2009-03 Lydia's Style Magazine

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Fa m i ly & P h i l a n t h r o p h y

Nonprofits Of Northern Colorado

Opera Fort Collins 30 Years Of Success

Selfless Service

Mike Demma Inspires Change

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Affiliations Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Loveland Chamber of Commerce Greeley Chamber of Commerce Windsor Chamber of Commerce 2009 Style Magazines January-Loveland/Greeley Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directory February-Building & Remodeling March-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness March-Family & Philanthropy April/May Northern Colorado Business & Building 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’s Health & Breast Cancer October-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness November/December Holiday/Winter Style Media and Design, Inc. magazines are free monthly publications direct-mailed to homes and businesses in Northern Colorado. Elsewhere, subscriptions for 13 issues cost $30/ year. Free magazines are available in stands at 100 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. Fax (970) 226-6427 E-Mail: ronda@StyleMedia.com ©2009 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

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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

Quickly Gone Lydia and Sondy, I wanted to let you know that our customers love your magazine. So much so, that the few copies that are dropped off to us are gone quickly. Is there any way we can get on a weekly drop? Or perhaps have more dropped off to us? Can you help us with this?

Thanks and have a great day!

Connie Hanrahan The Mantooth Company -Connie, we are happy to drop off more copies to your office upon delivery. Thanks for asking. If customers would like to take some home, they can pick up copies from our office located at 211 West Myrtle, Suite 200, Fort Collins, 80521. Thanks for asking!

Exactly What I was Hoping for Erica, I just wanted to thank you for writing a great article in the March Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness Issue. It did exactly what I was hoping for which was raising awareness and needing clients with HAIR for our event.

Again, thank you so very much, Linda O’Dea Marketing and Event Coordinator of the 1st Annual Hair-Raiser Cancer Center of the Rockies

Painting the Perfect Picture Dear Lydia, Your magazine does such a wonderful job at painting a picture of our local community. All of your articles and photos are very enlightening and you do a great job depicting Fort Collins in a visually creative and informative way. Thank you for contributing to our community with such a resourceful magazine!

With Great Appreciation, Wendy Foster Owner, Indigo Gallery

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Great Idea, Wonderful Opportunity

Dear Lydia, I just wanted to thank you for allowing us to participate in the fashion photo shoot for the Family, Community & Philanthropy issue. We are all VERY excited to see the kitties cute little faces in Style Magazine.

What a great idea and a wonderful opportunity.

With sincere thanks, Sarah Swanty Fort Collins Cat Rescue

Moving Forward My editorial in the February Building & Remodeling Style Issue helped me to reconnect with some clientele that had lost track of where I was, and some new clientele have already made their way to Windsor to find my store. I was hoping it would help to advertise in this down economy so I could keep moving forward in my business. Thanks Style Magazine and thank you Abby.

Vicki Lord, Owner, Simply Home Florals

Incredible Article Lydia, I am sitting here in awe, overwhelm, appreciation, gratitude, every good feeling I have ever experienced. How can I ever thank you enough for the INCREDIBLE and HUGE article, The Biggest Loser, in your magazine! I cry a little, then I smile - it means so much to me I could never express enough gratitude. Every single piece of it, the pictures, the quotes, your personal experience, all of it is just beyond any words! Everyone will love it, and this will truly boost the program to the community and, we are so excited that two people signed up after seeing the article even before the magazine hit the mailboxes! And, we have gotten lots of calls!

Positive Response Lydia, Kay, Sondy, Ina, & Warren, Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to be featured in the Medical & Wellness issue of Style Magazine. We are grateful for your efforts in selecting us for this issue, photographing and writing the article, developing the cover, obtaining an advertising sponsor and layout of the artwork for the nicelyplaced adjoining advertisement. Kay, many of our staff members have positively responded to me already this morning in appreciation of the compassionate way you wrote about our patients and clients, and the accuracy of the details in the article.

With appreciation, Kim Mueller Marketing & Events Director Pathways Hospice

Personal Touch and Return of Investment Dear Lydia, I just wanted to drop a quick line to thank you for the recent article in the Building and Remodeling Issue of Style magazine. The article on Sutherlands Lumber was a great way to get information out to the general public on what we are all about and our upcoming move. It was a nice personal approach to take with the staff members and everyone enjoyed being published and recognized for being in Style. We have received so many nice compliments about the exposure in Style. I have had people call me up that I haven’t talked to in years to tell me they saw me in Style.

Ever since we started advertising in Style magazine we have seen our advertising dollars walk back in the door from recognition of our ads. In this day and age when budgets are tight it’s nice to see the return on investment we get from advertising in Style magazine. Thanks again for the wonderful article and beautiful ads.

Mike Kerr Floor Sales Manager Design Gallery at Sutherlands

Thank you so much for sharing this vision with me!

Nancy Stilson-Herzog Certified Personal Trainer at The Other Club Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Amazing Response

Lots of Feedback

Inspiring

The response to our article has been AMAZING. We have received non-stop calls for tours of the MeadowView facility.

I will definitely recommend any business to advertise in Style Magazine.

Style Magazine, We received a lot of feedback from our customer’s who read the section about our Med Spa in the March Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness Issue. They appreciated the information on what to look for when choosing a Med Spa. They also liked knowing that AWP Esthetics & Spa was covered under our physician’s malpractice insurance and has a high standard of training.

Dear Lydia, Your Publisher’s Letter in the recent March Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness issue was inspiring. I appreciate your consistent and unerring model reflected in Style Magazine. Anyone can do it when times are easy, but positive thoughts and actually modeling in deeds, such as your magazine philosophy, are reminders to all of us of what we are capable of. We can’t choose our circumstances, but we can choose our attitudes and positive view of forward thinking. Congrats and thanks!

Michelle Silva Marketing Coordinator MeadowView, Greeley

Pam Roys Office Administrator AWP Esthetics & Spa

Grateful for Support Lydia and staff, Thank you so much for including our new business in your most recent issue. We have had very positive feedback. We are so grateful for your support of our business and are delighted to share your magazine with our clients! We look forward to reading each issue! Thank you again, for gracing us with this literary masterpiece!

I love your magazine. I read it from front to back. I never know anyone in the cultural section, so I skip that, but I am an RN and like all the updates. I like the modeling, and clothes, and just about everything. Thanks,

Thank you, The staff at Xanadu Med Spa

Jacquie Buckert Estes Park

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Wonderful Feature Lydia, Thank you so much for the wonderful feature on Pathways Hospice in your March Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness issue. We appreciate the support of you and your staff in helping us to fulfill our mission. Thanks!

Evan Hyatt Executive Director Pathways Hospice

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2009 :: Family & Philanthropy

12 16

features

Service 12 Selfless Mike Demma Inspires Change Years of Success 16 30 Opera Fort Collins Into the Sun 19 Jump Family Activities In Northern Colorado Moon Asian Bistro 20 East Restaurant Review of Spring 23 Signs Vet Models Show the Latest

20 23

Place for Kids 28 Positive Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County Lives 30 Enriching Through Music Fort Collins Symphony

Years of 32 75 Community Service Good Samaritan Society

28 34

Hope 34 Living Hope Lives! The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Foundation

Legacy of Grace 36 A Mary Baretta Grace Foundation the Community 38 Uniting for Education PSD Foundation

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columns

6 From the Readers 10 Publisher’s Letter 22 Meet the Models Pillars 42 Community Bill and Ruth Brown

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Town 43 About President’s Circle Dinner ON THE COVER

Mike Demma, interim Executive Director, the Poudre School District Foundation and community volunteer.

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As long as I can remember I have had a cat. A calico one or two when I was growing up; a Persian, a big red scruffy cat, two Siamese, and now this beautiful white cat named Dyna with one blue and one green eye. She is really my daughter’s cat, but as many of you have probably experienced, that when children leave home for college, they leave behind their pets. So, I have Dyna the cat, Roo the black Pekepom, and Daisy the Lhasa Apso. Dyna is truly the smartest one of the three. She is totally independent but very affectionate when she wants to be. And, she definitely wasn’t feeling the love and didn’t want to be photographed the day I decided to include her in this photo. I must confess that my smile is deceiving; as the flash was going off her claws were digging into my thigh. But as they say, perception is everything!

Recently I was invited to attend the 2nd annual Chat Amour Deux fund raising event for the Fort Collins Cat Rescue. It was such a fun event that I decided to help out by getting the word out about their good works. I invited three great looking area vets to join us as fashion models and included six cats that are adoptable from the Fort Collins Cat Rescue.

The models were exquisite and the cats were great sports the day of the shoot. Enjoy seeing the fabulous fashions from Designs Boutique in Fort Collins and CLOZ in Loveland, and, stop by their stores to freshen up your spring wardrobe and please let them know you saw their beautiful fashions in Style. If possible, be sure to consider adopting one of those adorable kitties too!

I have always believed that if you have wealth, you should be generous to give away much of it, and if you have little you should give of your heart and your hands. Today, more than I can ever remember, area non-profits are in need of your support – especially financial. Please continue to support those causes near and dear to your heart and even look to share your time, talent and treasure and help out a new non-profit. Most of them provide essential services to people right here in our own backyard and contribute to the overall high quality of life we all enjoy. Open your heart and your soul will truly be blessed in the process!

That brings me to also share that we at Style magazine work hard to give back to our region in every way we can. We support and sponsor quite a few fund raising events in our region and make every effort to feature, at no charge, photos of fundraising events in our About Town section. This community section is a favorite of many of our readers and we

Publisher’s Letter

“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”

– Albert Einstein

genuinely enjoy featuring the people who generously support our area non-profit events.

Someone who is selflessly dedicated to helping non-profit organizations is my friend, Mike Demma who is our feature article, Selfless Service, Mike Demma Inspires Change. I met Mike many years ago when he was in the same Leadership Fort Collins program I attended. I remembered thinking he was a kind, bright, patient and gentle man who had a winning smile. Not much has changed since then, except his hair is now a handsome shade of silver, and he has lots of time to volunteer now that he has retired. And, volunteer is exactly what he does forty hours plus a week. He is a priceless treasure in our region; a man who is passionate about his community and about non-profits. Thank you, Mike, for your help with Hope Lives! as well as the other sixty plus non-profits that you have helped!

Albert Einstein said it profoundly, “The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” And, our region has many giving people contributing to our exceptional quality of life. Every year our issue of Style Family, Community & Philanthropy is dedicated to bringing awareness to some of the areas non-profits. Enjoy reading about their work and please notice the ad sponsors next to the articles. When you have a chance, please thank them for their big hearts. Most of these nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers to help with their mission. If you can, volunteer, sponsor, or donate.

Call one of the non-profits today. Not only will you help someone in need, your life will be enriched to help someone else. It is not only the receiver who is blessed, but the giver most of all.

Over the years, Elizabeth Elliott has touched many lives in the region. She has been the driving force behind Opera Fort Collins for the past 30 years.

Thank you, Elizabeth for your talent, your vision, and your tenacity to keep going even when the going was rough! The cultural opportunities you have brought to our arts community and our region and the singers whose careers you have helped develop is extraordinary. It is because of visionaries like you that our region is recognized as one of the best places to live, again and again. Congratulations Elizabeth and thank you for your legacy. Enjoy reading 30 Years of Success and be sure to attend Tosca in August featuring national talent on our local stage.

With gratitude and appreciation, lydia@stylemedia.com

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Selfless Service Mike Demma

Inspires Change

By Jim Sprout photos by warren diggles and lydia dody

What do the Steelers nation, kids, and community service have in common? Mike Demma.

Born in Tarentum, a small coal-mining town outside of Pittsburgh, Demma remembers that his family did not have a lot. Even though both of his parents had only completed the fifth grade, a good education for Demma and his two sisters was a high priority in their family.

