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FEBRUARY 2010
Romance in Loveland
Students
Compete in Design Challenge
What the Kale? Community Supported Agriculture
Real Estate Forecast 2010: The State of Northern Colorado With Eric Thompson, President of The Group Inc.
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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 Assistants Ronda Huser, Trish Milton Contributing Writers Connie Hein, Erica Pauly, Kay Rios, Corey Radman, Ina Szwec Photographer Warren Diggles Contributing Photographers Abby Bloedorn, Lydia Dody, Ina Szwec Affiliations Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Style Magazines January-Loveland/Greeley Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directory February-Style March-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness April-Style May-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness June-Style July-Fort Collins Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directories August-Style September-Women’s Health & Breast Cancer October-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness November/December-Holiday Style 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 ©2010 Style Media and Design Inc. All rights reserved. The entire contents of Style Magazine is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Style Media and Design Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material. All manuscripts, artwork, and photography must be accompanied by a SASE. The views and opinions of any contributing writers are not necessarily those of Style Media & Design Inc.
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
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Thank you for the Recognition
Article Captured our Essence Angie, We at IBMC are so very pleased with our article in your Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness magazine. The writer was great to work with, a true professional in the realm of journalism. The photos really captured our essence – Warren did a super job. Thank you for publishing such a fine article showcasing the medical programs at IBMC!
Dear Lydia, Thank you for the recognition given to my husband and myself as “Community Innovators” in Style’s Holiday 2009 issue. Since the magazine came out we have received quite a bit of positive feedback. That is due in large part to the editor, Angie Grenz. She did an extraordinary job in presenting our story. Thanks to you also for your continued community involvement.
pain has decreased - thank you
Abby, We have had a lot of positive response from the article that Dr. Ed is featured in, November’s Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness magazine. Thank you for that opportunity. Ja’Nae Osgood Lighthouse Chiropractic
Sincerely, Joan Stringer, Loveland
Positive Response
In our Style Holiday 2009 issue we inadvertently published the incorrect contact information and business hours for two of our wonderful local coffee shops. We apologize for the error. Here is the correct information:
Noreen and Dennis Houska
I have suffered chronic back pain for the last 11 years and have searched for something to alleviate my pain and eliminate the need for pain medication. I was sitting in my physician’s office when I read your article on the Rossiter Approach in July Fort Collins Medical & Wellness 2009/2010. I have been working with David Henre for the last three weeks and the results have been awesome. For the first time in a number of years my pain has decreased and I have cut the use of medication in half. Thanks for the article that led me to David.
Best wishes, Christina Nilsson Marketing Executive, IBMC
oops!
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Wild Boar 1510 South College Avenue Fort Collins, CO | (970) 372-2334 www.wildboarcoffee.com Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
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
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
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on the cover
Eric Thompson, new President of The Group Inc., pictured at the Harmony subdivision in Timnath with a view of the Front Range behind him, shares his outlook for real estate in 2010. See page 20 for details. Photography by Warren Diggles
features
lifestyle
Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado’s Builder of the Year, Remodeler of the Year, and 2010 President . . . . . .12
Romance the Day Away in Loveland . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
students compete in design challenge . . . . . .
14
14 16
From special valentines cards to the perfect day, visit the Sweetheart City.
healthy living
Front Range Community College design students compete for winning Carpet Mill showroom design.
Take It from the Tap. . . . .
Real Estate Forecast 2010: The State of Northern Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
family style
Local real estate experts tell readers how to take advantage of the real estate market now. Green Products Available Locally. . . . . . .
32
Go green on your next building, remodel or maintenance project.
34
Local water quality surpasses bottled water in every way.
38
What the Kale? CSAs Add Nutrition and Variety . . .
42
Feed your family the green way and enjoy the endless variety of fresh veggies delivered to your door. Skip the Big Box Groceries. .43
Local sources can provide everything you need to feed your family.
business profile dining R&R Brings Quality Home . .16
Visit R&R Home’s unique showroom and see the endless possibilities.
18 28
about town
Security and Sound Design is at the forefront.
a photo tour of non-profit events . . . . . . 46
Be blown away by these remarkable outdoor transformations by Lindgren Landscape and Irrigation, Inc.
Top Cat & Tails A Season of Strength A Loveland Celebration 29th Anniversary Gala Arts Alive! Nightlights The Christmas Home Tour New Year’s Eve Celebration
A New Take on Historic Living . . . . . . . . . . . 30
departments
northern colorado Landscape renovation . . .
28
Jamestown Builders build quality homes with a focus on family and community. Choosing the Right Roof . . 31
38 43 FEBRUARY 2010 :: STYLE
8
39
New Wave of Technology in Home Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 18
building
31 34
Romance for Dinner at Rustic Oven . . . . . . . . . . .
Last summer’s hail got the better of your roof? Take a look at their tips for choosing the right roof from our professionals.
Community Innovator . . . 50
Chet and Norma Jean Goodheart spread a little love in Loveland. from the readers . . . . . . . . 6 publisher’s letter . . . . . . 10
www.stylemagazinecolorado.com Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Publisher’s Letter A Fresh New Beginning
A
As we start a new year and new decade, it is the perfect time to review the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. This past year has been full of interesting challenges for many individuals and businesses. Some experienced excellent business and good fortune; others were not so lucky. Regardless of our specific circumstances, looking forward with confidence and keeping a positive attitude will give us the best outcome in 2010. Real estate has always been a good indicator of the health of our Northern Colorado economy. In “Real Estate Forecast 2010: The State of Northern Colorado” we spoke with several area experts from academia and the real estate arena to gather their opinions on the health of this sector. This interesting article shows general consensus that this is an opportune time to invest in the rental market and the tax credit offers an excellent opportunity to invest in real estate now, but appreciation may take some time. We enjoyed meeting and photographing Eric Thompson, new president of The Group Inc. Real Estate. Thank you, Eric, for your patience in frigid cold weather while being photographed for our cover; spring is just around the corner, honest! Welcome to Fort Collins! Although projects may not be quite as plentiful in Northern Colorado, take a look at the exquisite “Landscape Renovation” by Tim Lindgren of Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation, Inc. They moved living and entertaining outside in style. Another innovative project is featured in “A New Take on Historic Living” by Jamestown Builders, where history lays the groundwork for contemporary living. One business that has weathered many storms over the years is celebrating its 25th anniversary serving Northern Colorado. Congratulations Marlin Cowser for growing Security and Sound Design Inc. to be a leading provider of state-of-the-art technology. Congratulations Rod Clough, of R&R Home, for the successful opening of a new business. R&R Home showcases quality furnishings and accessories. Read “R&R Brings Quality Home” for a peek at their innovative approach to home furnishings. At the beginning of a new year, many of us make New Year’s resolutions, most often to work towards better health. Along that line, I have personally been learning more about nutrition and the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Since we live in close proximity to 19 farms which have programs that will deliver locally grown vegetables to our homes, and freshness is key to maximum nutrients, it makes sense to consider joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Read “What the Kale?” to learn all about this popular and healthy way to have farm fresh produce all summer and fall. I think I will be learning much more about creative cooking with new vegetables this summer. This new year is already under way. May I suggest that you think about this anonymous quote to help you make this a happy and abundant year: “Watch your thoughts . . . they become your words, watch your words, they become your actions, watch your actions, they become your habits.” With best wishes for abundance in the new year,
lydia@stylemedia.com
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Charlie Monfort
Dick Monfort
2008 Builder of the Year Hartford Homes
Salutes the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado
Dedication to quality and customer satisfaction remains the key to successful business in hard economic times. Never has that been truer than for the members of Northern Colorado’s building trades. The following builders have gone above and beyond, garnering the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado’s (HBA) recognition as the 2009 Builder of the Year, Remodeler of the Year and the 2010 President.
Builder
of the year
Jammie and Rob Sabin Aspen Homes of Colorado, Inc
Aspen Homes of Colorado has received more than 20 national and state awards for being one of the most energy efficient builders in the country. Their father, Jim Sabin, created Aspen Homes in 2001, and Jammie and Rob are dedicated to continuing their father’s vision to build the most energy efficient homes available. “I believe it is our dedication to this ideal, along with tremendous efforts by all our staff to ensure that our customers get a quality home customized to their needs – regardless of be-
Aspen Homes of Colorado, Inc. ing price in the $400,000 range or less than $200,000 – that has allowed us to be honored with this recognition,” says Jammie. To be successful in this market, “each builder really must find their own niche in the marketplace. However, in general I believe that successful builders in this market must be highly responsive to customer requests and needs, and remain financially conservative and highly adaptive to the continual changes in the market.”
Remodeler the Year Construction Remodeler ofKessler of the year
Mark Kessler, Jr. Kessler Construction Company, Inc.
Kessler Construction Company celebrates 20 years of business in 2010. Kessler attributes his company’s longevity and their recent HBA recognition to his late father and dedicated staff. “Without my father’s persistence and knowledge building our company, we would not be here.” He adds, “Our staff and trades people are unparalleled in their loyalty and efforts making our company successful.” “This award makes many years of hard work pay off. It is for all the people who have contributed to Kessler Construction over the years.” To be successful, Kessler says that they
Dwight Sailer
Company, Inc.
have maintained a set of core values over the years: dependable and consistent performance, honest and straightforward working relationships, and a level of professionalism and respect among peers. Maintaining this professionalism will enable building trades to meet the challenges present in their industry today, says Kessler. “Money is tight now, so cutting back on training and education is easy to do.” But, he says, “continuing to educate our employees and promote professionalism is vital to the success of construction in the future.”
Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado 2010 President
Harry Poehlmann, Owner Poehlmann Construction Co. and Basements 4 You
12
Style would also like to recognize an old friend and this year’s Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado 2010 President Harry Poehlmann, owner of Poehlmann Construction Co. and Basements 4 You. Poehlmann has been building custom residential homes and commercial buildings in Colorado for more than 30 years. His passion resides in creating unique, high quality homes for individuals in Northern Colorado. “I am honored to be president of the
HBA this year. Our industry has faced some challenges in the last two years, but we are a resilient group and will emerge stronger and better than before. The HBA is a great organization, filled with people who work hard and have a passion for helping others. I intend to focus on the future and all the positive things it will bring to our industry and our association, and I especially want to reach out to those in our industry who are not members of the HBA to come join us.”
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
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Students Compete in
DesigN C h a l l e n g e
It’s one thing to form a design concept and quite another to follow it through to actual application. A recent challenge issued to Front Range Community College (FRCC) Interior Design students by Carpet Mill Outlet Stores and Karndean International provided the opportunity to do just that. 14
T
Rod Hartley, of Karndean International, poses with design challenge winner Janella Ashbaugh and Interior Design Program instructor Nowell Vincent. Ashbaugh’s winning design (pictured) will be installed in one of Carpet Mill’s Denver showrooms.
