2012-04 Lydia's Style Magazine by Style Media & Design, Inc.

FIVE DOLLARS

APRIL 2012

Economic Update The Love of Golf Spring Fashions Go Glam

Dunn Hogerty Celebrates 30 Years www.stylemagazinecolorado.com | www.medicalandwellness.com A S T Y L E M E D I A A N D D E S I G N , I N C . P U B L I C AT I O N : : E S T. 1 9 8 4

Style 2012

The Voice of Northern Colorado for

28 Years.

s t y le me d ia a n d d e s i g n , i n c .

| 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 w w w. m e d i c a l a n d w e l l n e s s . c o m Publisher Lydia Dody | lydia@stylemedia.com Managing Editor Angeline Grenz angie@stylemedia.com creative director Scott Prosser Senior Designer Lisa Gould digital director Austin Lamb | austin@stylemedia.com Advertising Sales EXECUTIVES Jon Ainslie (970) 219-9226 Lydia Dody (970) 227-6400 David Knight (970) 619-9846 Saundra Skrove (970) 217-9932 Office Manager/About Town Editor Ina Szwec | ina@stylemedia.com Accounting Manager Karla Vigil Circulation manager Trisha Milton Copy editor Corey Radman Contributing Writers Connie Hein, Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer, Kristin Mastre, Marty Metzger, Corey Radman, Kay Rios, Erica Pauly, Carl Simmons, Tracee Sioux, Elissa Tivona PhotographerS Marcus Edwards and Brent Yoder Contributing Photographer Don Hajicek Affiliations Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Loveland Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 2012 Style Magazines January-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness Magazine and McKee Medical Center & North Colorado Medical Center Physician Directory February-Style March-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness April-Style May-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness June-Style July-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness Magazine and Poudre Valley Health System Physician Directory 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 $25/year and a two year subscription is $45/year. Free magazines are available at over 150 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) 2266400, ext. 208. Fax (970) 226-6427. E-Mail: ina@StyleMedia.com ©2012 Style Media and Design Inc. All rights reserved. The entire contents of Style Magazine are 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.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2012

Angie, I so enjoyed working with you on my recent article! (“Turning Your Home… Into Their Home,” February 2012 Lydia’s Style Magazine)

Thank You for Articles Dear Lydia, We want to express our gratitude for the article that was written by Heather Schichtel in your Holiday 2011 issue of Style Magazine about Designs Boutique. The article dedicated to a family-owned local business was deeply appreciated. It has been a pleasure to work with you and your staff, especially our awesome representative Sondy Skrove, these last 15 years. Thank you for your dedication to our Northern Colorado community and the many incredible characters that grace our lives in so many ways. Sincerely, Linda Vernon, Ron Vernon, Michelle Crutcher and Madelyn – family owners of Designs Boutique Dear Lydia, We wanted to thank you for the fantastic article in the February 2012 Style Magazine! We have had a great response and lots of people have come in after seeing us in your magazine! We appreciate your support! Kindly, Julia Apodaca, MkLaren

looking for my outfit at Designs. I love what I ended up with! Thank you, Tracie Milton, The Group, Inc.

Sincerely, Kathy Lanning, Home Staging with Kathy

Fun at Fashion Shoot Dear Lydia, Thanks so much for a fun photo shoot at She She. I appreciate you thinking of and continuing to support this little dream of mine! We enjoyed being a part of the day. I can’t wait to see the issue! Cheers, Susan Byrum, She She Nail and Wax Lounge Dear Lydia, I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to be a model for Style Magazine. The entire experience was simply amazing. I look forward to seeing the spread in your April magazine. Respectfully, Natalie Davis, The Group Inc. Dear Lydia, Thank you so much for including me in the fashion shoot. It’s an honor to be featured in your magazine! You were so sweet and patient and incredibly helpful when I was

oops!

In our February 2012 magazine, in the article “Find the Fitness Center Right For You,” we misrepresented the nature of fitness memberships at the Fort Collins Senior Center. Use of weights, cardio, personal training, etc. at the Senior Center is not based on membership. Rather, it is based on a fee per visit. We regret the error. For more information about the Fort Collins Senior Center, please visit www.fcgov.com/recreation/seniorcenter.

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

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2012

on the cover Dunn Hogerty’s founding members and long-standing community pillars, Jerry Dunn and Dennis Hogerty, celebrate their 30-year partnership. Cover photo by Marcus Edwards.

features

CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM AS THE ECONOMY MOVES FORWARD . 18

LIFE AT ARROWHEAD: A TIMELESS RESIDENCE . . . .

PRIVATIZING HIGHER EDUCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

HURR SPRINKLER AND LANDSCAPE: THE LAPOSA PROJECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

INCUBATING JOBS OF THE FUTURE . . . . . . . . . . . 26

the love of golf

CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 ENVIROVATION SHOWCASE RECOGNIZES ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

14 18

DUNN HOGERTY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS . . . . HUMAN RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES . . . . . . . .

. . . . 32

MEET THE MODELS . . . . . . . . 34 GOING GLAM . . . . . . . . . . . .

PENNY FLATS – WHERE ARE THEY NOW? . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

TEE OFF WITH A LOCAL LEAGUE . . . . . . . . . . .

DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS . . . . . . . . .54

lifestyle

FEASTING FORT COLLINS: DELICIOUS DISCOVERIES . . .

A PHOTO TOUR OF NONPROFIT EVENTS . . . . . . . . 66

Butterfly Kisses

HURR SPRINKLER AND LANDSCAPE: TRANSFORMING YOUR BACKYARD . . . . . . . . . 16

about town

LILLIANS: CHIC BOUTIQUE FOCUSES ON FUN . . . . . . . . .14

OWN IT NOW . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Winter Whimsy

ALLEY CAT ORCHIDS: BLOOMS IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

GOLF CAN BE FOR EVERYONE .52

business profile SURROUNDINGS: MAKING OUTDOOR LIVING EASY . . . .

35 51

WHY GOLF? . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NCMC Carnivale Rio Simply Red Dancing with the Stars RamStrength Great Conversations WomenGive Luncheon JA Bowl-a-thon Give10 The Whiskers of Oz

special building community section innovators ALPINE GARDENS: THE JORDAN

62 52 74 APRIL 2012 :: STYLE

RESIDENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ECONOMIC DIVAS . . . . . . . . . . 74

HIGHCRAFT BUILDERS: FOUNDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . .

departments

SCHILLING INTERIORS: A NEW DESIGN EXPERIENCE . . . . . . 48

FROM OUR READERS . . . . . . . . 6 PUBLISHER’S LETTER . . . . . . .10

WWW.STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Publisher’s Letter

Signs of Spring Our April issue of Style always includes an informative feature about our regional economy. As we listen to many of our advertisers, we are hearing a recurring theme of optimism. It appears that the business climate in our area is positive and that businesses are recovering from the economic challenges of the past few years. This year we spoke to the directors of finance of Fort Collins, Windsor, Loveland, Greeley and the president/CEO of Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation to get a pulse on the economic condition of our cities. Read “Cautious Optimism as the Economy Moves Forward” to get a snapshot of our region’s recovering economy. Many of you probably know or have heard of our featured cover gentlemen. Congratulations to Jerry Dunn and Dennis Hogerty on the 30-year anniversary of their partnership. Read “Dunn Hogerty Celebrates 30 Years” to get an overview of their personal track record in the investment field. The recent arrival of warm weather draws us outdoors and many head to a favorite golf course to hit some balls. Our region is home to a wide range of beautiful golf courses catering to all levels of players, making this sport a popular one in Northern Colorado. Browse through our golf section to learn about what is new this season, and meet some of the seasoned golf professionals that can help you improve your game. And, don’t miss reading “Why Golf?” for a chuckle about the commonly shared frustrations of the game. At the first sign of spring, it is also time to freshen up the wardrobe with lighter colors and fabrics. Enjoy the “Going Glam” spring fashions photographed at the new Downtown location of She She Beauty Bar. Our beautiful models are real estate brokers and the fashions they feature are from area stores. Stop by these local stores and mention that you saw their fashions in Style. The backbone of our local economy is small business and their success has a positive ripple effect on our area. Read about three retailers offering interesting products and a Loveland landscape business that is experiencing healthy growth. When shopping for products or services, always shop locally first. It’s essential for the health of our economy! The onset of warm weather seems to make everyone happier and it also brings out my gardening instincts. I’m excited to see tulips and perennials starting to peak out of the ground. I can’t wait to plant colorful annuals and beautify my home and Style office with color. Enjoy the renewal of spring, lydia@stylemedia.com

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Special Advertisment

Lindgren Awarded for

Design, Innovation Take a highly creative design staff, innovative installation crew and the right kind of forward-thinking clients and what do you get? For Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation, it was an impressive list of recognitions from this year’s Excellence in Landscape Awards held by Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC). Lindgren received the following awards in four categories: Design/Build, Water Features, Special Areas – Hardscapes and Renovation. In the Water Features category, Lindgren received both the Award of Excellence and the Grand Award. Design/Build, Award of Excellence: The goal of this project was to create a landscape that complimented the “old world” style of the house that looked like it had always been there. It includes water features in the front and back yards, a fire pit, and bridges. Water Features, Grand Award and Award of Excellence: The goal of the front water feature was to add a piece of art as a focal point without obstructing views of the mountains, city lights or sunrise. An 11 ft. tall, 8-ton boulder was selected and cored to create the water feature. The backyard water feature, which received the Grand Award, holds 100,000 gallons of water with an extensive bio-filtration system to assure water clarity with minimum maintenance. Special Areas – Hardscapes, Award of Excellence: The Outdoor Kitchen. The design challenge for this project was to incorporate all the features the homeowners wanted without compromising the mountain views. Renovation, Award of Excellence: The shade structure has lighting, fans and infrared heaters to maximize usable time on a daily or seasonal basis. Best management practices included using drip hydrozones, soil amendments and installing a pondless, re-circulating water feature that saves both water and maintenance. “These winning landscapes provide an exciting preview of the state’s landscape and garden trends for the year ahead,” said Kristen Fefes, ALCC executive director. “These projects demonstrate how a well designed, installed or maintained landscape can improve our outdoor living experience,” she added. Owner Tim Lindgren attributes the awards to a highly creative and motivated design staff and installation crew who like to stay on the cutting edge of their industry. His high-caliber staff naturally attracts the sort of clients that are excited about new design. “As a company, we enjoy coming up with designs that no one else has done before and new ideas for installation techniques – we want to take even the most basic landscapes and apply our creative touch. And, I am grateful for our clients that allow us to create these great projects,” says Lindgren.

970.226.5677 www.lindgrenlandscape.com

Business Profile

The Surroundings team: Amanda Russelavage, Michael Norris, Andy Mill, Alissa Strickland and Jaime Troudt

Surroundings: Making

Outdoor Living Easy

Anyone who has taken a stroll on a warm beach, or around a cool mountain lake understands how our surroundings can have an impact on mood and feeling. In fact research has shown that peaceful surroundings can positively affect blood pressure, heart rate and overall health. So, to a degree, we become a product of our surroundings. That’s why it has become important to many to take advantage of their outdoor space, making it more useful and beautiful by creating functional living areas as an extension of their homes. If you have dreamed of creating just such a space in your yard or garden, but have no idea where to start, we have the perfect solution. Andy Mill, owner of new Fort Collins-based store, Surroundings, has found a way to give homeowners the vision they need to create the perfect outdoor living space, without the lengthy process typically experienced in large landscaping projects. Surroundings carries everything needed to create the perfect outdoor living space, including furniture, appliances and accessories, as well as landscape design and installation services. “In my own 30-plus years of landscape, nursery

and irrigation experience, I have found that people often don’t take on large landscaping projects because they don’t know where to start,” Mill says. “And they need to be able to visualize their yard and garden before they can begin to make it a reality.” Surroundings helps customers create and realize that vision. Often, says Mill, when creating new outdoor spaces, the actual process can be lengthy with a lot of guesswork about what the cost of a project might be. There is also the confusion about who to call to get started: Do you start by calling a contractor, landscape architect or designer to help you decide on the design or structure? That depends largely on the type of area you want to create, but how does the homeowner know? These are the questions that prompted Mill to create his unique business. “I saw a need in the community, studied and researched how to best fill that need, and how to make the process enjoyable and easy.” Surroundings features a large showroom with many outdoor-living vignettes that can serve different purposes, using furnishings, appliances and water features to create a useful, luxurious retreat. The showroom features medium- to high-end

By Connie Hein

The retail store provides customers the opportunity to visualize their new outdoor space with all the design elements: furnishings, appliances and even water features. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

outdoor furnishings and appliances that are not carried at other businesses in Northern Colorado. This includes water features, outdoor rugs and hundreds of different styles of exterior furniture and cushions. “From pizza ovens and built-in barbeque grills, to fire features and cozy furnishing and throws, the selection for our clients is endless,” says Mill. From choosing the design to the final installation, there are no surprises. “We have the best of the best design staff and local subcontractors that do the actual landscape work for our clients,” he says. “They are hardworking, honest people that we have worked with for years in the landscape business; we know them well and guarantee their work.” He says when doing a project through Surroundings, clients deal with one company, instead of choosing and keeping track of many different contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. Step into the huge showroom and choose all the features you need for a project by mixing and matching design elements, or choosing from the many design packages priced to fit any budget. Surroundings also carry hundreds of accessories that are discounted when clients purchase a design package. “It’s like having an easy button in landscape design and installation,” Mill says. “For new homeowners who are just getting started on their landscape, or clients with existing homes who want to add or change landscape features to help them feel more connected with their yards and gardens, we have all the products, knowledge and services anyone would need.” Mill’s knowledge comes from decades of experience in landscape architectural design and installation as part owner of Mill Brothers Landscape and Nursery, an award-winning Fort Collins company since 1980. Mill says the combination of his family heritage (his grandfather owned hundreds of acres of farmland around Fort Collins), personal experience and connection with the people of Northern Colorado has fueled his passion to continue serving clients’ outdoor living needs. He believes Colorado is the perfect place for this type of business. “Colorado has such a mild climate and breathtaking natural beauty; it is the perfect backdrop for outdoor spaces with built-in views,” he says. “Spaces with fire features for winter or fans and misters for summer are very efficient and functional in Northern Colorado.” Creating a beautiful outdoor living space is the ultimate answer for the popular stay-cation trend, says Mill. “People get so busy with work and other obligations that it’s important to be able to wind down in the comfort of their own homes. Creating comfortable outdoor spaces to enjoy family and friends is the perfect way to do that, and is a great investment in your home, health and quality of life.” Surroundings Andy Mill, owner 250 E. Harmony Rd., F-6, Fort Collins www.surroundingsstore.com (970) 449-4484 Style 2012

Business Profile

Alley Cat Orchids: Blooms in the Heart of Downtown By Marty Metzger At an age when her peers mothered dolls, 8-year-old Rosalie Watkins busily propagated orchids. This was no passing interest. As an adult Watkins’ orchid passion grew as prolifically as the plants she tended. Relocating to Fort Collins from California in 1999, Watkins eventually settled at 243 Jefferson Street, which backs to the renovated alley behind Linden St. Long-home to Marlen’s Tire Service, Marlen’s son, Wally Walberg, remodeled the building’s back half into his home 13 years ago. When Watkins decided to grow her own orchids, friends cautioned it couldn’t be done in low-humidity Fort Collins. But they apparently forgot to warn the orchids, which did just fine in the filtered light of an east-facing bathroom window. In June 2011, a greenhouse was added to transform her lifelong hobby into a good business fit for Downtown. Once the handcrafted greenhouse was stocked and ready, Watkins dubbed her company in honor of the stray alley cats she’d taken in. In August 2011, Alley Cat Orchids opened its doors. The genus boasts approximately 20,000 species plus 100,000 hybrids. The four main types Watkins carries are Cattleya – the corsage orchid; Dendrobium – a commonly marketed retail variety; Phalaenopsis (a.k.a. the moth orchid) – excellent for in-home growing; Oncidium – diverse in types and habitats (sea level in the tropics to the high elevations of the Andes Mountains). Watkins adds that some cold-tolerant species thrive in Colorado’s mountains above 7,000 feet. One such variety is called Lady Slipper. Wild orchids attach to bark and branches, where they absorb water and nutrients from air and rain. To kill an orchid, plant it in soil; roots rot in waterlogged pots, so nestle them in bark chips or other loosely-packed material. Water sparingly about once a week. Temperature preference varies by species, but most prefer a minimum day/night difference of 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people believe orchids are fussy, one-time bloomers. Watkins denies that diva label, knowing them to be tough and hardy. She offers a unique service by accepting orchids back to be re-bloomed, after which time (a minimum of six months) customers can re-purchase their original plants. Order your lovely blooms for delivery anywhere in Fort Collins. Or to enjoy a sensory extravaganza of wonderful colors and scents, browse in person at the Alley Cat Orchids greenhouse.