His father, who worked in the steel mills, and his mother, a nurse’s aide, encouraged Mike’s community involvement at an early age through the YMCA. Mike recalls that, in those days, if it weren’t for the YMCA, most kids in his community would not have had the opportunity to participate in sports. To this day, Mike says that he has never met anyone quite like his parents who inspired and encouraged him to make a better life.

A

fter graduating as the senior class president in a class of 103, Demma went on to complete his college degree at Gannon University in 1963.

He paid his way through school by part-time work, student loans, and a tennis scholarship. In 1966, after three years of military service through ROTC, Demma joined the Eastman Kodak Company where he worked for 26 years, taking early retirement in 1992. Demma remembers his retirement as short lived when he and Ron Davis started their own firm, Demma and Davis Consulting. They wanted to share the knowledge and experience they had learned from their tenure at Kodak. Mike credits Ed Lyons, a supervisor and mentor at the Company, for teaching him the meaning, purpose, and importance of quality people relationships. Nine years later, after consulting with more than 120 companies, both domestic and international, Mike was tired of traveling and being away from home, so he decided to retire for good.

It was at this point in Demma’s life when his Father’s words from many years earlier began to have more meaning; “As you get older and settled and you have an opportunity to give back, try to do that.” Although he has been involved

Family & Philanthropy 2009

with the Poudre School District for more than 35 years, and is a life long member of the Elks Lodge, it was a phone call from Don Unger and Ken Forest in 2000 that allowed Demma to re-engage in the community through the bond and mill committee for PSD. In Demma’s words, “ it reminded me of the personal satisfaction of being involved in the community.”

Demma’s history of community service is extensive and ranges from coaching youth sports, like the Buckaroos and Legion baseball, to being active on more than 20 nonprofit boards. The dominant themes of his service have been kids and education, with the underlying goal to keep Fort Collins as good for his grandchildren as it was for his children.

His nonprofit board representation, to name a few, include the Boys and Girls Clubs, Hospice, Crossroads, Character Fort Collins, Partners, and the Poudre School District Foundation, on which he currently serves as a volunteer as the interim Executive Director. Demma also spends numerous hours each week working as a volunteer on board development activities. In 2008, he served more than 63 nonprofits on some aspect of board selection and improvement.

Kathi Wright, Executive Director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Larimer County had this to say, “ Mike has been a mentor to many of us and continues to teach us many things.

He has been an enthusiastic Board member since 1998, and in

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Mike Demma advises the Project Smile Executive Board members: Blair Trautwein, board member; Perry Buck and Cherry Smith, Northern Colorado Event Planning; Ray Martinez, board member; Ron Lautzenheiser, Chairman; and Cindy Carrington, Operations Coordinator.

Mike Demma conducting a Poudre School District Foundation board meeting. Demma is the interim Executive Director for the Foundation.

2003 we honored him with the Champion for Children award.” Katie Zwetzig, President of the Poudre School District Foundation comments, “ Mike defines collaboration. He has worked tirelessly and selflessly to improve nonprofits in our community and he does it not for his own recognition but to increase opportunities for kids.” Bob Powell, Founder of Character Fort Collins says “the thing that stands out to me is his passion for the mission of each of these organizations and his broad vision of the impact that each organization has on the community. It is inspiring and energy-giving to see an individual spend his life giving so much back to the community.” Bob also reminds us that we should not forget his service beyond the non-profit world in serving on the bond and mill committee for more than 20 years as an advocate for the school district’s need for new tax revenue. Marsha Smithers-Petrovic, Executive Director of Hope

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Lives! the Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Foundation says, “Mike gives of himself so freely, and his expertise in nonprofit management and board development is quite remarkable.

His willingness and desire to help the numerous organizations and individuals who call on him, while expecting nothing in return, is a clear testament to his overall character. He is such a valuable asset to us all. He truly believes in the Fort Collins community and in the idea that, by working together, great things are possible.”

What has meaning and significance in Demma’s life? He says, beyond his faith, it is his family, kids, and the community. He also laughs and comments that the Pittsburgh Steelers are up there as well. In fact, more than 87 members of the Steelers Nation gathered at a local pub to celebrate the latest Super Bowl victory. Demma recalls a recent capital campaign for his church, John 23rd,

where he and his wife Joan were asked by the members to head the steering committee.

Demma’s initial response was that he didn’t have the time, but when Joan commented that “he had time for everyone else in the community, so why not take some time for God,” he was in. He says it reminded him how important and essential his faith is in everything he does.

The lessons that Demma has learned in life also center on family and community service. Having the support of his family during tough times has had special meaning and he believes community service has made him a better person. Like his friend Bob Powell, Demma thinks character is where it all starts.

He recalls when Trenton, one of his grandchildren, was four years old and started going to Boys and Girls Clubs of Larimer County activities with him. “It paid dividends, and now at age nine, he is able to engage other kids and

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Mike, wife Joan, and their three grandchildren, Nikki Demma, age 3, Bryson Medrano, age 5, and Trenton Medrano, age 10, enjoy playing games together.

knows what it means to be a team player,” says Demma. He would like to be remembered as someone who made a difference and had a positive impact by creating opportunities for kids. He says, “There is nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself and everybody needs a little reinforcement now and then.”

When asked about the next stage of life, Demma responds by saying “We make a living by what we get and a life by what we give and I hope that never ends for me.” In other words, he might cut back a little from 40 hours a week of community service to something a little less, but he will continue to enrich the lives of many through his faithful service. His passion is still helping kids.

Joan, his wife, has been a 150 percent loyal supporter for 41 years. She is glad for Mike’s well deserved recognition, and says that the children see what their father has

Family & Philanthropy 2009

done and are very proud. She is also very pleased and especially proud of Mike’s unending dedication in wanting things better for the community, his children, and grandchildren.

Mike Demma epitomizes the three T’s in volunteerism: Time, Talent, and Treasure, as well as the character quality and selflessness, through his committed service to our community over the years. His motto might be, “All they need is opportunity to make a difference.” He has certainly helped change lives, and for that, our community is grateful for him and his presence.

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

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o p e r a

f o r t

c o l l i n s

30 Years of Success

By Lynn m. dean photos by Sarah boyd

“We have strong stereotypes in our minds of the fat lady with spear in hand and horns on helmet singing in a foreign language we don’t understand. But opera is changing.”

–Todd Queen, Artistic Director, Opera Fort Collins

F

or 25 of the past 30 years, Elizabeth brings new businesses to town.”

Elliott lived Opera Fort Collins.

Over the last three decades, Opera Fort Collins After completing a Master of Arts has earned regional acclaim. “The quality of it is so in Drama at the University of North darn good,” says Colorado opera historian Charles Carolina, she came to CSU to Ralph, an Opera Fort Collins supporter. “When we pursue a Master of Arts in Voice bring in people like Cynthia Lawrence and Charles Performance. She then moved to New York Edwin Taylor, both who now sing at the Met– as a City to sing professionally, becoming Pavarotti’s regional opera company we stack up pretty well. soprano of choice for many years. But when her People are frequently surprised about the quality of son was born, she realized that she didn’t want opera here when they first discover it, but the reguto raise him in the Big Apple. No, she wanted to lars have watched it build.” raise him here in Fort Collins, a city she had grown to love during her time here. So, she packed up her family and moved back “home” to Fort Collins.

But while she found this the ideal backdrop for family life, opportunities to perform were rare. “When I came back I realized there was no place for adults to sing except in church choirs,” she explains. “So, I got together a committee to discuss the problem and we came up with the idea of the Larimer Chorale.”

Still something was missing.

“I sang with that organization and served on that board for a few years Stars of Opera Fort Collins performed in February of this year. and then decided to create an opera program to fill the vacuum that had been left with the departure of CSU Opera DirecMany people are also surprised to learn that tor Larry Day.” rising star Charles Edwin Taylor, or Chuck as he preThus, 30 years ago this year, in 1979, Opera fers to be called, got his start in opera here. “I was Fort Collins was born. “I’m not sure I thought Fort sitting here one afternoon, and I had a phone call Collins needed Opera, but I know I did,” Elliott exand the spoken voice resonated such that I knew he plains adding, “I think everywhere needs opera. was a singer,” explains Elliott. “He came and sang It’s the consummate art form, and for me it was for me and I had goosepimples all over. I was mortithe obvious marriage of my two backgrounds– fied to report that I had nothing to offer him. I told theater and music.” him ‘if you sing in the chorus this year, I will mount “It’s absolutely amazing to have the caliber of a Scarpia for you.’ Elliott explains that Scarpia is one opera that we have for a town of this size,” says of the major baritone roles in Puccini’s Tosca.

Elliott. “Everybody should celebrate it and support “He then asked, ‘What’s a Scarpia?’ After I got it because it’s good business. The fact that we done laughing I told him what it was and I mounted have such a strong arts community– and opera is it the following year. The rest, as they say, is hisa part of that– makes people want to live here. It tory.”

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Taylor admits that he didn’t know much about opera when he started. “The first place I really heard opera was at my grandfather’s house,” he remembers. “They had the Saturday Metropolitan Opera Texaco radio broadcast from the Met.” Now Taylor sings at the Met regularly. “God has a sense of humor,” Taylor jokes. “I’m a lucky, lucky man. Ten minutes before curtain I stand center stage behind the main rag and I take a moment and really think about how fortunate I am, and I try to remember every person who’s gotten me to this point.”

Elizabeth Elliott is one of those people. After 25 years as its leader, Elliot passed the reins of Opera Fort Collins over to its current Artistic Director Dr. Todd Queen, who had moved to Fort Collins to teach at CSU. “I think she was ready and 25 years is a legacy,” he explains. “She thought I was capable and it felt like the right time for her.”

“Twenty five years sounded like a nice round number, and the right people came on the scene for me to pass the reins,” agrees Elliott. “I wanted to stop while I still adored it, and not when I was tired. Todd Queen and Wes Kenney were the ideal people to take it over. It was laughingly said that it took five people to do my job when I quit.”

At least three, agrees Dr. Queen. “We brought Wes on board to enhance the quality and consistency of the orchestra. Wes and the orchestra often get ignored. But every part of the wheel needs to be operational and functional. The colors and textures that are created in the orchestra inform the listener about what’s happening.”

Opera Fort Collins continues to thrive. “It’s grown steadily, to extraordinary,” says Elliott. “Todd Queen and Wes Kenney have not only picked up the torch, but made it into a huge flame.”

Much of the credit for that success can be laid squarely at Elliott’s feet. “Elizabeth is a force of na-

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

From Opera Fort Collins performance, Cavalleria Rusticana.

Family & Philanthropy 2009

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Performing in Pagliacci.

ture,” says Dr. Queen. “She effectively started and ran her own opera company through sheer will, determination, and talent for 25 years. It’s extraordinary.”

In truth, Elliott says, she didn’t really have a choice. She felt compelled to establish Opera Fort Collins. “I think when you have a talent- a love- it drags you through life. You don’t make the kinds of choices other people make. It just kind of evolves.”

Opera Fort Collins continues to evolve. “I think one of the things we do best is to bring high quality opera to Fort Collins,” Dr. Queen explains. “I’m extremely satisfied with the artistic product that we are producing. I think we still produce it through sheer will and determination. I would love to see a stronger financial base for the organization and be able to hire an administrative director. And, we have made it our goal, as a Board, to eliminate the phrase, “Oh, I didn’t know we had an opera company here in Fort Collins.’“ Dr. Queen would also like to see the community at large get more involved. “There is power in numbers and there is synergy that happens when we all come together for a common purpose. I’d like to see the connections that we have in the community to grow. In the past four years we have sung Aida, The Flying Dutchman, Turandot, and Carmen.”

