by Jessica Hughes | Oct 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
by Jessica Hughes
In the mid to late 1800s, gold and silver are what brought people to Victor, a historic mining town located outside of Cripple Creek. But now another treasure brings visitors to this small mining town, only you don’t have to dig underground to find it.
Colorful birdhouses guide the way to Rita.
A larger-than-life troll, Rita the Rock Planter, by Danish recycle art activist, Thomas Dambo, has made its way to Victor. Dambo, who refers to himself as a “recycle artist,” believes in turning trash into art and uses recycled materials to make his famous trolls.
Rita is now one of 119 trolls found all over the world, melting the hearts of the young and old with their charming faces and playful demeaner. Dambo and his crew, plus volunteers who often travel long distances to help build these whimsical sculptures, build the trolls using local scrap wood and recycled materials, placing them amongst nature to naturally die out and return to the earth’s soil. He uses these materials to show the world how much potential and beauty lays hidden in our trash.
All in a span of 12 days, it took a crew of 100 local volunteers, Dambo himself, and his crew to finish Rita the Rock Planter. But Rita wasn’t Colorado’s first troll sculpture. In 2018, “Isak Heartstone,” a 15-foot troll made of foraged sticks and recycled wood, was installed by Dambo and his team on the outskirts of Breckenridge. Isak garnered so much attention and love from visitors, the local residents resisted its newest resident who brought in excessive foot traffic. After much debate, the city council made the decision to relocate the troll near the Illinois Gulch trailhead.
So far, Rita’s presence hasn’t caused any problems, in fact she’s brought in nothing but love and affection from locals and visitors alike. The town of Victor has accepted Rita with open arms by thoughtfully placing colorful birdhouses throughout its downtown streets, guiding the way to the trailhead. Her location is even sketched on the town’s map and her picture has been added to Victor’s welcome sign on H
WY 67 — making it nearly impossible to miss Rita.
Visitors can find Rita gathering rocks atop the Little Grouse Mountain Overlook. There are two parking lots at the trailhe
Rita the Rock Planter is the 119th troll artist Thomas Dambo has built.
ad, a lower and an upper lot. To hike the full one-mile loop, start at the lower parking
lot, or begin at the upper lot for a shortened version of the hike. You’ll know when you’re there with old mining relics of the American Eagle Mine at the trail’s entrance and the story of Rita welcoming you — “A hundred suns, that is how long a nap is for a troll. When Rita woke again, her mountain side has grown a hole. The humans must have dug them in their search for shine rock. But someone could fall in, so Rita went to tidy up.”
To see where all of Dambo’s trolls live, X marks the spot
Views from the Little Grouse Mountain Overlook.
on his Troll Map. Learn more about Dambo and trolls visit thomasdambo.com.
All images by Jessica Hughes
by Jessica Hughes | Aug 28, 2023 | Main Articles
by Jessica Hughes
Fired: Santino Burrola was fired in early July for capturing three men on video stealing loads of laundry detergent.
Crime in retail stores is on the rise, not just in Colorado, but across the nation. According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, retailers saw an average shrink rate of 1.4% in 2021, which is consistent with the five-year average of 1.5%. But while overall shrinkage, which accounts for employee theft as well, wasn’t up, retailers cited a 26.5% increase, on average, in organized retail crime, plus 80% claimed an increase in violent or aggressive incidents.
“We have seen an increase in retail crime overall,” says Chris Howes, President of the Colorado Retail Council. “We are approaching losses of $75 billion across the country in retail theft, and losses of $1billion a year in Colorado.”
But these incidents aren’t being carried out by teenagers stealing a pack of gum, but rather large groups of individuals that are part of a larger crime network. The Colorado Retail Council organization represents the largest chain retail companies such as Home Depot and Target. And a large part of the organization’s job is to go after the hard-core thieves, not just shoplifters.
“Shoplifting is theft for own personal use. Organized retail crime is groups of individuals stealing products to turn into cash or drugs.” Items that are the most susceptible to theft are those that can easily be resold and that are in high demand on the streets.
“The other troubling thing is the violence we see against employees, customers, and our team members at our retail stores,” said Howes. He cites instances where thieves have used bear spray.
“Some people have seen thieves put their hands right in the cash register and take the cash,” said Howes. “If cops don’t show up within a few minutes, what do you do?”
Home Depot: Like many retailers, Home Depot Inc., pictured here in Glendale, is locked in a struggle to combat inventory “shrink” caused by theft and organized retail crime.
