2009-09 Lydia's Style Magazine

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Gold Fever: The Allure Endures Under Construction Building is Alive in Northern Colorado

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Next Generation business women & building :: www.stylemagazinecolorado.com :: EST 1984

The Hartman Group Advisory & Brokerage Services Clayton E. Hartman Senior Vice President-Investments 970-498-4031 Brian P. Sullivan Senior Vice President-Investments 970-498-4038 Wayne C. Jamerson Vice President-Investments 970-498-4032 3711 John F. Kennedy Parkway Suite 410 Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-498-4031 www.ubs.com/team/hartmangroup

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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style media and design, inc. | 970.226.6400 |

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

creative director Scott Prosser Senior Designer Lisa Gould

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

Accounting Manager Karla Vigil Office Assistant Ronda Huser Contributing Writers Allie Comeau, Lynn M. Dean, Connie Hein, Becky Jensen, Kay Rios, Graciela Sholander, Ina Szwec Photographer Warren Diggles Contributing photographers Abby Bloedorn, Lydia Dody, Dana Milner, Ina Szwec Affiliations Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Loveland Chamber of Commerce Greeley Chamber of Commerce Windsor Chamber of Commerce Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado 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/June-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness June/July-Business & Building July/August-Fort Collins Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directories August/September-Business Women & Building October-Women’s Health & Breast Cancer November-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, a one year subscription is $35/year and a two year subscription is $50/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

we love to hear from readers, send your comments and suggestions to: angie@stylemedia.com Phone: 970.226.6400, ext.215 | Fax: 970.226.6427 www.stylemagazinecolorado.com

Good Advertising

Fort Collins Medical & Wellness Issue

25th Anniversary

Dear Lydia, I can’t tell you how many people have emailed, called, and sent clippings from our article in Style’s Building & Remodeling issue. You would just be shocked. Both men and women, which tells me how much Style is read. What a great testimonial, isn’t it! As an advertiser, I can tell you it makes me realize that it is a good use of the bank’s money in advertising.

Dear Lydia, Thank you for the beautiful bound magazine – what a nice way to present the Medical & Wellness issue, which is absolutely stunning! You and your talented team have, once again, made the Northern Colorado healthcare community proud.

I appreciate the care you put into each issue.

Dearest Lydia, Your Silver Anniversary Edition of Style seems to capture the “heart” of what you do. Congratulations on 25 wonderful years (I have known 20 of those years in Fort Collins!). The “heart” of this issue is about faith and beauty and people.

Yes the Lord richly blessed you, Lydia. You keep on with your brilliant ideas and I am humbled to know you.

Mary McCambridge Vice President of Marketing, Home State Bank

Style Fashion Shoot Dear Lydia, What a great day I just had with you and your team! I felt like a princess. I want you to know this has been a dream to be one of your models and I’m thrilled to have done it. Thank you, Tami K. Spaulding The Group, Inc.

Business Women & Building

Thank you again, Pam Brock, Poudre Valley Health System Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Planning

Dear Style, I just read your new Fort Collins Medical & Wellness issue. I thought it was your best ever, very well done. Usually, I just go through and look at the pictures but the articles were so interesting. My friends enjoyed it and we like to keep the medical and wellness issues to use as a reference of sort.

Betty Frye, Fort Collins

My sincere respect, best wishes, and love, Carolyn E. Worden Lydia, Your 25th anniversary party was awesome!

What an incredible patio and such great people, food, and atmosphere. Thank you so much for including us and congrats on such a long and successful run. The play was such a nice, unexpected treat. So was winning a half page ad!

Best, Mike Guerriero

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2009 :: Business women & building

40

features

18 Markley’s Next Generation in Your City – Programs Reward Energy 56 Save Efficiency finance

22 Gold Fever: The Allure Endures 34 2009 Tax Planning lifestyle

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14 East West Design: Bringing Shanghai to Fort Collins 16 Helping With the College Quest 44 Dining: Best Ethnic Restaurants 72 Power Suits to Power Tools 82 Shop, Stay, Dine, & Experience Estes Park beauty and health

64 On the cover:

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Carrie Baumgart of Markley Motors.

Cover photo by Warren Diggles

departments

9 From the Readers 12 Publisher’s Letter 25 Women’s Profiles Town 84 About Weld Relay for Life • Hard Hat, Black Tie NCMC Golf • Hawaiian Luau Bash • Bike MS Realities Cup • Kristi’s Big Night Out Annie Walk • Sunset Safari

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39 Meet the Models 40 Fashion: Smart Dressing for Work 40 Fashion Do’s and Don’ts 46 Aromatherapy: Benefits of Essential Oils 50 Signature Services at the Med Spa building/remodeling

60 Library Carves Niche in Retail Space 63 Library District Welcomes New Director 64 A Fresh Coat of Paint Under Construction - Building is Alive in 73 Northern Colorado 74 HighCraft Builders 76 McCauley Constructors 78 Poehlmann Construction Co. 80 Armstead Construction Inc.

www.stylemagazinecolorado.com

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Publisher’s Letter

Women Role Models

T

This fall, Style Magazine is celebrating its 25th anniversary of publishing magazines featuring the people, events, and happenings along Colorado’s Front Range. The year the magazine was launched our communities were distinct, small businesses were popping up in strip centers and downtown, and women entrepreneurs were on the rise. It was the perfect time to feature working women in Style and this focus has become an annual tradition. I am excited to celebrate the many, varied women professionals in this annual issue. Their stories will intrigue you and I encourage you to patronize the women in this issue and keep our disposable dollars right here in our region. They contribute to the overall health of our economy and deserve our support!

In 1984, I knew Gene Markley as not only the owner of Markley Motors, but as one of the finest and most generous people in the area. Over time, he passed the reins to his son, Doug, now President of Markley Motors. Today, Gene is chairman of the board but, back then, I bet he never dreamed that his precious granddaughter, Carrie Baumgart, would one day fall in love with the business and go to school to become a dealer trainee. Enjoy reading about this exceptional local family and about Carrie’s passion for the family business and her intentions to continue their tradition of giving back to their community.

Over the years, career dressing has evolved from the traditional skirt suit to include a wide variety of new options for professional women. Our fashion feature is always one of my favorites and for this issue we selected five successful career women as our models and asked fashion stores in our region to show their spin on dressing in the workplace.

Enjoy reading the store owners’ Q&A on the Do’s and Don’ts for the working gal. Looking your best in the workplace is important; read makeup tips from Abby Charpentier, of Always Beautiful by Abby, and fall hairstyling trends from Shauna and Clayton Troxell, of C&S Workshop, and be updated on the latest looks.

Perhaps you noticed a few months ago that we introduced several area med spas and their respective medical directors. This issue features the second in the series, “Signature Services at the Med Spa.” If you are a baby boomer, you are probably noticing the effects of gravity and

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wondering how to reverse this aging process.

Well, read up on the various state-of-the-art laser skin rejuvenating procedures to freshen up your appearance, while being pampered in the spas’ peaceful environments.

On another important note, be sure to read “2009 Tax Planning.” The year is coming to a fast close and business tax planning tips must be implemented now to get the benefits shared by local certified public accountant, Jill Rickards, partner with Rickards, Long and Rulon, LLP and Teresa Mueller, co-owner of Mueller and Associates, CPA, LLC. And, if you want to generate some instant cash, collect some of your gold jewelry that is collecting dust in your jewelry box and take it over to Sather’s Leading Jewelers. They will buy it or give you store credit. Read “Gold Fever: The Allure Endures” for interesting ideas on what to do with that single gold earring in your jewelry box.

Although our media is full of negative press, there are rays of sunshine peaking through in real estate and construction in Northern Colorado. Sales of existing homes are perking up, and remodeling and renovation is a choice some homeowners are making. Be sure to take a look at our building section, get acquainted with several exceptional contractors and sub-contractors, and view their beautiful work.

As you peruse this issue, be sure to stop on page 59. This page advertises the annual Hope Lives Gala to be held October 17th at the Hilton Fort Collins. This year the event has a green focus, so the invitation is attached and we request you respond to the Website: www.hopelives.org.

Hope Lives is the only non-profit organization that provides free services to women in Larimer County diagnosed with breast cancer. This cause touches my heart and I have seen so many women helped by these free services. So, if you can, RSVP that you will attend and help this important organization continue to provide services to these women and their families. I hope to see you there!

Enjoy a bountiful fall,

lydia@stylemedia.com

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

bringing shanghai to Fort Collins

By Allie Comeau Photo By Warren Diggles

After a long career of managing and buying for one of this country’s largest lighting distributors, dealing antiques, refurbishing old furniture, and designing interiors, Pamela Ross finally found her niche in the Chinese art and furniture trade.

The idea for East West Design first came to Pamela Ross after she moved to Shanghai with her husband and began collecting more Chinese furniture than they could keep in their house.

R

oss dreamed of sharing her unique finds, shipping them back to the States, and selling them in a gallery.

So she opened up an import/export business operating between Shanghai and Fort Collins and the rest is history. Now, Ross shares her love of Eastern design by offering one-of-a-kind Chinese artwork and furniture to homes and businesses in Northern Colorado.

Entering Ross’s gallery, the intricate patterns and attention to detail of the Asian artwork, furniture, lamps, jewelry, knickknacks, Chinese games, and scarves instantly transports visitors to Ross’s Shanghai. The designs traverse all budgets, with gift items like gorgeous hand-painted teacups for $10 to elaborately carved dining sets priced in the $1,000 range. “People think they have to come in and spend a lot of money,” says Ross. “But that’s not the case. I’ve lowered prices now that I’m in the new warehouse and I’d be happy if people just came in and looked around. And most of all, I love connecting with people and introducing them to Chinese artwork and furniture.”

Ross started the business with the help of her husband, Al, a retired engineer, and has so far been able to self-fund it. “My husband is a great silent partner,” she says. “He helps with the numbers side, but I’ve also learned to rely on other people, like an attorney, an accountant, and a financial advisor. When you own your own

14

business it’s important to recognize your strengths and weaknesses and to utilize support in the areas where you need it.”

Her goals for the business are the same as any other small business, to eventually turn a profit.

“It would be nice to be self-supporting eventually,” she says. “I’d also like to connect with the community, support local artists, offer classes, and possibly work with CSU. I love Fort Collins and would really like to be more involved in the community.”

Now that Ross has opened the new store in Fort Collins, she takes two buying trips a year back to Shanghai to shop. Her business partner there helps negotiate and purchase the one-of-akind items she sells in the shop.

Though life has changed a lot since owning her own business, Ross says she enjoys it thoroughly. “Setting your own schedule and being in control of your own life is great,” she says. “Plus, I get to do what I love and follow my passion.”

Of course, following her passion hasn’t always been easy. Like with most small businesses in this economy, times have been tough for Ross this year. She had to close the original East West Design store on Mountain Avenue in January 2009. But, because of her ability to adapt to the environment, she re-opened in a more affordable space in the warehouse district in June.

“You have to be creative and adaptable to

succeed as a small business owner in this economic climate,” says Ross. “By moving out here, I was able to lower my overhead costs so I can pass the savings on to my customers.”

Her new warehouse location has more space for the items she purchases and will also allow her to better showcase them. “I miss the foot traffic that I used to get in Old Town,” she says. “But hopefully old customers and new ones will find me out here. I’d love for people to just stop by and take a peek. It truly is my passion to introduce people in the States to Chinese art. We’ve got some truly beautiful pieces here.” Tour Ross’ shop and salivate over a gorgeous hand-carved wooden bed, more than a few porcelain lamps, and several stunning scarves, and you would likely agree.

When asked what advice she has for other women who are thinking about starting a business, Ross stresses that you need to “believe in yourself and your passion” but also to “keep an open mind and be willing to take advice.” Recognizing your limitations and seeking help is crucial.

“You can’t do it all yourself,” she says.

Explore Ross’ collection at East West Design, 1324 Webster Avenue, Fort Collins.

Allie Comeau is a freelance writer, copywriter, and blogger living in Denver, CO. Email her at alliecomeau@gmail.com.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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To speak directly with a Home State business or personal banker, give us a call at 203-6100. Or stop by one of our branches today.

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Business Women & Building

15

Helping with the

College Quest

S

As the baby-boomers’ babies grow up and go to college and student numbers mount, college applications have substantially increased. The number of colleges and universities, however, has remained relatively static. This makes the preparation and application process that much more important and competitive.

By Connie Hein

usan Cole has gone through the grueling college application process: first with her own college experience (earning a degree from the University of California, Berkeley in pre-med and a master’s degree in education), and then again with her two sons, Scott and Bryan Ellis (who have degrees from Harvard and Johns Hopkins respectively). Those experiences led Cole to authoring College Quest -Your Guide to Getting into the Best College and Staying There and a successful career as an independent tutor and education consultant.

Cole used her college application research and experience not only to write the book, but also to give one-on-one instruction to college-bound students. She says she enjoys “taking care of other people’s children for a while” as she helps students on their career paths.

“I didn’t choose this career,” she says, “the career chose me.” As her oldest son, Scott, started gaining notoriety in college (being chosen as one of the top 20 students in the country and on the first team of the USA Today All American Education Team) frustrated parents asked Cole if she could help their upcoming college students to move forward on a successful college career path.

“I knew how parents were feeling and wanted to help. I felt overwhelmed when it was time for Scott to go to college,” she says. “It wasn’t that information about the application process was not out there,” Cole says, “It was that it was everywhere!”

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She did hours of research and asked endless questions of Poudre High School counselors, “Should my son retake his SAT and ACT? How do we know when scores are good enough? When do we apply for financial aid? What about scholarships? Does the full ride scholarship still exist if you are not planning to participate in varsity sports?

What colleges should he apply to? How do we decide?”

Meanwhile, Cole says she badgered her son to get college application essays written, gather letters of recommendation, send his official score reports for his standardized tests, and all the rest.

“And I suffered through the usual impatient looks parents get from their preoccupied kids. By the time my youngest son was going through the process, I began to get the feel of it,” says Cole.

She admits there were still mistakes – like an amazing scholarship they learned about too late, and letters of recommendation that slid under the seat in a teacher’s car and were never mailed – resulting in several incomplete applications and placement on the dreaded ‘wait list.’

After Cole successfully waded through the process and both sons were away at college, she began to feel the effects of empty nest syndrome and decided to use her experience to help make the journey easier for other parents and students.

“I love working with these kids. From getting their test scores as high as possible and applications completed, to writing the perfect essay and

resume that will give schools a complete picture of the student, I am here to help from beginning to end.”

At first, Cole was “paid” for her services by grateful friends with gifts as simple as loaves of banana bread. “It didn’t really become my career until later when my husband (who is a communication consultant) and I formed CommTech Transformations, Inc., in 1986.”

It was after her career took off and she had worked with parents and students for many years, always asking the same questions and expressing the same concerns, that Cole decided to put together her book. “I gathered relevant information, ideas, articles, and books and searched the Internet to compile a user-friendly book.”

The result is a straightforward road map and step-by-step guide. There is even a college study skills development chapter to help students be successful in their studies once they get to college.

“There are lots of books out there that cover many of the same subjects I do,” says Cole, “I just thought the information should all be in one place and in a logical order. My hope is that with my oneon-one instruction and guidance, and my book as a tool, I can make the path clearer for students on the brink of their college adventure.”

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

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Business Women & Building

17

Markley’s Next

Generation

By Lynn M. Dean | Photos By Warren Diggles

Part of the secret to Markley Motors’ survival through seven decades of business is a strong history of family leadership at the company’s helm. That leadership continues as the fourth generation prepares to step in and take control.

F

erd Markley moved his family to Fort Collins and opened the dealership on the 200 block of North College Avenue in 1936. “We struggled because it was the middle of The Depression,” recalls his son, Gene, currently Chairman of the Board, and the second in a long succession of Markleys to lead the company into the future.

After serving his country during World War II, Gene returned home to finish his engineering degree and planned to work in that field for several years. But that changed. “My father asked me if I was at all interested in getting into the business,” Gene recalls, adding that his father said that if he didn’t want to join the company he would sell the dealership. Gene agreed to join his father. “I’ve been there ever since.”

