2008-06 Lydia's Style Magazine

Five dollars

Real Estate Investment for retirement

Summer Fashion

Professional to Playful

Retreat to Serenity

Serratoga Falls June 2008 :: BUSINESS & Building :: www.stylemagazinecolorado.com :: EST 1984

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

YOU CAN'T RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET IF YOUR NEST EGG WON'T CARRY YOU

We're big believers in a long-term retirement strategy based on objective financial advice. And in having a financial advisor who can help you every step of the way.

To see whether your nest egg could benefit from such good old Western horse sense, call us at (970) 330-8786.

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styl e medi a and design, inc. | 970.226.6400 |

w w w. s t y l e m a g a z i n e c o l o r a d o . c o m Publisher Lydia J. Dody Editor Corey Radman

creative director Scott Prosser Senior Designer Austin Lamb

Advertising Sales EXECUTIVES Jon Ainslie (970) 219-9226 Abby Bloedorn (970) 222-8406 Karen Christensen (970) 679-7593 Lydia Dody (970) 227-6400 Saundra Skrove (970) 217-9932 Office Manager Ina Szwec

Accounting Manager Karla Vigil Office Assistant Ronda Huser Contributing Writers Allie Comeau, Lynn M. Dean, Lydia Dody, Laura Dowling, Angie Grenz, Deborah Huth Price, Corey Radman, Kay Rios, Jim Sprout, Ina Szwec, Jason Webb Copy editor Laura Lee Carter Contributing photographers Dave Arns, Joe Coca, Lydia Dody, Meredith Dody-Hettler, Shaun Hudson, Todd Newcomer Affiliations Downtown Business Association Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Loveland Chamber of Commerce Greeley Chamber of Commerce Windsor Chamber of Commerce 2008 Style Magazines January-Loveland/Greeley Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directory February-Building & Remodeling March-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness March-Family, Community & Philanthropy April-Business of Northern Colorado May-Building & Remodeling - Home & Garden May-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness June-Business & Building July-Fort Collins Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directories August-Women In Business September-Building & Remodeling Home Interiors & Entertainment October-Women Health & Breast Cancer October-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness November-Holiday December-Winter/Wedding Style Media and Design, Inc. magazines are free monthly publications direct-mailed to homes and businesses in Northern Colorado. Elsewhere, subscriptions for 16 issues cost $24/year.

Free magazines are available in stands at 75 locations throughout Northern Colorado.

For ad rates, subscription information, change of address, or correspondence, contact: Style Media and Design Inc., 211 W. Myrtle St., Suite 200, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. Phone (970) 226-6400. E-Mail: rhonda@StyleMedia.com Š2008 Style Media and Design Inc. All rights reserved. The entire contents of Style Magazine is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Style Media and Design Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material. All manuscripts, artwork, and photography must be accompanied by a SASE. The views and opinions of any contributing writers are not necessarily those of Style Media & Design Inc.

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

What Would A Great Smile Do For You? You’ll Look Younger, Gain Confidence and Boost Your Career Success!

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We welcome your comments By phone: 970.226.6400 By fax: 970.226.6427 By email: info@stylemedia.com www.stylemagazinecolorado.com

Habitat Voyages to Rio

A Forum That Honors

Dear Lydia, I just wanted to thank you personally for being a “star” at our Voyage to Rio Gala. It was a resounding success! We made almost $20K more than last year – enough to pay for “bricks and sticks” for a house in Brazil.

Thanks also to your amazing staff. They have all been so supportive – both on the editorial and advertising side.

Dear Style, Thank you for a wonderful spread on the 7th Annual Mosaic of the Arts. It was indeed a beautiful event and we were glad you could showcase our supportive guests in the March Style Magazine, About Town section. These people are a big part of what keeps an organization like Arts Alive thriving. Thank you for creating a forum that honors their contributions to our community!

~ Again, my heartfelt thanks, Candace Mayo Executive Director Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity

~ Sincerely, Rachel Herrera & Kirsten Sauage Arts Alive Fort Collins

Staging is a Must Have

Dear Lydia, Thanks so much for all your time at the Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness cover shoot. ~ Love, Amy Brewster, Yvette and Christy

The recent article in the April Style magazine featuring Brannen Design & Construction as well as Poehlmann Construction was great! Those homes are both very beautiful and both builders are fantastic. I have worked with both companies as a local Home Stager in town and we staged the

Poehlmann home before the article and we just finished the Brannen home this week. I encourage you to go take a look now that it is furnished.

Staging has become a must have for most Realtors, and builders are now starting to understand the importance of it. Thank you for considering the issue. ~ Sincerely, Heather Edridge, ASP New Design, LLC

Blooming with Compliments We sure have enjoyed the article about our garden in the May Building & Remodeling issue of Style. So many people have mentioned the article and brought us extra copies. It was very well written and we have heard lots of good comments about it. Thank you. ~ Carol and Randy Gorby

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Business & Building 2008

407 Riverside : Fort Collins

- Lauri Thompson - Manager

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Publisher’s Letter

Creativity is Good for the Soul

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s the live orchestra started to play, the curtain went up, and we were introduced to “that man and his 76 trombones destined for River City.”

This debut production of The Music Man at the new Candlelight Dinner Playhouse showcased this 350-seat theater as the region’s most impressive venue for musical theater. Our Style Magazine staff and friends enjoyed a truly upscale dining experience, along with being entertained by an exceptionally talented troupe of actors. Not only did they take our dinner orders, but in the blink of an eye became the cast of characters that took us back to a bygone era “as American as apple pie.” My favorite parts were the musical ones - especially the love ballad, “Til There Was You” (also made famous by Paul McCartney). The role of Professor Harold Hill was played by the talented Jordan Leigh, and his award winning co-star, Gina Schuh-Turner played the beautiful Marian Paroo (the librarian). Gina, her husband Nick, Troy Schuh, and Peter Muller, can be proud of their nearly $6 million dollar dream come true. We applaud Dave Clark of Clark Construction and his team for making this dream a reality and for building this grand structure right here in our backyard.

The Music Man will be playing at the Candlelight until August 31st , and is well worth seeing! Read Curtain’s Up in this issue for more

details on this exciting new business and beautiful new musical playhouse.

Our cover personalities Robert Bisetti and John Donaldson are expressing their talent and creativity in a different capacity as the developers of Serratoga Falls. Our region is exploding with beautiful residential areas, all with their own personalities and amenities. In this issue we are featuring one of the more outstanding residential communities, Serratoga Falls in Timnath. It will strike you as an upscale place to live, featuring lots of open space and unobstructed views of our majestic Rocky Mountain range. The beauty of Serratoga is in its truly unique topography.

Because of the land’s gentle grade, each home will boast an equally fabulous view. It is only 10 minutes to Serratoga Falls so drive by and get acquainted.

I have always enjoyed the creativity of fashion. It was such fun to feature our local fashion boutiques; this time the owners, their staff, and key customers modeled their fashions.

Their fashions are hand picked and their customer service just can’t be beat. Stop in and liven up your wardrobe!

Creativity abounds in the Colorado Front Range. Whether on stage or remodeling a home, this issue focuses on the energy and vitality of this region. Get acquainted with the exciting remodeling projects of HighCraft Builders, learn

about buying quality used cars in Not Expensive, Luxurious, and find out which patios are among the best for summer. Real estate, golf, and landscape maintenance articles are among other interesting topics featured in this issue.

Creativity is good for the soul, so find a new outlet for yours this summer!

lydia@stylemedia.com (970)227-6400

RAY SPIREK MECHANIC

ELS) 95 4 ANMGODE $ 1 H & CAKES IL M O(MOST

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FULL SERVICE AVAILABLE YOUR COLLISION REPAIR SPECIALISTS

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970.484.3657 www.importautobody.com - Peter Weeks - Owner

Business & Building 2008

407 Riverside : Fort Collins

- Lauri Thompson - Manager

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June 2008 :: Business & Building

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features

Falls 14 Serratoga Open Space & Stunning Views Fear 30 No Women in a Man’s World Expensive, 34 Not Luxurious Luxury Motors Delivers

Builders 38 HighCraft Remodeling for the Present & Future

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Sipping 45 Patio Best Regional Patios Fashion 51 Summer Professional to Playful Welcome 56 Ladies Women & Golf Estate Investment 62 Real for Retirement

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Fort Collins 68 Marriott Remodel Delivers Opulence Trees 70 Healthy Need Water it Local 74 Loving Find Fun in Your Backyard Troubles 75 Tree Davey Tree Experts Up 76 Curtain’s Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

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in the Family 82 All Colorado Custom Homes columns

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On the cover:

John Donaldson and Robert Bisetti, Serratoga Falls Developers, have embarked on the creation of a one-of-a-kind community with vast open spaces and amazing views.

Cover photo by Joe Coca Photography

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w w w.stylemagaz ine c olor ado.c om

9 From the Readers 11 Publisher’s Letter Pillars 84 Community Bill Bartran Town 86 About Community Foundation Luncheon Torch Awards • March of Dimes Walk Habitats Splendor for Simplicity FC Symphony Soiree • Pink Rocks Fire Hydrant 5 • Community Classic Pink Boa Walk

PRESIDENT'S AWARD II TIM E WI NNE R!

"Continuing our 35 year commitment to exceptional and caring customer service."

-Mark Pedersen

223-3100 4455 S. College • Fort Collins, CO www.pedersentoyota.com

A Legacy with Open Space and Stunning Views

By Laura Dowling

Annette Vizena and Matt Sorensen searched tirelessly for three months for a home.

Then they found Serratoga Falls‌ and their dreams were soon to be fulfilled.

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Images courtesy Joe Coca Photography

A Legacy with Open Space and Stunning Views...

Building A Dream with Portafino Homes Building a new home can be a daunting experience. Key to having a successful home build is developing a solid relationship – and strong communication -- with your builder. Matt Sorensen and Annette Vizena bought a Portafino Home at Serratoga Falls that currently is under construction. Both busy professionals, they recently took a few minutes to describe their home buying experience.

Annette: We work long hours, so I really appreciate having Karen Smith [Portafino’s design concierge] advising us. We didn’t realize that Portafino makes Karen available to all buyers. She guides us on what to consider for interior and exterior finishes, gathers samples and a lot more. She and I talk just about every day. Karen listens to what we want; she doesn’t tell us what we want.

How did you choose a builder?

How much should a homeowner manage the construction process?

Annette: We were looking for quality, not quantity, in our new home. We toured already built homes, and many looked good. But we wanted a solid, well-built home we’ll have for years. One where the walls are thickly insulated, the concrete foundation is sound and you can see the attention to detail throughout.

We found that at Serratoga Falls after searching for three months.

Matt: Walking into different homes, I could tell right away whether it would work or not.

When we finally toured a Portafino Home with Tom Dugan [Portafino Master Builder], I was immediately sold. Tom puts so much pride into his work, and you can see his attention to detail the moment you walk in the door.

How important is design freedom during the design/build experience?

Matt: Very important. When looking at house plans, it’s essential to be able to make changes that match your lifestyle. We saw phenomenal house plans with Portafino, but still wanted to make some adjustments. One change we made was widening the entry hallway, and Tom didn’t have any problem with it. Throughout the relationship, he’s worked to make the house feel like our own.

Annette: We haven’t had to micromanage.

We hear horror stories from other people about building a new home. They say we should be onsite everyday to make sure the job is done right. That’s just not needed with Portafino.

Matt: I almost feel guilty for how much attention Tom gives us. We’re really pampered.

We visit the site about once a week, and there haven’t been any problems. I’ve honestly never stressed about it because I know Tom will do it right.

How do homeowners know they’re getting a quality home?

Annette: Talk to friends in the industry. Ask a lot of questions. We have a good friend in the construction business. After he saw the Portafino plans, he was convinced Tom does a great job. Another friend, a geological engineer, talked to Tom about the soils and foundation, and said Tom’s doing everything right. And we’ve heard good comments from other people in the housing industry about Portafino and Serratoga Falls.

A Legacy with Open Space and Stunning Views Annette and Matt began searching for their dream home in Northern Colorado.

John Donaldson, Robert Bisetti, and Dan Bartran consult the plans for Serratoga Falls in Timnath.

It wasn’t easy

“We looked at so many homes.” said Matt, 33, an oncologist with Cancer Center of the Rockies, who also is a golfer and runner and dabbles in fly fishing. “We didn’t want a big home. We wanted a quality-built home.”

Their search finally ended when they drove through the entrance to Serratoga Falls in Timnath, a new 388-acre community just 10 minutes from Old Town Fort Collins. With more than half of the community’s acreage designated as open space or parks, no other neighborhood in Northern Colorado matches Serratoga’s dedication to the natural environment.

“The entrance to Serratoga Falls, with its waterfalls, trees, landscaping, and stone is so gorgeous, we thought, ‘There’s no way we can afford this,’ said Annette, 34. An anesthesiologist with Northern Colorado Anesthesia Professionals, she also enjoys fishing, hiking, and playing with their rambunctious Golden Retriever, Grady. “Driving

on, it became clear this is a stylish neighborhood, but not pretentious. It has open space, lots of trails and is very comfortable.”