Alley Cat Orchids | Rosalie Watkins, owner | 243 Jefferson Street, Fort Collins | www.alleycatorchids.com | (970) 223-6995

Lillians: Chic Boutique Focuses on Fun

Business Profile

By Marty Metzger Occasional shops are all the rage back east and now Fort Collins is trying one on for size. Lillians’ trendy fashions offers your wardrobe a perfect fit. The boutique provides patrons cozy hospitality through its refreshing concept. Lillians began as a Buffalo, Minn., handbag store in 2006. Founders (and sisters) Cindy Deuser and Sue Olmscheid named it in honor of their Grandma Lillian. They added clothing and expanded to five locations in 2009. They then franchised, currently with 39 shops over nine states. Fort Collins franchisee Chris Bensko-Wecks loves the casual format of the franchise, delighted to have found a business model that she could run instead of vice-versa. She eagerly opened the local Lillians in Scotch Pines Village Shopping Center at Lemay and Drake. The boutique is open only the first Thursday through Sunday and second Friday and Saturday each month. Merchandise selections frequently vary. A limited schedule was important to Bensko-Wecks, already happily a full-time wife to Trevin, and mother to daughters Mason, 12 and Turner, 10. “I didn’t want to spend 12 hours a day, every day, running a small business like many owners do,” she explains. Of course, full-time overhead doesn’t give part-time hours a break. To keep the accountant’s ink black, Lillians franchises host fundraisers, called Diva Nights. Social groups, like clubs and leagues, are invited to conduct these events any night the shop is available. As during regular business hours, a steady stream of crooning tunes and Big Band era sounds fill the air. On gala Diva Nights, a mini spa sometimes provides complimentary salon services. Lillians’ merchandise is the jewel in its chic tiara (but without the crown jewel prices). Stylish handbags, dresses, denim, wallets, scarves and delightful jewelry are scattered smartly around the shop. Bensko-Wecks reports that a woman can “get dressed in a full outfit for under $100.” Prices range from $30-$45 for dresses; faux leather handbags are available from $25-$35; necklace/ earrings sets are $16; and scarves, $14. “We carry ageless fashions for mother, daughter and grandmother,” declares Bensko-Wecks. “Everyone can come in and find something they love.” A few toys to occupy youthful energy are scattered about, indicating that small children are always welcome. As are men, but their presence is announced by the ringing of a “man-in-the-shoppe” bell, another distinctly enjoyable Lillians’ feature. Franchises are intentionally designed to be quaint and intimate. Each owner interjects individual personality through personalized color, fixtures and design schemes. However, because it’s a franchise, quality merchandise supplied by 100+ vendors makes Lillians a “must do” for shoppers of all ages.

Lillians | Chris Bensko-Wecks, owner | 2601 S. Lemay Ave., #16, Fort Collins | www.lilliansshoppe.com/fortcollins | (970) 223-1660

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2012

Business Profile

A dramatic rock and water feature sets off this distinctive Hurr Sprinkler and Landscape project.

Hurr Sprinkler & Landscape:

your

backyard

By Carl Simmons To look at their name, you might think Hurr Sprinkler and Landscape, located in Loveland, is just another landscaping service. But if you thought that, you’d be wrong. “We’re geared more toward the high-end customer who likes to enjoy a lot of time outside,” says Graham MacGregor, manager and owner at Hurr. “We can incorporate an outdoor kitchen into your living space, install stone or brick patios, or flagstone slab stairs, and then soften everything with plantings. “We’re not just ‘three shrubs and a tree and it’s done,’” MacGregor emphasizes. “We provide for people who are willing to spend more to create an

Andy Maguire, Lead Commercial Estimator, Arik Solberg, Lead Residential Designer, Graham MacGregor, Owner

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

environment that works for their style of living. Our company is geared toward customer service, beating customer expectations and providing an outdoor space our clients can enjoy.” MacGregor describes one of Hurr’s more memorable recent projects, “We just did a project last year where we started with an open lot and created a fully installed living space – including slab stairs, lots of perennial beds for color and a 30-foot waterfall, as well as night lighting so the homeowners can enjoy the area each evening.” The business was founded in July 2002. “I was working with someone else at the time and decided to strike out on my own,” MacGregor says. “I ended up buying him out later on. “We were out of my home at first, and moved into our current location about four years ago; it gave us the space to grow,” he adds. “We’ve quadrupled in size as a business since moving into this building. In fact, we’ve had 20 to 30 percent growth almost every year since we started.” Although recent economic issues clearly haven’t hurt business, they have affected the way Hurr does business. Put another way: The professionals at Hurr have found new opportunities for growth as they’ve adapted to the changes in the economy. “One way that the economy has affected us is that they’re not building as many new homes. More people are staying in their existing homes, so a lot more of our work has involved renovating existing properties,” MacGregor says. “We’ve also started doing commercial work in the last couple years; that side of the building industry has taken a hit, too, but since it’s a new area for us it’s still an area that we’ve had significant growth in.” The professionals at Hurr are actively involved in every aspect of the projects they take on, from the initial design to construction and install. They also encourage homeowners to take an active role in the process and enjoy it when their clients accompany designers to the nursery to help find the right plant or to the quarry to find the perfect boulders and rocks. The Hurr team strives to make each yard a unique reflection of the homeowners so that it is a space that can be enjoyed for years to come. They also perform many of the jobs normally associated with a sprinkler and landscaping company – including irrigation design, installation and repair; fall and spring cleanup; snow removal; holiday lighting; installation of wood fencing; spring sprinkler activation and fall sprinkler winterization. As the business prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary later this year, MacGregor is looking forward to what the coming year will bring. “Things are looking good; we’ve got a lot of jobs pre-sold,” he says. “Since we do most of our actual work in the summer that’s not unusual, but we’ve also seen an uptick in the requests for design work. I guess cautiously optimistic would be a good way to put it.” Hurr Sprinkler & Landscape Graham MacGregor, owner 1533 Taurus Court, Suite 100, Loveland www.hurrcolorado.com (970) 613-0225 Style 2012

Dean Moyer, Director of Finance, Town of Windsor

Cautious Optimism

as Economy Moves Forward

By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer

Northern Colorado is home to unique communities that create a dynamic region with diverse options for business and play. The towns and cities in the area have worked through the economic downturn in different ways, and while every community has a different story to tell, the prevailing theme today is cautious optimism. The past five years of economic woes experienced across the country haven’t left Colorado unscathed, but despite the lows, there have been reasons to celebrate, and success stories can be found. Style recaps the ups and downs of 2011 and looks forward to 2012.

Windsor - Weathered the Storm

With a population of approximately 20,000, Windsor has been a desirable place to live for many, but over the years some residents have complained about the lack of retail in the community. This point of contention turned out to be a good thing during the recent recession. “Our sales tax base here is largely necessitybased. We have a tax on the grocery stores and also on the utilities, and people need those two things,” says Dean Moyer, director of finance at the Town of Windsor. “We set a

sales tax record in 2011. We collected about $5.3 million, beating 2010, which had previously held the record.” In addition to setting sales tax records, Windsor has been leading Northern Colorado in the number of building permits pulled in the municipality. The town closed 2011 with 244 building permits, nearly 100 more than the town’s nearest competitor. A combination of necessity-based retail and continued residential building activity have kept Windsor at the head of the pack when it comes to surviving the half-decade-long economic downturn. Another ironically helpful event was the tornado that tore through the town in 2008. “After the tornado, a lot of money came in from insurance companies and we were able to get a bunch of grants to help with cleanup

and do some other projects, so we were kind of lucky in that respect. I think that ultimately helped us get through the economic downturn a little better than some of the other towns,” says Moyer, who has been with the town for 14 years. Over the years, various retail businesses have expressed interest in the area around the Windsor exit, but the outdated interchange at I-25 and Hwy 392 kept many away. Today, the current construction project at the freeway is slated for completion this summer and Moyer looks forward to future growth in west Windsor. Windsor made it through the recession without making cuts, but there were wage freezes; however, like many municipalities around Northern Colorado, past conservative fiscal decisions play a part in the health of the town today. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Mike Beckstead, Chief Financial Officer, City of Fort Collins

Fort Collins – Support of Her Residents

Mike Beckstead has only been with Fort Collins for five months, but he is already well acquainted with the city. Beckstead, chief financial officer for the city, believes that conservative management over time has been a big factor in getting Fort Collins through the economic downturn. “There seems to be a general style of moderation throughout the culture of Northern Colorado. We’re not flashy or just after the next big thing,” says Beckstead. Conservative management did not make the city bullet proof when it came to the recession. Sales tax numbers for Fort Collins peaked in 2007, and came down about 10 percent over the next two years. Sales tax revenue is recovering and Beckstead expects next year’s numbers to surpass those of 2007. He believes the real story is the voter base that passed Keep Fort Collins Great in 2010, a tax ballot issue that added 0.85 percent to a 3.0 percent sales tax. This has generated an additional $19 million a year in sales tax revenue for the city. “I think it speaks to the residents of Fort Collins and their desire to have high quality services that meet their expectations,” says Beckstead. “Many cities have residents who are not willing to increase taxes. I think these generous voters are a big part of what has helped the city weather uncertainty.” While tax revenues are creeping back up, residential building is still anemic in Fort Collins, although there have been buildingrelated city projects taking place. In 2011, the Lincoln Center remodel was completed, work continued on the new location for the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and the Mason corridor project began. “When you add up the number of projects going on, I think the city is very progressive and focused on putting in place infrastructure to support the community going forward. Right now, I am cautiously optimistic about the future,” says Beckstead. Style 2012

Timothy J. Nash, Director of Finance, City of Greeley

Greeley – The Rebound Kid

Over the last five years, Greeley has been in the national news several times, and the reports were not glowing. With one of the top foreclosure rates in the nation, there wasn’t a lot to smile about in Greeley, but that was then. Today, the city is a story of true economic recovery. When the economy started to tank, the City of Greeley reacted quickly. They reduced budgets, cut spending and eliminated almost 100 positions through attrition and early retirement. “We didn’t really have any choice. We had to have a balanced budget,” says Timothy J. Nash, director of finance and a 30-year veteran with the City of Greeley. Greeley’s economic high points over the last year have been directly related to industrial growth and the oil and gas industry. Tax revenues were up 9.8 percent in 2011, and 9.6 percent of that was sales tax. Consumer confidence is part of the story and thanks to good paying jobs in oil and gas and at large scale construction projects like the one at the Leprino Foods factory, consumers have money in their pockets. “I’m cautiously optimistic that this truly is a recovery and not a bubble mainly because it’s being driven by new industrial growth,” says Nash. It is unlikely that Greeley will continue to grow at a rate of 10 percent, and Nash predicts 2012 numbers to show around 3 percent growth. He also acknowledges that despite commercial and industrial construction, residential construction is nearly nonexistent and there is an abundance of existing inventory on the market. Despite the lows, the economic highs are enormously promising. Greeley’s economy is not being boosted by jobs elsewhere in the region. Primary employers have chosen to locate in Greeley and the money being made is being spent in the city. “I think when you have fundamental growth in your industrial sector it provides a lot more security in your economy,” says Nash. “Things like Leprino and the oil and gas activity were a shot in the arm of the local economy at a time when things were really slow and we were ready for it.”

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Alan J. Krcmarik, Executive Fiscal Advisor, City of Loveland

Loveland – The Up and Comer

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While Fort Collins has long been a regional center for Northern Colorado, Loveland is quickly catching up, and 2011 was a big year for a city that experienced real lows during the recession. “After the downturn of 2007-2008, we went through a process called Financial Sustainability, and based on what we heard from the community we cut back on services and increased some fees to add additional revenue,” says Alan J. Krcmarik, executive fiscal advisor for the City of Loveland since 2005. Like other municipalities in the region, total tax revenues for the city were at a peak in 2007, but since then it has been what Krcmarik describes as “a bumpy road.” However, things are looking better. Sales and use tax, which is the major funding source for the city’s general fund, accumulated $35.9 million in 2007, and in 2011 it was approximately $35.2 million. When only considering sales tax numbers, the city appears to be in recovery, but use tax, associated with building, is down drastically. In 2007, use taxes totaled $4.3 million, and in 2011, the city collected less than $1 million. “That’s the tough story of these past two years,” says Krcmarik. Despite a sluggish construction industry, Loveland had several bright spots in 2011, including the biggest of all, the landing of the Rocky Mountain Center for Innovation and Technology (RMCIT). The project (formerly ACE) is a boon for the entire region, and has brought national attention to Loveland and Northern Colorado. The Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC) sees RMCIT as the catalyst for making the area between the University of Colorado and Colorado State University a hub for innovation and technology. Another regional bright spot was the runway rehabilitation project at the Fort Collins-Loveland Airport. Projects have also been underway in downtown Loveland, including the remodel of the Rialto Theater into the Rialto Center, activity at the Pullman building and the planned Artspace development in the historic Feed and Grain.

Walt Elish, President and CEO, Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation

Northern Colorado – Poised for Growth

The fact is that this region has fared better than much of the country during the economic downturn, and one reason is diversity. Each municipality excels in different areas, and attracts different types of businesses. Northern Colorado is also home to incubators like the Rocky Mountain Innosphere, as well as two major universities. To put it simply, Northern Colorado’s eggs are not all in one basket. Last year, NCEDC set a record for the number of inquiries their office received regarding available buildings and available sites in Northern Colorado, and requests for regional demographics. “Although we didn’t land anyone from the outside in 2011, many of those projects are still in the works. We’re still getting requests nearly every day and that’s frequent enough to tell us that things are happening out there,” says Walt Elish, president and CEO of NCEDC. “We have a ways to go, and it’s not all rosy,” says Elish. He points to the 6,700 jobs lost in the region since 2008. Only around 2,000 of those jobs have been replaced. Despite continued employment issues, the communities of Northern Colorado are being administered well, are not debt ridden and are in a good position to attract business. There may be a few more bumps in the road, but the towns and cities of Northern Colorado seem to be on the path to economic recovery. Conservative management coupled with an eye towards economic development, and the region appears poised for great things.

Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a journalist and freelance writer from Northern Colorado. She is also the Mayor of HeidiTown.com, a blog about Colorado events and festivals.

student is actually four percent less now than it was 20 years ago (adjusted for inflation). Quietly, without a public conversation or any vote being taken, we have moved two-thirds of the way down the road to privatization.” State capacity to fund higher education institutions is being squeezed. Governor John Hickenlooper said in this year’s State of the State Address, “…the question of finding additional revenue for education is one of our greatest budget pressures.” The money doesn’t seem to be coming. According to the National Science Board, funding for major public research universities is down drastically nationwide; however, no place is harder hit than Colorado, which reduced university funding by 48.3 percent between 2002 and 2010. CSU reports that in the last three years they have had to make due with $36 million fewer dollars from the state. “Absolutely, the university system is at risk right now,” says UNC President Kay Norton. “We will not be going back [to the days of generous funding] because of demands on the state budget.” She lists medical care costs, K-12 education and the rising corrections costs (prison and legal justice system) that are Constitutionally mandated. “So, the only unprotected expenditure left in the state budget is the university system.” President Norton paraphrases a favorite quote, “Those in public higher education need to quit hoping for restoration and get down to the business of transformation,” she says. “Our institutions have to operate very differently than when they were relatively generously supported by the states.”

Tuition Costs

Privatizing

Higher Education “I paid my own way through school.” It’s a statement uttered frequently at fundraising luncheons and coffee dates by people of a certain age, people who graduated from college before 1990. And it makes Tony Frank’s ears perk up. 22

By Corey Radman

“Yes,” responds Colorado State University (CSU) President Tony Frank, DVM, Ph.D., “but what they might not understand is, back when we were in school, the vast majority of the cost was paid up front by the taxpayers.” According to CSU’s 2011 Financial Accountability Report, the payment paradigm has flip-flopped in the last generation. Before 1992, Colorado Land Grant Institutions like CSU and the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) were able to subsidize a full two-thirds of tuition costs by using state taxpayer money. Dr. Frank notes, “Today, two-thirds of the total cost of tuition is paid for by students and their families.” He adds that the hard costs aren’t changing. “The cost of educating a

Current in-state tuition is up by 20 percent at CSU to $6,307 per year before fees. At UNC, full-time students pay $5,300 per year before fees. It’s still far less than national rates, (University of Colorado is $7,672, UC Davis is $11,220 annually), but added together with room and board, plus books, the cost is more than one Starbucks barista can cover. While financial aid is available for the families with low incomes and the upper tiers can pay full price, President Norton says the segment that will suffer is the middle class. “My real worry is about the squeeze on the middle for whom that sticker price may just price them out of the market.”

Solutions?

Per student costs of education have really held steady, due in part to cost control from university administration. Both presidents explain that they have explored every available cost-saving measure – budget cuts, freezing salaries, looking for efficiencies. “The lowhanging fruit has been picked,” says President Norton. Without compromising quality, there isn’t much more to be done on that front. Dr. Frank adds, “In aggregate, I don’t think you can find data that there are more efficient systems than Colorado. Is there any more efficiency to be wrung out? Maybe. A new set Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Tony Frank, DVM, Ph.D., President, Colorado State University

of eyeballs can always find something. I think cost savings are an ingredient to the dish, but it’s not the whole recipe.” President Norton says restructuring the funding prototype is the key to the problem. “The original model for public education was a 19th century model with a low price for everybody. We got there by combining a relatively generous state subsidy and a modest tuition charge. The taxpayers paid the bulk of the fee. In economic terms that is inefficient – the same price for rich or poor.” She suggests that in the future, the middle class will have to depend on limited state and federal aid, loans and donor scholarships. “I believe the State should adopt a financial aid approach for its higher education investment which would mirror more closely the federal need-based financial aid programs. That would leverage the state aid most effectively, in my opinion, to lessen the impact on students of the serious decline in state funding to colleges and universities.” At CSU, administrators are trying an alchemy of a different variety. Dr. Frank suggests that if they can win in a national race of higher education institutions all competing for outof-state tuition enrollment, those higher-paying students will help make up the missing funds for the Colorado kids. He figures that Style 2012

Kay Norton, President, University of Northern Colorado

by doubling the number of non-resident students from 4,000 to 8,000 (“still under our carrying capacity, according to the city,” he says), CSU nets an extra $80 million annually, neatly replacing the money lost from the state of Colorado. He explains, “If we can strike that balance, we can remain true to our mission of maintaining quality and serving still a majority of Colorado students.”