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The next to take a leadership role in the company was Gene’s son, Doug. “I always enjoyed the car business and worked there in high school,” Doug explains. “But in college, Dad wouldn’t pay me enough, so I found a job that would pay $3.10 an hour.”

Like his father before him, Doug didn’t plan to join the dealership. “When I went to college, I got my degree in journalism with an emphasis in advertising. My dad and uncle were both involved with the dealership and I thought there was enough family there,” he explains. “My senior year in college Dad bought out my uncle. He called me one day at the University of Kansas and told me about it. He didn’t ask if I wanted to come to work there. I just said ‘That’s really neat.’ But then I thought about at a bit and decided it would

be really crazy not to go to work there. So I came back to Fort Collins, put on a coat and tie, walked into his office, and applied for a job.”

Of course, as is the Markley tradition, Doug didn’t take on a leadership role in the beginning.

He started as a salesman and worked his way up the ladder to his current position as President of Markley Motors.

Now, as the dealership prepares to celebrate its 73rd anniversary, a fourth generation Markley, and the first woman, is preparing to take the lead.

Carrie Baumgart, Doug’s daughter, is currently a dealer trainee. And just as with the others, she’s worked her way up through the ranks.

“My dad has never pushed the business on any of his kids. He always let it be our choice. I was 14 when I started working at Markley,” she says.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Looking over the brochure for the new 2010 Buick Lacrosse are Doug Markley, President, Roger Belisle, General Manager, Cindy DeGroot, Marketing Director of Saturn of Fort Collins, and Carrie Baumgart, Dealer Trainee.

The Markley Legacy: Grandfather Gene Markley, Carrie Baumgart, Dealer Trainee, and father Doug Markley, Markley Motors President.

“I filed service repair orders in the office. When I was sixteen, I started learning cashiering, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. I did that until I was 18.”

Then Carrie took six months off to have her daughter, Ashley. “After I came back I was a service advisor at Saturn of Fort Collins (part of the Markley family of dealerships), and then I came over to Markley as the marketing director at the end of 2006.”

But again like the Markleys before her, Carrie never initially planned to stay at the dealership.

“Basically when I was a kid I said I’d never have anything to do with the car business. Too many hours,” she explains. “But when I started working here, I really started liking it. When I came back as Marketing Director, that’s when I realized it’s in my blood. I love to come to work everyday.”

So Carrie approached her father about the possibility of her taking on a larger role – that of Dealer. “It is with a lot of pride in my family and my children that I can begin to hand over the reigns to the next generation and pass the torch, so to speak,” Doug says. “I think it is really what my grandfather Ferd had in mind when he started this business 73 years ago. That it would stand the test of time, and that he was building a legacy that would live on.”

Gene Markley was equally pleased by Carrie’s decision. “I remember his reaction when I told him that Carrie had come to me and indicated she wanted my position and convinced me to send her to the NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) Dealer Academy,” recalls Doug. “When I told Dad about it, he said it was just great. I’ll never forget his exact words. He had tears in his eyes as he told me, ‘I’m delighted to hear she wants to take on that responsibility. I’ve always known that she was very capable of taking it on if she wanted to. I know she’ll be a terrific success.’”

So, in 2006, Carrie attended the Dealer Academy. But that was just a first step in a long process.

“I continued to be the Marketing Director while I went to school. Then I became a Dealer Trainee,” she says. “I think I have big shoes to fill. Since taking classes, I’ve been absorbing knowledge and

repay that.”

It was a lesson that Gene took to heart. “The Fort Collins community has been very good to me and my family,” he says. “My wife was born here. She lived here virtually all of her life. She felt strongly about giving to the community that’s been good to us. And being able to support various places in the community makes my heart feel good.”

Carrie plans to carry this tradition forward.

“Giving back to the community has kept us in business for 73 years. And I’ve seen the impact this business has made in the community and it would be hard to abandon those ties,” Carrie explains. “We’ve been a Pacesetter for the United Way and all of our employees are involved. They all give. We will continue to do that, and this year we will tie it into our anniversary. Our anniversary month is always our Pacesetter month and everyone is excited about this year’s campaign. We also support Poudre Valley Health System (PVHS) and are a Mission Sponsor for the PVHS Foundation.

We’ve been doing that as long as I can remember.”

The Markleys also support CSU Athletics and Higher Education, Respite Care, Catholic Charities, and the Boys and Girls Clubs, among others.

Gene and his late wife also established the Pat and Gene Markley Fund at the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado. Doug and his sister, Ann, sit on the fund’s Advisory Committee.

In the end, what has helped Markley Motors not only survive, but thrive, is the continuing and consistent involvement of family. As Carrie moves closer to buying the dealership and taking over as Dealer, she is committed to continuing the legacy of outstanding customer service and community involvement that first began with her great-grandfather, Ferd. And with such dedication, the dealership is poised to survive for another 73 years.

Business Women & Building

expertise from my Dad, my grandfather, Roger Belisle, the General Manager of both Markley Motors and Saturn of Fort Collins, and Judi Payton, our administrative assistant who has been here for over 50 years. I am now working side-by-side with them through this transition, all the while maintaining the heritage and traditions that Markley customers have grown to expect. And Roger will continue to manage the dealerships as GM to ensure that we continue to meet our customer’s needs.”

That heritage and tradition has always included top-notch customer service. “When I came to work here six years ago, Doug and I put down on a piece of paper the things that we wanted to accomplish,” says Roger Belisle. “We both agreed that we wanted 100 percent satisfied customers and 100 percent satisfied employees. We agreed that’s how we want to run the dealership. We feel that being nice is good for business. It’s nice to live in a community where, when you tell people you work for Markley Motors, they’re impressed with that.”

Markley Motors is truly a family affair. Members of the family dot the payroll and include Carrie’s husband (she met him at Saturn of Fort Collins) as well as Carrie’s sister, Cindy DeGroot, who works as the Marketing Director of Saturn of Fort Collins. “We’ve lived and breathed this business, both Carrie and I, for so long, since we were young teenagers working in the office filing, to now as we are moving into management,” says DeGroot. “There’s just no way we’d consider anything else as a profession.”

Such family involvement has helped the dealerships maintain the family’s strong tradition of philanthropy. From the very beginning, Ferd Markley was committed to giving back to the community in which he and his family lived - in good times and in bad. “He didn’t preach to me, but he told me the importance of being involved in your community. He was a philanthropist with his time. His money was scarce, but he gave what he could,” recalls Gene. “He said, ‘You’re pretty much dependent upon society for the first 25 years of your life.

After that, you’re going to have an obligation to

Lynn M. Dean is a writer and mother of three.

Her work has won first place awards from the National Federation of Press Women, a Parenting Publications of America Award of Excellence, and the Colorado Press Women.

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Lumber • Large & Small Jobs

Floor Coverings • Carpet • Ceramic • Stone • Hardwood

Kitchen Displays • Cabinetry • Countertops Loaded with Features

Millwork • Doors • Windows • Mouldings • Stair Rails

Plumbing • Faucets • Tubs • Toilets

Lighting • Ceiling Lights • Fans

Hardware • Bath & Cabinet

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Sutherlands Lumber 8c Design Gallery offers services to both home owners and builders. Services include design, installation, in-home estimates, eco-friendly products, and turn-key building services.

Whether you need to replace an old faucet, remodel a kitchen, or are involved in new construction, our products can accomodate any budget and our experts can help you every step of the way.

Design It! Business Women & Building

Build

Remodel It! 21

The Allure Endures

by Graciela Sholander

If you’ve got gold on your mind, you may be wondering whether to buy, sell, or reuse. Before making a decision, discover your options.

A

symbol of success and prosperity, gold has been sought after for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians considered this precious metal to be of divine origin, associating its color and brilliance with the sun. As far back as 550 B.C., gold coins were used for commerce by the Persians, Romans, Greeks, and Chinese. In the Americas, the great Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations shaped this malleable metal into elaborate jewelry and artwork.

Gold rushes materialized during the 19th century, not just in the United States but around the world, including in Australia. Closer to home, cities like Golden and Denver sprung up thanks to Colorado’s own gold rush and the “fifty-niners” who flocked to the Rockies in search of treasure.

No wonder the allure of gold continues to beckon today. Some people seek it as a potentially solid investment, encouraged by the price of a troy ounce hovering near a thousand dollars. Sentimentalists can convert their antique gold jewelry into contemporary, wearable designs. And if you have any broken or otherwise unusable pieces, you can clean out your jewelry box and sell your scrap gold for a profit.

Scrap Gold For Cash Or Credit Sather’s Leading Jewelers was hesitant to enter the scrap gold trade. “Our business is about making memories,” says Julie Sather-Browne, Vice President. “But we have so many customers who begged us to do this. They didn’t feel com-

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fortable mailing their gold away. They had heard stories of checks not clearing or the company disappearing.” Due to overwhelming demand by long-time customers wanting to sell their scrap gold to someone they can trust, Sather’s – who will celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2010 – decided to offer this service.

“It’s been wildly successful,” notes SatherBrowne. “We held a big buying event in the fall

of 2008. We did it primarily for our customers, and word spread quickly. We want to make sure people get a good value and the best price possible. Even though we don’t advertise this service much, we’re happy to help anyone who wants to sell their gold jewelry.”

Sather’s, which has its own lab station and five people in the store trained to buy gold, makes payments via cash or credit: either a check is writ-

Julie Sather-Browne, Vice President of Sather’s Leading Jewelers, evaluates the value of scrap gold with a client.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

David Bradfield, of Sather’s Leading Jewelers, examines gold in the lab to determine value.

ten or store credit is offered. The second option comes with a bonus, since customers who choose credit receive fifty percent more. Sather-Browne notes that the store credit alternative has been the more popular choice. The vast majority of customers bringing in pre-owned jewelry do so not because of financial hardship but simply to get rid of unusable items.

“They find broken pieces, items that are not reparable, even things that are in perfectly good condition but they don’t wear that style anymore.

People bring what they thought was costume jewelry that turns out to be gold, and vice versa. We take the time at no extra charge to sort through everything with them. People are usually pleasantly surprised by how much their items sell for.”

Which is not to say that every piece sells.

Sather-Browne has talked several customers out of selling family heirlooms. Cleaned and polished, many antique pieces can go from drab to dazzling. Before buying any pre-owned jewelry, Sather’s conducts a detailed consultation. Even if the person will never wear this item again, might she want to pass it down to a niece or a granddaughter? Does it hold any sentimental value whatsoever? Often Sather’s will recommend that a person keep the item a while longer before reaching a decision. These safeguards are in place to make sure there are no regrets later on, since the jewelry is irretrievable once it’s melted down.

“If there is no sentimental value attached to the piece, then there’s probably no reason to keep it,” says Sather-Browne. “If you have no one to hand it down to, or no need or desire to wear the piece, or the item is too damaged to wear, then you might consider selling it.”

Turn Something Old Into Something New Throughout its 33-year history, Village Goldsmith, Inc., of Estes Park has been offering customers the option of redesigning their existing jewelry into new creations. The stones are salvaged while the gold is sent to a refiner to be melted. A new design is fashioned to suit the customer’s tastes, with the saved gemstones cast in new, refined gold. Often both the customer and the jeweler work together to come up with a novel design.

“We’ve done some very sentimental things for people who want to redesign a piece of jew-

Business Women & Building

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Village Goldsmith, Inc., of Estes Park, created the pendant from the scrap gold above. Village Goldsmith can turn old jewelry into contemporary pieces using the original stones or adding new ones.

elry,” says Karen Jirsa, co-owner of Village Goldsmith. “For someone who’s lost a spouse, for instance, we can take the stone from their wedding ring and turn it into a pendant or diamond necklace, or a ring to wear on the right hand. It’s a very touching way to remember a loved one.”

A lot of creativity goes into the redesign process. Possibilities abound; for example, several antique pieces of jewelry can be combined into one contemporary design. In addition, a customer can bring in assorted scrap gold to be melted down, thus earning a greater value to apply towards the new creation. “I have people come in who have collected odds and ends, and they wonder if they can combine the various gemstones into one piece,” says Jirsa. “We can do that. We can make rings, necklaces, earrings, sets, you name it. Sometimes we incorporate our own stones, adding more diamonds or other gems. People are amazed at the end result. What we do is similar to finding just the right frame for a beautiful painting.”

Jirsa, who together with co-owner Ron Monroe does most of the design work at Village Goldsmith, explains that the shop can find a way to reset just about anything. One of her favorite pieces is a ring she redesigned for herself using a diamond from jewelry her parents gave her when she graduated from college. She works with clients from all over the world and takes pride in giving redesigned pieces the same personal touch and high quality of craftsmanship other custom pieces receive.

“Although we’ve always offered this service, people are becoming more aware of it now. More people are being frugal. They still want a nice piece of jewelry, and this option enables them to put their existing items towards an exquisite new piece.”

What About Investing?

Gold attracts investors for a number of reasons, including portfolio diversification, the precious metal’s liquidity, its long-term value, and its relative stability. Many investors like the fact that gold’s purchasing power is not dependent on the value of paper money. In fact, while the U.S. dollar declined in value between 2003 and 2007, the

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value of gold rose during that same time period.

Leading global financial services firm Morgan Stanley currently offers several alternatives for individual investors who want to buy gold, including unallocated bullion, allocated coins and bars, and specifically identified bars. Each one comes with pros and cons depending on an investor’s personal preferences. Other financial firms will offer different options.

Unallocated bullion ownership is handled in book-entry form. The investor does not physically own a particular piece of gold, but the investment is backed by gold stored in bulk form at a United States or London location. This type of gold investment allows for quicker transactions and usually comes with lower service fees.

For the investor who wants allocated ownership, Morgan Stanley can purchase either bars or coins. Service fees typically are higher, and it takes longer to convert this form of gold into cash. If you want to hold on to your allocated gold yourself, it can be delivered to you. Otherwise, Morgan Stanley can store it together with other investors’ bars and coins. No single piece, however, is identifiable as yours.

The specifically identified bars option gives you the chance to own a specific bar of gold that has a number identifying it as unique and belonging to you. Morgan Stanley can arrange to store your bar for you, and the cost is higher than storage fees for allocated bars. Or, you can opt to store it yourself in a bank safe deposit box. More time is required to liquidate specifically identified bars than unallocated bullion.

How can an investor track the value of gold?

“Contact your broker,” recommends financial advisor Gary Perl, First Vice President, CFP, CIMA, with Morgan Stanley. “Or, you can track it in the Wall Street Journal.”

Gold can appeal to either long-term or shortterm investors. “Generally, long-term investors tend to hold gold as a five to ten percent portion of a well diversified portfolio for many years,” explains Perl. “Short-term investors may hold for shorter periods in an effort to capitalize on a directional trend. Precious metals are speculative investments and, as such, their value can be subject to declining market conditions.”

Since there are many different investment avenues available when it comes to gold and other precious metals like silver and platinum, your best bet is to take the time to consult with a reputable financial adviser. Find out what’s available, what fees you’re expected to pay, whether the gold is allocated or unallocated, if it’s specifically identified, who is responsible for storage, what it takes to liquidate your investment, and many other details well before you put any money down.

Weigh Your Options If the allure of gold is calling to you, figure out what you’d like to do, and why. Would you wear a piece of jewelry if it was redesigned? Do you want to get rid of unusable items? Are you interested in expanding your financial portfolio by investing in precious metals? Before taking action, learn as much as you can about whichever option interests you. Then, weigh your reasons carefully, taking into account both emotional and practical considerations. Once you’ve decided what to do, make sure you seek a reputable professional.

When it comes to something as precious as gold, don’t take any chances.

Graciela Sholander is a Northern Colorado writer and author of Dream It Do It: Inspiring Stories Of Dreams Come True, www.dreamitdoit.net.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Spotlight on

Professional Women of Northern Colorado For 25 years, Style Magazine has had a strong commitment to supporting and promoting women in Northern Colorado. In business, in the community, as leaders of the region, and leaders of their families, Northern Colorado women are proud and strong.