They continued to explore the neighborhood -- among the thousands of trees, shrubs, and perennials planted during Serratoga’s first filing. Then they saw a sight that took their breath away.

“The views of the mountains – especially Long’s Peak – are amazing,” Matt added. “We were sold before we even saw any house plans.

We fell in love with the lot our house is being built on because of the view and the park right behind us.”

Unpretentious luxury living is what Serratoga Falls developers Robert Bisetti and John Donaldson dreamed of creating when they first saw the land that lies just north of Prospect Road east of I-25. All the single-family or patio homes in the development – priced from $500,000 – will have slightly larger lots than comparable develop-

ments. And, every home backs onto open space, a park, or one of eight lakes in the neighborhood, including a 50-acre recreational lake.

“It was August five years ago when we first wandered the site,” said Bisetti, a well-known local business owner also involved in residential and commercial real-estate developments and investments. “I remember saying, ‘Oh my God, look at that lake, those hills, and that view of the mountains.’ We knew the potential was enormous.”

“Serratoga Falls is an unbelievable site,” added Donaldson, a seasoned residential and commercial developer best known for the award-winning Harmony Marketplace in Fort Collins that houses Home Depot, King Soopers and other popular stores. “Properties with unobstructed mountain views and this number of water elements don’t come around often. The land literally tilts to the west, which means virtually every home will have fabulous views of the mountains.”

John and I have great pride in all we do.

We’re committed to doing what’s right for our homeowners and this magnificent piece of property. We purposefully go way beyond what’s expected because we care.

Robert Bisetti, Serratoga Falls Developer

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Buying a home is one of the most exciting and challenging experiences a person can have. It’s our job to make it fun.

Dan Bartran, Bartran Homes

Affordable Luxury

In addition to the eight lakes and 200 acres of open space and parks, the property ultimately will feature eight miles of landscaped trails; a magnificent lake house with a fitness center, professional staff, pool and tennis courts; lakeside beaches and docks. The community also is included in Poudre School District schools.

When completed, Serratoga will include 385 single-family houses and patio homes. All will be green built and meet or exceed the Five Star energy rating. Bisetti and Donaldson selected local home builders Portafino Homes and Bartran Homes to construct residences that feature OldWorld style and design, high ceilings, outdoor living spaces, stucco and stone exteriors on all sides, expansive views of the Rocky Mountains, 3-car garages and more.

“We’ve introduced a luxury lifestyle that’s truly affordable,” Bisetti said. According to newhome buyers Matt and Annette, who purchased

a Portafino home now under construction on a 12,000-square-foot lot, Bisetti and Donaldson have accomplished their goal.

“When we started looking at homes, our goal was to keep the price within reason,” said Annette, who is deeply involved with all design and decorating details of their new home. “Tom Dugan, our Portafino builder, is very open to all our ideas. He’s good about telling us what features are reasonable to change or cut, and others that are best left alone – like the energy-efficient windows. I really appreciate and admire his willingness to work with us while not compromising his high standards.”

“This will be an award-winning neighborhood for families,” Donaldson added. “It will leave a legacy.”

Doing What’s Right

“John and I have great pride in all we do,”

Bisetti said. “We’re committed to doing what’s right for our homeowners and this magnificent piece of property. We purposefully go way beyond what’s expected because we care.”

Kevin Mill, owner and president of Mill Brothers Landscape & Nursery, the local company landscaping the property, attests to Bisetti and Donaldson’s commitment.

“They’re extremely quality oriented and don’t cut corners,” Mill said. “Both want things done a certain way – and done right. The overall value and impact of Serratoga Falls, the way it looks and the deep planning and thought put into every detail is something you don’t typically see in a residential neighborhood.”

Mill is impressed with the extent of landscaping already completed in the first filing: 861 deciduous shade trees, ornamentals, and evergreens; 1,554 deciduous and evergreen shrubs, 5,782 perennials, and ornamental grasses; three acres of shrub beds; nine acres of irrigated turf;

Properties with unobstructed mountain views and this number of water elements don’t come around often. The land literally tilts to the west, which means virtually every home will have fabulous views of the mountains.

John Donaldson, Serratoga Falls Developer

Business & Building 2008

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miles of split-rail fencing; high grassy berms that separate Serratoga Falls from County Road 5; and miles of paved, easy-access trails.

“The quantity and density of landscaping is much more than the typical requirement,” Mill said. “That’s the appeal of Serratoga Falls. The variety and density of landscaping combined with open space make it a fantastic environment.”

Years before the first dirt was moved at Serratoga Falls, Bisetti and Donaldson spent untold hours researching housing trends and pouring over information about successful neighborhoods nationwide. Several meetings with Larry Kendall, chairman emeritus of The Group, Inc. Real Estate, also were instrumental in sculpting their concept for Serratoga Falls.

“Larry regularly travels the country touring award-winning communities,” Bisetti said. “We scoured information he brought back from multiple trips, grilled him with questions, and have incorporated elements from these amazing neighborhoods into Serratoga Falls, such as water features, trail systems, extensive landscaping, and a Lake House with lots of amenities.”

Portafino - Homes to Grow Old In

In addition to Serratoga Falls’ stunning views, Annette and Matt were sold on Portafino mas-

Portafino homes are planned with useable space and incredible views.

Custom kitchens and baths draw people in and make them want to stay.

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Luxury Laid Back••• Meet First Class Banking.

Bank of Choice is proud to support the development and growth of Serratoga Falls.

As one of Colorado's largest independent banks, our approvals happen down the hall, not across the country. So you get answers faster, get funded faster, and reach your financial goals faster- because, after all, you've earned it. Check us out at BankofChoiceOnline.com or stop by your neighborhood Bank of Choice location today.

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Tuscan inspired colors and lines create a pastoral beauty that is timeless.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

The kind of homes you want to raise your kids in, the home you want to retire in, the home you want to enjoy your golden years in!

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Bring your dreams to life...

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Homes at Serratoga have beautiful architectural detail in very useable spaces.

ter builder Tom Dugan, the 20-year veteran homebuilder overseeing construction of their home. “He puts so much heart and pride into his work,” Annette said. “We wanted quality -- not quantity. This is a home we’ll grow old in.”

Long before construction began, Dugan sat down with the couple to review Portafino’s various home plans – plans Matt describes as “phenomenal” – to ensure the finished home fits their lifestyle.

“Since the back of our house faces west, we wanted a more open floor plan to better see the mountains as you walk through the front door,” Annette said. Dugan accommodated their request by moving the lower-level stairwell back four feet, which widened the main-floor hallway and created an unobstructed mountain view from front door to back.

“I can’t wait to watch the sunset from our

living room or porch, or open the sliding door and throw the ball for Grady,” Annette said, referring to her ball-crazy Golden Retriever.

“Tom is a down-to-earth guy who’s very good at what he does,” Annette said. “He speaks about construction in understandable ways.

“We’re pampered,” Matt added. “I almost feel guilty for how much attention Tom gives us. We hear horror stories from people building new homes. They tell us to micromanage and be onsite every day. But with Tom, that’s not needed. We visit the site about once a week, and there haven’t been any problems.”

Portafino Design Freedom

In addition to making structural changes to a home, Portafino homebuyers also can

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Annette Vizena consults with Karen Smith and Tom Dugan about her future kitchen.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

to visit Serratoga Falls with 8 miles of walking trails, 7lakes, and 200 acres of open space.

Every home backs to open space.

We are open weekends 1 pm - 5 pm.

We look forward to you visiting us at Serratoga Falls.

Tom Dugan, Home Builder, Portafino Homes enjoy design freedom when selecting all the finishes. As part of their purchase, every Portafino homebuyer can work with Karen Smith, Portafino’s design concierge, who provides expert advice to help navigate through a multitude of choices -- from light fixtures to tile, countertops, cabinetry, flooring, doorknobs, and more. She also provides design insights on exterior textures, such as stucco, roofing, and walkway materials.

“I walk you through every step of the process,” she said. “And I always tell people it’s ok to say ‘no’ to my suggestions. I do all the running around, so you don’t have to.”

Annette talks with Smith on a near-daily basis. “Karen is so good at guiding us and helping put it all together. She listens to what we want. She doesn’t tell us what we want.”

Annette recalls the selection of their 8-foottall front door. “I never thought there’d be so much to think about for a front door, such as the type and amount of glass to use. Karen provided great information about various options that incorporated my contemporary style without going over the top.”

Bartran Legacy

Serratoga Falls’ second builder, Bartran Homes, has built homes throughout Northern Colorado for 57 years. At Serratoga Falls, Bartran homes will “bring the outside elements in,” said Dan Bartran, the third-generation Bartran to run the business. “Our Serratoga homes will feature courtyards, large windows

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Karen Smith, Design Concierge, Portafino Homes and amazing views.”

Other neighborhoods Bartran Homes has built over the years are familiar: English Ranch, Collindale, Brittany Knolls, Windsor Manor, Wildflower Ridge, and Hampshire Pond. In May, Bartran participated in the 2008 Parade of Dreams, where he showcased a magnificent 6,400-square-foot Tuscan home that features four bedrooms and six baths.

“Buying a home is one of the most exciting and challenging experiences a person can have. It’s our job to make it fun,” Bartran said.

He and his team are succeeding. “More than 60 percent of customers send thank you notes telling us how enjoyable the process was.” Together with his wife, Gwen, Bartran works to make every home-building journey a personalized, hands-on experience.

“Staying involved is the only way to provide quality every step of the way,” Bartran said. He spends his days in the field managing the skilled craftsmen that transform houses under construction into a home. He’s often in the thick of construction, overseeing teams pouring foundations, consulting with framers, and ensuring the custom cabinetry and finishes are crafted with precision.

Serratoga: A Reflection of Personalities

Don Taranto, president and CEO of TST, Inc., the local firm that provided civil engineering designs and drawings for the utilities,

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Imagine yourself... taking a stroll around your home. Envision your entry accented with trees, shrubs and flowers that warmly welcomes all... or perhaps a delightful pond or dancing fountain... maybe a deck or patio designed for entertaining or just relaxing over a Colorado sunset!

This vision... can become a reality with the help of our award winning landscape design/build team.

Mill Brother’s Landscape, Inc. Award Winning Company Since 1980

970-493-3883 v www.millbrothers.com

Dan Bartran, Home Builder, Bartran Homes streets, waterways, and other environmental components that re-shaped the land, describes Bisetti and Donaldson as creative and energetic. “They move fast and furiously,” he said. “And like Serratoga Falls, they’ve got ‘rustic elegance.’ It’s likely you’ll see them in jeans rather than a $300 pair of slacks,” he laughed.

Friends since high school and best man in each other’s weddings, Bisetti and Donaldson have a business relationship that reflects their friendly, unpretentious lives.

Donaldson, the behind-the-scenes guy, describes himself as “adamant about keeping my word. Through the years, I’ve done lots of business on a handshake.”

Bisetti calls Donaldson a visionary who “likes to work outside the box. He’s tough when it comes to business. At the same time, he’s the most even-tempered person I know and definitely has fun in everything he does.”

Robert is more the up-front business partner. He’s amicable, compassionate and a stickler about details. “I’m focused on doing the right thing, the right way. I appreciate high-quality and can go overboard on that, which I think shows at Serratoga,” he laughs. “Serratoga Falls is such a quantum leap from other neighborhoods that many people have a hard time comprehending it at first. But when it all sinks in, their reaction is always the same: ‘Wow!’” Laura Dowling is owner of Dowling Public Relations in Fort Collins. A 22-year publicrelations consultant experienced in PR strategy, internal and external corporate communications and more, she can be reached at 970-218-6601 or ldowling@dowlingpr.com.

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

LAND PLANNING

ARCHITECTURE

RESORT & GOLF COURSE DESIGN

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

ENTITLEMENTS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Business & Building 2008

29

NO FEAR

When Roxanne Gartrell Eddins was 22, she took the summer between working and returning to college full time, to have the adventure of her life.

By Corey Radman

A

lone, she explored the 48 contiguous states plus 9 Canadian provinces on her 1978 R100/7 BMW motorcycle. From May to October she drove 31,708 miles. “That really was extraordinary. It reinforced my ability to be self sufficient and driven – no pun intended,” she says with a wry smile.

Camping as she went, Roxanne met many people who were curious about her journey. They would say, “I wish I could do that.” And Roxanne would think, “What’s stopping you?”

This drive to explore and succeed is what has marked the careers of two remarkable local women, who have found their place in the male-dominated automotive field. But before you make any

Roxanne Gartrell Eddins, Beemers & more Motorcycle Works

30

assumptions, you should know that these women don’t see themselves as bravely crusading for women’s rights. They’re not engaged in a battle with anyone, male or female. They are simply doing what they love – and doing it well.

Not Just a Man’s World Roxanne Gartrell Eddins is the majority owner

Lauri Thompson, Import Auto Body

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

and the driving force behind the growing Fort Collins enterprise, Beemers & more Motorcycle Works (www.beemersandmore.com). Over 34 years of working in male dominated fields, 16 of them as a lawyer, she has encountered her share of barriers. Yet, when asked about them Roxanne says, “I act like they don’t exist.” Sotto voce, she murmurs, “I have experienced plenty of them. I know they are there. But I deal with resistance subtly.”

