Five dollars
JUNE 2012
Fishful Thinker
Bike to Work Month
Summer Fun at The Promenade Shops 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
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Style 2012
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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 .
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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 Digital/Editorial Assistant Logan Martinez 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, Carl Simmons, Tracee Sioux, Heather Schichtel, Michelle Venus PhotographerS Marcus Edwards, Don Hajicek, Brent Yoder 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.
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Style 2012
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Thank Yous Style Magazine – I absolutely loved the April issue and the photo shoot. Thank you so much for graciously having me be a part of it. I had a wonderful time [at the photo shoot] and I think the pictures turned out fantastic (“Going Glam” fashion shoot, April 2012, Lydia’s Style Magazine). Thank you again! Karli Diamond Coldwell Banker, Fort Collins
Lydia, Thanks again for everything (“Hurr Sprinkler & Landscape: Transforming Your Backyard,” April 2012 Lydia’s Style Magazine). We have gotten a lot of compliments on the last article, which has been great for business. Graham MacGregor Hurr Sprinkler & Landscape, Loveland
Dear Style, We thank you for your excellent articles. Always interesting to read. Jim & Linda Brainard, Greeley
A New Vibe Sondy, There’s a new look and feel to Style Magazine. I can’t put my finger on it but it has more of a community feel. I like it. Linda Vernon, Designs Boutique, Fort Collins Linda – Thank you. Style is endeavoring to engage our wonderful community in the magazine to an even greater level, through appealing editorial and artwork, comprehensive coverage of community events and so much more. In fact, watch our website for some exciting new features coming in the next months. We truly want to continue to be the voice of Northern Colorado and we invite all from the community to share with us their concerns, passions and triumphs. – Angeline Grenz, Managing Editor, angie@ stylemedia.com
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oops! Style traveled back in time in April’s edition. We mistakenly reverted to Connie Hanrahan’s maiden name, Montgomery, in our About Town section. Rest assured that Ms. Hanrahan has happily moved up in the alphabet with her new last name and we greatly regret the error. In the March 2012 Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness magazine, we featured an article on the latest in med spa services. One featured service, the Lumenis Ultrapulse Laser available at the Eye Center of Northern Colorado, contained some inaccuracies in its presentation. In order to ensure that our readers understand the true benefits of the laser, we wanted to clarify some of the statements. The Ultrapulse is a carbon dioxide laser that is set apart by its power and versatility. The laser features two separate hand pieces used during treatment to allow for both superficial and deep fractional skin penetration that improves the skin’s overall texture and reduces damage to the skin’s surface. “This allows the Ultrapulse to improve sun damage, pigment spots, fine lines and wrinkles on the surface of the skin, as well as reduce pore size and deeper wrinkles,” according to Dr. Chet Reistad. Surface improvement is apparent within the first few weeks after treatment and deeper improvements occur over several months of treatment. To improve the appearance of the eyes, the Ultrapulse laser can be used in conjunction with eyelid surgery. The Ultrapulse laser can tighten the skin of the upper and lower lids without an incision. However, “once a patient develops herniated orbital fat pads or ‘bags’ on the lower lids, I will surgically reduce these and then, depending on the severity of the patient’s skin laxity and excess, either excise the excess skin or tighten the skin with the laser,” Dr. Reistad adds. Patients can have the Ultrapulse treatment in the office setting with mild painkillers and local numbing cream with little or no discomfort. Of course, the risk of all lasers include hyper and hypopigmentation. It is important to have your skin and medical history assessed by a professional prior to any laser treatment, according to Dr. Reistad. For a corrected version of the article, please visit our website at www.medicalandwellness. com/MedSpas/MedicalAndWellness. If you are interested in the Ultrapulse CO2 laser, contact the Eye Center of Northern Colorado for more information at (970) 221-2222 or visit www. eyecenternoco.com. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
on the cover Tiffany Villavicencio and her two small children, Macy and Keaton, enjoy summer shopping at The Promenade Shops at Centerra. Cover photo by Don Hajicek. Hair by Jillian Vigil, Ten Aveda Salon & Spa. Make-up by Sierra Alexandra, Ten Aveda Salon & Spa.
features
Summer at the Promenade Shops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 NOCO Bike to Work Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Fishful Thinking Comes True . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Community Garden Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Trial Garden, Community Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Loveland Museum/Gallery Celebrates 75 Years . . . . .56
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business profile Maximum Boutique: Bringing Joy to her Customers . . .14 Swan Heating & Air Conditioning: The Home Comfort Experts . . . . . . . . .16
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Water Pik: 50 Years of Innovation and Counting . 18 Fountains of Loveland: Customized Events in a Beautiful Setting . . . . . . .
JUNE 2012 :: STYLE
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lifestyle
Summer EVENts Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Feasting Fort Collins: Delicious Discoveries . . . . 60
about town a photo tour of nonprofit events . . . . . . . . 61 Dinner of Champions Voyage to Japan Art for ARC Weld Stone Soup Foothills Food & Wine Experience Black Tie Bingo The Taste Realities Appreciation Dinner BBB Torch Awards
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Kitchen Kaper
Studio Vino: Art and Friends . . . . . . . . . . 21
March for Babies
special building section
Celebration of Philanthropy
Affordable Roofing . . . .
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Alpine Gardens . . . . . . . . .
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HighCraft Builders . . . . .
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Landscape Projects We Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Legacy Night 2012
building northern colorado
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Patio Trends for 2012 . . .
National Day of Prayer
Hope Lives! Pink Boa
community innovators
Les Kaplan Shaping Northern Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
departments
From our readers . . . . . . . . 8
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publisher’s letter . . . . . . .12
www.stylemagazinecolorado.com Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Publisher’s Letter
The Blessings of Free Enterprise If you are like me, you are probably already getting tired of the political gamesmanship we are seeing on T.V. I don’t want to make a political statement here; I only hope that whichever candidate is elected will truly look after the well being of our great country. I am so grateful to live in these United States and have the freedoms and opportunities only a democracy such as ours can support. Perhaps you are curious as to who the elderly man is in the photo this month? This distinguished man is my 92-year-old uncle, Retired Colonel John R. Glick, who is responsible for me living in this great
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nation. When the U.S. passed the Displaced Person Act in 1948, Uncle Jack, as I have always called him, sponsored my mother, grandmother and me to emigrate. We traveled by ship and docked in New Orleans in June 1950. After having lived in dismal displaced person’s camps in Germany, we were ready to begin a new life in this new land. We had one suitcase, no money and just the clothes on our backs. We didn’t know English or what lie ahead for us. We only knew that we had freedom and were no longer going to live in fear and poverty. I am so deeply thankful to Uncle Jack and his late wife, my Aunt Irene, for sponsoring us and giving my family the opportunity to live in this country. We first lived with his family in a 900-square-foot house in Colorado Springs and I remember thinking it was a palace despite having four adults and three small children living in this small space. To me, it was heaven on earth and I will never forget how wonderful it felt to live in a clean home with a bathroom. Because of this, June is a very special month for me. This year I celebrate 62 years in the U.S. Thank you, Uncle Jack, for your kindness and generosity. You and your family have always held a very special place in my heart. It is because of this nation’s precious free enterprise system that entrepreneurship and small business has been nurtured and allowed to flourish. It provided me the opportunity to become an entrepreneur just like the businesses we profiled in this issue. Read these profiles that span a wide range of products and services. These individuals had an idea, took advantage of opportunity, worked hard and today provide jobs to fuel our economy. I ask you to patronize
these businesses and keep your dollars in Northern Colorado whenever possible. This time of year our local nurseries and garden centers are busy helping people beautify their outdoor living spaces. I love strolling through local nurseries and soaking in the colorful beauty of blooming flowers that I want to plant at my home and office. I can’t resist, so I end up buying a lot of work for myself! Be sure to read “Community Garden Trends” to learn about gardening possibilities, especially if you don’t have space at your home. And read “Trial Garden, Community Garden,” about the breathtaking expanse of color we all enjoy on College Avenue. Outdoor gardening has expanded to outdoor living since we are blessed with such nice weather nine months of the year. Notice our Special Building Section to be inspired by photos of beautiful landscape design and home remodeling. Also, enjoy viewing some of our featured outdoor living photos complete with cooking facilities, water features and beautiful patio furniture. On a final note, I want to thank everyone who was involved in the Pink Boa 5K to raise awareness and funds for Hope Lives! We had a wonderful morning of joyful walkers, runners, volunteers and kids, plus pink decorated dogs and numerous businesses supporting the cause of breast cancer awareness and survivorship. I am deeply grateful to everyone for supporting this very important cause.
With much gratitude, lydia@stylemedia.com
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Style 2012
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Business Profile
Marci Lautzenheiser opened Maximum Boutique in 2008; in 2012 she expanded into a larger space at The Promenade Shops at Centerra.