When is Armageddon?

Both university presidents estimate that at the current rate, higher education’s piece of the overall state budget will shrink to zero within 15 to 20 years, though neither anticipate that it will get quite that far. Both figure, however, that their current level of funding will shrink a bit more. “And that’s a conversation that the public should be having,” says Dr. Frank. It’s a legitimate budget decision for the state to shrink its contribution, but the public needs to be aware that this is what is happening, he says. “We are slowly, one step at a time, taking away the opportunity for middle class kids to go to school. We need to ask ourselves, ‘is that what we want?’” Corey Radman is a regular contributor to Style Magazine. She can be reached at her website, www.fortcollinswriter.com.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Liberal Arts – Still worth the investment?

Admittedly, asking university presidents if higher education is worth the investment is a rhetorical question, however their take was interesting. And yes, both are extremely proud of their Liberal Arts schools.

President Kay Norton –

University of Northern Colorado “Remember, a college education is truly a genuine investment in the future. More so than, say, a car,” says Norton. “I do believe that institutions have an obligation to students to help them think about what are they going to do with the path they have chosen. The real point is to help students become resilient and flexible. They are going to be changing careers multiple times.” Her best advice to students who want an arts education: do it, but remember balance in subjects that provoke thought. “And have an understanding of money. That’s not someone else’s job,” she says.

President Tony Frank, DVM, Ph.D. Colorado State University

“The only way to view a college education’s value isn’t the paycheck one receives after graduation,” says Frank. “The Lincoln and Morrow (Land Grant Act) emphasized the importance of an educated citizenry because of the complexity of choices that faced society. It’s not any less true today than in 1860. “Look to unemployment statistics,” he continues. “It’s true you can find anecdotes of highly educated graduates working as baristas at Starbucks. But statistically, unemployment rates roughly drop in half with each educational level attained, high school, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral... Cutting your unemployment rate in half is a significant accomplishment. “When I was an undergrad I fought a liberal arts education.” (Dr. Frank was a large animal veterinarian before his administrative career.) “I wanted more organic chemistry, more biology. I could not have been more wrong. All of my education came into my work. It’s difficult to predict what you’re going use,” he says. Style 2012

Incubating

Jobs of the Future

By Corey Radman

Freeman, the Innosphere exists to help clean technology grow locally. “Clean tech has to get bigger because the challenges are so huge,” says Freeman. “Seven billion people now living on the planet means that the finite resources of energy and water will run out.” He continues that the mission of the Innosphere is to work with high-impact, innovation-based start ups with enormous growth potential to help them do the heavy lifting around issues like gasifying waste and simplifying water treatment processes. Clean technology is a main focus for Innosphere companies, as is bioscience and information technology. Companies like Symbios Technologies, Wirsol Solar, and ZeroHero are just three of the 28 companies who incubated at Innosphere in 2010. Combined total revenue for Innosphere companies was $8.3 million last year. Freeman indicates that by 2017, the organization hopes to bring the total number of new startups to 50, netting $200 million in capital and 600 new primary jobs. Why incubate? “Because the vast majority of new companies that aren’t incubated fail,” notes Freeman. “There’s no lack of good ideas out there,” he says but getting to market is vastly difficult because of infrastructure and funding issues, mainly. Freeman indicates that fewer than five companies who incubated at Innosphere have failed in the organization’s 12-year history.

The Results

Since the start of the recession and the loss of thousands of jobs in Colorado, the question has become, “Where will new employment come from?” The phrase “jobs of the future” has been bandied about in political circles so often that it has lost much of its meaning; however, outside of the political circus, there are organizations in Northern Colorado who are creating new industries… local jobs from local solutions that impact issues on a global scale. The “jobs of the future” will come from local innovators building on the powerful base of an educated populace and solid public/ private partnerships.

The Focus

Two collaborating organizations, Colorado Clean Energy Cluster and Rocky Mountain Innosphere, are providing the support structure to ensure that local innovators will succeed. Colorado Clean Energy Cluster began as Northern Colorado Clean Energy Cluster in 2006. The nonprofit organization incubated at Brendle Group in Fort Collins, where immediate past-executive director, Judy Dorsey, served as its leader. Board members from private and public enterprise as well as Colorado State

University combined their talents and contacts to drive the mission forward. Dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing primary clean energy jobs in Colorado, the Cluster is now thriving. Its member base supports 32 companies who employ over 3,000 people. Dorsey explains, “We are a nonprofit, whose mission is to help clean energy companies expand, attract new enterprises or commercialize research that can be grown into new companies.” She continues that the Cluster’s move to hire the new full-time CEO, Drew Bolin, was a part of the plan all along. Dorsey, who will continue as a board member, says, “We see this as a sign of success that the model has been proven to work.” Bolin, who took the helm in January, formerly served as Director of the Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation. He will now lead the organization’s statewide efforts. The Cluster’s main partner in growing new companies from local research is Rocky Mountain Innosphere. Led by new CEO, Mike

Apparently, the efforts of both Colorado Clean Energy Cluster and Rocky Mountain Innosphere are working. According to the September 2011 report from CSU’s Regional Economics Institute, clean energy jobs grew by 8.9 percent in the last three years, up by 225 new employees. Even though clean technology is a small part of the overall economy, there is room for optimism about the resilience of these local companies. While growth in the sector was rising by almost 9 percent locally, the national employment in this sector went down 10.6 percent between 2007 and 2010. These primary jobs earn well above the Larimer County average annual salary of $40,800. The average salary at Rocky Mountain Innosphere companies is $68,000. Freeman remains convinced that Northern Colorado is the perfect locality for the Innosphere to be successful. “This region really benefits from an incredible amount of innovation. There are a lot of entrepreneurs here.” Why? “Two factors: having a land grant research university and HP locating here really set this community on a trajectory around engineering that you still see having an impact.” A trajectory that we all hope continues to climb upward. Corey Radman is a writer and mother of two. She can be reached via her website at www. fortcollinswriter.com. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Center for Innov ation an d Technology By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer Formerly known simply as ACE, the re-branded Rocky Mountain Center for Innovation and Technology has come a long way in a short amount of time. Today, RMCIT is set to make Northern Colorado the next national hub for science and research. The story started in 2005, when Agilent Technologies vacated the campus located on 177-acres just southwest of downtown Loveland. The property includes 811,757 square feet of office and manufacturing space in four buildings. While the campus sat empty, companies would occasionally inquire about leasing the space, but Agilent had no plans on becoming landlords and preferred to sell the property. The City of Loveland started considering a purchase of the property in 2006, prompted by their desire to obtain the property’s Colorado Big Thompson Water shares and about 120 acres of open space. They also needed land for a right turn lane onto Taft Avenue, the street bordering the western edge of the Agilent property. In the summer of 2010, Agilent hired a consultant to make a recommendation on what should be the next step for the campus, and the result was a recommendation that the City of Loveland buy the property. In early December, Bill Cahill, Loveland’s city manager, and Betsey Hale, director of the department of economic development for the city, met with Agilent representatives to start the purchase process. A week later the Colorado Space Act Agreement between the Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology (CAMT) and NASA was signed and the hunt began for a Regional Innovation Cluster. “This added to the City’s interest in the property, but was not the only driver,” says Hale. Style 2012

The City of Loveland closed on the property on June 2011, and shortly thereafter CAMT announced they had selected United Properties as their private development partner for a Loveland-based Regional Innovation Cluster. By August, however, it became public knowledge that United, CAMT and the City of Loveland were unable to come to an agreement on the purchase of the real estate. In September 2011, the City of Loveland put out a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the development community to find a new buyer and by December they closed on the sale of the property to Cumberland and Western Resources, a successful Kentucky-based development company. “One of the things I like about Cumberland and Western is that they are not an outside developer that comes in and focuses solely on their building. They are a developer that understands the dynamics of the community and what that means for their project,” says Walt Elish, president and CEO of Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC). For NCEDC, an organization tasked with the job of attracting and retaining primary employers to Larimer County, RMCIT represents a huge opportunity. Located between two major research universities, Colorado State University in Fort Collins and University of Colorado in Boulder, Elish believes this is the time to take full advantage of what a project like RMCIT can offer not only the City of Loveland, but also the region as a whole. “We’re looking at that corridor between the two universities and seeing how we can better leverage all the research that is being done in that corridor,” he says. Last month, another major development occurred, with CAMT withdrawing from the RMCIT project. While many were shocked at this news, it does not really affect Cumberland and Western Resources’ or the City of Loveland’s plans for the site, although it does broaden the scope of the project to include businesses outside of the aerospace and clean energy sector. “This project is now in the hands of the private sector. It’s moving at the pace of business, as opposed to a governmental pace. That’s a big difference,” says Kelly Peters, director of business retention and expansion at NCEDC. “It’s critical that we don’t let the community down on this one and I take that very seriously,” says Betsey Hale, director of the Department of Economic Development for the City of Loveland. Through a Technology Transfer Initiative, the City of Loveland has hired DA2 Consulting to actively engaged in technology scouting. This will not only benefit RMCIT, but other Loveland companies as well. “I think it’s a very exciting and innovative way for the City to seed the project, not feed it, but seed it. It’s a very robust and deliberate approach,” says Hale. A comprehensive website has been created, www.RMCInnovate.com, where anyone can view maps of the campus and information on each of the individual buildings including photographs. Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a journalist and freelance writer from Northern Colorado.

EnvirOvation Showcase Recognizes Environmental Leadership Join the City of Fort Collins in celebration of the 6th annual EnvirOvation—A ClimateWise Showcase, as it recognizes organizational commitment and green initiatives by more than 300 local businesses and organizations on Thursday, April 12, 2012, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Hilton Fort Collins (425 W. Prospect Rd.). Starting at 2 p.m., attendees will have an opportunity to network with local and national leaders, learn more about the program and interact with City staff and business partners. From 3 to 5 p.m. Fort Collins Mayor Karen Weitkunat and City of Fort Collins Chief Sustainability Officer Bruce Hendee invite citizens to discover how ClimateWise organizations are transforming their operations and contributing to the community’s environmental and economic sustainability. The event is free and open to the public. To register visit www.fcgov.com/Climatewise (registration is required). ClimateWise is a voluntary program dedicated to assisting businesses and organizations in Fort Collins to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting waste and transportation reduction, energy savings and water conservation. For their commitment to sustainability, partners benefit from public recognition, technical guidance and peer-to-peer networking. For more information on the program, visit www.fcgov.com/Climatewise.

Dunn Hogerty celebrates

30 Years

By Angeline Grenz

“Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go.” – writer Margaret Walker

Jerry Dunn and Dennis Hogerty attribute much of their company’s success to their skilled team of dedicated individuals: Rhonda Smith, Kristin Howe, Sara Ruotsala, Aaron Gidley, Corey Nelson and Thad Dunn This quote encapsulates the 30-year partnership of Dennis Hogerty and Jerry Dunn. The two have made good manners (i.e. their focus on relationships) and their solid friendship the key to a successful business – managing other’s money. Three decades spent developing trusted relationships with their clients, both locally and nationally, is a matter of pride for both Dunn and Hogerty, especially when you factor in the changing, sometimes rocky, landscape of the financial services industry in recent years. Today, the company is growing quickly since their merger with United Capital

Financial Advisers, LLC (“United Capital”) in July 2010. United Capital, out of Newport Beach, Calif., is one of the largest, independently owned national wealth counseling firms in the U.S. Their innovative approach to wealth management was part of the appeal for Dunn Hogerty. “When we realized we needed to make a change in our platform, we spent two years conducting due diligence to choose the right partner. First and foremost United Capital had the right culture. Their number one goal is to serve customers in a truly meaningful way. This meshed well with how we have

always conducted ourselves – treat people like family and strive to provide an uncommon level of service. They also recognize that that we understand our clients and Northern Colorado much better than they do and thus allow us to run our office independently,” says Thad Dunn, Jerry’s son and the third partner at Dunn Hogerty. As the company looks toward a bright future with United Capital, Jerry and Dennis take a minute to look back over their 30 years. From small beginnings to new horizons, the dynamic partners tell a tale of the importance of friendships. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Jerry Dunn

Jerry Dunn is all about the process. For him, the foremost skill he offers clients is his understanding of the investment management process and how knowing the process can reduce risk, even when the market is at its shakiest. “You can’t take the risk out of the numbers. You must know processes and have the skill to plug into them,” he says. Jerry has made it his business to become educated in finance and wealth management, and he espouses the value that education creates in his field – something that many of his counterparts have not equally embraced, much to their clients’ disservice. Jerry, a Fort Collins native born at Poudre Valley Hospital when it sat on a dirt road outside of town, learned the value of hard work early in life. His father was a dedicated businessman, first as president of Poudre Valley Creamery and later as president of Poudre Valley Bank. “I have a great respect for my dad,” he says. “He worked long hours and always said ‘you work until the job is done.’” Before reaching his teenage years, Jerry began working for his father in the creamery’s soda shop, eventually being promoted to janitor, later working at the bank during college. Jerry started at Colorado State University in engineering but quickly realized that he wasn’t inspired by what he was learning and decided to attend Fort Lewis College in Durango for a degree in management economics. High school sweetheart and wife, Tina, relocated with him. After acquiring his first degree, a mentor on the faculty encouraged him to go on to grad school and Jerry was accepted to Stanford University, University of Colorado and others. But his mentor encouraged a different route: grad school at the University of Wyoming. At first Jerry balked at the idea of somewhere so remote, but eventually decided to follow his mentor’s advice and headed to Laramie, Wyoming. There he obtained his master’s degree in business administration. He soon figured out why the school’s small program was such a secret success: their group had the undivided attention of every guest speaker or lecturer that visited the campus and the one-on-one attention they received rivaled the glamour of the larger schools. After he obtained his master’s degree, he planned on a doctorate degree, but before he could follow through, Pat Griffin trapped him at a CSU football game. Griffin, who became the creator of self-service gas stations, Gasamat, talked Jerry into coming to work for him. Jerry was a member of the executive team that successfully developed 95 Gasamat selfservice stations over the next decade. “I learned more in those 10 years than most do over an entire working career,” recalls Jerry. When the company was sold, he commuted to Denver to his new office and entered into the life of corporate America. Jerry bristled at the new structure (“Corporately, I always had to defend what I knew was right.”). When he was asked to move out of the region, he decided not to move his young family out of Colorado. At the same time investment firm Boettcher & Style 2012

Dunn Hogerty built its success on the hard work of the two original partners, Dennis Hogerty and Jerry Dunn. They look back over their 30-year partnership.

Company in Fort Collins contacted him. “Investing had always intrigued me.” He began his investment career with them in 1980. Two years later, Jerry and Dennis began working as a team at the firm. For several years they worked under Boettcher & Company, Kemper Securities and later with Paine Webber and Company, which became UBS. Seeking more autonomy in their business practices, Jerry, Dennis and Thad moved to Wachovia Securities Financial Network in November 2003, which was taken over by Wells Fargo in 2008. Again, they struggled with the business model they were working under. “For me, [career decisions] have always had roots in education and the responsibility you have to represent the client,” says Jerry. The partners kept running up against a business mindset of “you take care of the mothership. You take care of the stockholders. Here are the options, you figure out how to apply them.” “It was totally backwards,” Jerry continues. “These were not the firm’s assets. They are the assets that somebody took great care to accumulate… that needs to be respected. The most value you can add is to really understand people’s goals and to manage to those goals.” The corporate structures they encountered did not align to these ideals. By 2008, Thad had joined the team (in 2000) and change was again in the air. Wealth management companies were being held under a

microscope and most of America did not like what they were seeing. “The industry was so fouled up in 2008 and 2009. I was embarrassed and frustrated.” Defending his profession almost drove Jerry to retirement, until the partners decided to make one last change – United Capital. United Capital has renewed Jerry’s zeal for his profession. The 68-year-old says, “The farther [our relationship with them] goes the better it gets. I feel like I am 35-years-old again. This is fun, because you work with the type of people you like as friends. “Thank goodness the industry has evolved the way it has,” Jerry continues. Over the years he has added to his education certifications such as a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) from the Wharton School of Business and a Certified Financial Planner from the College of Financial Planning. This combined education has become recognized as the standard for the industry. It is not all business with Jerry; he very much enjoys spending time with his eight grandchildren, who all live in the region. He spent many years involved with the Poudre School District Board and helped push through advancements such as School of Choice and the International Baccalaureate program. Occasionally he will take a day to fly fish or golf, and he is looking forward to spending more time at the family property in Pingree Park. In the meantime, Jerry feels blessed to sit back and look at the accomplishments Dunn Hogerty has made over three decades, holding firm to their collective values that promote a process that can help people meet their money goals, and thus, their life goals. “Process, people, flexibility and dependability, that is what this is about.”