As the owner of her own business, Roxanne chooses employees that are a good match for the company philosophy, and therefore unlikely to argue with her. However, she still occasionally encounters skepticism from new customers. If they ask for her partner and husband Steve Eddins, she offers her own expertise. “Not in a gruff way,” she cautions, “Just quietly and confidently, I show them I can help them too. Gradually they learn.”

Roxanne expects to be taken seriously in mechanical matters. After all, she has ridden over 325,000 miles on her bikes. She knows what she is talking about, but she’s still aware that some people reserve judgment.

“In order to be successful as a woman in a male dominated field, I think you have to be more competent. Because you’re not one of the guys, to gain acceptance you have to have something extra.”

Confidence is Automatic Lauri Thompson would agree. As the 24-yearold, female manager of Import Auto Body in Fort Collins (www.importautobody.com), she encounters a few raised eyebrows when she calls clients to explain problems with their cars. “Sometimes older guys will be doubtful at first. They drill you with questions, and sometimes they throw trick questions at you. But once you prove yourself with them, you’re ok.”

Lauri has been engrossed in the world of cars and trucks since she was 16. While she was in high school, her dad, an auto body technician, helped her find and fix up her first vehicle. It was a ’79 Chevy Pickup that they got for $200. “Get out here and help me fix it,” he said. And Lauri’s automotive career was off and running.

Lauri has thus far applied her efficiency and excellent people skills to front office positions in two body shops. Currently she is the Manager (“of Chaos,” she jokes) at Import Auto Body where she facilitates all the communications and schedules for clients who need a vehicle fixed.

The shop offers repairs for both auto body and mechanical problems.

“Being that this is a grudge purchase, people can be pretty frustrated [when we talk to them], but we have a very successful repeat customer rate. We try to present the Wow Factor by calling clients proactively to inform them about their car.

We email photos to people who want to see the process [of their car being taken apart and fixed].

It takes a lot of people’s breath away,” explains Lauri. Nowhere in that discussion does she mention that the team at Import Auto Body is made up of men and women. It’s just a top-notch team doing a good job.

Import owner, Pete Weeks, originally hired Lauri to do office support, but her take-charge personality proved invaluable. She explains, “I quickly added more responsibility to my daily tasks, as well as contributed efficiency to routine activities. I am all about working smarter not

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harder; teamwork is very important. My outgoing personality (and ability to remember faces) has attracted several of our unlucky customers [with multiple accidents] to continue to return time and time again. Since I am a little younger it makes for an easy transition for parents to instill our business into their teenage/college aged kids.”

Secrets of their Success Quiet confidence and superior skills have carried Roxanne and Lauri far ahead in fields that might stymie other women. Their obvious passion for bikes and cars paired with their need to provide superior customer satisfaction has served them well.

Roxanne shares, “Our biggest key to success is personal service. I know all the customers’ names, what they drive, and usually the trips they have taken, their wives’ names, and where they work.” The Beemers & more shop has become a social destination for riders. Yes, customers come in to get a new part for their bike or have the technicians fix a problem, but they stay to drink a cup of coffee and chat with the staff and other riders.

The strategy seems to be working. Beemers & more has been open three years, and has increased their annual sales by 20 times over their first year in business. They have expanded from 1,500 square feet to 5,000, and now offer several different brands of bikes, both new and preowned, as well as Vespa scooters. They will repair or advise you about almost any brand of bike on the market.

32

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Laurie Thompson explains the damage to a client.

Trends US Department of Labor statistics report that of young women, aged 16 to 34, only 1% are automobile mechanics; 10% are electronics technicians. Even in Colorado the statistics aren’t much more encouraging. Of 92 CSU bachelor’s degrees awarded for Mechanical Engineering in 2007, only 13 were to women. This trend continues in other traditionally male-dominated fields.

In 2007, CSU awarded 7% of bachelor’s degrees in Construction Management to women and the same amount to females in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

The anecdotal evidence indicates that blatant discrimination against women in male dominated fields has subsided, however, women are still scarce in mechanical or engineering fields.

Self labeled crusaders or not, Roxanne and Lauri are special women. Their confidence and their drive to do what they are good at, has resulted in a unique fit.

To others who secretly wish they could spend their days working with bikes, trucks, and cars, they would say, “What’s stopping you?”

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Business & Building 2008

33

Luxurious Not Expensive,

By Jason Webb

If you were planning to invest $30,000, knowing that you could lose up to 30% of it in just two years, a financial advisor would tell you that you were foolish. Yet, people do so every day when they buy a new car.

A

fter the first two years, a new car depreciates 30% on average. And yet, there is something special about a brand new car, since you are the first person to own it. You know that the car is in top shape without hidden problems. If, however, you would rather avoid taking the depreciation hit while getting a really nice luxury car, you have a fantastic new option.

Luxury Motors of Colorado, at 1303 SW Frontage Road in Fort Collins, opened in January of this year in the old Harley Davidson store off I-25. Luxury Motors is locally owned by Bill Yunker and Dave Kerker. This auto dealership specializes in providing exceptionally clean, low mileage, mostly one-owner used luxury cars at a lower the

34

Bill Lange, Service Manager with Billy Davis, Luxury Motors General Manager price than you would expect to pay – in some cases, as much as 50% off the retail price – and that is where their slogan comes from: “Luxury doesn’t mean expensive.”

“We sell our cars for thousands less than the Kelly Blue Book retail prices,” says Billy Davis, general manager of Luxury Motors. These prices, according to Davis, will beat franchise dealerships’ prices, since there is no overhead franchise fee.

“Our goal is to offer the nicest, cleanest luxury cars available.” All of the cars Davis sells also tend to hold their value better than most because the manufacturers produce fewer of them. Each is either still under the manufacturer’s bumper-tobumper or a warranty is available at an affordable price. Qualified customers can get financing with

rates as low as 3.99%.

Because Luxury Motors is not affiliated with a particular auto maker, they can bring in any model of car you request. Generally, the lot has 40 to 50 different makes and models available, and all are usually 2004 or newer. “On every car, we display a Carfax report, complimentary,” says Davis.

“We also provide a copy of Kelley Blue Book retail and wholesale prices for each car, so customers know what they should expect.” Davis invites his customers to check out their offerings at: www. luxurymotorsofcolorado.com.

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People who visit the dealership will find a friendly, courteous sales team. Besides Davis,

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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there are four sales people, and each works hard to change the all-too-common image of a used car salesmen. “We want to get rid of the stigma,” says Davis. To do this, they have become an easy-going sales team that offers a truly no-hassle buying experience. “We like to say ‘here’s what it’s worth; here’s what I want for it. So let’s come together.’” They believe that the gimmicks do not work on educated buyers, and they assume each buyer has done their homework on the car they are looking for.

If you ask Davis or any of the staff what really matters, you get the same response: the customer. Davis, who personally selects each car from a list of a few hundred or more, wants to make sure the customers who come to his dealership have everything they need not only in the car, but also in the showroom. That’s why there are televisions, comfortable chairs, and a children’s corner set up with a video player to keep the kids entertained, while the parents wait while their car is serviced.

“We have a fully operational service department,” says Davis. “We maintain everything we sell.” While the service department does not do warranty work, they do make special accommodations for customers. Instead of having to take a car to one of the Denver dealerships to handle factory warranty claims, Luxury Motors will drive the car to the authorized dealer. “There’s no need to go to Denver and spend your day waiting for the warranty work to be finished,” says Bill Lange, the service manager at Luxury Motors. “Bring it here, and we’ll take it down for you.”

The service department does complete bumper-to-bumper work on all makes of automobiles.

While they don’t perform body work, their service does include regular maintenance like oil changes, and major issues like engine repairs. “One of our service guys finished in the top 10 in Audi school,” notes Lange. “Another guy has worked on a pit crew for the Indy 500.”

“We’re competitively priced and if we see that something should be replaced, we’re going to tell you and let you make the decision,” says Lange. Plus, as an added benefit, once the car has

36

I went to Luxury Motors because I wanted a nice car that looked good and was in good shape Sharon Herdman

gone through service, the detailing department takes over, so your luxury car sparkles. “They’re very conscientious of doing a very good job,” says Lange.

The approach of the service department and the sales team appears to be paying off. According to Davis, the dealership has sold around 100 cars since opening. One of the customers, Sharon Herdman, says, “Buying a car from them was really easy and smooth.” When she bought her navy blue 2005 Audi A6, she knew what she wanted in a car, but she didn’t have a lot of time to track down the ideal car. “I felt like they did a lot of the legwork for me,” says Herdman. “I went to Luxury Motors because I wanted a nice car that looked good and was in good shape.”

Nice cars are exactly what Davis sells at his dealership, but Luxury Motors isn’t just another car dealership. “It’s more of a destination,” says Lange. The staff works hard to guarantee that the customers get what they want at a great price, and they take the approach that they’re not in the business to just sell cars. They look at it as building relationships. “We want customers for life,” says Davis. “We offer great products at even better prices!”

Jason Webb is a freelance writer who lives in Johnstown.

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37

Remodeling with For the Present and Future Joyce and Tex (Harold) Anderson wanted a house that was special.

One that was their own. One that would fit their needs, as well as those of their children. They knew exactly what they wanted.

J

oyce and I built the house ourselves,” Tex explains. “We picked a plan and then redesigned as we built it.” Throughout the process, they made sure that their new home in Terry Point Estates was exactly what they wanted– exactly what they needed.

That was 30 years ago and time marches on.

Kids grow up. Lifestyles change. So does home fashion and design. Harvest gold tile, wall-to-wall carpet, and foil wallpaper have gone the way of disco balls and polyester pants suits. Eventually, the Anderson house didn’t fit the bill anymore.

They considered moving. But where?

“We looked all over,” says Joyce. But their be-

loved house still had a lot going for it. And they couldn’t find anything that would match it.

“We like our neighbors. We liked our neighborhood,” she adds. “We started to consider remodeling.”

Ann and Mark Dings faced a similar dilemma.

Like the Andersons, the Dings bought their home in Applewood Estates when their youngest was still in school. But after sixteen years, it didn’t meet their current lifestyle anymore. As they looked for a new home, they, too, couldn’t find anything they liked better.

“Our property is unique,” says Ann. “We’ve got three and a half acres, yet we’re so close to

Dwight Sailer and Bryan Soth are Co-owners of HighCraft Builders.

Fort Collins. Most people don’t realize what’s here. It’s a hidden treasure.”

The Dings decided they just couldn’t leave the community they had called home for so long. Nor could they part with their land, its mature landscaping, beautiful vistas and wide open spaces that afforded their two dogs plenty of room to roam.

Still, their formerly “ideal” home didn’t mesh with the lifestyle this active couple enjoys. They, too, decided to remodel. “The whole thing started because we needed to paint our house,” says Ann. “It kind of snowballed from there.”

“I had a long list of things that needed to be

Stone and wood elements unify the exterior of the Ding’s Colorado Craftsman home.

The Dings’ ho

me before the

38

remodel.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Business & Building 2008

39

BEFORE 1

1) The Dings’ old kitchen suffered from dated colors and a cramped floorplan.

2) The Dings’ new kitchen features marble countertops, slate floors and travertine accents.

3) Multiple windows bring the outdoors inside.

4) The hot tub room, the dogs’ domain, connects the house to the game/rec room and features easy-to-maintain natural elements including stone and slate, a soaring wood ceiling, and a custom doggie door.

5) The Dings chose all natural materials to accent their guest bathroom.

2

3

40

4

5

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

HighCraft made the whole process easy and fun. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re good people and they surround themselves with good peopleâ&#x20AC;Ś They were so considerate of our feelings. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d highly recommend them.

Ann and Mark Dings

taken care of before we painted,â&#x20AC;? explains Mark. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then, we started incorporating things from our wish list.â&#x20AC;?

Once the decision to remodel was made, both couples began the agonizing process of choosing a contractor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were apprehensive,â&#x20AC;? explains Tex Anderson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d heard horror stories.â&#x20AC;?

After meeting Bryan Soth and Dwight Sailer of HighCraft Builders at a home show, Tex and Joyce did their homework. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We talked to lots of people, and we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get any negative feedback,â&#x20AC;? says Tex. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody said weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d get quality work. We were a little reluctant to do a remodel, but after we chose HighCraft, we were glad we did.â&#x20AC;?

Ann and Mark Dings also did thorough research before choosing Highcraft to handle their remodel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was in the building industry for 30 years. I called a reliable source and got some referrals,â&#x20AC;? says Mark. â&#x20AC;&#x153;HighCraft was a really good fit for us,â&#x20AC;? adds Ann.

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Joyce & Tex Andersons

42

Lydiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STYLE Magazine

According the Dwight Sailer, Co-owner of HighCraft Builders, many couples decide to stay in their homes and remodel rather than move. “The biggest reason is they love where they live,” he says. “There is something about their homes they can’t replace, something they’re emotionally tied to. They love life where they are, but they don’t love everything about their house. Many of them have raised their kids. Now the kids are grown and their lives have changed and they want their homes to reflect where they are now.”