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A-Train marketing communications, inc. :: fort collins

Gretchen Gaede president

Business Description: Founded in 1998, A-Train Marketing Communications, Inc. is a full-service marketing firm with a two-track mind, one that is both creative and strategic.

From brand building to comprehensive campaigns, we work on projects with a purpose by developing audience-focused strategies that drive results.

Area of Specialty: Branding, Strategic Planning, Messaging, Public Relations, Materials Design and Non-profit Marketing, specifically Creative Fundraising.

Education and Certifications: Bachelor of Arts – Creative Writing: Poetry from Colorado State University.

To what do you attribute to your success? Surrounding myself with great people who know more than I do and learning to act with confidence, persistence, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude.

What is your most proud accomplishment? Starting and managing a successful business for over 10 years with a proven track record of excellent work, incredible service, and dedication driving the greater good.

In what ways do you give back to the community? A commitment to giving back is at the heart of everything I do, and I believe in creating a culture of giving through a leadership by example approach to business. My company provides an average of over 50 collective volunteer hours per month and, in 2008, we donated 1,400 hours of volunteer and pro-bono services, in addition to over $20,000 in cash contributions. I currently hold executive board and planning positions for several organizations including the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County, and the Emerge Colorado Young Professionals Networking Club. In addition to board service, I actively volunteer for a number of non-profits including United Way, Discovery Science Center, Project Self-Sufficiency, Neighbor to Neighbor, The Family Center/La Familia, and many others.

(970) 419-3218 www.atrainmarketing.com

Allura Skin & Laser Clinic :: FORT COLLINS

Rebecca de le Torre, M.D. OWNER, MEDICAL DIRECTOR Business Description: Owner, medical director, and laser operator at Allura Skin and Laser Clinic, a medical aesthetics clinic.

Area of Specialty: Our clinic offers skin rejuvenation using lasers and injectables, improvement of scars (traumatic, acneic, or trauma related), body contouring, cellulite reduction, skin tightening, laser hair removal, and our medically supervised weight loss program.

Education and Certifications: I received my Bachelor’s in Human Biology at Stanford University, my medical degree at University of Texas Medical School at Houston, and did my internship and residency in Family Medicine at Breckenridge Hospital in Austin, Texas.

I am also Board Certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians, a member and Fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, a Luminary Member and speaker for Syneron Laser Company, and a lecturer and medical director for the College of International Esthetics in Denver.

To what do you attribute to your success? My success and Allura’s comes from being surrounded by many loving, supportive family members, and working side-byside with a group of people (providers, staff, and practice manager) who are extremely compassionate, talented, and hard working.

What is your most proud accomplishment? Proudly watching my children’s successes in school and sports and watching them grow in their faith. Happily retiring from Family Medicine after 20 years and finding fulfillment in practicing Aesthetic Medicine. And, more recently, (with the help of my own “village”) opening two medical aesthetics clinics in a span of four months.

(970) 330-8786 www.AlluraClinic.com

In what ways do you give back to the community? Providing superior service and treatments by our well-trained and experienced staff is one way that we give back to our community. Our goal next year is to partner with a local non-profit organization that will find our treatments to be of service to their group’s philosophy.

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

The Imaging Center :: FORT COLLINS

Sarah Jess, M.D. Radiologist

Business Description: Radiologist for Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants in Fort Collins. They provide services to Poudre Valley Hospital, Medical Center of the Rockies, and McKee, as well as The Imaging Center and other outpatient imaging locations.

Area of Specialty: I have a subspecialty in neuroradiology, and spend at least half of my time in my area of expertise.

Education and Certifications: I attended University of Tennessee, Memphis Medical School, and completed my internship, residency, and fellowship at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City.

I am certified in diagnostic radiology and have a subspecialty qualification in neuroradiology from the American Board of Radiology.

To what do you attribute your success? I attribute my success to perseverance, hard work, and having pursuits outside of radiology. Medical school and six years post graduate training afterward is a long time, but it is worth it to be able to work in a job I love, that is stimulating mentally, and gives me a sense of accomplishment.

What is your most proud accomplishment?

My two wonderful children.

Giving Back: I get involved in organizations that reach out to the people in our community and that improve the quality of life here.

What is the best part of your job? The best part of my job is figuring out a complex neuroradiology case, and knowing that I am ultimately helping a patient in doing so. Also, I like working with a great group of radiologists.

What qualities do you appreciate in people or strive for in your life? Patience, a strong work ethic, and kindness.

Who is your role model?

Both of my parents.

What is your hope or your goal for our community? That people living in the Fort Collins and Loveland area will have access to quality healthcare and excellent physicians.

(970) 282-2912 www.The-Imaging-Centers.com

Business Women & Building

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Mueller & Associates, CPA, LLC :: loveland

Teresa E. Mueller Director of Accounting & Advisory Services Business Description: As a CPA firm, we provide tax and accounting services as the first step in a process to help our clients achieve financial independence. Additionally, we manage our clients’ QuickBooks needs with setup and training, while also providing consulting with respect to wealth transfer, business succession, not for profit governance, and fraud prevention.

Area of Specialty: My passion is creating solutions to improve data gathering and profitability.

Education and Certifications: My first degree was in Vocational Home Economics from Florida State University’s College of Human Sciences. I then obtained an Accounting degree from the University of South Florida. As different as they seem, the Home Economics degree has given me insight beyond the numbers to help business owners and families interact and prosper. To enhance services to our clients, I have become a certified Pro-Advisor in QuickBooks, including the Enterprise and Point of Sale versions.

To what do you attribute your success? First and foremost, my husband and I are best friends and we make a great team. We believe what’s best for one of us, is best for both of us. As a result, we accomplish a great deal without worrying who gets the credit or the benefit. I also have a strong desire to serve, as evidenced by my not-for-profit background, and I’m not shy about speaking up.

What is your proudest accomplishment? In recognition of my work with non-profits, Florida State University presented me with their Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 1999, and then their Centennial Laureate Award in 2005.

In what ways do you give back to the community? Service is not what you do, but how you do it. It is an attitude of “what can I do for others?” I have used my time and talents to help numerous organizations with their accounting and governance needs. I have served on boards of various organizations as well as being in management. When I joined Rotary in 1988, I was the second female in the club and, through my volunteerism, was recognized with the Four Avenues of Service Citation for Individual Rotarians from Rotary International. My husband and I are also working with Front Range Community College to launch an accounting internship program for their students to help jumpstart careers in public accounting.

Mountain Kids :: Louisville

Anna Baretta Narvaes Managing Director

(970) 667-1070 www.mueller-cpa.com

Mountain Kids :: fort collins & Louisville

Bree Baretta

Graphic/web Design & Marketing

Business Description: Mountain Kids is home to our renowned Gymnastics, Dance, and Academic Preschool programs and our popular Warm Water Swimming program, Summer Day Camp, and After School Camp. In addition, Mountain Kids provides transportation, birthday parties, and a gourmet coffee and smoothie café.

Education and Certifications: Anna: has a master’s in Real Estate and Construction Management from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Arts in Technical Journalism from Colorado State University. Bree: has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Colorado State University To what do you attribute your success? Anna: A strong work ethic, perseverance, and a natural desire to want to succeed. I love what I do and that makes all the difference in whether someone is successful or not. Growing up in a family business taught me how to juggle family, work, and life. My parents are amazing role models. Bree: Growing up in a positive, competitive, and challenging environment with lots of time spent at the gym and in extracurricular activities. In addition, having happy, successful, hardworking parents as role models played a huge role in my success.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Anna: Waking up and feeling good about what I do each day and being able to do it with my kids in tow. Mountain Kids is a business that gives something back to everyone who walks through our doors. I’m proud to be part of such a positive company. Bree: Some of my successes as a gymnast. Mostly, though, I would say becoming a parent. I am still at the start of my professional career and so I still have many mountains to climb in that area!

In what ways do you give back to the community? Our business serves the community by offering programs that benefit children, young adults, and families. In addition, we sponsor a few student scholarships, Camp Sweet Pea every summer for children with diabetes, class donations to public school auctions, and support several other local charities, including our own Mary Baretta Grace Foundation, which focuses on non-smoking lung cancer early detection, research, and awareness.

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(970) 482-3118 www.mountain-kids.com

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Business Women & Building

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Professional Women making a difference in our community.

Local

Entrepreneurs & Professional Women helping Northern Colorado prosper.

Style Magazine proudly features and encourages you to support these area professional women.

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Tax Planning 2009

By Kay Rios

With the end of the tax year just down the road, it is a good time to look for those potholes that may stall the business vehicle when it comes time to file. In the last quarter of the year, and with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), there are options to consider that may make an impact.

The ARRA is an economic stimulus package enacted by Congress in February 2009. The Act was based largely on proposals made by President Obama and was intended to stimulate the U.S. economy in the wake of the economic downturn. It features federal tax cuts, expansion of unemployment benefits and other social welfare provisions, and domestic spending in education, healthcare, and the infrastructure, which includes the energy sector. Since the document is around 1,000 pages in length and covers a wide variety of areas, it takes an expert eye to point out the potential savings to be considered.

Jill Rickards, CPA at Rickards, Long, & Rulon, LLP, advises, “As you consider taking actions designed to increase your business’s tax deductions for the current tax year and/or decrease income, remember that your goal is to minimize your business’s current tax liability without making any unwanted expenditures.”

One area for discussion is the 50 percent special depreciation. “The new law extends the special depreciation allowance that was available for 2008 acquisitions to acquisitions of qualifying property in 2009,” she says. The provision enables businesses to deduct half the adjusted basis of qualifying property in the year it’s placed in service.

“During 2009, small businesses can expense

34

up to $250,000 of the cost of qualifying property under section 179. Without the new law, the limit would have dropped to $133,000.” The existing $25,000 limit, however, still applies to sports utility vehicles.

For those businesses suffering losses, the ARRA expanded the net operating loss carryback, Rickards says. “Small businesses with expenses exceeding their income for 2008 can carry the loss back for up to five years, instead of the usual two years. For small businesses that were profitable in the past but lost money in 2008, this could mean a special tax refund. This option is available for a small business that has no more than an average of $15 million in gross receipts over a threeyear period.” This is available for a limited time though, she cautions. “A corporation that operates on a calendar-year basis, for example, must file a claim by September 15, 2009. For eligible individuals, the deadline is October 15, 2009.”

Another option is the modification of the estimated tax requirement. “Many individual small business taxpayers may be able to defer paying a larger part of their 2009 tax obligation until the end of the year,” Rickards says.

Teresa Mueller, co-owner of Mueller and Associates CPA, LLC, points out additional considerations. “Generous tax credits were also created to encourage businesses to make certain energy im-

Jill Rickards, CPA at Rickards, Long, & Rulon, LLP

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provements,” she says. ARRA creates or expands several energy-related breaks for businesses including the advanced energy investment credit of 30 percent for certain qualified alternative facilities, the renewable electricity production credit, and the alternative fuel pump tax credit that was increased from 30 to 50 percent.

Additionally, the work opportunity credit offers an incentive for hiring disadvantaged workers, Mueller says. Employers can claim a credit equal to 40 percent of the first $6,000 of wages paid to employees for certain groups such as exfelons, food stamp recipients, and disabled veterans. ARRA expands the eligible target groups to include unemployed veterans and disconnected youth.

Mueller also says it’s a good time to consider retirement plans. “If a business wants to create and fund a retirement plan for its employees, the plan has to be drafted and adopted by the end of the year. Actual funding can take place during 2010, and the deduction taken in 2009. I cannot emphasize enough, though, that the plan has to be adopted during this year.”

Rickards offers another idea: “Lease property and equipment to your business to create tax-deductible expenses. If, during the current tax year, your business has been, or will be, using property and/or equipment that you personally own, you may be able to lease these items to your business. This creates a tax-deductible lease expense, while you take dollars out of your business in the form of lease income (not subject to Social Security payroll tax liability). Then you can reduce your taxable lease income by taking any applicable depreciation expense on your personal income tax return.”

And consider making those needed equipment purchases, she says. “Accelerate planned equipment purchases, including computers and vehicles, so your business makes them during the current tax year. This will allow your business to take depreciation in this tax year.”

In addition, Rickards suggests practicing profit management. “Delay income and accelerate taxdeductible expenses to reduce your business’s current-year taxable net income. If your business is expected to have significant billings to customers at or near year-end, you may want to delay these billings to reduce the current year’s income. You can also accelerate expenses into the current tax year to maximize the current year’s tax-deductible expenses.” Expenses that can be accelerated include, but are not limited to: year-end employee bonuses, corporate charitable contributions, employee health insurance, or any qualified educational assistance expenses up to the $5,250 limit.

What will happen for upcoming years is uncertain to a degree, Mueller says. “Most proposals being kicked around by Congress and the Administration focus on individual taxpayers rather than businesses. Between the focus on healthcare reform and evaluating the impact of the stimulus funds, both Congress and the Administration seem to be in a ‘wait and see’ mode concerning additional tax breaks.”

There’s no crystal ball for tax futures, she says. “In the past couple of decades, Congress has gotten into the habit of passing extenders in lieu of passing new tax provisions. So right when you think a provision is about to expire, Congress provides a one or more year extender, sometimes retroactively. It creates havoc when businesses try

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

i am

a turtle

i am a turtlr

Teresa Mueller, co-owner of Mueller and Associates CPA, LLC

to plan for the long-term, while Congress acts in a short-term mode.”

As an example, she points to provisions that allow businesses to write-off equipment purchases. “It’s set to expire at the end of the year, but it has been extended so many times, there is some level of expectation it will be extended again.”

Rest assured that there will be more upcoming changes, Mueller says. “The final tax rate has still not been determined and there’s talk about raising taxes for capital gains.”

The way to keep abreast of the situation is to work with an accountant who stays on top of changes, she says. “There are changes all the time, especially this year. Some things that have been in place will expire in 2009 and 2010. It’s best to have someone whose job it is to watch for those kinds of things.”

Keep plugging away, Mueller advises. “Businesses should not be cutting back on marketing.

In fact, if they do, they’ll be left behind. They need to get their name out there and let people know they are wanting and accepting new business. Go to community events and let people know you are still around. If you don’t market, especially at this time of year and especially in a downturn, you will be forgotten. You just can’t stop.”

Kay Rios, Ph.D., is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. She writes for a variety of regional and national publications and is currently at work on a collection of creative non-fiction and a mystery novel.

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meet the models / business women & building 2009

Carla Boldt

Wendy Foster

Toni B. Klein

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Tami K. Spaulding

Carla is Director of Business Services for Rocky Mountain Center for Reproductive Medicine. When not at the office, she enjoys skiing, training and showing horses, and spending time with her dogs.

For Carla, the experience was “fabulous! I had a fun time. I have never done anything like this. I loved the jeans from Running River. And now I need to visit the store; I really liked the style of the clothes they provided. Thank you, Lydia!”

Wendy is mother to Ali Foster. She is owner of Indigo Gallery, functioning as an art consultant.

When not helping visitors with their art purchases, she enjoys cycling, hiking, skiing, painting, and attending art shows.

Wendy had a “fabulous time. Abby [the makeup artist] was incredible.

She did new things that I am so excited to try. It was a great experience. I was thrilled to model and Lydia was so positive and encouraging. The clothes were great and offered a lot of diversity.”

Toni is married to Eric and mother to Macy, age 8, and C.J., age 4. She owns Tuscany Interior Design.

“The fitting process was exceptional. I am always challenged by clothing due to my size. Having my hair professionally styled was a fabulous experience. I highly recommend Clayton at C&S Workshop,” says Toni.

“With great hair, makeup, and clothing, being in front of the camera was a lot of fun. Cloz was a fun store.

A few days after the shoot, I had to take my sister shopping there.”

Ina is Office Manager at Style. She enjoys living near Edora Park and the bike trail, where she walks, cycles, goes birding, and spends time with Nikki, her Papillon.

“Wardrobe shopping has always been a challenge, but Sandra at Indigo picked the perfect outfit. Clayton at C&S Workshop - I knew he would find a solution to my lack of a ‘do. Abby’s expertise in makeup made me beautiful! After helping with over 50 photo shoots, I had a chance to be on the other side. Thank you, Lydia, for allowing me to see a new me.”