Due to the increase in violent thefts, Howes recognizes the changes that need to be made to safety measures for employees and customers. “We cannot expect the employees to use force against thieves,” says Howes. So, to combat this, many larger retail stores bring in off-duty police offers to stand at the entrance or some sort of private security at the store.
Other changes “shoppers are now seeing everyday items like toothpaste and dish soap behind lock and key,” the National Retail Federation wrote in a statement written in June 2023 about the rise of organized retail crime and effect on public safety.
Despite putting a few of these safety measures in place, safety is still an issue, so much so that employees have felt compelled to stop these thieves in action. But the real crime seems to be employees getting fired over trying to help stop the theft.
In the past few months, there have been several local instances in the Denver metro area where employees were fired for confronting a thief. In July 2023, an Arapahoe County King Soopers employee, Santino Burrola, was fired for capturing three men on video stealing $500 worth of laundry detergent — a common crime that has caught the headlines of even New York Magazine back in 2013.
But the real head scratcher is the termination of the employee. The reason he was fired? It is against Kroger policy for employees to chase after or intervene with theft.
This also comes on the heels of another similar incident where two Atlanta-area Lululemon employees were fired for confronting shoplifters in the store. CEO Calvin McDonald defends the company’s decision to do so by stating the store’s strict safety-first policy.
The common thread throughout these events, the company staking claim in employee and customer safety first, above prosecution of theft.
Theft Numbers: The Colorado Retail Council says that the U.S. is approaching losses of $75 billion across the country in retail theft.
While this seems to be a national trend, Colorado has seen a rise in employees standing up against theft as well. “We’re seeing this happening more and more, employees taking action, although nothing like that in Glendale,” said William J. Haskins, Glendale’s Chief of Police.
“Theft is very much on the rise, but the actual shoplifting numbers are down because stores often times choose not to prosecute,” said Haskins. “Many of the times, stores will only file a trespassing charge vs. charging them with theft.”
Combined with the downgrade of charges and the discouragement from employers to stop theft, it’s starting to become clear why retail theft is on the rise.
Haskins says he’s seeing this across the board at the city’s larger retail stores such as Target and Home Depot. “We have seen more strict corporate policy that prohibits and discourages employees from trying to intervene during a theft.”
Haskins doesn’t believe this is the way to deal with this issue. “We have an obligation to prevent this lawlessness,” said Haskins.
In Colorado, there has also been a pattern of legislation over the past years that have reduced penalties on crime and have negatively affected the court’s ability to go after these thieves. This includes House Bill 16-1104, passed in 2016, that states a defendant will be served a summons vs. a warrant for a petty offense or misdemeanor to avoid having an arrest on their record.
“Those prosecuted now face lower penalties. Instead of jailtime, a fine is enforced but even then, there’s no penalty for them if they don’t pay their fines,” says Haskins. “The worst we can do is to go through a collection agency.”
So, aside from what’s being done at the store level to prevent and stop violent theft, what is being done at the state and federal level? Last year, the Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser created a statewide task force which plans to combat retail theft, which went into effect January 1, 2023.
And because many thieves try to sell stolen merchandise through online shopping platforms for profit and to avoid prosecution, the Inform Act was introduced in 2021, which requires online marketplaces to collect, verify, and disclose certain information from high-volume third-party sellers, according to Congress.gov.
For now we will have to wait and see if all these efforts will have a positive effect on organized retail crime in Colorado and across the country.
by Jessica Hughes | May 22, 2023 | General Featured
by Jessica Hughes
FACE FOUNDRIE offers a relaxing and modern atmosphere for your best self-care needs. Photo by Kalen Jesse Photography
The Teddi B Workout focuses on fitness for women over 40 and is one of the latest fitness concepts to find a home in Cherry Creek North. Image credit: Teddi B Workout Facebook page
Summer is almost here and with it often comes a renewed focus on health and wellness and Cherry Creek North is just the place to reset and rejuvenate. With the highest concentration of local retail anywhere in Colorado, Cherry Creek North is often thought of as a retail and restaurant destination in Denver, but with its recent influx of wellness and fitness concepts, CCN is quickly becoming THE tourist destination.
“Cherry Creek North has long been viewed as Denver’s primary retail destination,” says Nick LeMasters, President & CEO at Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District. “There was a time in the mid ‘80s business owners were concerned about the new mall. But now, it’s fair to say that the mall became a catalyst for success as one of Denver’s most important tourist destinations.”
In addition to its retail and dining accolades, Cherry Creek North is also known for its numerous spas, nail bars, and lash studios, but in the last month several new wellness studios have found a home in the popular shopping district, making it Denver’s newest hub for all things health and beauty.
