To Fort Collins, With Love
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Love Local
February is a month that invites us to pause—to embrace the people, places, and moments that make life feel a little more special. Whether you lean into the romance of Valentine’s Day or simply take this as a chance to show appreciation for those around you, love in all its forms is worth celebrating.
For me, this time of year is about balance. Do we plan a grand gesture or savor a quiet moment? Do we brave the cold for a night out or cozy up at home? However you choose to embrace the season, one thing remains true: connection is what makes it meaningful.
In this issue, we highlight the beauty of community. We hope these pages remind you of all there is to love right here at home.
As winter lingers and hints of spring begin to emerge, let’s take a moment to appreciate the people who make our days brighter. The friends, family, and neighbors who shape our experiences and remind us that life is best lived together.
JAHNA EICHEL, PUBLISHER @FORTCOLLINSCITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHERS
Jahna Eichel | jahna.eichel@citylifestyle.com
Jason Eichel | jason.eichel@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Griffin Garner | fortcollins@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Morgan Henderson morgan.henderson@citylifestyle.com
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 Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell Learn
BU I L D I NG A
In Northern Colorado, a tapestry of compassion and community support is woven by businesses united in a common cause: transforming the lives of at-risk and abused children. These extraordinary companies have partnered with Realities for Children, a nonprofit dedicated to providing emergency resources, advocacy, and hope for vulnerable youth in our community.
From multi-decade commitments and ambassador roles to sponsoring events like NightLights and Ride & Rally, these companies bring Realities for Children’s mission to life. Together, they ensure that no child is forgotten, offering safety, healing, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
Through their unwavering commitment, these business leaders go beyond the call of duty, contributing not only financial support but also their time, talent, and networks to make a tangible difference. Their stories are ones of purpose and partnership, showcasing how businesses can be powerful agents of change.
BRIGHTERFUTURETOGETHE
Join us as we celebrate the heartfelt contributions of M & E Painting, Independent Plumbing Solutions, Northern Colorado Tree Service, Front Range Plastic Surgery, Casey’s Car Wash, Genesis Health Clubs, Xanadu Med Spa, and Exodus Moving & Storage. Their dedication proves that when business meets benevolence, the impact on our community’s most vulnerable children is both profound and inspiring.
LOCAL
BUSINESSES
SUPPORTING REALITIES FOR CHILDREN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CREATIVE AGENCY
Matt Shoup M & E Painting
We have partnered with Realities for Children for close to two decades. Our family and company support them because we see 100% of every dollar donated go towards the direct impact and service of at risk and abused children in Larimer County. We deeply believe in Craig and Molly Secher’s vision and mission to expand Realities’ reach and impact into the community.
CONTINUED >
Matt Shoup
Warren Schutte
Dr. Warren Schutte
Front Range Plastic Surgery
At Front Range Plastic Surgery, we are proud to be a business member with Realities for Children. We first joined this partnership back in 2013 because of how committed and passionate this organization is about providing support for the children in need in Northern Colorado. Over the years, it has been incredible to witness the impactful work that they have done to create a brighter future for the youth of our community. Contributing to Realities For Children has been something that we truly value being a part of.
Jeremy Deuto Casey’s
Car Wash
Casey’s Car Wash, owned by Jeremy and Sheri Deuto, is proud to be a gold sponsor of Realities for Children, a remarkable organization uniting local businesses, human services, and the community to offer hope for youth that have been abused, neglected, or are at-risk. Jeremy and Sheri wholeheartedly support this mission, believing that by standing together, we can create a safer, brighter world for every child. As a committed business member of Realities for Children, Casey’s Car Wash actively champions the cause. The community’s partnership with Realities for Children highlights the importance of collaboration in nurturing the next generation. Together, we can transform young lives through compassion, support, and unwavering dedication.
CONTINUED >
Jeremy Deuto
Michael Smith
Genesis Health Clubs
At Genesis Health Clubs, we’re all about supporting underprivileged kids and families while promoting health, wellness, and inclusivity. Through our foundation, The Genesis Foundation for Fitness and Tennis, we’ve been able to give back by providing hundreds of shoes, mattresses, and scholarships. Through our outreach programs, scholarships, and community events, we’re helping families access fitness resources, creating brighter, healthier futures. We love partnering with Realities for Children because of the positive impact they make in the lives of countless children. It’s all about making a positive impact and spreading the joy of wellness!