Dennis Hogerty

“I am not really a cheerleader, but I sound like one,” says Dennis Hogerty. Dennis is the people-person at Dunn Hogerty. He loves building relationships and is well known in the community for his easy personality and hearty laugh. Dennis’ father was an entrepreneur, and business and finance have long held Dennis’ heart. After a stint in the Peace Corp, the Kansas City, Missouri, native moved to Fort Collins to work with Neenan Company in 1977 in the commercial construction arena, specializing in sales and financing. But his finance degree from the University of Notre Dame called to him and he left Neenan for Boettcher & Company in 1982, where he met Jerry. The two partners were well matched in their personal business philosophy from early on, one that was a new concept in the ‘80s financial investment world. “We knew this was the way to do business: developing the goals of our clients and aligning them with managers that have the same risk tolerance and have proven themselves to be successful.” Their system is so important, he adds, “we don’t vary the process.” Dennis emphasizes how their partnership works. “We are not stock-jockeys,” says Dennis. “We deal with money managers and we have a very good track record of matching up money

Jerry Dunn’s son, Thad, manages Dunn Hogerty’s day-to-day business and looks toward future expansion.

managers both with corporate and individual clients.” Dennis focuses on bringing in clients, getting to know them and listening to their goals. “Our approach has been successful. We are not on these machines all day [referring to his computer], we are on the phone talking to our clients.” He is also eager to see Dunn Hogerty’s next decade of evolution. “We couldn’t have picked a better platform than United Capital,” says Dennis. “They are made up wealth advisors and planners, not stockbrokers.” It has formed a symbiotic relationship that allows them the autonomy they are used to with a wealth of resources to makes sure their clients’ goals are met. But the biggest success for Dennis comes from close to home. “I couldn’t find two better, more honest partners in the whole world, and we have a great staff. We are very fortunate,” he adds. Community is also very important to Dennis. “We have real roots here.” Dennis credits David Neenan with introducing him and wife, Diane, to Fort Collins. “I hope that I never leave Fort Collins. It is idyllic,” he says. He and Diane have four grown children, who have in turn provided them with 12 grandchildren. Though his children are scattered between Fort Collins and Chicago, all followed after him with finance degrees from Notre Dame. Dennis currently sits on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Larimer County and sponsors an annual charity golf tournament to benefit Foothills Gateway. To the chagrin of his Notre Dame cronies, Dennis has become a staunch CSU supporter; he loves the Rams as much as his Fighting Irish. He is excited about the possibility of a new stadium on campus. “Whatever [CSU] does will be class; I am all for it.” Like Jerry, Dennis feels a new energy for the future. “If I didn’t think there was a need for our industry, I wouldn’t be here. People need the kind of service that we provide.”

Moving Forward

Dunn Hogerty’s staff is currently made up of the three managing partners and three additional support staff, with two new relationship managers coming on board this month. “We have the strongest, most dedicated staff in Northern Colorado,” says Thad, who is in charge of day-today business management, future expansion and wealth management process. “We are extremely selective as to who we add to our team and I am very excited that after a lengthy process, we will be joined by two gentlemen that have a passion for serving people.” Thad also feels confident that they will be adding more advisors over the next several years. “There are a lot of solid and honest people in our industry who are very unhappy with where they are. They are a part of a compromised business model that they recognize forces a lack of transparency at the client level; I have a strong desire to pull together a coalition of the strongest advisors in the region and build a Northern Colorado firm that is truly special.” The firm handles not only individual clients, but has come to specialize in institutional investment management as well. They operate out of a handsome Downtown Fort Collins brick home, one that matches the founders: well-established, unpretentious and built on a solid foundation, meant to last. Thad, who came on board as part of the team in 2000 and as a partner in 2003, is the visionary for the future look and feel of Dunn Hogerty. Initially, he did not start out in finance. His goal was to study aviation and become a professional pilot. While working for United Express at Denver International Airport and attending Metro State for flight training, he met his wife, Dakota, they married and began a family. Suddenly, being gone for long stints of time did not appeal to him. He was presented with the opportunity to join Charles Schwab & Company in Denver in 1999 and took the leap into his father’s profession. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

After a year-and-a-half with the company at the trading desk, he began to realize that he would rather work in a capacity that allowed him to develop relationships with clients. In 2000, Dunn Hogerty was expanding and Jerry and Dennis approached Thad with the offer to join them as a junior executive. Over time, his responsibilities grew and he became partner. Thad became a Certified Financial Planner in 2006 and is completing his MBA at Colorado State University. During this time, Dunn Hogerty was ready to make a break from UBS. “It wasn’t a good fit for us any longer. We wanted to be able to do things the way we wanted to do them.” This led them to Wachovia, where they were allowed the independence they were looking for and in November 2003 they began Dunn Hogerty as a stand-alone office. Even before the financial meltdown and industry upheaval of 2008-2009, Thad was driven to search for a new partnership and his research led him to United Capital – “We knew if we were to change, it had to be for the last time.” As the merger takes firmer hold, the Dunn Hogerty name will slowly dissolve, but the core values of the 30-year partnership will remain. “After a year and a half, we could not be happier,” says Thad. As he looks forward, he hopes his father and Dennis begin to take some well-deserved time off to enjoy their grandchildren and neglected hobbies. Thad also hopes that the managed growth he has been working toward will also allow him some freedom – to spend more time visiting with clients on a personal level, spend more time with his wife and three children (Jason, age 14, Shannon, 9, and Dillon, 3), to pick up his drumsticks again and play more frequently with local jazz and rock bands, and to take advantage of the Northern Colorado lifestyle he enjoys. Thad looks back over the life of Dunn Hogerty and he feels the same sense of pride that Jerry and Dennis describe. “I am very proud to know and work with both these gentlemen. There aren’t many people who have had the opportunity to partner with Dennis Hogerty nor are there many who have been given the gift of being mentored by their dad.” The gifted partnership has been a construct of two “quite opposite individuals, but they have played to each other’s strengths and have tremendous respect for one another,” says Thad. “Dennis sincerely loves people and is very genuine. I have often said he would give anyone the shirt off his back. Dad is process driven, he is the detail guy – it is his passion to serve clients at the highest possible level. And it has been my privilege to learn from both of them for the last 12 years.” He proudly concludes, “As we continue to grow the size of our business, I want to see us do it the right way. We will continue to build deeper relationships with our clients and improve the quality of our service. I believe we must always be striving to improve. We are building something that is really special; our desire is to make a difference in the lives of our clients. As long as that remains our focus and priority, the business side of the equation will take care of itself.” Angeline Grenz is editor for Style Magazine. Style 2012

Human Resource Available for Small Businesses

If your employees start smoking weed on their breaks and flash their medical marijuana license like a Get Out of Jail Free card or an employee calls the cops on a coworker for stealing a daisy out of a bouquet on her desk to put in his lapel – what is an employer supposed to do?

That’s where Mountain States Employers Council (MSEC), a non-profit organization that assists employer members with sticky employment issues, comes in handy. MSEC consists of 30 lawyers and as many human resources professionals and management consultants on staff to provide employment data and trends, legal representation, human resource and employment law training, answer questions and give advice. Membership fees range from $1,175 to $4,700. The company also offers special rates for employers with fewer than 10 employees. Because MSEC has over 3,000 clients and keeps close track of employment trends, they are insightful about economic indicators of employment such as market trends in benefits and salaries. MSEC has seen a slow trend toward wage increases and a more marked uptick in hiring. “We’ve been monitoring wage and benefits trends for over 60 years. This is a great resource for employers to know what the market trends are as far as compensation, paid time off, the industry norm for healthcare costs and 401(k)

By Tracee Sioux

matching,” says David Zwisler, J.D., director of the MSEC Northern Regional Office. “We have seen an increase in hiring lately,” notes Zwisler. “We have a pre-employment screening service where we do background checks prior to placement. That part of our business has been very busy and we think that’s a good indicator that employers are ramping up a bit.” MSEC focuses on two things in regards to employment law, says Zwisler. “What does the law allow and then what should you do? Just because you can do something doesn’t mean it’s the best business decision. We talk a lot about performance documentation and performance management; it formalizes the process. It’s too expensive just to hire and fire someone for no reason. If an employee isn’t meeting expectations, have you coached, counseled and documented, and are you at a place where separation is your best choice?” Some of the most recent HR issues have been marijuana licensing, laying off during the economic downturn and now “right-sizing,” hiring just the right amount of people as the Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

economy improves. “When [the downturn in the economy] first started a lot of employers were trying to figure out the best way to maintain their workforce, [and if layoffs were necessary] the right way, the legal way and most humane way to do it. Now that we’re out of that cycle, employers are focusing on cautious right-sizing; how many people should I bring on right now?” Aside from the economic downturn, employment law has seen significant changes recently that challenge the way most companies operate. Perhaps the most significant is the rewriting of the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act’s definition of disabled. “Employers are trying to figure out what they can and can’t do under the new rules. The biggest issue is how disability has been defined. The new regulations go on for pages and lowers the bar for who would qualify as a disabled individual; it changes employers’ obligations about what they need to accommodate,” says Zwisler. “I think many employers are now under the belief that almost everyone is disabled and it’s just a question of how; the bar was set that low.” The regulations define “physical or mental impairment” as any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more body systems, such as neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, immune, circulatory, hemic, lymphatic, skin and endocrine. They also cover any mental or psychological disorder, such as intellectual disability (formerly termed mental retardation), organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. [Section 1630.2(h) of the ADAA] The legalization of marijuana has also presented an interesting issue for employers. “Employers were wondering what to do when employees were coming to work under the influence or using marijuana outside the workplace,” Zwisler says. “The law is very clear that an employer does not have to accommodate the use of marijuana in the workplace. Some would anyway, but they were asking what the obligations were under the law.” MSEC can be used as a proactive resource, to assist and train employers so they can follow the appropriate laws, and prevent problems. MSEC also serves as a protective legal resource when the workplace goes awry. “We are an inexpensive resource for employers to help them make better decisions,” says Zwisler. For more information on MSEC visit their website at www.msec.org or call 970-223-4107 Tracee Sioux is the author of Love Distortion: Belle, Battered Codependent and Other Love Stories. She works as a writer and does public relations, social media and marketing for prestigious publications, corporations, small businesses and soloprenuers. Style 2012

Natalie Davis

Natalie is a real estate broker with The Group, Inc. She is married to David and has two children, Karen, 15, and Elizabeth, 8. She enjoys cooking, attending her children’s sporting events and volunteering. “The fitting process was a blast. The storeowners were eager to dress me in complimenting outfits at Lady Gaia and Maximum Boutique. The entire modeling experience was wonderful! The hair and make-up experience was quick and enjoyable. The planning and organization made the entire process seamless.”

Karli Diamond

Karli is a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker in Fort Collins. She enjoys going to the lake and participating in water sports, boating and going out with friends to enjoy the nightlife. “Julia [at MkLaren] went above and beyond to get the perfect outfit. They would let you try on every piece to make sure you find the perfect fit. Everyone took extra care to make me feel comfortable. It takes a lot to coordinate six busy businesswomen and Angie [with Style] did great with that. What a great experience at MkLaren.”

Amanda Eastwood

Amanda is a real estate broker with Re/Max Alliance in Fort Collins. She has three children, Sarah, 13, Jack, 10, and Emma, 8. She enjoys reading, interior designing and spending time with friends. “Having the pick of a store is not something you usually get to do, so it was lots of fun. I loved the dress and felt beautiful in it. The hair and make-up was wonderful, I felt very pampered. It was a great experience. It felt unnatural to me, but it was eye-opening to see the results.”

Christina Koder

Christina is a real estate broker with Re/Max Alliance in Greeley. She enjoys camping, boating, volleyball, fitness and working. “The fitting process was a great experience, it was fun and exciting. What great boutiques to choose our clothes from! It was such a fun time to get dolled up by professionals for the hair and make-up process. What an opportunity to be selected to be a model for Style Magazine. I had a wonderful time. Having fun with the shoot was the best part.”

Tracie Milton

Tracie is a broker associate and partner at The Group Inc. in Fort Collins. She loves to do anything outdoors. Her favorite pastimes are snowboarding, wakeboarding, biking, boating and camping. “Michelle was amazingly helpful. She knew exactly what would be perfect for me. I’m a big fan of Michelle and her store, Designs. It was fun to try something totally different with my hair and make-up. Charlene at She She is very talented. What a great day with great people. Everyone involved was so sweet.”

Stephanie Steward

Stephanie is a real estate broker at Coldwell Banker in Fort Collins. She is married to Chad LaChance. They enjoy going hiking, swimming, boating, fishing and hunting. “I enjoyed the fun selection of spring styles from casual to business to formal, the accessories were fabulous. HeadTurners Salon was a great place to start the morning. I loved the hairstyle. My make-up artist, Charlene, did a beautiful job! The modeling experience was fun and exciting – a fun way to meet other people in the real estate community and enjoy the pampering!”

Photography by Don Hajicek Art direction by Lydia Dody Make-up by She She, Fort Collins Hair design by HeadTurners, Fort Collins

Christina is excited about her day at She She in an Amma black, white and red paisley and floral screen-print tunic, $150. Brighton smoke oval crystals bracelet, $92, matching oval crystal necklace, $92, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sparklevilleâ&#x20AC;? square earrings, $38. Courtesy of Maximum Boutique, Loveland. Make-up by Charlene Ault, She She. Hair by Angie Aho, HeadTurners.

Photographed on location at She She Beauty Bar, Fort Collins Florals by Palmer Flowers

Amanda sports a Sãopaulo taupe tunic top with ruche details, $106, over Sãopaulo’s black leggings with ruche detail, $99. Brighton lace cuff bracelet, $62, crystal drop earrings, $42, and Venus rising necklace, $82. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins. Make-up by Christina Verg, She She. Hair by Lauren Love, HeadTurners. Tracie’s dramatic Tricotto rose patterned, crystal embellished black tunic top, $152, and matching leggings, $77, are sophisticated. Brighton crystal earrings, $22, black cuff bracelet, $98, black bangle with crystal detail, $74, and black and crystal ring, $64. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins. Make-up by Charlene Ault, She She. Hair by Debra Botello, HeadTurners.

Purple glazed pottery container with silk pink Phalaenopsis orchids with greenery, $75. Courtesy of Palmer Flowers.

Karli is soft and feminine in a Cubism animal print cardigan with fuchsia flowers, $58, and flattering stretch dark wash denim Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, $98. Silver crystal oval earrings, $15, and LMBling silver crystal heart necklace, $24. Courtesy of Cloz to Home, Loveland Make-up by Christina Verg, She She. Hair by Angie Aho, HeadTurners.

Brushed bronze rectangular metal container with silk red bromeliads, fuchsia Phalaenopsis orchids, and burgundy calla lily and succulents, $125. Courtesy of Palmer Flowers.

Stephanie is ready for a relaxing pedi in an easy Kerisma viscose black cardigan, $39, Michael Stars white cotton tank top, $38, and Mother crop style denim in Eye of the Peacock wash. Lena bronze turquoise corset necklace, $118. Courtesy of MkLaren, Fort Collins. Make-up by Charlene Ault, She She. Hair by Lauren Love, HeadTurners.

Natalie enjoys shopping in this Amma screen-printed tunic top with houndstooth and animal print patterns, $150. Brighton silver medallion clip earrings, $33, Pandora silver snake chain necklace, $90, with beads starting at $25 each, and champagne leather bracelet, $45, with beads starting at $30 each. Courtesy of Maximum Boutique, Loveland. Make-up by Christina Verg, She She. Hair by Lauren Love, HeadTurners.

Amanda looks feminine in a oneshoulder peacock pattern polyester dress with gold braid detail, $136. Brighton silver and gold earrings, $32, silver and gold bracelet, $66, add sparkle. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins. Make-up by Christina Verg, She She. Hair by Lauren Love, HeadTurners.

Karliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trendy look sports a Muubaa distressed coal glove leather jacket with zip detail, $479, Bella lux slouchy neck aqua knit top, $49, Paige Skyline ankle peg distressed denim jeans in beachwood, $189, and Subtle Luxury multicolor spun scarf in soft blues, $49. Courtesy of MkLaren, Fort Collins. Make-up by Christina Verg, She She. Hair by Angie Aho, HeadTurners.

Christinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Purple Rain color block print dress, $32, and MRena spandex leggings, $22, are fresh and fun. Cannes crystal cuff bracelet, $20, LMBling silver and black necklace with square links, $14, and matching earrings, $12. Courtesy of Lillians, Fort Collins. Make-up by Charlene Ault, She She. Hair by Angie Aho, HeadTurners.

Natalie is relaxed in a uniquely patterned Coline red dress with vibrant flowers and scooped hem, $49. Wood and bead bracelet, $10, Tagua green petal wood necklace, $29, and wood ring, $10. Courtesy of Lady Gaia, Fort Collins. Make-up by Christina Verg, She She. Hair by Lauren Love, HeadTurners. Stephanie is prepared for a day of fun in this Three Stones black and cream zip front dress with ruched sides, $115. Kline Designs medallion necklace with fresh water pearls, $59, large daisy earrings, $22, and Bella Circle beaded bracelet, $30. Courtesy of Lady Gaia, Fort Collins. Make-up by Charlene Ault, She She. Hair by Lauren Love, HeadTurners.