By Kay Rios
ake 12 students, a shopping cart of materials and a chance for the glory of designing a new showroom floor for Carpet Mill and you have a recipe for fun reminiscent of TV’s home design shows so popular today. The competition offered FRCC students the chance to work with materials and client specifications to create a display for one of Carpet Mill’s showrooms. Rod Hartley, Karndean International sales representative for Colorado, spearheaded the idea for the competition after a cooperative agreement between Carpet Mill and Karndean was formed. Karndean offers luxury vinyl flooring with the look of natural floors, available in a variety of patterns including wood, tile and stamped concrete. Part of Carpet Mill’s agreement with Karndean included the dedication of 10,000 square feet of showroom space that would feature Karndean products in Carpet Mill’s Littleton showroom. And since practical application doesn’t often happen in an educational setting, Hartley says, “I thought
it would be nice to get one of the local colleges involved and have students design the layout for the floor.” Jim Jensen, Carpet Mill Outlet Stores vice president, warmed to the idea quickly. “Rod mentioned the possibility and I thought it was an excellent idea. We’ve used Karndean commercially but now we were going to be working with Karndean on a design center and the use of this flooring in our retail branches was new. There’s so much retail application and we really wanted some design ideas on how to make this an interesting and consumer-friendly environment. So, I thought, the more minds working on this project, the better.” After getting approval from both companies, Hartley approached Nowell Vincent, an Interior Design Program instructor at FRCC and owner of Ancestor Design. Nowell had worked with Hartley previously and was acquainted with Karndean products. “He asked me if I’d be interested in doing a design floor and, after we talked a few times, we came up with the idea of doing a com-
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
petition with my Graphic Communication class and it turned into an assignment.” The two teamed up and Hartley did a product knowledge presentation for the class. Vincent gave students samples and explained how to work with them. “In the Karndean line, there are several series -- tile, mosaics and design strips – and there are different thicknesses so, when using two series, you have to make sure the thicknesses are the same,” she says. Jensen provided client specifications. “Jim wanted to illustrate various compositions that could be used above and beyond what is illustrated in their catalogue. Because Karndean is easily installed and can be cut down, the students were able to use their images in different ways,” Vincent says. “For example, if you wanted to create vignettes such as a mountain peak scene, you have to graphically communicate that for the installer.” Hartley provided the floor plan and the description of what Jensen wanted to accomplish. The students went to work, creating to-scale drawings that included window locations and site changes such as walls that would be torn down where vignettes would be laid out. “This gave the students real world experience and challenges they’d find working in the industry. Before this, they may not have understood how different materials could be combined. They’re taught about materials but not necessarily the thicknesses or how products relate to each other. Once you’re on a job you learn those things, but in a school setting it’s more about space planning and how to communicate your ideas, so this was invaluable. They were learning how to specify materials regarding the end users.” Janella Ashbaugh, winner of the design challenge, agrees. “It’s the first time they’ve presented something like this to a school. I think it’s great that they were willing to let the students try this. It gave us a look at what that might feel like in a real life situation.” Ashbaugh is a non-traditional student enrolled in the two-year program. The 57-year-old grandmother joined the program this past summer looking for a new career. Ashbaugh was laid off from a company where she had worked for 25 years as a printed circuit board designer. After seven years doing contract work, Ashbaugh decided “I worked for three major companies in this city and all of them ended up sending the work overseas. So I needed to find work that wouldn’t be sent overseas and that had growth and potential. Because I was doing a lot of drafting, I felt this would fit. Plus, I love to watch the design shows on TV so I thought ‘why don’t I make that my occupation instead of just doing it for fun.’” Twelve students entered the competition and the designs were submitted to Jensen. “There were three of us involved in picking the winner,” Jensen says. Jensen, Carpet Mill fulltime designer Peggy Powers, and Carpet Mill President Wayne Jensen made the final selection, choosing Ashbaugh’s creation. “There were some particulars we gave as requirements to the design – how the showroom needed to flow and how we wanted a walk path with racks on one side, carpet on another side. The winning plan met our needs and followed the floor plan better than the others. Plus it was a very interesting design,” Jensen says. Ashbaugh says, “The style really came from the product. There were so many aspects to this project
Style 2010
Front Range Community College’s Graphic Comwith a variety of tiles, wood and fabulous borders. I munications 2009 class earned valuable real life looked at how I wanted it to flow. We had a phone experience designing Carpet Mill’s new showroom interview with our ‘client’ and that gave us more of Karndean products. information. He wanted one area only in tile and a certain color. Since that was already spoken for, I looked at what I had left. The ideas came to me as I looked at the material. I wanted something that would not be ordinary.” Jensen was impressed with the process. “I think it was an excellent resource. There were a lot of unique ideas; some were very ‘outside-the-box.’ We sometimes get stuck doing the same things because that’s how we’ve always done it, so it was nice to see it from a fresh viewpoint.” Hartley says, “From Karndean’s point of view, we felt this would expose our product to some future interior designers and some bright new minds in the industry early on in their career. And this would give them real world experience in actually putting a design together, pulling in different deThe final design, incorporating several styles of Karndean’s luxury sign elements and talking with vinyl flooring, was chosen by Carpet Mill out of the twelve designs the end user.” provided by Front Range Community College design students. From FRCC’s perspecriety of experience in the classroom and we braintive this was a valuable experience, says Claudia stormed back and forth. I almost wish, instead of Romero, Integrated Technology Department chair being a competition, that it was a classroom projand program director of Computer Aided Draftect. I would have liked to have done it as a work ing and Interior Design. FRCC’s role in education experience with other people.” is to get students into the industry as quickly as Future projects are definitely a possibility. “Rod possible and this type of activity supports that miswould like to do this annually and I agree,” Vincent sion. “We provide career and technical programs says. “I think it’s important to get the vendors in to retrain people in second careers or, for younger front of the students. I’ll be reaching out to those I individuals, we help them find a career path.” know in the field so we can do that.” Practical experience is part of the requirement for Jensen agrees. “I think this is the type of projinstructors. “Classes are taught by instructors who ect I foresee us doing on a more regular basis with are in design, architecture and have a career in the new products. This is a very different look from any industry. So we like to bring real-life projects to the of our other showrooms. We needed a fresh perclassroom.” spective and I think we got that. The students were Ashbaugh says she hopes the challenge will be terrific to work with and it was one very unique offered to future classes. “I hope they will continue and fun experience from my standpoint.” this. I’m hoping they plan it into every semester so students can do a field trip and look at the space and talk to someone face to face.” Kay Rios, Ph.D., is a freelance writer in Fort ColShe says the experience was fun but offers an lins. She writes for a variety of publications and is idea for future projects like this one. “Since stucurrently at work on a collection of creative nondents range from very entry level to those who fiction and a mystery novel. have been here a couple of years, there was a va-
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Business Profile
T
R&R
Brings Quality Home
By Kay Rios
One quick glance into R&R Home and immediately you know this is not a typical furniture store. Small scenes created throughout the showroom focus on a particular theme. One bedroom area is designated as “The Parks Hyatt.” A living room setting is named the “Valley Ho.” Each area showcases high quality furnishings and carefully chosen accessories that invite the viewer to sit, to sleep, to feel at home. 16
R&R Home store manager Natalie Ruhl
hat’s the idea, says store manager Natalie Ruhl. “It’s about creating the perfect spaces at home without having to travel to the ends of the earth to find the right furnishings.” Even though the showroom is small, the selection is huge, she says. “All of our larger furniture is from Hickory Chair. It’s made in the U.S. and shipped from Hickory, North Carolina. North Carolina is the furniture mecca of the U.S.,” she says. “All of the pieces are very sturdy, are solid wood and can be customized to a particular need. The vignettes in the store just give you an idea of what’s available. We can order a different finish, different fabric or cushion type. You can customize until you’re blue in the face,” she says. While the showroom features a relatively small number of pieces, a computer center on the upper floor gives access to the full line available. With an interactive program, the client can change any of the aspects of a particular piece to get a better view. “You can choose the style of feet on a couch, for example, or the fabric or finish. Rather than imagine it, you can visually see how it will look,” Ruhl says. The overall view in the store reflects the travels of owner Rod Clough, a hotel appraiser and consultant. “With his business, he’s traveled all over the world and knows the best hotels, the best service and the best designs. He wanted to use that knowledge and bring that worldview into a local setting. He has a great vision and that is what’s fun about working here. Rod’s vision is for people to relate to a location or experience through a piece or group of furnishings.” Scenes created by specific furniture and accessories can transport the viewer to another place, she says. That can create a welcoming, happy and pleasant environment in any home. R&R Home’s tag line states it best: “Where happily ever after has an address.” If the environment at R&R Home is any indication, the results are certain to be unique to you, because that’s the feeling created in the showroom itself. In addition to beautifully designed and placed furniture and
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
a wide range of remarkable accessories, visual art by local artists is displayed throughout the store adding appeal to the surroundings – Shoni French, Stephanie Wilson and George Manning are currently featured. Their manner of marketing is also of interest. Wednesday through Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m., platinum-wigged models create moving scenarios in the front window. A children’s area is available where kids can watch videos while parents sip wine or coffee and browse. Ruhl, who has a bachelor’s degree in architectural interior design from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, is available for consultations as are the other three full time staff members. “We provide a very personal and customized service,” Ruhl says. “We also provide in-home consultations. We’ll help measure areas and we can bring accessories to try. We help the client decide what they want to create and then determine what furnishings would make that happen. And if they can’t find something at our store, we can recommend where they can find it.” R&R Home promises their clients the whole package: fine furnishings, contemporary collections and astonishing customer service, all at a convenient local address. “We can help you find whatever you need to create the look you want,” Ruhl says. The store, which opened this past November, is located at 632 South Mason Street, www.randrhomefurnishings.com. One of R&R’s display vignettes showcasing a custom canopy bed.
Style 2010
Kay Rios, Ph.D., is a freelance writer in Fort Collins. She writes for a variety of publications and is currently at work on a collection of creative nonfiction and a mystery novel.