“We wanted to bring our house into the 21st century,” agrees Joyce Anderson. She and Tex first made the decision to remodel in 2004 when they asked HighCraft to redo Joyce’s loft studio and their kitchen. Joyce worked closely with the HighCraft design staff to plan the layout and look of the custom, solid cherry cabinetry. In addition to aesthetic elements like glass-fronted display cabinets, the kitchen also includes state-of-theart appliances. In 2007, the Andersons turned to Highcraft again, this time asking them to tackle their outdated bathrooms.

The Dings, too, had their sights set on a new kitchen.” It was 16 years old,” explains Ann. “And although it was still in really good shape, things have changed. Appliances have changed.

Surfaces have changed. Our kitchen was still stuck in the ‘90s.” The Dings new kitchen, which looks out over the family room, was brought into the present with beautiful wood cabinets, travertine countertops, and slate floors.

While they were at it, the Dings decided to reface the exterior of the home with stone and wood elements, and enclose the breezeway that led from the house to the game/rec room. “We wanted it to be part of the house, a more usable indoor space,” says Ann. To that end, they installed a hot tub right under the new skylights.

They extended the slate into this new hot-tub room, dubbed the “hot dog room” by the workers because it was designed around the needs of the Dings two dogs. “They’re part of our family,” says Mark of their furry companions. “They track in mud and all kinds of stuff. We wanted floors that could stand up to that.”

“We just wanted everything we put in our home to be natural,” says Ann, who used the travertine and slate again in the bathroom to give it a more luxurious feel.

Many retired homeowners include such elements into their remodels. “It’s more about luxury and a spa environment than it is about functionality,” adds Kira Koldeway, Marketing Coordinator for Highcraft. “People are doing vessel sinks and making the fixtures and lighting art elements.”

This was certainly true for the Andersons and the Dings. Both couples chose to transform their outdated, yet functional bathrooms into their own personal oases. And both included “art pieces” into the designs.

The Dings chose a modern stone vessel sink.

The Andersons opted for a glass vessel created

by Coyote Glass and a waterfall faucet fixture.

“Ann wanted the vessel to be the focal point of the room,” explains Koldeway. “She wanted the metallic paint on the wall to mimic (the sink).”

“Homeowners today definitely want their houses to be more artistic,” agrees Sailer. “They want to put everything in their homes they may have sacrificed while raising kids. The Andersons wanted a master suite. They definitely wanted an oasis, a spa. When their kids were young they

Business & Building 2008

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

didn’t care that their bathroom fixtures were green. But now, they want their bathroom to fit their style.

“One of the things we see is that couples hit a point in their lives where they want to be social creatures again,” adds Sailer. “They want their homes to be places where they can entertain.

They also want intimate retreats where they can rekindle romance.”

In the end, both couples are very happy with the transformation of their homes. “Any time you go through a process you need to interview the company and get to know the people because it’s a long, arduous task,” explains Mark. “They’re

going to be in your life for a long time. You have to feel comfortable working with them.”

“Highcraft made the whole process easy and fun,” adds Ann. “They’re good people and they surround themselves with good people. They made things happen. They were so considerate of our feelings. I’d highly recommend them.”

The Andersons agree. Their initial reluctance has been replaced by satisfaction and a renewed love for their home. “Highcraft stands behind their work. They complete the job when they tell you they will. If they say they were going to do something, they do it. We just enjoyed them.

They were really good people.”

“For us, our clients are everything,” says Sailer.

“We want them to have a very good experience– through the pre-production process– through the remodeling process itself– and with the finished product. But we don’t believe the final product is enough, in and of itself. There’s got to be a good relationship, too. If the client feels that this project is important and being looked after and scrutinized, then they feel safe.”

And in the end, that safe feeling gives way to satisfaction as homeowners move back into their new spaces and forward into their future.

Lynn M. Dean is a freelance writer living in Northern Colorado.

1

3

2

4

5

BEFORE

1) This vessel sink by Coyote glass was the inspiration for the guest bathroom.

2) Cherry cabinets, granite counter tops, an island workstation with attached bar eating area adorn the Andersons’ new kitchen.

3) The Andersons brought luxury touches, such as this double marble sink, into their master bath oasis.

4) The glass sink has echoes in the painted niche above the tub.

5) Dark and stuck in the 70s, the guest bathroom was high on the Andersons’ list to be revitalized.

Business & Building 2008

45

Patios • Family • Friends • Happy Hour • Conversation • Dining • Patios • Family • Friends

Beauregard’s Grill & Tavern 3724 Cleveland Avenue Wellington, (970) 568-4065 Owner: Jonathan S. Rashleigh

We are a family friendly restaurant with something to tempt persons of all ages and tastes.

“Beauregard’s is Northern Colorado’s best kept patio secret. We have a 104-year-old Chinese Elm that decorates the center of our gorgeous patio and provides shade and serenity all summer long in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Saturday evenings we have live acoustic music and the restaurant’s namesake, Beauregard (our adoring 12 yr old yellow lab) roams the patio and greets our guests.

For sipping, I recommend the Mandrini Martini: a seductive blend of peach and citrus liqueurs with freshly squeezed tangerine and cranberry juice, or a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc, or an ice cold draft beer. Daily drink and happy hour specials are from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.

Chef Scott Hoffner is preparing our enticing summer menu. Don’t miss the fantastic Saturday and Sunday patio brunch from 9:00am - 1:00pm.

We are a family friendly restaurant with something to tempt persons of all ages and tastes.”

Bent Fork The grill

5971 Sky Pond Drive, Suite C-106, Loveland in The Promenade Shops at Centerra (970) 613-9333 www.bentforkgrill.com Owners: John Tetrault, Michael Smith & Mike Long

We run daily specials and have something for all ages every day.

46

“Fronted with beautiful water fountains and falls, a great view of the mountains, good people watching, and a play fountain for kids, Bent Fork’s patio is a knockout.

We place special emphasis on our food quality, taking no shortcuts in product preparation. In the spirit of an old time grill, we make our homemade soups, dressing, sauces and marinades on a daily basis to ensure fresh and appealing dishes.

We offer an extensive wine list or our famous premium martini’s, mojito’s, and margaritas. Happy Hour is from 3pm - 6pm everyday that includes ½ price appetizers, $3 house wines, $3 draft beer, and $5 premium martinis. We run daily specials and have something for all ages every day.”

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

P

s

Patios • Family • Friends • Happy Hour • Conversation • Dining • Patios • Family • Friends

Manno’s Grille

1441 East Horsetooth Road Fort Collins, (970) 223-2478 www.mannosgrille.com Owner: Scott Manning “Our patio features a southern exposure with a beautiful view of the Collindale Golf Course, and a lake between the two finishing holes. Look southwest and enjoy the snow-capped peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park to include majestic Long’s Peak! The large patio is half covered, half full sun and can seat up to 86 people.

Sip a cold draft beer, a glass of wine from our list, an icy martini, or any beverage of your choice. We are probably best known for our spicy bloody mary’s, made with our own habanero infused vodka. Happy hour lasts from 11am to 6pm Monday through Friday. We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 6:30am to 10:00pm. We are kid friendly!”

We are probably best known for our spicy bloody mary’s, made with our own habanero infused vodka.

The Savoy Brasserie

1544 Oakridge Drive Fort Collins, (970) 377-2778 www.thesavoybrasserie.com Owners: Chantal & Chef Jean Martini “Our patio’s best features include a shady setting with umbrellas and pull down shades. The open environment features green scenery with mature trees and music. The best way to unwind after a day at work is to come and enjoy happy hour on the bistro patio!

For drinks, we recommend Kir Royal, Kir Imperial, mimosas, mojitos, pastis (from the south of France), martinis, sangria, and 20 different locally brewed beers. Happy hour is from 3pm to 6pm and includes 2 for 1 wells, beers, and wine.

We have an Express Lunch menu from 11am to 2pm Tuesday through Friday. Sunday brunch is from 10am to 3pm. Our featured menus are served every Thursday – each one is served once a month (first Thursday of the month, Couscous Royal; second Thursday, Bouillabaisse; third Thursday, Osso Bucco; fourth Thursday, Paella Valenciana).”

Business & Building 2008

The best way to unwind after a day at work is to come and enjoy happy hour on the bistro patio!

47

Patios • Family • Friends • Happy Hour • Conversation • Dining • Patios • Family • Friends

Stonehouse Grille

125 South College Avenue Fort Collins, (970) 498-0873 www.Stonehousegrille.com Owners: Kit Sutherland & Scott Kintz “The patio at Stonehouse Grille is the only roof-top patio in Old Town Fort Collins. Overlooking College Avenue and nestled between two historic buildings, it is a fantastic setting to: eat a nice lunch or dinner in an intimate setting, enjoy a bucket of beers with your buddies while watching one of many HD big screen TVs, get martini’s after work, or people watch late at night…. the possibilities are limitless.

For roof top patio sipping, we recommend a bucket of Coronas, a pitcher of sangria, or one of our chilled white wines. Stonehouse also boasts one of the largest selections of beer from Great Britain as well as 30+ Scotches. Happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm & 9pm to 12am daily with many specials to choose from.

We just introduced a new menu with lighter fare for summer including many salads, wraps, and new sandwiches. We are a family friendly establishment.”

Happy Hour/Drink Specials $2.50 domestic pints $3.00 hand crafted pints $3.00 premium wells $4.00 house wine 3pm to 6pm & 9pm to 12am daily Sunday $3 build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar 11am to 4pm $9 Corona Buckets (5 bottles/bucket) all day Monday Happy Hour 3pm to 6pm & 9pm to 12am Tuesday $2 Stoli vodka cocktails (all 9 stoli flavors) all day Wednesday $10 Coors/Coors light Buckets $4 Crown Royal Cocktails 5pm - close as part of Country Wednesdays + Live trivia @ 9:30 pm Thursday $3.00 for 25oz mug of beer, anything brewed in Colorado all day Friday Happy Hour 3pm to 6pm & 9pm to 12am Saturday 1/2 Bottles of Wine (up to $25) all day CSU game day specials

Stonehouse boasts one of the largest selections of beer from Great Britain as well as 30+ Scotches on the bar.

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Professional to

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Playful:summer2008

rea boutiques sport summer wardrobe essentials – from flouncy, flirty dresses and feminine blouses to ultra-skinny pants, new short lengths and easy yoga wear. Meet boutique owners who will have you looking your best - complete with belts, beads, and bags. The best part? There’s something to please every woman, of any age.

Design’s Boutique opened in June of 1992.

We have been in Old Town, Fort Collins for 8 years and we continue to love being a part of such a wonderful and dynamic community.

In addition to carrying stylish fashions, we offer Pandora Jewelry and Brighton accessories. And, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service.

-Michelle Crutcher, co-owner

Linda Vernon, co-owner, Donna McBroom, 12 year sales associate, Kathy Jordan, sales associate, Michelle Crutcher, co-owner.

Fashion Details Linda Vernon models a flattering black jersey knit dress with stylish hip belt from Joseph Ribkoff. Hand crafted jade Happy Buddah necklace from Landi and bracelets from Pandora add elegance.

Donna McBroom chooses a snappy black and white swirl patterned Joseph Ribkoff zip jacket and shell over slimming straight leg black micro stretch pants from Margaret M. Kathy Jordan features a crisp Finley white cotton dress with waist-cinching trendy chocolate brown belt. Pandora bracelets polish off the look.

Michelle Crutcher sports a professional look with Finley’s denim blue and black print tie shirt and easy 2 pocket crop pants from Margaret M. Leather layered necklace with stones and Pandora bracelets add the finishing polish.

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Tunics

Blouses

Shorts

Sweaters

I opened Karinza Boutique in August 2007, in Windsor, because I have always loved fashion.

I enjoy fitting customers and friends in clothes that make them feel great about the way they look. And, I keep customers in mind when shopping at market; since I get to know my customers well, I select fashions they will love.

-Karen Banghart, owner

Karen Banghart, owner Fashion details Karen Banghart sports a soft hot pink sleeveless knit with satin trim

by Chaudry and the newest stretch walking shorts by Spanner.

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Lydiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STYLE Magazine

Tanks

Jeans

Layered

Pants

I would like to invite everyone to my new trendy European fashion boutique, Dress Code II. Whether you want casual, dressy, or daytime conservative, my fashions are stylish and unique, and will not be seen in other stores. My prices are affordable so stop by and check us out!

-Anna Zherdeva, owner

Erin Rogers, dental hygienist, Anna Zherdeva, owner, Sarita Crawford, business owner, Debbie Johnson, business owner.

Fashion details Erin Rogers sports a cute Italian white cotton racing back tank with grommets and stones topping an Italian bright blue tank with metal trim. Designer jeans

by Esix are styled with stones and embroidery. Her sassy denim hat sparkles with stones.

Anna Zherdeva shows off a trendy multi layered soft cotton tunic cinched with an elastic belt over a black cotton racing back tank. Ultra-skinny black cotton pants from Italy feature slimming stitching and lycra stretch.

Sarita Crawford shows off a lively purple Italian cotton shirred blouse over a black corset and flattering black cotton pants.

Debbie Johnson looks stylish in apple green tank accented with stripe trim and topping Miss Poem soft beige cotton pants with hemp braided belt and flattering wide leg styling. Casual metallic sandals, and patterned bag complete the summer look.