Bringing Joy to Her Customers By Connie Hein
For Marci Lautzenheiser, happiness is waking up each day and bringing joy to the people around her. Lautzenheiser, the owner of Maximum Boutique at The Promenade Shops at Centerra, says that’s her goal at the boutique, which is named in honor of their late son Maxwell. 14
Maxwell passed away in December 2008 at age six. “He was a special needs child, who just went to sleep one night and woke up in heaven,” she says. She believes he is with her every day leading her to give love and support to people in pain who walk in the door of her successful boutique. “Max captured everyone’s heart with his infectious smile,” Lautzenheiser says. “He taught us to appreciate all the little things around us.” She says her business started with just that, appreciating and enjoying little things – tiny, shiny beads that brightened her world. She started her bead collection when Max was two, which led her on a journey out of the dental administration field and into the rewarding business of helping bring happiness into people’s lives. It wasn’t until after Max passed away that
Lautzenheiser started finding hope and peace in the meaning of each bead. “The colors and shapes were like tiny bright lights in the darkness of pain after losing our son,” she says. Her collection represented the events that were going on in her life. “It was like journaling my life through beads,” Lautzenheiser says. “Each bead came from a special time in our lives, or a special place we visited.” After Max died, Lautzenheiser says she didn’t think she would be able to continue running the business. “I felt like I could barely get out of bed and breathe or walk or function normally again,” she says. The business at that time was in a very small space. “It was my tiny little castle, a place to go every day to be around people and just get through,” she says. After about six months, she realized Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Maximum Boutique is a shop-in-a-shop location for Pandora Jewelry and Colorado’s largest independent retailer of Vera Bradley, Alegria shoes and more.
customers were coming to the shop just to be inspired and feel happier in their own lives – many working through loss and heartaches just as she was. “People would come in and tell me that I was inspiring them,” she says, “and helping them get through their pain.” She was shocked that people felt that way, because these same wonderful people were her reason for getting up every morning. “I realized that I needed my customers as much as they needed me.” As the business took off, Brighton Collectibles approached Lautzenheiser and her store is now proud to be the largest independent retailer for Brighton jewelry and accessories in Colorado. Soon the little boutique went from 122-square-feet with a tiny assortment of beads to taking down a wall to expand as far as she could in that location. After three more years of great success, she designed and moved to a new 2,600-square-foot building in 2012. “It’s filled with things to make people happy with merchandise from companies who give back to people all over the world,” she says. Maximum has since become a shop-in-ashop for Pandora Jewelry as well as being Colorado’s largest independent retailer for Vera Bradley, Alegria shoes, Tom’s shoes, Alex and Ani, and several other brands. Lautzenheiser researches every brand she carries. “I find extraordinary companies that Style 2012
inspire me and share my goals and vision in business,” she says. “They donate thousands of dollars to feed needy families, or donate shoes to needy children, many in honor of loved ones they have lost,” she says. “I love being part of that.” She adds that many of these companies have taken her under their wings and given her encouragement to build her business. Lautzenheiser takes one day at a time when it comes to future plans for her business. Her goal is to pass on the boutique as a legacy to her two daughters in honor of Max. After losing her young son, she now holds each day with her loved ones as a gift and lives each one with gratitude. “We need to live each day to the fullest, giving back all we can and making people the priority in our lives.” “Max’s death is a sad story,” Lautzenheiser says, “but his life was a beautiful gift to all of us.” Maximum Boutique Marci Lautzenheiser, owner The Promenade Shops at Centerra 5865 Sky Pond Drive, #G160, Loveland (970) 203-0602 www.MaximumBoutique.com Connie Hein is a freelance writer living in Windsor, and the author of the Toliver in Time series of children’s books
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Business Profile
The Home Comfort EX PE RTS By Marty Metzger
Tim Swan, like many young people, was drifting along in life and had no particular career goals. Then, in 1996, the 19-year-old moved from East Lansing, Michigan, to Vail, Colorado, to pursue his sole consuming passion: snowboarding. Tim Swan opened Swan Heating & Air Conditioning in 2006. He is expecting record sales in 2012.
After one blissful season paying his way as a snowlift operator, he joined his brother in Fort Collins. There, Swan took a job in heating and air conditioning and his transformation began. For the next 10 years, Swan worked with several companies in the business, learning the do’s and don’ts of his chosen trade. In 2006, Swan made the monumental decision to open his own company. This was no easy choice for the 29-year-old man who had a family, meager start-up funds, a mortgage and bills due. Nevertheless, prompted by wife
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Julie’s urging and encouragement, he forged ahead with a somewhat uncommon business plan to modestly begin Swan Heating & Air Conditioning. The family garage served as an office. All day, every day for the first two weeks Swan sought customers door-to-door. “No” answered 19 out of his every 20 knocks, he recalls. Having started with only $1,500, required insurance and licenses, tools and a truck, Swan beat all the odds. By the first month’s end, the company changed ink color from red to black when a $0
income became $50,000 in sales! Now he could afford advertising... and some business cards. Swan Heating & Air Conditioning is comprised of indoor air quality specialists who provide installation, maintenance and repair of all residential heating and air conditioning equipment. Additionally, they offer humidification, air cleaning and duct cleaning. In 2007, the young company relocated to a spot on 66th Street in Loveland, then doubled their square footage just down the road in February 2012. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Sales are projected at $2 to $3 million by the end of 2012, Swan happily reports, and he credits several factors for that success, particularly the great people working with him. “Peter Doll, especially, has played a very important roll in our company’s growth and success,” says Swan. “Since its inception, he’s been there, even in our early, tough door-todoor endeavors.” Those early shoe leather-gobbling mega-hikes generated 75 percent of business for the first two years. Now, as then, top quality service has increased volume and profitability. “In my opinion, we are highly geared to customer service,” Swan explains. “To sustain growth and maintain our good reputation, we treat our customers very well. We offer a 100 percent satisfaction or a money back guarantee.” He outlines more customer care procedures. “We conduct pre-employment background checks and enforce strict policies to reassure our customers, including full identifying graphics on our trucks and technician photo I.D. badges. While working in homes, our techs wear boot covers and don’t smoke or eat things that might litter, such as sunflower seeds. We better pinpoint appointments within our two-hour time window through follow-up calls from our office manager, Mary Nader, and then by the technician.” Along with Swan and Nader, the company has a total of 14 employees. Swan’s wife enjoys working part-time for the company, performing tasks such as payroll. (However, she focuses most of her time on raising the couple’s daughters Olivia, age 10, and 6-year-old Lucy.) Swan Heating & Air Conditioning’s tagline defines them and their focus: “We’re the home comfort experts.” When commercial and new construction slowed tremendously during the recent bad economy, some companies were driven out of business. However, Swan remained virtually recession-proof, performing 100 percent existing residential and retrofit work. Swan Heating & Air Conditioning eagerly supports its dual communities as current sponsors of a Fort Collins Little League baseball team and Loveland High School sporting events. They are also long-time supporters of several Fort Collins and Loveland children’s charities. One satisfied customer’s comment sums up it up: “Swan Heating & Air Conditioning is not the cheapest company in town, but it is the best! You just can’t lose when you do business with them.” Perhaps long-ago snowy months in Vail served as an “ugly duckling” prelude to a Swan transformation. Tim Swan’s business idea, strong work ethic and driving determination evolved into a thriving and well-respected Northern Colorado heating and air conditioning company. Swan Heating & Air Conditioning Tim Swan, owner 599 W. 66th Street, Loveland (970) 215-5870 www.SwanHomeComfort.com Fort Collins resident Marty Metzger has been a freelance writer since 1987. Style 2012
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Business Profile
Richard Bisson, CEO of Water Pik, shares the company’s 50 years of success with Northern Colorado.
Water Pik:
5 0 Ye a r s o f I n n o v a t i o n and Counting By Carl Simmons
After 50 years in business in Fort Collins, the mission remains the same. “It’s about product innovation; we’re always looking to do things in a way they’ve never been done before,” says Richard Bisson, CEO of Water Pik, Inc. “We are creating every conceivable product for our customers, for every conceivable niche.” As a result of their ongoing innovations, Water Pik dominates the oral-health market, accounting for about 90 percent of all waterflossing products. They also lead the showerhead market, selling nearly a third of all products in that sector. Today, Waterpik® products are sold in more than 100 countries. The tradition of innovation, however, began more than a half-century earlier. A Fort Collins dentist, Gerald Moyer, came up with the idea for an oral irrigator to promote gum health in
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1955, and began exploring ways to develop a motorized technology. Enter John “Matt” Mattingly, a hydraulic engineer professor at Colorado State University and patient of Dr. Moyer’s; from 1959 to 1962, the two men worked together perfecting the design, and on their 146th try, they succeeded. A patent was applied for, and the original company, Aqua Tec Corporation, was founded February 27, 1962. Many of the company’s first investors were dentists. Another patient, Gene Rouse, tried the
Water Flosser (first known as the “Octopus” and then the “Dental Water Jet”) and helped raise $50,000 from Fort Collins residents to finance the burgeoning business, and became the company’s first president. “You’ve got the inventor, and then the engineer, but without the businessman it doesn’t fly,” Bisson says. After the company was acquired by Teledyne (and became Water Pik) in 1967, Rouse remained as president and CEO, and was later instrumental in the development of the pulsating shower massage in the 1970s. From 1962 to 1964, headquarters were in a 1,000-square-foot office known as the “little green house,” off Lincoln Street. The company was often spread out over several locations in Fort Collins for the first couple decades, before consolidating and moving to its present location off Prospect Road in the 1980s. Today, the 242,000-square-foot building is home for much of the company’s ongoing product development, including all of its oral-care products and more than 75 percent of its shower products. Over the last 50 years, Water Pik has acquired more than 500 patents, including many products that have been the first of their kind. In addition to the Water Flosser and the pulsating shower massage, the company is also responsible for the development of OptiFlow® technology, which delivers 30 percent more water force than other showerheads; and the EcoFlow® line of green, water-saving, low-flow, hand-held and fixed mount shower options. More recently, Water Pik launched their line of Waterpik® SinuSense™ sinus rinse products, and the first-ever battery-operated Neti Pulsator. This year introduces even more products. Water Pik released a Water Flosser traveling kit early this year, and this month introduced the Complete Care System, featuring a sonic toothbrush and Water Flosser in one plug-in unit. “This is the daily regimen; this is all you need,” says Bisson about the latter. “When you’re 0 to 35, it’s all about cavities; after that, it’s all about gum health. The goal is, you do this, and you get to keep your teeth for life.” Another brand-new product coming in August is a combination shower head/Water Flosser, with the working title ShowerPik. “We’ve learned that 20 to 25 percent of people like doing their grooming in the shower, so we’re going after those people with this product,” Bisson says. When asked what aspects of the company he’s proudest of, Bisson says, “For me, it’s all about product development, and the health benefits for the consumer. I spend an inordinate amount of time learning about the consumer’s needs. By talking to them, you learn ideas for products that have never been developed before, and which have a clear benefit for the consumer. “What I’m especially proud of,” he adds, “is that we have a team who designed all our oral products and 75 to 80 percent of our showerheads right here. I’m very proud that we have a team who develops new products on Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Water Pik’s signature products: The Complete Care System, which includes a sonic toothbrush and Water Flosser in one plug-in unit.