Poudre Fire Authority responded to the building on fire next to Penny Flats in Downtown Fort Collins on October 24, 2011. The three-alarm fire was one of the worst in Fort Collins’ recent history.

Penny Flats

Where are They Now?

In the early morning hours of Oct. 24, 2011, roaring flames tore through the framework of a four-story building under construction at 311 N. Mason. Firefighters called to the scene immediately realized the blaze threatened to jump the alley exposing the occupied condominiums at the Penny Flats building. They called for a second, then a third alarm as flames lit up the cold night air. 40

By Elissa Tivona

Sleeping residents of the condos at 204 Maple St. awoke to the terrifying sounds of fiery debris hitting their homes and windows cracking from intense heat. Their view to the north was a wall of ghastly orange and choking smoke. In a single morning, dozens of individuals lost their homes and their livelihoods, and the thriving revitalization effort in popular Downtown Fort Collins came to a surreal halt. Investigation into the cause of the fire by the Poudre Fire Authority, Fort Collins Police Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives got underway immediately. Their collaborative efforts resulted in the apprehension of a prime suspect, currently bound over for trial for arson and related offenses. Swift insurance proceedings led to the release of payment for damages to the new development team, Brinkman Partners. According to Kevin Brinkman, principal at Brinkman Partners and spokesman for the development effort, “We have an expected Sept. 1 [project] completion date” for the 311 N. Mason building. But what of those displaced residents – the people safely evacuated into the chilly darkness, who watched in disbelief as their homes, businesses and belongings literally went up in smoke? Where are they now, six months later? How are they rebuilding their lives? And who were some of the many people and businesses Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

in the Fort Collins community that stepped up to make sure these folks were not left out in the cold? The following Penny Flats reflections are profiles of individuals whose lives were impacted by this calamity, along with individuals who never hesitated to come to their assistance. Meet your resilient neighbors, the Penny Flats pioneers who love the urban lifestyle and look forward to returning to it.

PATRICK LOVE, Poudre Fire Authority

Few people realize the repercussions of major residential fires better than Patrick Love, Information Officer for the Poudre Fire Authority (PFA). “To start off with, we would rather prevent something like this than have to respond to it,” Love emphasizes. He makes clear that fire prevention and mitigation are PFA’s first tiers of service. But he also knows that prevention is not always possible. In cases like the Penny Flats fire, it becomes the job of his organization to respond with a fully capable fire rescue agency. “Fort Collins has a very progressive and forward thinking fire department,” Love points out. They have a specific mission that agency personnel take very seriously: to provide prompt, skillful and caring service. “They [callers] may be thinking this just affects me and my immediate family,” but in reality, Love knows the impact has far-reaching implications for the community. A single 911 call sets off a circle of response that ripples through the entire city. “In the case of the Penny Flats fire, the circle grew very, very quickly. A fire on this scale deeply affects not only individuals and first responders like firefighters and EMTs.” He stresses how quickly those circles extended out to business owners, friends and relatives. “An incident of this magnitude ripples citywide until everyone is aware… some may wonder could this happen to me? And others wonder how can I help the victims, what do they need?” And that’s when the next tier of service kicks in – the generosity provided by the wider community of citizens. “This is one of the most generous communities I know of. There is always someone who wants to step up.” He gives several examples that stand out for him in the aftermath of the Penny Flats fire. “Many people who came on the scene asked what they could do to help these folks. We received direct assistance from the American Red Cross’s Northern Colorado chapter and the local Salvation Army. I was contacted directly by one of the business tenants in the building wanting to know how she could help. Another woman at a local radio station called offering to hold a fundraiser to help out victims. If there is anything that helps you reset your opinion of humanity, it’s things like this.” Poudre Fire Authority had a lot to manage in those early hours on Oct. 24, and in the days that followed the calamitous Penny Flats fire. But according to Penny Flats residents and business owners, they couldn’t have done a better job and they extend their deepest thanks to the excellent first responders at the Poudre Fire Authority. Style 2012

Kathleen Ory lost most of her belongings in the Penny Flats fire, but was able to salvage a pair of red cowboy boots. She was taken in by her Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority sisters.

KATHLEEN ORY, resident and CSU student, and SAIRA TAYLOR, roommate and CSU student

A warm smile sneaks into Kathleen Ory’s voice as she remembers her mother’s pre-college advice, “Every girl needs a pair of red cowboy boots.” But Kathleen had given hers up for lost; along with just about everything she owned in the aftermath of the Penny Flats fire, except her 21-pound cat, Muffy. “Around 3:30 a.m. I woke up … and the whole bedroom window was lit up. I looked out and the entire building next door was in flames,” recalls Kathleen. That’s when she grabbed her phone and called 911, then snagged her purse, scooped up a terrified Muffy and ran down four flights of stairs to the street below. A city worker pulled over in a Fort Collins truck, “Wow, I went by here 15 minutes ago and didn’t see this.” Kathleen pushed Muffy into his arms and ran down to the garage to get her car. “That’s when the alarm started going off.” All she could do was sit in her car and watch,

along with the other confused, sleepy evacuees, while firefighters battled to keep the blaze from destroying their homes. Describing the days and weeks that followed, Kathleen reports, “It was hard. It’s my senior year, and I had great plans for living in this brand new, really nice place. I was in the middle of classes and had things due; but I didn’t have anything – no textbooks, no assignments, no computer.” Not to mention, no place to sleep, clothes to wear or the household belongings most people take for granted. But she didn’t go without for too long thanks to an outpouring of care from sorority sisters, Colorado State University and a town full of strangers, who reached out to victims. “Kappa Kappa Gamma was really great about giving me a place to live. They had a bed for me, clothes for me; they even had the paperwork ready for me to apply for funds from the Kappa Foundation. The CSU Alumni association gave me $300 to recover books and school supplies. Everyone was really, really sweet.” She calls to mind how the Fort Collins

Downtown Business Association immediately provided $25 gift cards to residents; how one Saturday, downtown stores contributed a portion of the day’s proceeds; and how compassionate customers increased that amount by donating Downtown gift cards to people who lost everything. “Most of the money raised went to help people in the building who didn’t have insurance.” Kathleen adds, “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Kathleen’s parents, Barbara and Robert Ory, got news of the Penny Flats fire when she called their Tennessee home later in the day on Oct. 24. Since then, Barbara easily dismisses her daughter’s material losses. “It’s only things! But she has her life. We could have been looking at a whole other scenario – she could have been killed. So we didn’t even give the things a second thought. I feel like God was looking out for us.” Barbara’s gratitude comes from her own brush with mortality as a six-year breast cancer survivor. She says, “Kathleen has seen us go through some difficult stuff; so I knew she would get through this.” With the fire a receding memory, the family is turning toward the future. Originally, Barbara and Robert purchased the Penny Flats condo with their retirement in mind; Kathleen could live there during her last two years at CSU. They love the outdoor lifestyle and, for years, had been bringing the kids to Colorado for summer and skiing vacations. In 2009, they put in an offer on one of the last flats left. With retirement only a few years away, the Orys are planning their return. “They’re going to rebuild,” adds Kathleen. She adds one final recollection: “That building was so secure.” Ironically, Kathleen used to joke that, “People would have to burn the place down to get inside.” Saira Taylor, Kathleen’s former roommate, is also trying to come to terms with her losses. “It’s such a weird experience to lose everything,” says Taylor. “Even today I go to reach for something and find it missing.” Yet she echoes Kathleen; all the people who reached out with resources helped soften her trauma. “The Salvation Army got everyone lunch from Chipolte, people from Old Town and city buildings gave us jackets to keep warm and the Red Cross handed out bags of toiletries. A lot of people sat down with us to make lists and help us remember what was in the loft.” Both the girls single out the owner of Soulmates, a woman they barely knew who lived in the condo across the hall. Despite her own losses, the woman handed both girls $300 gift cards to the store. Still, the most difficult losses to accept are personal, irreplaceable mementos; and getting over that distress takes time. Taylor treasures the one water-damaged family photo firefighters carried from the wreckage. It serves as a powerful reminder. “When people say there’s one day that changed their lives, this was the day that changed mine. Since then, I feel very blessed by everyone who dropped everything to help.” Kathleen has also achieved a healthy perspective, “Material things will come and go… and

A fireman from Poudre Fire Authority was able to salvage appointment books for Clayton and Shauna Troxell, whose C&S Workshop salon was located on the ground floor of the Penny Flats building.

I may wish I still had them. But the memories connected to those things are really what’s important, and no one can ever take those away from you.” And for Kathleen, not every treasured keepsake was lost. The fireproof box where she kept heirloom jewelry, along with her passport and important papers, was spared. “I got back my grandmother’s ring, which Mom gave to me after she died, the diamond earrings that Dad gave Mom on her anniversary, my great grandmother’s wedding ring…” Several weeks after those items were retrieved, restoration workers wearing protective gear were permitted back into condos on the upper floors to see what else could be salvaged. While Kathleen waited in the hall out of harm’s way, one of the workers searched her place. “Do you want these?” he asked holding up a pair of red cowboy boots. “Yes, absolutely!” she said. No doubt having the fashionable footwear was great, but retrieving those earlier memories meant far, far more.

SHAUNA AND CLAYTON TROXELL, business owners, C&S Workshop

Shauna and Clayton Troxell “loved, loved, loved” their space on the ground floor of 204 West Maple St. in Downtown. The Penny Flats building was the new location of their business, the C&S Workshop and Hair Gallery Forum, which opened in March 2009. “It is such a major undertaking to build out a high-end salon like ours,” says Shauna, thinking back on the effort the couple put into designing, equipping and decorating the empty space to accommodate the combination hair salon and art gallery. But the Penny Flats Fire destroyed it all. “It was a very shocking situation,” says Shauna. “At first it was very emotional; I did not want to go over to the space.” Even driving by the salon was heartbreaking. But they are moving away from the initial shock and share profound relief that none of the residents were injured. “We’re in a very thankful state…” especially to the many folks who rallied to help them reestablish their business. “Deana and Deb Doty of Shear Brilliance Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

called us immediately and invited us to come there. With their help we were able to continue servicing our loyal clientele. My husband and I feel very blessed and lucky.” Today, the Troxells are working hand in hand with the restoration contractor, locally based Service Master. They were hired to go on site, salvage and clean up what they could, and supervise the demolition. “They recovered very little, most everything will have to be re-purchased,” and right now money is tight. Shauna and Clayton are still paying the original mortgage and construction loan while renting and operating through Shear Brilliance. “We have to be very aware of money expenditures. But it really makes you appreciate what you have. Things can disappear overnight.” At the scene of the fire, Clayton learned that hard truth firsthand. He pleaded with firemen to let him run into the building just to bring out their appointment books – at the very least to grab some of the artwork off the walls. Fire authorities were adamant: Absolutely not. The risk of collapse was too great. Yet after a while, one firefighter managed to convince his superiors and other authorities to allow him back into the toxic environment. At great risk to his safety, he ran to the reception desk and recovered all four C&S Workshop’s appointment books. With this irreplaceable client information, the Troxells were able to reconnect with customers, rescuing their fledgling business from near demise. Receptionist and salon coordinator, Maddy Kalin, though out of a job, spent days calling each one personally, letting clients know where the Troxells were going, and rescheduling every appointment. Shauna says, “We’re so thankful: To our clients who… held us up as the water literally flowed over our heads; to other businesses in our industry and businesses outside our industry; and to Deb and Deana for taking us in. We’ve been able to sustain our business through their business.” Although the Troxells think it may take up to a year before they can get back into their own space, they have recovered far more than a business. Without hesitation, Shauna says, “What we mainly recovered was our sense of appreciation for community.” She happily holds the people who supported her and Clayton through this ordeal close to her: her friends, her family, her clients and that one selfless firefighter who took a risk and secured the future of their company.

SUZANNE AKIN, resident and owner of Akinz, casual clothing and accessories Like many young entrepreneurs, Suzanne Akin had been running her start-up from a laptop in the spare bedroom of her condominium on the 2nd floor of the Penny Flats building. Akin holds a degree in fashion design, but she found true inspiration from adventure sports like wakeboarding and snowboarding. Today, she designs and markets a line of casual clothing and accessories, called Akinz, featuring her signature wings logo. At first, Akin took orders off her website from home and mailed handmade beanies and jewelry Style 2012

The building under construction at 311 N. Mason is where the fire originated. Construction has resumed with a target completion of Sept. 1, 2012. directly to board-sport enthusiasts. Since moving to Fort Collins in 2010, her company found a broader customer-base and rapidly outgrew the condo bedroom. She relocated to a convenient workshop space a bike ride away. “Thankfully I had just moved my business out of my house last May,” says Akin. “Or I would have lost my entire inventory.” Despite initial panic on awakening to fire, Akin had the presence of mind to grab her laptop. “My laptop is my entire livelihood. When I got it off the couch, I heard the living room window crack from the heat…. We decided to get out.” Like her neighbors, she stood outside with only her phone, purse, laptop and the two dogs. While the Akinz product line remained unharmed at a new location, her whole life was disrupted. “I’m the owner and only employee. With all that was going on… staying with friends, moving from house to house, it was really hard to stay focused on the business. I was barely keeping up.” She missed out entirely on pre-holiday marketing and sales opportunities critical to the retail clothing market. She and boyfriend Andrew estimate they lost possessions worth $30,000 to $35,000 that were not covered by insurance. Akin says, “It seemed like an insurmountable amount,” until they realized how much her friends and family would pull together to support them. “My former co-working community Cohere collected gift cards and money for us. Andrew’s sister put together a donation site through Paypal. Otterbox, Andrew’s employer, made a huge effort to raise funds for us through an employee fund drive.” Even the Ultimate Frisbee crowd came through for teammates Suzanne and Andrew. Several weeks after the fire, Christy Doyon and others in their league organized a benefit tournament at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Larimer County in Loveland. “At first it was weird taking things, but after the shock wore off, we were so appreciative of everything.” Suzanne still keeps a lengthy to-do list to get the business back on track, but she feels like her state of mind has recovered. “I never realized what kind of disruption and change a house fire causes. It’s one of those things that you never expect to happen to you. My mom told me I’ll

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

probably always categorize things by ‘before’ and ‘after’ the fire.” Most days, she has resigned herself to going without treasured items from the before category. “The first day we got back in, they only gave us a 30-minute time frame to get what we could. We had a plan of what to get – necessities like passports and things like that.” But in the first few minutes she noticed bookshelves that firefighters must have protected with tarps before the main water damage. Instead of rushing to grab passports and papers, she ran to those shelves. When she came back outside, she was smiling and clutching her Julia Childs cookbook. One of the neighbors snapped her picture. That was an “after” shot she never thought she would see, and it’s one she keeps close to her as a reminder. Despite the hardships created by the Penny Flats fire of 2011, hundreds of Fort Collins community members and dozens of businesses responded to soften the blow. Today, six months down the road, there is much to celebrate about living in a community that believes in the virtue of taking care of neighbors. The residents and businesses wish to extend a special “thank you” to the following Fort Collins neighbors helping neighbors:

Red Cross Northern Colorado Chapter  (970) 226-5728 Fax: (970) 226- 2839 www.denver-redcross.org

The CSU Alumni Association

(970) 491-6533 or (800) 286-2586 Internetwww.alumni.colostate.edu

The Kappa Foundation

www.kappakappagamma.org

The Poudre Fire Authority

970-416-2837 or 970-416-2834, www.poudre-fire.org/about/about.html

The Salvation Army, Fort Collins

970-207-4472 Fax: 970-207-4475 www.salvationarmyfortcollins.org/contact-us

Fort Collins Downtown Business Association 970.484.6500 www.downtownfortcollins.com

Cohere, LLC - A shared office space and coworking community www.coherecommunity.com

Otterbox

Phone: 970-493-8446 Toll Free: (888) 695-8820 www.otterbox.com

Ultimate Frisbee in Fort Collins

Facebook group: www.facebook.com/ groups/85815037702 Elissa Tivona is a writer and international educator in Fort Collins. Her book chapters appear in Expanding Peace Journalism (Sydney University Press: 2011) and People Building Peace 2.0 (Peace Portal: 2012). Style 2012

Building Northern Colorado

Special Advertising Section

When Mr. and Mrs. Jordan first came to Alpine Gardens they were attending Designer Days, an annual benefit for the American Cancer Society where attendees can meet one-on-one with a landscape designer. They were looking for a new, low maintenance landscape to add value and curb appeal to their home. They were very impressed with the preliminary design and excited to see the final product. The foundation of the design was pulled from modern/contemporary influences focusing on line, texture and seasons of color. To begin the project the front yard was removed entirely to allow for a clean slate for the construction of a personalized landscape to reflect what they had envisioned. Much attention was given to plant selection to assure year-round interest as well as a variance in textures, leaf sizes and color. Plants were also selected for their xeric potential and contribution to the desired modern feel. The new walk was installed using a mix of Watermark Buff and Colorado Red snap-cut flagstone. It was laid out in a very symmetric-block style with sharp angles and various levels slightly offset to reflect the modern design theme. Landscape lighting was installed to highlight the landscape and illuminate the walkway. A bubbling rock water feature was installed to provide extra interest as well as the peaceful sound of water. A new address plaque was added to the front of the new wall. All of the elements were tied together to create an inviting vibrant entrance to the Jordan home. Designer Days: Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 9:00am - 3:00pm Do you have a problem area in your yard, or have you simply run out of ideas? Let the experts from Alpine Gardens spend half an hour with you to sketch up some ideas, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be on your way to a beautiful landscape. There is no fee, only a small $25 donation to the American Cancer Society is requested. Call (970) 226-4924 for more details and to reserve your spot.