He encourages all who might be interested to try out. “What a rich experience for the students who have been able to sing in the productions. But what an opportunity it would be for a lawyer, a banker, or a stay-at-home mom to sing in these

18

Elizabeth Elliott as Despina in the 1983 production of Mozart’s Cpsi Fan Tutti.

choruses. We do have general auditions every year and people can come and sing for me. I’m a nice person. I’m not Simon Cowell.”

Dr. Queen would also like more of the community to experience the magic of opera. To that end, he has continued Storybook Opera, an outreach program first developed by Elliott that intro-

duces school students to the art form. “I think it is powerful when you can demystify opera. We have strong stereotypes in our minds of the fat lady with spear in hand and horns on helmet singing in a foreign language we don’t understand. But opera is changing. If you go to see live opera, you’ll see attractive individuals who know their craft and are able to do feats with their voices that seem incomprehensible to most of us. I liken it to an athlete.

They are athletes to us!”

“Then there’s the stories of opera– human drama, love triangles, death,” he continues. “They’re stories we know– Aida is a musical, La Bohème is Rent. You get the pure essence of it in opera.”

He adds that with the Met cinecasts, aired periodically at local theaters like the Cinemark in Fort Collins, average people can “try out” opera risk free.”

Or, you can attend one of Opera Fort Collins’ local performances. “We have three productions a year, one being an aria concert/gala, one a concert performance with no set, and one a fully staged, fully costumed opera,” says Dr. Queen. “In August we are celebrating our 30 year anniversary with Tosca. We’re bringing back Chuck to sing Scarpia and we’re bringing back Cynthia Lawrence, the world’s foremost Tosca, to sing here with us.”

With such national talent on the local stage, it’s an opportunity the Fort Collins’ community can’t afford to miss.

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

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

jumpsun into the

Family Activities around Northern Colorado By erica pauly Growing up in Northern Colorado was a treat for me. Little did I know that it would someday receive many nationally recognized awards for being a desirable place to live. Yet here we all are, enjoying what Colorado has to offer us, but are we enjoying it as much as we could be?

Colorado’s climate allows for many activities throughout the year. When the tulips peak their heads out, and daylight savings goes into affect, more Northern Colorado residents are out on the bike paths and working in their gardens. Take time to connect with your family this sunny time of year by engaging in any of the activities we’ve found to enjoy right here at home.

STICS, SWIMMING, GYMNAMP CA DANCE AND DAY

-week sessions n Kids are available in two Swimming classes at Mountai mer day camp, as sum of ks wee en elev also e are throughout the summer. Ther multiple oneics and dance classes including well as twelve weeks of gymnast with the abilren are the lessons equipping child week dance camps. Not only , “Mountains also are they but ies, bod r use thei ity to swim, move, and learn to ted to 89 de(hea l poo ater ht in the warm-w of Fun!!!” Swim classes are taug ngthen advanced stre to s, skill g min swim c basi grees), and designed to teach ics lessons for s. Mountain also offers gymnast skills, as well as water safety skill through comr inne school teens, including beg walking children through high per counselor cam 1 to 10 low a in fed p is staf petitive team skill level. Day Cam p is offered Cam Day . ities and challenging activ ratio, and includes lots of fun ming lessons are swim and ce dan ics, nast gym le from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, whi day camp and s and evenings. Registration for offered throughout the morning mer registrasum ce l while gymnastics and dan swimming begins in early Apri 8. You may -311 482 ) (970 call , tion rma more info .htm. tion begins on April 20th. For ome ftch om/ ds.c n-ki site at: www.mountai also visit Mountain Kids web

BOWLING CAMP This season why not take the family to one of the many camps or places made with the sole purpose of having fun in Fort Collins? Chippers Lanes Bowling Centers will be hosting a free summer bowling camp from June through August. Because there is no cost, it will be on a first come first serve basis for registration. The camp is limited to 192 participants, so register while spots are still available. In 2006, the bowling camp was started by Matt Hoeven, owner of Chippers Bowling Lanes. He says, “I just wanted to start something that kids could have fun with in the summer. The program is structured with good coaching. The kids get a wonderful introduction to the etiquette of bowling, how to have a three step and four step approach, and it’s a great thing for kids and their families to come out to do.” Parents must accompany children if they are under 12 years of age. The camp will begin on June 9th at 11:00 a.m. and will go through July 28th. It includes two games of bowling, free shoes, and coaching from coaches. Camps will be offered at the College location and Horsetooth location. For more information call (970) 226-6327.

GREELEY STAMP

EDE PHOTO BY RANDY OWENS Drive just 30 minutes southeast of Fort Collin s, and Greeley will be awaiting your arrival. A tradition dating back to the late 1880s, the Greeley Stampede is a fun filled few months of nothi ng but events for the whole family.

Features include a Professional Rodeo, bull riding, Kids Rodeos, Country and Classic Rock Concerts, Demolition Derby , a 4th of July Parade, a Midway Carnival, and a Western Art Show . Events begin June 25th and last through July 5th. For specifics, directions, and times of each event, visit http://www.greeleystampede.org/events.

We live in a place where fun family and kids activities are just waiting for us to participate. Or visit: www.coloradokids.com to find any coupons or discounted deals for Northern Grab a map of Northern Colorado and venture out this year to experience all that our wonder- Colorado Kids camps this summer. ful location has to offer.

For more unique ideas on how to get out and about this spring and summer, visit http://colorado-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/fort_collins_activities_for_kids.

Erica Pauly is a Contributing Editor for Style Magazine.

Family & Philanthropy 2009

19

East Moon Asian Bistro

N

Carefully cooked food paired with entertainment makes for a wonderful evening.

East Moon Asian Bistro’s new building off Harmony Road in the new Villagio Village.

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othing sounded more appealing on an icy Colorado winter night, than sitting in front of a fire in the company of friends. I joined our owner and publisher, Lydia Dody, account executives, Sondy Skrove and Abby Bloedorn, and our special guests Dr. Ricardo Nieves, and his wife, Kim, as well as Terje Whitmore, owner of Happiaxxidents Marketing, for dinner at the new East Moon Asian Bistro in the trendy Villagio Village on Harmony Road.

The warm brick building welcomes me, as does the hostess at the front door. The sectioned restaurant is perfect for an intimate night out with booths and candlelit ambience on one side of the restaurant, juxtaposed with the rumbling fire-lit hibachi grill section on the other. We gather around the table as handmade pottery plates, each with their own unique design, are set in front of us.

The modern interior accents, like the metallic wall hangings, the orange, yellow, and blue chandeliers, all hang with polka dots and are splattered with Andy Warhol-like touches. The bar is packed with people, and electric blue lights light the under-bar. The chairs are stylish, with elongated backs and purple seat cushions.

The bright color palette chosen for East Moon matches the colorful spirit of the men and women running the restaurant. Owner, Jason Zhou, who has been in the United States for nearly a year, wears a smile and a suit as we are introduced. He says, “I love having the hibachi at this location.

We opened the location on Lemay and Prospect, which has been going well, but we really wanted to add the hibachi here. The hibachi helps makes the experience more fun.” Zhou’s dreams have only just begun. After opening restaurants in Broomfield, Westminster, Longmont, and Fort Collins, Zhou’s dream to open more restaurants is becoming attainable with every passing day.

Manager, Shan Gao, couldn’t agree more with Zhou’s excitement of a growing restaurant. After earning a degree in Restaurant Management and Hospitality, Gao moved to America to manage his first Chinese Restaurant. He says, “Managing a Chinese restaurant is easier because, for one, we can all speak the same language, so communication is not an issue.” He laughs and

Sashimi appetizer from East Moon.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

East moon asian bistro :: fort collins

Text by Erica pauly Photos by warren diggles

Our server Randi; Owner, Jason Zhou; Manager, Shan Gao; our Chef for the evening, Long Keng Zhou; and bartender, Curt Hergenreter.

Restaurant review guests: Lydia Dody, Publisher, Style Magazine; Erica Pauly, Contributing Editor, Style Magazine; Abby Bloedorn, Account Executive, Style Magazine; Terje Whitmore, Happiaxxidents Marketing; Sondy Skrove, Account Executive, Style Magazine; Dr. Ricardo Nieves and his wife, Kim.

continues, “This new location will keep getting better and better. Hopefully we will become a name that is familiar to Fort Collins, and East Moon will be the best restaurant to come to. We are continually working to improve our customer service. If our service and food are both great, we will be great as a restaurant.” If first impressions make or break a reputation, East Moon Asian Bistro is off to a fantastic start.

I sit down to the first of several delectable appetizers. We begin with the Krab Ragoon ($4.95). I’ve had a wonton or two, but this little Asian appetizer filled with krab and cream cheese fried until golden brown is rich and crisp. After biting into the first one, I can’t help but take a second. Dody says, “They’re very moist; they’re cooked perfectly.” We move on to the Steamed Dumplings, also known as pot stickers ($5.25).

The chewy texture, combined with the pop of spice, make it hard to share the rest of the plate.

Reluctantly, I pass on the Dumplings, which are eaten up within a few minutes. Skrove says, “East Moon’s food has always been superb.”

Each drink makes its way to the table with unique personality made by bartender, Curt Hergenreter. The Blue Hawaiian: in a large glass barely big enough to contain it in all its power.

And powerful it is, made from pineapple juice, and Dekuyper Liqueur Curcacao, and East Moon’s secret ingredient. The Love Potion works its magic for guests, Ricardo Nieves and Kim, new to the Fort Collins community. “These are great, they’re really fruity,” says Kim. The white Haiku Bridge wine pairs well with the sashimi that Dody claims is her classic choice for an appetizer. “I love sashimi, it’s always my first choice. This sashimi is very fresh.

This is very good.” I sip on sake, not too hot, just warm enough to soothe a lingering sore throat.

Randi, one of the most attentive servers I’ve encountered, takes our orders. She makes sure to have our chef cook the steak separately for

Ricardo, who is extremely allergic to seafood. The grill lights up in flames as our eyes widen and gasps erupt from our table. Bloedorn immediately exclaims, “Wow! This is definitely entertaining.”

Crisp iceberg lettuce is drizzled with a peanut dressing and steaming miso soup are brought to our table just as the last appetizers are eaten.

Skrove says, “This salad is so fresh. I’ve been eating at East Moon for years, and their salads are always fresh.” I sip the steaming soup in anticipation for the next portion, which is being steamed, chopped, and filleted right in front of us.

Bloedorn calls attention to the hibachi, “Look! He’s taking the onion apart, it looks like a volcano!” Sure enough, the entertaining chef is creating a flaming onion volcano in front of us. Our eyes are glued to our chef, chopping at a hundred miles an hour, he tosses up his tools, and then tosses shrimp into our mouths. “He is so skillful, this is definitely an art,” says Dody.

The intent and focused chef serves our veggies hot and steaming. He juggles and cracks an egg on the side of his spatula, then finishes making our fried rice. Rice is served, “I can just sit here and eat the rice. This is the best fried rice I’ve ever had, it’s heavenly. I think I need a doggy bag,” exclaims Bloedorn. The fried rice has a hint of sweetness to it, which complements the saltiness.

One by one, shrimp, scallops, halibut, teriyaki chicken, and steak keep piling onto my plate. I can’t eat fast enough to keep up with the skilled chef. “It’s so hard for me to work when I see all this food. I just want to eat it,” jokes our server, Randi.

Our chef cleans the hibachi immediately after each dish is prepared, while I savor every bite of my plate full of perfectly cooked meat. (The menu at East Moon has many different entrees to choose from, but because we wanted a little taste of everything, our table shared a little bit of everything.) The shrimp is Skrove’s favorite.

Family & Philanthropy 2009

She says, “This shrimp is just to die for.” The scallops are seasoned perfectly and cooked just right, nothing is worse than crunchy overcooked scallops. While we eat, Randy fills our waters and drinks just as we take the last sip. She’s observant, non-intrusive on our conversation, and quick to help in any way she can.