Business & Building 2008

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Yoga

Dance

Exercise

Relax

Prima Bodywear carries feminine and fun yoga, dance, and leisure clothing for women of all ages and body types. I select the clothing for comfort and performance during studio based fitness classes. Our boutique atmosphere and personalized customer service is a friendly place for women to find clothing for an active lifestyle.

-Mary Pat McCurdie, owner

Mary Pat McCurdie, owner Fashion Details: Mary Pat McCurdie looks ready for a workout in Be Present Lotus capri pant in “breathe-weave” stretchable woven cotton, with embroidered lotus detailing. Floral tank with shelf-bra from Reflex Sport, made of performance Supplex with a sanded, brushed interior. Cropped cardigan in tissue-weight organic cotton from OmGirl, and a sterling silver charm necklace featuring namaste and om charms by Chain Reaction.

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Fashions on location:

Thanks to our contributing providers:

Designs Boutique • 164 N. College, Fort Collins Dress Code II • 642 S. College, Fort Collins Karinza Boutique • 1550 Main St., Ste. 130, Windsor Prima Bodywear • 123 N. College, Ste. 112, Fort Collins

Hair Design • Kelly and Brian, HeadTurners • 600 S. Mason, Fort Collins Make-Up • Lori Moore, Merle Norman Cosmetics • 2614 S. Timberline, Fort Collins Photography • Dana Milner

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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METAL DEMOLITION & SALVAGE SERVIC'ES • On Site Flame Cutting • Bulk Scrap Removal • Tear Down & Dismantle Metal Structures or Equipment • "Hot Work"

Ladies

Welcome

By Allie Comeau

We’ve all heard the old wives’ tale that “golf” stands for “gentleman only, ladies forbidden.” But in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. According to the United States Golf Association, the word “golf” stems from the medieval Dutch word “kolf” or, quite simply, “club.” And ladies aren’t just welcome at golf courses… women are exactly what golf courses need.

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Jeanne Thomas whacks one at Harmony Club.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

I

n fact, they’re a target demographic for player development in the golf industry. Why then have golf courses and country clubs failed to attract more women? The answer to that question can be found in the 2007 Golf Industry Report by the National Golf Federation. According to the report, women are just less comfortable on the course than men. Embarrassment and intimidation are the two major factors that keep women away.

Jeanne Thomas, a local retired RN and avid golfer, tells us she, too, felt uncomfortable when she first began playing golf. “I was intimidated when I first joined the country club because I didn’t want to make a mistake and I wasn’t sure of the rules,” she says. According to the report, it’s the lack of skill that gives women the most pause on the course, followed closely by intimidation from other players, lack of rule knowledge, and general unease in the environment.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

One way to remedy those feelings is for women to become involved in group lessons or to take lessons from the resident golf pro. “When new golfers start out it really helps to play with a seasoned player,” says Thomas. “I stopped being intimidated when I became aware that I wasn’t the best player and was never going to be the best player,” she says. “I realized my game will improve and that’s okay. It’s not about being the best.”

The attitude at Thomas’s home course, Harmony Club, couldn’t be more in sync with that philosophy. They hold women’s clinics once every two weeks that cover golfing basics and attract everyone from amateurs to intermediate players. This way, new female golfers get to mingle with and learn from better players. Friendships are formed. “We all hit and giggle,” says Thomas. “It shows you that even really good players sometimes hit bad balls.”

This casual and supportive environment goes a long way toward making women more comfortable. And since Harmony Club is a new course, their goal is to make sure women feel at home from day one.

Steve Lind, Director of Golf at Harmony, says these clinics are a great way for new golfers to become more familiar with the game. “It’s about giving the less-accomplished ladies an opportunity to work on their game in a comfortable environment,” he says, “so they can learn the game at their own pace without the intimidation that can sometimes happen on the course.”

The clinics will teach not only the fundamentals of golf, but also rules and etiquette. “Etiquette is important so the ladies know where to stand, what

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1550 Main St., Ste. 130 Business & Building 2008

(King Soopers Shopping Center)

| Windsor, CO | 970.674.2967

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I stopped being intimidated when I became aware that I wasn’t the best player and was never going to be the best player. I realized my game will improve and that’s okay. It’s not about being the best.

Jeanne Thomas, Avid golfer

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

to do in certain situations and so on,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Knowing these rules is an important part of being comfortable. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about eliminating the fear factor some new golfers may have.â&#x20AC;?

The new womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s club at Harmony will take this notion of comfort a step further. Under the guidance of the Colorado Golf Association, the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s club will meet weekly to provide an intimidation-free social environment for female golfers. Here women can play golf together, learn from each other, and make new acquaintances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The weekly ladies club will provide both a competitive and a non-competitive environment where women can play with their friends and neighbors,â&#x20AC;? says Lind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Golf doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be just your husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun,â&#x20AC;? adds Sheri Jensen, Communications Director at Harmony. Walking the course with friends provides the perfect setting for a little exercise and relaxed conversation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Golf is a great game for women,â&#x20AC;? says Thomas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great way to socialize. The social aspect of golf is very different from other sports.â&#x20AC;?

One of the best things about golf is that you can play with anyone. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay to play with someone who is brand new to the game or someone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been playing for years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great about it,â&#x20AC;? says Thomas, â&#x20AC;&#x153;is that you can play with people at all different skill levels because of the handicap system.â&#x20AC;?

As far as other players go, Thomas thinks women are happy to share their enthusiasm for the game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to people who play to make it easier on new golfers,â&#x20AC;? says Thomas. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also no secret that men admire a woman who can drive, pitch, and puttâ&#x20AC;Ś and even women that try. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Men think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re awesome if you can hit the ball,â&#x20AC;? says Thomas.

One thingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for sure, golf is not for gentlemen only. Women are as likely as men to get hooked on golf and can have every bit as much fun doing it. It truly is anybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game.

1IPOF t 'BY

Allie Comeau is a freelance writer living in Fort Collins with her husband and two dogs.

10 #PY t 'U $PMMJOT $0

Business & Building 2008

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n u F r e m m u S y Enjo in a 2008

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Real Estate Investment for

Retirement

By Kay Rios

When Steve Weintraub began to look toward retirement, he formed a plan. “Being self employed, I didn’t have a 401K so I needed other options,” he says. He began buying rental property specifically as part of his retirement.

I

“

was drawn to it originally because rentals were bringing in more than a mortgage payments would, so I projected I could pay off the property in a reasonable amount of time. My timing was perfect. I knew what it would cost me per month and what I could bring in, and at that time, I couldn’t see anything that would be more substantial in terms of better return and less risk.”

That was in 1993 and, by 2004, when he retired from Steve’s Sports Cards & Collectibles, he had acquired several properties for use as rentals.

“I always dealt in 15-year mortgages and never looked at them as cash flow. My object was to pay them off. They were specifically designed not as monthly income but as a nest egg.”

Weintraub, who currently has three rental

properties, says that in the current market, it’s more difficult to buy with that idea in mind. “Today what you get in rent will barely pay for your mortgage. Back then we were getting $1000 a month and paying $550 on a mortgage. But now you are only getting 7 or 8 % with depreciation and repairs.”

That doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea, he says.

“The variable is the real estate market and, in the long run, real estate has always been positive.”

Rob Mygatt, Broker Associate/Partner with The Group Inc. says, “If you use your head and do your research, it can be a good time to invest in rentals.”

He adds that the decision should be part of a long-term strategy and overall financial strength.

“Financial strength doesn’t just mean you have

money in the bank,” Mygatt says. “It means you have discipline, you have systems, you have reserves and you have knowledge.”

Building that kind of strength requires a support system, he adds. “You need to have a team: a real estate broker, an accountant, an attorney, a financial planner, a property manager. These are people you can count on in varying degrees to achieve your strategy or goals in a timely fashion.”

Mygatt maintains that real estate investments are the same as any other investment in terms of risk and return. “With a team, you have a higher probability of success. It’s a business. You can lose money; you can make money. It’s directly reflected by your knowledge of your investment. You need to be, as much as possible, in control.”

You need great diversity in a portfolio and I think that has to include real estate. But, again, it should be a long-term situation.

The major tax benefit of owning rental property is the depreciation you can generate.

Roger Sample, CPA, Sample & Bailey Certified Public Accountants

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Before any investment decision is made, it’s essential to have a clear vision of the plan and the purpose. “If your long-term strategy is to create wealth, you need to define what constitutes wealth. Once you know what you want, then set a measurable goal and a time frame and put together a review process. Is it performing? Is it making me money? You have to be hands on,” Mygatt advises.

He also says, “Real estate is best bought and held as part of a portfolio, based on its performance, much like a stock Buying real estate for a quick turn around and a fast gain is not always possible nor advisable. Tax laws do not appreciate that.”

Certified Public Accountant Roger Sample, with Sample & Bailey Certified Public Accountants agrees. With a “buy and flip,” there is no tax advantage, he says. “It is ordinary income and an economic benefit, not a tax benefit.”

But there are positive tax implications for rental properties held as part of an investment portfolio, he says. “You need great diversity in a portfolio and I think that has to include real estate.

But, again, it should be a long-term situation. The major tax benefit of owning rental property is the depreciation you can generate. A residential property can be depreciated over twenty-seven and a half years according to the Internal Revenue code.

You can use that depreciation as an expense.”

That is in addition to routine expenses, he says. “Even if the rent income is equal to out-ofpocket expenses you can still create a loss because of the depreciation.”

Selling and upgrading residential rentals can be tax deferred if handled through a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange. There are, however, two restrictions, Sample explains. “You must identify a replacement property in writing within 45 days of closing on the property you are selling and then you must close on the replacement property within 180 days of closing on the original property.”

Other considerations beyond taxes exist, Sample cautions. “Be aware that real estate doesn’t always go up. Over the long term, we think it will appreciate but there may be reductions short term. You have to be able to weather the downturns. And you have to be very astute with respect to leveraging.”

He suggests using conservative principals when buying. “Have a significant down payment, maybe 20%. And have money in reserve.”

Reserves are essential for those times when properties sit empty but they are also necessary for maintenance and emergencies, says Mike Brouwer, a state certified instructor who teaches property management for Empire Real Estate School. “Always have extra money set aside for maintenance and emergencies and remember to consider evictions.”

That brings up another point of consideration: to manage or not to manage the property.

“It’s not for everyone,” says Brouwer, who is also a broker associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. “When someone comes to me and wants to invest in property, I ask, ‘What are your goals and how much work do you want to do?

Will it be hands off or hands on?’”

“You have to look at it from a business point of view not a personal point of view. You have to approach it unemotionally. You have to be very firm if they are short on rent; you can’t let them play you. If you’re high strung or emotional, you

Business & Building 2008

63

probably should hire a property manager,” he says.

The biggest problem with new rental owners, he says, is that they don’t screen tenants well enough. “They’re nervous because they have just bought this property and they need renters. The benefits of having a property management company are they have leases in place; they have a larger advertising base and a larger draw of prospective tenants. Property managers do all the screening, the leases, and the repairs based on the contract you have with them. They take care of cleaning, showings and tenant changes.”

Brouwer also says, “There are people who do a wonderful job of doing it themselves. But even if you do that, you need a handyman that can take care of things if you are on vacation and an emergency comes up. And keeping abreast of laws regarding rentals is important.”

Weintraub handles his own property management. That work and being the voice of Big Steve’s Golden Age of Rock n roll on KRFC on Monday mornings is all part of his retirement plan. “I’ve been very fortunate and I do much less than most for screening. I don’t take applications or do credit checks. I look them in the eye and ask about their intent. Since ’93, I’ve only had two bad households where I got stuck. I establish a personal rapport and never drop in or bother

Always have extra money set aside for maintenance and emergencies and remember to consider evictions.

Mike Brouwer, Empire Real Estate School & Broker Associate, Coldwell Banker

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE

ACTION...

AT TA I N R E S I D E N T I A L I N V E S T M E N T P R O P E RT Y

KEY TRENDS SAY: A positive real estate investment environment is re-emerging in Nothern Colorado because...

Employment Increasing Vacancy Rates Declining Rents Increasing Number of Available/Appropriate Investment Properties Decreasing Low Cost of Funds Northern Colorado is Nationally Recognized for Quality of Life

Financial strength doesn’t just mean you just have money in the bank. It means you have discipline, you have systems, you have reserves and you have knowledge.

them. The less we interact in the course of a year, the better year we have. I never charge a late fee but I always expect a call to let me know what is going on. As long as I have a heads up and there is a plan, I will keep it flexible. If I feel I’m being scammed, that is a different situation but people respond in kind.”

The bottom line, Mygatt says: “If you take care of your real estate investments they will take care of you.”

FIVE MAJOR BENEFITS WITH RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE CASH FLOW- Rent provides income.

LEVERAGE- You can own real estate by spending only 0%-20% of property value.

DEBT REDUCTION- Real estate is one of the few investments where someone else will make your payments.

TAX SAVINGS- You can depriciate the house & write off the your expenses.

APPRECIATION- Over time, the value of property rises.

Websites on legal issues for landlords: http://topics.law.cornell.edu/wex/Landlord-tenant www.boma.org/AboutBOMA/ www.dola.state.co.us/cdh/landlords/index.htm

Rob Mygatt, Broker Associate/Partner, The Group Inc.

