the outdoors while also at rest.

MATERIALS THAT LAST

Homecrest, Castelle, and O.W. Lee are some of the brands they offer to aid in furnishing that ever-important third space to enhance the at-home outdoor experience. Mike Lloyd at Christy Sports encourages patrons to bring in pictures and measurements of the outdoor space to check out available options. Staff are trained to review the size and intention of the space with patrons to aid in making educated decisions on what will fit and last for years to come.

“We are not designers, per se, but we know our products really well and can help find the products that fits the customer’s vision and needs,” Lloyd says.

Composition of the space, materials that last and books of fabric options truly give Coloradans the option to customize the perfect patio to fit their aesthetic and lifestyle and enjoy the outdoors while at rest. Stop in to see how you can make your outdoor space as cozy as your indoor space.

Website: https://www.christysports.com/ | Facebook + Instagram: @ChristySports

We know our products really well and can help find the products that fits the customer’s vision.

Transfor m Your Smile WITH PORCEL AIN VENEER S

An Integrative Approach to

Women’s Health

With the Garden of the Gods as a stunning backdrop, Strata Med is a holistic, integrative medical practice that provides a whole-person approach to wellness. Strata’s concierge medicine includes functional, internal and structural medicine, as well as mindful wellbeing. In addition to more conventional lab tests, the practice offers environmental testing and food sensitivity testing.

Strata’s women’s wellness membership supports women’s holistic and conventional health during all stages of life. Typically, women choose a one-year membership. There are different tiers, but by far the most popular is the women’s lifestyle membership, which offers a comprehensive analysis during the first three months to get to know the patient at a physical, mental, and spiritual level, followed by the formulation of a personalized treatment plan. Each patient’s plan is individual, based on the patient’s needs.

Women who seek out treatment at Strata have often felt frustrated with the current conventional model of health care and don’t feel like their needs have been heard. Women who come to Strata are wanting more individualized care and options. The team of practitioners at Strata look for underlying causes and create patient-centric treatment plans with a goal providing the most return for the patient’s investment.

Regarding Strata’s personalized approach, Assistant Medical Director Jennifer Habashy says, “Everybody’s treatment plan looks different so it’s not a just a onesize-fits-all approach.”

“Patients value the time and energy that Strata’s health care providers put into the individualized plan.”

A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT

Patients value the time and energy that Strata’s health care providers put into the individualized plan. The providers are passionate about what they do and have mutual respect for each other’s expertise.

The collaborative effort of the practice includes a weekly meeting to discuss patient treatment plans and generate ideas along with next steps to ensure that all the providers are working as a team for the patient. By taking all of the providers’ expertise into account, patients receive comprehensive, supportive care.

Habashy says she’s passionate about helping people and gains joy from offering service and care to others. “I feel very lucky and grateful.”

Women who are interested in finding out more about the Strata Women’s Wellness Membership can schedule an appointment with one of the wellness coordinators, who will give prospective patients a tour and provide information about the various membership options.

Website: https://www.stratawell.com/ Facebook + Instagram: @StrataWell

ARTISTS AMONG US

THREE STRONG LOCAL WOMEN MAKING BEAUTIFUL ART

There is a thread of creativity, strength and lifelong-learning in these women. They unapologetically want it all and have structured their lives to accommodate that desire. They have leaned into their strengths. They have found purpose and value in embracing their natural gifts, while honing in on how to grow and thrive in a place that provides them balance. They seek community and to grow and enhance their city of choice.

And they walk among us.

“I end up falling in love with each of my subjects.”

-Lauren Browning

After the pandemic, when many jobs were taken remote, Lauren Browning and her husband saw an opportunity to relocate to the mountains. They checked out a few places, fell in love with Colorado Springs and decided to make it home.

Browning remembers always drawing and coloring as a child and chose to further her art education while in college. She went to sign up for a drawing class, but finding they were all full, she settled on painting. Her artistic nature translated easily, but more than that, infused the opportunity for her to create layers within her work.

With her drawing, she focuses on faces and the human form. She appreciates the challenge of finding the small details and the perfect imperfections that capture a person’s essence. It is an exercise in discovery.

Her current collection, on display at Ephemera at C.O.A.T.I., blends the artistic and the analytical, beautifully depicting the dichotomy of a strong woman. The paintings boldly portray a woman’s face in various states of thought and being. As the viewer begins to ponder what the subject is thinking, the background fades into view and underlines the layers that inevitably weave together the whole, influencing or directing the desires, beliefs or concerns of the subject.