The Halibut is tender and fresh. Not one ounce of the typical fishy taste, instead I taste herbs as the tender fish falls apart in my mouth.

Warren Diggles, the photographer for Style says, “The seafood here is so fresh, it’s delicious.” The Teriyaki Chicken is moist, with just enough sauce to tantalize my taste buds with a sweet and salty punch of teriyaki.

My plate is left with several uneaten pieces from the generous portioned meal. Thank goodness for to-go boxes. My stomach feels filled to the brim, that is, until dessert is mentioned.

It’s funny how I seem to always find a little extra room for those sweet sensations. Mochi balls have been my favorite dessert for years, and I’ve had a hard time finding them anywhere. Leave it to East Moon Asian Bistro to serve us vanilla and green tea mochi balls. These bite size pieces of heaven have ice cream on the inside with a chewy rice cake on the outside.

The spacious, trendy, and upbeat restaurant, new to the Villagio Village on Harmony Road, will most certainly thrive not only because of its great food, but also because of the hard working staff like Randi and the devoted owner and manager. It wasn’t too many days after my dining experience that I was craving East Moon again. So, patrons beware, the new East Moon Asian Bistro will leave you with a craving to return for more time and time again, and don’t forget to save room for dessert.

Erica Pauly is a contributing editor for Style Magazine.

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Meet

the

Models

Robin Downing DVM, DAAPM

Robin is a veterinarian with Windsor Veterinary Clinic & The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management. She enjoys reading, writing, travel, instrumental and vocal music, and outdoor activities. “I enjoyed the fitting process as it was easy and fun. The hair and make-up experience was terrific. And I loved Designs Boutique and will be back to see those fine folks. I would love to do this again sometime as it was a fun and personal experience.”

holly mims DVM, dacvim

CHRISTIE LONg DVM

Christie is a small animal veterinarian with VCA Fort Collins Animal Hospital. She is married to Wiley III, and they have a six-year old son, Wiley IV. Christie is busy as a vet but takes time to enjoy skiing, traveling, college football, running, hiking, camping, and spending time with family. “The day spent with Style was really a lot of fun. It was great to be pampered, the make-up artist and hair stylist were both extremely talented, and I so enjoyed getting to dress up. The clothes were just my style, and I loved wearing them. Thanks so much for the incredible hospitality you provided at your beautiful home. I loved doing the photo shoot, especially since it will hopefully result in several beautiful and very sweet kitties from the Fort Collins Cat Rescue finding forever homes!”

Holly is a Veterinary Specialist in Internal Medicine with the VCA Veterinary Specialists of Northern Colorado. She is married to James and in her limited free time enjoys running, reading, hiking and rollerblading. “I would like to thank you for including me in this wonderful modeling experience. From my initial meeting at Cloz in Loveland to the photo shoot, at your amazing home, I enjoyed every minute. I had a great time at the fitting at Cloz; you and the ladies were very helpful and have an eye for what looks good. All week long, I was looking forward to the photo shoot and having a “glamour” day! Shauna at C & S Workshop was fantastic! Not only did she style my hair in a fun manner, but she went out of her way to polish up my hair cut. I enjoyed getting to spend the day with you and all of the other ladies. Abby was also fantastic. She took the time to make me feel beautiful with make-up that was flawless and still looked natural. I enjoyed working with the photographer, Warren; he was professional and patient! I had such a wonderful time. Perhaps the best part of this experience was getting to know Lydia. She truly is an inspiration, and I consider myself fortunate to have been able to work with her. I’m thankful she invited me to be a part of her magazine, and for treating me to such a wonderful experience. I look forward to seeing the finished product!

McCoy’s Morning Glory, Inc.

1003 West Horsetooth Road Fort Collins, CO 80526 • (970) 266-0302 Open 7:00a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Daily McCoy’s Morning Glory serves Northern Colorado’s residents breakfast every morning. For more than nine years, their fresh and unique breakfast and lunch dishes have made McCoy’s the perfect breakfast/brunch place to be.

A favorite at McCoy’s is the McCoy’s Benedict, served on a croissant, and the Breakfastito, which is a hearty breakfast burrito that features a flavorful vegetarian green chili. Stone baked pizza or their scramble, “All Shook Up,” are only a few of the classics available.

Hit the jack pot on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00, with the Brunch Buffet. McCoy’s offers a traditional brunch which includes yogurt, fruit, sweet breads, and spiral sliced ham, for starters. Custom omelets and French toasts are yet another stomach rumbling treat served.

Enjoy breakfast in the Colorado sun on the patio, or snuggle with loved ones in the cozy restaurant. Join the rest of the community and stop in at McCoy’s for a fresh start to your day.

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

F

Signs

Robin Downing

of

Spring

Christie Long

Holly Mims

These kitties are available for adoption at Fort Collins Cat Rescue. Contact them at 970-484-8516 or fortcollinscatrescue.org.

CLOE

Cloe is a beautiful and affectionate female Seal Point Himalayan. She is a seasoned lady of twelve years and would be a perfect loving companion in a new home.

Family & Philanthropy 2009

NEMO DOMINO RATTLES STEVIE CARNEY

Nemo is a handsome Persian, male cat almost five years old looking for some loving care. He is having a bad hair day being quite matted but that will resolve with time.

His sweet disposition and adorable smoosh face wins you over.

Domino is a good looking tortoise, female, domestic short haired cat that has completely recovered from being hit by a car. She is three years old and looking for a permanent loving home.

Rattles is a precious six month old domestic female cat with medium black and white hair. She is a normal, sweet, playful kitten but has a neurological disorder that causes her to have a head bob. She is ready for a loving home.

Stevie is a sweet, mellow, brown and white tabby, three year old, short haired male. He was a stray and is now looking for a permanent home and family to bond with.

Carney is an independent thinking but sweet five year old female. She has a soft, tortoise, short haired coat, beautiful eyes and a winning personality.

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Soft, figure shaping, sundress with feminine neckline and a playful collage of color from Elana Kattan, $229. Beautiful butterfly necklace, $28, and earrings, $15, feature amber beads and turquoise accents. Courtesy of CLŌZ, Loveland.

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Delicate aqua cardigan with placket detail, $110, buttoned over a white spandex tank, $44, and breezy sheer geometric floral, drop waist skirt, $118. By Think Tank.

Silver links necklace, $40, hoop earrings, $20. Courtesy of CLŌZ, Loveland.

Crisp black and white stripes, soft draped neckline, and bias form-flattering skirt make a style statement from Joseph Ribkoff, $247. Stunning silver and turquoise Brighton necklace, $62, earrings, $36, and bracelet, $52. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Chic and sensational, strapless, body-skimming bamboo knit long dress by Carilyn Vaile, $166, also offers a matching wrap tie jacket, $128. Natural stone, wood and shell, exotic necklace, $62, wood earrings, $20. Courtesy of CLﾅ兄, Loveland.

Smart and stylish ensemble from Joseph Ribkoff features classic wrap jacket, $71, soft paisley top with sequin accents tops easy, elastic-waist, wide leg pants, $115. Brighton silver scroll necklace, $64, and hoop earrings add professional polish. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins.

Family & Philanthropy 2009

Light as a feather polka dot Mycra Pac raincoat and purse, $275, tops Carilyn Vaile wide leg pants, $119, and wide strap tank, $86.

Landi hand-crafted neckwire pendant, $64, and drop earrings, $28.

Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins.

Photography: Warren Diggles Art Direction: Lydia Dody Hair Design: Shauna Troxell, C&S Workshop Make Up: Abby Charpentier, Always Beautiful by Abby Bar Stools: Patio Dining Leather Lifestyles Adoptable Kitties: Courtesy of Fort Collins Cat Rescue

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LITY Your locally owned leader in health care is a national role model for excellence.

Poudre Valley Health System has received the 2008 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award- the highest Presidential honor given to United States businesses and organizations that demonstrate performance excellence .

Thank you to our treasured patients and families, incredible volunteers, staff and physicians, and the many regional organizations who support us in achieving our vision to provide worldclass health care .

Were herefor you.

www.youtube.com/user/PoudreValleyHealth

POUDRE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM

b o y s

a n d

g i r l s

The Positive Place for Kids

c l u b s

o f

l a r i m e r

c o u n t y

B y GLORIA WILLIS

“My vision is to fill Moby Arena at Colorado State University with all of the kids that need us,” says Kathi Wright, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County (BGCLC).

Holiday Happening 2008 event put on by Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County.

In the beginning In existence since 1988, BGCLC has grown and changed with the needs of children in our community. “Last year we served about 2,850 kids with an average daily attendance of 300 at our three clubs in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Wellington. Yet, there are still more than 6,000 youth in Larimer County from low-income families that we’re not reaching.

I want to reach those kids,” says Wright.

In 1999, Kathi Wright was a board member of BGC of Larimer County. She went to a national conference where Colin Powell was the keynote speaker; she came home a changed person. “There were 3,000 people in the room,” says Wright.

“However, I felt as if Colin Powell was speaking directly to me.”

Powell shared why he joined the BGC Board of Directors as his first non-profit foray after being Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His comments deeply moved Wright when he said, “I have joined this board because I believe the most important war that Americans can fight is to positively influence the hearts and souls of the kids who need us the most.” Wright returned to Colorado, applied for the Executive Director post for Larimer County, got the position, and since has been a spirited and influential voice for the program.

Under the leadership of Wright and the Board of Directors, BGCLC built a new 20,000 square foot Club on Lancer Drive in Fort Collins. Another 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art Club on East 1st Street in Loveland opened its doors this January.

The mission For many reasons, there is an ever increasing number of children at home with no adult care or supervision, and BGCLC offers a safe place to learn and grow while having fun. The Club’s programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.

When this strategy is fully implemented, self-esteem is enhanced and an environment is created which helps boys and girls achieve their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County are open to any boys and girls 6-18 years of age living in Larimer County. The dues are $5 per year, and free hot meals are provided by The Food Bank for Larimer County’s Kids Café program to those who qualify.

Open during a child’s leisure time, the Clubs offer an environment that helps young people reach their full potential. A proven model outlines the capacities kids need to succeed: – Positive Self-identity – Educational, Employment, Social, Emotional, and Cultural Competencies – Community Involvement – Health and Well Being – A Moral Compass As well, four key characteristics define the essence of the Clubs. All are critical in exerting positive impact on the life of a child: Dedicated Youth Facility – The Boys & Girls Club is a place – an actual neighborhood-based building

– designed solely for youth programs and activities.

Open Daily – Clubs are open every day, after school and on weekends, when kids have free time and need positive, productive outlets.

Professional Staff – Every Club has full-time, trained youth development professionals, providing positive role models and mentors. Volunteers provide key supplementary support.

Available/Affordable to All Youth – Clubs reach out to kids who cannot afford, or may lack access to, other community programs.

So many programs A line-up of tested and proven nationally recognized programs that address today’s most pressing youth issues, teach kids the skills they need to succeed. The five core programs are: Character & Leadership – Several programs teach members, especially teens, the important values of community service and caring for others. They also develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, and contributing to the Club and community.

Education & Career – Clubs use an integrated after-school and summer technology learning enhancement experience consisting of homework help and tutoring as well as leisure activities using traditional teaching and learning methodology. continued on page 40

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

BOYS & GIRlS CLUBS OF LARIMER COUNTY

BUILDING INCREDIBLE KIDS

Jose Hernandez*

Sponsored by~ You can help Build Incredible Kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County, AND lower your taxes at the same time!

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The Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit offers you the opportunity to decreaw the after-tax cost of your gifts to BGCLC by more than 50%!

For more Information, please contact Maria Swall at 970.223.1709 ext.104 mswall@bgclarimer.org

f o r t

c o l l i n s

Enriching Lives through Music

s y mp h o n y

B y A llie Comea u photos by R ichard K oshak and D ennis G riffing

At first glance, the Fort Collins Symphony is just that – a professional orchestra that plays several concerts a year at the Lincoln Center. But look a little closer and you’ll see that the Fort Collins Symphony isn’t just an orchestra, but an integral and educational component of the community.