“The area is evolving on a couple of different levels,” says LeMasters. “While we are still known for tremendous dining and retail options, wellness is clearly the growing trend in the district.”
Joining other fitness studios such as Orange Theory and Barry’s Bootcamp, The Teddi B Workout is one of the latest fitness concepts to make its way to CCN. An OG in the fitness industry, Teddi Bryant — owner and fitness instructor at the Teddi B Workout — caters to women over 40 with her signature workouts. Her high-energy classes incorporate low-to-zero impact cardio, strength, posture, and balance components, plus Pilates.
Having just opened in March 2023, Bryant says, “We are killing it!” “I think the ease of being able to walk to a class, hit your favorite restaurant, and go shopping is the lifestyle that people want, and Cherry Creek is perfect for it.”
For a good summer workout, Bryant suggests her bootcamp which focuses on women’s bodies, and getting serious results in a short period of time. The bootcamps are held monthly and by reservation only through theteddibbootcamp.com.
Cherry Creek North is a top travel destination with its retail and dining options, plus its latest influx of health and wellness concepts. Image credit: Cherry Creek North
Treat yourself after your workout with a visit to FACE FOUNDRIÉ — an all-inclusive facial bar that specializes in facials, lashes, brows, and skincare. Opening in February 2023, FACE FOUNDRIÉ is one of the latest self-care and beauty concepts in CCN.
“We experienced that the pandemic left people wanting self-care and service-based businesses more than ever before,” says Cheyanne Thurston, VP of Marketing at FACE FOUNDRIÉ. “There was a general realization that self-care was important to the consumer after having limited access over the last few years.”
For summer treatments, Thurston suggests the Royal Treatment — a power-packed service that includes hydra dermabrasion, radiofrequency, ultrasound, oxygen infusion, and more! And while this is her number one recommendation, she emphasizes you can’t go wrong with any of their treatments.
If you’re feeling like a little pick me up is in order, get hooked with Prime IV Hydration & Wellness — a vitamin IV therapy using a proprietary blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids. The concoction hits the bloodstream directly, as opposed to oral supplements that can have a 20% absorption rate, giving cells rapid access to nutrients required for healing or performance.
“COVID had an enormous impact on how many of us viewed healthcare and evaluated how we can better care for ourselves,” says Rob Dahlager, owner of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness. “We find that people are more interested than ever in preventing illnesses and finding alternative solutions to traditional western medicine practices.”
Whether you’re traveling a lot this summer or planning some much-needed time in the sun, there is an IV formula for any lifestyle.
“We have IVs that are made for many activities in the summer,” says Dahlager. “Including our Glow and Skinny Drip for skin health and increased metabolism. Or if you enjoy the sun and fun just a bit too much, the Afterburn soothes sunburned skin and inflammation to relieve the sting. And for the jetsetter the Immunity Armor is necessary.”
As the area’s fastest growing business concepts, the wellness component helps to round out your day in Cherry Creek — where you can pair a morning of wellness and self-care with an afternoon of brunch or lunch, some retail therapy, and dinner and drinks at one of its renowned restaurants and bars for the ideal day-cation.
For a full list of businesses, visit cherrycreeknorth.com.
by Jessica Hughes | Apr 21, 2023 | Travel
by Jessica Hughes
We’re not throwing shade your way, but it is that time of year when Coloradans love their patio time, taking in the sunsets, and cool summer evenings. But we all know that the sun is intense at our elevation. That’s where a good set of shades, not just for your eyes, but for your home as well, is a good investment.
Family owned and operated for several generations, Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery (CCSD) opened in 1968 by Kelcy Kershner’s grandmother. Then bought by her parents, the company has continued to operate as one of the top window treatment professionals along Colorado’s Front Range ever since. Kershner, an interior design consultant for the company, has been running the business with her dad, Doug Kershner, and her sister, Ashley Kershner, and loves the level of service their company is able to provide its clients.
Aside from their well-run family business, CCSD prides themselves on catering to their client’s personal style and needs. As opposed to big box stores where you might not get the personal attention you require, they provide an additional level of service and consideration. “We visit your home and work to cater to your personal style,” says Kelcy. “We offer suggestions and guide our clients through the process — treating it almost like an artform.”
Design, install, and repair. CCSD does it all. Their free in-home consultations are the ideal way to start your journey in picking out your interior or exterior window treat
ments with a m
aster installer alongside of you during the entire process. “Working with a personal designer that can offer recommendations and professional input, is helpful when it comes to making those hard decisions,” says Kelcy. “Not having to do all this on your own is an important component to this investment.”