970.226-2296 www.alpinelandscaping.com

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Building Northern Colorado

FOundations A crack in your foundation? Water seeping into your crawl space? These potential foundation problems are common in older homes and can frequently occur in newer homes. HighCraft Builders have become adept at handling foundation problems, from simple fixes to whole house lifts. Foundation problems can occur in older homes for a number of reasons. Stacked stone foundations shift. Hand-dug basements begin to deteriorate. Soil issues can move foundations and cause problems. Signs of a foundation problem can include cracks in the drywall, air gaps in the cellar, water creeping into the crawl space, rodents coming in through the foundation or earth caving in. Even a floor that has a lot of “bounce” to it can indicate that it is not connected to the foundation properly and may need to be repaired. Foundation problems can range from small fixes to major repairs. “The first step is to figure out how to fix the problem,” says Dwight Sailer, co-owner of HighCraft. According to Sailer, HighCraft tackles foundation problems several times a month. HighCraft works closely with local engineers to make sure the problem is fixed correctly, that the foundation is sound, and that the damage will not negatively affect a home’s resale value. Repairs can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the extent of the damage. Smaller fixes include resetting loose stones and tuck pointing deteriorated mortar , or adding rebar and cinderblock support to the foundation. Major fixes can include lifting the house two inches to install a new foundation or properly dig out and reinforce the crawl space. Though the bulk of HighCraft’s foundation work is on older homes, newer homes can have foundation problems, too. Many times these are the result of water intrusion or compacting soils, which can lead to a number of problems if left unrepaired. Key steps homeowners can take to protect their foundation from future problems include ensuring that gutters drain properly (leading water away from the house) and keeping vegetation and sprinkler systems an adequate distance from the foundation. If you notice signs of a foundation problem, don’t put off

Style 2012

needed repairs. Contact the professionals at HighCraft Builders today for all your foundation concerns. Did you know that a poor-quality remodeling project could hurt the market value of your home? On the other hand, well-executed remodels will add value to your home. With the right additions and upgrades, you can recuperate a significant portion of your investment in home value. Some design-build companies even have long-term warranties, so homeowners don’t have to worry about their investment. As a general rule of thumb, homeowners should consider their home in retrospect. Before getting started on a project, remember to ask, “In five years, would I be satisfied with cheap labor, or would I be happier with maximized property value and a flawless project?” Sometimes, the raw figures of a remodeling project can be intimidating, but it’s important to look beyond short-term gains for an exponentially larger return in the long run.

970.472.8100 www.highcrafthomeservices.net

Building Northern Colorado

A New Design

Experience

Schilling Interiors is not your typical design “experience.” Their design services and packages are created to serve the client, the way clients want, not the way standard practices typically call for. To begin the process with our Design Team, the client’s first contact is with a Professional Interior Designer that guides the client through the conceptual design process to determine what needs and design issues exist, and partner with the client to determine how possibilities can effectively be combined with budget. From determining design and selecting materials to performing labor and assisting clients with remolding and project management needs, Schilling Interiors truly assists each client with a custom fit. Schilling Interiors is a locally owned and operated business that has proudly maintained an A+ rating as an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau since 2005. Owner Luke Schilling, a third generation Fort Collins native, is involved heavily with his team on both design and construction operations. This entrepreneur places high value on serving his clients with customer service that reflects his passion for this industry. Jake Suder, along with Nick VanDeveere, are both well exposed to the industry and apply their expertise and job site experience to enrich each job on the project management side. Amy Laner, who received her background in Interior Design and Construction Management from Colorado State University, manages the Design Studio. She assists clients with her experience in both residential and commercial design, project management and real estate trends. Mallory Brown is the other Interior Designer on the team and adds an extremely strong design presence to the Studio. She also gained her Interior Design and Construction Management background from CSU as well as a bachelor’s in Graphic Design. This team of professionals and their skilled installations crews, trusted trade partners and passion for the design, construction and remodeling industry are the perfect pairing for a successful design experience.

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Building Northern Colorado

Life at Arrowhead The Everitt Companies is proud to introduce their latest residential masterpiece – Arrowhead. With a convenient mid-town location, this new, beautiful four-story building offers easy living in luxury condominiums. Striking interior finishes, walls of sunny windows, granite, hardwoods, garage parking, storage units and a secure building are just a few of the many amenities. Live in the high style residences that embody classic architecture with timeless interior design. That is life at Arrowhead. Only eight remaining units, select your new home today! From $375,000 to $1,499,000 at 712 Centre Avenue, Fort Collins, CO.

Kathy Albertz/Broker Associate/Partner 970.690.6011 Linda Hopkins/Broker Associate/Partner 970.217.1228 www.LifeAtArrowhead.com

The Laposa Project This Fort Collins project by Hurr Sprinkler and Landscape was designed to create a comfortable and attractive outdoor living space for the homeowners’ year-round enjoyment. The project consisted of a two tiered deck for entertaining, large garden area to grow their own vegetables, perennial color throughout the growing season, natural stone retaining wall and slab steps to blend in with the landscaping, and night lighting to light up the outdoor living space for evening use. The project is a great example of a xeric landscape that incorporates drought-resistant plants throughout the design in an effort to conserve water and provide a lower-maintenance alternative. Gorgeous 18’ spade trees anchor the landscape with a pleasing vertical element and the tight fit flagstone walkway gives a tailored look to the hardscape elements. Hurr Sprinkler and Landscape’s team of experienced and dedicated professionals can help you realize your landscape dreams. Contact them today for a consultation.

970.613.0225 | www.hurrcolorado.com

WHY GOLF?

By Kay Rios

“It’s the greatest game there is. It’s hard and standing out there on that green, green grass and it’s just you and the ball and there ain’t nobody to beat on but yourself.”

– Young Hardy from The Legend of Bagger Vance

The old saying that golf is a great way to ruin a good walk comes quickly to mind. The ball is partially hidden, having come to rest in a small, grassy indentation. I’m already on my third stroke on a four-par hole but I’m determined. The golf gods are, apparently, just as determined to remind me how bad I am. I finish the hole with an eight. I hate this game. Next hole, I kill it from the tee, driving it a bit left and just shy of the green. I chip, the ball drops, rolls gently toward the hole and pops in. A lovely birdie, thank you very much. I love this game.

Sex and golf are the two things you can enjoy even if you’re not good at them. – Roy McAvoy in Tin Cup Practice makes perfect, so the adage goes. But that’s not always true with golf. I started playing about five years ago and it’s been an uphill and down valley trip ever since. That seems to be how it goes for most golfers. Jim Dixon, construction contractor, plays in the Romeo league and the more competitive Southridge Mackenzie League. “You get good days and you get bad days and I don’t know why,” he says. “But even when I have problem days, it’s fun. I have no delusions or expectations about where my game might ultimately go. I’m about a 15 to 18 handicap and that’s probably where I’ll play the rest of my life. I’d like to be better and some days when I have a great game, Style 2012

I think I’ve got this game down. Then the next week I go out and shoot a 105. It just happens.” Anna Olsen, banking industry retiree, enjoys other benefits to playing. “I particularly like the beautiful environment of a golf course and I enjoy the social aspect of the game.” That’s a huge part of the game for Pam Genson, president of Collindale Nine Hole Women’s Golf League. “I joke that people, caffeine and chocolate are my drugs of choice. Chocolate melts on the golf course, and caffeine is to be taken prior to the game. So I golf to be with friends, enjoy the great Colorado outdoors and to be able to occasionally make those great shots that keep you coming back for more.” Nancy Wear, president of the City Park Nine (CPN) Women’s Golf Association, agrees. “I play for the socialization, being outdoors and competing in a friendly environment.” Wear retired from the field of education and says, “Golf has taken the place of working. It allows the chance to still use [my] work and leadership skills for a different purpose.” Wear also plays in Collindale’s women’s league and a Fort Collins Country Club league. “I love being on a course no matter where it is. There is nothing more beautiful than a course in the early morning or early evening.” Mike Brouwer, a local realtor and locksmith, says it’s both the camaraderie and the challenge. “It’s always that one shot that makes you look like you’re a golfer. I struggled for the first five years and then took a lesson and that made all the difference.” Brouwer won in last year’s Thursday morning CPN coed group match play tournament. Amateur and professionals alike agree that it’s a maddening, yet exciting game. Doug Perry, the golf pro at CPN says, “It’s the most intriguing, confounding, exasperating, exhilarating,

mysterious and satisfying game I have ever attempted.” Perry played the PGA Tour in 1982 and still plays competitively in Colorado PGA Section tournaments. “It can’t be perfected. Once you think you’ve got it – it’s gone. Once you are ready to give it up – it comes back. But it’s that feeling you get when you hit the perfect shot.” And a grand feeling it is. For me, there’s also a certain amount of Zen to the game. It’s entertaining, soothing and inspiring.

“You can’t see that flag as a dragon you got to slay. Look with soft eyes, see the place where the tides and the seasons and turning of the earth all come together and everything that is, becomes one. You have to seek that place with your soul.” – Bagger Vance Indeed. Now, if I can just hit the ball. Kay Rios, Ph.D., is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. She is, even in her duffer status, always anxious to get out on the course. She plays in the CPN Women’s League.

Golf Can Be For Everyone By Erica Pauly GOLF, which is often accused of meaning for Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden, will soon mean something entirely different to Northern Colorado. In a few short months a new course will open in Loveland. Next to the Cattail Creek Golf Course parking lot, a 9-hole regulation putting course and SNAG (Starting New at Golf) friendly course will be awaiting players of all ages. Steve Southard, golf operations manager of all Loveland courses, is excited. “This will be the first course specifically designed and constructed to utilized SNAG equipment. Golf needs more people to be interested, but the sport can be too unwelcoming.” For most, golf is seen as an expensive sport with many spoken and unspoken rules – a sport that can only be played if you know precisely what they all are. In fact “only 9 percent of the people in our nation play golf, compared to 20 percent in Canada. We’ve been seeing this number slowly start to dwindle since 2003, so we know the drop isn’t solely due to the recession. But we’ve found that most of the other 91 percent are interested to play but are intimidated to learn because of all there is to the sport,” says Southard. The new concept of SNAG golf is breaking that barrier.

Tee Off With a Local League By Kay Rios

SNAG golf is for non-golfers of all ages. The equipment allows early success and makes learning the sport fun. Southard explains, “New skiers learn on a bunny hill, flag football was created for football, no-goalie/four man soccer was created for soccer, but golf is the only sport that hasn’t adapted to the idea of modifying its rules to introduce new participants.” SNAG golf uses softer and larger golf balls (similar to the look and feel of a regular tennis ball), and larger club heads so beginners can make more

frequent contact with the ball. The balls also stick to the hole (which is a brightly colored flag) once the player has reached their target, instead of dropping into the hole. “My youngest daughter always calls it sticky golf for that reason,” Southard jokes. There is a twist to this SNAG course, however; it is also a 9-hole regulation putting course. So those who know how to golf can enjoy the game as well. The SNAG holes range from 40 to 65 yards from tee off to the hole, and each putting

Golf leagues offer a number of benefits. In addition to meeting new people, leagues provide an opportunity to play on a regular basis, which can strengthen skills. League participation is the best way to learn the rules and the etiquette that is extremely important in golf – who shoots when, where to stand when someone else is up, which penalties for which transgressions. Rather than a rule book, learn from other golfers; rules become more understandable in practice. There are leagues for every level of player. Collindale advertises two of its leagues – the Friday Couples League and the Monday Ladies Night Out – with a tag line of “it’s okay if you stink!” So get your clubs, put on a happy face, and join up. Here are some of the public course possibilities in Northern Colorado:

Wednesday Men's League is an extremely competitive partners league. Thursday Morning Seniors is a fairly competitive 9-hole league, which plays 8 a.m. and is open to men and women. The league runs from April through September.

Southridge Golf Club, Fort Collins (970) 416-2828 Monday Mongrels play 9 holes from mid-April through September, teeing off both front and back nines from approximately 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., open to men and women of all skill levels. Ladies 18 and 9 Hole Groups play on Tuesday mornings from May through September. Tee times start approximately 8 a.m. through 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Mixed League plays 9 holes in the late afternoons, is casual in nature and open to a limited number of men and women.

City Park Nine, Fort Collins (970) 221-6650 City Park Nine Men's League begins the first Thursday in May with tee times ranging from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The dues are $60, including a monthly cookout. No handicap limit, spots are still available for foursomes and individuals. City Park Nine Women's Golf Association plays every Wednesday with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. beginning the first Wednesday in May. Tuesday Morning Group (TMG) is a coed 50 and older league that begins April 10 at 9 a.m. Collindale Golf Course, Fort Collins (970) 221-6651 Nine Hole Women’s Golf League begins the first Thursday in May. It begins on hole #10 (shotgun start the last Thursday of the month, tee times other Thursdays). 18 Hole Women’s Golf League begins the first Thursday in May. Shotgun start the last Thursday of the month, tee times other Thursdays. Romeo League plays every Thursday morning, rotating between Collindale, Southridge and other courses within a 45 minute range. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

green is roughly 30 yards. Southard says, “A parent or grandparent who plays golf can come and work on their putting while the kids have a blast too. This truly is a place for everyone.” There will also be a place located high above the course so any parent can keep an eye on their children while they are taking lessons, and climbing boulders for younger siblings who are along for the ride and want to have some fun too. The new course will be seeded in mid-April and is slated to open in August this year. The course will rent out SNAG equipment for $2 for the ball and club, but anyone is welcome to bring their own equipment for free. The cost to play at the new course will be $5 per person. “We liked the idea that a couple can come out to play the entire 9-hole course at a reasonable price. They could even go out to dinner afterwards and spend less than one night on a regular golf course,” says Southard. The sport of golf is being redefined right in front of our eyes in Northern Colorado at the new course at Cattail Creek. To schedule lessons or to find out more about the new hybrid 9-hole regulation putting and SNAG friendly course, call (970) 663-5310 and ask for Jim Dargis, the golf professional at Cattail Creek. Erica Pauly is a freelance writer living in Loveland with her husband Brent. She is also the Office Operations Manager at GrowSecure Inc. Insurance and Financial Services.

All levels of golf are welcome but only open to men over the age of 50. Friday Couples League begins May 4 with play on the first and third Fridays of each month and tee times from 4:48 p.m. to 5:44 p.m. Sign up at any time for this very casual league. Monday Ladies Night Out begins May 14. Sign up at any time. Tee times are from 5:36 p.m. to 6:08 p.m. Monday Misfits League begins April 9; signups are welcome throughout the season. Tee times range from 4:16 p.m. to 5:28 p.m. Wednesday Morning Senior 9 Hole League begins April 11. Tee times are arranged in week prior to play. Men’s Tuesday and Wednesday Leagues begin the last week of April, with tee times beginning at 4:30 p.m. Mariana Butte Golf Course, Loveland (970) 667-8308 Saturday Evening Couples League, tee times begin at 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays for this Just Fore Fun couples league. Olde Course, Loveland (970) 667-5256 Margarita League for couples begins on Fridays starting May 18 with tee times from 4:20 p.m. to 5:48 p.m.. CONTINUED ON PAGE 61 Style 2012

Want to take your golf game to the next level? Check out the latest in high-tech putters, drivers and irons: All of these great products are available at Golf Shop Fort Collins 4223 South Mason Street, Fort Collins, (970) 229-1929, www.golfshopfortcollins.com

Scotty Cameron Putter Putting in style comes from Scotty Cameron, the clean topline and flange, accompanied by the soft bumpers and a plumbing neck, inspire success in every stroke. Starting at $349.99.

Bridgestone Ball Fitting A Bridgestone fitting will be held at Golf Shop Fort Collins on April 21. The event will test your ball flight characteristics and a Bridgestone technician will either confirm you are using the right ball or recommend a Bridgestone/Precent that better suits your game. Free to public, call to make an appointment.

Cobra Amp Driver Tour proven and trusted, the Amp Driver features Advanced Material Placement, E9 Face TechnologyTM and Adjustable Flight TechnologyTM to deliver blistering ball speeds and customized performance. Starting at $299.99. RocketBallz Driver by TaylorMade The flight control technology of this driver allows easy loft adjustments and face angle, while the lightweight shaft and grip promotes faster swing speed for more distance. Starting at $299.99.

Cleveland Black Series Cleveland Black iron set is not only hot, but plays like a champ with engineered high-strength Ti face for maximum speed and a larger face area for greater forgiveness. Starting at $899.99.

Dale Smigelsky, Director of Golf/Head Professional at Collindale Golf Course Photo courtesy of J.R. Schnelzer.