E

July 4th concert in City Park, Fort Collins.

xecutive director of Fort Collins Symphony, Terese Kaptur says, “The orchestra touches the community in many ways. Behind the scenes there are so many people that make the Symphony possible, and in turn, so many lives that are enriched because of it.”

A day in the life of a Fort Collins Symphony member entails much more than just rehearsals and concerts. Members of the Symphony are engaged with the community in many other ways. No one knows that better than Becky Kutz Osterberg, cellist and librarian for the Symphony.

Kutz Osterberg, who’s a freelance musician, wears several hats for the Symphony. She plays the cello with the orchestra, but she also maintains music for the orchestra, acting as librarian. “I take responsibility for the collection and distribution of the music, whether it’s music we own, borrow, purchase, are sharing with CSU, or have been given,” she says. “In addition to playing in the orchestra, I ensure each member receives the prepped music and that it’s properly maintained and archived.”

Being a freelance musician means that Kutz Osterberg not only multi-tasks in the Symphony, but also in her own career. She operates a private music studio where she teaches students to play the cello. “Before I head to Symphony rehearsals, I’m most likely teaching someone to play the cello, whether they are a small child learning to play or an adult who is picking a cello up for the first time,” she says.

Kutz Osterberg also plays in several other orchestras in the area. “I play in the Greeley

Philharmonic, Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra in Lafayette and Denver, Ethos West and I occasionally substitute in the Colorado Music Festival and the Cheyenne Symphony. Playing in several different orchestras allows me to get closer to full-time playing. I’ll play in Fort Collins one week, Greeley the next and so on.”

She also manages to find time to play in other venues around town. “Playing in a wide variety of settings allows us to play for people who might not otherwise have exposure to classical music,” says Kutz Osterberg.

In addition, Kutz Osterberg enjoys taking part in Symphony-sponsored community outreach programs. During the holidays, she brought her cello music to the homeless shelter in Fort Collins.

“A student of mine and I went to the Open Door Mission one evening during the dinner hour and played music for the residents,” she said. “It brought something different to their day and it was nice to be able to take their minds off their worries for awhile.”

Exposing children to orchestra music is also high on the list of priorities for the Fort Collins Symphony. “Our Youth Education series is a program that introduces children to the orchestra,” says Kaptur. “We invite 4,000 school children to come to the Lincoln Center and hear the orchestra play. For most of them, it’s the first time they hear live classical music and it’s a very special thing.”

Wes Kenney, Music Director of the Symphony, agrees. “We also show them musical concepts joined with an educational core topic. For English/ Literature, we produced a program called ‘The Composer as Storyteller.’ For math, we’ve created

Becky Kutz Osterberg, cellist and librarian for the Symphony. a program called ‘Music by the numbers.’ Much of the music is also from recent films or other popular media. The students need to know that an orchestra can play almost anything,” he says.

The Symphony has also worked with the Youth Orchestra of the Rockies and the Centennial Children’s Chorus. The Youth Orchestra of the Rockies got the opportunity to play a side-by-side performance with the Symphony at their annual holiday concert. “We played several pieces with the Youth Orchestra this past December,” says Kutz Osterberg. “I think it was pretty exciting for them to get to play alongside professional musicians. Both groups are full of extremely talented and dedicated students and it was a pleasure to collaborate with them.”

In addition to exposing children to music, both Kaptur and Kutz Osterberg believe the entire community benefits from having the orchestra in town. “There’s definitely an escape factor but there is also an emotional factor,” says Kutz Osterberg.

“Music can be highly therapeutic.” Kaptur agrees. “Music unleashes emotional responses in people and, like any art, can be a truly powerful experience. The benefits the orchestra brings to the community are truly immeasurable.”

Besides the obvious members of the Symphony that you see on stage – the maestro and the musicians – there is a whole fleet of people and businesses that make the Symphony possible. “It takes a city to raise an orchestra,” says Kaptur.

“From fundraising, to administrative duties, to production to community outreach, it truly takes a village.”

Two organizations make up the backbone continued on page 41

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

~-----

First Western Trust Bank is proud to be a supporter of the Fort Collins Symphony.

FIRST WESTERN TRUST BANK

3003 E. HARMONY ROAD • SUITE 200 • FORT COLLINS , CO 80528 • 970.484.9222 • WWW.FWTB.COM • MEMBER FDIC

g o o d

s a m a r i t a n

75 Years of Community Service B y A ngeline Gren z

For 75 years, Good Samaritan has been providing for the needs of Northern Colorado’s senior residents. Core guiding values of compassion and hospitality have enabled Good Samaritan to continually enhance their services to the changing wants and needs of our aging population.

T

he Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society came to Greeley more than seven decades ago. The very first Good Samaritan location, the Bonell Community, sits on the original campus and provides services throughout Weld County, including Loveland, Fort Collins, Estes Park, and Windsor.

“In those years, Good Samaritan has grown as a strong, stable organization,” according to Water Valley executive manager Milli Myers. “We have no way to count how many thousands of people we have been able to help in Northern Colorado.”

Their newest facility, Water Valley Senior LivInside of model apartment.

Water Valley Town Center.

Outside of Good Samaritan building at dusk.

ing Resort, brings beauty, elegance, and comfort to those in the fall season of their lives.

Water Valley Senior Living Resort is the newest offering to the senior community, a handsome, full-service senior living facility that opened in September 2008. This first phase of the Water Valley project is 116 senior apartment-styled residences.

The resort rests in a beautiful setting, surrounded by a lake, golf course, and rolling green hills.

Similar to their other centers in the region, Water Valley offers senior housing with services while providing a strong sense of community. “We hope to extend seniors being able to live independently for as long as possible,” says Dawn Jensen, director of marketing.

Despite Water Valley’s recent opening in a sluggish economy, they have steadily added new residents and met their occupancy projections.

“Unique to Water Valley,” according to Jensen, “is the variety of people who have moved in from out of the area. Over half of the residents have moved here from other regions of the country to be closer to family or friends.” The struggling economy has had one impact on new residents who are trying access Water Valley’s many wonderful services.

“Some prospective residents out there are still waiting for their homes to sell before they are able to move into Water Valley,” Jensen explains.

Water Valley has experienced the growth needed to continue with the next phase. They have seen an increased need for additional service levels and will proceed with assisted living, memory care and resort villas in the future. This next phase is undergoing the approval process with the town of Windsor and Good Samaritan’s national campus.

Water Valley is planning at least twenty memory care apartments for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. “If the need is greater,” says Myers, “they will add additional units.” Similar facilities in other areas have waiting lists for seniors with such needs.

All of Good Samaritan’s services are run based on four core principles: compassion, hospitality, vocation, and service. Compassion is the central piece in all their relationships, a reflection of their intense belief system. Hospitality ensures that each continued on page 43

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~

~If is only 4 hours a day. Why not spend the other 20 somewhere you love?

Instead of the work and worry of taking care of a house, you could be enjoying a daily round of golf and becoming part of a community that stimulates your mind, body and spirit. At Water Valley Senior Living Resort, we live life to its fullest.

Enjoy lunch and a round of golf on us this week. Call (970) 686-2743 to schedule your reservation.

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All faiths or beliefs are welcome. 09-G0558

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WATER VALLEY SENIOR LIVING REsoRT

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L y d i a

D o d y

Living Hope

B r e a s t

C a n c e r

F o u n d a t i o n

B y erica pa u ly photos by harper point photograpy

“It can consume you. There is so much information thrown your way. At the core of everything is this moment—and my world stops for you.” –Marsha Petrovic, Executive Director of Hope Lives! the Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Foundation.

S

Participants of the 8th Annual Pink Boa 5K run/walk event in 2008.

ometimes the world stops.

Somewhere between hearing “you have cancer,” and “these are your options,” the world stops moving, and a patient may finds herself clinging to hope.

Hope does live in Northern Colorado because of people like Lydia Dody, Founder; Marsha Petrovic, Executive Director; and Ken Sargent, Board President, for Hope Lives! the Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Foundation.

Hope Lives! is a 501 c3 non-profit organization. Businesswoman, Lydia Dody, while battling breast cancer herself, founded the organization in 2001. “Hope Lives! was born out of a genuine desire to turn a nasty experience into something positive for other women. While enduring very arduous treatments for breast cancer, I became aware of many complementary healthcare modalities that supported my whole body healing and recovery. Because I was convinced that these services improved my outcome, I wanted other women to be able to receive these many services that most insurance companies would not pay for. So, with the support of sponsors who shared my vision, I was able to start Hope Lives! to serve women right here in Northern Colorado. To date we have provided free services to hundreds of women and their families. We have made a difference in their lives and helped them on the road to healing and recovery,” Lydia explains.

How does Petrovic view the role of the program? “We are here to treat the whole being,” she says. The only requirement for someone to

receive free services is that they have been diagnosed and are being treated in Northern Colorado. Every client of Hope Lives! receives two free Complementary Care services each month selected from a wide range of professional services. The services range from acupuncture for pain, therapeutic massage, lymphatic massage, reiki, hair, wig and make-up services, healing touch, individual and family counseling, house cleaning, and more. An extensive wig bank and resource library is also available.

A woman can apply by simply filling out a brief application. She will receive a welcome packet of information and can then review the many service options and select what is individually best suited for her. Hope Lives! serves every women regardless of her socio-economic status, and regardless of her age (women aged 26 to 84 have been served).

For Robin Trujillo, breast cancer survivor and client of Hope Lives!, the help couldn’t have come at a better time. After being diagnosed with stage II breast cancer, Trujillo began chemotherapy and then called Hope Lives!. She received acupuncture and lymphatic massages through the Complementary Care Program. She says, “I relate breast cancer to being somewhere you have never been and it is pitch black. You are so lost and have no idea which way to go, or what you are going to run into. I was so blessed to have found Hope Lives!”

Not only were the treatments an added blessing to Trujillo’s situation, but the knowledge and comfort she gained was also priceless. She says,

“Everyone was so great and truly understanding and empathetic to my situation. If I had a question, which I had a lot of, they got back to me and made sure I understood everything.”

She says, “I came to know Hope Lives! at a time I needed them the most. Towards the end of my treatments I was laid off, so I would not have been able to have these kinds of services and I really don’t think I would have made the progress I did with my pain. This is such a wonderful program, and I hope, in the future, to be able to give back, even just a fraction of what they have given me.”

Giving back and partnering with the community is exactly what Hope Lives! is about. There are between 50 and 100 volunteers currently working with Hope Lives!. Petrovic says, “Because the organization is volunteer driven, it gives our volunteers a sense of ownership to help out, and we couldn’t do it without them. And, our partner professionals know they are providing services that are helpful for women who might otherwise

To find out more about how and where to contribute or volunteer call (970) 225-6200, or stop by the cozy office at 2629 Redwing Road, Suite 260 in Fort Collins. continued on page 44

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

II ~?()"' no~ t~otb~ado... for keeping HOPE alive!

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For more infoC)on about our services, our events, to volunteer, or to donate, please contact Hope Lives!

2629 Redwing Road, Suite 260 • Fort Collins, CO 80526 • 970.225.6200 • www.hopelives.org Ken Sargent

ftORTER NDUSTRIES

Where clean meets green.

Porter Industries is a PROUD SPONSOR of Hope Lives!

Porter Industries • 5202 Granite Street • Loveland • 970.667.5239

Support Services Administrator, Porter Industries President.

Hope Lives!

Board ot Directors

M a r y

A Legacy of Grace

B a r e t t a

G r a c e

F o u n d a t i o n

B y Connie Hein

“Grace” was the word most used to describe Mary Baretta by hundreds of people who sent condolences to the family after her untimely death on January 20th of this year.