Their in-house installers are professionally trained and come with years of experience. In fact, Ashley Kershner was named the first female master installer in the state of Colorado in 2012. “Our designers work to hand select almost everything for you including draperies, soft goods, custom pillows, exterior roller shades, and any kind of window covering, etc.,” says Kelcy. “We match our recommendations to your personal style and preferences.”
Plus, CCSD has spent years creating the largest inventory of products from some of the top name brands for window treatment and fabric manufacturers in the industry. Clients can shop their large showroom of products and fabrics, with over 100,000 fabrics to choose from, making it easier for your home to fit your personal style and taste. And with their variety of products to select from, it makes sticking to budget an achievable goal. And for the eco-conscious, a lot of their products focus on energy efficiencies such as using skylight coverings, cellular shades, thermal lining to draperies, and more.
So, stay cool this summer with custom window treatments that reflect your style and budget with Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery. Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery is located at 2438 E Sixth Ave in Denver. Visit www.cherrycreekshadesanddraperys.com for more information.
by Jessica Hughes | Apr 21, 2023 | General Featured
by Jessica Hughes
Cycle instructor, Allissa Benson, wins ClassPass’ Best Instructor 2022 Award.
Instructor Allissa Benson leads her students through a 45-minute energetic workout.
Local Denver indoor-cycling studio, High Ride Cycle, pedals its way to two national Best of ClassPass awards as the fitness craze of indoor cycling makes its way to the Mile High City.
ClassPass, a monthly membership platform providing access to thousands of studios, gyms, spas, and salons, recently announced their Best of ClassPass Awards and High Ride Cycle was among the winners. Despite such a competitive fitness market, High Ride Cycle beat out studios across the country with cities like L.A. and NYC that dominate this sector of the fitness world.
The “Best of” Awards recognize and honor the top five nominations across multiple categories including Best Wellness Business, Best Fitness Studio, and Best Instructor. This year, Denver’s High Ride Cycle is the only studio to bring home two awards: Best Fitness Studio and Best Instructor.
“It is incredible that we were selected among thousands of studios, and I am humbled to receive best instructor in the nation.,” says Allissa Benson, winner of ClassPass’ Best Instructor 2022 Award and VP of Marketing at High Ride Cycle. “It feels great to be recognized on this level.”
Known by the community for her tenacity, contagious passion, and enthusiasm, Benson’s 45-minute class is often waitlisted and defined by riders as an inspiring and intense experience.
“Winning this award means the world to me,” said Benson. “I pour my life and soul into what I do, and it validates my sense of purpose, affirms that I’m in the right place, at the right time. It is breathtaking to know that the people that inspire me every single day, are also inspired by me.”
Classes at High Ride Cycle are rhythm-based cardio incorporating weights and resistance for a full-body workout. The fitness experience combines choreography, music, lights, and a whole lot of personality for a 45-minute workout that is approachable for all levels. “It’s like a dance
High Ride Cycle wins ClassPass’ Best Fitness Studio Award 2022.
party on a bike,” says Benson. “The room is dark with a wild lighting system and loud music. It’s so immersive you forget how hard you are working.”
But Benson explains that what sets them apart from other cycle studios is their community. “There is a welcoming energy as soon as you arrive at the studio,” says Benson. The studio also doesn’t talk numbers. There is no scoreboard keeping track of calories or heartrate, which Benson also says separates them from other cycle studios.
“We don’t talk about output or measurement. There is no leader board,” says Benson. “This creates an environment that makes everyone feel welcome.”
For newcomers, don’t be intimidated. Benson says a lot of what they teach in every class is for first timers. “We make our new riders feel welcomed and supported,” says Benson. “We are constantly focused on the newcomers and creating the best experience for them.”
She also explains it takes about three to five classes to get into the groove. And says their new rider special supports that with five classes for $25. “That’s how long it takes to get used to our lingo.”
When High Ride Cycle opened its first location in Sloan’s Lake, founders Megan and Scott Hanson committed themselves to teaching a one class format with hopes of being well received. Today, the Hanson’s have surpassed their expectations with 5 “Best of ClassPass” awards under their belt, two thriving studio locations, nearly 30 energetic instructors, and plans to open a third location in Denver University’s neighborhood this spring.
For more information about High Ride Cycle, please visit highridecycle.com.
High Ride Cycle Locations:
High Ride Cycle, Sloan’s Lake
1711 Sheridan Boulevard A
Edgewater, CO 80214
High Ride Cycle, Northglenn
2145 E. 120th Ave. H
Northglenn, CO 80233
High Ride Cycle, University
(coming soon)
1316 E. Evans Ave. 150
Denver, CO 80210
Photos provided by High Ride Cycle