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Business Profile
The Security and Sound Design Inc. family: Tim Stroh, Kathy Lamb and Marlin Cowser
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new wave of technology
i n
H o m e
S o u n d
Security and Sound Design at the Forefront
By Connie Hien
Listening to Tim Stroh of Security and Sound Design Inc. in Windsor talk about the latest advances in home video, audio, climate control and security systems is like watching an episode of “The Jetsons” come to life. 18
oday we have technology that “we could never have imagined just a few years ago,” says Stroh. In fact, Stroh says the world has now caught up with “The Jetsons” cartoon, “except for the hovercrafts.” Stroh, son-in-law of owner Marlin Cowser, says he is amazed at the technological advances that have been made in just the three years he has been in the family business. Stroh’s enthusiasm for technology is exactly why Cowser brought the next generation of his family on board. “We brought Tim in because we wanted to stay on top of the industry technology and continue to offer the latest and best in phone, security, climate control and audio/video equipment.” That is just what Stroh is doing. He says the old way of thinking, having the television and all the components such as cable boxes, DVD and Blu-Ray players hooked into the television in one central area, will soon be a thing of the past. “With the new technology in multi-zone audio/video systems, we can wire new and older homes to have a television above the fireplace in one room and have all the other components in another room or closet where they are out of sight, but accessible with the click of a remote.” He says most people are used to the old infrared technology where you must sit in front of a component to be able to control the volume or channel. But infrared technology is being replaced with wireless radio wave technology where you do not have to point to the device to control it. “This wireless technology is one of the reasons we can design and install custom systems for older homes almost as easily as we can hardwire them into new ones,” adds Stroh. He says all this, plus security and climate control systems, can be done through a one-source multi-zone audio/video system. “You can now watch YouTube videos or news streams from your computer and have them displayed on your television screen,” Stroh says. With the security system, you can be watching George Jetson running on his treadmill on the TV while running on your own treadmill and, in the instance of a visitor, have a doorbell tone and a picture of the visitor displayed on your television. As part of the system, cameras can be installed at various locations outside the home and
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
the images can be displayed on televisions wherever necessary. With the climate control part of the system, you could be sitting on a beach in Mexico and get a message on your cell phone that the temperature has dropped below the desired level in your home in Colorado and reset the thermostat as needed. “The key to being able to own and use this kind of technology efficiently is to have it installed by a professional, certified installer to fit the needs of your family,” Stroh says. The systems necessary to run this kind of equipment vary greatly in price from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on the size of system the customer wants, adds Cowser. “That’s the great thing about these custom systems,” Cowser says. “We can build them to meet each customer’s specific needs so they aren’t spending money on things they don’t want or need in their home or office space.” He says the amount of space required for the equipment can also vary greatly depending on the equipment needed. “You could use just a small shelf mounted on the wall or one or more 2 ft. by 6 ft. units that can be placed in a small closetsized room.” Security and Sound Design has been working in the industry and staying on top of advances in technology for 25 years. Cowser is amazed at the changes he has seen over the years and happy to still be part of moving forward. “I have always been a dreamer, driven to the next step or next technological advance. But the success of the business is due to the people I have had beside me along the way to make those dreams
Style 2010
a reality.” Cowser started the business in his garage in their home in Windsor after trying to make a living on their 2,000 acre farm in Ontario, Canada. “I had the disease called agriculture, and the only way to cure it was to go broke, so I did,” he jokes. He then started his small telecommunication business that eventually led to the thriving business he operates in Windsor today. “I have been in business long enough to have a new generation of family working with me. My son-in-law Tim and stepdaughter Kathy are bringing in a new generation of ideas and innovations.” He believes this is the key to keeping the business running in the future should he ever decide to retire. “I am 73 years old and still love going to work every day. I live by the simple motto, ‘Take care of today and tomorrow will take care of itself.’” Security and Sound Design has yet to celebrate their 25th anniversary of business because the 2008 Windsor tornado destroyed their building. They have constructed a bigger and better facility and are hoping to have a celebration this spring to thank all the patrons, employees and contractors who have worked to make the business a success.
Connie Hein is a freelance writer living in Windsor and watching her neighbors to see who gets the first “hovercraft” in the cul-de-sac.
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Real Estate Forecast The State of Northern Colorado By Connie Hien
Real estate has always been an indicator of the health of Northern Colorado’s economy. While expert and layman alike are not quite ready to declare the recession of 2009 dead, there are a few bright spots in the real estate market of 2010. According to our experts, savvy buyers and investors would do well to seize the opportunities of the moment and bank on a return of housing prices in the future – not too distant we hope.
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tyle invited a variety of local experts to give their expectations for 2010’s real estate market. Foreclosures and short sales are expected to continue, property values will remain stagnant, and new construction is largely non-existent. New jobs are thought to be the needed catalyst for our real estate market to make a true rebound. Though this year may be one characterized by a largely wait-and-see attitude, opportunities do exist for new buyers, existing homeowners and investors. Our experts, both educators analyzing the trends and brokers on the front lines, advise readers where to find the silver lining for 2010. From Our Experts The formula is simple: “When the people of America start feeling more confident about the state of the country again, that is when the real estate market will start to turn around,” says Cris de la Torre, Professor of Finance at University of Northern Colorado. But it is difficult to predict how soon that will happen because it all depends on the people of America having jobs, continues de la Torre. “It is also hard to predict what will happen in the near future because we have been in an unprecedented market for the last couple of years, so we are not sure how quickly we will recover.” Real estate is no longer the ‘can’t lose’ investment that Northern Colorado enjoyed for so many years, according to de la Torre. “People are now waiting longer to buy homes when they move into the area through relocation, marriage or other life changing events.” A bright note: this makes the rental market a great investment in Northern Colorado and it is a prime time to purchase investment properties. “For so many years experts in the area told residents that it was always more financially beneficial to buy than rent, but that is not always true today when it is harder to get any kind of loan.” Even though Northern Colorado is no longer enjoying an increase in property values every year, as we have in the past, real estate is still a great investment because the market will come back and
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values will go up, continues de la Torre. “In Northern Colorado we are far better off than most of the nation in our property values and rate of unemployment.” De la Torre says the national average of unemployment is around 10 percent. The average for Northern Colorado is only 7.8 percent. Real estate values are always directly tied to unemployment statistics. With the stock market the way it is, de la Torre advises making real estate investment just part of your overall financial portfolio. “In these times it is best to diversify your investment funds and not have them all in one basket,” he says. “Real estate is still a good investment in Northern Colorado.” He says Northern Colorado remains a desirable place for companies to relocate because there are so many skilled and educated people that make valuable employees for these companies. Primary jobs is the factor that will turn the real estate market around, says de la Torre, but the key to investing in real estate even in a slower market is to find an expert Realtor who knows the area, the market and the stimulus and tax credits available. Dr. Steven Laposa, Director of Colorado State University’s Everitt Real Estate Center, says many factors in the real estate market, especially the commercial market, will continue to keep it sluggish in 2010 and beyond. “Because the population growth and migration of people has slowed and the employment rate is down, naturally the real estate market will remain slower.” He believes this trend, when mixed with the economic downturn, will continue throughout 2010. “The real estate industry should be more concerned about taking care of the properties that exist and make certain that they are financially healthy before worrying about building new developments.” He says business owners have started to realize this and are using the real estate that has already been developed more efficiently. Cities are also doing more redevelopment in areas that have been stagnant or empty. Finally, “people are real-
izing they can live with less,” he says. “We don’t need a Linens ‘n Things, plus a Bed, Bath and Beyond, or a Circuit City along with a Best Buy.” In addition, people are also starting to spend less, save more and are trying harder to get out, and stay out, of debt. “People have stopped refinancing to get equity out of their homes so there is less expendable income in most families,” he says. “There have been 4,200 job losses in the Fort Collins and Loveland areas from December 2007 through August 2009, there are fewer leasing and sales transactions which lowers the overall demand for real estate, so plans for hiring or expanding operations are lower.” These factors will continue to contribute to a slow real estate market on a local level. In the Trenches Despite employment concerns, Rick Kness, managing broker of Keller Williams Realty, still believes this is a great time for people in Northern Colorado to better their financial situations through real estate. “People that have a job, some cash and equity in a home can benefit greatly in this market climate.”
When the people of America start feeling more confident about the state of the country again, that is when the real estate market will start to turn around. Cris de la Torre Professor of Finance at University of Northern Colorado
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If you pair this incentive [the homebuyer tax credit] with the lowest interest rates we will probably see for some time, it is a great time to invest or re-invest in real estate. Eric Thompson, President of the The Group Inc.
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This is the perfect time for people to move up into larger homes or move into more desirable or more expensive neighborhoods. “The mid to upper priced homes are more available than the lower priced homes right now,” he says, “so those who want to move up have many more available choices.” People may lose a bit on paper because of the decreased value of their current homes, but will more than make up for it in the long run with a better financial situation as the mid to high end property they purchase eventually goes up in value, he says. “If you have a professional Realtor that has stayed educated and informed during the market fluctuation, there is money to be made.” He also believes the market will recover when primary jobs start growing in the area. “Northern Colorado has several advantages that will help the primary job market. We have a great quality of life and have been one of the top 10 cities to live and retire for many years.” He says one key to getting businesses to relocate to the area is the speed with which local governments approve permits. “I think cities are starting to understand that they don’t have to give away the farm to get businesses to relocate here, they just need to be timely with the review processes.” Kness predicts the foreclosure rate will begin to decrease in 2010, especially in Weld County, with Larimer County close behind. He believes short sales will increase a bit. “Most banks would rather sell a home for what is owed on the property than have another foreclosure to deal with, and sellers can avoid a foreclosure on their credit history [with a short sale].” Good deals in the lower end housing market may have hit their peak prices, says Kness, because these properties are becoming scarcer. “At this point there is more demand than supply, so those values will soon start appreciating again.” “It is a lot more work to be a Realtor in a market like this,” he says. “Realtors must be very knowledgeable, not only about the market and availability of homes, but must also keep up on the tax credits and other government stimulus incentives. I tell my agents that they should be neither cheerleaders nor doomsayers. They need to just tell the clients the truth so they can make the best decisions possible.” Eric Thompson, President of The Group Inc. Real Estate, predicts that the first half of 2010 will be active and driven by the homebuyer tax credit that was recently extended and expanded. “The tax credit is just that, a credit, not just a tax deduction,” he says. “There will be many people in the first half of the year that will be taking advantage of this program before it expires in April.” The credit was expanded to include not only first time homebuyers, but also current homeowners. The income restriction is for households making less than $225,000 per year, meaning buyers and sellers can benefit in all home price ranges. “If you pair this incentive with the lowest interest rates we will probably see for some time, it is a great time to invest or re-invest in real estate, which should keep the market fairly active in this area.” Thompson says The Group has changed their marketing approach by being more aggressive and creative for their sellers in finding buyers and helping the buyers understand the tax credits and
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
COMPELLING REASONS TO BUY NOW Scenario 1: Prices decrease by 5% and interest rates increase by 0.5%
Scenario 2:
Prices decrease by 10% and interest rates increase by 1.0%
Today
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
Home Price
Home Price: -5%
Home Price: -10%
$218,900
$207,955
$197,010
Interest Rates
Interest Rates: +0.5%
Interest Rates: +1.0%
6.04%
6.54%
7.04%
Your Payment
Your Payment
Your Payment
$1,054
$1,056
$1,053
Information courtesy of Rick Ness, Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Keller Williams Reality.