“I end up falling in love with each of my subjects,” Browning says.

And it’s easy to see why.

https://www.laurenbrowning.art/ |  @Artwork_by_LB

Lauren Browning

Laura Weston

Laura Weston has always been creative. Even during her years managing a law office and carrying out paralegal duties, raising children and spending time with her grandchildren, she made time for art. Seeking an activity she could do with her granddaughter, she fell in love with collage.

“I was looking for a project we could do together; something where I wasn’t the ‘expert,’” she recalls.

Almost nine years later, her studio is now dedicated to collage, the art of assembling parts of unrelated things to create a new whole. Things that could be perceived as useless or discarded. Weston does not see misfit—she sees light and shadow, color and pattern. She sees flowers, mountains, and trees.

At first glance, the viewer sees landscapes with valleys and snowy peaks. They see tablecloths and vases with vivid flower arrangements. And then they come closer. Plaid or gingham patterns materialize on a mountain side. Is that a word hidden on the tablecloth?

“It’s just paper,” she states. And the word “just” seems overly simplistic in that explanation.

But, it is paper. And it has been torn from the whole and placed in a way that creates new perspective and purpose. What was a dark, patterned piece of paper is now a shadow. What was once a photo of a rug in a magazine is now an integral part of a table runner. What was once flat and two-dimensional now creates movement and highlights.

What a noble calling to be able to give purpose and new beauty to a thing. To take something torn and discarded and give it life.

https://www.laurastornpaper.com/

“My paintbrush hit the canvas and every cell in my body tingled.” -Lisa Faherty

Lisa Faherty

For years the question has been “Are you right- or left-brained?” What if, instead, the question was “How are you engaging your right or left brain?”

Lisa Faherty has a very left-brained job that she attends to during her day. Her mom is an artist and Faherty remembers making art as a young girl. However, as she got older, responsibilities became the focus and “frivolities” like art were placed on the back burner.

In 2017, Faherty took a class with an acrylic artist which had her dipping her toe back in the artistic waters. That Christmas, her husband gifted her a set of oil paints and she subsequently signed up for a class at Bemis School of Art to utilize those paints.

“My paintbrush hit the canvas and every cell in my body tingled,” she reminisces.

Faherty had found her balance.

There is a place for busy productivity and there is a place for unwinding and engaging the artistic side of the brain.

“My role as a painter is a way to share some of the beauty around us that people often forget in the running around,” Faherty explains.

These days, oil and soft pastels are the mediums Faherty chooses to memorialize the beauty around her. She can often be found around town, painting on-site, and loves the conversations and questions that inevitably arise.

https://www.lisafahertyart.com/ @LisaFahertyArt

Culinary Cyberpunk

Neuromancer is a 1980s cyberpunk novel set in the dystopian underworld of the Chiba Prefecture—an administrative district of Japan. In downtown Colorado Springs—nearly 6,000 miles from the land of anime, the rising sun and sushi—sits a futurism-inspired izakaya influenced by both Neuromancer and the cyberpunk genre in general.

An izakaya (居酒屋 ) is an informal Japanese bar serving libations, small plates and snacks—a casual escape. The word izakaya is a compound expression consisting of iru (to stay) and sakaya (saké shop).

CHIBA BAR: A NEO-TOKYO LOUNGE TUCKED BEHIND A KANJI MARQUEE

"MY ONLY DIRECTION TO THE KITCHEN IS: MAKE IT GOOD .” -OWNER MICHAEL CARSTEN

Chiba Bar is eccentric and eclectic, akin to stepping into an urban-retro vision of the future. “We strive to create an experience of immersive escapism,” says Owner-Operator, Michael Carsten.

The inconspicuous entrance sits under a kanji marquee on Kiowa St., but business is better than ever. Once inside, a mural of a feminine android will be on your left. The bar ahead is surrounded by neon lights and muted televisions running and rerunning segments of anime, retro sci-fi films and classic Gojira (Godzilla).

The space feels like a futuristic, dystopian hole-in-thewall for a setting much more urban than central Springs. The unique atmosphere is refreshing and invigorating—a neo-Tokyo lounge—and to top it off: the menu surprises and satisfies.

The bar distributes distilled spirits by Suntory, Nikka, and Yamazaki, and serves popular craft cocktails with clever monikers like Lychee Buck, Razorgirl, Molly Millions, and Shiso-Jito J-Type.