H

er family agreed that “grace” perfectly described their extraordinary wife, mom, and grandmother, affectionately known as Lala. This was how they wanted her remembered when setting up the Mary Baretta “Grace” Foundation in her memory.

Mary was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer at age 60 after having lived a healthy, active, life, and having never smoked. Mary and her husband Ron traveled to southern California for a few days in January of 2008 for some relaxation and golf. Ron was recovering from a cough and Mary started to develop one; they assumed she was getting the same virus Ron had and that it would last a few weeks.

A few months later, for Mary’s 60th birthday, she wanted to take her granddaughters, Stella 5, Scarlet 3, Francesca 1, and Catalina (on the way), to Disneyland, so the entire Baretta family went to Anaheim. Throughout the trip Mary continued to cough. She wasn’t very concerned about it, but

Mary Baretta vacationing in Italy.

her daughters, Anna, Bree, and Mariah, insisted she get to the doctor, which she did when they arrived home.

Her family doctor examined her and ordered a chest x-ray, which came back suspicious, and then a CAT scan. Mary mentioned that she had some lumps on her neck, so he also ordered a biopsy.

May 1, after all the test results were back, Mary was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

Ron and Mary would have been married 40 years this May. Together they owned and operated the successful Mountain Kids/Mountain Gymnastics Training Center in Ft. Collins. They started the business in 1976, which eventually evolved into a family business with their daughters.

It is now also a dance school, academic preschool, and summer swimming and day camp. They were, obviously, very active people. “Mary was the heart and soul of the business.” Ron says. “She had a positive, happy attitude and everyone loved her. That was why the diagnosis was so hard to believe.”

Mariah says, “Since my mom was always so

active and healthy, I had no doubt this tragedy happened for a reason. That brought me comfort.

My mom would have given her life for anyone. She would be proud to know that through her death she may save thousands of lives, including those of her daughters and granddaughters.”

Ron says he went into panic mode after the diagnosis and called everyone he knew, trying to find the best treatment for Mary. Their daughter Anna, whom Ron calls their “research angel,” began researching the disease online. “She sent only positive information to us, never any of the negative statistics, she knew would be devastating.”

Anna says it was hard to wade through the grim statistics about this ugly disease. “We had to remain confident that our mom’s healthy lifestyle and attitude would help her beat the odds.” She says it was frustrating to find that lung cancer is the number one killer of cancer patients in the world, yet the least funded of all forms of cancer.

Many people believe lung cancer is a smoker’s disease, but Anna says she found astounding evidence to show it kills millions of non-smokers every year.

According to Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), “Lung cancer will kill more people than breast, prostrate, colon, liver, kidney, and melanoma cancer combined. More than 60 percent of new cases are never smokers or former smokers, many of whom quit decades ago.”

When caught early, patients with lung cancer have a 92 percent chance of surviving for 10 years.

With late detection there is a 15 percent survival rate, which is why early detection and screening are so important.

Congress earmarks funding within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for specific cancers. The 2007 CDC budget included $201 million for breast and cervical cancer, $13.9 million for prostate cancer and $14.4 million for colon cancer—and no money at all for lung cancer.

Because of these discouraging statistics, Mary’s family decided to help in the fight for lung cancer research funding and formed the Mary Baretta Grace Foundation.

Their mission is to eradicate lung cancer through standard screening, early detection, and education. Ron says the foundation is in its infancy and they are making decisions about whether continued on page 47

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II

Camp

@sweet Pea

• •

Camp Sweet Pea is a two day camp for kids ages 5 to 9 with diabetes where testing blood sugar, giving insulin injections or making insulin pump adjustments are just a part of everyone's life (at least during camp!) The emphasis is on swimming, gymnastics and other fun activities directed by a medical staff and adult leaders. Kids 10 and older with diabetes are welcomed as helpers and encouraged to join in the fun!

The Healthy Kids Club (part of the PVH foundation) help plan and provide crafts and activities.

The 2009 Camp Sweet Pea will be held on June 19th and 20st from 1 Oam to 3pm. Contact Karen at 495-8205 for more info.

Mountains of possibilities for your kids including gymnastics, dance, dance intensives and camps, summer day camp and warm water swimming. Enjoy specialty coffees, snacks and free internet access in our cafe. Schedule details are available at www.mountain-kids.com

Register early for best availability!

Registration dates: Summer Camp March 30th

Swimming April 4th 1:00 pm

Summer Gym & Dance April 20th

Gymnastics

Dance

Preschool

(970)482-3118

Summer Warm Water Day Camp Swimming

419 E. Stuart St.

After School Camp & Transportation

8

"l:Darmups coff•• & clothing

Fort Collins, CO 80525

p s d

Uniting the Community for Education

F o u n d a t i o n

B y A llie Comea u

Classroom budget cuts are affecting school districts nationwide and Poudre School District is no exception.

Jerry Wilson, Superintendent of Schools, and Katie Zwetzig, President of the Board of Directors, give awards at the Annual Excellence in Education Event.

I

ncreasing competition for state funds means that school districts have less money to work with and, in turn, aren’t always able to provide teachers and classrooms with the newest technologies and innovations. That’s why the Poudre School District Foundation (PSDF) is more important than ever – to ensure our students receive the best education possible.

An almost all-volunteer organization (there are two paid staff positions), the mission of PSDF is to unite community resources for excellence in public education. Uniting community resources, Interim Executive Director Mike Demma tells Style, is of the utmost importance when it comes to promoting excellence in education. “We can do far more together than we can apart,” he says.

Demma, who has extensive experience with more than 70 non-profit organizations, believes PSDF offers an invaluable benefit to the school district and community. “I love having the opportunity to work with teachers and kids in the educational system,” says Demma. “Enhancing public education is extremely important to me, personally, and to the community as a whole.”

Supporting the Poudre School District (PSD) is the main priority of all board members and volunteers of PSDF. Board Treasurer and owner of Chipper’s Lanes, Matt Hoeven, speaks of his motivation to support the organization. “Having grown

up in PSD, as I went through higher education, I gained an incredible appreciation for how good our school district is,” says Hoeven. “That’s my interest – to help foster that continued excellence and to ensure PSD continues to give our children the best head start possible.” Demma agrees and adds, “I have three grand-daughters and I’m proud that they’ll be part of PSD because it’s just outstanding.”

PSDF is essentially the fundraising branch of PSD. “Because there are limits to school budgets, the Foundation was founded to supplement funding for the school district,” says Katie Zwetzig, President of the Board of Directors. “We award grants to teachers for classroom programs and technologies based on innovation.”

Zwetzig is referring to PSDF’s “Supporting Partnerships in Innovation Education,” or SPIE, grants. Each year, PSDF awards grants to individual teachers within the district who present innovative ideas that will enhance the education of their students. The Foundation awarded $65,000 to PSD last year alone to implement new technologies and programs. In total, they’ve given $535,000 in grants to PSD. “Right now, we’re embarking on a technology initiative in the schools,” says Zwetzig. “One of the programs we’re concentrating on is our iReader program.

We’re giving kindergartners iPod shuffles, programmed with stories read by their teachers, to

take home and listen to. It’s a take-home program that will especially help students with parents who don’t speak English or who are otherwise unavailable to read with their children.”

Hoeven says, “It’s all about giving teachers yet another opportunity to introduce innovative programs into their classrooms. That’s where the foundation really started - with the SPIE grants.

We’ve found often times that teachers have to dig into their own pockets to pay for things in the classroom and we’re here to help ease that burden. Teachers can write to us with their proposals and it’s more personal than writing to large organizations for grants. We grant one-third of the proposals we receive each year.”

PSDF has a committee of volunteers dedicated to selecting the recipients of each year’s SPIE Grants. “We look for innovativeness, creativity, sustainability, and the number of students that will be affected by the proposal during the SPIE grant selection process,” says Demma. “We want to promote programs that will build on themselves and act as pilot programs for the entire district.”

Another exciting program PSDF is working on is a technology mentoring program, or Digital Educator Program, between teachers. “There are many new technologies the business world has embraced that teachers are interested in using, but may not know how to operate fully,” continued on page 47

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JERRY WILSON, PH. D Superintendent of Schools Collaborations and partnerships between the Poudre School District Foundation and the Community Foundation really put the "public" inpublic education. It takes all of us, working together as a community, to provide the best learning opportunities for our students and to support our educators who are teaching, mentoring and developing our future workforce, though leaders and community members."

Bowl for Life Suicide Prevention Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County Canyon Concert Ballet CASA of Larimer County Childsafe City of Fort Collins Adaptive Recreation Foothills Gateway ! the Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Foundation Junior Achievement

Director, UniverCity Connections PSD receives outstanding community support through many city and regional collaborations. Our relationships with businesses and community members who support the PSD Foundation and the Partnership Center extend to well over 14 ,000 individuals and businesses, which is beyond the significant support of our taxpayers. Each partnership represents an invaluable asset to the district, as community members enrich the extraordinary education afforded every PSD child every day.

Kids at Heart Poudre School District Foundation Poudre School District Poudre Valley Hospital Foundation Thompson Valley School Districts SAVA Spirit Crossing Clubhouse Timberline Chirch Vineyard Church and numerous others

Helping you climb the path to financial success

Boys and girls clubs of larimer county continued from page 28

• Business & Individual Tax Services & Planning • Business Start Up • Bookkeeping, Payroll & Quickbooks Consulting • Auditing & Financial Statement Preparation FORT COLLINS 301 East Olive Street Fort Collins, CO 80524 970.493.6869

Health & Life Skills – These programs are designed to incorporate healthy living into everyday life, and include emphasis on good nutrition, internet safety skills, and prevention education on the use of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.

www.rlrcpas.com GREELEY 4631 W. 20th St Rd, Ste. 101 Greeley, CO 80634 970.304.9420

WINDSOR 825 Main Street Windsor, CO 80550 970.493.6869

CHEYENNE PO Box 483 Cheyenne, WY 82003 370.631.5598

The Arts – From performing to visual art this program helps members to express their creativity. The Clubs offer pottery, choir, bucket drumming, piano lessons, photography, and craft projects.

Sports, Fitness & Recreation – Clubs offer basketball, golf, baseball, softball, tennis, and football, as well as non-traditional sport programs.

Boys & Girls Clubs programs have taken members from the clubhouse to the White House, from the community baseball diamond to Yankee Stadium, and from the high school stage to Hollywood.

Celebrity alumni include: former President Clinton, Bill Cosby, Michael Jordan, Brad Pitt, Neil Diamond, Denzel Washington, Jennifer Lopez, and Kool & The Gang.

While many Club alumni have achieved distinctive careers, the average alumnus is not famous.

Most have achieved success by getting an education, raising a family, serving their country, pursuing a career, and supporting their community.

However, alumni have strong feelings about their individual Club experiences: 80 percent say Club staff helped them learn right from wrong; 95 percent indicate the Club was the best thing available in their community, and, 52 percent say that participating in the Club “saved my life.”

How you can help VOLUNTEER BGCLC has 500 volunteers in their database, but they always need more. Why not share your skills with a youngster and make a difference in the world? There are many ways you can help. Check out BCGLC online at www.bgclarimer.org for more information.

DONATE There are many ways to donate - here are a few suggestions: Colorado Childcare Contribution Tax Credit: BGCLC encourages donors to increase their gift and benefit from Colorado Childcare Contribution Tax Credits.

In addition, individual donations can be made at any time, in any amount. Annual giving is contributions from individual donors and bequests in a will and estate plans or planned gifts of securities.

Property can also be designated for an annual program or restricted to the Endowment Fund. In-kind gifts of goods or services for special projects or for administrative needs are always welcome.

Wright has a few more goals aside from filling Moby Arena. She would love to find a place to take all 300 kids for a week of summer camp, and she wants to raise $10 million in the next 10 years. With Wright’s proven track record of strong leadership and powerful vision, she’ll most likely succeed!