incentives. Chris Hardy, managing broker for Coldwell Banker, predicts there will still be many foreclosures in 2010 as banks begin actively working to clear their books of bad debt. “Last year at this time many banks had a moratorium on filing foreclosures and took a ‘wait-and-see’ position with the new administration as to what sort of institutional incentives would be offered to do loan modifications and work-outs with troubled home owners,” Hardy says. The wait appears to be over. “We already began to see an increase in foreclosure filings at the end of 2009, and it is likely to continue through 2010 and into 2011.” He says the downside is this may flood the market with aggressively priced homes and suppress property values. However, this would be a boon to investors, first time homebuyers and existing homebuyers looking to trade-up. They will have many opportunities to purchase bankowned (aka REO) homes at what could be considered below-market values. Hardy agrees with other experts that the real estate market revolves around jobs. “Without more primary jobs in the Northern Colorado area, we will not see much of an increase in the market in 2010.” Real estate values are not totally dependent on the state of the economy, adds Hardy. The market value of homes is also spurred by lifechanging events that are happening everyday, no matter what the economy is doing. “There will
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Rick Ness, Managing Broker of Keller Williams Realty
always be young couples getting married and needing homes, or having more children and needing bigger living spaces, or job changes or family changes that require relocation.” This reality helps keep the real estate market from getting stagnant. Another positive? Northern Colorado is not dependent on any one large company, corporation or industry to keep the economy stable. “We are not like Detroit where a huge percentage of the population was employed by the car manufacturers. We have many companies, large and small, as well as our agricultural industry, that keep the economy strong.” Hardy says there has never been a huge boom or bust cycle in Northern Colorado because of the diversity of these employment opportunities. “We need to see a steady growth of more medium to small businesses relocating to the area to provide primary jobs.” The abundance of available commercial space that was developed and, with the onset of the recession, remains empty is still available to new businesses. “If we can fill up these empty commercial spaces everything will start to pick up because primary jobs create secondary and support jobs,” he says. “Everything is tied together in our economy and it all revolves around jobs. In real estate we used to say the determining factor for property value was location, location, location. Now it is jobs, jobs, jobs.” Renewable energy technology, still in its infancy, has put Northern Colorado in a great
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Chris Hardy, Managing Broker of Coldwell Banker
position to attract necessary new jobs, he says, as many companies work to partner with Colorado State University and others to expand this sector. Hardy also encourages real estate investment. “It is a perfect time to invest in rental properties instead of keeping all your money in the stock market. If people start doing that, rental homes will be provided for those who need homes and another income source will be there for the investor.” He believes the Northern Colorado market will turn around in the next three to five years. “I believe this is a great time to buy and sell or upgrade with the help of a professional Realtor to assist buyers to make wise investments in this unique market climate.” While our experts agree that Northern Colorado needs jobs before we will see the real estate market show substantial increase in value, there are some advantages in the current market. If you are considering a real estate investment, an upgrade in the size of your home, a first-time purchase, or even if you are a new business looking for an existing structure to fit to your business needs, take advantage of an experienced local real estate expert to help you get the best deals available in 2010.
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Reasons To Call Molly Maid...
Instead of cleaning, you can spend time doing what YOU want to do. Molly Maid follows your instructions, we listen, we care. We have a 25 year reputation, we’re known for our quality. There are no contracts and your satisfaction is guaranteed! We’re in your neighborhood, call for a free, in-home consultation and estimate.
Molly Maid of Northern Colorado A clean you can trust.
Connie Hein is a freelance writer happy to be living in Northern Colorado.
Style 2010
970-282-7707
mollymaid.com 25
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Bob Sutherland and his team are ready to help you DESIGN IT!
Building & Remodeling 2009
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Building Northern Colorado
Renovation Landscape
Creating Your Outdoor Dreamscape
Photos by: Glass Photograpy
Outdoor living is the latest trend in landscaping in Northern Colorado. This trend, according to Tim Lindgren, owner of Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation, Inc., has become especially evident in the past five years. “Homeowners are taking advantage of Colorado’s mild temperatures, low humidity and few bugs and are moving entertaining outside,” he says. With the economic decline and slowing of new construction, people are deciding in record numbers to enhance their current homes. Landscape “remodels” or “makeovers” are being implemented like never before. “Now is a great time to renovate your landscape. Prices are the best they have been in years and you can get more bang for the buck,” says Lindgren.
Building Northern Colorado The Lee Project This family liked the location of their home and chose to enhance their current landscape instead of moving. They wanted a space that could be used both for occasional large gatherings and daily use by their family of four. The back of the home faces west and is located on a golf course with mountain views. Late afternoon heat rendered the existing patio unusable during summer afternoons. The primary objective was to create shade without blocking views. Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation, Inc. was hired to design and install this one-of-a-kind outdoor living project. A unique shade structure was designed to anchor the new outdoor living space to the home and provide shade. Infrared heaters take the edge off chilly nights and ceiling fans keep the bugs away. For food preparation al fresco, an ‘L’ shaped outdoor kitchen was designed with top-of-theline appliances. A large sunken fireplace with built-in planters provides privacy and an intimate gathering space. Decorative concrete pavers were used for aesthetic appeal, durability and to visually create “rooms” within the patio floor. Existing trees were incorporated into the new landscape, some relocated and some remained in place. Down lighting was installed in mature trees and the shade structure. Path lights, up lights, and stair lights make this space useable day and night. A low maintenance water feature adds the element of sound and ornamental boulders and plantings put the finishing touches on this outdoor living retreat.
The VANCE Project This project was one with unique challenges, but limitless possibilities. The homeowners moved from the Midwest, where the climate was harsh, and the comfortable season for outdoor living was short. When moving to Colorado, enjoyment of the outdoors was top on their priority list. Their property, however, was difficult to work with. Although situated on almost two acres, the backyard consisted of a 20-foot-wide drainage ditch just steps away from the back door and the remaining lot sloping steeply downward towards the ditch. With a comprehensive landscape plan in place, Lindgren began to transform the challenges into exceptional spaces for outdoor living. The ditch was spanned with a custom deck, perched adjacent to a jaw-dropping water feature, taking full advantage of the steep slope down towards the house. Meandering paths draw the homeowners and guests up to a delightful fire pit, overlooking the water feature and deck below. Contouring and boulder work carved distinct areas out of the remaining slope: an area for gardening, a horseshoe pit, lawn for the dogs, and another seating area at the peak of the hillside. With a long-term vision, and several phases, this uninviting hillside has become an outdoor living paradise for the homeowners, their dogs and their guests. Call Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation Inc. at: (970) 226-5677 or visit www.lingrenlandscape.com.
Building Northern Colorado
A New Take on Historic Living “Conscience is the most sacred of all property.” James Madison, March 1792
Photos by: Joe Kingry at Yellow Paddle Photography
In the 1930s, America was at a low point. Economically, she was in the throes of the unknown. The darkness of frustration had her in its grip. But a miraculous thing happened. America’s resilient people began to understand the promise of the previous decade was a false one. More was not necessarily better and the pursuit of happiness didn’t translate into the pursuit of excess. They began to look at family and community and rallied around the idea that life together was better than life in largesse. Today, the echoes of our past are growing louder and people and companies are responding. Jamestown Builders holds as a part of its mission statement to help restore the home to its rightful place in the American Dream. They believe there must be a way to help the home become less of a monument to self and more of a functional environment and conduit for community and relationship. Taking steps in that direction, Jamestown Builders has created something special. They call it Rehistoric Living: The best of the American past with the innovation of the American Horizon. If you want to hear more about being a part of the great revival of the American home, please visit www.jamestownhomebuilders.com or come out to one of their homes and enjoy the fire and a warm cup of coffee.
Jason Billings (970) 581-6444 Andrea Schaefer (970) 290-3758 Berin Wachsmann (970) 214-2277
Building Northern Colorado
By Angeline Grenz
Jim Simpson and Troy Jennings, owners of Affordable Roofing Inc.
Since few people today stay in the same home for 20-plus years, it may be that replacing a roof is one of homeownership’s joys you have yet to experience. However, last summer’s hail damage may have changed that. A record number of homeowners are filing claims to replace their roofs, leading many to wonder: what are the latest advances in roofing, how can you choose a qualified contractor and what is the best deal out there?
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roy Jennings and Jim Simpson, owners of Affordable Roofing Inc., offer up their expertise to help homeowners in Northern Colorado make the right choice when it comes to replacing their roof. Knowing When to Replace This is one decision that should be left up to the experts and most roofing companies offer free estimates. “A homeowner doesn’t spend much time up on the roof and therefore doesn’t know the characteristics that may appear when it begins to wear out,” says Jennings. Factors such as the age, ventilation and how many layers are on the roof affect how long a roof will last. Hail damage can make a significant impact on your roof, and many may not even realize the damage is there. Hailstones don’t necessarily have to take off a shingle to damage the roof. More likely, they “bruise” the shingle, removing the granules and allowing UV rays to start breaking down the shingle, and over time, holes appear. Add to that the fact that “the last hailstorm of 2009 occurred at 12:30 a.m.,” according to Jennings, while you were snug in your bed. “Most people don’t know about the damage or haven’t even thought to file.” He recommends that if you think hail damage is possible, call your insurance provider as soon as possible. Some providers have instituted a oneyear statute of limitations on hail damage claims to receive full replacement costs for the roof. Claims made after that time may be subject to a non-recoverable depreciation.
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Choosing Your Contractor To choose a quality roofing company, Jennings recommends a few standards. First, choose someone local. They will know best what sort of weather your roof has suffered. Also, look for a licensed contractor who is insured and carries workman’s compensation. The City of Fort Collins will not issue a building permit to a contractor who does not carry a workman’s comp policy. Finally, check with your area Better Business Bureau and request a book of good references. Roofing Materials Roofing materials are not always created equal when it comes to expense and Northern Colorado’s climate. The most common and cheapest type is the three-tab asphalt shingle, which is warrantied for up to 25 years. Dimensional or laminate shingles, also known as architectural shingles, are the next step up in roofing materials, generally guaranteed for 30 or more years. “These are becoming the standard in roofs,” says Jennings. “Eventually, they will cause the three-tab shingles to fade out.” Dimensional shingles tend to be more resistant to hail than three-tab and come in heavy weight “designer” shingles that are guaranteed for up to 50 years. Designer shingles have modified adhesives and are more pliable, leading to their longer life. Real wood shake, while aesthetically pleasing, do not hold up well in Colorado’s climate. Clay or concrete tile shingles, while long lasting, are expensive and very heavy.