Tami is married to Richard and they are proud parents to a bevy of fourlegged creatures: dogs, cats, and horses. Tami is a Realtor for The Group, Inc. Tami enjoys horseback riding, dancing, and traveling.

“Michelle and Linda at Designs were a delight; they had so many ideas.

Shauna at C&S Workshop had fun with all my hair and made me feel right at home. Abby was great with the makeup! The experience brought back great memories of playing dress-up as a child.”

Beauty T I P S

By Abby Charpentier Always Beautiful by Abby

Women today need to be efficient with every part of their busy lives. The less time it takes to get ready in the morning, the better. Here are a few basic tricks: Start with a canvas that has an even tone.

Base makeup should be light in consistency and blend naturally up to your hairline, ears, and under your jawbone. Use a liquid highlighter two shades lighter in any recess area you want to pull out: under eyes, around nose, chin.

If you have deep-set eyes, use a color that makes them look bigger and more open. Try beige, white, pale pink, and peach. If you have a heavy upper lid just under the brow, try to soften the brow bone with a warmer tone to set it back. Reverse this if you want to soften a rounded, more prominent eyelid by using warm tones on the lower lid and highlighting the eye under the brow.

If you are over 35, don’t use eye shadows that are iridescent or sparkly. They show every wrinkle.

Business Women & Building

Always use two coats of black mascara. Let the first one dry and apply again.

Eyeliner is an individual choice. I suggest for the Baby Boomers, a trick to help the eyes look fresher and more open: make your liner fuller at the end of your eye, on the top and bottom, and don’t connect the bottom liner to the top liner (leave a little gap between the two).

Blush should be soft. If you have a round face, ‘apple cheeks’ is not where you want to go. If you have a long face, runway angles are just going to make your face longer. Never go above the cheekbone and always softly bring blush to the middle of your ear, with a touch around your temple.

I always recommend a lip liner, especially for women who are losing some collagen through aging. A lip liner will hold lipstick color and create fuller looking lips. Remember, where lighter colors make things look bigger, darker colors make things look deeper or smaller.

The most important advice is for your eyebrows. They not only frame your face, but are a major expression of who you are. Angle is very, very important. They can age you 10 years or take 10 years off. Treat them as your best friend! One way to keep them the shape you want: permanent makeup. You will look younger and feel fabulous everyday.

39

Smart

Dressing

WORK

for

Tami looks like she means business in her Alberto Makali short black and red bold print jacket, $238, and feminine Joseph Ribkoff gored flip skirt, $165. Her patent croc shoulder bag by Brighton, $189, carries all the essentials. The newest Pandora lariat, with red and silver beads, $370, and Brighton hoop earrings with drop charm, $31, add the polish.

Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins.

DON’TS

Our regional fashion boutique owners weigh in on what is and is not appropriate for business dress.

Michelle Crutcher and Linda Vernon, Designs Boutique, Fort Collins How can you look trendy and professional at the office, no matter your age? Accessorize! It is an easy way to change the look of any outfit. Find the perfect belt, jewelry, scarf, shoes and handbags.

What are this season’s latest fashion trends for the office? Beautiful colors – red, purple, green, orange – on belts, accessories and shoes. And a crisp, white shirt with great detail and texture.

What are some classic staples every work wardrobe should possess? Black skirt, pants, and a jacket – having staples in your wardrobe and accessorizing with jewelry, belts, and different tops can give you many different looks. You can also go from casual to dressy. Another must have: a great white shirt.

What are some fashion trends that should be avoided in the workplace?

A low cut top or pants. Make sure your outfit represents not only your profession, but who you are.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

Photography By Warren Diggles | Hair Design By C&S Workshop Make-up By Abby Charpentier, Always Beautiful by Abby

Toni shows off her creative side in Keke Collection’s approach to professional dressing with a smart, fitted zip front jacket with swirl design, $82, paired with figure flattering side slit brown pants, $82.

Underneath, a Spanx strapless lace trimmed bandeau, $52, and Power Panties smooth everything from the waist down, $30.

Multi strand beaded necklace, $45, and copper circle drop earrings, $24, add some fun.

A sleek black laptop bag with topstitching, $90, leaves just the right impression.

Courtesy of Cloz, Loveland.

Tami looks like she means business in her Alberto Makali short black and red bold print jacket, $238, and feminine Joseph Ribkoff gored flip skirt, $165. Her patent croc shoulder bag by Brighton, $189, carries all the essentials. The newest Pandora lariat, with red and silver $370, and Terrybeads, McNeal Brighton hoop earrings with print Stylish and sassy leopard drop charm, $31,the addfall thecollection tunic from polish. of Design’s ofCourtesy Dolce Vita, $83, tops Boutique, Fort Collins. flattering cotton studded OMAT designer jeans, $97.

Black rope belt, $28, gold metallic platforms, $59, and a pendant necklace, $32, dress up this trendy look for evening. Courtesy of Dress Code II, Fort Collins.

Ina is sophisticated and dynamic in power suiting from Match Point. Her red swing washable linen styled shirt jacket, $62, is layered over a black cotton tank top from Maria De Guadalajara, $27, and paired with flattering flat front gaucho pants, $53.

Karla VanDenBerg Her colorful three Metallic lightweight strand knit pearltunic and by stone Kazee, $159, fits perfectly over tight choker and earring set metallic top stitched & add adark little“Rock fun, from Republic” jeans by Victoria Beckam, Allegro, $29. $108. Black and gold belt, $42, and Courtesy of Indigo, Simonelli beaded platforms, $39, Estes Park. create a fashionable autumn look.

Courtesy of Dress Code II, Fort Collins.

Carlaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professional style has just a hint of Colorado western flair. Her handsome tapestry patterned faux shearling vest with fur collar by Montanaco, $123, tops her soft silk and cotton knit turtleneck from Kial, $90, and flattering black flare jeans by David Kahn, $165. Courtesy of Running River, Estes Park.

Wendy confidently shows off her fashion savvy in this cinched black and orange water repellent swing trench coat from UBU, $149. Smart straight-leg poly spandex pants from Tribal, $70, and poly blend turtleneck from Robert Kitchen, $80, are the perfect companions.

Courtesy of The BeanBlossom, Estes Park.

and

Fashion Do’s

DON’TS

Penne Sperry and Jan Pierce Cloz, Loveland

Amy Stevens, The BeanBlossom, Estes Park

Sandra Petrie, Indigo, Estes Park

How can you look trendy and professional at the office, no matter your age? Office attire should be a little trendy, but age appropriate. It is important for a woman to remember that she should be comfortable in her clothing and in her own skin. A good investment is one or two classic coordinating outfits that are interchangeable. Leave the trendy and sparkly dress for evening.

How can you look trendy and professional at the office, no matter your age? Update your wardrobe with great tops, figureflattering jackets, layering pieces, and longer sweaters. Spice it up with a wide leg pant and flattering skirt (pencil, gored, or solid in color).

Top it off with a belt, scarf, and fun jewelry. Freshen up your look with a killer handbag (saturated in color, shiny, and woven).

How can you look trendy and professional at the office, no matter your age? Accessories (jewelry, scarves, etc.) are a great way to update an outfit without breaking the bank. A little metallic shimmer or a pop of color adds pizzazz to a wardrobe basic, like black or charcoal gray.

What are this season’s latest fashion trends for the office? This season’s trends for the office are sophistication, style, and elegance.

Dark green, dark red, two-tone colors, and metallic are the fashion for fall 2009. Everyone’s closet should have a pair of good-fitting jeans, a studded belt, pencil slacks, and a pair of tights to wear under a short dress or tunic. This year, skirts and dresses are becoming more popular.

Shoe choices are endless! Chunky heels or thin heels can be worn with anything. In the jewelry department, large chunky chains, thin necklaces with charms, and necklaces that reach to the waist are the rage.

What are this season’s latest fashion trends for the office?

Snap up a great tailored jacket.

Accent it with a crisp white blouse.

Dab in this season’s fashion colors: teal, purple, and warm orange.

Everything should be fitted and figure-flattering. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize.

What are some classic staples every work wardrobe should possess? Classic staples that should be in everyone’s closest are: pencil skirts, a basic black or brown dress, and a good pair of black or brown slacks. To this add a couple of coordinating jackets.

What are some classic staples every work wardrobe should possess? Black is back! Everyone should have a good fitting pair of black pants, a black skirt, and a little black dress. A white collared shirt is a necessity. Grab a pair of straight, boot, or skinny jeans for casual days.

What are some fashion trends that should be avoided in the workplace?

You are in the office to work, dress professionally! Clothing that should be avoided in the office are: low cut blouses and dresses, short skirts or dresses, spaghetti straps (evening wear) unless covered by a jacket, and definitely no loud patterned dresses, slacks, or blouses.

What are some fashion trends that should be avoided in the workplace? Avoid too much of a good thing: clothes that fit too tight, skirts that are too short, or too much make-up, jewelry, or fragrance. The difference between style and fashion is quality.

Business Women & Building

What are this season’s latest fashion trends for the office?

Comfortable, unstructured styles in natural fabrics.

What are some classic staples every work wardrobe should possess? A great pair of black trousers and a black shell or tank.

What are some fashion trends that should be avoided in the workplace? Pretty much anything you would look at and think: “my teenage daughter or niece would wear that.” And definitely anything too low cut or too low rise.

43

Shaleen Duell, Running River, Estes Park

Clayton and Shauna Troxell, C&S Workshop, share their vision for fall hair.

How can you look trendy and professional at the office, no matter your age? Just remember: dressing more modestly will never leave a bad impression. It will give you the look of professionalism.

“As fall approaches, we think about the leaves changing, the sweaters coming out, and the weather getting colder. It all has a specific feel. So does the direction of hair for fall: bohemian chic. Think soft earth tones with copper hues, rich browns with honey highlighting, and flaxen blondes with muted tones. The key word for a haircut is ‘suitability.’ A great haircut will create synergy with your hair color and work seamlessly to match your individual style. And remember: classic looks will transcend seasonal fashion updates.”

Clayton and Shauna’s style guide for fall: For long hair – try long, loose curls with offset fringe. For the straighter hair – long seamless layers offering versatility for various looks. For mid-length hair – try shapes with prominent fringe and texture. And for short hair – movable cuts for active lifestyles that compliment your personal facial structure.

What are some classic staples every work wardrobe should possess? A pair of jeans that are nice to dress up or be casual: the leg should be slim but not tight, a slight boot cut is universal and flattering.

A black trouser-type pant, not skinny, will work well with any type of shirt or blouse.

What are some fashion trends that should be avoided in the workplace? It is okay to bring in a few pieces to refresh your wardrobe, but stick to what looks good on you and the basics. Not everyone can wear the “trend” look.

乾杯 • Salute • Prost • ¡ Salud ! • Cheers

East Moon Asian Bistro & Hibachi 2400 East Harmony Road #102 Fort Collins 80528 (970) 223-0666 | (970) 223-5311 Open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily www.eastmoonfc.com

East Moon Asian Bistro

1624 South Lemay Avenue Fort Collins 80525 | (970) 416-8333 Open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily East Moon Asian Bistro offers the finest Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine, as well as the excitement of the Hibachi grill and their fresh sushi bar. Many of the tastes and flavors of Eastern culture at East Moon are created by chefs who grew up making the cuisine. The chefs in the Hibachi room and sushi bar have years of training in their respective culinary arts.

Try East Moon’s Hibachi room: enjoy the show while feasting on food that is fresh, healthy, and cooked to perfection. The décor at East Moon is second to none in Fort Collins, from the beautiful artwork to the unique light fixtures. Everything about East Moon is designed to enhance your dining experience. At East Moon, you can sit down with a nice bottle of wine and linger over dinner or be in and out in 15 minutes for lunch.

Takeout and delivery are also available.

44

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

乾杯 • Salute • Prost • ¡ Salud ! • Cheers

The Melting Pot

334 East Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins (970) 207-0100 Open Monday – Thursday: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Friday: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Saturday: 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. www.themeltingpot.com Take dining out to a whole new level at The Melting Pot. Their Swiss/French inspired fondues provide more than just a hearty meal. Fondue dinners are all about enjoying the company of family and friends. The special occasion style of cooking features aged cheese fondues, gourmet salads, entrees with steak, lobster, and shrimp, and decadent melted chocolate dessert fondues.

The Melting Pot’s “nooks and crannies” seating allows for privacy and intimacy while you enjoy the dining experience. Their newest dinner is the Alpine Big Night Out – a culinary journey from the place where fondue originated, featuring items like Applewood Smoked Brautwurst, Sauerbraten NY Strip, Heffeweizen Marinated Shrimp, and much more.

The Melting Pot can accommodate large parties of up to 60 people in their private upstairs room with a view of the restaurant below. The main level party room fits up to 26 people and offers views of the wine room and two-story fireplace.

Rio Grande

143 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins (970) 224-5428 Open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and closing at 10:30 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday. www.riograndemexican.com Rio Grande offers fresh, healthy Tex-Mex cuisine with authentic flavors. All of their salsas, sauces, tortillas, and marinades are made in-house daily.

Their fresh flavors are drawn from influences from Mexico, Texas, and Central America. The flavor of Mexico is carried throughout the restaurant from the traditional Mexican music playing to the handpainted tile tables and unique artwork. Rio Grande’s patio is a true outdoor oasis where you can dine with the gentle gurgle of the fountain in the background.

Rio Grande offers banquet space and a large second floor ballroom for private functions. The ballroom can accommodate up to 250 guests and a special banquet menu is available. Daily lunch specials, salsa dancing and lessons, and one of the most festive atmospheres in Old Town Fort Collins are all great reasons to stop in, but it is Rio’s signature margarita – so good they limit you to three – that keeps people coming in again and again.

Business Women & Building

45

Aromatherapy:

Benefits of Essential Oils

By Allie Comeau

Breathe deeply and relax with the calming influence of lavender.

Reinvigorate with the bright scents of bergamot or citrus. Purify with the healing elements of tea tree oil.

A

romatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for their benefits to the body, soul, and mind. Essential oils, not to be confused with fragrance or perfume oils, are naturally occurring oils found in the leaves, stems, flowers, and even the roots of plants. Used therapeutically for hundreds of years, essential oils as aromatherapy are on the rise again thanks to an increased interest in natural medicine.

In Maguerite Maury’s Guide to Aromatherapy, she states “essential oils are natural rejuvenating agents which facilitate the elimination of waste matter and dead cells and promote the regeneration of new and healthy cells.” Said simply, essential oils are just plain good for you.

“Aromatherapy is capturing the essence of a plant and using it in beneficial applications on humans or animals,” says Meg Deweese of EsScentuals in Fort Collins. “Essential oils can come from any part of the plant and aromatherapy is the transferring of that plant’s essence onto and into the body.”

Many modern medicines are based on plants and so it makes sense that using the essence of a plant for therapeutic and healing applications would be beneficial. “Aromatherapy is the difference between modern medicine and a more natural approach,” says Deweese. “Aromatherapy certainly has medical benefits and is based on the physiological reactions to chemicals that naturally occur in plants.”

Our sense of smell is powerful and scents have the ability to invoke moods, memories, and even to heal. “We rely on our sense of smell to guide us, more than people realize,” she says. “It’s a very primitive sense. Our nose guides us and when we encounter certain smells, they have the power to make us feel certain ways.”

To gain the true benefits of aromatherapy, one must be sure the essential oils are pure and not perfume or fragrance oils, which are often sold side by side. “Perfume oils are synthetic compounds. They may have some natural components

46

but they are not 100 percent, purely extracted oils for aroma-therapeutic purposes,” says Deweese.

“Aromatherapy relies on natural steam-extracted essences.”

There are several ways to take advantage of aromatherapy. One of the most popular ways is to use essential oils topically, in lotions, bubble baths, or other skin or hair care products. “You can disperse essential oils in a carrier, which could be a lotion, a shower gel, or a carrier oil like almond oil,” says Deweese. Dab the oil directly on the skin, but be careful, as some oils can be irritating to the skin when used without a carrier lotion or oil.