Water Pik also developed the Easy Select® line of showerheads, which allows you to change the flow setting without reaching through the stream of water.
The Ultra Water Flosser, Water Pik’s original innovation, is now in its 50th year.
a continuing basis right here in Fort Collins.” Something else to be proud of is that Water Pik’s dedication to water conservation goes beyond its own products. Recently, every employee in the company took an online pledge with the Wyland Foundation to exercise wisdom with their own personal water conservation. As for the future, Bisson says, “We want to continue to grow our brand by developing innovative products that have unique benefits to the consumer. We’re always looking for acquisition, to help diversify our offerings, while continuing to build on the strengths we already have. Our strategic plan hasn’t changed in four years, because every one of us agrees on it. It’s about executing that plan every day.”
Carl Simmons is a freelance writer and editor in Loveland, and author of the six-book Biblestudy series Growing Out: From Disciples to Disciplers (Group Publishing). Find out more about Carl at carlsimmonslive.com. Style 2012
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Business Profile
The Fountains of Loveland offers the amenities and perfect setting for your wedding, corporate party or other special event.
Customized Events in a Beautiful Setting By Heather Schichtel
It is Friday evening and Nina Larson, wedding and events sales manager at The Fountains of Loveland, is saying goodbye to the wedding party that will be married at the center on Saturday. “Enjoy the rehearsal dinner! I’ll see you all tomorrow!” Guests in the party greet her personally to thank her for her hard work and tell her to have a good night. It’s clear they have all become pretty close while planning this wedding and everyone, including Larson, is excited for the event. Personal service within a beautiful setting is why so many choose to have Fountains of Loveland plan and host their entire event. In fact, Fountains of Loveland is starting to book into the summer of 2013. “We have guests come from everywhere,” Larson states. “We’ve become a bit of a destination wedding location. Our facility can accommodate the rehearsal, wedding, reception, lodging and even brunch the day after the wedding.” Fountains of Loveland is attached to a very upscale La Quinta Inn. When guests are ready to
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retire, they can take the elevator up to their room the night of the wedding. “Couples don’t have to worry about transportation for themselves or guests. No one has to drive after a festive night,” says Larson. Bride and Groom are also given complimentary accommodations the night of their wedding. Larger weddings can be held at the gazebo and the ballroom, which can hold 260 guests. Smaller celebrations are conducted at the fountain and Galleria, which can hold 72 people. No matter your choice, Fountains can make a special night extraordinary. When couples book at Fountains, they also book Larson and her team; a group of wedding coordinators that work to make this event unique and remarkable. They are as involved or uninvolved as the couple wishes the team to be, regardless of the wedding size. Larson truly enjoys what she does and gets to know each couple that walks through the doors of Fountains. When parties book their events, Larson and her team help plan the event. “Couples deserve for this day to be perfect and there are no unrealistic expectations. It’s so fun to be a part of this process.” She admits her favorite part is when couples realize that Fountains can accommodate their needs and the needs of family and friends for their special day and that this is where they would like to get married. “They get very excited when they realize everything we can offer for their special day.”
Larson and her team are able to help couples coordinate every detail but also provide flexibility and choices. “We can provide the food for the wedding and the rehearsal dinner or couples can use outside catering,” states Larson. “However, once people try our chefs’ signature dishes, we usually cater the event too.” Nestled in West Loveland with views of the Rockies and iconic Devil’s Backbone, Fountains offers a unique, affordable and all-encompassing event center in a beautiful setting. “We do many weddings,” says Larson, “but we also host business meetings and conferences as well as community events.” Built in 2008, the event center is quickly becoming renowned in Northern Colorado as a place to hold premier events. The success of the event center shouldn’t be too surprising, given its owners, Hamid and Janice Eslan. These local Lovelanders and entrepreneurs also own the Black Steer Restaurant and have managed its success for almost 30 years. The intricate details of Fountains reflect the planning and thought of those who have been in the industry and know what people want when planning a party. When touring the ballroom, Larson points up at the crystal chandelier. “You can see Janice’s special touches throughout the center.” Whether you are planning a wedding of 50 or 250, your next corporate meeting or your daughter’s quinceanera, Fountains provides the facility and accommodations to make any event memorable. Most importantly, they have a dedicated, devoted staff committed to making every celebration unique to taste, style and personality. the fountains of loveland 1480 Cascade Ave., Loveland (970) 622-8000 www.fountainsofloveland.com Heather Schichtel is a freelance writer and marketing professional. You can follow her story on www.samsmom-heathers.blogspot.com. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Business Profile
Art a n d F r i e n d s By Connie Hein
Studio Vino offers a unique new service in Northern Colorado – the opportunity to gather with friends and loved ones for an afternoon or evening of fun while feeding your inner artist. Studio Vino opened its doors in the heart of historic Downtown Loveland in April 2011 after the group of owners, all local Loveland residents, had a unique and unforgettable experience that they wanted to share with the community. “It’s been a huge success and brings excitement to the downtown area,” says Director Sara Turner. “Studio Vino features a unique blend of painting, shopping and beverages for a night out with friends or an afternoon of family fun.” Studio Vino supplies everything needed to create a painting that is started and finished in one session. “We supply the paint, brushes, a 16 x 20 inch canvas, apron, set-up and clean-up with the artist/instructor who created the original painting.” The charge for each painting is $25 to $35. They also offer local beers, a wide wine selection and soft drinks as well as special occasion drinks such as champagne and mimosas. “From beginners to experts, everyone has a great time and goes home with their own unique painting that looks like the artist’s original but with its own unique style and flair,” Turner says. Clients can choose the painting they are interested in creating by browsing through the monthly calendar, and then follow the easy-touse pre-registration process online. The paintings are displayed and scheduled for two months in advance. On the calendar you can choose from Style 2012
many fun paintings such as Very Van Gogh, Off to Paris, Spunky Sprouts and Ocean Pals. Turner says they also offer special paintings for holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, where each person paints their own canvas and, when hung together, they become one painting that makes a wonderful keepsake. Studio Vino is open Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, and is available for private parties and fundraisers throughout the week and on Sunday evenings. “We host many fundraisers for organizations such as the March of Dimes and Relay for Life,” Turner says, “and host bridal, bachelorette, birthday and company office parties and other special events such as wine and beer tastings serving up to 60 people.” “We encourage clients to come early, before their class starts,” Turner says, “to browse through our fun, unique selection of mid-range priced jewelry, handbags, scarves, jeans and gifts.” Studio Vino 426 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland (970) 622-9632 www.studiovino.biz. Connie Hein is a freelance writer living in Windsor, and the author of the Toliver in Time series of children’s books
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Summer at
The Promenade Shops By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
Looking for creative ways to entertain yourself and the kids this summer? Look no further than The Promenade Shops at Centerra. Located just east of I-25 on HWY 34, The Promenade Shops have a line up of summer activities sure to fit any lifestyle and budget. Promenade Kid Days returned to The Promenade Shops last year after an absence, and it was a big hit. During the workweek, moms and dads are often looking for ways to keep their little ones entertained and engaged, and this free, kid-friendly event does just that. “We’ve timed these events to occur during lunchtime so families can grab lunch before or afterwards. All the events occur in the Main Plaza and focus on the theme of the day,” says Tiffany Villavicencio, marketing coordinator at The Promenade Shops at Centerra. Last summer, the community of Northern Colorado got involved in Kid Days and this year that tradition will continue. Many organizations helped out with Transportation Day last year, including local fire stations and paramedics, the City of Loveland Police Department, the Larimer County Sheriff’s office, Colorado State Patrol and the Thompson School District. There are a total of six Kid Days at The Promenade Shops during the summer, and this year’s themes are Art, Sports, Patriotic, Science, Transportation and Animals. “Everything we do at these events is absolutely free,” says Villavicencio. “We don’t charge for train rides, or face painting or balloon art. We want families to come here and enjoy their experience.” With a successful 2011 season, Villavicencio plans to recreate much of what they did last year and build on it. On Sports Day, participating organizations included the Colorado State Rams and the Colorado Eagles, Dick’s Sporting Goods Style 2012
(one of the retailers at The Promenade) along with Amazing Athletes, a group that teaches nine different sports to preschool age children. Dance troupes and gymnastics teams also performed, and this year’s event will be similar. “My own son loves coming to Kid Days. He gets to choose the activities he wants to do and loves bringing home the craft projects he has made during the event. Our store will participate by having our mascot, Bearemy, out on several of the Kid Days, and we will also be handing out coupons and coloring pages,” says Dawn Coleman, chief workshop manager at Build-ABear Workshop. Promenade Kid Days at The Promenade Shops is geared toward preschool and elementary age children, and runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every other Tuesday from June 5 through August 14. Another family-friendly event that has occurred at The Promenade Shops every summer since they opened is Movies on Main. The nine-week outdoor movie marathon runs every Friday night from June 1st through the end of July. Movies on Main has become popular with folks of all ages, including a group of senior citizens who sets up their folding chairs at the back of the plaza each and every Friday. “We’ve had a crowd that has been growing ever since 2005. It includes families, teenagers and everyone in between,” says Villavicencio. “It is mostly geared toward families, as you can tell by the movies we show.” The evening gets underway at 7 p.m., with the movie starting at 9 p.m. Pre-show entertainment
Nothing says summer like a little ice cream and enjoying The Promenade’s water feature.