Generally, they appear on high-end homes, those with a “Tuscan” feel, according to Jennings. Metal roofs were designed for mountain homes that typically receive a lot of snow (it slides right off), but look best on more rustic homes and can be noisy. Energy Star rated roofing shingles are also available. See “Green Products” on page 32 for more information. Dimensional shingles offer the best bang for your buck, according to Jennings and Simpson. “The price difference between the three-tab shingle and the dimensional shingle has shrunk in recent years. They are your best value, especially with a few upgrades that can be done for a minimal cost.” One such upgrade Jennings recommends is purchasing shingles with a higher wind rating when possible, a significant benefit during Northern Colorado’s windy season. Take into consideration how long you plan to stay in your home when choosing the type of roof, says Jennings, and what weather you have experienced in past years. Are you situated on a windy corner or do you seem to get additional snow every winter? You may want to consider upgrading your roof to one with a longer warranty and constructed of more durable materials. Affordable Roofing encourages homeowners to consider a few “extras” when having their roof redone. While the roof is off, it is a great time to invest in new gutters or attic insulation, both among the services Affordable Roofing offers. For more information on Affordable Roofing, local or federal tax credits, or a free estimate, please call (970) 207-0000 or visit www.affordableroofinginc.com.
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Green Products Available Locally
Many businesses are going out of their way to help us live more green. Take our tour of products available for your home and lifestyle to help you lessen your carbon footprint. Whether you are remodeling, building anew or just getting a paint job, these products are available locally and make a positive impact on the health of our environment.
Energy Star Rated Roofing Shingles Malarkey Roofing Products’ Ecoasis Reflective Shingles are an Energy Star rated shingle, manufactured in an eco-friendly manner, may qualify for LEED points and help lower air conditioning costs. An added benefit: the roofing materials may be eligible for tax incentives on a federal and local level. Federal incentives could help you save up to 30 percent on material costs. Find out additional information at www. energytaxincentives.org.
Eco-Friendly Lamps Try one of these green lighting options in your home: the Cocoa Lamp, made up of fossilized cocoa leaves and stained with organic dyes to create a gorgeous red hue, fills the room with light and color. The lamp base is made of bamboo. Or go with the Chai Pendant. This contemporary design features a sustainable woven rattan drum pendant with a textured fabric back for a soft glow.
Available from Affordable Roofing, Inc. 3621 Richmond Dr., Fort Collins (970) 207-0000 www.affordableroofinginc.com
Available from The Light Center 2757 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 226-3430 www.lightcenterinc.com
Strandwoven Timber Prefinished Wood Flooring This prefinished wood flooring is made from compressed wooden fibers from furniture manufacturing scraps. The product is made with low VOC adhesives and is LEED compliant. The flooring works for both residential and commercial applications and comes in three attractive stains: natural, teak light, and mocha, starting at $8.75 a square foot. Available from Sutherlands Lumber and Design Gallery 2100 E. Prospect Rd., Fort Collins (970) 226-1000 www.sutherlandsdesigngallery.com
Healthier Choice Soy Based Carpet Pad Healthier Choice carpet pad promotes healthy indoor air quality. It is made from BioH soy-based materials and has the lowest VOC emissions in the industry. Its anti-microbial Ultra Fresh integral moisture barrier prevents the growth of mold, mildew and fungus. The pad starts at $8.45 a square yard (approx. $.94 a square foot).
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Sherwin Williams Pro Green 200 and Harmony Paint Sherwin William’s Pro Green 200 is a line of low odor/low VOC paints and their Harmony line is a VOC-free, no odor line of paints. Both paints are an excellent option for persons with allergies, pregnant women or anyone sensitive to odors. Pro Green paints retail for $43 a gallon and Harmony paints retail for $36.99. Available from M&E Painting, LLC 540 W. 66th St., B1, Loveland (970) 207-1005 www.mandepainting.com
GREEN SEAL CERTIFIED
Green Seal Certification ensures that a product meets rigorous, science-based environmental leadership standards. This gives manufacturers the assurance to back up their claims and purchasers confidence that certified products are better for human health and the environment.
Champion’s Green Seal Certification Green Seal products are designed and manufactured in an environmentally responsible manner and meet energy efficiency standards. In July 2009, Champion was awarded the Green Seal certification, allowing them to place the Green Seal trademarked logo on their products including: 8200 series windows, 700 series casement windows and awning, 3100 series patio doors, 6800 series horizontal slider and sliding glass door, and their fiberglass and steel insulated entry doors. Available from Champion 5850 Byrd Dr., Loveland (970) 612-0811 www.championfactorydirect.com
Glausrit 90-line from BASF Request this low VOC paint for your automobile. BASF Coatings waterborne basecoat has replaced most of the organic solvents content in their automotive paint with water. The advantage of this coating system is considerably lower environmental pollution due to the reduction of solvent emissions and it is less toxic during application. Available from Import Auto 407 Riverside Ave., Fort Collins (970) 484-3657 www.importautobody.com
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C a r d d esig Card v n by Tracie er J
LifeStyle
the Day Away in
No one does Valentine’s Day like the Sweetheart City. Loveland is the perfect place to celebrate love this year. From special Valentine’s activities to the perfect romantic day, be sure to visit Loveland during February and experience the love. By Erica Pauly
Mail your Love This year is the 64th annual Valentine cachet tradition at the Loveland Post Office. Every year, more than 50 volunteers hand stamp mail with a personalized postal cancellation and custom-made cachet. The world-famous cachet has appeared in more than 110 countries, with a grand total of more than 200,000 Valentine’s cachets mailed each year. Customize any piece of mail by sending it to the Loveland post office no later than February 11 for in-state mailing. The annual “Love-In” began February 1st and will end on Valentine’s Day. Duane Kaye, Loveland Post Office’s Valentine coordinator, has experienced the tradition for 14 years and his words explain it best, “This is just a journey of love,” he says with a laugh. The cachet, chosen by the Loveland Chamber of Commerce each year, is the result of a local contest for the artistic design and verse. This year’s cachet had a winning design by Teresa Boynton and verse by Stan Griep, both Loveland residents. This is Griep’s first year to produce a winning cachet verse. Boynton, however, is a champion design and verse creator: she has provided five cachet designs
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in previous years and two winning verses. Drop your valentine in the red boxes outside of the Loveland Post Office or at a local King Soopers supermarket. Can’t make it to either? Enclose your valentine in a preaddressed envelope, affixed with the proper postage, in a larger 1st class envelope and send to: Postmaster – Attention Valentines 446 East 29th Street Loveland, CO 80538
A Day in the Land of Love Though a dozen roses may be the quickest way to say “I love you,” carving out a day to enjoy together really brings the message home. Take a day this month to see and experience Loveland with your sweetheart. Here is our version of the perfect day in Loveland.
Morning Delight: Start your morning off right with a Loveland favorite: head over to Loveland Coffee Company
Valentines will be stamped and sent on their way. For more information call (970) 6633010. Each year the Loveland Chamber of Commerce produces the Official Loveland Valentine Card, a unique design by local artists and residents who contribute the design on the front of the card and the inside verse. This year’s card features a design by Tracie Jenkins and card verse by Wanda Quist, both first time winners of the contest. The card is available for purchase online at the Chamber’s website, www.loveland.org, or by calling (970) 667-6311.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Cloz to Home
and snuggle by the fire. Loveland Coffee Co.’s beans are roasted locally and the coffee is always fresh. Indulge in tasty Latte or try the French Roast or Breakfast Blend. If you are a sweets lover, have a warm cinnamon roll or pastry for breakfast along with your coffee. For heartier fare, try a locally made breakfast burrito. Loveland Coffee Company, (970) 278-1221, 620 East 29th Street
play of 82 sculptures from Zimbabwe. The sculptures represent eight themes: Nature, Village Life, The Role of the Elders, The Spiritual World, Role of Women, Customs and Legends, and Children and Family. Each theme has ten sculptures to represent it, showcasing the breathtaking work of contemporary African artists. Chapungu Sculpture Park, Promenade Shops at Centerra
A Little Relaxation:
Lunch or Happy Hour:
After coffee, head east on Highway 34 to Vogue Laser Clinic for a little pampering to start the day off right. Our suggestion for her: a Salt Glow Body Wrap that combines exfoliation, hydration and relaxing massage strokes. For him: try the Massage for Men, a deep tissue massage with essential oils. Just the right thing to invigorate you for the day ahead. Vogue Laser Clinic, (970) 593-3009, 1625 Foxtrail Dr., Suite 260
After some fresh air and artistic reflection, with a little perusal through the shops at Centerra thrown in, stop in at Bent Fork the Grill for an early happy hour (seven days a week, starting at 3p.m.). Their $3 draft beer or house wine and $5 martinis are a perfect way to catch your breath. Take a look at their selection of light meals for lunch. Our favorite menu items: the fresh Strawberry Brie and Chicken Salad, served with pecans and balsamic vinaigrette or, if looking to share, try the Asiago Artichoke Dip - a perfect warm-up after a brisk walk outdoors. Bent Fork the Grill, (970) 613-9333, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, Suite C-106, Promenade Shops at Centerra
Art Stroll: Now for a little exercise: head outdoors to Centerra and stroll through the Chapungu Sculpture Park. The park is open year-round with a dis-
Bent Fork the Grill
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A Sweet Treat After Lunch:
Walk off the Sugar:
Sunny Jim’s Candy Ranch, on your way back to downtown Loveland, is a family-owned candy store with more than 260 types of candy. But the Valentine’s holiday at Sunny Jim’s is something special. Stop in to see their ornate confections, like the heart-shaped boxes made of chocolate (milk, dark and white), which can be purchased fully loaded with goodies or empty to fill as you please. Sunny Jim’s Candy Ranch, (970) 667-5075, 5431 West US Highway 34
Continue your enjoyment of Loveland’s art culture with a trip to the Chapungu Sculpture Gallery. Walk through the gallery and look for treasures to take home. Through Valentine’s Day, the Gallery will be holding their Winter Sale, with discounts ranging from 20 to 50 percent off. Purchase or don’t, but it is definitely worth a trip to see the beautiful sculptures. See Lawrence Mukomberanwa’s “Spirit Protecting Children,” 2002,
on page 35. Continue to Loveland’s historic downtown and wander through the art galleries and studios scattered along Fourth Street and beyond. Don’t miss Gallery East on 229 East 10th St. or Columbine Gallery on 2683 N. Taft Ave. Chapungu Gallery, (970) 461-8020, 1052 N. Boise, Unit B
A Little Shopping: Try Cloz to Home on Fourth Street for an eclectic mix of clothing and home décor. The trendy space is a Loveland mainstay and features unique items for the home, from sumptuous furniture to candles and coasters. Their clothing line offers versatile pieces, both trendy and timeless, complete with a full range of accessories and jewelry. Cloz to Home, (970) 203-9992, 120 E. 4th Street
Downtown for dinner: Dine at a Loveland tradition, the historic 4th Street Chophouse. Begin your evening with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, served with Cajun remoulade and corn relish, while soaking in the ambience of the 1890s building and 1930s decor. As your main course, try the melt-in-your-mouth
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Blue Cheese Filet, an 8 oz. filet grilled and topped with a Maytag Blue Cheese encrustment. If you make your trek during Valentine’s weekend, don’t miss 4th Street Chophouse’s Lobster Special. Finish your meal with their crème brulée of the night. Delicious. The 4th Street Chophouse, (970) 613-8287, 125 East 4th Street, www.4thstchophouse.com
Night out on the Town: With the sun down and your hunger satiated, head to the Rialto Theater, a short block away. The historic theater has a show playing almost every night. Here are a few excellent choices for Valentine’s weekend: Friday, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m.: Couples in Love & Music. Three couples share tales of their lives making music together. An intimate performance designed for lovers. Ticket cost: $18 for adults, $14 seniors/students. Saturday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m.: Best Comedy Shorts from the Trimedia Film Festival. Enjoy these short films with clips of love and comedy throughout. Ticket cost: $15 adults, $10 seniors/ students. Sunday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.: An Affair To Remember. This 1957 classic love story stars Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Engaged to marry other people when they meet on a cruise ship, they pledge to meet six months later on top of the Empire State Building. Ticket cost: $10. See the full schedule of shows at Rialto’s website, www.ci.loveland.co.us/Rialto/Rialto.htm. Rialto Theatre, (970) 962.2120,228 E. Fourth Street February in Loveland is a magical place. We hope you can experience all it has to offer this year. Erica Pauly is a freelance writer and the Marketing and PR Coordinator for GrowSecure, Inc. in Loveland.