Gloria Willis is a freelance writer living in Fort Collins with, Bob, her husband and Pogo and Bella, her two Blue Heeler puppies.

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fort collins symphony

continued from page 30 of Fort Collins Symphony, the Symphony Guild and the Symphony Board of Directors. Working together to fundraise and keep things running, these two organizations play important roles in maintaining the orchestra.

The Symphony Guild is made up entirely of volunteers – 167 of them to be exact. The Guild is a non-profit organization dedicated solely to supporting the orchestra financially, socially, and educationally. The Guild holds major fundraisers each year to support the orchestra.

Beyond that, the Guild also organizes educational opportunities within the community.

One of their main focuses is childhood education and exposing school children to the wonders of music. “Most recently, they sponsored a ‘musical zoo’ where young children were given the opportunity to try out a musical instrument with the help of orchestra members,” says Kaptur.

“We believe musical exposure is important for the younger generation and the Guild helps make that possible.”

The Symphony Board, which is also made up of volunteers, is involved in fundraising and community outreach as well. “The Board’s mission is to enhance life in Northern Colorado by providing entertainment and education through the production of high-quality orchestral music,” says Kaptur. “The board is responsible for governance, advocacy, and fundraising.”

The Fort Collins Symphony, like many orchestras across the country, is struggling financially this season. The orchestra, supported by ticket sales, individual contributions, corporate sponsorships, grants, and fundraising events, has seen a decline in financing because of the present economic situation. “We are currently seeking businesses interested in becoming active partners in enhancing cultural life in Northern Colorado,” says Kaptur. Kenney adds, “It’s times like these that we see how much a community loves its orchestra.

And, groups such as the Fort Collins Symphony live on such love.”

Due to celebrate its 60th anniversary next year, the Symphony is hoping that their two spring fundraisers will enable them to continue entertaining and educating Fort Collins for years to come. The Guild’s Kentucky Derby Party is May 2nd from 2pm to 5pm at the CSU Equine Center (www.

FCSymphonyGuild.org). The event is complete with cool mint juleps, games, and prizes during the famous Kentucky Derby horse race. For tickets and information, visit www.comcastTIX.com, or call 1-877-544-TIXX. And don’t miss the Symphony’s new Friday Night Lite program offered on select Friday nights from 7pm to 8pm. Performed at the University Center for the Arts (UCA), the Friday Night Lite program is just that – a lighter version of the Symphony’s Saturday night concerts. “It’s a shorter version of our Saturday night concert,” says Kutz Osterberg. “It’s a great way to catch an hour-long condensed version of a full program and still have time for dinner and drinks.” For a schedule of events, visit www.fcsymphony.org.

Allie Comeau is a Fort Collins freelance writer.

Family & Philanthropy 2009

41

Community Pillars bill and ruth brown

By Jim Sprout Photo By Warren Diggles

Deputy sheriff meets wife in chorus line Well not exactly, but they did meet in a variety show on the University of North Dakota campus and were married in 1961. Bill had decided to follow his father’s career as an FBI agent, and served for a short period as a bailiff in the Bakersfield area, but chose an Air Force commission instead. Ruth, being one of five daughters born to a successful farm implement dealer, decided she wasn’t cut out for equipment sales, and became an English teacher. This lasted for three years until she had twins.

A

After fulfilling their Air Force commitment, Bill and Ruth decided to first find the place they really wanted to live and second, find a job for Bill in that area. This decision brought them to Denver where Bill worked as an Allstate Insurance adjustor while studying for the Bar Examination. Bill learned that the law firm of Fischer and Beatty, which at that time consisted of Albert Fischer, Ward Fischer, Jim Beatty, and Phil Potter, was looking for a new lawyer. That was 40 years ago, and Bill is still with the firm. Bill recalls Ward Fischer as a wonderful man and mentor who stressed and exemplified the concept of giving back to the community. One of his most proud moments was when the firm, Fischer, Brown, Huddleson and Gunn, received the Collins Award, now known as the Community Builder Award. Bill thinks that this may have been the only time the award has not been given to an individual.

Community service has always been a special part of their lives. Ruth believes “that if you love the place you live, you want it to be the best it can be, and that takes working together.”

Her involvement has ranged from the Poudre School system, Project Self-Sufficiency to church related service such as Habitat for Humanity, and providing meals for those down on their luck.

She was also active in the Junior Women’s Club the precursor to the Junior League. Both Bill and Ruth have always had a special passion for the United Way. Bill served as co-chairman for the Larimer County United Way’s 2008 campaign, and is currently on the steering committee for “Pathways Past Poverty,” an effort to address the increasing levels of poverty in our community.

He is a past trustee for the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, and a former President and Trustee for the Fort Collins Symphony Board. The community service list is long for Bill and spread among many leadership roles like the Chairman of the Eagle Scout Board of Review, to a charter member and past president for Sertoma Club. Bill says, “The best way to develop relationships and balance in your life is through community service.”

Bill has also been very active in his professional career as a water attorney. He has served on the Northern Colorado Water

42

Bill and Ruth Brown

Conservancy Board and has been involved in many local as well as state committees dealing with water issues. Bill is a past president of the Larimer County Bar Association and was awarded that organization’s “Professionalism Award” in 2000.

Both Bill and Ruth believe that most of the lessons in life they have learned are centered on relationships, values and family. In other words, making good choices, keeping your word and being a person of integrity. Ruth’s advice would be “that people are what’s important in your life, and the relationships you make, not all the trappings.” They feel that success in life is measured by taking care of yourself and family, helping others in time of need, and doing your best to raise kids you can be proud of. They are very proud of their children who all now have professional careers and are particularly pleased by their willingness to be involved in community service. Bill feels that he has especially been rewarded by the opportunity to work with two of his children in the law practice and the partnership and friendship he has had for more than 35 years with Bill Gunn and third generation, Bill Fischer.

During this next stage of life, Bill and Ruth do not see any major changes. Bill has learned to experience each day as a gift, and both are thankful for all the blessings they have received with special emphasis on five grandchildren. They each would like to be remembered as growing old with grace, and believe that they are getting more liberal and less set in their ways as they age. Bill intends to stay active in the law practice and with community and regional water issues. He hopes that as a northern region we learn to cooperate and work together better to develop an environmentally sound water supply and management system for our future growth. Ruth will continue to work behind the scenes continually giving back to the community and the people she loves.

We are grateful as a community to Bill and Ruth Brown for more than forty years of dedicating their lives to helping make Fort Collins and Northern Colorado 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

fort collins good samaritan

continued from page 32 resident finds the fullest possible life in a safe, secure, and loving home. Vocation refers to each staff members’ belief that they have been called to care for people “in a Christian community that offers them respect, support, and opportunities to grow.” Service is Good Samaritan’s goal to reach out and meet the needs of the community they inhabit and invite local residents to find a greater meaning by volunteering in the Good Samaritan Community.

Volunteerism is an important aspect in all of Good Samaritan’s services. “Every center has its own group of active volunteers,” according to Myers. Water Valley has between 15 and 40 volunteers depending on need. And, says Myers, “there is always a need for additional volunteers.”

Volunteers are utilized by Good Samaritan for a variety of very practical reasons, such as helping out in the gift shop, pouring coffee in the dining room, and assisting with office tasks. These volunteers also visit, play games, and spend quality time with residents who greatly appreciate the special attention. Good Samaritan welcomes groups of all ages, families, organizations and individuals to become a part of their group of volunteers.

Good Samaritan is a not-for-profit organization. All revenue is funneled back into the community and utilized for resident services. “Donations to Good Samaritan are placed towards the purchase of larger scale items not part of the overall budget,” says Jensen, “such as staff scholarships, memory gardens, van purchases and wheelchair lifts.” Good Samaritan gratefully accepts gifts from individuals in the community through general donations, endowments or bequests.

Originally, Good Samaritan had a dual purpose, recalls Myers. The first was to find housing for homeless seniors. Their second mission was to provide services for handicap children. In the 1950’s we split and what eventually became Banner Health took over the services for children, she explains. Today, Good Samaritan focuses services on the senior community. Their Christian social ministry organization seeks to provide seniors with a meaningful life in their latter years by providing not only appropriate levels of care but also affirmation of their value that in Christ they are someone special.

“Good Samaritan works to weave compassion and hospitality into the daily routine of their tenants.” This driving force motivates all staff to provide a service level that is unparalleled in both longevity and dedication in Northern Colorado. “We want to make this the best season of their lives, enriching their lives spiritually, mentally, educationally, socially and physically,” says Jensen.

“Good Samaritan as a whole is looking at baby boomers and how they will affect senior housing trends. We will be making slow changes to meet these needs, including types of foods and activities preferred by the next generation. We want to be proactive about the future and our services,” concludes Myers.

Angeline Grenz is a freelance writer living in Fort Collins with her husband, Josh, and Saint Bernard, Bella.

Family & Philanthropy 2009

2 0 th annual president ’ s circle dinner January 31 Union Colony Civic Center:: Greeley Historic Bourbon Street was the setting for the 20th annual President’s Circle Dinner for 300 guests. This year’s event French Quarter Masquerade included a delectable New Orleans-style dinner and served to recognize retired Greeley physician Dr. Jerry Weil.

Dr. Weil has tirelessly devoted himself to local children’s literacy programs to help thousands of children learn to read. Proceeds to benefit a new Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Machine for the NCMC Breast Health Center. Photos courtesy of Juan Leal.

Nancy & Jerry Weil (Dr. Weil was President’s Award recepient)

Emily & Doug Kemme

Mike & Kelly Nichols

Jolynn McClure, Brenda Lucio, Shirley Lobato

Emily Kemme, Masoud & Vonda Shirazi

Angela & Royal Lovell

Sandra & John Shupe

Anu & Sanjay Gupta, Shirley & James Lobato, Jolynn & MickeyMcClure

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hope lives!

C H AT A M O U R D E U X

continued from page 34

February 7 Fort Collins Senior Center:: Fort Collins This 2nd annual Fort Collins Cat Rescue (FCCR) fundraiser provide a capacity crowd a purrrrfect evening of social mixing with savory hors d’oeuvres and sinful desserts. Guests fancied & bid on over 150 silent and live auction items and helped to raise more than $25,000 for FCCR and their continual work helping the feline population and spays and neuters, which to date has had more than 1700 adoptions and the Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic has performed more than 7600 spays & neuters.

Jeff Swanty

Linda Dute, Tom Welsh

Sarah Swanty, Anna Neubauer

Greg Belcher, Leslie Vogt, Judy Calhoun

Beth-Holly Garretson, Sally Korshak

Jan Link, Leslie Quitmeyer, Britt Boehner, Debbie Chesonis, Jen Swanty, Ruth Swanty, Jan Thydean

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not be able to afford them. Without these important partnerships, Hope Lives! could not serve the many women it does.”

Throughout the year, Hope Lives! holds several signature events to raise funds and awareness for the organization. This year, they invite the community to join them on May 30th for the Pink Boa 5K Run/Walk and in October for the 9th Annual Hope Lives! Benefit Gala.

This year’s gala will have a new green twist by incorporating environmentally friendly and responsible components into all aspects of the event in an effort to minimize impact on the planet. Hope Lives! asks you to join them as they Celebrate Life in the Pink…and Green!

Another popular event is the ever-popular Bridesmaids Bowling for Breast Cancer, which took a hiatus in 2009, but will be back in the spring of 2010. They are also planning a new and exciting fundraising event called Cups of Hope, where bras are decorated and embellished by Northern Colorado artists and community members then auctioned off at a cocktail party celebration.

Hope Lives! the Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Foundation is using creative and innovative ideas to fundraise. “We’re always striving to do better,” says Sargent, “If you just rely on the past, you could be setting yourself up for disaster. Thinking outside of the box for continued support and development for the organization will be especially key this year.”