Last year’s Sports Day was a complete success for children and adults alike.
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e h T p Sho
Prom
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enade
Movies on Main is a highly-anticipated Promenade summer event, where regulars stake out their favorite spot in front of the large screen.
in the past has included hula hoop contests, water balloon tosses, scavenger hunts, trivia questions and more. Movies on Main kicks off on June 1, with Cars 2. The entire list of movies can be found at www.thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com. Free popcorn and cotton candy is provided during the event and local eateries, like Paciugo Italian Gelato, often pass out samples to moviegoers. During March and April and then again in September through November, The Promenade Shops runs Dinner and a Movie, a promotion for the lifestyle center’s restaurants. With special offers from the various eateries and coupons for Metrolux 14, it makes for an affordable night out for a family or couple. There are two new collaborations between The Promenade Shops and several local organizations this year. The Shops are teaming up with Tri 102.5 FM for a breast cancer walk in October called, “Pink the Promenade.” The walk benefits the McKee Medical Center Foundation. The McKee Medical Center’s Spirit of Women will also be holding their annual event, Be Dazzling, at The Promenade Shops in September. There are other new events in the works as well, including some art partnerships with the City of Loveland, so keep in touch with The Promenade Shops through their website for details as they are finalized and released. The Promenade Shops at Centerra are kidfriendly, with Kid Days, Movies on Main and the splash fountains in the plaza, but The Shops are also dog friendly. Over 40 of the 70 stores allow well-behaved dogs to come into their businesses. “We love that The Promenade Shops allows dogs, because dogs are truly part of the family now, so it is just one more way to include them. Style 2012
I think a lot of people still do not know that you can shop here with your dog, but those who do know, definitely take advantage of it,” says Christina DiGiallonardo, owner of D.O.G.S. (Dog Owner’s General Store). The Promenade Shops at Centerra have been open since October 2005, and there are still development opportunities on the property. Two restaurant parcels are available; one in front of Rock Bottom Brewery and the other on the west side of the property near I-25. “In terms of new buildings, that’s where you might see them,” says Don Foster, general manager of The Promenade Shops at Centerra. “Within the existing buildings we still have about 10 percent of our space that is raw, meaning there is still a dirt floor behind the barricade. This is space we haven’t found a tenant for yet. That’s where the biggest opportunities still lie.” The Promenade Shops at Centerra is a lifestyle center that is much more than just shopping – it is a place to learn and live. “This is a beautiful place to come out and walk around, and if you like, we have a wide variety of stores to shop in,” says Coleman of Build-A-Bear. “The best thing about our mall is that we have everything needed to have a great family day.” For more information visit The Promenade Shops online at www.thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com or find them on Facebook.
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.
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Local resident Charlie Moody makes it a practice to bike to work in Fort Collins.
By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
Whether it is our abundant sunshine, a love of the outdoors, or all of the above, there is little doubt that Northern Coloradans adore their bikes. 26
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The bicycle has undergone many transformations since its invention in the mid-1800s. Today, the bicycle is more popular than ever. While the rest of the country celebrates Bike Month in May, Colorado decided to push it to June, due to our potential for a wet springtime. Residents across the state will be jumping on their bikes this month for their health, the environment and the pure joy of feeling the wind in their face.
Bike Fun in the Fort
Each year, the League of American Bicyclists awards the top biking communities in the country a bronze, silver, gold or platinum, and only three have received the top rating. The League looks at education, encouragement, engineering, enforcement and evaluation. Currently, Fort Collins holds a gold rating, but Molly North, interim bicycle coordinator at the City of Fort Collins believes that will soon change. “The last time we applied our least strong suit was education, but we’ve had a huge boost in education over the last two years. I will reapply for Bicycle Friendly Community designation in February 2013, and I’m very optimistic that we will be one of the next Platinum communities.” Fort Collins holds the esteemed position of being third in the country when it comes to bike commuters, with 10 percent of the city’s residents biking to work on a daily basis. Fort Collins is just behind Eugene, Oregon, at 10.8 percent, and Boulder at 12.3 percent. The national average is one percent. “We have a fantastic bicycling infrastructure and culture in Fort Collins. Our streets are wide enough to accommodate multi modes of travel, it’s relatively flat and most drivers are respectful of bicyclists,” says Jeff Morrell, president of Bike Fort Collins. The City of Fort Collins encourages people to commute because of environmental and health concerns. As part of the city’s Climate Action Plan, the city supports moving away from single occupancy vehicles to other sensible modes of transportation, including bicycles, transit, carpooling and walking. “We are trying to encourage all of those options to create a better local and worldwide climate,” says North. “Commuting by bike is also better for the health of the community and it creates more efficient and attentive workers.” Bike to Work Month is an opportunity to spread the word about the benefits of biking, and Fort Collins has a variety of events lined up for June. Style 2012
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Loveland resident Jeff Bruno heads down the hill after biking Devil’s Backbone.
First up, the 25th Annual Bike to Work Day is Wednesday, June 27. There will be 40 breakfast stations, and new this year, five afternoon stations. On Bike to Work Day in 1988 there were six breakfast stations and just 200 people participated. The city expects between 7,000 and 8,000 riders this year. “It’s an event that provides a social atmosphere where the bicycle is celebrated above all else. It creates the culture of biking as being fun and safe. It rewards people for getting on their bikes,” says North. Two follow-up events occur the same week. On Thursday, a Downtown Bike Show is planned in Old Town Square, and on Friday, Bike-N-Jazz is scheduled for The Gardens on Spring Creek, an event combining music, bikes and beer. “I hope to use these events as opportunities to spread our safe cycling message,” says North. Fort Collins’ businesses can get involved in two ways: first, by sponsoring a breakfast station or by competing in a worksite challenge. The worksite challenge is a friendly competition between like-sized businesses. Employees are encouraged to bike to work every Wednesday during the summer, and the offices with the highest percentage of riders will receive big prizes at the end of August. In April a new bicycle ambassador program was launched in Fort Collins. This exciting
program is an opportunity for residents to get involved with learning and teaching bike safety education. The program is a partnership between FC Bikes and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Coalition (BPEC). The ambassador program will create community around cycling through outreach and a variety of volunteer activities, including two new programs, community patrol and open garage. To learn more, go to www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org. “I would definitely recommend commuting by bike in Fort Collins,” says Dillon Maxwell, a student at Colorado State University. “It’s healthier, more sustainable, and it’s a lot easier to find parking for a bike than it is a car. It’s also a satisfying feeling cruising past cars at rush hour.”
Growing Biking Awareness in Greeley
Greeley’s Bike to Work Day on June 27 will have between eight and 10 breakfast stations. Wendy Polulech, wellness specialist with the Community Wellness Department at North Colorado Medical Center, is organizing the event. “My vision for Bike to Work Day is to see how many people we can get to ride their bikes who have never done it before,” says Polulech. She wants the City of Greeley map published in the newspaper so that residents can
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map out a route from their house to work. The city map shows where it is legal to ride a bike on the sidewalks, like on 20th Street. According to Polulech, the biggest misconceptions about riding a bike in Greeley is that it isn’t safe. She often rides six miles from home to work and has never encountered any unsafe situations, a message she wants to share on Bike to Work Day. Between 400 and 500 people participate yearly in Greeley’s Bike to Work Day, and this year riders can take part in a contest to win prizes by checking in at the breakfast stations on Facebook. An entire list of stations and a map for Bike to Work Day will be in the Greeley Tribune.
Loveland Loves Bikes
Cycling has been on the minds of Lovelanders for decades. The cycling club, PEDAL (People Empowered to De-Emphasize Automobiles in Loveland) was founded in 1970. Robin Hildenbrand, former president of PEDAL, is helping to organize Loveland’s Bike to Work Day. The City of Loveland received Honorable Mention as a Bicycle Friendly Community in 2010, but is working to do even better in the future. The city council adopted the Bicycle Pedestrian Plan on May 1 of this year, and it will go a long way to help achieve that end. According to the City of Loveland’s website, the plan is a long-term action plan to give
Loveland a well balanced, well maintained transportation system. The plan establishes strategies to prioritize projects that will further enhance bike and pedestrian safety, comfort and access in the city. “This was a tremendous success,” says Hildenbrand. “This is the most detailed plan the City of Loveland has ever had.” Bike to Work Day in Loveland will be sponsored by multiple organizations on Wednesday, June 27, and eight breakfast stations will be located across the city. More information can be found online at www.cityofloveland.org.