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Healthy Living
Take It from the Tap By Corey Radman
I
f you have lived in other parts of the country, the thing you might notice is how pure Northern Colorado’s water is, comparatively. No smell, no coloration. Basically, if you live on Colorado’s front range, you drink melted snow. “From snow to your glass can be as little as 48 to 72 hours,” says Kevin Gertig, Water Resources and Treatment Operations Manager for Fort Collins. He continues: “We’re lucky to have such high quality source water. All folks have to do to see the difference is hop on a plane.” Gertig explains that Fort Collins water begins as snow at the top of Cameron Pass and flows down the watershed into the Cache la Poudre River (CLP), where some of it is stored in Horsetooth Reservoir. The story is the same for surrounding communities, Loveland and Greeley. Snow melt starts in Rocky Mountain National Park, then makes its way down several square miles of surface drainage, collecting and dissolving organic matter along the way.
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Kevin Gertig, Water Resources and Treatment Operations Manager for the City of Fort Collins
In the first few moments of the day, most people’s routine involves one common element: water. Whether you splash your face, take a shower or have that first sip to clear your throat, chances are water is what wakes you up. But have you ever really examined your tap water? Smelled it, tasted it or looked at it in a glass?
Loveland water is drawn from the Colorado River and the Big Thompson as well as the Green Ridge Glade Reservoir, according to Loveland Source Water Engineer, Greg Dewey. Greeley residents drink surface water from four river basins: the Upper Colorado River, CLP, the Big Thompson and Laramie River Basin. All three communities blend water from area rivers and reservoirs. The blend varies, depending on the time of year and volume of runoff. Jon Monson, Water and Sewer Director for the City of Greeley, says, “Here, we are fortunate. We don’t have that much industry upstream. The CLP, as an example, does not have a lot of old mines and there is not much development,” which ensures cleaner water. John McGee, Water Treatment Manager for Loveland, adds, “There is an advantage to being so far up in the water chain. We don’t have many other discharges in our supply. Here [in Loveland] the only municipality upstream is Estes Park.” This water, coincidentally, is part of the reason for the area’s microbrew beer boom. New Belgium Brewing Co., Odell Brewing Co. and others
cite excellent water sources as one reason for this successful local industry. Treatment From the rivers, the water flows into the public treatment plants. All processes vary slightly, however the technology of filtration hasn’t changed much in the last century. Water starts in a big basin where alum, a coagulant aid, is added to the water to help make any suspended particles “sticky” so they will attract soil, bacteria, algae, microorganisms and any other particulates (like fish poop!). The clumps, called floc, will sink to the bottom of another basin where they are drawn off and eventually end up in the sludge ponds. The clear water is filtered again through several layers of sand, gravel and charcoal. Then, by order from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the filtered water is disinfected with chlorine. Voters of Fort Collins, Greeley and Loveland have all approved the use of fluoride, which is also added at this point. From treatment plants, thousands of gallons of water course through city water pipes, which get in-
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Healthy Living creasingly smaller until they reach your house. Each day Northern Colorado households use an average of 150 to 200 gallons of water (with wide seasonal variation). Gertig says their future household goal, after more conservation education, will be 140 gallons per day. Consumer Confidence Reports The Safe Drinking Water Act is the main federal law that ensures the quality of U.S. drinking water. Under the act, the EPA sets standards for water quality and requires each municipality to publish the results of annual testing in a consumer confidence report, which citizens generally receive in their utility bill or can find on the city website. Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley all exceed EPA standards by a large margin. “Our mission is to provide pure plentiful water – we take it very seriously,” says Monson. The same passion for excellence and dedication to public safety was evident in all the water experts interviewed for this story. U.S. water supplies are federally required to undergo rigorous testing. Tens of thousands of tests are performed throughout the year to ensure exceptionally good water. Drop the Bottle Shirley Perryman, MS, RD at CSU’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition was asked “Is bottled water better for you than tap?” Her simple answer was, “No.” She continued: “Bottled water is not fluoridated which is important for healthy teeth —especially for growing children. Tap water is greener since it doesn’t contribute plastic to the
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landfill. Some bottled water may contain contaminants. Local water providers offer water quality reports. Bottled water companies are not required to provide such reports to consumers.” EPA standards for water quality are much more stringent than the FDA’s, under which the bottled water industry operates. Cost can be factored in as well: A liter of water is typically $1.50. A gallon of tap water, delivered to your house, costs under a penny. For Loveland residents, the cost is way under that at $.0004 per gallon, according to John McGee. How About Filters? Most commercially available water filters (like Britta® and Pur) remove little more than chlorine. However, the same result can be achieved by leaving an open container of water on the counter for 30 minutes, where the chlorine will dissipate out. Ruth Hecker, Loveland Water Quality Lab Coordinator, disapproves of their use. “If you don’t use filters correctly, replacing exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you can be setting up a bacteria motel. You can do much more harm than good.” Overall, Northern Colorado water is amazing. It’s cold, it’s clean, it’s fresh and it’s incredibly inexpensive. The teams of water engineers and scientists in our communities are working hard to ensure that it stays that way. So drink up! Corey Radman is a well-hydrated mother and writer who lives in Fort Collins.
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bottled vs. tap DID YOU KNOW?
• Bottled water costs up to 10,000 times more than tap water. • Global consumption of bottled water went up by 57 percent between 1999 and 2004 when it reached 41 billion gallons. • Americans lead the world in consumption of bottled water at 6.8 billion gallons per year, or one glass a day per person. • Nearly a quarter of all bottled water crosses national borders to reach consumers, transported by boat, train and truck. • Bottles for water sold in America are made from more than 17 million barrels of oil annually - enough to fuel more than 1 million U.S. cars for a year. • 86 percent of plastic water bottles used in the United States become garbage or litter. • Buried water bottles can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade in landfills. • Almost 40 percent of the PET bottles that were deposited for recycling in the United States in 2004 were actually exported, sometimes to as far away as China.
Information from the Earth Policy Institute.
Conversation • Romantic
Rustic Oven – Old Town
123 North College Avenue, Fort Collins 80524 (970) 482-6500
Rustic Oven – Harmony
2350 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins 80528 (970) 226-2300 Open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday (Both Locations) www.therusticoven.com Rustic Oven American Bistro is the perfect place for a romantic dinner with your sweetheart. From cozy booths and dark wood décor to their great wine list and friendly, unhurried service your evening will truly be something special. Start your evening with a great bottle of Jacobs Creek Pinot Noir or Cakebread Chardonnay, followed by a delicious Seafood Stuffed Poblano Pepper appetizer. For your main course, choose the melt-in-your-mouth Filet Mignon al Oscar, the Brie Stuffed Salmon topped with a creamy pesto sauce, spicy Beef Tenderloin Diavolo, or house favorite Asiago Stuffed Chicken. For dessert, indulge in the warm Brownie Bread Pudding or brick oven baked Strawberry Rhubarb Crostata, both topped with a vanilla gelato. A delicious Carmel Macchiato or Cioccolatta Martini makes the perfect end to your romantic evening. To add a special touch to the evening, guests may have flowers or gifts delivered to the restaurant to be placed on the table for your arrival. Reservations are recommended for this service.
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Georgena Arnett
Jason Billings
Loveland • 461-7141
Mulberry • 419-2364
Jim Chance
Kelli Couch
Horsetooth • 377-6022
Horsetooth • 377-6058
Kathy Boeding Loveland • 231-9073
Joanne DéLeon
Shelly Hill
Linda Hopkins
Mulberry • 419-2348
Horsetooth • 377-6004
Russ Hunter
Keith Huntsman
Stacy Johnson
Harmony • 377-4941
Horsetooth • 308-9000
Shelley Kerr
Linda Koentopp Harmony • 377-4914
Deanna McCrery Horsetooth • 377-6001
Norma McMillen Greeley • 381-4340
Judy Bogaard Harmony • 377-4931
Mulberry • 419-2310
Harmony • 377-4908
Horsetooth • 377-6061
Brian Bogaard Harmony • 377-4954
Randy Joseph Horsetooth • 377-6042
Cindy Kutin
Bob Loner
Centerra • 391-4735
Mulberry • 231-2222
Terry McNeal Harmony • 377-4955
Elaine C. Minor Horsetooth • 215-9236
Prue Kaley Horsetooth • 377-6023
Nancy Maus Centerra • 679-1571
Jim Murray Horsetooth • 215-9100
Serving You with 6 offices in Northern Colorado
Dave Muth Harmony • 377-4922
Rob Mygatt
Carl Nelson
Harmony • 229-5411
Horsetooth • 377-6009
Joey Porter
David Rand
Miki Roth
Harmony • 377-4905
Centerra • 430-9505
Centerra • 679-1568
Barbara Schneider Harmony • 377-4932
Ryan Spencer
John Simmons Centerra • 679-1596
Kim Summit
Bob Skillman
Harmony Office Horsetooth Office Mulberry Office Loveland Office Greeley Office Centerra Office
Dennis Pfeifer Horsetooth • 377-6057
970.229.0700 970.223.0700 970.221.0700 970.663.0700 970.392.0700 970.613.0700
Patti Phillips Mulberry • 419-2334
Andrea Schaefer
Valerie Schlageter
Centerra • 290-3758
Horsetooth • 377-6029
Todd Sledge
Centerra • 679-1632
Harmony • 222-9120
Centerra • 689-6950
Dave Trujillo
Karla VanDenBerg
Centerra • 679-1550
Greeley • 378-2296
Berin Wachsmann
Nancy Walkowicz
Robert Walkowicz
Wynn Washle
Mulberry • 214-2277
Loveland • 461-7136
Harmony • 377-4945
Mulberry • 215-2255
Centerra • 214-0263
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Tami Spaulding Horsetooth • 377-6003
Becky Vasos Horsetooth • 217-9874
Jeff Montgomery Harmony • 377-4957
Family Style
What the Kale? By Corey Radman
CSAs Add Nutrition and Variety
“What the heck is this?” My five-year-old is holding a bunch of orange root vegetables by their green tops. They have the shape of a beet and the size of a golf ball. I’m stumped. I send her to ask the delivery driver from the farm. “They’re a funky kind of carrot,” he explains. “Oh,” says my girl dubiously. “Maybe they’ll taste good?”