The food is lauded by both locals and sojourners alike, but their flagship dish is donburi—with choices of seared tuna, unagi (eel), spicy Scottish salmon, and tempura tofu. If you’ve never had donburi , think of a deconstructed sushi roll in a bowl—similar to Hawaiian poke, but distinctly Japanese.

Following Chiba Bar on social media is a must move—they frequently run fun specials, and that’s where you can get the news.

“We have food specials most of the time,” says Carsten. “We’ve also branched out to other types of cuisine, as my only direction to the kitchen is: Make it good.”

“By being cyberpunk, we … can creatively pick, choose, blend and present how we want to,” Carsten concludes.

Website: https://www.chibabar.co/ Facebook + Instagram: @chibabarcos

The Power of Support

WHY BACKING NONPROFITS IN THE PIKES PEAK REGION MATTERS

In a world sometimes focused on profit margins and bottom lines, it’s tough to overstate the significance of nonprofits—organizations driven by purpose rather than profit. The success of nonprofits, however, relies largely on the support they receive from businesses and local residents.

Here at Colorado Springs Lifestyle Magazine, we regularly highlight opportunities to give back. In this issue, we asked three nonprofits with different missions to talk about why local support matters. Below are the responses from Goodwill of Colorado, Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, edited for length.

PEOPLE WORK HARD FOR THEIR FREE TIME AND MONEY. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GIVE BACK TO LOCAL NONPROFITS?  Goodwill:

Nonprofits like Goodwill of Colorado provide targeted and strategic services and support to the most vulnerable populations in our community. When you invest your time and/or resources in Goodwill, you are directly investing in the lives of others.

Humane Society: Nonprofit organizations depend on donations to carry out their mission to keep doing the fantastic work that they've been doing. In HSPPR's case, we're an independent, local nonprofit that doesn't belong to any national humane societies or animal welfare groups and we rely on donations from our community.

Care and Share: Our dollars are not going as far these days with the current economy. More and more people are finding themselves in the position of not

having enough to cover high food costs after paying all other expenses. That is exactly why it is more important than ever to help non-profits like food banks during times like this.

PLEASE GIVE OUR READERS A SNAPSHOT OF THE DIFFERENT WAYS PEOPLE CAN DONATE THEIR TIME OR DOLLARS TO YOUR NONPROFIT.

Goodwill: Making financial contributions online, participating in our Annual Dinner and An Enchanted Weekend charitable events, lending their time and expertise volunteering at our retail operations or program sites and, of course, shopping and donating gently used household items at our statewide stores and attended donation centers.

Humane Society: Volunteers are at the heart of HSPPR's success. … They work side-by-side with shelter staff to provide manpower for programs that improve the quality of life for shelter animals. … Because HSPPR takes in more than 27,000 animals a year, space is limited. ... That's where our foster volunteers come in! Donate. …Your dollars help animals who need to see a veterinarian before becoming available for adoption, get spayed/neutered and vaccinated, work with a behavior specialist if needed, provide toys and enrichment during their stay in the shelter, and so much more.

Care and Share: Whether it be with monetary donations, food donations or volunteering your time, every bit helps! You can go to our donate page and either make a one-time donation or you can subscribe to allocate a certain dollar amount each month. To find volunteer opportunities, you can visit our volunteer page. You can also set up a food or fund drive in your community, business, school, etc.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO THE COLORADO SPRINGS COMMUNITY?

Goodwill: By supporting Goodwill of Colorado, you are supporting the Colorado Springs community socially,

A quick search of the Secretary of State’s online database turns up 1,840 charities registered in El Paso County alone. That’s a lot of organizations relying on kind-hearted local folks’ hard-earned money and time to operate.

economically and environmentally. Goodwill employs nearly 1,200 individuals in the Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak region, many of whom had barriers to employment before joining our team. ... We also operate a wide range of local programs and services providing education, training and job placement opportunities. … Goodwill also is ... diverting nearly 86 percent of locally donated items from landfills.

Humane Society: HSPPR is here to help the homeless and abused pets in Southern Colorado. We offer compassionate care to animals, support safe communities, and provide socially conscious sheltering for every animal that comes through our doors.

Care and Share: Supporting Care and Share Food Bank benefits our community in many ways. Not only does it support our mission that “No One Should Go Hungry” by helping to support our neighbors with food insecurity, but it also creates connections, brings people together for a great cause, shows our neighbors they are cared for, and builds hope for the future.