Electric Bikes make it Easy
There are now real alternatives for people who want to commute by bicycle. An electric bike makes it easier than ever, especially if there is a hill between your home and work. Electric bikes come in a variety of types and price ranges. Polly Reich, formerly of Small Planet E-Vehicles, gets a lot of attention when she rides her electric bike around Fort Collins. “I meet a lot of new people when I’m riding my bike,” says Reich. “I get stopped all the time and I love telling people about it. I pay $30 every six months in insurance for my bike, and $120 in electricity annually.” In addition to making a bike commute a lot easier, electric bikes have the benefit of being able to carry a lot of weight, so they are becoming popular around the country with in-town
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Linda Poortinga takes advantage of Loveland’s bike trails for a little afternoon exercise.
delivery companies, from bike messengers to pizza delivery drivers.
Wrap Up
Thousands of Northern Coloradans will be on their bikes this month, including many newcomers. Organizers of Bike to Work activities occurring across the region hope that these people will continue to ride, long after the month is over. For people like Chris Johnson, director of Northern Colorado Cycling events, riding has become part of his life. “On my bike, I am aware of moving through my community, feeling the road, smelling the restaurants and waving at neighborhood kids. I am able to experience my home in a deeper and more satisfying way,” says Johnson. “Modern life is so full of tools that isolate us from one another. After a decade-plus of bike commuting I am still in constant amazement at how the bike connects me to the world.” Bicycling connects us with the environment, our bodies and our world. Why not hop on your bike this month, and see how it shifts your perspective?
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. Style 2012
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Fishful Thinker creator Chad LaChance takes a moment for reflection on Horestooth Lake. Photo courtesy of Justin VanAlstyne.
Fishful Thinking C o m e s
Tr u e By Carl Simmons
Chad LaChance has turned a lifestyle into a career, and he wants to get others “hooked” on that lifestyle as well. LaChance runs his own Fort Collins outfitting and guiding business, Fishful Thinker, and does much more to promote the sport and lifestyle of fishing. His show “Fishful Thinker TV” airs on Altitude Sports and Entertainment each week at 9:30 Saturday mornings. He’s also a weekly contributor to fellow Fort Collins outdoorsman Terry Wickstrom’s show “Terry Wickstrom Outdoors,” which is featured on 102.3 ESPN Radio every Saturday morning. LaChance started Fishful Thinker 10 years ago, but the idea came a while before that. “I was doing real estate and finance and I just hated being in an office. In 1997 I made myself a verbal promise that somehow I would get out of this and into the fishing business. In 1999 I registered the Fishful Thinker name and started working on the branding, but it wasn’t until 2002 that I was able to launch the company. “Originally, Fishful Thinker was strictly a
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guiding business,” he continues. “We started working with kids, just doing volunteer things like Boys and Girls Clubs and Fort Collins Partners Mentoring Youth, and then I got my outfitting license and started working with adults.” Fishful Thinker, and its corresponding website www.FishfulThinker.com, helps people discover not just the techniques but the joys of fishing. The website not only promotes the local outfitting and guiding business but also sells DVDs of past seasons of “Fishful Thinking TV.” LaChance’s team of Dan Swanson and Ronny Castiglioni handle the bulk of the company’s guided trips to Horsetooth Reservoir (for smallmouth bass, walleyes and trophy trout) and Carter Lake (for chunky largemouth bass, quality walleyes and trout). Fishful Thinking provides all the tackle supplies including St. Croix rods, Abu Garcia reels, and Berkley lines and soft baits. “It’s all about the lifestyle,” LaChance says. “It’s not
just about catching the fish. It’s a combination of nature and nurture.” Or, as he puts it in his company’s winsome mission statement: “Fishful Thinker is a state of mind, pure and simple. Not a person, place or even genre; rather, a mindset…. It’s the relentless quest of knowledge coupled with application, the wave of fishing success and failure, and the countless hours daydreaming of the next opportunity. It’s anticipation, preparation, participation and reflection, primal yet sophisticated…. It’s respect for the quarry, environment and peers, the sharing of knowledge and the understanding of an angler’s place in the grand scheme, however humbling that may be.” LaChance discovered fishing at a young age, but largely on his own. “There was nobody in my family who was into it; I’ve just enjoyed it since I was a little kid. I grew up in south Florida and my mom recognized that I was into it and Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
nurtured it along.” “Fishful Thinking TV” started airing in 2009. “I was doing the radio gig with Terry Wickstrom at the time,” LaChance says. “He needed a guest for his own T.V. show, ‘Mountain State Fishing,’ and later on, when that show closed, the opportunity for my own show came up and I took it.” In addition to his business and T.V. and radio shows, LaChance also serves as Colorado field editor for the much larger website www.FishExplorer.com. “Basically, that means that I review content by other members, as well as provide my own content, such as quarterly how-to articles about equipment, local conditions, etc. It’s a more informational site, so we make sure that everything’s accurate and up-to-date.” The site also features LaChance’s blog, which contains many simple, helpful tips for both budding and experienced anglers. “It has more than six million page views a month and more than 18,000 members. My blog alone has 300,000 views – it’s a significant amount of traffic. It’s growing like a weed,” he says. Among the tips LaChance offers on his blog:
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Chad LaChance gave up the daily office grind to pursue his passion and turn it into a business. Photo courtesy of Justin VanAlstyne.
“You want to catch more fish, at least with artificial lures. Learn to cast them with accuracy and line control. I guarantee it will up your catching more than anything else you could do.”
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“I feel strongly that spoons and jigs are the most versatile artificial baits an angler can employ.”
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“[N]ext time you ‘grab some tackle,’ make sure to practice what you preach… namely big baits for big, aggressive, pre-spawn brown [trout]!”
Fishful Thinking also has its own Facebook page that LaChance encourages people to join. “It’s a couple thousand fans, but it’s growing,” he says. “I have a person dedicated to updating the site regularly at this point.” Locally, LaChance says his favorite place to fish is Horsetooth Reservoir. “We’re the only licensed outfitter there,” he says. “My house backs up to the lake, and it’s just a beautiful place to fish.” As far as what he enjoys most about his job and lifestyle, LaChance says, “It’s the instruction, no question. I love teaching people and hearing back that they’ve caught fish on their own – the old ‘teach a man to fish’ saying. I also love working with all our promotional partners in setting up the boats, and conversing with all the people who participate in our trips and events.” It’s a good life, says LaChance. “At my old job, no one wanted to talk to their mortgage broker. But everyone wants to talk to their fishing guide.”
LaChance’s favorite fishing hole? Horsetooth Reservoir, within walking distance from his home. Photo courtesy of Justin VanAlstyne.