You can also ingest certain essential oils by adding a few drops to juice or another liquid.

“Herbal tea is also a form of aromatherapy where you ingest essential oils and herbal ingredients,” says Deweese. “Ginger in tea, for example, helps with stomach upset, peppermint can help with headache and digestion, and chamomile is relaxing.” Adding oil to bath salts, bubble bath, or massage oil is another way to enjoy the rejuvenating effects of aromatherapy. You can also fill a reed diffuser with essential oil and let the scents fill the room to provide long-lasting benefits.

Deweese especially touts the benefits of lavender oil. “If you have only one essential oil, it should be lavender,” she says. “It’s the best known essential oil and it’s great for so many things, from bringing calm to reviving the spirit.” Lavender is also thought to encourage mental stability, reduce stress, and even relieve insomnia. It also has analgesic properties which make it useful to ease muscle aches and pains and even arthritis. You can add lavender to a muscle rub or a massage oil to receive this benefit. A few drops rubbed into the temples can relieve headaches and tension. Lavender also happens to be a natural moth and mosquito repellent and can be used in lieu of cedar chips or mothballs, used in a load of laundry, or hung in a sachet in your closet.

There are many other essential oils, all with particular benefits to the body and mind. Cinnamon acts as a warming stimulant, for example.

Aromatherapy in

Palliative Care

By Allie Comeau

Hospitals and healthcare settings are beginning to recognize the benefits of aromatherapy for the body and mind. Samantha Schneider, a business associate and certified aromatherapist with Banner Health, is one of the believers that aromatherapy has a great deal to offer in a hospital setting.

Schneider is the driving force behind Banner Health’s oncology aromatherapy program.

She has done extensive research on the use of aromatherapy in palliative care for her aromatherapist certification and published a paper on the subject in the July 2009 issue of AromaScents, an aromatherapy journal. “Essential oils work not only on a biological/physical level, but on a more subtle, energetic level,” she says.

“Because essential oils are made from the very essence of a plant, they are particularly suited to interacting with the essence of a person.”

To date, her program at Banner Health has been limited to the in-patient oncology department but she hopes one day to offer her services hospital-wide. Because the program is offered to patients as a free service, the economy may, unfortunately, dictate whether or not that happens. “The program is really in its infancy right now,” says Schneider. “And with the economy the way it is, who knows what will happen. But I would love one day to be able to offer my services to any patient who requests them.”

Schneider visits oncology patients in the afternoon to offer aromatherapy massages, foot rubs, and aromatherapy reed diffusers, as well as a little bit of pampering and attention.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Business Women & Building

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47

Samantha Schneider, business associate and certified aromatherapist with Banner Health

The unique program is aimed at relaxing the patients and offering them a sense of calm that is sometimes hard to come by in the hospital.

“My main objective is to help patients relax,” says Schneider. “Being in a hospital and having a cancer diagnosis can be an extremely stressful thing and a source of great anxiety.

Aromatherapy can help patients calm down, which can in turn ease pain and nausea.”

Besides relaxing, Schneider also says that just being there with the patients in an unhurried manner while offering aromatherapy treatments is an additional benefit. So often the healthcare system can feel rushed and impersonal. “Sometimes patients need someone to talk to, so I’ll listen,” she says. “Sometimes they don’t feel like talking and just want a quiet presence in the room. I can be that, too.”

The most popular essential oil used for oncology and palliative care is lavender. “I use lavender the most, by far, because it’s so helpful for relaxing,” says Schneider. “I also use a blend of chamomile, lavender, geranium, and patchouli for calming.” Other essential oils which are useful for soothing are sandalwood, which supports peace and acceptance; rose, which lifts the spirits, eases depression, and diffuses anger; frankincense, which strengthens positive beliefs; and sweet marjoram and jasmine, which are useful for their sedative properties.

Schneider is quick to note, however, that smell is subjective and that not all scents work for all patients. “Sometimes if a patient is having chemotherapy, they are especially sensitive to smells and what might normally work for relaxation may make them sick,” she says. “So we work around that and tailor a program.”

That’s the goal of aromatherapy in a palliative care or oncology setting – to find what works for each particular patient and to offer it in a way that relaxes and soothes the body and mind.

48

Eucalyptus is cooling, invigorating, balancing, and purifying. Bergamot is uplifting and soothing and can be used as a digestive aid or to help balance oily skin. Tea tree oil is purifying, uplifting, and cleansing which makes it a wonderful addition to any skin or hair care product. Citrus fruit essences, like grapefruit, lemon, and orange are uplifting and reviving and may also reduce nervous tension.

Peppermint relieves nausea, cold symptoms, and muscle pain.

EsScentuals carries a full line of essential oils that you can either purchase alone or mix and add to lotions, hair care products, massage oils, and even oatmeal baths.

Michele Renaud, of Renaud Naturals in Loveland, creates and packages all-natural lotions, oils, skin and hair care, sunless tanning products, and even cleaning products. “We have over 300 products and we use a lot of aromatherapy and essential oils for their natural benefits,” she says. “Especially in our skin care products. Essential oils are very beneficial to the skin and are very healing.”

Renaud’s favorite essential oil is called yuzu.

“It’s like orange on steroids,” she says. “I love it.

It’s expensive but it’s wonderfully therapeutic when used in facial care products.” Other useful essential oils for facial care are rose otto, which comes from Bulgaria, and frankincense, which has powerful anti-aging properties.

Renaud Naturals also makes a product called Pain Away that relieves muscles aches and pains by incorporating peppermint, eucalyptus, camphor, and wintergreen. “That particular combination of oils has pain relieving and analgesic properties that work wonders on not only muscle pains but on arthritis as well,” says Renaud.

Renaud also recommends geranium and lavender for burns, tea tree for acne or oily skin, and eucalyptus, lime, lavender, and clove for rashes and abrasions. She also makes a blend of mood-enhancing essential oils called Moonspell, which uses frankincense, myrrh, lavender, and rose geranium.

For Renaud, using natural, organic ingredients and essential oils for aromatherapy is not only beneficial and therapeutic, but safer than using the average store-bought lotion or skin care item. “What goes onto your skin also goes into it,” she says.

“Your skin is your biggest organ and you need to be careful about what you put on it. If there are parabens in your lotion, for example, they go straight to your liver and can cause damage. I only use natural products myself simply because I want to live longer.”

She’s not the only one. People everywhere are realizing the need to return to a more natural way of thinking, being, and healing. “I think people are paying more attention to labels now,” says Renaud. “They don’t want to see the word ‘fragrance’ on their labels. They want all-natural ingredients.

They want essential oils. People are becoming more aware about natural products, aromatherapy, and how much better essential oils are for your skin and body than synthetic compounds.”

So the next time you have a headache, instead of reaching for the ibuprofen, simply inhale deeply from a sachet of peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary. And let aromatherapy relieve the pain naturally.

Aromatherapy

Oils Uses • Bergamot: Digestive aid; helps oily, blemished skin. Uplifting, soothing. Antidepressant.

• Cedarwood: Antiseptic, eases respiratory ailments. Calming, harmonizing.

• Cinnamon: Stimulant, warming.

• Citronella: Uplifting, purifying, antiseptic.

Insect repellent.

• Clary Sage: Euphoric, relaxing, eases respiratory ailments.

• Clove Bud: Warming, antiseptic, memory aid.

• Eucalyptus: Eases respiratory and cold symptoms. Relieves muscle aches and pains.

Cooling.

• Frankincense: Helps oily skin, anti-aging.

Calming, meditative.

• Geranium: Soothing, relieves anxiety and stress. Astringent skin properties.

• Grapefruit: Uplifting and reviving.

Stimulant, cheering.

• Lavender: The “universal oil.” Antiseptic, relives skin irritations, calming, antidepressant, promotes clarity, enhances intuition, soothing, balancing.

• Lemon: Energizing, clears mood. Relieves depression. Refreshing.

• Lemongrass: May relieve pain and inflammation. Improves circulation.

• Myrrh: Antiseptic, may ease respiratory ailments. Balancing, meditative.

• Orange: Relaxing, reduces nervous tension.

Uplifting, soothing.

• Oregano: Fights colds, asthma and bronchitis.

• Patchouli: Anti-inflammatory, cell regenerator. Alleviates depression and anxiety.

Euphoric.

• Peppermint: Relieves nausea, muscle and joint pain, cold symptoms. Vitalizes, uplifts, cools.

• Pine Needle: Antiseptic, may relieve cold symptoms. Reviving, balancing, regulating.

• Rose Geranium: Skin healer, antidepressant, decreases nervousness. Uplifting, stimulating.

• Rosemary: Skin and hair rejuvenator.

Invigorating, clarifying.

• Tangerine: Cheerful, uplifting. Useful skin tonic.

• Tea Tree: Anti-viral, relieves muscle aches and pains, minimizes skin irritation. Uplifting, purifying.

• Ylang Ylang: Euphroic, sensual, helps stabilize extreme emotions.

Allie Comeau is a freelance writer, copywriter, and blogger living in Denver. Email her at alliecomeau@ gmail.com.

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at the

Med Spa

By Graciela Sholander | Photos By Warren Diggles

If you’re thinking of having cosmetic work done, why not indulge yourself at the same time?

When you visit a bona fide medical spa, you can be sure you’ll get the top-quality medical attention you want with the pampering you deserve. That’s because every true med spa has at least one licensed doctor on staff. So while you’re enjoying special treatment in luxurious surroundings, you can also enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re in the care of a fully trained, licensed physician.

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hile each spa specializes in its own signature services, you can expect to find a wide range of therapies available at every location. Med spas combine the latest advances in cosmetic technology with time-honored holistic approaches. Services offered might include plastic surgery, laser vein removal, laser skin rejuvenation, tattoo removal, and other cosmetic procedures that require the highest medical standards. In addition, you’ll find many of the same relaxing therapies nonmedical day spas offer, such as massage, aromatherapy, facials, and body wraps. At a med spa, you’re getting the best of both worlds.

Keep in mind that certain procedures can be administered only by a licensed medical practitioner, typically a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). Both are medical doctors licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery.

Other procedures can be done by nurses or

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technicians under the direction of a medical doctor. Each med spa may employ additional specialists, including massage therapists, cosmetics technicians, and skin care specialists.

Having a well-rounded staff to take care of your needs enables a med spa to offer more specialties.

Why go to a med spa instead of a medical clinic? Many women and men choose a med spa because of its relaxing atmosphere. You’re not going in just for a procedure. Here you can get complete restoration for the mind, body, and soul. A spa environment can incorporate a number of soothing elements: soft relaxation music, the sound of water flowing gently in a fountain, comfortable lighting, pleasing décor. In short, everything to create a peaceful atmosphere for a more tranquil experience. Add special touches like complimentary tea and hand massages, and you’ve got the right ingredients for complete relaxation and rejuvenation.

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Located across the pedestrian sky bridge from Poudre Valley Hospital, Twenty Three Trees Medical & Wellness Spa is owned and operated by the Poudre Valley Health System. At the helm of Twenty Three Trees is Dr. Michelle Tollefson, M.D., who specializes in medical esthetics. “One of the main elements we want to provide in our medical spa is the medical excellence that PVHS is known for. The products and procedures we recommend are evidence-based and research backed. We’re committed to medical excellence and patient confidentiality, as well as offering the latest in technology.”

Dr. Tollefson explains that clients don’t feel like they are in a typical medical clinic. “They can sit in our relaxation room and have tea, if they like. We have bamboo sheets which are fabulous. We’re taking medical practice and putting it in a luxurious setting.”

A full-service spa, Twenty Three Trees offers Botox® treatments, photofacial skin rejuvenation, which uses intense pulses of visible light to help reduce red or brown spots and other types of pigmented lesions, a two-laser system for hair removal, and dermal fillers, among other treatments. One of the spa’s most popular medical esthetic services is laser skin renewal with the Cynosure SmartSkin Affirm® CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser, considered an industry leader for skin renewal and skin rejuvenation.

“It’s our latest in anti-aging and skin resurfacing,” says Dr. Tollefson. “It uses fractional technology, removing microscopic columns of skin tissue.

With our CO2 laser we are able to safely put high levels of heat in the skin. This tightens collagen and stimulates new collagen.”

She notes that the CO2 laser can address many

Look up Xanadu in the dictionary, and you’ll find something along the lines of “a place of great beauty, luxury, and contentment.” Which is why Xanadu Med Spa, located on Oakridge Drive near Lemay and Harmony, has a fitting name. Owner Susan Muhlenkamp and her expert staff strive to create a peaceful place where clients can enjoy a higher sense of wellbeing. As the founder of Xanadu, Muhlenkamp brings to the table an extensive nutritional background, business savvy, and the desire to provide top-quality medical aesthetics in a comfortable, beautiful setting.

Xanadu Med Spa is currently the only spa in Fort Collins to offer DOT therapy laser skin rejuvenation.

“It’s great for people in all age groups who’ve spent years in the sun,” says Muhlenkamp. “DOT therapy is good for reducing wrinkles, creating an even skin tone, and smoothing discoloration. It’s also useful for treating acne, scars, and other skin injuries. For many clients, it’s like getting a tiny facelift.”

Muhlenkamp has tried the therapy herself and is pleased with the results. “Each DOT therapy session lasts about an hour. The number of treatments needed depends on the person and their lifestyle.

Some people need only one treatment. I’ve had three. With each treatment, you can see more and more improvement.”

DOT stands for Dermal Optical Thermolysis.

This treatment employs fractional laser resurfacing, where a pattern of tiny scanned pulses of laser energy is applied to the skin to stimulate new collagen growth. Compared to older, traditional laser skin treatments, clients see shorter downtime and quicker healing.

“Immediately after treatment, the appear-

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different skin conditions. “We use it successfully for treating uneven pigmentation, reducing wrinkles, tightening loose skin, treating sun damage, reducing pore size, and improving skin irregularity. In addition to treating the face, we can use it on the hands and also on the neckline. It takes only 15 to 20 minutes.

Results can be seen after a single treatment. Some people decide to do two or three treatments for more dramatic results.”

A prime reason Dr. Tollefson is excited by this procedure is that it yields impressive results with a minimal length of down time. “Old CO2 lasers used to remove the entire top layer of skin, but the recovery time was more than what people wanted. With our CO2 laser, most patients experience redness or swelling for three days. Many choose to do the procedure on Thursday, take off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and then return to work on Monday.”

Before performing the CO2 procedure on someone, Dr. Tollefson does a free consultation which includes a test spot to make sure the client is an appropriate candidate. The ideal target audience for this treatment would be women and men who are 40 or older. It works on younger individuals as well, but since the collagen in their skin is already tight, results generally are not as noticeable.

“Most people are good candidates,” says Dr. Tollefson. “There are very few contraindications for this procedure. Plus, it’s so customizable – it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ procedure. The CO2 laser is extremely adjustable. We can change many different parameters to adjust the treatment such that we can target pigment or tightening or another specific issue. And with the procedure, our clients can enjoy comfortable bamboo sheets and a relaxing hand massage.”

ance will be similar to getting a sunburn,” explains Muhlenkamp. “Three or four days after treatment, you’ll notice peeling. Some clients choose to stay home, while others go back to work the very next day, using makeup to cover up the redness. It’s very important to put on lots of sunscreen when going outside, though.” She notes that with previous generations of laser treatments, the skin took much longer to heal, with two weeks of downtime not unusual. With DOT therapy, downtime may be one to three days, depending on the person’s personal preference.

Once the treated skin has healed, improvement is noticed immediately. “The person will look rejuvenated and the skin will glow,” says Muhlenkamp.

“We see immediate results after healing, and each day it gets better and better. DOT therapy is fantastic for reversing the appearance of sun-damaged skin, smoothing down scarring, and minimizing wrinkles.”

Before going in for a DOT therapy session, a client is typically started on the Obagi® skin care system to condition the skin and enhance the laser’s effect. Following treatment, it’s very important to moisturize heavily and apply sunscreen.