Different Strokes for Different Folks By Carl Simmons

It’s spring again. And spring means it’s golf season again. No matter what your abilities or experience, the pros and courses throughout Northern Colorado will meet you where you’re at and help your game get that much better. City Park Nine 411 South Bryan Avenue, Fort Collins (970) 221-6650, www.fcgov.com/golf “Every day is different,” says Doug Perry, head golf professional at City Park Nine since 2009. “But what I love most is that you’re always around people who enjoy what they’re doing.” New programs are in the works to help more people enjoy the game, including a Family Golf Day every Saturday afternoon. “We’re hoping to offer a good deal for families,” Perry says. “We’ll have some fun competitions for the kids, and at the end of each month have a cookout and giveaways for the kids.” The course will also offer its regular junior camps June through August, as part of the Fort Collins recreational golf program. An introductory golf program for adults is also planned. “People tend to think golf and its rules are difficult. But it’s OK to move your ball away from a tree; it’s OK to not count your strokes. It doesn’t have to be as structured when you’re not playing competitively,” Perry says. “We’ll start with a women’s group, taking them around the course and demonstrating a few clubs, then have a social event afterward and tell them how to get started. The key to golf is having fun, and to play from your ability.” Last year’s very successful couples-night program will also be back, every third Sunday. City Park Nine is the oldest course in Fort Collins, having opened in 1940. “It’s more like a

park – small greens, narrow fairways, old mature trees. It’s a throwback to the days where you had to focus on accuracy and shot-making rather than distance. And it’s close to Downtown,” Perry adds, “so if someone wants to come over and get in a quick nine, it’s easy to get to.”

Doug Perry, Head Golf Professional at City Park Nine

Collindale Golf Course 1441 East Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins (970) 221-6651, www.fcgov.com/golf “We’re a little unique because we have a golf academy on site. We have the space for it and a lot of people don’t,” says Dale Smigelsky, director of golf/head professional at Collindale Golf Club. The Collindale Golf Academy and Club Fitting Center “is a vision I always had coming up through the golf courses here,” Smigelsky says. “One of the reasons I wanted to come to Collindale is because it has a larger practice facility; it’s a player’s course. “Having the Academy here does three things: It gives us the space to have the in-depth teaching I always wanted; it gives us a tool for developing new players – we have over 300 kids in our junior golf programs; and it allows us to do extensive club fitting,” Smigelsky says. “People come from six states to get into our facility. We’re also a perennial site for Local U.S. Open qualifying.” More information about the Academy and its programs can be found at www.collindalegolfacademy.com. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2012

Dave McCleave, head golf pro, Southridge Golf Club

Smigelsky has been with the Fort Collins courses for nearly 20 years, starting as shop manager at Collindale in 1993. From 1997 to 2000 he was head professional at City Park Nine, then moved to SouthRidge and stayed through the 2008 season, taking over as head professional at Collindale in 2009. About the course itself, he says, “We’re fairly long from the back tee, but what sticks out is that it’s a very difficult course. It’s very narrow, so shot placement is very important. We’re also known for having some of the best greens in the state.” “The thing I enjoy most is creating new golfers,” Smigelsky says. “I get joy out of seeing people on the course and doing what I can to help them.” Southridge Golf Club 5750 South Lemay Avenue, Fort Collins (970) 416-2828, www.fcgov.com/golf “The course layout is very popular. It’s a forgiving golf course,” says John Holladay, assistant golf pro at Southridge Golf Club. “It’s a little shorter, much easier to play and the views are spectacular. You can see Longs Peak for about half the course, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. There’s a lot more elevation change here than

on the other courses.” Among the programs offered at Southridge is the Sunday afternoon golf clinic, which is open to the public. “We’ll just take you out on the green and get you started, “Holladay says. “We’re looking to get more people involved.” There are also the kids’ clinics for ages 5 through 15, held one week each month in June, July and August. “It’s a lot of fun seeing the little guys out here,” Holladay says. “First we give groups time around the putting green and the driving range, and then we take them out on the course the last day. Each age group spends an hour to two hours on the course each day, depending on age level. The cost of the program is $55 to 85 for the entire week, with price again depending on age level.” Holladay points out that Dave McCleave, head pro at Southridge, grew up in Fort Collins and became the first all-American golfer from the University of Wyoming. McCleave was inducted into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007. “One other thing that we take pride in is our adult-league play,” Holladay says. “They’re out here every day Monday through Thursday, starting at 3:30 p.m. No matter how serious you want to be, we have a league for you.”

Greeley Country Club 4500 West 10th Street, Greeley (970) 353-0528, www.greeleycc.org “There’s this stigma that country clubs are stuffy. That may be true of some clubs but that’s not true here,” says Greg Heiny, director of golf at Greeley Country Club. “The people here are down-to-earth, family oriented and genuine; that’s what makes it such a unique country-club atmosphere.” The course lends to the club’s atmosphere. “It’s an old-style, tree-lined golf course,” Heiny says. “Most courses today are links, with lots of rolling hills and sand traps – easy to build and to start getting revenue from. It takes a lot longer to grow trees. This course has been here since 1920, and people really enjoy playing this kind of course. “We have people come in for tournaments, and to a man they tell us how great the course is and how great a condition it’s in,” continues Heiny. “[Course superintendent] Jim Benson has been here since the 1970s and does a great job.” There are plenty of events for members, Heiny says. “Every year we do monthly men’s events. They show up on a Sunday morning, we feed them breakfast and then pair them up randomly; this way new members get to meet others and

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2012

Greg Heiny, director of golf at Greeley Country Club

network.” There are also two leagues for women players – an 18-hole league on Tuesday mornings, with tournaments every week and a nine-hole league on Thursday mornings, geared more toward beginners. “Both leagues are open to all members,” Heiny points out, “and some women play in both leagues.” There’s also the Tuesday night league for pairs, from May through August. “We usually sell out; we have 40 teams on 18 holes. It’s been hugely popular over the last two or three years,” Heiny says. The course brings a variety of challenges

to both new and seasoned players. “It’s not a long course by today’s standards,” he says. “But what it lacks in length, you have to make up for by being accurate. We have very small greens. You need a lot of course knowledge to play this well. It can give the power golfers a fit. You can power your way through a links course but you can’t power your way through this.” The signature hole is the downhill par 3 at hole 10. “Because it’s downhill, it plays a club to a club and a half shorter than a regular hole. Club members know to adjust, but outside players have problems,” Heiny explains. “The green

Paul McQuade, director of golf operations and instruction at Highland Meadows Golf Course

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

is slightly raised, mounded to the right and has a sandtrap to the left, so there’s no ‘safe way to miss it.’ There’s also a grass bunker in the front, so if you land there it’s hard to get a club on it. “For me, the finishing holes are the highlight, because they’re tough for different reasons. Hole 15 is a long par 5 and very narrow; if you hit it off line it’s difficult to save par. Sixteen is like 10 – it’s another small hole that has problems everywhere. What makes holes 17 and 18 tough is that there are lakes in front of the green, so you have to lay up short of the lake. The problem is, the course slopes downhill to the lake, and both greens are elevated, so it’s difficult to get the ball up from the downhill lie to the green. People who’ve had a great round of golf can still have problems.” Heiny himself is a Greeley product, and worked at Highland Hills Golf Course in Greeley through his high school and college years. He became an assistant pro at Greeley Country Club upon graduating “I got to work with Ken Anderson, who was pro here for 28 years before retiring last year,” he says. “I love the variety working here; you’re doing something totally different every day. Yet, you get to see the same people; you see their kids grow. At a public golf course people can come and go, but at a club you are a part of a close-knit group. The members have always been very respectful to me and my family.” Highland Meadows Golf Course 6300 Highland Meadows Parkway, Windsor (970) 204-4653 www.highlandmeadowsgolfcourse.com Paul McQuade, director of golf operations/ director of instruction at Highland Meadows Golf Course, has been a lifelong student of the sport. And he wants to pass that love of learning on. “I played golf recreationally from third grade through college, and decided to make a career shift,” he says. “It was motivated by what I could see myself doing when I got older, and I could always see myself in front of golfers.” McQuade, who has also been assistant golf coach at Fossil Ridge High School the past five years, has been at Highland Meadows since its opening in 2004. One of the recent steps taken toward making Highland Meadows a more comprehensive facility was the hiring of expert club fitter Brian Lindstrom. “Bringing on Brian is a big piece in building on an already successful instructional program and offering a broader range of club fitting services,” McQuade says. “You need all the pieces – good instructors, a good practice facility, a club-fitting component and the ability to go out and help people to play the game rather than just practice it,” he adds. “That includes physical conditioning, where people work toward becoming better athletes, and mental skills training, where they learn how to make better decisions on and off the course that will ultimately improve their scores and increase their enjoyment of the game.” “We’re working our way toward a larger facility that would allow us to house all of Style 2012

those pieces,” he says. “Our Golf Training Studio is a smaller version of what I ultimately want to do. It’s an indoor studio with video cameras and a launch monitor that allows us to help golfers during the winter months and gives them a place to train in the off season.” Among the upcoming programs at Highland Meadows are Demo Days on April 20-21, featuring several golf club companies including Callaway, Ping and Titleist. Participants will be able to try out and purchase equipment and get expert advice. Additionally, there will be several fun tournaments open to all golfers like Glow Ball, Match-Play and Winter Skins. “We’ll build on our most popular instructional programs like our recurring five-week Ladies’ Lunch & Learn clinic. Each session in the series ranges from putting through driving,” McQuade says. “People can come for one clinic, but they tend to come for all five. Thanks to our chefs, the family-style meal is just as popular as the clinic itself.” For the youth golfers, the course offers Junior Golf Camps, which includes a fourday program for kids ages 6 through high school, as well as a Start Smart program which parents and children as young as 3 can do together. Highland Meadows will again serve as one of the host to the Windsor Open, to be held June 8-10. “This will be our second year of a three-day tournament, featuring our course, Ptarmigan Country Club and Pelican Lakes Golf Course,” McQuade says. “It’s a strokeplay event, with a 150-person field. It’s no doubt one of our most popular events, and it’s only our second year. It fills up fast.” As far as the course itself, McQuade says, “most golfers have told me that each hole has a unique character, and that it plays differently day to day based on weather conditions and the decisions golfers make off each tee. Kudos to Dan Miller and the entire grounds crew staff for how they keep the course.” “One of the most memorable aspects of the course is the number 7 pot bunker hole, with these massive bunkers,” McQuade says. “Our highest handicap hole is number 6; it’s very challenging and a very beautiful hole, very scenic with arroyos that frame the hole well. We also have a 600-yard par 5 (hole 12), followed by a treacherous 240-yard par 3 (hole 13), which travels over an arroyo.” “Teaching golfers, helping juniors, ladies and new golfers has been my motivation ever since I’ve gotten here,” McQuade adds. “I’ve been looking to create a more comprehensive teaching facility at Highland Meadows, and each year we’ve been making strides toward that.”

Carl Simmons is a freelance writer and editor in Loveland and author of the six-book Bible-study series Growing Out: From Disciples to Disciplers (Group Publishing). You can learn more about Carl at carlsimmonslive.com.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53 Cattail Creek Golf Course, Loveland (970) 663-5310 Cattail offers a women’s league every Wednesday morning beginning in May. The first Wednesday of the month is a shotgun start and other Wednesdays are arranged by tee times. Highland Hills Golf Course, Greeley (970) 330-7327 Highland Hills Senior Men’s Golf Association plays Wednesday mornings with a shotgun start, beginning April 4. Highland Hills Women’s Golf Association plays on Thursday morning with both 9 and 18 hole division beginning April 5. Both leagues use tee times. Greeley Men’s Golf League tees off on Wednesday afternoon at Highland Hills with a shotgun start beginning at 4:30 p.m. The league begins May 2. Boomerang Links Golf Course, Greeley (970) 351-8934 Boomerang Links Old Timers League is for men 55 and over. The league plays on Thursday morning using tee times and begins April 5. Boomerang Links Ladies Golf Association is an 18 hole women’s league, playing on Wednesday morning with tee times, starting April 4. Boomerang Links Men’s League begins May 1, with tee times beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons. Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club, Windsor (970) 674-0930 Women’s 18 Hole Golf League plays every Wednesday morning using tee times and starts May 2. Women’s 9 Hole Golf League plays on Wednesday mornings and is less competitive than the 18 hole league. Women’s Twilight League starts May 1, playing on Tuesday nights at 5 p.m. with a shotgun start. Men’s League on Thursday night begins in May although a date had not been determined at press time. The league uses a 5 p.m. shotgun start. Highland Meadows Golf Course, Windsor (970) 204-4653 Highland Meadows Men’s League plays Mondays beginning April 2. All players must first register for the Player’s Association with a $25 fee. Tee times range from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Style 2012

Delicious Discoveries W IT H

F E AST ING

I love coffee. The energizing jolt from the caffeine, the comforting warmth radiating from the mug and the soothing rich, smoky taste is sure to put a smile on my face. The hustle and bustle of our morning is more enjoyable with a latte on the go, and the daily grind at the computer is much more fun while sipping on a mug filled with delicious steamy espresso. It doesn’t matter if we’re in the middle of a summer heat wave; I still need my hot cups of coffee in the morning to start my day. Being a writer and a coffee addict, I am attracted to coffee houses like a moth to a flame. Because of my love for coffee and my busy meeting schedule I’m a frequent visitor to a handful of them around Fort Collins. Northern Colorado has a great selection of coffee houses, each one with its own specific ambiance to suit an individual’s personality. Some give the feeling of intellect with their studious atmosphere surrounded by books and people working on their laptops. Some give the feeling of creativity with local artwork displayed colorfully on the walls and hosting open-mic nights for poetry readings. All of them offer a relaxing environment to enjoy the rich passion for coffee. What makes a good coffee house? For me, there are two essential components – the coffee (of course) and the atmosphere. A coffee house can survive if one aspect is greater than the other – people will come just for the amazing coffee or they will love the atmosphere so much they will stick around for just about anything, turning a blind taste bud to the flavor. But to be a really good coffee house, it must be strong on both sides. When I think of my favorite coffee houses in Northern Colorado, they all have great coffee to fuel my caffeine addiction, some tasty food to eat, free WiFi so I can write and a comfortable atmosphere that is conducive to creativity or offers a moment of peace and quiet away from the chaos of my house. Coffee houses tend to be a sanctuary for me. Here is a list of some of the best places I’ve found to find a caffeinated pick-me-up in Northern Colorado.

Everyday Joe’s Coffeehouse

By Kristin Mastre 62

Everyday Joe’s is a unique space in Fort Collins as a non-profit coffee house. Volunteer baristas make the coffee, getting paid with tips and free concerts. The money that is made through sales is donated back into the community. Not only are donations made, but the use of Everyday Joe’s venue for concerts and events is available, as well as in-kind donations of coffee around town. Everyday Joe’s is a place that is often hosting cuppings for volunteers and even competing in latte art throw-downs. This isn’t just coffee knowledge here, this is coffee culture.

F ORT

C OLLINS

Café Ardour

Cafe Ardour is a locally-owned cafe on the small section of Linden Street in between Jefferson and Walnut in Fort Collins. It’s an easy place to miss if you’re not looking for it as it’s just northeast of all of the Downtown foot traffic, but it is close enough to Old Town Square that you can easily stop by to say hello. They specialize in using organic, locally grown ingredients for their food and focus on environmental sustainability. They bake all of their goods in-house and bicycle everywhere they go.

The Alley Cat Café

The Alley Cat Cafe is a 24-hour coffee house literally in the alley between College and Mason off of Laurel St. in Fort Collins. Full of colorful artwork on the ceiling tiles created by customers, comfortable couches and armchairs to sit on, free internet and computer stations and a very active events calendar including poetry nights and open mic nights, this funky spot is a great hang out for everything from late night studying to early morning breakfast.

The Coffee Tree

Located within the Anthology Book Company, The Coffee Tree has been voted as Loveland’s number one coffee shop. The coffee is freshly roasted on site and they bake pastries from scratch every day. Owners Heidi and Michael Thrash moved to Loveland from Seattle, Wash., bringing with them a combined 20 years of experience in the specialty coffee industry. Their skills include roasting coffee, pouring latte art and they both have been trained by United States Barista Champions.

The Human Bean

The Human Bean is a small franchise that began in Oregon in 1998. Over a few years of successful growth, they now have about 50 locations in seven states. Two of those are in Fort Collins – one on North College and the other on South College. Even though this is a larger corporate coffee franchise, the drivethrough is extremely convenient. Their coffee is great and at a very competitive price; one of the least expensive lattes in town. Kristin Mastre is the premiere food blogger and restaurant critic in Fort Collins and Northern Colorado. Being an honest writer, she’ll tell it like she tastes it. Her reviews can be read on FeastingFortCollins.com. You can also get tips and restaurant news by following on Facebook at facebook.com/feastingfortcollins and twitter @feastingFC.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Downtown is the vibrant historic heart of Fort Collins, the city’s central business district and cultural center, hosting the majority of festivals, live music, local breweries, theater and art galleries. Enjoy the history, shopping, live entertainment and great local restaurants available only in Downtown! The Downtown Business Association is the non-profit advocate for Downtown businesses, sponsoring over 80 event days per year. Over $1 million in Downtown Fort Collins gift cards have been sold by the DBA.