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). Find out more about Carl at carlsimmonslive.com. Style 2012
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Summer Events
Don’t miss these fun summer events in Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland and Windsor. Ongoing First Friday Gallery Walk in Old Town Square, 6 to 9 p.m., Fort Collins recurs every First Friday of the month, www.fortcollinsgallerywalk.com Streetmosphere – Downtown and Front Range Village, Fort Collins, Every weekend through
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September, Fridays 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturdays 12:30 to 8:30 p.m., Sundays 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., www.beetstreet.org/Streetmosphere The French Nest Open Air Market – Civic Center Park, Fort Collins, Every third Saturday of the month through October, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., www.thefrenchnestmarket.com Drake Road Farmers’ Market – 802 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, Saturdays through September, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., www.drakeroadfarmersmarket.com
Fort Collins Farmers’ Market – Southwest Corner of Harmony & Lemay, Fort Collins, Sundays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., www. fortcollinsfm.com Larimer County Farmers’ Market – Larimer County Courthouse parking lot, Fort Collins, Saturdays June 25 through October 15, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.org First Friday: A Night of Art – Downtown, Greeley, first Friday of every month, 5 to 8 p.m., www.downtowngreeley.com
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Friday Fest – 9th Street Plaza, Greeley, every Friday night, 5 to 8 p.m., www.greeleydowntown.com/signature-events Cosmic Skating – Greeley Ice Haus, Greeley, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., www.greeleydowntown.com Greeley Farmers’ Market - Downtown historic Union Pacific Depot, 902 7th St., Saturdays through October 27th 7:30 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays July 11 through September 26, 3 a.m. to 6 p.m., www.greeleygov.com A Night on the Town – Downtown, Loveland, second Friday of every month, 6 to 9 p.m., www. engagingloveland.org 2012 Summer Side of Loveland – Civic Center Park, Loveland, Tuesdays July 12 to August 16, 7 to 9 p.m., www.ci.loveland.co.us Loveland Farmers’ Market – Hobby Lobby parking lot at N. Garfield and Orchards, Loveland, Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., www.fortcollinsfm.com
June 1-July 1 – Shipwrecked! An Entertainment: The Lawn at Columbine Health Systems, Fort Collins, dates and times vary, www.fcgov.com/ lctix/box-office 1 – Movies in the Park: The Muppets, Boardwalk Park, Windsor, 5:30 p.m., www.windsorgov. com/calendar 2 – Fishing Derby: North Lake Park Duck Pond, Loveland, 7 a.m., www.cityofloveland.org 2 – Fishing Derby: Sanborn Park, Greeley, 8 a.m., www.greeleygov.com 2 – Wildflower Walk: Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area, Fort Collins, 9 a.m., www.fcgov. com/naturalareas 2 – Free Admission to the Loveland Museum/ Gallery: Loveland Museum/Gallery, Loveland, 10 a.m., www.cityofloveland.org 5 – Walk the Geology Gangplank: Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, Fort Collins, 9 a.m., www. fcgov.com/naturalareas Style 2012
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6 – Neighborhood Nights Free Movie: Despicable Me, Pheasant Run Park, Greeley, 8:30 p.m., www.greeleygov.com 7 – Summer Concert Series: All-Town BBQ, Boardwalk Park, Windsor, 5:30 p.m., www. windsorgov.com/calendar 9 – Teddy Bear Hospital/Safety Fair: Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland, 10 a.m., www. ci.loveland.co.us 9 – Greeley Blues Jam: Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, 11 a.m., www.greeleygov.com 14 – Summer Concert Series: Al Chesis and the Delta Sonics, Boardwalk Park, Windsor, 6:30 p.m., www.windsorgov.com/calendar 15 – Movies in the Park: Happy Feet 2, Boardwalk Park, Windsor, 8:30 p.m., www.windsorgov. com/calendar 15-17 – Historical Antique Truck Show: Bunkhouse, Greeley, all day, www.greeleygov.com 23 – Carp Fishing Derby: Arapaho Bend Natural Area, Fort Collins, 8 a.m., www.fcgov.com/ naturalareas 23 – Art Hazelwood: Homelessness, Art & Influence: Loveland Museum/Gallery, Loveland, 1 p.m., www.cityofloveland.org 23 – Natural Areas by Bicycle: Spring Canyon Park parking lot, Fort Collins, 1:30 a.m., www. fcgov.com/naturalareas 23 – Battle of the Bands: Boardwalk Park, Windsor, 4 p.m., www.windsorgov.com/calendar 24 – Wildlife Photography: Riverbend Ponds Natural Area, Fort Collins, 6:30 p.m., www. fcgov.com/naturalareas 29 – Movie in the Park: The Vow, Boardwalk Park, Windsor, 8:30 p.m., www.windsorgov. com/calendar 30 – July 1 – Old-Fashioned Patriotic Weekend: Centennial Village Museum, Greeley, 10 a.m., www.greeleygov.com
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July 4 – July 4th Celebration: North Lake Park, Loveland, all day, www.cityofloveland.org 4 – July 4 Concert/Fireworks: The Jurassicasters, Boardwalk Park, Windsor, 7 p.m., www. windsorgov.com/calendar 8 – Portraits at Pineridge: Pineridge Natural Area, Fort Collins, 4:30 p.m., www.fcgov.com/ naturalareas 12 – Summer Concert Series: Rebecca Folsom, Boardwalk Park, Windsor, 6:30 p.m., www. windsorgov.com/calendar 13 – Family Camp Out: Boardwalk Park, Windsor, 6 p.m., www.windsorgov.com/calendar 13 – Neighborhood Nights Free Movie: E.T., Sanborn Park, Greeley, 7:15 p.m., www.greeleygov.com/festivals 27-29 – Weld County Fair: Centennial Village Museum, Greeley, 10 a.m., www.greeleygov.com 27 – Windsor Fine Arts Festival: Boardwalk Park, Windsor, all day, www.windsorgov.com/calendar 27 – Arts Picnic Kick Off Concert: Funkiphino, 9th Street Plaza, Greeley, 7 p.m., www.greeleygov. com/festivals 28-29 – 34th Annual Arts Picnic: Lincoln Park, Greeley, 9 a.m., www.greeleygov.com/festivals
August 10-12 – New West Fest: Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, 5:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., www.downtownfortcollins.com/ festivals 25 – 1st Annual Front Range Wine Festival: Main Park, Windsor, 11 a.m., www.windsorgov. com/calendar 25-26 – Harvest Fiesta: Centennial Village Museum, Greeley, 10 a.m., www.greeleygov. com/festivals
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Building Northern Colorado
Special Advertising Section
“I was extremely pleased with the service I received from Affordable Roofing. Not only did Jim show me roofing options, but he personally met with my insurance adjuster and then attended my homeowner’s architectural review meeting to explain what our roofing choice was. He was very knowledgeable and professional!” - Lydia Dody 40
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Navigating the Insurance Process For You
Affordable Roofing and Restoration’s newest innovation is on four wheels. Their new fleet of 2012 Scion iQs, labeled a “micro-subcompact” car by Toyota, have been outfitted to do everything the standard pickup can do, but carry a fraction of the fuel costs. For a business like Affordable Roofing and Restoration, travel is a large part of their daily routine as they visit residences and commercial locations to inspect and create repair estimates. In a ¾-ton pickup, that means potentially hundreds of dollars in gas each day for trips outside of Fort Collins. But the smart Scions, at 44 miles to the gallon, can save them more than half on their typical fuel expenses. “You don’t need a $70,000 truck to haul a $200 ladder,” says Simpson. To prove it, Simpson and Jennings added a roof-mounted, fullsize ladder rack to the Scion, then outfitted the cars with an interior computer desk and printer to make estimates a quick, easy – and fuel efficient – process. “In this business, everyone expects you to show up in a pickup truck,” says Jennings. “But the Scion can do everything a truck can.” Style 2012
Affordable Roofing and Restoration defines the term “full service.” From initial estimates and paperwork to final construction, they help from start to finish with all your roofing projects, water and fire remediation, and more. Because owners Jim Simpson and Troy Jennings have a strong insurance background, the duo is able to help you navigate through the sometimes-complex process of working with an insurance adjustor. Whether roofing or restoration, call Affordable at the first sign of a problem. Their immediate response helps assess the extent of the damage early and then they work directly with your insurance adjustor to make sure all damage is accounted for, speeding up the process and helping return your life to normal. “We know what is involved, what needs to be done and in what order it needs to be done,” says Jennings. Affordable works with insurance adjusters through the entire process. They’re involved with scoping, estimating, and invoicing to provide ease and reduced aprehension for the customer. “We use the same estimating software as they do. The way we do business is based on the industryaccepted standards manual… We are talking the same language as the adjustor and we are equipped to help shed some light on damage that is not immediately apparent,” says Simpson. In addition to their insurance support, Affordable’s restoration division uses state-of-the-art practices for faster and more efficient remediation and repair. Take water damage, for example. Affordable uses a heat-based technology, called the Thermal Energy System, which dries the typical room in half the time of conventional drying systems, which consists of air and dehumidification. In fact, Affordable Restoration technicians are certified in the latest industry standard techniques by the Reets Drying Academy. This technology not only dries a room more quickly but also generally results in less tear out of damaged areas in order to return your home or commercial space to its previous condition. Affordable Roofing and Restoration offers a wide variety of services, all with their signature beginning-to-end support. Here is a sampling of their services: • Wind and hail damage repair • Residential and commercial roofing specialists • Gutter replacement • Water remediation • Sewer backups • Fire damage restoration and content cleaning • Mold mitigation • Meth house mitigation • Reconstruction Jennings and Simpson are also pleased to announce their new partnership with Cory Braesch, a new partner in the Affordable Restoration division. Braesch brings with him 15 years of restoration management experience. For more about Affordable Roofing and Restoration, call (970) 207-0000 or visit www.affordableroofinginc.com.
970.207.0000 www.affordableroofinginc.com
Building Northern Colorado
Special Advertising Section
AFTER
BEFORE
Major Family Residence
A Front Yard Face-Lift This home was about 20 years old when Mr. and Mrs. Major approached Alpine Gardens for guidance. The front of their property was suffering from poor drainage, which was causing the existing concrete walk and entry stoop to shift and settle. Along with drainage issues the plant material, after 20 years, was becoming tired and difficult to maintain. Alpine’s first step was to tear out the front walk and mud-jack the front stoop next to the foundation. This process amounted to pumping a mixture of water, dirt and cement, better known as slurry, under the existing concrete stoop. This filled in any existing gaps underneath the stoop and hydraulically raised it back up to the desired and proper level, recreating a solid foundation. After this process was complete the stoop received an updated look with flagstone and slate. A new flagstone and slate walk was installed along with a new drain-tile system to address the drainage issues. New plantings were combined with the existing plant material that was salvageable to give the landscape a fresh, new look.
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970.226-2296 www.alpinelandscaping.com
Special Advertising SectionSpecial Advertising Section
Building Northern Colorado
A volunteer thins carrots at the Garden of Eatin’ at Gardens on Spring Creek. Photo courtesy of Heidi Muller Photography.
Community Speckled throughout Northern Colorado are hundreds of community gardens, where people come together in the interest of digging in the dirt to bring seed to the table.