With Helen Yean, M.D., serving as the spa’s medical director, registered nurse Melissa Wynne, and a full staff comprised of nurses, aestheticians, skin and makeup technicians, and other specialists, Xanadu Med Spa covers every aspect and level of skin rejuvenation. Each service is delivered with utmost care and a gentle touch. “Even in facials, there’s a lot of massaging we do of the face, arm, and décolletage,” says Abby Charpentier, aesthetician and permanent makeup technician with Xanadu.

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“Our philosophy is to provide the most advanced technology, products, and techniques in the field of cosmetic dermatology safely and with excellently trained and experienced providers in a welcoming environment,” says Rebecca de la Torre, M.D., owner and medical director of Allura Skin and Laser Clinic.

Two locations, one in east Fort Collins and one in Johnstown, serve women and men of all ages, offering state-of-the-art treatments for skin rejuvenation, weight loss, hair removal, facial and leg vein removal, body contouring, and cellulite reduction. Traditional spa services, such as massage therapy and body wraps, are also available.

Allura is known for several of its signature services, including Fraxel, a laser treatment that stimulates the skin’s production of collagen, elastin, and new skin cells. “Our Fraxel will color-correct the skin, thus bringing evenness to the skin color as well as textural improvement, tone, and tightness,” explains Dr. de la Torre. “Perhaps what we are most experienced with and known for with our Fraxel is the treatment of scars, whether they are from acne, surgery, trauma, or burns.

“More recently, we have become known for our successful hCG weight loss program. Since the fall of 2008, we have treated 450 patients.” This program uses the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, to support weight loss efforts. Combined with a low-calorie diet, hCG can help clients lose up to half a pound to one pound a day.

“HCG has been found to significantly increase the production of enzymes that break down fat as well as enzymes which inhibit, or slow down, the production of new fat,” says Dr. de la Torre. “The result is the mobilization of the large fat pockets for energy. In turn, the body is able to burn off approximately 2,000 to 2,400 calories per day.”

The program is coordinated by Anita Burrington, a registered medical assistant who has worked with Dr. de la Torre for eight years. Different options are available depending on how much weight each client wants to lose.

“We recommend the 23-day program for those wanting to lose 15 pounds or less,” says Dr. de la Torre. “The 40-day program is recommended for patients who want to lose more than 20 pounds. The average female patient will lose 20 to 29 pounds during the 40-day program while the average male patient will lose 30 pounds or more. A weight loss of 40 pounds or more may require a series of hCG programs spaced two months apart.”

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Sharing a building with A Woman’s Place of Fort Collins on Elizabeth Street, just north of Poudre Valley Hospital, AWP Esthetics & Spa has been serving clients since 2002, offering a variety of laser treatments along with facials, peels, waxing, manicures, pedicures, massage therapy, spray tanning, and hairstyling. For complete pampering, packages are available combining skin rejuvenation with stress relief and total relaxation. “Our philosophy is to provide our clients with quality, professional services to enhance the wellbeing of their daily lifestyles,” says Nina Roys, who is the practice administrator of AWP Esthetics & Spa. One of their signature services is Laser Genesis™, a skin rejuvenation treatment that stimulates new collagen production to improve appearance. “Laser Genesis™ is a non-ablative photo rejuvenation procedure that addresses common skin conditions due to aging such as wrinkles, pore size, skin texture, and erythema,” explains Roys. Non-ablative means the skin’s surface is not damaged during the procedure, which works on deeper skin levels. Photo rejuvenation refers to using light energy or other technologies to address skin issues.

“Laser Genesis™ is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of wrinkles, such as, but not limited to, periocular and perioral wrinkles,” says Roys, with periocular meaning around the eyes and perioral referring to lines around the mouth. “All skin types may be treated, even during the summer, without the fear of complications. We go through a thorough health history intake form with each of our clients before starting any laser treatment.”

One of the best parts about Laser Genesis™ is that there is no down time. The person being treated can resume her or his daily lifestyle right after the procedure. Most clients experience no side effects, with a few noting slight redness that disappears within a few hours. Laser Genesis™ addresses a number of conditions including wrinkles, fine lines, large pores, and redness, with noticeable improvement in appearance following treatment.

AWP Esthetics & Spa is under the medical direction of Karen Hayes, M.D., who is on-site at all times.

Dr. Hayes also oversees the adjacent medical practice.

“AWP Esthetics & Spa recognizes and will never lose sight of the fact that the client is the foundation and source of our value,” says Roys. “Our decisions will always reflect this knowledge. We have a dedicated team focused on providing safe and successful, longlasting results.”

Do you have a tattoo you no longer want? Gone are the days when you’re stuck with a tattoo for life.

At Reflections Medspa, located on Timberline Road between Horsetooth and Harmony in Fort Collins, the expert staff can remove an unwanted tattoo or lighten one you’d like to keep.

“We have seen a tremendous response to our laser tattoo service,” says registered nurse Kimberly Brunkhardt, co-owner of Reflections Medspa. “We have men and women of all age groups seeking this service.”

The facility boasts two physicians on staff, Eric Olsen, M.D., and Maria Chand, M.D., FACS, with impressive backgrounds. Dr. Olsen specializes in a number of areas including aesthetic and cosmetic medicine. Dr. Chand is board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Also on staff are registered nurses, certified massage therapists, and skin care and cosmetics specialists. Laser tattoo removal is one of many services offered at Reflections Medspa, along with photorejuvenation, teen skin care, microdermabrasion, and acne treatment, to name a few.

The tattoo removal procedure involves focusing laser energy directly onto the tattoo, resulting in a disruption of the ink. The body’s immune system is then able to break down the ink’s pigments and absorb them naturally over the course of the following weeks. This process is repeated several times until the entire tattoo is gone. How many sessions are needed depends on several factors, including size of the tattoo and ink colors used. “With the laser technology that we have we are able to do all colors with great success,” notes Brunkhardt.

At Reflections Medspa, tattoo removal is an outpatient procedure. “The treatment takes anywhere from thirty seconds to twenty minutes,” explains Brunkhardt, “depending on the size of the tattoo.”

The skin is numbed with a topical anesthetic cream.

During the procedure, a skin cooler is used for added comfort. Many clients state that they experience much less discomfort during the removal procedure than when they got their tattoo.

After each treatment, it’s important to follow any special instructions carefully to achieve best results.

“Many people will experience some temporary swelling, slight tenderness, and itching as the healing process is taking place,” says Brunkhardt. “This is similar to the healing process after getting a tattoo.”

How pleased are clients with the results? “Extremely happy! Most of our new clients are referrals from our current and former clients.”

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Save in Your City programs reward energy efficiency

By Allie Comeau | Photos By Warren Diggles

What can we do to save our blue planet and keep green in our pockets at the same time? “A penny saved is a penny earned” just might be the solution. Or these days, a gallon of water saved and a kilowatt of electricity unused could mean dollars earned.

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any Northern Colorado municipalities and electric/gas providers are doing their part to encourage customers to conserve energy by offering discounts and rebates for installing energy efficient appliances and lightbulbs, and for water conservation.

The City of Fort Collins has a program through Energy Star that could give qualified customers a rebate of 20 percent of the cost, with a maximum of $500, when replacing old appliances with energy saving appliances installed by qualified contractors.

Patty Bigner, customer and relations manager for Fort Collins Utilities, says the City of Fort Collins, along with City Council, is constantly working on incentives such as this for energy demand reduction. “The City Council adopted a very aggressive policy in January that states significant goals for the reduction of energy in the city,” says Bigner. “The City of Fort Collins has worked on energy conservation for decades and is very forward thinking in their aggressive goals.”

She says there are many incentive, rebate, recycling, and discount programs on their website that can help customers save money and energy.

The City of Loveland Water & Power, and Platte River Power Authority, are sponsoring a program called Lighting with a Twist. The program is encouraging people to replace incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs by offering discounts on the CFL’s through local retailers.

According to Kim Sherman, Xcel Energy product portfolio manager, in addition to helping protect the environment, replacing one incandescent bulb with an Energy Star qualified CFL, customers

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Tiffany Beck, Monarch Plumbing Supply

can reduce their energy bills by up to $50 over the life of each 60-watt equivalent bulb.

“Replacing the most frequently used incandescent light bulbs in your home with Energy Star qualified bulbs is an easy way to save money,” says Sherman. “If residential customers replaced the

five most-used incandescent bulbs in their homes with compact fluorescent bulbs, they could save up to $25 a year in electricity costs.”

The City of Greeley rebates a hefty $100 for ultra low-flow toilets and high efficiency washers.

This is on top of the savings you see on your water bill. When you compare the relatively low cost of replacing toilets or appliances you might be surprised how much you could save.

Tiffany Beck at Monarch Plumbing Supply in Greeley says one of the best ways to save water without making any significant lifestyle changes is through the use of high efficiency toilets and showerheads. She says manufacturers are now making showerheads that use 1.5 gallons of water per minute compared to the old heads that used 2.5 gallons.

“These are not like the low-flow showerheads of the past that made you feel like you barely got wet,” says Beck. “The new heads are infused with air, so you get a great shower and don’t even realize that you are using less water.”

Beck says the new low-flow heads have the WaterSense seal, which means they have been approved through the EPA for water conservation.

“They come in many styles and finishes such as nickel and bronze, just like other shower heads,” she says, “and range in price from $35 to $300.”

For high efficiency toilets, manufacturers are now making models that use 1.28 gallons of water per flush compared to the older standard toilets that used 1.6 gallons. She says this can save about 1,800 gallons per year in the average household.

“They are making the footprint of the toilets larger,” Beck says, “so they are easier to install on existing floors when replacing old toilets.”

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High efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons of water per flush compared to the older standard toilets that used 1.6 gallons.

She says these toilets range in height from 14 to 16 inches and come in either round or elongated styles. The prices start at around $300.

She says generally the plumbing industry is trying to go as “green” as possible in every part of the process from manufacturing to shipping. “Everyone in the industry seems to be very aware of how and where their supplies are made and the distance it is to ship them.”

The Town of Windsor does not have a specific rebate program, but town managers set up a new billing system after the 2002 drought to encourage residents to conserve water. “We encourage water efficiency by using a tiered billing system,” says Dean Moyer, Director of Finance for the Town of Windsor.

Residents are charged a lower price per gallon of water for usage under 15,700 gallons per billing cycle. Those staying under that amount are charged $3.18 per hundred gallons. Residents that use over that amount are charged $4.76 per hundred gallons. “Staying under 15,700 gallons per billing cycle can mean a big savings on your water bill,” says Moyer.

He says they encourage residents to make small changes in their water use, like avoiding outdoor watering during the heat of the day, running dishwashers only when fully loaded, taking shorter showers, and not letting water run when brushing teeth or doing dishes.

“We have had a relatively wet summer in Northern Colorado, so people forget that we are still in what is known as the High Desert and need to always be conscious of water use.”

Besides local municipalities offering discounts and rebates for energy conservation, there are several national programs to help in the efforts. Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy occasionally sponsor special offers, such as sales tax exemptions or credits, or rebates on qualified products.

Help conserve and keep hundreds of dollars in your pocket by checking out rebates and incentives through these local and national programs and find out what your municipality may offer you: Environmental Protection Agency: water saving bath and kitchen fixture information www.epa.gov/watersense, Energy Star Appliances: energy saving appliance information www.energystar.gov City of Greeley: (970) 336-4134 www.greeleygov.com City of Loveland: (970) 962-3000 www.ci.loveland.co.us City of Fort Collins: (970) 221-6700 www.fcgov.com Town of Windsor: (970) 674-2518 www.ci.windsor.co.us Xcel Energy Inc.: discounts on CFL bulbs www.responsiblebynature.com/brightidea Connie Hein is a freelance writer living in Windsor, and the author of the Toliver in Time series of children’s books

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Library Carves Niche i n re t a i l s p a c e

By Angeline Grenz | Photos by Warren Diggles

Council Tree Library is everything a modern library should be: interactive, accessible, and completely hip. Council Tree breaks the typical library mold we are used to in Northern Colorado; this southeast Fort Collins library sits on the “Main Street” of a new retail shopping complex, is a LEED certified building, and has a fun, ‘bookstore’ feel.

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ouncil Tree opened to the public in March 2009. The branch occupies just over 17,000 square feet in the second floor of a building in Front Range Village, a retail complex on the corner of Ziegler and Harmony Roads. Just the fact that the library sits in a retail area is a departure from the norm in Northern Colorado, though not such a stretch for more urban areas.

“This side of town had been identified for over a decade” as needing a new library branch, according to Ken Draves, Manager of Council Tree and Harmony libraries. Council Tree, a promise made to voters when the Poudre River Library District was voted into existence in 2006, was designed with a family focus in mind. “Based on studies we conducted, the community wanted a library with a focus on popular materials, families, and young children.”

Prior to the new library, Austin’s American Grill on Harmony Road sponsored the Southeast Family Storytime for almost five years. They were recently awarded the 2009 Community Partnership Award by the Colorado Association of Libraries for providing the space free of charge. “At times there were more than a hundred people present,” including parents, grandparents and children, says Draves. A southeast library was a must.

Council Tree, roughly half the size of the main library in Old Town, definitely has a different feel.

“We took a more retail, merchandising focus,” says Draves. Face-out mobile display units on casters provide for versatility and allow the librarians to change displays regularly to highlight different collections.

Prominent, overhead signage is another design feature, along with self-checkout stands that allow you to pay fines with a swipe of the credit card.

“We wanted to make this library as self-service as possible,” says lead Council Tree librarian Currie Meyer. To that end, librarians spend much of their time wandering the floors. “We try to make ourselves available by roaming the library,” says Meyer, “This way we are more proactive, sharing the same

Council Tree Library opened in March 2009. The library sits in the middle of the Front Range Village retail complex.

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The attractive new library is waiting to hear back from the U.S. Green Building Council about their LEED status: they are expecting a Gold or Platinum designation. space as the customers. It is a more retail approach.”

The library has other noteworthy features. When you enter on the bottom level, visitors are greeted with a Fort Collins’ Art in Public Places project called “Knowledge Shared” by artist Barbara Baer.

Upstairs, the center reading room has garage-style doors that can close the large room off from the rest of the library for children’s or community programs.

The library takes care to block out times where the room is available for open seating. Otherwise, says Meyer, the popular room would be booked all the time.

The children’s Play and Learn Center is an interactive learning area that is a “kid magnet” for the libraries shorter visitors, says Meyer. The center is designed to enhance early learning for children from birth to five years old. A small story time room off to the side is used for younger children and is well attended throughout the week.

The overall open floor plan features short bookshelves with wider isles to keep an airy feel and plenty of windows flood in natural light. Flowing, rounded shapes are used throughout the library to soften all the linear lines of the books. And reading nooks are tucked here and there, including soft window seats, to allow leisurely exploration of the books.

Along the northern wall are small rooms for projects and gatherings. These rooms are open and cannot be reserved. A final room is set aside as the quiet lounge, for deep concentration. A warm and cozy fireplace with open seating is a popular spot in the library.

Council Tree Library is waiting to hear back from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) about their LEED designation. The outer core and shell of the building, developed by Bayer Properties, has a Silver rating. For the inside of the building, designed by Aller, Lingle, Massey Architects, P.C., Draves and his colleagues are eagerly waiting to receive their results back from the USGBC’s review board.

“We are going for a Gold level,” says Draves, “but we are hoping for a Platinum designation for Commercial Interiors. If we are awarded Platinum, we will be the first library in the nation to receive the CONTINUED ON PAGE 71

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Library District

Welcomes new

director Goodbye Cleveland; Hello Fort Collins. Holly Carroll is leaving behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the vista she previously enjoyed from her office at the Cleveland Public Library, in favor of the Rocky Mountains, microbrew beer, and the Poudre River Library District.

Carroll is the newest feature at Poudre River Library District (PRLD), preceded by the Districts’ announcement of a new name, strengthening their identity after breaking away from the City of Fort Collins. Carroll stepped into her new roll as the District’s Executive Director on September 8, leaving her five-year post as Deputy Director of Cleveland Public Library late last month.