WHAT MAKES YOUR ORGANIZATION DIFFERENT FROM OTHER NON-PROFITS?

Goodwill: Goodwill of Colorado helps transform people’s lives by providing education, training and job placement programs which annually help nearly 150,000 Coloradans overcome barriers to personal and economic independence.

Humane Society: As an open admission shelter, no animal is ever turned away at HSPPR. Passionate and dedicated staff care for animals in distress, provide medical care for abused and injured animals, reunite lost pets with their owners, find loving homes for homeless animals, investigate animal cruelty, and enforce animal ordinances.

Care and Share: Care and Share Food Bank has been a core part of Southern Colorado for decades. With our ability to purchase food at a lower cost, we were able to distribute almost 23 million pounds of food to over 250,000 neighbors last year through our 291 partner agencies. That is a huge impact!

Goodwill of Colorado: https://goodwillcolorado.org/ @GoodwillColorado

Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region: https://www.hsppr.org/ @ HumaneSocietyPikesPeak

Care and Share: https://careandshare.org/ @CareAndShareFB

It’s time to choose your 2023 Medicare plan, and Humana and I are here to help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have additional benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana offers these plans at attractive premiums.

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Transformation + Adaptability

DRAGONFLY PADDLE YOGA: BUILT FOR MENTAL, PHYSICAL, AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DRAGONFLY PADDLE YOGA

Imagine floating on the water, the sun prickling your skin while a breeze wafts across your body. Your muscles are fully relaxed and your breathing is slow and measured. The sounds of nature fill your ears as you enter a deep meditative state.

This is how Christine Malmborg describes a shavasana (resting pose) experience after a session of paddleboard yoga on the lake.

“As the clients enter a five- to 10-minute long shavasana, I help to connect them to the elements,” Malmborg says. “Yoga practice while floating on water and connecting to the environment is very powerful for healing mental, physical, and emotional health.”

HOW IT STARTED

Malmborg, formerly of California, used to work in the tech industry. In 2006, she was laid off and shortly after losing her job, her father died. She decided to move to Colorado to be near her sister and to take advantage of a much lower cost of living. During this period, she discovered yoga and eventually pursued an instructor’s license.

By 2016, Malmborg was managing two yoga studios and began thinking of starting her own yoga business. She went to a yoga retreat in Cabo San Lucas and discovered paddleboard yoga. This sparked an idea as she realized nobody was doing paddleboard yoga in Colorado. Serendipitously, as she was thinking about her potential new business, a dragonfly landed on her paddleboard.

When Malmborg returned to her job in Colorado, she was visited by yet another dragonfly as it entered her yoga studio.

“I took it as a sign,” she says. “Dragonflies are a symbol of transformation and adaptability. I was ready for a change and this helped to confirm my decision.”

After taking a paddleboard yoga instructor course and investing in a van along with eight high-quality paddleboards, Dragonfly Paddle Yoga became official in January 2016. Over the years, her business has grown and success has allowed her to purchase more equipment and offer new experiences. This year, classes will take place at Quail Lake.

DRAGONFLY PADDLE YOGA EXPERIENCES

May through September marks the official Dragonfly Paddle Yoga season where clients can enjoy the following experiences:

• Lake Paddleboard Yoga

• Nighttime/Lake Paddleboard Yoga/GLOWGA – yoga on illuminated paddleboards that light up the water

• Paddleboard Yoga with Live Sound Bath and Lunch – live flute music bathes clients during Shavasana, followed by a picnic lunch

• Essential SUP Skills Class

• SUP Yoga Instructor Course

• Women’s Eco Adventure Glamping Retreat

• Fall Witches and Ghouls Paddle – free event where you are invited to dress up and paddle the lake

In the off-season or winter months, clients can enjoy:

• Indoor Paddle Yoga at Pike’s Peak Athletic Training Center

• Winter Yoga Retreat in Mexico

DO PEOPLE FALL IN?

“My response is, ‘It’s always a possibility, never a guarantee,’” Malmborg says.

Of course, there is a potential to fall, but safety is of the upmost importance for Malmborg. Before clients even enter the water, they have to sign a waiver stating that they can swim unassisted. There is always a safety course where clients learn the risks and how to prevent them. Malmborg has become something of an expert at reading the weather and will cancel or stop a class if weather threatens safety.