Petrovic adds, “Special events, however, are not the only way to help Hope Lives! We rely heavily on individual and corporate donations throughout the year and would like to thank the community for its continued support. If you have been touched by cancer in your own life, please consider making a donation in memory or support of someone, or perhaps you would like to remember Hope Lives! in your will and estate plans. As always, Hope Lives! could not do what it does without the support of committed volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, Hope Lives! would like to hear from you.”

Although the Hope Lives! office is small, and the paid staff is minimal, the atmosphere is compassionate and nurturing. Sargent says, “Marsha has been a wonderful addition to Hope Lives! It’s difficult to wander into a day not knowing what it will hold, but Marsha encounters that everyday. She does a phenomenal job for the women who enter through these doors.” Dody adds, “Marsha has a passion for our cause and the women we serve. She demonstrates that commitment through her compassion, her hard work, and the many positive relationships she builds for the organization.”

The mentality of Petrovic, Sargent, and Dody walks in sync with the mission of Hope Lives!: to support, educate, and empower women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. So when the world does stop for yet another woman, she is not left hanging on the last words of the doctor. Rather, she can cling to hope, because hope is most definitely living in Northern Colorado at Hope Lives!

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

simply red February 13 Hilton :: Fort Collins This pre-Valentine’s Day celebration had 260 guests dressed to the nines enjoying a great evening. The 5th annual dinner-dance also honored Laurie Klith, recepient of the 2009 Lamplighter Award, for her spirit of collaboration with a view toward bringing people together for the common good. More than $25,000 raised will benefit TEAM Fort Collins and their programs to educate and prevent abuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco among youth, their families and the community.

John & Jeanie Aronson

Harry Deveroux, Laurie Klith-2009 Lamplighter Award Recipient, Scoot Crandall

Corkie Odell, Connie Hanrahan

Rich & Susan Harrison

Candy & Tim Wirt

R A M S T R O N G VA L E N T I N E C E L E B R AT I O N February 14 Donnan Home :: Fort Collins This Valentine’s Day Celebration saw nearly 100 community members come together to celebrate relationships, partnerships and survivorships at the 3rd annual RAMSTRONG event. This event raised more than $32,000 to help RAMSTRONG and its mission to help improve the lives of local people affected by cancer, to inspire and empower them to live with, through and beyond cancer.

Rachel Peterson, Sandy Albrecht, Diane Hogerty

Eileen Pearson, Terry McNeal, Dennis Hogerty, Chuck McNeal, Gene Markley

Family & Philanthropy 2009

Becky Vasos, RC Callan

Michelle Boyle, Tasha Ballard

Aki Palmer

Karen & Carl Spina

Julie & Tim Rickett, Mary Seaman

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M A M M A M I A ! S I N G - A L O N G PA R T Y !

February 17 Stonehouse Grill :: Fort Collins Nearly 150 community members participated in this lively evening of singing and dancing at the Mamma Mia Sing-Along party. Honoring Abba, many of the attendees dressed in 70s style outfits. Highlights included Guest Bartenders, contest for best bartender, a silent auction and mystery balloon bonanza.

Proceeds to benefit OpenStage Theater and their mission to provide quality theatre that captivates the heart and mind this year celebrating their 36th season.

Dawn Putney, Marge Brodahl, Helen Gray

Jane Sullivan, Kathi Dougherty

Bruce Freestone

Amy Madden Copp, Doug Johnson

Bob McCluskey, Jean Lamb, Lydia Dody

GROWING HAND IN HAND, WOMANGIVE LUNCHEON February 19 Fort Collins Country Club :: Fort Collins The focus of the 3rd annual WomenGive luncheon, Growing Hand in Hand, was helping women and girls become self-reliant. More than 200 women came together to learn about the challenges and barriers single mothers face in the community. The WomenGive program currently funds childcare scholarships for single parents who want to continue their education and has helped 44 women since it started in 2006.

Photos courtesy of imagecatherman.com.

Elaine Lemay, Mary Atchison

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Prue Kaley, Deanna McCrery

Jacque Niedringhaus, Kathy Miner

Judith Aranow, Mary Carraher, Connie DeMurcio

Janet Mabry, Sheila Benshoof, Dawn Duncan

Jean Sutherland, Marcia Donnan

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

girls night out February 20 Agave Room at The Rio:: Fort Collins More than 220 women delighted in seeing the latest hot fashions from our Northern Colorado boutiques modeled by local models at the 2nd annual Mardi Gras Fashion Show. The spirited evening raised $20,000 to benefit the Macdonald Family Charity and their mission to grant dreams to children from 2 to 18 living in Larimer or Weld counties. Children are terminally ill, chronically sick, injured, from a foster care environment or from a low-income family. To date Macdonald Family Charity has granted 5 dreams since 2007.

Denise Perich, Don Brown

AJ & Molly Macdonald

Mary Barretta Foundation

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to start their own foundation or partner with an established foundation with more money and power.

He says, “We have already received thousands of dollars from friends and relatives who loved Mary.” The family is hoping to hold their first fundraiser this fall at Harmony Club Golf Course.

Ron says this would give people a chance to play the exclusive course while supporting a worthy cause.

Bree says any fundraisers they plan will be based on fun, healthy living. “We want to focus on the positive aspects of our mom’s life and on the thousands of people she touched through her dance and gymnastics classes. We want that aspect of her life to be her legacy, not just what happened to her in the last year of her life.”

Ron says Mary bravely fought the disease with chemotherapy and radiation treatments until her last days. He was by her side each step of the way.

She asked him on the last day of her life to live the rest of his life with joy and to take care of their family for her. He was able to hold her in his arms as she passed away, with their daughters at her bedside.

“This has been so hard for me,” he says, “but I know Mary would not want me crying or moping around. I can’t do anything to help our family, or help others fighting this disease, if I can’t move forward in my own life. I feel like I am finally doing that.”

Anna says that through the entire ordeal her mom’s thoughts were only of her family.

“My mom was a superstar, tough, courageous, and amazing until the end. That last day in the hospital I read a few chapters of Marley and Me to her; she laughed at all the funny parts. She held Catalina and experienced the joy of her youngest granddaughter – and she asked one of her closest friends to pray for God to take her quickly if He wasn’t going to heal her. God did just that; He took her quickly.”

Anna, Bree, and Mariah all spoke of their mom as a beautiful, loving person who had a great influence on their lives. They all said they believe her death may extend their lives because of the awareness they now have. “She lived a clean and healthy life, seeing her doctor regularly for all the recommended cancer screenings. Unfortunately, right now there are no standard screenings for lung cancer,” Anna said. “We are hoping to change that.”

Reporter Heidi Benson asked, in a San Francisco Chronicle article, “Why are there no lapel ribbons for lung cancer?” Her answer: “There simply aren’t enough survivors to amass a movement.”

The Baretta family is hoping to help gather that movement. Ron says, “Mary encouraged hundreds of people throughout her life. We want her to have the same influence through her death.”

says Matt Hoeven. “It’s a matter of working with teachers to show them how to incorporate new technologies into the classroom. The teachers who understand the technology will be mentoring the ones who don’t, in order to spread the knowledge.”

Because quality teachers produce quality education, PSDF also honors and recognizes the top teachers in the school district each year at the “Excellence in Education” spring ceremony in March. Awards and stipends are given to teachers who go above and beyond and who are dedicated to learning and student achievement. “We have excellent teachers in PSD and they are a critical part of our community,” says Hoeven. “There’s a reason why PSD receives national accolades – we have excellent educators.”

PSDF is run by a volunteer board of directors and about two dozen other volunteers who serve on the selection committees and organize the Excellence in Education ceremony and the annual Community Breakfast. Volunteers know better than anyone that collaboration is key for PSDF. “The Foundation has become a great collaborator within the community,” says Zwetzig. “We work with the Community Foundation, PSD itself, and the Poudre School District Partnership program to enrich the lives of our students and, in turn, the community.”

“Collaborating with the community results in more and more opportunities for the students and the teachers,” says Demma. One great example of this collaboration is the effort between PSDF and the Community Foundation, which now manages PSDF donor-advised funds. These funds, which are essentially memorial scholarships set up by donors, are set aside for high-school students entering college or teachers seeking continuing education. “We now collaborate with the Community Foundation to help organize our donoradvised programs to increase efficiency, increase exposure, and to reduce costs so we can maximize the dollars that flow into the classroom,” says Demma.

The Foundation relies on support from the community to fund the SPIE grants, teacher stipends, and scholarship programs. “The majority of the money in the program comes from individual donors,” says Hoeven. Demma notes that 85 percent of every dollar donated to PSDF goes directly to teachers and students in the classrooms of PSD. The annual Community Breakfast is responsible for the majority of the funds raised each year.

Held on April 23rd this year, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Fort Collins Marriott, the breakfast is a celebration of the Foundation’s previous year’s achievements with an eye to the future. Guests at the breakfast include business owners, parents, retired educators, grandparents, and other individuals who care about the education of PSD students. If you’d like to attend this special event, volunteer with PSDF or serve on the board (they’re currently looking for an attorney director) contact Executive Assistant Greta Irvin at 970-490-3206 or email her at girvin@psdschools.org.

Donations are being accepted to the Mary Baretta Grace Foundation in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel - 121 W. Olive. Ft. Collins, 80524.

Diane Haviland, Deborah Drake, Mina Muirhead

Family & Philanthropy 2009

psd Foundation

Connie Hein is a freelance writer living in Windsor and the author of the Toliver in Time series of Children’s books.

Allie Comeau is a Fort Collins freelance writer.

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SWEET INDULGENCE February 28 Hilton :: Fort Collins More than 250 guests enjoyed a delicious evening of desserts, champagne, music, a silent auction and being part of the 1st annual Growing Stonger, Living Sweeter Dessert Competition.

The scrumptious evening helped to raise more than $12,000 to benefit Northern Colorado AIDS Project and their programs to improve the quality of life for people infected with HIV/AIDS and to help reduce the spread and stigma of the disease.

Shannon Medllicott, Kayla Moersen, Jessica Varnon

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Judges-Lynne Eppel, Kristen Browning-Blas

Dawn Duncan, Rob Timme

Victoria Monfort, Paul Chet

Jory Hawkins

Shauna & Clayton Troxell

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Christy Bush, Ken Pilot, Teri Kerkvleit

Cora & Jerry Mitchell

Family & Philanthropy 2009

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G ive 1 0 G rand G ala

February 21 Hanger at FC/Loveland Airport :: Loveland More than 200 guests attended the 2nd Annual Give 10 Grand Gala. The Give 10 Initiative is a partnership to inspire increased giving in Larimer County. The black-tie event had a disco theme complete with entertainment by KC and the Sunshine Band and food reminiscent of the 1970’s. For more information on the Give 10 Initiative, visit www.give10initiative.org.

Photos courtesy of imagecatcherman.com.

Tom Sutherland, Bob Everitt

Brown & Melissa Abrams, Gordan Thibideau

Eileen Pearson, Gene Markley

Bruce & Muriel Hach, Jennifer & Oren Anderson

MARDIS GRAS February 24 Lincoln Center :: Fort Collins Nearly 250 guests adorned in beads and masks celebrated Fat Tuesday in Mardi Gras style at the 7th annual event. A light supper provided by many locally owned restaurants tantalized guests and provided energy for lots of dancing to Zonky Tonk Zydeco. Proceeds to benefit Bas Bleu Theater and their mission of providing excellence, diversity and vitality in the arts for Fort Collins and the Front Range region.

Mike & Marta Farrell

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Wendy & Doug Ishii

Dick Easley, Ellie & Bob Weakley

Donn & Mary Kay Turner

Peter Frosio, Saundra Skrove

Tom Sutherland

Ken Ecton, Sandy Walker

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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