Carroll is a Buckeye, born and raised in Ohio, but has vacationed out West numerous times with her family. When she first noticed the search for a new director to take the helm at PRLD, she thought about applying, but didn’t follow through. “Then the recruiter, a former boss of mine, called me and I thought maybe it was meant to be.”

Carroll says she and her husband found it was a good time in their careers to make a change.

Her children, a son and a daughter, had left home to depart on their respective careers and her husband was eligible for early retirement. “So we came out to see Fort Collins and I just fell in love.”

Carroll has spent her career as a library professional. She graduated in 1976 with a Master’s in Library Science from Kent State University. In 2004, Carroll received her Master’s of Public Administration. Prior to the Cleveland Public Library, Carroll served as Director of the WilloughbyEastlake Public Library and NOLA Regional Library System, and Library Manager for Geauga County Public Library.

Carroll does not plan to make changes within CONTINUED ON PAGE 71

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afresh Coat of Paint

By Connie Hein

“

“

Matt Shoup of M&E Painting

The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color. It is not the form that dictates the color, but the color that brings out the form.

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ost decorators agree that a fresh coat of paint and a splash of color can quickly transform the look and feel of any room, and can highlight form and space to invoke feelings and stir senses upon entering. But when done without careful planning and preparation, and sometimes help from professionals, the look achieved by painting a room might not be what you were hoping to accomplish.

Interior Designer, Shannon Carlson of Design Gallery at Sutherlands says color for a room is a very personal decision that should be made with careful thought, and should not be based on designer trends but on how a color or shade makes you feel.

“Besides your clothes, your home is the biggest reflection of who you are as a person,” says Carlson. “Designer trends come and go in our industry, but color is a very personal choice that should be based on personality and lifestyles.”

She says Colorado lifestyles tend to be more ca-

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- Artist Hans Hofmann sual and earthy; therefore, most of her clients choose rustic, less contemporary color palettes.

“One thing to remember when choosing color,” Carlson says “is that brighter hues in any color palette whether classic, rustic, or contemporary, are more energizing and softer hues are more relaxing.”

She says marketers use color to sell products, so we should understand that color does make a difference in our moods and attitudes. “For me,” Carlson says, “helping my clients choose just the right colors for any space starts with a discussion about how they will be using the room and how they want the room to feel.”

She then starts showing clients color pallets with various textures and designs to get a feel for what they don’t like and what colors or patterns might even make them feel a bit anxious.

“It is easier for people to tell me what they don’t like and then go from there to discover what they do like,” says Carlson. “We eventually come up with color choices that will make the cli-

ent feel comfortable and relaxed in their home or office.”

Matt Shoup, of M&E Painting, says there are several important steps to take and key decisions to make before taking the plunge and painting walls in your space. Color is just one of them.

Shoup says one of the practical considerations when choosing color is how well the color you choose will cover the color already on the walls.

“If the walls are not properly prepared,” Shoup says, “the color already on a wall can bleed through and make the color and shade you are trying to achieve almost impossible.”

He says when painting yellow over any color, even other yellows, they always expect to use several coats of paint because the pigments in yellow paint are more transparent than in other colors.

He says red is another color that is hard to cover and will usually require primer.

Shoup says after choosing wall, ceiling, and trim colors, you must decide what sheen you want for the room. “Sheen refers to the shine or

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Yolo Colorhouse® Rustic Color Palette gloss the paint has,” says Shoup. “There are basically four sheens from which to choose; flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss.” He says each brand of paint varies slightly on the degree of difference in sheen, but they are fairly universal.

“For general interior painting, we recommend the eggshell sheen, or if you want just a touch more gloss, we recommend satin,” says Shoup. “Both sheens wear well, clean up well, and nicely reflect light in a room.”

For bathrooms, kitchens, and painted trim, Shoup says they recommend a satin or semi-gloss for better durability and easier cleanup. He recommends never using flat paint except on ceilings. He says flat paint touches up well when necessary, but does not clean up or wear well with normal use.

Shoup says when making decisions about the brand and price of paint, a general rule of thumb is that more expensive paint is usually thicker, so it goes on the wall easier and covers better.

“There are companies that are saying their paint covers in one coat, with no need for primer,” says Shoup, “but I haven’t found anything yet that lives up to that promise. We still generally

Business Women & Building

65

need to use two coats and prime dark colors even with our best quality paints.”

Shoup says after the decision about paint type, color, and sheen, the most important step in any paint job is the preparation.

“We have clients tell us they will do the prep work before a job, but most of the time we have to go over the preparations again,” Shoup says.

“Paint preparation is a lot of work and not as easy as people think. And it is the step that can make the biggest difference in whether a paint job looks professional or not.”

Shoup says to prepare the walls after cleaning, they tape off all the surfaces that are not to be painted; such as ceilings and trim around doors and windows and flooring, and then caulk them.

“We run a tiny bead of inexpensive caulk along the tape nearest the protected surface, right before painting the walls,” he says. “We then remove the tape immediately after painting the wall so that the caulk does not dry completely and pull off the paint.” He says this makes a perfectly straight line of paint even on textured walls, and makes the job look clean and professional.

“A fresh coat of paint can transform a room or entire living area, and freshen up the house for resell, having company, etc. It can make you feel like you have a whole new house again,” says Shoup. Whether painting rooms yourself or with

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Tori Swanson and Shannon Carlson, of Sutherlands Design Center, review this season’s color palettes together.

the help of professionals, planning and preparation will save time and money and help you enjoy the new look and feel of your space. “Hiring a professional can help to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and without mess or hassle. Pricing is difficult to predict because there are many factors, but you can have a small room painted for as low as a couple hundred dollars and up, depending on difficulty, number of colors, coats, etc.”

For more information on color and design, Shannon Carlson can be reached at the Design Gallery at Sutherlands at (970) 226-1000.

For more information on interior or exterior painting Matt Shoup of M&E Painting can be reached at (970) 207-1005.

Connie Hein is a freelance writer from Windsor, and the author of the Toliver in Time series of children’s books.

Yolo Colorhouse® Contemporary Palette Business Women & Building

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 62

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 63

the District right off the bat. “I look forward to, first of all, learning as much as I can about the history of becoming a district. The community support was really great [in forming the District] and that was one factor that drew me to the job.”

Carroll’s first plan of action is to continue efforts to help the community become more aware of the District and what it offers. “It is a big job integrating the library into the community and letting them know what a valuable asset it is to them.” That is especially true, says Carroll, of the outer edges of the Districts’ boundaries (which look much like Poudre School District’s boundaries). “We have to work on how best to serve rural areas and provide a cohesive level of

services throughout.” In addition, Carroll would like to enhance some of the technical offerings in the District; for example, expanding downloadable materials the library offers to the public.

Carroll’s active lifestyle matches the prevalent spirit of her new home. Carroll enjoys hiking, biking, and beading. “I plan to bike to work as much as possible.” And, “I am a passionate sports fan and am saying good-bye to the Cleveland Indians, Browns, Cavaliers, and, of course, Ohio State Football. I think I can become a Rockies Fan,” adds Carroll, trying to be a good sport herself.

Angeline Grenz is Editor for Style Magazine.

Currie Meyer is head librarian at Council Tree Library. designation.”

The struggling economy has been kind to public libraries. People are rediscovering libraries across the nation and Poudre River Library District use has gone up by 40 percent over last year. At Council Tree, their 65,000 volumes of books have a one to one ratio (equates to every book has been checked out one time), “a tremendous circulation ratio” for the new library, says Meyers.

The presence of Council Tree in the Front Range Village retail center has arguably given the center an educational feel, with nearby Learning Express Toys, a tutoring center called Mathnasium, and the addition to the University of Phoenix in the near future. The 900,000 square foot shopping center has approximately 25,000 square feet remaining to be leased.

“The library gives Front Range Village a certain momentum,” says David Silverstein, Principal for Bayer Properties, who visited in August from Bayer’s Alabama headquarters. The library brings in a tremendous amount of foot traffic, adds Silverstein.

Proof of Council Tree’s popularity with the community is in the numbers. In July 2009, an average of 780 persons each day visited the library. Several days out of the month, that number topped 1,000 people. “The location of Council Tree is mutually beneficial,” says Draves. Statistics show libraries increase traffic to nearby business, with an average 23 percent increase in sales. “And it is beneficial to our customers who get to save time and batch their trips.”

“The library satisfies an everyday lifestyle need,” says Silverstein. Front Range Village is the first time a library has been incorporated into one of Bayer’s retail centers, “but we would love to do it in another project.”

Bayer paid for many of the library’s off-site development costs, an approximate $2 million savings to the library, adds Draves, “allowing us to have a bigger library than we would have been able to afford otherwise.”

Angeline Grenz is Editor for Style Magazine.

Business Women & Building

71

Power Suits to

Power Tools

By Kay Rios Photo By Warren Diggles

Moving from power suits to power tools wasn’t a big leap for Laurie King.

King spent a good number of years in management in the electronics corporate world before venturing into her own small business as owner of Home Detailers.

B

usiness is business, says King. Bottom line, the customers have to be more than satisfied to keep them coming back. “I want them thrilled.”

There is one difference between her previous life and her current business: passion.

“I love getting up in the morning. I get up earlier than I ever did before. I’m often at Home Depot or Lowes by 6:00 a.m.”

Part of the requirement for her business, says King, is being ahead of the game. Home Detailers offers a variety of services, working with property managers, and maintaining rentals for out-of-town owners. “We do commercial remodels, residential remodels, and one of the things we are known for is getting houses ready to sell. I stay up on trends in the industry and I read all the inspection reports.

There is really nothing we can’t do.”

That’s the beauty of what Home Detailers offers. “My customers don’t have to call the electrician, the plumber, the carpet guys. I take care of it.

I even have the lawn mowed.”

For resale situations, King provides an extensive list of what needs to be done to make the place marketable. She even schedules a stager to prepare the home for the showing.

King is not new to the world of remodel and renewal. “Since I was 22, I have been buying houses.

I would move in, fix it, and get bored so I’d move to something new. I always lived in them and fixed them up and then sold them. I didn’t know the term ‘flipping’ at the time, but that’s exactly what I did.”

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King also helped friends and family fix their houses. “I haven’t taken a vacation with my family where I haven’t done a remodel project.”

Although she previously did the work herself, she now has crews working for her. But the petite, muscular King is often called upon to jump in. “My guys don’t work weekends so if I get an emergency call, I’ll go out and do what needs to be done,” she says.

That work ethic was developed early in life.

Originally from Detroit, she joined the Navy two weeks out of high school in the 70s. “I wanted to go to California to Berkley but my parents wouldn’t pay for college if I went out of state. I had a friend who enlisted and he said ‘just talk to them.’ I asked if they could get me to California and they said ‘yes.’ So I lived on Coronado Island for three years,” King says.

The Navy trained King in electronics and, after four years of service, she worked a day job, went to school on the GI bill at night, and received an electrical engineering degree from Wichita State.

She went to work for AT&T and, in 1997, came to Colorado as head of quality assurance for Fort Collins and Colorado Springs.

She later joined Pemstar, a company out of Rochester, New York, but worked out of her house in Fort Collins. “I set up contracts with electronic distributors around the world and negotiated prices and contracts. I was back on the road 50 percent of the time as director of distribution management.”

When the company sold, she was told she would need to relocate. “I wouldn’t leave Fort Col-

lins, so, in 2007, I left that job.” It was time for a change, King says. “There’s a point in life when you decide you need to take a risk so, for once, I did. I had no idea what I would do but I had money in the bank and thought I’d find out what was out there. I wanted something that made me happy.”

Through a series of events, King met the broker working on the sale of Home Detailers and made the winning bid for the business. She took over on April 10, 2008.

And, yes, it is a male-dominated arena but that hasn’t stopped her. “Everything I’ve done has been in a male environment. Literally, there has not been a single woman in any of my environments.”

She’s never found that to be a hindrance, however.

It’s about establishing a presence and becoming known for what you can do, King believes.

On the personal side, King says her house is a work in progress. “I’m like the shoemaker with no shoes for his own kids. Mine is the last on the list.”

She does have a life outside of the business. “I try to golf every Friday and I like going to movies late Sunday or late Saturday. I also have a big Rottweiler, BooBoo Bear, and he takes a lot of my time.”

She’s not currently involved and says there were a couple of marriages during her previous career days. That life and having a strong personality can be hard on relationships, King says. But, she adds, “That’s okay, the right one will come along.”

Kay Rios, Ph.D., is a freelance writer in Fort Collins.

She is currently at work on a collection of creative non-fiction and a mystery novel.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Northern Colorado :: Building

The building trade is alive in Northern Colorado.

From sleek kitchen remodels and custom-built homes to in-fill development and commercial renovation projects, local builders are still providing their clients with beautiful, innovative, and inspired new surroundings.

The following projects from HighCraft Builders, McCauley Constructors, Poehlmann Construction Co., and Armstead Construction Inc. showcase the variety of building activity occurring in Northern Colorado.

Business Women & Building

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Kitchen Remodel :: HighCraft Builders

K

ermit and Judy Allard like to entertain, but their old kitchen was a real party pooper. The layout was inefficient and isolating. An extra person at the sink was enough to create a log jam. And when the football game started in the living room, the mass exodus made the kitchen a lonely place for the stranded cook. So when the oven started to fail, the homeowners took it as a sign to remodel.

“We immediately thought of HighCraft Builders,” says Judy Allard, citing experience, reputation and quality craftsmanship for their choice. HighCraft’s Steve Suchy met with the Allards, discussed their ideas, and assembled a design-build dream team to tackle the project.

Design-build describes the process of bringing design and construction professionals together at the beginning of a project to create one common vision. This ensures everyone, from homeowner to electrician, is on the same page every step of the way.

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

The exotic, fossil-filled Persian Brown granite countertop begs to be examined more closely. Rich shades of rust, cream, and espresso form intricate patterns in the slab.

The social island is the hub of any get together – an elevated oasis that encourages guests to sit back, relax, and be served.

Pendant lights point to the best seats in the house, creating a warm, welcoming amber glow. The espresso finish on the cabinetry differs from the rest of the kitchen, creating a subtle hint that this space is unique.

The gas cooktop, with telescopic downdraft vent, serves as a common activity center for two highly efficient work triangles in the kitchen.

“Design-build is the way to go,” says Kermit Allard. “It’s a true collaboration that puts everybody’s ideas on the table to find the best solutions.”

The Allards’ design-build team unanimously agreed to remove a wall from the kitchen, but some members had reservations about installing one oversized island. Inspired by the Allards’ lifestyle, a revised multi-island space plan with designated activity zones was created to improve efficiency and flow.

Generous walkways encourage guests to freely move between the living room and kitchen.

Three parallel granite countertops form two separate work triangles, supporting the social island’s serving zone. Elevated seating allows guests to watch the game as they talk and eat in the kitchen, and the existing central vacuum is skillfully hidden under the social island’s kick plate for easy clean up.

“We would never have thought of this design on our own,” say the amazed Allards.

Once they approved the layout, the Allards began selecting appliances, cabinetry, and fin-

Business Women & Building

ishes, working closely with interior designer Dion Williams to choose from a palette of warm, earthy tones.

HighCraft project manager Scott Fetters communicated with the Allards every day during the remodel, which also involved updating three bathrooms, ensuring their project ran on time and on budget. When the Allards went on vacation the work continued, so they utilized HighCraft’s convenient online project management tool to receive daily updates, share photos, and make approvals on the road.

Today the Allards enjoy spending time in their finished kitchen. The functional islands are a cook’s paradise, and the open design keeps them connected to guests. Judy Allard also appreciates the beauty of the space, and her beaming smile says it all. “This kitchen is a ‘Wow!’ factor when people come into our home. It’s so beautiful and makes the whole house feel inviting and new.”

Becky Jensen is a freelance writer, author, and mother of twins living the good life in Old Town Fort Collins.

Variations in cabinet height and depth add interest, and soft-closing drawer glides offer an elegant touch. Hard granite work surfaces and cool stainless steel are balanced by warm cherry cabinets.