Business & Building 2008

www.thelpa.com/lpa/associations/colorado.html www.rentlaw.com/coloradolandlordtenant.htm

ROB MYGATT

office: 970.229.0700 direct: 970.229.5411 mobile: 970.227.6489

65

Leaders in Real Estate www.thegroupinc.com

Georgena Arnett Loveland • 481-9801

Deb Baker Harmony • 218-9777

Kathy Beck Harmony • 213-8475

Brian Bogaard Harmony • 377-4954

Judy Bogaard Harmony • 377-4931

Jim Chance Harmony • 377-4942

Nancy Churchwell-Maus Centerra • 679-1571

Kelli Couch Centerra • 310-8804

Joanne DéLeon Mulberry • 419-2310

Lane Everitt Mulberry • 310-5312

Rich Gardiner Loveland • 461-7126

Mark Goldrich Harmony • 377-4918

Rita Gordon Harmony • 377-4939

Jim Hauan Mulberry • 419-2303

Paula Hawe Mulberry • 419-2332

Shelly Hill Mulberry •419-2348

Linda Hopkins Harmony • 217-1228

Michelle Hubbard Horsetooth • 690-6706

Russ Hunter Harmony • 377-4908

Keith Huntsman Harmony • 377-4941

Prue Kaley Horsetooth • 377-6023

Linda Koentopp Harmony • 222-4847

Cindy Kurtz Centerra • 679-1545

Cindy Kutin Centerra • 679-1573

Norma McMillen Greeley • 381-4340

Serving You with 231 Broker Associates in 6 Offices throughout Northern Colorado Harmony Office 2803 E. Harmony Road Fort Collins, CO 80528 970.229.0700

Horsetooth Office 375 E. Horsetooth Road Fort Collins, CO 80525 970.223.0700

Mulberry Office 401 W. Mulberry Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 970.221.0700

Loveland Office 1401 W. 29th Street Loveland, CO 80538 970.663.0700

Centerra Office in Loveland 5401 Stone Creek Circle Loveland, CO 80538 970.613.0700

Greeley Office 3257 W. 20th Street Greeley, CO 80634 970.392.0700

Terry McNeal Harmony • 691-1550

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Ryan Spencer Centerra • 679-1575

Janet Stewart Horsetooth • 377-6054

Don Svitak Harmony • 215-1571

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Karla VanDenBerg Greeley • 378-2296

Becky Vasos Horsetooth • 217-9874

Nancy Walkowicz Loveland • 461-7136

Robert Walkowicz Harmony • 377-4945

Bill West Horsetooth • 377-6015

For t

Co llin s

Remodel Delivers Opulence If it has been a while since you visited Fort Collins Marriott Hotel, now may be the time to take another look. The hotel, a community staple for visiting family members or business clients since 1984, has undergone a major transformation.

By Angeline Grenz Alexis Peacock, Administrative Assistant, Marriott Fort Collins

N

o longer a tired, aging building, the new Marriott is sleek and sophisticated from the fine dining restaurant to completely revamped guest rooms.

After years of making do with tired color schemes, aging furniture, and a ho-hum restaurant, Marriott’s new look is jaw-dropping. The first phase of the remodel took place in 2005, when the lobby, bar, and restaurant were remodeled.

“But, the rooms had been left to suffer. They were

in a pitiful state of disrepair,” according to Marriott’s general manager David McDaniel. “They have finally gotten out of the 80s.”

The 2005 remodel was the first significant update to the hotel since 1995, when Marriott assumed management of the then-franchised hotel. At that time, rooms remained untouched.

Now the hotel is finishing up the final details on all 231 rooms. Marriott spent $1.2 million on the first phase of remodeling. To transform the rooms into a space of comfortable luxury, “we will spend

The rooms’ office spaces consider technology needs first.

68

close to $3 million,” says McDaniel.

“The new rooms are quite striking,” says John Bowen, Marriott’s assistant general manager. Wall vinyl, carpet, wall art, bath vanities, and shower tile received a facelift. Rich gold and red fabrics were brought in, accented by classic black and white photography prints on the walls. “The beds are the only item in the rooms that remained the same,” explains Bowen.

Updating technology was a major focus of the remodel. Flat screen televisions were added, along with panels that allow guests to connect their multiple media, from laptops to iPods. Computer screens can even be projected onto flat screen televisions. In McDaniel’s opinion, these upgrades were among the most important changes. “We added power outlets. No more unplugging lamps to plug in your computer or crawling under tables to hunt for power.”

Marriott’s executive suite offers VIPs, business travelers, and newly married guests that extra bit of luxury. The suites are significantly larger than a standard with two flat screen televisions, a sitting room, walk-in closet, and a sizable bath. The room offers just the right amount of room to entertain and still maintain privacy.

The sophistication offered by the guest rooms mirrors the main areas of the hotel. As you enter the Marriott now, your attention is immediately drawn to the rich dark wood walls that soar up to skylights above. The reception and lounge areas offer 12-foot high cane plants, a fireplace with glass water features, and bright, vibrant colors that contrast with the dark wood.

“Our restaurant also underwent a complete modernization and upgrade,” according to Bowen. The Copper Creek restaurant now offers a sophisticated take on breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The restaurant has developed quite a following of locals, who come for business lunches and Sunday

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Marriott luxury makes being away from home as soothing as possible.

A comfortable place to relax at day’s end.

Interior Design Included with Every Home brunches. Delicious menu items include hazelnut crusted trout and New York strip steak with bacon hash, but the most popular choice is the Asian chicken salad. They also offer a separate private dining room, perfect for intimate dinners or board meeting lunches. Tall glass screen doors open up in the mornings for the hotel’s breakfast buffet, and then are closed off when the buffet ends.

The Falls Bar, completely enclosed during the remodel, now offers comfortable seating and flat screen televisions. Their signature cocktails include the Falls Lemonade and Wild Berry Mojito. A great choice for entertaining out-of-town guests is the tasting tray of local microbrews from New Belgium and Odell Brewing Company. The gift shop has been expanded to offer a wide range of items for the traveler and “we now proudly brew Starbucks,” according to McDaniel, referring to the full coffee bar in the hotel’s gift shop.

The next step for Marriott is a remodel of the outdoor pavilion and indoor ballrooms, scheduled for 2009/2010. The ballrooms have never undergone an upgrade and changes “including new carpets, wall coverings and lighting,” says Bowen. The pavilion will see a renovation of the dance floor.

These changes will be welcome improvements for Marriott’s significant wedding business. “We do about sixty weddings a year,” says McDaniel, with the pavilion being the most popular location.

“Our pavilion sees a lot of use in-season. It is one of the few places like it in the community,” adds Bowen.

Repeat guests have been extremely pleased with Marriott’s transformation, says Bowen, “and we are very proud of it.” But changes were long overdue, according to McDaniel. “Marriott is a very powerful name in the hotel industry. We have an extensive rewards program that our customers enjoy. They expect a certain level of service from us.” Now, visiting business associates and family members have more than a place to sleep while visiting. They have a technically savvy, comfortable, and stylish home away from home.

Angeline Grenz is a freelance writer in Fort Collins.

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Experience the Difference S ava n t H o m e s In c . c o m

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Healthy Trees Need Water From acrobatic squirrels to climbing kids, a good tree is loved by just about everyone. The canopy of branches, shade from the sun, and the beauty and uniqueness of each tree can add ambience and comfort to any backyard.

Trees have inspired innumerable poets and artists.

By Deborah Huth Price

I

t can sometimes be a challenge to keep trees looking healthy and attractive on the Front Range. Traditionally covered by grasses, shrubs, and desert vegetation, trees are out of their element here. “Colorado is a pretty harsh environment to grow trees,” says Natalie McNeill, district manager for The Davey Tree Expert Company in Fort Collins.

Gery Whiteman, sales representative, agrees.

“None of these trees are native. They’re all exotic.” Despite this fact, Whiteman recognizes that mature trees and landscaping can add 15% to your property value. “You really have to make an investment in trees,” McNeil insists, “because they are an investment.”

Trees have other benefits as well. They absorb carbon dioxide while returning oxygen to the air, help control erosion, and create wildlife habitat in urban areas.

To provide these benefits, trees need water and proper care. In an area where the average annual precipitation is only about 15-17 inches, compared to approximately 30-45 inches in the mountains, extra water is crucial. In drought conditions, it becomes even more of an issue.

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Following the 2002-2003 drought and several years of less than average precipitation, McNeill says that “your best bet is to really water those key trees on your property. They just don’t get enough from lawn sprinklers.” McNeill recommends deep root watering or using soaker hoses to achieve the needed amount of moisture for trees. Using Colorado State University recommendations, she says that 10 gallons per inch of tree trunk diameter is the amount of water each tree needs per month. To learn more about water recommendations for trees, McNeil refers homeowners to CSU Extension Service’s web site at: www. colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Trees/caring. htm. She also recommends mulching trees to help with water retention.

Water is not the only resource necessary for good tree health. Insects, diseases, and storms can also damage trees. “Most diseases can’t be controlled with tree spraying. There’s no magic,” says Whiteman. He suggests keeping trees healthy with proper pruning to help trees fight off diseases on their own. Your best option is to “prune out the infected parts of your tree and hope it doesn’t spread. It’s like taking cancer out of a person.”

As part of the services offered through Davey Tree Experts, we “take care of trees once they’re planted in the ground. We’re in the maintenance business,” says Whiteman. He explains that pruning for younger trees involves “training” them to become nicely shaped trees, and pruning more mature trees maintains health and prevents safety issues such as fallen limbs.

Another factor that may be overlooked by the average homeowner is adequate food. In the forest, trees receive all sorts of nutrients from the soil and plant matter on the forest floor. “Fertilizing trees is really important,” emphasizes McNeill.

“Everybody removes leaf litter and grass clippings, so there’s nothing organic that decomposes into the soil.”

The biggest obstacle to proper tree nutrition, according to Whiteman, is turf. “It basically acts like a layer of carpet around the tree.” Davey prefers deep-root fertilizing techniques, using a slowrelease, low-salt fertilizer developed by their own research and development department.

If this all sounds a little daunting, Mickey Hill, pruning manager for Davey offers this advice: “The best protection is to have trees profession-

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

COPPER C

Business & Building 2008

71

The Davey Tree Experts: Natalie McNeill, Mickey Hill, Susan Hill, Gery Whiteman

Your best bet is to really water those key trees on your property. They just don’t get enough from lawn sprinklers.

Natalie McNeill District Manager, Davey Alpine

ally inspected first, and then maintained.”

The Davey team has come together in the last year, combining two established and well-respected local companies from Fort Collins. Whiteman started Alpine Tree Spraying and Pruning Company in 1979 with partner Monte Deines, offering pruning, spraying, and fertilizing services. In 1991, they sold the pruning branch of the business to Mickey and Susan Hill, creating Alpine Hill Pruning.

The Davey Tree Expert Company has been around since 1880, “the first tree care company in the U.S.,” according to McNeill. In 1979, the company became employee-owned, and came to Colorado in 1995 when Davey purchased a company in Denver. They marked their first birthday in Fort Collins March 19, following the purchase of both Alpine Tree and Alpine Hill Pruning.

The former owners agree with McNeil in her

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assessment, “we have a more full-service office now instead of two different companies.” Services now provided by the Davey office in Fort Collins include tree and shrub pruning and removal, lawn aeration, insect control, plant health care, and organic lawn fertilizing using an alfalfa-based fertilizer manufactured in Eaton. Practices that have changed in recent years include utilizing a soil injection to treat big elm trees rather than spraying. “We’ve tried to get away from toxic chemicals,” says Whiteman. “It’s safer for everybody, especially the applicators.”

Susan Hill, the Landscape Foreman and Office Manager for Davey, insists that the education of their customers is one of their main priorities.

Modeling good pruning practices and landscape design is one of her goals, and “good practices are contagious.”

Hill says some of their customers were a little

worried when the new company formed, but they soon realized the same people are providing tree care as before. There has been very little employee turnaround, and one of the reasons for this may be that the companies’ ethics and morals mesh well. McNeill adds, “That’s why it has been an easy transition.”

The best part of the job for the Davey Tree Experts is the trees themselves, as Mickey Hill reflects. “We get to climb around in trees like old kids.”

Deborah Huth Price works for the City of Fort Collins as an environmental educator at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, and also serves as education coordinator at Discovery Science Center in Fort Collins.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Tree Troubles?

By Corey Radman

It all boils down to water. Drought stressed trees are more susceptible to fungus and insect infestations. diseases like the ones below may start to appear on your formerly resplendent tree. In general, prevention is the best medicine, but deep root watering a compromised tree can sometimes bring it back from the brink.

Local Loving it

Images and expert advice courtesy of Natalie McNeill, district manager for The Davey Tree Expert Company

Insects

Mountain Pine Beetles, which have been a concern in mountain locations recently, have now found their way down to Fort Collins and Loveland (experts suspect on firewood harvested from high elevations). Mountain Pine Beetles seem to prefer Scotch Pine trees but have also been seen on Ponderosa and Austrian Pines.