Monday, February-13 OF EVENTS CALENDAR

Swingin’ Mondays AprilOF -6 EVENTS CALENDAR First Friday Dancing event!!featuring Walk 7 pm - 10Gallery pm April -7

Winter Farmer’s Market April -13 & 14

FoCoMX April -21

Earth Day Fort Collins May -4

First Friday featuring Gallery Walk May -5

Music in Our Schools May -5

Cinco de Mayo May -6

Colorado Marathon

Proud Supporters Of Your Downtown Businesses

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Gift Cards: Over 125 downtown businesses accept Downtown Fort Collins gift cards! Gift cards are available at the Downtown Visitors’ Information Center and Cache Bank and Trust, or by calling (970) 484-6500. Find more information at DowntownFortCollins.com. Mother’s Day and graduation are right around the corner. Downtown is the perfect place to celebrate, dine out, shop and create memories with your family!

May -19

Downtown Farmer’s Market Opens May -26 & 27

Realities Ride & Rally June-1

First Friday featuring Gallery Walk June-1

Ben & Jerry’s Concert Series begins June-2

Global Village’s World Rhythms June-5

Noontime Notes Concert Series begins Downtown events happen all year round but a few big festivals coming up this year are: Colorado Brewers’ Festival – a beer tasting fes-

tival with over 30 Colorado breweries, Colorado music and Colorado sunshine in Downtown Fort Collins.

Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest – a free

community and music festival over 3 days with 8 stages of free entertainment, 250 vendors, Kids’ World celebrating the end of summer.

First Night Fort Collins – a non-alcoholic arts-

based event with over 100 live performances on New Year’s Eve with a fireworks show to ring in the new year.

Proud Supporters Of Your Downtown Businesses NORTHERN COLORADO

MEDICAL WELLNESS Style 2012

WINTER WHIMSEY January 20 :: Senior Center :: Fort Collins Women of all ages enjoyed a ladies night out at the 2nd annual Winter Whimsy. The lively evening included dining and silent and live auctions. A photo booth enabled guests to pose in costume props and a live R&B/funk band provided guests a chance to dance into the night. The evening festivities raised nearly $10,000 to benefit the Fort Collins Senior Center Expansion Initiative.

Bev Siglin, Diana Shaner

Lynette Seymour, Patricia Tessari, Peggy McGough

2 0 1 2 N C M C F O U N D AT I O N G A L A - C A R N I VA L E R I O D E J A N E I R O January 29 :: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center :: Loveland The 23rd annual NCMC Foundation Gala provided more than 500 guests with an unforgettable evening of Carnivale ambience. The event featured Latin rhythms with a 21-person street parade complete with drums, horns, dancers and street puppets. Samba dancers, aqua drumming, Brazilian Capoeira performers, authentic Brazilian cuisine and drink, the popular casino-style gaming tables and a 100-item silent auction were also part of the fun. Dr. Gilbert Anderson was honored for his distinguished service and leadership in healthcare in Northern Colorado. The evening festivities netted more than $185,000 to support technology upgrades for treatment of heart disease in cardiac electrophysiology at the CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado. Tracy & Barbara Damrell, Susan & Gilbert Anderson

Photos courtesy of Juan Leal.

Caity Stoller, Rose Stoller, Brandi Stoller

Andrea Hawkins, Robert Hawkins, Henry Hawkins, Mark Hawkins

Rick & Bonnie Sutton

Tim & Sally Warde

Carrie Keyes, Collin & Sarah Richardson, Sadie Marquardt

Mirror Man with Gina & Greg Pickerel

Gene Haffner & Julie Johnson-Haffner Lydiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STYLE Magazine

Style 2012

B U T T E R F LY K I S S E S D A N C E February 3, 4 & 5 :: Christ Center Community Church :: Fort Collins Daughters of all ages from across the region came looking their best and had a memorable evening with their fathers and father figures in an atmosphere of dancing and socializing. This 15th annual Butterfly Kisses Dance provided the perfect backdrop for a ‘date with dad’ and helped to create a special memory for more than 2,500 participants. Proceeds from the event benefit Encore! Encore! and their mission to provide clean family entertainment to the community.

Breken Jennings, Troy Jennings

Marissa Trujillo, Gary Trujillo, Ariana Trujillo

Lee Calderon, Sophia Calderon

Cambria Corp, Christian Corp

Steve Koontz, Jillian Koontz, Paige Mitchell, Dave Mitchell

Matt Schubert, Elysia Schubert

Susan Harrison, Nana Tonkin, Colleen Caikowski, Mara Smith

9 th A N N U A L S I M P LY R E D February 10 :: Hilton :: Fort Collins Nearly 300 elegantly dressed guests enjoyed an evening featuring a delicious dinner and cocktails, a rose raffle and Valentine Boxes, and live blues music. Guests raised their glasses to toast OtterBox, who was awarded the 2012 Lamplighter Award and recognized as a ‘light’ leading the way within our community through their commitment to youth and education. The evening raised more than $36,000 for TEAM and their mission to prevent the abuse and illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among our youth, their families and our community. Photos courtesy of Isis Diloreti.

Dan & Lauren Soukup, Dennis & Noreen Houska

Fernando Castro, Julie Castro, Tiffany Serell

Jeffrey Bowers, Jennifer Varner

Curt & Nancy Richardson

Nick Davis, Pam Lerfald

Candy & Tim Wirt

Trudy & Wes Sargent Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

D A N C I N G W I T H T H E S TA R S O F F O R T C O L L I N S February 11 :: Sunset Event Center :: Fort Collins Local stars danced their way into the hearts of the audience as 10 couples (local stars matched with a local professional dancer) took to the stage vying for votes to be declared the best. More than 300 guests applauded the passionate dancers as they performed a wide variety of dance including hip hop, swing, tango and more. Winning dancers were awarded the Dancing with the Stars of Fort Collins trophy and raised over $5,000 from the votes cast. The evening festivities raised more than $33,000 to benefit Canyon Concert Ballet Company and their mission of community cultural enrichment through dance performances.

Teri English, Carl Spina (Winners of the 2012 Dancing with the Stars of Fort Collins)

Photos courtesy of Karen Collins.

Carrie Ross, Heidi Muller, Donya Warren

Jessica MacMillan, Midge Toomey

Linda Clark, Connie Montgomery, Jane Sullivan

Erin Mounsey, Theresa & Francisco Cordova

Bev Donnelley, Karen Spina

Marissa Mascio, Monica & Dave Mascio

Marge Moore, Nicole Franklin

Debbie & Jeff McCubbin

Susan Anderson, Susan McClain

T & Jennifer Fanning, Melissa & Mike Clary

R A M S T R E N G T H ’ S 6 T H A N N U A L VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY PA R T Y February 14 :: The Silver Grill :: Fort Collins This Valentine’s Day celebration brought nearly 150 guests together to celebrate relationships, partnerships and survivorship. Guests mingled and enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, bid on great live auction items, and watched an inspiring RAMSTRENGTH video. More than $51,000 was raised to help improve the lives of local cancer patients by helping them with their basic needs and empowering them through and beyond cancer. Photos courtesy of Joe Vasos.

Becky Vasos, Terri Johnson, Katie Nicholas, Ericka Lake, Heather Benidt, Becky Himich, Jessie Donaldson, Kayla Ertle, Michelle Boyle Style 2012

Ron Baretta, Jill Batzer

DJ Johnson, Joe Jenkins, Tom Ehlers

C S U G R E AT C O N V E R S AT I O N S February 22 :: The Dody Home :: Fort Collins Nearly 100 alumni and friends of the College of Liberal Arts enjoyed a presentation by philosophy professor Dr. Matthew MacKenzie as part of the Great Conversation speaker series. Established in 1996, Great Conversations brings relevant and interesting topics to community members for stimulating dialogue and learning. Proceeds support the series and benefit the Ann Gill Faculty Development Fund, which provides essential resources for research, creative materials and symposia for faculty. Photos courtesy of Kyle Thornburg.

Matthew MacKenzie, Ashby Butor

Lydia Dody, Megan Price

120 East 4th Street, Loveland, CO 80537 970.203.9992

Paula Edwards, Pat Stryker, Carol Ann Hixon, Sue Froseth

Matthew MacKenzie, Jason LaBelle

Dave Edwards, Ann Gill

Dave & Melissa Venable

Tonya Dunn, Ivan Andrade, Rocci & Marla Trumper, Kellie Holcomb, Steve Sponberg

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

Duane & Dorlies Rasmussen

Bekah Behr, Tom Behr, Banner Green

Janene & Mike Dellenbach

Pat Reid, Tedi Cox Style 2012

6TH ANNUAL WOMENGIVE MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON February 23:: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center :: Loveland More than 400 women enjoyed a mid-day dose of inspiration as they learned about the program that helps single mothers finish college by providing financial help with childcare. The event, the largest to date, was a celebration of helping more than 100 local women, with more than 50 who’ve graduated college. WomenGive also awarded member Myra Powers with the Philanthropist of the Year Award. The luncheon resulted in nearly 70 new members and helped to raise more than $60,000. WomenGive is an initiative of United Way of Larimer County in partnership with the Women’s Foundation of Colorado. Photos courtesy of zebrajellyfish.com.

Ada Piotrowski, Katy Piotrowski

Angie Lund, Diana Luthi, Nicole Ferrera

Crista Mann, Paula Edwards, Mandy Jesser, Banner Green

Susan Benzel, Myra Powers

Maria Dellota, Ruth Brown

Laurie Hansen, Shauna Sledge, Margaret Little-Marilla

Jan Carroll, Mary Binger

Deanna Atchison McCrery, Jan Rachid

SPRING JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT BOWL-A-THON February 11, 25, March 3 :: North Chippers Lanes, Horsetooth Chippers Lanes, Highland Park Lanes, Sweetheart Lanes :: Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland Seven events, three weekends, five Northern Colorado bowling lanes, 106 teams and 530 participants provided the backdrop for this 29th annual signature event for Junior Achievement (JA). Bowlers threw strikes, spares and gutter balls all in the spirit of friendly competition to be declared the best. More than $78,000 was netted for JA and their school programs for K-12, teaching financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship programming in Northern Colorado and southern Wyoming schools.

Joe Dollarhide, Amy Dollarhide, Nicole Watkins, Randy Watkins

Joleen Kramer, Michelle Hesseltine, Sandy Ogan-Drewer, Judy Green, Jacqueline Moore (Nacho Ordinary Ladies League from Anadarko, winners at Greeley Highland Park Lanes)

Keith Froelich, Ken Barleen, Kyle Eastham, Mike Crane (Western States Fire Protection team, winners at Fort Collins North Chippers Lanes)

Betsy Harper, Travis Cook, Rita Ulbrich, Cabel Rohloff, Catie Rohloff, Dani Gaschlerm, Lori Geisick, Gary Jurgensmeier, Matt Rausch, Barb Rausch Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

G I V E 10 G R A N D G A L A February 25 :: Airplane Hanger :: Loveland This year’s capacity crowd of 280 guests celebrated the 10th and final year of the gala. The Mark Sloniker Trio along with five Poudre School District student singers performed a medley of songs before dinner. After dinner guests filled the dance floor to the high-energy music of Denver-based Phat Daddy. Give10 is a local initiative created to inspire philanthropy and build a stronger Larimer County. While this was the final gala, Bohemian Foundation will continue to encourage philanthropy through the Emerging Leader Program. For more information on Give10, please visit www.give10.org. Photos courtesy of

Chris & Tiffany Burns, Sarah & Bryce Hach, Gretchen Gaede & Ryan Keiffer

Pat Stryker

Harper Point Photography.

Jeremy & Jackie Meyer, Heather & John Buoniconti

Katherine VanShaar, Savannah Lloyd, Jake Siwek, Sarah Beth Thwaites, Nathaniel Braswell

T H E W H I S K E R S O F O Z - W H I S K E R S ‘ N WA G S J U B I L E E 2 0 1 2 March 3 :: Hilton :: Fort Collins A sellout crowd of more than 400 cat lovers enjoyed a purrrrfect evening at the 5th annual Whiskers ‘n’ Wags Jubilee event. Guests enjoyed a savory dinner, the silent, live and Grande Cat auctions, heads ‘n’ tail game and featured guest speaker, Dr. Temple Grandin. The full evening netted more than $62,000 to benefit the Fort Collins Cat Rescue and Spay/Neuter Clinic and their continual work helping the feline population and pet spays and neuters for the community. Since opening their clinic in June 2006, FCCR has had more than 4,100 adoptions and performed over 19,000 cat/dog neuters and spays. Photos courtesy of Frank Goss.

Judy Calhoun, Sarah Swanty, Eli Eccleston

Susan Kozak, Jake, Craig Kozak Style 2012

Ruth & Jeff Swanty

Steve & Debbie DeLong

Eldred Bristol, Anna Neubauer

Carol & Len Mahoney

Marian Deming, Wendy Fleischman

Eric Boehner

Holly Dankin, Pam Wolf, Jennifer Thorland

Ashley Boothe

Julie Piepho, Ann Clarke

Meet the

Economic Divas of NOCO By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer

in Loveland when she was hired as the city’s business development manager. As a department of one, with a part-time staffer, her position was one of ombudsman, and she was determined to open lines of communication between the city and their partners. Today, Hale describes her job similarly; however, she now heads up a fully staffed department and she is working to create a long-term model for economic development in Loveland. In 2011, Hale received the Women of Vision Award from the Colorado Women of Influence, and her vision for Loveland is clear-cut. She s” a iv nomic D o c E wants to see RMCIT fully “ ’s d , Lovelan occupied with high quality tech lly Peters e K d n a Erion jobs, she never wants to lose sight of the imporle, Marcie Betsey Ha tance of the art sector and she wants the city to continue strengthening their regional and global partnerships. Three Northern Colorado women have been dubbed by their peers the “Economic Divas,” and “We can’t be parochial anymore. We can’t they have embraced the title. afford to be,” says Hale. Betsey Hale and Marcie Erion, with the City of Loveland, have worked alongside Kelly Peters of the Marcie Erion, City of Loveland Northern Colorado Economic Development CorpoMarcie Erion, a Loveland native, is deeply ration (NCEDC) on multiple economic development committed to her hometown. After college, she projects, but perhaps most notably on the Rocky returned to Loveland and opened an art school and Mountain Center for Innovation and Technology art supply store. After 10 years, she sold the busi(RMCIT), formerly known as ACE. ness and became a stakeholder in a new creative How did these three women get to where they sector development that was budding in Loveland. are today? Style sat down with the Economic Divas “Through that process I found myself very to get their stories. entrenched. I believe in the sector so much and what it has to offer Loveland,” says Erion. After working for a brief time at the NCEDC, Betsey Hale, City of Loveland in March 2011, Erion was hired by the city for the Originally from upstate New York, Betsey Hale new position of business development specialist attended Cornell University where she obtained a for the Office of Creative Sector Development. bachelor’s degree in agriculture. She went on to get a master’s in agricultural systems management “Given my overall experience, it was a great from Colorado State University. pairing,” she says. Hale worked for years in agricultural economic Erion works in the creative sector of Loveland development before finding her way into the generating opportunities, helping businesses political world. In these male-dominated industries, expand and working to attract more creative comHale remained focused and unfazed by the fact panies to Loveland. She is also the liaison for the that she was often the only woman in the room. city’s recent contract with DA2, the consulting firm “At the end of the day, I’m just going to do hired to actively engage in technology scouting. my job, work hard and I’m going to get results,” This spring, Loveland will be the recipient of the says Hale. Herbert Adams Memorial Award, and Erion will be She lives by the motto, “make things happen,” receive an Honorary Citation for her dedication and and in 2006, Hale started to make things happen support of the sculpture community in Loveland

and the arts regionally. “I would love to see a vibrant, energized downtown that has arts and culture as its base again,” says Erion. She also believes it is critical to downtown revitalization for the Loveland Museum Gallery to be expanded, and for the city’s new tourism piece to be successful in bringing visitors to Loveland.

Kelly Peters, Northern Colorado Economic

Development Corporation Kelly Peters’ economic development career started in 1999, when she worked at the Loveland Center for Business Development. After seven years with LCBD, Peters was hired as the first economic development manager for the City of Greeley. She then moved to a position with Rocky Mountain Innosphere and the City of Fort Collins and then to Front Range Corporate Solutions, before being recruited by NCEDC. “The theme in all of these jobs is economic development,” says Peters. In her current post, Peters works closely with companies and municipalities across Northern Colorado. In a proactive approach to relationship building and best practice sharing, she recently launched a CEO breakfast, and the program is already yielding fruit in the form of local collaborations. “RMCIT, formerly ACE, is the largest project I’ve worked on this past year, with good reason, because if we can fill that 811,000 square foot facility with great jobs, all boats rise for the entire region,” says Peters. Her role has been to communicate with her business connections across the Northern Colorado about RMCIT. Peters believes this, along with other projects, have improved partnerships across all economic development layers in the region. Her relationship with Betsey Hale and Marcie Erion is a great example. What these women have in common is tenacity, work ethic and the desire to see this region’s economy thrive. It is obvious that the Economic Divas of Northern Colorado are truly living up to their nickname. Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a journalist and freelance writer from Northern Colorado.

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