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ach week last year from June through December, we approached the red CSA farm share box with anticipation and a bit of trepidation. “What wonders will we be enjoying this week?” I would think... Ok, really I was hoping there wasn’t too much kale, but I would hoot out loud when the box contained pie pumpkins, fresh dill and surprising root veggies harvested barely a day ago. Joining the Grant Family Farms Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) was the beginning of a culinary adventure that I’m so glad my family agreed to do. Inspired by books like “Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan, and “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver, I was frustrated with the quality and taste of the food I was getting at supermarkets. And judging by the trends, I wasn’t the only one.
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When the CSA movement began in the U.S. in 1986, there were just a handful of participating farms. Last year the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that 12,549 farms in the United States marketed products through a CSA arrangement. The website www.localharvest.org lists 77 farms in Colorado for 2009, 19 that deliver to the Fort Collins area.
What is a CSA? Over the last 20 years, some farms have begun selling “shares” of their harvest before planting time to individual consumers, bypassing the enormous bank loan and the grocery store buyers altogether. This Community Supported Agriculture model provides farmers with the up front capital that pays for the season’s seed, enabling many farms to finally run in the black instead of hemorrhaging money until
Josh Palmer, Grant Farms CSA Director, holds an impressive head of lettuce from last year’s harvest.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Family :: Style
Membership Has Benefits I can hear the question already. What do you get in a share? Let me say right up front: in Colorado, there are no June tomatoes. But by August, they are bodacious, succulent and completely worth the wait. In the meantime, a weekly share box will include greens like spinach, lettuce and kale; root crops like beets, carrots, onions and potatoes; herbs; other vegetables like corn, broccoli, eggplant, green beans and peppers. The variety depends on the individual farm, the natural growing season in Colorado and the weather; each week is a surprise, though through email members generally have a good idea of what to expect. Many CSAs in Colorado are certified organic or grow organically or biodynamically without that USDA label (which is pricey for a small operation). “I like local, organic food and really believe it is a better nutritional choice for my family,” says Sunda Friedman TeBockhorst, a Grant Farms subscriber. “I also like the idea of supporting the farm to ensure that it will continue to be here.” “It was fun,” TeBockhorst continues about their first year with the CSA, “I really had to be creative to find interesting ways to use up what came in the box. We invented a new family favorite with kale, fettuccini, and turkey sausage,” - hilariously named ‘dog fart noodle’ due to the appetizing aroma. Other benefits of buying a farm share include: ultra-fresh produce full of flavor and vitamins (that wane the longer they are in transit or on shelves), exposure to new vegetables and cuisines, huge incentive to eat more vegetables (due to a bulging crisper drawer), a relationship with the people who produce your food and firsthand knowledge of where it is grown (field trips to the farm are encouraged - many CSAs do distribution directly from their farms), and supporting the local economy instead of an out-ofstate corporation.
Economic Impact Dollar for dollar comparisons between CSA shares and organic produce are difficult to find, however Palmer indicates that trying to buy all that they provide individually would cost as much and probably more than you pay for an annual share. Regional shares range in cost from $100 to $500 and vary greatly in the amount of produce provided. Remember too, that the hard costs of handfarmed organic produce are factored into the share price – not so with grocery store bought food (which is subsidized). Soft benefits of buying local food mat-
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ter in the decision as well. A recent study cited by Civic Economics (an economics analysis consultancy) noted that a slight shift in consumer purchasing behavior – diverting 10 percent of purchases from national chain stores to locally-owned businesses – would each year create 1,300 new jobs and yield nearly $200 million in incremental economic activity. According to a University of Iowa study: “Communities reap more economic benefits from the presence of small farms than they do from large ones.” This is because small farms re-invest more money into local economies by purchasing feed, seed and other materials from local businesses, whereas large farms often order in bulk from distant companies. Grant Family Farms employs 25 people year round, and 200 seasonal workers. They bank locally and buy seed locally – as do most of the other CSAs operating regionally.
How to Choose a CSA? If Grant Farms takes any criticism (other than perhaps an overabundance of kale) it is that they are too big for some families. “We understand that our wide distribution model isn’t for everyone, which is why we happily recommend Happy Heart Farm as another local option,” says Palmer. Happy Heart Farm, founded in 1981 on West Elizabeth Street in Fort Collins, is owned and operated by Bailey and Dennis Stenson. Entering its 20th year as a CSA, Happy Heart was the first in Colorado to adopt the CSA model. With only 155 shares, they require members to come to the farm to pick up, thus serving as a meeting place for like-minded people. “Being an urban CSA, members can easily walk, bike, and drive here. People enjoy more of a personal connection with the farm, the farmers and the other members. We have a number of educational opportunities and several working memberships, where members enjoy a reduced fee for coming to help work the crops,” says Bailey Stenson. Interested veggie-eaters should check websites and are encouraged to call their chosen CSAs with any questions. Most offer memberships for food items other than vegetables such as fruit, eggs, cheese, even chocolate or mushrooms. All the farmers will tell you that if you don’t like their approach, please try a different CSA in the area.
Who Shouldn’t Become a Member? Asked if there are people who don’t enjoy the CSA experience, Stenson says yes. “If you too are too busy to cook or don’t like to cook, if you are very picky about what you will get – say you want only carrots or potatoes throughout the season, then the farmers’ markets are a better venue for you.” Overall, my family has enjoyed having a variety of veggies fresh from the farm, many that I would never have picked up at the store, but have come to love. If there is any downside for us, it has been abundance. Not every growing season is the same, so next year there may be less lettuce (some of which I left anonymously at the neighbor’s house) and more of those funky carrots. I do know that we’ll join the CSA again. And in case you were wondering, my daughter thought the carrots were delicious. Corey Radman is a veggie eating mother of two who is slowly learning to appreciate the virtue of kale chips.
BIG BOX groceries
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harvest time. CSA members share in the risk and the rewards, typically picking up a box of freshly harvested vegetables once a week. Grant Family Farms operates one of the largest CSAs in the country with 3,000 members. Incredibly, their first CSA season in 2007 had only 126 members. Grant Farms CSA Director, Josh Palmer says the money that came early in the season from CSA members saved the farm in the 2008 growing season. “We came off of a big drought and then had bad hail storms in ’07 and ’08. Had it not been for the CSA, we might not be farming any more because the bank might have seen us as a poor risk. In 2009, all the money we needed for seed was supplied by the CSA, which means we’ve been running entirely without bank loans for a year now.” In a time where dozens of family farms succumb to debt each year, solvency is a huge accomplishment.
By Corey Radman
Between CSAs, farmers’ markets, local dairies and ranches, it is possible to obtain almost everything you eat from a local source. Some businesses deliver directly to your home, making it even easier to eat locally. Dairy Morning Fresh Dairy is just north of Fort Collins in Bellvue, and was founded in 1894. Coowner, Laurie Graves (great-grand-daughter-inlaw of the founder) explains that their delivery service includes their locally produced, all-natural milk and now yogurt, but also Bean Cycle coffee, Beeyond the Hive honey, MouCo cheese, Eileen’s cookie dough and even eggs from the Graves kids’ chickens. “We believe it’s a priority to invest in local food, because we need to have a sustainable agricultural economy here. Buying products produced in Northern Colorado means you’re not relying on the Midwest or California to provide your food. It means more local jobs. And it means a cleaner environment,” says Graves, who admits that she thinks about all of their products as a mom first and a business owner second. “I figure if it’s good for my kids, it’s probably what other parents want for theirs too.” Morning Fresh Dairy converts alfalfa to bottled milk every 24 hours and delivers it all over Northern Colorado before the milk is a day old.
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Family Style Their entire operation, including alfalfa fields, cows and bottling facility, spans about two square miles. Compare that to a carton of grocery store milk, whose exact origin is unknown, but was likely trucked thousands of miles in its journey to your table. Morning Fresh operates as an all-natural operation, using no pesticides on the feed, no added hormones for the cows and no preservatives in the milk. Additional information can be found at www.morningfreshdairy.com.
Meat Morning Fresh Dairy co-owner Laurie Graves says buying local food is a commitment to family and community.
Keeping it local, meat can also be obtained from within a short drive of your home. Grant Family Farms offers chickens through their CSA program. And the following ranches are just two of many who sell beef and other meat at farmers’ markets or through their websites.
Sunshine Ranch Grass Fed Beef Loveland Sara Puharich (970) 679-4330 www.sunriseranch.org
Kiowa Valley Organics
Sharing a laugh and Morning Fresh Dairy’s newest product, Noosa yogurt, is Australian production manager for Noosa, Dennis Teichman, and MFD general manager Matt Lucas.
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Certified Organic Beef and Egg CSA shares Sara Bevan www.kiowavalleyorganics.com For more farms and ranches see: www.localharvest.org and www.eatwild.com.
Produce Partial list of Northern Colorado CSAs found at: www.localharvest.org
Cresset Community Farm (June-February) Johnstown Ursula Holmes www.cressetcommunityfarm.com (970) 278-0499
Grant Family Farms CSA (June-December) Wellington Becky Jackson (970) 568.7654 www.grantfarms.com
Happy Heart Farm (May-October) Fort Collins Dennis Stenson (970) 482-3448 www.happyheartfarmcsa.com
Monroe Organic Farms (July-October) Weld County Jacquie Monroe (970) 284-7941 www.monroefarm.com
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T O P C AT & TA I L S G A L A October 24 The Ranch First National Bank Building :: Loveland The 2009 Top Cat & Tails Gala, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Larimer Humane Society (LHS), was a tail-wagging success that raised over $66,500 for the animals in their care! More than 300 guests, 16 adoptable animals, committee members and event volunteers enjoyed a fun evening featuring silent and live auctions, dinner and entertainment. Highlights included an adoptable pet parade and a historical view of LHS, dating from 1969 forward. Funds raised at the event will be used to help homeless animals in Northern Colorado through LHS animal care, placement programs and new shelter projects. Photos courtesy of Heidi Muller Photography.