Michael Smith
Mark Koespell Xanadu
Med Spa
At Xanadu Med Spa, we are honored to partner with and support Realities for Children. Their unwavering commitment to providing emergency resources, advocacy, and support for children facing abuse and neglect deeply resonates with our own values. We believe in fostering hope and healing in our community, and through this partnership, we aim to contribute to a brighter future for these young lives. It is a wonderful way for us to contribute to making a meaningful difference in our Northern Colorado community. The business relationships we have been able to foster with other business members has been the cherry on top of this partnership.
Mark Koespell
James Gosser & Jackie Gosser
Northern Colorado Tree Service
As Northern Colorado Tree Service began to grow, we knew we wanted to give back to our community in a meaningful and impactful way. When the opportunity arose to become Business Members at Realities for Children, we didn’t hesitate to jump on board. We are honored and humbled to help provide resources, safety, hope, and joy to those who need it the most – local children who have been abused, neglected, or are at-risk. Through our work with Nightlights, Ride & Rally, the annual Gala, and Jackie’s position as an Ambassador, we continue to help support RFC’s mission to brighten the lives of local children.
Dan Ormesher
Independent Plumbing Solutions
In 2018 Independent Plumbing Solutions chose to become a Business Member with Realities For Children. We were looking for a meaningful way to strengthen and support our community. I know our Membership is making a difference in the lives of children every day and is a powerful way to make it part of my business to make a difference. Our partnership supports essential programs and services that bring hope, healing, and safety to vulnerable youth. Realities For Children provides critical resources like emergency funding, educational support, and enrichment activities to ensure that no child is forgotten. We are honored to be part of an effort that helps children overcome unimaginable challenges and build brighter futures.
Ilan & Carrie Levy Exodus Moving & Storage
At, supporting Realities for Children is more than a partnership – their mission aligns with our deepest values: making a positive difference for the children in our community. In 1996, we were one of the first three Business Members who supported the important work being done by Realities For Children. As a family-focused business, we believe every child deserves safety, love, and opportunity. By contributing to Realities For Children, we help fund critical services, from emergency assistance to life-changing youth programs. Together, we work toward a future where every child can thrive, reflecting our core values of compassion, community, and responsibility.
Ilan & Carrie Levy
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Building the Perfect Bouquet
Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.
USE THIS GUIDE WHEN ORDERING VALENTINE’S DAY BOUQUETS
Roses
LOVE & ROMANCE
Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.
Lilies
PURITY & FERTILITY
Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.
Tulips
PERFECT FOR DEEP LOVE
A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will complement the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.
Mummy Mountain
Palisade Mountain
McHenry's Peak
Mount Meeker
Longs Peak
Estes Park
Horsetooth Mountain
Terra Tomah Mountain
LOCAL CHANGE IN THE FRONT RANGE
Local nonprofits and students see lasting support from foundation
ARTICLE BY ELEVATIONS CREDIT UNION
Two years ago, Veterans Community Project (VCP) had four staff and had just started working towards their mission of providing veterans housing via tiny homes as well as wraparound support. A grant from the Local Change Foundation, a nonprofit providing support to Front Range nonprofits, students and local disaster relief, opened the door to a lasting collaboration that provides support on multiple levels.
“Sometimes it can feel a little lonely in this space,” said Jennifer Seybold, executive director at VCP. “I’m so grateful for organizations like Local Change who have tools, support and belief in what we do in a tangible way.”
First, VCP received $15,000, freeing the budget to complete construction on veteran housing during a period of intense growth and change for the nonprofit. They then started attending Local Change’s free professional development seminars, helping their staff grow without cutting into the budget.
Lastly, they became connected with other grantees in the foundation’s network. There, they met another nonprofit — Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, which focuses on domestic violence. The two started joining forces to provide more services to female veterans who have experienced sexual trauma and domestic violence.
“Sometimes it can feel a little lonely in this space,” said Jennifer Seybold, executive director at VCP. “I’m so grateful for organizations like Local Change who have tools, support and belief in what we do in a tangible way.”
The ongoing relationships and granteed support are thanks to Jennifer Hinderliter, executive director of Local Change. Having worked in nonprofit spaces for many years, she understands firsthand what the community needs.
Currently in her third year at Local Change, Hinderliter has initiated a rebranding to differentiate from Elevations Credit Union, which houses and supports the foundation, the free training webinars, and continued involvement with those who receive their funds.