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G a r d e n Tr e n d s
Community gardens serve a bouquet of purposes – from eating fresher produce to feeding the homeless – but always the effect is a flourishing sense of community. Rachelle Atkinson, a nutrition therapy student and creator of Farming Fort Collins (www. farmingfortcollins.com), a new blog about local farming and the importance of local food sources in Northern Colorado, says the benefits of local eating are enormous. “The nutrient value is so much higher in freshly picked produce. Nutrients leave the produce over time,” says Atkinson. “With non-local produce, it is being shipped hundreds, even over 1,000 miles, and they are harvesting it pre-ripe, so it’s not full nutritional value; in fact, the nutrient
By Tracee Sioux
value is quite low.” As a yoga instructor, Atkinson also believes community gardening is good for the soul. “Gardening is a way of returning to a slower pace of life,” says Atkinson. “Putting your hands in the dirt has tremendous emotional and mental benefits in our fast paced society.” In addition, Atkinson notes, local eating boosts the local economy and minimizes the impact on the environment caused by transporting foods. There is at least one community garden project in every Northern Colorado community. Greeley and Fort Collins cities run community gardens where residents can rent plots for the growing season. Plot rental fees are nominal, between $25 and $100 annually. In most cases, Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
this covers the cost of the garden, including water, sometimes organic pest control and other maintenance. Gardeners are expected to keep their plots weeded, in good condition and sometimes donate hours toward the upkeep of the communal gardening space. Like the early bird, to rent a space in a public community garden, you have to get up early (around February) because there is usually a waiting list at popular gardens. Private local food organizations, non-profits, churches and apartment complexes are other entities with community gardens. Many organizations are dedicated to donating fresh produce to those in need, combatting obesity, educating about food and growing a sense of community. “It helps build community and unify the area that they’re in; it’s a natural part of our agricultural past, and we’re honoring that. It’s also a great way to bring people together that wouldn’t otherwise know each other,” says Deb DeBoutez, neighborhood program specialist for the City of Greeley, who runs three community gardens with 41 plots available for rent. Gardener Alaine Johnson has been farming a plot at the University of Northern Colorado garden for the last five years. She enjoys the freshest produce during the summer and freezes enough to last her all year. “I live in an apartment downtown and there is no way for me to get my ‘dirt fix’ here,” Johnson says. “Some of the things I grow, like kohlrabi, you don’t find in the grocery store. It is beneficial for me to get out of the apartment, it gives me the exercise of tending the garden and the benefit of having my fresh veggies right away.” Gardens on Spring Creek has two community garden programs, both serving the community in different ways. They have plots for rent and the Garden of Eatin’, which is manned by volunteers and donates 4,500 pounds of produce to the Larimer County Homeless Shelter every year. “It is a good way to supplement a food budget, to understand where your food is coming from and what’s being used to grow it, and it’s a way for neighbors and others to come together,” says Michelle Provaznik, director of Spring Creek. Several churches and non-profit organizations have private community gardens to feed members and the broader community. Foothills Unitarian Church uses excess land on its property to grow food to sell to its 600 parishioners and guests. The church also donates a generous portion to the Food Bank. “Our church community believes in service to the whole community and city,” says gardener Janet Brubaker. Many individual gardeners, such as Marlene Miles, feel equally magnanimous about their own gardening efforts. Miles loves gardening and lives in a patio home, thus she gardens at Plumb Gardens. Her 16 x 32 plot produces more than she can eat, so she shares with people she knows and donates quite a bit to St. Peter’s Catholic Church. St. Peter’s provides the fresh produce to those in need with their food drop off program. “I like digging in the dirt and growing things and being able to share the produce I get with family, friends and neighbors, and being able to provide food to the community and non-profits Style 2012
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that give the food away,” Miles explains. Miles also reports a sense of community among the gardeners. “You can rely on the other gardeners that you’ve grown to know over time to take over the watering and keep the garden under control when you’re not able to tend to it,” says Miles. “We rely on each other to help out. There is also a lot of sharing.” Mulberry Community Gardens (MCG) takes community, education and farming to the next level. On a single acre there is a large cooperative garden, a small fruit orchard, chickens, honeybees, goats and sheep. MCG works with Base Camp, an after school program, and other school groups, to educate kids about farming, food and the environment. To join, you need simply offer up your talents, and they don’t have to be farming related – videographers, web designers and press release writers can work for food. Bring a talent or skill, and take home fresh organic produce. Both the City of Greeley and Gardens on Spring Creek have community outreach programs to assist organizations or neighborhood communities in establishing a community garden. They will send a coordinator out to help you map a garden and think about all the different aspects of managing a community. To find out more, call Deboutez at (970) 336-4167 in Greeley and (970) 416-2486 for Spring Creek. Northern Colorado Community Gardens •
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Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins, www.fcgov.com/gardens/our-gardens/community-gardens, (970) 416-2486, $50 plus two hours volunteering per season, rental includes water, $50 refundable deposit. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Cabbage rows soak up the sun. Photo courtesy of J Brook Photography.
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Mulberry Community Gardens, Fort Collins, www.mulberrycommunitygardens.org, (970) 416-8340, one-acre working farm, communal gardening rather than individual plots, honey bees, orchard, chickens and goats. Volunteer in exchange for produce.
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Timnath Community Gardens, www.timnathgardens.org, (970) 414-6186, large and small plots, $20 to $70, reduced cost for volunteer hours, $20 security deposit.
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Community Gardens at the Milner Schwarz House, Loveland, www.lovelandhistorical. org/community%20gardens.html, gardens@lovelandhistorical.org, $80, 10x15 plot, planned work days through summer.
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High Plains Environmental Center, The Giving Garden, www.suburbitat.org/thegiving-garden, (970) 622-9676, four-acre volunteer run garden donates 45,000 pounds of produce every year, provides hand-on garden education and resources of community gardens throughout Loveland.
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City of Greeley, www.greeleygov.com/CommunityDevelopment/NRcommunitygardens. aspx. (970) 350-9781, $25 annual fee, various sizes.
Tracee Sioux is a Northern Colorado writer and author of Love Distortion: Belle, Battered Codependent and Other Love Stories. She can be found at www.twitter.com/traceesioux and www. thegirlrevolution.com. Style 2012
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Trial Garden, Community Garden By Logan Martinez
Gloved hands scoop the cool dirt in anticipation of placing the first perennial into clean, moist ground. Volunteers smile as the early morning sun warms their faces, bringing the knowledge that the day will be filled with community, fragrance, barbecue and accomplishment. Every year extensive planning and deliberation begins the process of planting the Annual Flower Trial Garden, located on Remington Street in Fort Collins. The garden is not just for looks; it was also created to provide education, research and outreach to students, community members and industry professionals. The garden is filled with over
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1,200 varieties of diverse perennials and annuals, provided by vegetation and seed companies from all over the world. Colorado State University horticulture professor Jim Klett, Ph.D., supervisor of the gardens, explains how tips and seeds begin arriving from companies in early January to be planted in the garden. The companies are interested in seeing how their varieties perform in a Colorado climate. “I think we have a reputation in Colorado that it is a wonderful climate, with a lot of sunshine and low humidity, and we are kind of a regional school here for the Rocky Mountain high plains area,” Klett says. This year, Klett says vegetation companies are interested in seeing how more varieties of their plants grow in a potted environment, requiring the addition of containers to the garden. “I think [vegetation companies] are seeing a lot of interests in lifestyles of people who have containers and smaller lots or condos,” Klett says. “So they want to see how their plants perform in containers, versus in the ground.” In late March, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension officers advertise the opportunity to volunteer in potting, transferring and planting the garden for participants in the Master
Gardening Program. CSU Extension Horticulture Agent in Larimer County, Alison O’Connor, says over the past several years volunteers from the master gardening program have become an important component of putting the garden together. “Helping build the garden is one of the best things that master gardeners do with the university and it is a way for us to be involved and see research first hand,” O’Connor says. “A way for the volunteers to understand the whole process of how a plant is first introduced, how it is trialed, what it goes through and then how it is then introduced into the market. It is a great way for them to stay in contact, plus it is a lot of fun and beautiful.” The Master Gardening Program gives residents the opportunity to learn extensively about gardening and horticulture. The 10-week class session runs January through April, and totals 60 hours of training. The program requires in return that master gardeners give 12 hours of their time in volunteer work through several opportunities. As the tradition of a day of planting followed by a big barbecue lunch continues, helping plant the trial garden has become a popular outlet Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
for those volunteer hours. “Because it is such a popular activity we try to involve as many volunteers as we can,” O’Connor says. “But the purpose of being a really good volunteer is that you expand what you do and make connections in other parts of the community.” O’Connor explains how fledgling master gardeners explore their interest in horticulture, learning the basics of diagnostics, lawn care, identifying insects, how to plant trees properly, pruning, growing vegetables and how to work with people through volunteer opportunities to share what they learn. “I joke and say that it is basically a four year horticulture degree crammed into 60 hours,” O’Connor says. “But they learn the gamut of everything horticulture.” Therese Mahannah, owner of Garden Dreams and first year master gardener, enjoys the program for more than just the educational aspect. “It is a different and fun way to meet people with the same interests and help people out.” After the garden is planted, it becomes a popular attraction for residents and tourists alike. “The Fort Collins Visitors Bureau says that it is also one of the very top tourist spots, because people coming to Fort Collins see that color,” Klett says. “It brings professional green industry people, a lot of advanced home gardeners and just plain curious people that like a very colorful, very nice spot in Fort Collins that they can just relax in.” The Annual Flower Trial Garden is a part of the Fort Collins in Bloom tour as well. The Gardens on Spring Creek created this self-guided tour brochure as an effort to provide knowledge of all the free gardens throughout the city for both visitors and residents alike. “I think people just enjoy plants and like to see plants that grow well here,” says Laura Atwood, the marketing and advertising manager of the Gardens on Spring Creek. In return for planting flowers in the garden, vegetation companies receive unbiased evaluations at the end of the summer describing how each variety faired. “We have between 100 and 150 people evaluate [the plantings] and there are all different levels that come up with the evaluation scores,” Klett explains. “So they get a wide-based, unbiased evaluation of how their plant performs here in Colorado.” Through this evaluation Klett and other evaluators determine the best of show flowers in each category, which are available at independent garden centers around Fort Collins the following spring season. The Annual Trial Flower Garden is always open to the public. “It creates a relaxing oasis in the middle of town, a place to go to get away from the stress of the day in a public place,” Atwood says. www.flowertrials.colostate.edu www.ext.colostate.edu www.colostate.edu/ depts/coopext/LARIMER/mgapp.htm Logan Martinez is a junior studying journalism at Colorado State University. Style 2012
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ve o L e W ts c je ro P e p Landsca Style asked local landscapers to send their best landscape project photos to us and we promised to showcase our favorites in this issue. We narrowed entries to three categories: Best Water Feature, Best Outdoor Living and Best Overall Landscape. Here are our winners:
Best Overall Landscape Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation The Project: This beautiful home was large on space but little used due to a lackluster landscape. The homeowners wanted a functional, elegant space that made use of the large property. The Details: Completed over several phases, this landscape incorporates many different gathering spots and gardens. From the large fountain to the top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen, each area incorporates pavers and hewn stone into the design to create a seamless, formal design despite the fact that the work was completed over several years.