Infested trees will show a yellowish pitch (i.e. sap) on their bark. A tree’s natural defense is to push the beetle out with this pitch. Healthy trees often succeed, however stressed trees may succumb and start to die off from the top.

Remedy: Tree can be sprayed preventatively in May or June but once the tree has beetles, you can’t control the population. If one tree in a group has beetles, consider removing that tree and spray the others as a preventative step.

Ips beetles are bark beetles that are known to infect spruce and pine trees. Ips beetles bore into a tree and eventually chew into its sapwood, affecting the vascular system. The tree’s ability to conduct water and nutrients to its extremities is thus disrupted.

Ips causes die off from the top of the tree down.

Ips beetles can regenerate as many as four to five times in one growing season.

Some also carry a fungus on their backs that clogs the tree’s circulation system.

Remedy: Healthy trees are the best defense. Pesticides can also be sprayed preventatively but need two applications in early spring and again in mid to late summer. Once a tree has started to die it is best to have it removed.

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Environment This tree suffers from a lack of water. Deep root watering is the best way to prevent and rescue a tree showing signs of drought.

Natalie McNeill of Davey Tree recommends a Ross® Root Feeder for soil penetration.

If soil is heavily compacted, use a soaker attachment to permeate below the grass root level. “Any type of watering method is better than none,” says McNeill.

Have you noticed that some evergreens along roadways have brownish spots?

Notice how the dead portions spiral up the tree? Evergreen “arteries” spiral up the sapwood of a tree in the same way. Experts like those at Davey tree aren’t sure yet, but suspect that drought stress combined with splash back from Mag Chloride used on roadways kills roots. When the root dies, its connected branches also die. Experts are watching these trees closely to see whether they will come back.

This Green Ash Tree is at risk for disease and stress. Without regular pruning, trees lack circulation and cannot grow properly. Deadwood is bad for the tree, and can also be dangerous to branches further down.

A properly pruned tree is resilient, safer, and more aesthetically pleasing. For established trees, get an expert to come prune. They understand the science of the tree’s growth and can do the job safely.

Why not keep the fuel deep in your car’s tank while you fill up on fun right around the corner at Chipper’s Lanes where family entertainment is at it’s best? Chipper’s Lanes is also hosting free bowling camps once again this summer at Fort Collins both locations and the new location in Broomfield. Call for details. For great burgers, liquid heat relief, and family fun, check out Chipper’s Lanes.

Chippers

217 West Horsetooth Rd. Fort Collins, (970) 226.6327 www.chipperslanes.com Sun. – Th. 9am-12am Fri. 9am-1am Saturday 9am-2am

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Gas prices limiting your vacation plans this summer?

The best holidays aren’t limited to extended travel.

Northern Colorado offers many family fun spots like these. Staying in town never sounded so exciting!

Greeley Family Funplex is NOT a typical recreation center. Located in the Twin Rivers Community Park, the Family FunPlex offers Adventure Island - a huge indoor warm water park, Miniature Golf, plus a Fitness Center, parks, a field house, and more.

Greeley Family Funplex 1501 65th Ave. Greeley, (970) 350-9403

www.greeleygov.com/recreation/ Funplex.aspx

Mon. – Fri. 5am-10:30 pm Sat. 7am-10pm Sun. 11am-10pm

Imagine yourself enjoying a sunny day with your loved ones – playing mini-golf and gokarts, relaxing under Colorado blue skies, and eating great food. Sound like fun? Then the aptly named Fort Fun is a sure bet for you and your family. It offers Mini-Golf, Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Paddle Boats, Mini-Bowling, Video and Redemption Arcades, Bumper Cars, and B’loon Blast, and much more.

Fort Fun

1513 E.Mulberry Fort Collins, (970) 472-8000 www.fortfun.biz Sun. –Th. 10am-10pm Fri.-Sat. 10am-12 midnight

Business & Building 2008

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Curtain’s Up at

By Allie Comeau

Every so often, the stars align in just the right way and a special idea or dream is brought to life. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is one of those special ideas and the people that made it happen, are most certainly the stars.

H

alfway between Denver and Cheyenne, near Johnson’s Corner, this spectacular new dinner theater has been a labor of love for a diverse group of collaborators.

Brought together by a mutual love of theater, these passionate partners have ensured Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is every bit a masterpiece in the making.

Project Coordinator Dan Clark, of Clark Construction Company, was kind enough to show me around the new theater amidst the excitement of opening day preparations. Clark and his father, Dave Clark, Mayor Pro-Tem of Loveland and Candlelight property owner, built the theater from the ground up. “It’s been about 4 years from concept to completion,” says Dan. “It’s bittersweet that it’s almost finished. It’s like seeing a dream completed.”

A dream is exactly what Candlelight was in the beginning... the dream of four talented actors and musicians. Together, Nick Turner, owner of the Nonesuch Theater, his wife, accomplished actress Gina Schuh-Turner, her brother, musician Troy Schuh, and Peter Muller, of Front Range Music Theater, make up the artistic side of the playhouse partnership. Involved in theater since their college days, Turner and Muller have always wanted to open a dinner theater and thought Northern Colorado would be the perfect spot for it. “We wanted to create a great place to work, to act, and to enjoy,” says Turner. “We’re proud of the state, of the area, and thought the mountains provided a beautiful backdrop.”

Their dream came to light when Dave Clark and Chauncey Taylor, of Johnson’s Corner, caught wind of it. Dave, after hearing about the project from his son, loved the idea. And when Taylor heard about the project, he was quick to offer up his land. “This wouldn’t have been possible without Dave and Chauncey,” says Turner. “That’s how this whole thing happened – the right people were drawn to the project at the right time along the way.” Between Turner and Muller’s acting, musical, and operating skills, Taylor’s land, and Clark’s construction expertise, the whole thing fell into place.

And what an incredible place it is. The first thing you notice upon pulling up to the Candlelight is the sheer size of the building. Seating 330 guests at capacity, Candlelight is the largest dinner theater in the state. A warm, welcoming

The talented company listens to directions during a working rehearsal on the large stage.

Dinner is served and the show is enjoyed from comfortable tables lit by soft lamplight.

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Enter past the lush carpet and ornate stair handrails.

lobby with dual stone fireplaces sets the stage for what lies behind the large wooden doors – an auditorium of grand proportions. “You won’t find a dinner theater like this anywhere else in the state,” says Clark. “Candlelight sets the standard for size and entertainment.”

Lit by electric candlelight, the House, equipped with numerous tables for dining and viewing, feels cozy and comfortable. Deep blue walls, a black ceiling, and tasteful décor give the cavernous space a decidedly intimate feel. “The ceiling is painted black so when the House lights are off and the table lamps are lit it looks like a beautiful Colorado night,” says Clark.

The Turners thought of everything when designing the playhouse and Clark Construction Company built it to perfection. From the crown molding and intricate woodwork, to the decorative metal balusters, the spacious restrooms, and even the custom carpeting, every detail is beautifully perfected. What’s more, it was all done locally. “Everything you see is custom made from local companies,” says Clark. “Even the carpet was custom designed for the theater.” Handicapped accessible on both floors, the Candlelight is not just a theater, but a thoughtful expression of comfort and style. “We wanted everyone to feel at home here,” says Dave Clark.

If you’d like to feel especially at home, you can reserve the VIP balcony section with a group of friends or coworkers. The entire upstairs level is reserved for parties, banquets, and groups of twenty to fifty people. “There’s a dedicated wait staff upstairs and a private dining area perfect for banquets, small parties, corporate outings, and groups of any other kind.”

No matter where you’re sitting, you’ll feel like a VIP when dinner is served. At Candlelight, the meal serves as the opening act. Almost as delicious as the entertainment, the gourmet food is prepared on-site in the fully-equipped kitchen.

Before the show, relax near one of two stone fireplaces in the warm, welcoming lobby.

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse beckons from its location near Johnson’s Corner.

Business & Building 2008

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Candlelight partner and Mayor Pro-Tem of Loveland, Dave Clark, built the theater from the ground up.

Project Coordinator Dan Clark gives Style a behindthe-scenes look at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse.

“My mouth waters just thinking about the menu,” says Clark. “Yours will too, there’s something for everyone.” The state-of-the-art kitchen makes it possible for the wait staff to serve hundreds of people quickly and efficiently. “You’ll have a delicious dinner, freshly prepared, to your table in about ten minutes.”

After dinner is served, the curtain rises on the spacious stage and the show begins. Expect talent galore at the Candlelight, which is an Actors Equity Union theater – the only Colorado dinner theater to hold this distinction. Not just a fancy name, this designation allows highly-talented actors to perform here who aren’t able to perform at other dinner theaters. “We’re tapping into a wealth of talent here,” says Clark. “This theater is a blessing for many actors who are looking for a stage in Northern Colorado.” Turner says he was duly amazed by the skill of the non-union actors as well. “You’ll be hard-pressed to tell them apart,” he says. “They’re all so talented. We were blown away at the auditions.”

I’m guessing “blown away” is how many people will describe their first visit to Candlelight.

In addition to wowing patrons, the playhouse is sure to add fun and flavor to the local theater community as well. “We’re firm believers that good theater is good for theater,” says Turner.

“We want this to be another place for people to go and be happy. We’re proud of it and I can’t wait until everyone else can see it and get as excited as we are.”

Perhaps Dave Clark said it best when I asked him for a closing statement.

“See you at the show!” he said.

Indeed.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.coloradocandlelight.com.

Allie Comeau is a freelance writer and copywriter living in Fort Collins, CO. See her blog on active lifestyles at http://blog.sierratradingpost.com.

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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PREMIERE SEASON

When it comes to doing business, family knows best. Just ask the Tschetter brothers of Tschet Co. and Colorado Custom Homes. According to them, mixing business with family is the only way to go.

All in the Family Colorado Custom Homes

By Allie Comeau

N

ot all families have the unique skill set it takes to form a business based on each other’s strengths.

But with the Tschetters, it all just fell into place. Call it fate or pure chance, but Jon and David Tschetter just happened to become involved in complementary career paths that allowed them to form Tschet Co., the parent company of Colorado Custom Homes.

When Jon, President of Colorado Custom Homes, decided to pursue a degree in construction management at Denver University, he says it was mainly by default. “One of the instructors who knew me suggested I take a construction class,” he says. “So I did and I absolutely loved it. I haven’t looked back since.”

Jon went on to work for several Fortune 500 builders in Colorado, but was never quite satisfied. He didn’t like the way clients became mere numbers with the big builders. He thought he could do better… and he has. He founded Colorado Custom Homes in 1990 and prides himself on treating every single customer like a family member. “I wanted to make the home buying experience personal – and fun – again,” he says.

Jon built his business on his reputation as an honest, trustworthy builder. He believes that he owes it not only to himself, but to the profession as a whole, to honor that trust. “Many people think of builders as just a step up from used car salesmen,” he says. “So those of us in the business have a responsibility to change that reputation for the better.”

It just so happens that his older brother David wholeheartedly agrees with that notion. He

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also happens to be one of Colorado’s premier real estate brokers. David has had an esteemed career in real estate and speaks excitedly about his profession. “I love making deals where everyone wins,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about. I pride myself on putting the deal together that’s in everyone’s best interest.”

Starting the family business is a perfect example. The idea first surfaced as conversation around the Thanksgiving table, and soon became a hot topic whenever the Tschetters would gather as a family. “We always said we should get together and start this business, but it never seemed to happen,” says Jon. “Then one day we decided to do something about all that holiday talk.” Do something they did – they formed Tschet Co. That was 1999. Today, Colorado Custom Homes is one of the premier builders in Northern Colorado, thanks to their multi-talented family. Jon and David’s younger brother Mark, coincidentally, is a real estate attorney. So, naturally, he found a place on staff that suits him perfectly. Jon and David’s wives, Maria and Suzie, manage the office and take care of all things administrative. “They’re really the ones who run the show,” says Jon. David agrees and adds with a smile, “They’re definitely in charge… of everything.” Not to be outdone, the patriarch of the Tschetter family, Paul, a doctor by trade, takes his place as leader of the crew. “As long as Dad’s happy, we’re all happy,” says Jon. The Tschetter brothers not only love working with each other, but also with future homeowners. They’re present throughout the entire building process, from conception to completion, working in a hands-on capacity. “We are

there through the whole thing,” says Jon. “We really want to provide an experience for the new homeowner, not just a transaction.” David agrees again, adding “It really is all about the experience. We want the whole experience to be personal, enjoyable, and satisfying for everyone involved.”

“My favorite part of the experience is the feeling you get when you’ve successfully finished the deal,” says David. After the building is done, the paperwork is signed, and everyone is happy with a job well done. “When you’re all sitting around the closing table, everyone is relaxed and smiling, and you can congratulate the homeowners on their new custom home,” says David. Jon offers a similar sentiment. “I love the day they (the new homeowners) move in,” he says. ”You walk through the home with them one last time and everyone’s excited,” he says.

“Moving day, for me, is the most rewarding part of the process.”

Loving what you do is important – both to your well-being and the finished products you produce. When you can do what you love in the company of your family, it’s even better.

“We are a family business and that really sets us apart,” says Jon. “When we build you a home, it comes from our family to yours,” says David.