“Now that I’m in a position to give back and support amazing nonprofits in the area, I want to go beyond funding and support our grantees with other resources throughout the year,” she said. Local Change’s support comes at a time when many nonprofits are seeing more challenges.
According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP), donations declined in late 2024 from certain donor groups, and overall donor retention dipped. At the same time, the end of COVID- era funding will likely mean increased demand for nonprofit services.
To understand and address the Front Range community’s changing needs, Hinderliter keeps in contact with those who’ve received foundation funds as well as Elevations members. Those talks led the foundation to establish affordable housing as a priority alongside mental health and education, two areas that have been central to the foundation since it started in 2010.
Since that beginning, the foundation has given over $4 million in grants, scholarships, and disaster relief. In 2024, they awarded $70,000 in grants to local nonprofits and $85,000 in scholarships to local students. The foundation’s positive work in Front Range communities is certainly felt within the credit union — Elevations employees have said it inspired them to apply, and it’s something they are proud to be a part of. Seybold has felt the credit union staff’s support as well. An employee-led group focused on serving veterans has started volunteering with VCP. The relationship is so strong, she gets recognized when she walks into a branch.
“We
can’t do it without community investment. We need the community to know who we are and what we need,” Seybold said. “I can’t think of another organization that’s had that through thread.”
“I think there’s an incredible culture at Elevations and at Local Change,” she said. “It’s really unique.”
Just as VCP focuses on the many individual needs veterans have in addition to housing — health, education, financial wellness and more — the foundation offers multiple levels of support to each nonprofit it works with.
“We can’t do it without community investment. We need the community to know who we are and what we need,” Seybold said. “I can’t think of another organization that’s had that through thread.”
You can donate to Local Change or establish a scholarship at www.elevations.com/foundation
CHEERS to love
Cocktails & Mocktails
Spiked Hot Chocolate
ingredients
• 1 cup milk cold and divided
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 ½ oz bourbon
directions
1. Add ¼ cup of the milk, cornstarch, and cocoa powder together in a saucepan. Whisk well until thoroughly combined. 2. Heat on medium-high and add the remaining milk, brown sugar, salt, and chocolate. Stir frequently until the mixture is steaming hot and the chocolate is completely melted. 3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla and bourbon. 4. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug and top with whipped cream and caramel. 5. Serve immediately
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CREATIVE AGENCY
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Welcome to The Skin Lounge, where we combine resultsdriven treatments with a holistic touch, tailoring each service to bring out your skin's natural glow.
WHAT WE OFFER
Non-Invasive Skin tightening
Microneedling
Radio Frequency
Jett Plasma
Lymphatic Detox Treatments
Oxygen Therapy
LED light Therapy Treatments
Microcurrent Facials
Chemical peels
Restorative Full body Massages
Lymphatic Massage
Sports Massage
Rain Drop Therapy
TMJ- Jaw and Buccal Massage
Blood Orange Spritzer
ingredients
• Ice
• 3 oz. blood orange juice
• 2 oz. ginger beer
• 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
• Sliced blood orange, sliced ginger, and fresh mint, for serving
directions
1. Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add blood orange juice, ginger beer, and lemon juice and gently stir to combine.
2. Garnish with sliced blood orange, ginger, and mint.
Black Russian
ingredients
• Ice
• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. Kahlúa or coffee liqueur
• Orange slice, Maraschino cherry, and/or orange bitters, for serving (optional)
directions
1. Fill a large measuring glass with ice. Add vodka and Kahlúa and stir with a bar spoon or another long-handled spoon until mixture is chilled, about 30 seconds.
2. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange slice, cherry, and/or bitters (if using).
Black Russion
Blood Orange Mocktail
Lorye McLeod
Martin Carcasson
bridging GENERATIONS
In a world often divided by age and experience, Fort Collins is flipping the script. The Intergenerational Conversations initiative of 2025, spearheaded by the Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities (PAFC) and the CSU Center for Public Deliberation, in collaboration with the Fort Collins Senior Advisory Board (SAB), Larimer County Office on Aging, and the Compass Community Collaborative School, is creating a buzz by bringing together the wisdom of elders and the fresh perspectives of youth.