“If there is one class I wish everyone would take, it’s the Essential SUP Skills Class,” she says. “If you’ve never taken a lesson before there is no better time than now. This lesson will help you be a knowledgeable, skilled and safe paddler, and will raise your enjoyment of the sport. In these skills workshops, you will learn about the equipment, safety measures, self-rescue techniques, paddling and maneuvering techniques, and skills like mounting, body stance, balance, and how to fall/re-mount.”

Website: https://www.dragonflypaddleyoga.com/ Instagram: @Dragonfly.PaddleYoga Facebook: @DragonflyPaddleYoga

“Yoga practice while floating on water and connecting to the environment is very powerful for healing mental, physical, and emotional health.”

-Christine Malmborg

MAY 2ND

RENT

Fine Arts Center at Colorado College | 7:30 PM

Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, Jonathan Larson’s Rent follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical. May 2-June 2. https://fac.coloradocollege.edu/theatre-events/rent/

MAY 4TH

Swan Lake

Pikes Peak Center | 7:00 PM

Swan Lake will be in Colorado Springs for one night only as a part of the World Ballet Series with a live score played by the Boulder Symphony. See the Dance of the Little Swans and immerse yourself in magical Tchaikovsky's music. The production will feature hand-painted sets as well as over 150 costumes that bring fresh representation to this timeless classic. https://www.pikespeakcenter.com/events/detail/swanlake24

MAY 4TH

Othello

ENT Center for the Arts | 7:30 PM

Beware, my lord, of jealousy… Against all odds, a man climbs the social ladder of a rigidly homogenous Venice—finding success in politics, military efforts, and even love. At his side, a woman born to status holds firm in her agency, even as her world reduces her to a symbol. Runs through May 19. https://entcenterforthearts.org/othello

MAY 10TH

Young boys in the Civil War

Old Colorado City History Center | 11:00 AM

Learn the story of young boys that marched off to war with their brothers, fathers or alone. Benny Nasser continues to share his research on the Civil War. His presentation will be on the underage young boys who actually went off to war either alone or with a family member. This is a fascinating tale of a different look at the war. https://occhs.org/

MAY 14TH

The Piano Guys

Pikes Peak Center | 7:30 PM

Since their serendipitous start in a Southern Utah piano shop, The Piano Guys have proven to be a powerhouse group without limits. Arriving as a musical phenomenon seemingly overnight, the quartet has delivered bold compositions that transcend boundaries of style and genre, a boundlessness that has since translated into a massively successful career. https://www.pikespeakcenter.com/events/detail/thepianoguys24

MAY 15TH

Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares

Spruce Mountain Events | 5:30 PM

Join an evening of fun, celebration and tasty treats at Tri-Lakes Cares' signature fundraising event. Modeled after the Food Network’s television show ”Chopped,” local chefs will create small bites for sampling based on ingredients from the pantry. At the close of the evening, you can cast your vote for your favorite restaurant creation. Ticket cutoff date is May 6. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/totlc2024/event/tasteoftrilakescares2024/

MAY 16TH

Strata Lunch & Learn

Three Graces Ballroom at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club | 11:00 AM

This “Lunch and Learn” will provide valuable information on maintaining a healthy mind. Presenters will cover a range of topics, from medical insights to practical exercises and nutrition tips. Interactive cooking and nutrition demonstration by Chef Nathan Gresham and registered dietitians from Strata Med. Demonstrations of exercises and activities for the nervous system by the team at Strata Fit. And more.   https://www.stratawell.com/event/lunch-learn-sustain-your-brain/

MAY 18TH

Garden of the Gods Art Festival

Rock Ledge Ranch | 10:00 AM

Get ready for a great weekend of arts, food and fun! The inaugural Garden of the Gods Art Festival will take place at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. This new art festival highlights an outstanding lineup of 125 juried fine artists and craftsmen from across the nation, presenting pottery, jewelry, textiles, paintings, sculpture, glass art and more. Runs through May 19. https://dashevents.com/garden-of-the-gods-art-festival/

MAY 18TH

Run to the Shrine

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | 5:00 PM

Run to the Shrine is the only time of the year that guests are allowed to travel the breathtaking road to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun by foot. The course offers amazing views as you ascend nearly 1,000 feet to the Shrine and back to the Zoo. It also is an important fundraiser for the Zoo. May 18 and 19. https://www.cmzoo.org/events-programs/special-events/run-to-the-shrine/

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