Allie Comeau is a freelance writer and copywriter living in Fort Collins, CO. See her blog on active lifestyles at http://blog. sierratradingpost.com

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Business & Building 2008

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Community Pillars Bill Bartran

by Jim Sprout

In 1959, Bill Bartran partnered with his father, to begin building homes in the Fort Collins area. Over the last forty years, Bartran Homes has become one of the largest local homebuilders in Fort Collins. The current count is 3,000 to 4,000 new homes built plus commercial projects. Bill’s half interest in the business cost $7,500 with $1,000 down.

I

n their first year in business together, Bartran Homes built five houses that ranged in price from $10,000 to $12,000 each.

Over the years they completed many successful housing projects and developments such as Village East, Warren Shores, Collindale, Scotch Pines, and multi-family complexes like Woodbox and Matador apartments. Bill describes his customer market primarily as first and second time homebuyers who always “appreciated the work you did for them.”

He attributes much of his success in the home-building business to the loyalty and commitment of key employees such as Russ Brown, his building superintendent for 35 years and Dorothy Pile, a “grand lady” who managed his office for 30 years. He remembers a period in the 1970’s when times were really tough for Bartran Homes. Russ and Dorothy came to him and asked for a cut in salary. Bill is especially proud of the fact that he was the first homebuilder to offer profit sharing and healthcare to his employees. In those days there was very little subcontracting, so Bartran Homes not only employed 70 carpenters, but also had their own marketing and sales team.

Over the years, Bill has also been an active volunteer within the community. He has worked on numerous city committees, especially as the planned unit development, zoning and regulatory processes were developed in the 1960s. He also served on the United Bank Board for twenty-three years with Pat Griffin, Bob Dunn, Bill Morgan and Harold Bush. He was active in the National Association of Home Builders and was a member of the first group of builders to form a local Northern Colorado chapter.

Bill was instrumental in personally raising $250,000 for Foothills Gateway during tight economic times. In addition to his church, Bill’s strongest charitable passion has been the Boy Scouts. An Eagle Scout himself, spending summers in Estes Park as a counselor during his high school years, he fervently endorses the values learned from his scouting years.

In 1993, Bill retired from home building and became a cowboy.

He consolidated some of his real estate holdings, purchased the Table Mountain Ranch, and began operating it himself. Bill remembers this twelve-year period as one of the best in his life. He recalls an incident

84

when Bob Swerer Sr. and Jr. wanted to go elk hunting on his property.

Bill offered to let them hunt if they would take a video of the ranch.

The finished product, The Legacy of Table Mountain Ranch, not only holds historical significance, but also is a wonderful depiction of the beauty of this special property.

I asked Bill how he was spending his time now that he had sold Table Mountain Ranch. He responded, “looking for work.” Of course, he spends a great deal of time with his family and eighteen grandchildren, but also hopes to find a small ranch somewhere close. His son, Dan, is carrying on the Bartran homebuilding tradition. Bill admits he has a little extra time right now, but also has a few projects to finish up. He would like to find a new charitable endeavor that he can embrace.

When asked what lessons in life he had learned, Bill said, “In the home building trade the most important value is to know your customer, and to keep your word when it comes to fixing problems. In life, it is learning to share not just money, but yourself in helping support those in need.”

“Money is not the answer, it is relationships,” Bill says. One recent example of this belief, was in 2004 when the Virginia Dale Community Church was burned down by arsonists. After attending a meeting of a group of local ranchers, Bill decided to take charge of this rebuilding project. Five months later the church was rebuilt from 98% donated supplies and materials from local lumber yards, and the church had $100,000 in surplus funds from private donations.

Bill hopes that his legacy will not only be his children and grandchildren, who he is very proud of, but also the homes that he has built and the happy customers and friends he has made. Bill is very thankful to the Fort Collins community, and we all appreciate his diligence, loyalty and willingness to take risks in making Fort Collins a better place to live.

Jim Sprout is the Chairman of First Western Trust Bank – Northern Colorado and a regular columnist for Style Magazine.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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community foundation of northern colorado luncheon

April 23 Marriott Fort Collins More than 530 donors and guests came to recognize and honor Bob Everitt as he received the Founders’ Award on behalf of the Community Foundations’s founding trustees, including Ray Chamberlain, Tom Gleason, Charles Patchen, Eric Petersen, H R Phillips, Buford Plemmons and Donald Webber. Larimer Center for Mental Health was honored as they received the Agency Distinction Award for excellence in nonprofit management.

Diane Hogerty, former executive director, was also honored at this sold-out luncheon. Photos courtesy of Blacktie-Colorado.

Rob Timme, Dawn Duncan, Doug Johnson

Bob & Ludie Dickeson

Ray Caraway, Bob Everitt

Earl & Lisbeth Sethre

Bryce & Muriel Hach

Community Foundation Founding Trustees Back: Buford Plemmons, Ray Chamberlain, Bob Everitt, Rev. Charles Patchen Front: Emily Patchen, Margaret Webber, Don Webber

Jeff Cross, Bruce Hach

Heidi & Steve Todd

Former State Senator Peggy Reeves, Chris Otto

Linda Hopkins, John Arnold

Norm & Carol Rehme

Randy Ratliff, Emily Dawson Petersen

T O R C H AWA R D S F O R B U S I N E S S E T H I C S

April 24 Marriott Fort Collins Over 300 guests attended the 10th annual Mountain States Better Business Bureau event. This year 8 diverse businesses were recognized in northern Colorado and Wyoming and awarded the Torch Award. The Torch Award honors companies that demonstrate exemplary management practices, uphold high standards in relationships with customers, suppliers and shareholders, show honesty and integrity in marketing and advertising, and give back to their communities.

Also, the 7th Torch Ethics Scholarship was presented.

Photos courtesy of Ben Bradley.

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Judy & Kermit Allard (Torch Award recipient)

Clyde Serna, Bonnie Dean, Norm Dean

Dave Schuh, Joshua Metherd (Scholarship recipient), Nancy Pettus

Bill Allnutt (Torch Award recipient), Nancy Bartels

Lorna Reeves, Stan & Marge Black

Wes & Trudy Sargent

Michelle & Ken Sargent (Torch Award recipient), Tim & Sally Warde

Charlie Tomlinson, John Hintzman, Kim & Mike Pierce

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

SPLENDOR FOR SIMPLICITY

May 8 The Aura at Thompson Crossing :: Loveland Stoner Construction opened up their newest luxury home in Thompson Crossing to host a fund raising sneak preview for Fort Collins and Loveland Habitats. Guests enjoyed strolling through the luxurious home listening to live jazz and sampling appetizers. All 100% of proceeds for the evening benefitted Fort Collins & Loveland Habitats of Humanity and their mission to provide simple homes, stability and hope to low-income families. Photos courtesy of Shannon Hein and Mishelle Baun.

Jay Stoner, Gary Hixon

Robert & Jewel Williams

Gwen Stephenson, Candace Mayo

Jessie & Jeff Donaldson

Chris Martinez, Lauren Welch

Business & Building 2008

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march of dimes March for babies

F ort C ollins S oiree

April 26 Fossil Creek Park – Lake Pavilion :: Fort Collins

April 28 Home of Wes & Trudy Sargent

Steeped in history as the original walking event, this statewide event had 300 locally and 8,000 statewide participate in this nearly 6-mile walk. Winter like conditions did not deter participants who helped to raise over $100,000 locally and $1.75 million statewide to fund programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to improve the health of babies and give every baby the chance for a healthy start.

An exciting evening of Hawaiian Swing Music ended the 7th season of the FC Symphony Soirees as nearly 75 guests dressed in Hawaiian attire and leis’s enjoyed the lighter sounds of Book ‘em Danno. Soirees provide an intimate living room setting in the home of a local art supporter to showcase local musicians and guest artists. Proceeds benefit the Fort Collins Symphony and their programs to enhance musical culture. Photos courtesy of Mishelle Baun.

March of Dime walkers that braved the frigid weather.

Amy Watson, Jane & Bob Folsom

Jan Findlater, Sarah Tomsic

Wes Kenney, Maggie Cox

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

pink rocks luncheon

May 4 Marriott Fort Collins Nearly 250 guests attended the 2nd annual Pink Rocks event. Six individuals were honored for their outstanding contributions to fighting women’s reproductive cancers.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure--Denver Affiliate also recognized five area physicians for outstanding service to low-income women in need of breast health and breast cancer services. Women’s Resource Center provides women’s health education and access to low cost screening, diagnostics and treatment for breast, cervical and ovarian cancer for almost 2,000 women in Larimer County per year. Photos courtesy of Richard Ricchiuti.

Cate Meyer, Kim Christiansen

Dina Gomez

Lupe Harbison

James Williams, Annette Zacharias

Lois Peltz, Shelley Caput, Carolyn Wade, Sharon Kunze, Julie Knudsen

Jerome Collins, JoAnn Lovins, Carl Peterson, Charlie Johnson, Craig Clear, Paolo Romero, Diana Medgyesy, Nettie Underwood, Jean Might

Terry Stanfill, Sandra Mortensen, Matilda Velasquez

fire hydrant 5

May 10 Edora Park :: Fort Collins A tail wagging thank you to over 521 participants & 288 canine companions, who along with event volunteers, pet fair vendors and sponsors made the 18th Annual Fire Hydrant 5 a success. The event included a 5K Race and a 3K Walk/Fun Run. The Pet Fair, with 42 booths, featured breed rescue groups, pet related vendors, paw painting, fido photos, a special narcotics demonstration from the Loveland Police Department and more. The event raised over $27,000 for the Larimer Humane Society and their work to help domestic, exotic, barnyard and wild animals. Photos courtesy of Heidi Muller Photography.

Yaron Goldman, Tiffany Goldman, Barnaby (Chinese Crested) & Angus

Business & Building 2008

James Sisneros, Deanna Sisneros, Dathel Nimmons

Amanda Jones & Digger, Rachelle Smith & Showdy, Lily Parkinson & Bellow, Samantha Batzlaff & Milou, Michelle Conetta & Violet, Jennifer Weller & Levi

Wendy Mills, Tiffany Mills, Lola Buck, Tanya Stenger, Pam Klein with Mazy and Emma

Fire Hydrant Committee: Back: Carol Fiore, Sonya LeFebre, Rochelle Mitchell, Mandalee McNeil, Rose Netto Front: Cary Rentola, Cathy Morgan, Kara Pappas

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community C lassic bike tour

May 18 McKee Medical Center :: Loveland Five different scenic routes started at McKee and went through Loveland and Fort Collins foothills and Boyd Lake providing a challenging ride for over 1000 bicyclists from all over Colorado and the surrounding states at the 21st annual biking event. Score of volunteers, local businesses, clubs and groups staffed en route themed Snack-n-Aid Stations to help cyclists maintain their endurance.

Over $62,000 was raised and will benefit Transitional Care at McKee Medical Center.

Bert Honea (Medical Director of McKee Medical Center)

Donna Brogmus, Greg Reichhardt

Dale Martin & Kathi Fox-Martin

Dale Lehman, Pat Kalinay, Kathy Greenwell, Dan Lehman

Greg & Elizabeth Howell

Kim & Robert Walkowicz

Danielle & John Polansky

hope lives ! pink boa

May 31 Runners Roost, Drake Market Center :: Fort Collins Perfect weather greeted nearly 1000 community members from survivors to supporters, sporting their pink boas. The 5K Run/Walk saw scores of participants in pink honoring those touched by breast cancer and celebrating life and survivorship with family and friends. The family event included a Kids Fun Run, pink pancake breakfast, donation drawing, prizes, live music, awards and more. Proceeds to benefit Hope Lives!

Breast Cancer Support Center and their programs offering services at no cost to women battling breast cancer.

Judy Beguin, Vicki Fisbeck, Lydia Dody

Laine Connolly, Karin Swisher Jen Tanguay, Melissa Lemke, Shari Lynch

Back: Michele, Fran, Lina, & Annie Campana, Steven Sorensen Front: Abbie Salter, Alex, Milana, Ella, & Sophia Campana, Shelby Guice

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Ina Szwec, Jordan Prosser, Maya, Abby Bloedorn, Aria Bloedorn, Nikki

Debbie Lloyd, Deb Andersen

Jacki Kramer, Bev Donnelley, Marta Farrell

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Lorraine said she would've done anything to take away the excruciating pain. Thankfully, her neurosurgeon at North Colorado Medical Center was there to suggest the best option , a revolutiona ry new surgery that replaced her damaged disks with ones made of stainless steel. This eliminated the need to have her vertebrae fused together so she could maintain full mobility in her neck. Because of the expertise of her doctor and the entire medical team, Lorraine was back to work only a day after her surgery and back to hiking and camping within a few short weeks.

With the medical advancements that helped Lorraine, as well as other innovations like min imally invasive and robotic surgery, it's no wonder North Colorado Medical Center cares for so many surgical patients in northern Colorado.

~ ~Banner Health North Colorado Medical Center" www.BannerHealth.com, keyword: NCMC Surgery • 1801 16th Street • Greeley j970) 352-4121 • Job opportunities: 866-377-5627 (EOE/AA) or www.BannerHealth.com Banner Health is the leadi ng nonprofit health care provider in northern Colorado.

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