Since its inception in February 2019, these events have become a hotbed for dynamic discussions, tackling topics from personal values to the digital divide. The inaugural gathering at Loveland’s Mirasol Event Center saw 36 local residents—both older adults and youth—engage in animated dialogues, sharing personal values and outlooks on life. The success of this event sparked a series of conversations, each delving into pressing issues that resonate across generations.
The driving force behind these events is a coalition of local organizations and passionate individuals. PAFC, known for promoting livable communities for all ages, and the CSU Center for Public Deliberation, enhancing local democracy through improved public communication and community problem-solving, are partnering with Larimer’s Office on Aging, Compass Community Collaborative School, and Fort Collins SAB to bring these conversations to life.
Intergenerational Conversations
Myles Crane
Also co-sponsoring this year’s event are CSU’s Gerontology Club, Centennial Area Health Education Center, and Hope Lives!, a non-profit organization. Their goal? To create opportunities that broaden perspectives by exploring ideas from both younger and older members of the community.
This year, Intergenerational Conversations aims to raise the bar by fostering dialogue among community members of all ages, income levels, and diverse backgrounds, ensuring a richer and more inclusive exchange of perspectives. We spoke with the key figures behind Fort Collins groundbreaking initiative—Professor Martin Carcasson, Emmanuelle Roussel ,Lorye McLeod, Myles Crane and Erin Alt—to understand the impact of this project and their personal motivations.
Q: WHAT INSPIRED THE LAUNCH OF THE INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATIONS INITIATIVE?
The initial idea for the conversations back in 2019 came from Delaney McNally, a Loveland High School student at the time. She started an organization called Generation Connect and was looking for ways to spark intergenerational discussions. She got connected to PAFC, and PAFC connected her to Dr. Carcasson and the CPD. Our initial event was co-sponsored by the three organizations. The project connected well with the goals of PAFC and CPD, particularly in terms of modeling quality discussion, building stronger connections across differences, and addressing the issue of social isolation and loneliness.
Q: HOW DO YOU SELECT TOPICS FOR EACH SESSION?
A planning committee proposes topics bridging generations for discussion. We have often relied on Living Room Conversations, a national organization that develops discussion guides on numerous issues to support deeper conversations. The committee chooses a topic, and then we adapt it for intergenerational use.
Q: CAN YOU SHARE A MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM THESE CONVERSATIONS?
One particularly powerful experience was when we hosted GenHERous, an intergenerational event for women. Spearheaded by CPD Managing Director Sabrina Slagowski-Tipton, it involved women from seven decades coming together. In the morning, women met with peers from their own decade, and in the afternoon, they formed groups spanning across all decades. We hope to make this powerful event a yearly occurrence.
Another memorable moment occurred in 2024 when a 16-year-old Compass HS student asked, “Does life get more difficult as you get older?” The discussion table was so taken aback by this profound question that no one wanted to leave. It could have been the basis for hours more of stimulating discussion.
The next complimentary IgC event is “Who’s Listening to You?” Saturday March 1, 2025, Compass Community Collaborative School, 2105 College Avenue, Fort Collins, 9-11 am. Registration for this event is requested using the following link https://col.st/qtPX2.
Emmanuelle Rousse
Pose With The Pod
ARTICLE BY MAJ-LIS DELGADO PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CREATIVE AGENCY
Virabhadrasana I
Yoga Pod invites us to embrace strength, balance, and focus with this week’s featured pose: Virabhadrasana I, or Warrior I. A cornerstone of yoga practice, this dynamic posture combines physical power with mindful intention, helping practitioners cultivate resilience and poise.
Virabhadrasana I –Warrior I
How to Get Into the Posture:
Step 1. Begin in a standing position (Tadasana).
Step 2. Step your left foot back about 3–4 feet, turning it slightly outwards (about 45 degrees).
Step 3. Bend your right knee directly over your ankle, forming a 90-degree angle.
Step 4. Keep your back leg strong and straight.
Step 5. Raise your arms overhead with palms facing each other or touching.
Step 6. Square your hips and chest forward.
Step 7. Gaze forward or slightly upward between your hands.
Step 8. Hold for 5–10 breaths, then switch sides.
Benefits:
• Strengthens the legs, shoulders, and arms.
• Opens the chest and hips.
• Improves balance, stability, and focus.
• Encourages deep breathing and enhances lung capacity
Joy Childress Yoga Instructor and Reiki Healer @joystar33
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