Susan & Richard Harrison
Dede Kraxberger, Renee Weisser
Lily Parkinson with Skeeter and Sunny
Matt & Victoria Jackson, Jessica Irvin, Jason Jarvis, baby Donovan, Jonathan Irvin
Jennifer Weller with Snowflake
Back: Lindsay Jarvis, Cary Rentola, Tracie Crites Front: Tim Mitts, Cheryl Mitts, Christina Tedesco, Mandalee McNeil, Judy Calhoun, Kara Pappas
Cat Cross, Denise Spraker, Cookie Cloninger
A SEASON OF STRENGTH WITH NCAP November 4 Hilton :: Fort Collins A warm crowd of 200 friends and supporters attended the second annual Northern Colorado AIDS Project’s community fundraising luncheon in early November. Dubbed “A Season of Strength,” the title played on the agency tagline: “Growing stronger every day.” The luncheon raised more $10,000 in much-needed funds as well as public awareness for NCAP, which celebrated 25 years of service in 2009. NCAP is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in Larimer County and surrounding areas living with HIV/AIDS and to help reduce the spread and stigma of the disease.
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Back: Jeffrey Basinger, Michael Bowser, Christopher Grano, Jeremiah Johnson, Kathy Krohn, Emilie Allen, Jennifer Chase. Front: Alice Ashmore, Peter Vielehr, Danielle Willis, Kyla Pfeif, Kelly Powasnik, Marti Gerhardt, Jill Leiker
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
M C K E E P R E S E N T S . . . A L O V E L A N D C E L E B R AT I O N November 7 Embassy Suites :: Loveland Presented by The Friends of the Hospital, this 28th annual signature evening delighted more than 280 business owners, physicians, community leaders and McKee Foundation supporters. Guests enjoyed delicious food, a piano bar, live auction, casino games, a Scooter giveaway and themed package drawings. Guests also had a chance to view a Simulation Training Area and a Virtual Reality Immersion Station in action. The event raised more than $62,500 for the Banner Simulation System at McKee Medical Center. Photos courtesy of Harper Point Photography.
Julie Sutter, Ryan Keifer, Gretchen Gaede
Mary & Jeff Hiatt
Irene & Jay Sokolowski
Sherry Pelton, Leann Massey, Chrissy Caesar
Marge & Randy King
Suzanne Saenz, John Crane
CROSSROADS 29TH ANNIVERSARY GALA November 14 Hilton :: Fort Collins Over 350 community supporters gathered to celebrate Crossroads Safehouse’s 29 years of service. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner, silent and live auction, and musical entertainment from The Kingpins Blues Band. Justin Larson, of JCL Architecture, and Mary Fuller received 2009 Creative Vision for Women awards. This annual event raised over $130,000 to benefit victims of domestic violence and their children in Larimer County. Photo courtesy of richardthephotographer.com.
Vicki Lutz, Justin Larson (Creative Vision for Women Honoree)
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Congresswoman Betsy Markey, Jim Kelly
Dave & Paula Edwards
Mary Anne Paul, Mary Fuller (Creative Vision for Women Honoree)
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A rts A live ! G R E E L E Y November 22 :: Monfort Concert Hall Stage at UCCC :: Greeley More than 200 friends, family members and supporters of the arts gathered for the 7th annual Arts Alive! dinner and reception honoring Charmaine Coppom and Bob and Betty Tointon for their lifetime of outstanding commitment and contributions to the Greeley area arts scene. The evening raised $20,000 to benefit the Arts Alive! Scholarship Fund, administered through the Community Foundation serving Greeley and Weld County. Photos courtesy of Stephanie Burchett.
Bob & Betty Tointon (Honoree) Charmaine & John Coppom (Honoree)
Shirley Howell, Beverly Skinner
Charles Hansen, Susan Nelson, Larry Lang
R ealities for children N I G H T L I G H T S December 1 :: First Presbyterian Church Front Lawn :: Fort Collins The 12th anniversary of NightLights brought out more than 1,200 bundled community members to kick off the holiday festivities and support a great cause. Music filled the air as performances by youths warmed the hearts of attendees as they sipped on cider and cocoa. The highlight of the evening was the lighting of the one-of-a-kind 50-foot tree adorned with beautiful LED lights and images of children. Over 750 individual NightLights were sponsored by businesses, families, individuals and groups, many in memory of loved ones. Over $75,000 was raised for the Realities for Children Charities and will benefit abused and neglected children in Larimer County.
Bill & Kathy See
Tony DeMario, Randy DeMario
Andy Titterington, Scott Titterington, Steve Dobbie, Loren Nansel
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Chuck & Jana Black
Zeb & Kelly Lust
Molly & Craig Secher, Holli Milenski
Mark & Kim Saunders with Chloe and Quenton
Joyce Dickens, Jerri & Steve Howe
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
T H E C H R I S T M A S H O M E T O U R & F E S T I VA L December 4 Three Area Homes :: Fort Collins Local homeowners graciously opened up their homes to more than 300 supporters for this popular annual holiday event. The beautifully decorated homes did not disappoint attendees who braved snow and cold temperatures. A Christmas Festival with food, live music, a silent auction and more added up to a fun evening. Sponsored by Timberline Church, proceeds benefit the U COUNT campaign.
Barb & Stan Myers
Earl & Judy Smith
Whitney WIlliams
Linda Dudley, Kevin Williams, Natasha Van Wyhe
EJ & Lynn Bodnar
N ew Y ear ’ s E ve C elebration December 31 Hilton :: Fort Collins An elegant, music-rich evening was experienced by nearly 100 guests who came to celebrate the end of 2009 and ring in 2010 at this New Year’s Eve Celebration. The Fort Collins Symphony (FCS), celebrating their 60th anniversary, hosted the event, providing wonderful music as guests enjoyed an evening of hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a gourmet dinner and plenty of dancing, culminating with traditional toasts at midnight. Proceeds benefit FCS and their mission to enhance life in Northern Colorado by providing entertainment and education through the production of high quality orchestral music. Photos courtesy of Mishelle Baun & Tom Newman.
Ann & John Blair
Style 2010
Sara Newman, Patti & Tom Newman
Joe & Amanda Kingry, Dennis & Rosie Sinnett
Amy & Dave Rosenberg
Linda & Mike Orlich
Barbara Moir, Susan Black, Sandy Walker
Leslie Stewart Kenney, Donna Viscosky
Cindy & Blake Seas
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Community innovators CHET and norMA JEAN GOODHEART
Spreading a Little Love in Loveland
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Love is in the air at the Goodheart’s house. It could be their natural good humor shining through during the month of love. Or maybe it is that they will celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss in May, so this year’s Valentine’s Day is particularly poignant. Possibly, however, the reason this time of year is so special to Norma Jean and Chet Goodheart is found in the past 17 years of volunteer work in their beloved Loveland community. Norma Jean and Chet have become staples during the Valentine’s holiday in Loveland. And Valentine’s Day, as we know, is a big deal in Loveland. The Goodhearts volunteer as chaperones for Miss Loveland Valentine, a Loveland high school senior chosen every year to act as a spokesperson and make presentations throughout the community. The Goodhearts, mainly Norma Jean with a little help from Chet, chaperone Miss Valentine (“Miss V,” as Norma Jean calls her) to all her engagements: six-plus weeks of meetings, sometimes five or six in a day. By the end of the season, the Goodhearts have generally escorted Miss V to around 50 engagements. This year’s Miss Loveland Valentine was announced on November 12. Hillary Skeffington, a Loveland High School senior, is the 49th student to take the title. Norma Jean volunteered as chaperone for the first time in 1993. She took over the responsibilities from Mabel Thompson. Mabel and her husband, former Chamber of Commerce president, Ted, were instrumental in beginning Loveland’s Valentines Card Remailing Program in 1947. Mabel Thompson had been chaperoning Miss Vs since 1962 when the program began. Norma Jean stepped in when Mabel was no longer able to drive a car. The Goodhearts were well-known in the community: Chet had been teaching indus-
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Why 17 years volunteering to chaperone Miss Loveland Valentine? “They are all so special,” says Norma Jean, “We wouldn’t do this if they weren’t. The girls make it easy.” trial arts and driver’s education in Loveland area high schools since they both relocated to the area from Kansas in 1963. Still, Norma Jean was surprised when the Chamber of Commerce approached her to be chaperone. “Chet and I knew many of the girls who became Miss Valentine over the years, because he taught at the schools, but I never dreamed I would become involved. I always joke that they just went through the phone book and came across the name Goodheart and that is how they chose me!” After almost two decades chaperoning young, uncertain high schoolers on how to address crowds as large as 200 people, Norma Jean is well accustomed to bolstering confidence and still enjoys watching these
young women grow into their duties. Each year, Norma Jean and Chet accompany Miss V to an annual presentation to the governor, bearing a gift and the official Loveland Valentine card of the year. “I have seen a few governors in my time!” laughs Norma Jean. “The new gals are always so nervous, but I try to prepare them well. After about ten events, however, she has figured it out and is leading me!” Chet, who mainly operates as “chauffer,” adds, these young women “really grow in that month,” something they both find rewarding to witness. Norma Jean creates a scrapbook of the experience for each Miss V, and several former Miss Vs have gone on to start impressive careers of their own. One works for the CIA; another is a TV anchor; still others have become attorneys and doctors. Many are married now and starting families of their own. “They are all so special,” says Norma Jean, “We wouldn’t do this if they weren’t. The girls make it easy.” “Easy” may be an overstatement; Norma Jean and Chet both find themselves a little exhausted after the run of engagements. “We give our all for six weeks.” However, Norma Jean vows to continue until “the Chamber doesn’t want me anymore.” In the meantime, she mails each of the past Miss Vs (who she still has contact information for) a special Loveland Valentine card each year. When Norma Jean and Chet finish up their Valentine run of activity, they tend to stick close to home or travel between Loveland and to see family in Kansas. They have two daughters and four grandchildren all living in the Sweetheart City. Style congratulates the efforts of the Goodhearts – they provide a great example of how to spread a little love in the community! Congratulations on 50 years together.
Angeline Grenz is editor for Style Magazine
in•no•vate – v. 1. to introduce something new; make changes in anything established, 2. to alter. Style invites you to nominate your Community Innovator. Send suggestions to angie@stylemedia.com for consideration.
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