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Commercial Renovation :: McCauley Constructors

W

hen the 2007 tornado swept through Windsor, their historic Town Hall took a beating. Specifically, the roof was ravaged by gale force winds, torrential rain, and golf ball-size hail. Immediate repairs were made to allow town business to proceed as usual, but a large-scale remodel was inevitable.

The remodel was already on the town’s radar, and the tornado’s damage afforded them some help to cover the costs of renovation in the form of insurance funds and state grants. “This will make the historic building into a more functional office building that recognizes its 100 year history and prepares our community for the next 100 years,” according to Kelly Arnold, Town Manager.

Local builder, McCauley Constructors, was named general contractor for the $3.1 million restoration and renovation project and they broke ground on the project in the August 2009. The 1910 building is the former

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

The building’s former gymnasium on the third floor will be renovated into new municipal chambers and courtroom with magnificent views of Windsor.

Lauren McCauley, project superintendent, (left) stands outside the historic Park School building. The $3.1 million renovation project will run through the beginning of 2010. The rendering above shows a beautifully landscaped exterior of the historic 1910. Currently, the building’s entrance is marred by an out-of-place annex from the 1960s.

Park School and has been occupied by the Town of Windsor since the mid-1980s.

The project begins with a massive demolition of the dated interior. All three floors and basement of the 30,000 square foot stone building will be renovated, saying goodbye to yards and yards of chalkboards that remain long after students had vacated. After opening up walls and making the space more usable for the Town’s operations, McCauley will replace all exterior windows, add new interior finishes, new restrooms, and new wood trim on the first and second floor.

The third floor, once the old school gym, will become the new municipal chambers with courtroom. The original wood floors, casework, trim, and other wood components will remain. The third floor was previously unused by the Town.

In addition to the interior renovation, McCauley will be adding an elevator on the south side of the building. As construction wraps up on the main building, the 1960s annex building in front of the old school will be torn down to make way for attractive landscaping, lighting, outdoor seating, and a decorative stone wall to match the exterior of the

Business Women & Building

original building. In order to match the stone as closely as possible, McCauley had to request a local quarry re-open to provide them the stone.

“There is always the challenge of the unknown on a job like this,” says Lauren McCauley, project superintendent, “from dealing with the stuff in the walls to getting modern technology into something that is not meant for modern technology.”

When McCauley is done with the historic building, it will have all new power, gas, plumbing, and solar panels on the third floor.

Windsor pre-qualified their bidders by requiring they meet several criteria, among which was a dedication to the Windsor community and assistance during the tornado event, said Arnold. McCauley met those qualifications easily and provided the lowest bid.

McCauley Constructors, founded in 2005, specializes in commercial construction, renovation, and tenant finish projects. They recently completed the interior renovation of the Windsor/Severance fire station in Severance.

Angeline Grenz is Editor at Style Magazine

Demolition includes not only the interior of the building, but updating the exterior with new landscaping and removal of the 1960’s annex building.

77

New Construction :: Poehlmann Construction Co.

N

orthern Colorado is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

After new construction across the country was put on hold due to the economy, custom home construction is rebounding.

“Individuals building custom homes haven’t had trouble getting financing if they have good work history and good credit,” according to custom home builder Harry Poehlmann, owner of Poehlmann Construction Co. and Basements 4 You. This is good news for new construction, which was virtually dead in 2008. While business is still down, by about 60 percent for Poehlmann on new construction contracts, remodels are holding steady and activity is beginning to pick up. Poehlmann currently has one custom home under construction and has bid several in recent weeks.

“People are starting to feel more comfortable building new homes

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Harmony Club House - The comfortable, inviting living area in this club room welcomes guests into a warm place for intimate conversation.

The Hill Development – This bar area was created for a client who does not drink wine, only Jack Daniels. Thus, the room was called the “Jack” Room.

again. In the last few months, we have seen many interested in taking advantage of the savings from subcontractors and contractors who are bidding contracts more aggressively,” Poehlmann continues. “But as new construction starts picking back up, savings will be shortlived and contractors will be returning to thencurrent market pricing.”

Where trouble tends to occur, says Poehlmann, is when projects cannot meet their appraised value. To avoid that with his customers, Poehlmann puts a great amount of detail into each project and appraisers have been able to find the appropriate value in his homes.

Where construction is at a standstill, he adds, is in the construction of spec homes.

“Lending is still too tight.”

As the Northern Colorado market makes its recovery, new trends emerge. Smaller, luxurious homes have increased in appeal, even where square footage minimums are in place.

“Clients are asking us to keep homes as close to the minimum size as possible,” says Poehlmann.

“We are seeing mature buyers downsizing into smaller spaces.”

Younger generations are asking for contemporary home styles and there is increased inter-

Business Women & Building

ested in nice outdoor livings spaces with large living and kitchen areas, observes Poehlmann.

At Poehlmann Construction “each home is designed and built specifically for that individual and that home is not built again for another buyer.” Poehlmann says his company is one of the few construction companies in Northern Colorado using in-house carpenters and painters, which helps to ensure attention to detail and a quality product.

Each of his nine employees is charged with a specific focus, from the project manager, who keeps track of financing and provides the client updates, to the superintendent, who is on-site managing the project, to Poelhmann himself, responsible for the overall quality of the home.

“Instead of one guy juggling several hats, my employees have specific tasks which save the client time and money.”

It is a system that works. Poehlmann receives 90 percent of his business from client referrals.

He credits that to the efforts of each company team member. “Our exceptional employees contribute greatly to our overall success. We have the best employees in the industry.”

Angeline Grenz is Editor at Style Magazine

Harmony Club House – This outdoor patio with fireplace offers a private, cozy setting for outdoor cooking and entertaining and exemplifies the building trend of luxury outdoor living spaces.

The Hill Development - This custom home built for clients that entertain year-round features a spacious kitchen with several functional work areas.

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Infill Development :: Armstead Construction Inc.

F

or Mark and Anna Young it was all about the neighborhood.

Their dream home was not an ostentatious, sprawling home; they wanted something smaller, in a neighborhood that gave them a sense of community.

The Young’s already had the spot.

In fact, Mark had lived in his tiny 1913 Old Town home for 14 years. However, when he and Anna married, it was with the expectation that the arrangement, a tight squeeze at 860 square feet, was temporary.

As they evaluated their options, a few facts took shape: building a new home was not only expensive, it meant leaving behind the active Old Town neighborhood, with an eclectic group of professionals and regular block parties, that they loved.

Along came Jeff Schneider, owner of Armstead Construction Inc. Schneider advocates for urban infill development and remodel work makes up 75 percent of his business. “The process for infill is easier with the City, contractor costs are cheaper, permits are already in place; everything is just

80

better,” says Schneider. It was decided.

The Young’s home was a scrap and rebuild. The Youngs had a Craftsmanstyle bungalow look in mind, with an overriding desire to make their new home match the old neighborhood.

“They went into the project with the philosophy of bigger is not always better,” says Schneider.

The Youngs worked with Armstead to bring in luxury finishes while remaining on a budget. The home was built to be energy efficient, and Mark was able to have whole-house speakers added, so they could enjoy music anywhere inside and outside the house. Built-ins were tucked into the living room and dining room, and rich wood trim, casement, and baseboards throughout give the home an old feel.

The finished product is a spacious 1,714 square feet on the first floor and another 1,500 of finished basement below. “We love our new home,” says Anna, “and we are very proud of it. It has an old feel and people really think it was a remodel and not a complete re-do.”

By doing a remodel instead of new construction, the Youngs were able to add in luxury features, such as the slab granite countertops and custom cabinets.

Angeline Grenz is Editor at Style Magazine

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Here are the truths every visitor to Estes should keep in mind: – Most Estes Park shops and boutiques are open all year long, though hours may change.

– Bad weather in the valley doesn’t mean conditions are worse in Estes. Estes enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Often, when it is overcast in the valley, Estes Park is actually clearer and warmer. Another tip: Eisenhower Tunnel road advisories generally do not apply to Estes Park. Visit www.enjoyestespark.com for the latest weather reports.

– Rocky Mountain Park is open year-round. Trail Ridge Road does close down from November through mid-May. However, the rest of the park is open 24 hours a day. Crowds taper off and off-season lodging is cheaper during the winter months.

And a wealth of outdoor activities exist and celebrate Estes Park’s winter season: snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, hiking, and much more.

The myth exists that Estes Park goes into hibernation the minute Trail Ridge Road closes. Nothing could be further from the truth. Estes Park offers much in the way of shopping, dining, and revelrymaking during the colder months.

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weld county relay for life June 5-6 :: Island Grove :: Greeley Thousands from the community came to watch and be part of this huge 13th annual event. Over 800 cancer survivors kicked off the festivities with their survivor victory lap. During the 16-hour event, over 168 teams continuously walked around the track while a variety of activities, awards, and raffles kept members going. More than 700 lit luminaria bags lined the track in memory of those lost to cancer and in honor of survivors. Nearly $350,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society and their programs promoting education, advocacy, research, and patient services.

Photos courtesy of Excellent Images Photography and Andrew Stiff.

Back: Cathy Des Jardins, Pat Smit, Sarah Wardlaw, Reece Thomas, Kristi Thomas, Jeannie Rehmer, Tricia Multer, Vicki Hein. Front: Jennifer Owens, Madison Rehmer, Anna Nix, Alex Multer, Sydney Rehmer, Melissa Wardlaw, LoRita Wachsmann, Audrey Smit

Mikaela Sandridge, Debbie Smith, Heather Brownlee, Hal Brown, Debbie Foster-Morris, Jean Raisley Robby Olsen, Haleigh Olsen

Pam Degenhart, Carol Goodin, Susan Trostle, Katie a therapy dog

Lorri Wilson, Marlene Keberlein

Top: Lee Nelson, Mark Gebhardt, Hal Brown, Karyl Pierpont, JoAnn Doherty. Middle: Deena McBain, Kayleigh Glaspie, Sarah Black, Jan Nelson. Bottom: Marina Alcazar, Holly Wainscott, Judy Werner

Wayne Eads, Keith Reichert, Ray Esola

H A R D H AT, B L A C K T I E G A L A June 6 :: Marriott :: Fort Collins Friends, volunteers, and supporters of Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity went “kiwi” at the 6th Annual Hard Hat, Black Tie Gala: Voyage to New Zealand. Over $35,000 was raised to purchase the “bricks and sticks” necessary to build one home in Fort Collins and another in partnership with Habitat New Zealand. Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity builds safe, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with hard-working families and has completed 43 homes in our community.

Photos courtesy of Image Gallery Photography.

Lydia Dody, Rosalie & Dennis Sinnett

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Mike Jensen, Erik Margolis

Amanda Nordhues, Tabri Greene, Rose Nordhues & Dan Nordhues

Reed Saunders, Don Martin

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

N C M C F oundation golf tournament June 8 Greeley Country Club :: Greeley Despite the very cool and wet weather, 45 teams enjoyed the day of friendly competition and camaraderie at this 27th annual golfing event. A delicious buffet, awards presentation for flight winners, and a program about the NCMC Breast Center capped off the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities. The nearly $42,000 netted will benefit the expansion of the NCMC Breast Center and their programs to provide services to community members with limited resources.

Jeannine Stenzel, Jennifer Owens, Till Tranzow, Nancy Mollandor

Ryan Boettcher, Neil Bertrand, Frank May, Mike Shoop

Business Women & Building

Darla Brown, Katie Neiman, Dan Dennie

Tim Henning, Kenton Brunner, Don Mueller, Tyler Harden

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H AWA I I A N L U A U B A S H June 27 Lindeen Riverwood Ranch :: Loveland Leis greeted guests at this premiere Hawaiian Luau Bash and provided a taste of paradise on the banks of the Big Thompson River. The evening honored, “Champions of Children,” Judith Aranow and the Kenneth and Myra Monfort Charitable Foundation for their dedication to the betterment of youth. The event also honored Youth of the Month and Youth of the Year from all three clubs. Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County and their programs to send kids to summer camps, conferences, and for youth development.

Jen & John Sinnett

Dan & Diane Mohn

Brad & Tonya Ellins

Glenda Vaught

Mike & Rhonda Bruschke

Jinger & Mike Buchner

Steve & Teri Olson

Susie & Roger Sample

Photos courtesy of www.mbimagery.com.

Judith Aranow

Lance & Shannon Sample

2 0 0 9 B ike M S R I D E June 27-28 CSU Campus :: Fort Collins More than 3,000 cyclists, 700-plus volunteers, and scores of supporters and cheering crowds were part of this 24th annual event. Bike teams and individual cyclists pedaled 150 miles from Westminster to Fort Collins and back during the two-day event. Bike MS has raised $2.9 million to date, with proceeds from the event to benefit MS Society Colorado Chapter and their mission to help provide programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.

Bev Morgan, Rachael Doughty, Kim Mairotti

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Chuck Williamson, Eric Bloedorn

Scott Becker, Craig Canon

Brian James, Joe Gogain, Scott Schiele, Robert Wheeler

Dan Baker, Luis Rosa

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R ealities cup I N V I TAT I O N A L golf tournament July 13 Ptarmigan Country Club :: Windsor More than 150 golfers and sponsors convened for the 2009 Realities for Children Invitational Golf Tournament where the past two years’ Champions took the coveted 1st place title once again.

Golfers played in a scramble format on the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Following play, an awards banquet provided the top four teams great prizes.

The Realities Cup raised over $26,000 for the Realities For Children Emergency Fund, which provides services and assistance to abused and neglected children in Larimer County when all other resources have been exhausted.

Ned Sickle, Randy DeMario, Bill See, Jerome Otto

Photos courtesy of www.ChristinaGressianu.com

John Sinnett, Jon Ainslie, Sean Rupp, Pete Weeks

Ted Ray, Jessica MacMillan, Jep Enck

kristi ’ s big night out & golf tournament July 24 & July 26 Hilton & Collindale Golf Course :: Fort Collins This 7th annual two-part weekend event was kicked off with Kristi’s Big Night Out Gone Wild party. More than 500 attended this jungle-themed event with music, delicious food, and lots of dancing to After the Fire.

During the evening, 10 young area women received a $2,000 scholarship to further their educational goals.

The second part of the weekend saw 252 golfers play an exciting day of golf. The more than $37,000 netted will benefit the Kristi Visocky Memorial Foundation.

High Country Beverage team - Dave, Steve, Tom & Tim Nichols

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Pappy’s Corner Pub team - Kent Wolf, Sharon Carlson, Dale Carlson, Dustin Tomlinson

Frank & Jody Johnson

Ann & Dale Smigelsky

Bill & Bonnie Cochran, Tom & Laura Miller

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

A N N I E WA L K & P et F est August 22 Fort Collins Main Library:: Fort Collins Sponsored by the Poudre River Friends of the Library, this 12th annual event pays tribute to Annie the Railroad Dog and her part of Fort Collins’ history in the 1930s and 40s. The family event had over 200 two-legged and nearly twice as many four-legged participants who completed the 1.5 mile walk through downtown Fort Collins, returning to a pancake breakfast and pet fest in Library Park. Plenty of games, contests, and booths provided education, entertainment, and fun for all. Proceeds will benefit the Poudre River Public Library District to purchase children’s books and materials.

Heather Dyer with Harley, Brenda Dyer with Buttercup

Don Armstrong with Chloe

Candace O’Connor, Lily with Lucky

Ellie, Ken Draves, Ian

Andy & Kathryn Hinds with Rousseau

Lil Price, Alice Jorgensen

A S U N S E T S A FA R I August 29 Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra: Loveland A beautiful sunset and the Chapungu Sculpture Garden was the perfect backdrop for an African experience close to home, an event hosted by Pathways Hospice. More than 250 guests enjoyed the evening with a traditional African beverage, a tour of the sculpture park, dining on traditional African dishes and listening to music from Zimbabwe. More than $9,000 will benefit the African partner to Pathways, Bulawayo Island Hospice in Zimbabwe, to provide basic humanitarian medical care to Africans with life-limiting illnesses. Photos courtesy of Susan Miller.

Georgia Torson, Kathy Dietz, Clarisse Adis

Bill & Diana Liskey, Bruce & Muriel Hach

Business Women & Building

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