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Best Outdoor Living Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation The Project: The homeowner wanted a landscape that could accommodate daily use by their small family as well as facilitate the occasional large gathering. At the same time, they did not want to sacrifice any of their beautiful mountain views. The Details: A unique shade structure was incorporated into the landscaping to provide relief from the heat of the sun but still enabled the family to enjoy their views. An L-shaped kitchen was fully equipped for dinners prepared outdoors and decorative concrete pavers created outdoor “rooms” for large and small crowds. Heaters and ceiling fans make the outdoor living area usable year round.
Best Water Feature: Hurr Sprinkler & Landscape The Project: With the existing contours of the yard, Hurr’s team created a natural looking water feature with cascading falls, three different ponds and accented the design with under water night lighting. The Details: The water feature is a cascading pools-style. The challenge was to size each pool appropriately to make sure no pool would overflow and that they would have a strong, consistent flow. Another challenge was setting the boulders. Hurr used over one hundred tons of boulders, most of which were placed one by one with a crane. The water feature cycles over 5,000 gallons per hour and hosts live fish and an assortment of aquatic plants. As the picture shows, it is full of night lighting to add to the waterfall effect. Style 2012
Pati o Tre n d s f o r 2 012 Here in Northern Colorado we take our patios pretty seriously. And why not? When you live in a place that gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s only natural to want to spend as much time as possible outdoors. These outdoor retailers offer furniture that place comfort and class all on one back patio.
Opal Collection by Jensen Leisure By using only FSC® certified wood, Jensen Leisure Furniture is working to maintain the longterm well being of the forests and the people who depend on them. The Ipé used in Jensen Leisure Furniture is certified to meet criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC), a nonprofit organization that sets international standards for responsible forestry. By sourcing materials in this manner, Jensen Leisure Furniture is helping to conserve the rainforest and enhance the standard of living in its surrounding communities. Available at Christy Sports: 101 East Foothills Parkway, Fort Collins, (970) 223-4411 www.christysports.com
Monterra with Vesuvius The Monterra collection lines are a direct result of casual elegance at its best. The simple curves and a touch of sophistication offer both comfort and class. This custom built set comes with the ability to choose one of over 100 expertly coordinated fabric, trim and finish options to make any outdoor room a harmonious environment. Available at Outpost Sunsport: 931 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, (970) 225-1455 www.outpostsunsport.com
HR South Hampton Collection Carefully made to resemble natural wicker without having a weathered look, Lane Ventura’s South Hampton Collection is constructed using all weather outdoor synthetic wicker. The upholstery is 100 percent Sunbrella fabric using fine attention to detail and the patterns and colors to suit any look from classic to fashion forward and trendy colors and designs. Available at Surroundings: 250 East Harmony Road, F-6, Fort Collins, (970) 449-4484 www.surroundingsstore.com
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Special Advertising Section
For all of your custom stone needs...
There is only one choice!
Arkins Park Stone Corporation has been the source of superior sandstone building products since 1958. Because of it’s durability and timeless aesthetic appeal, our sandstone is the natural choice for virtually any paving, walling or landscaping project. We quarry and professionally fabricate an unsurpassed variety of distinctly different stone. The possibilities are endless!
970-663-1920
www.arkinsparkstone.com 5975 N. COUNTY RD. 27 • LOVELAND, CO / 80538
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Special Advertising Section
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Loveland Museum/Gallery Celebrates 75 Years
Question: Where can you find an old alabaster shop (in its entirety), a terra cotta fountain, an old-timey jail door and art exhibits of works created by prominent – and not so prominent – Colorado artists? If you answered, “The Loveland Museum/Gallery,” you are correct. Sorry, no prize. Well, not exactly. The prize is the gem sitting on the corner of 5th and Lincoln in Downtown Loveland. Dedicated to promoting and enriching the quality of life in Northern Colorado with its widely diverse programming, the Museum/Gallery has been doing just that since 1938. And it’s celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with special events and exhibits. Actually, it all got started as early as 1919, when author/collector/mountain guide Harold Marion Dunning began collecting pioneer artifacts and stories. Dunning displayed his collection at the 1937 Larimer County Fair, which included objects such as the original Larimer County brand book, a stagecoach and several World War I rifles. It was so popular among fairgoers and rallied such resident support, that a permanent location was found to house the collection the following year.
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The first museum was a modest one. It sat just west of the current location in a converted garage owned by Otto and Cora (Osborne) Timpke. In 1946, the City of Loveland took over operations. Both Otto and Clara passed away in 1943, leaving their money and land to the City of Loveland to establish a dedicated museum building and archive. The Loveland Museum was erected three years later and the gallery addition was built in 1970. A 1992 expansion saw a twofold increase in square footage, providing the Loveland Museum/Gallery room for programs, art and history exhibits and the institution’s collections. Today, the Loveland Museum/Gallery hosts the annual Colorado Governor’s Art Show and Sale, featuring the best of the state’s artists including George Lundeen, Mark Daily and Kim English. This summer, the Main Gallery welcomes two shows, Hobos to Street People, which compares artistic interpretations of homelessnesss, starting with Dust Bowl migrants of the 1930s to the disenfranchised street people of today. Accompanying this exhibit will be Precarious Lives, a collection of Dorothea Lange portraits documenting heartbreaking and devastating poverty in the faces of the Depressionera sharecroppers, displaced farm families and migrant workers she encountered. The Museum/Gallery also documents Loveland’s rich history with displays like Life On Main Street and the Great Western Sugar Factory. The Proctor Alabaster Shop, opened as a small roadside stand in 1936 by the Proctor family to sell their alabaster lighthouses, is part of the permanent exhibit. In
By Michelle Venus
1941, as demand for their products increased, they built a frame building on their front lawn near the road. The entire family worked all winter to prepare for the busy summer tourist season. Earl Proctor purchased five to six tons of alabaster each year from the quarry at Owl Canyon, northwest of Fort Collins. The shop closed in the early 1970s; the exhibit was donated and brought to the Museum in 2003. This summer an exhibit highlighting Mariano Medina, the frontiersman, trapper, Army scout and Indian fighter, will be mounted. Medina was the Big Thompson Valley’s first settler and built a thriving business at the river crossing. His legendary friends, Kit Carson, Louis Vaquez and mountain men Jim Bridger and Tom Toblin were often guests at the trading post. A Spanish dagger-style knife once owned by Medina is in the Museum’s collection and the story goes that he traded it with another pioneer, Will Samuels, for a can of pineapple to satisfy his sweet tooth. Throughout this Diamond Anniversary year, the Museum/Gallery will continue to bring world-class exhibits to its galleries, including a retrospective by Dave Yust, the recently retired CSU painting professor and an interactive Loveland History Hunt. Visit www.cityofloveland.org/museum for more information. Happy Anniversary, Loveland Museum/Gallery. And many more to come. Michelle Venus is a freelance writer who works and lives in Fort Collins with her children. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
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DowntownFortCollins.com Downtown Fort Collins is a vibrant historic area of Fort Collins, encompassing the city’s central business district and cultural center, and hosting the majority of festivals, live music, local breweries, theater and art galleries. The Downtown Business Association, an organization dedicated to promoting downtown and helping it thrive, produces over 80 event days a year, has sold over $1 million in Downtown Fort Collins gift cards and advocates for downtown and its member businesses. Downtown has a strong history of quality shopping, live entertainment, brew tours and great local restaurants. Don’t miss patio dining and the summer festival season in Downtown Fort Collins!
Calendar of events
Monday, February-13 June 1 First Friday Of featuring Calendar Events Gallery Walk 7 pm June - 10 pm 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Swingin’ Mondays Dancing event!!
Ben & Jerry’s Concert Series
June 2 Global Village’s World Rhythms June 5, 12, 19, 26 Noontime Notes Concert Series June 7, 14, 21, 28 “Old Town Thursdays” Concert Series June 23, 24 Colorado Brewers’ Festival July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Noontime Notes Concert Series July 4 4th of July/100th Years of City Park
Proud Supporters Of Your Downtown Businesses
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DowntownFortCollins.com Gift Cards: Good at over 125 downtown businesses! Tasty restaurants, unique boutique shopping, live entertainment and art galleries, all in a historic setting! Gift cards are available at the Downtown Visitors Center and Cache Bank and Trust or by calling 970-484-6500. More information at
DowntownFortCollins.com. July 5, 12,19, 26 “Old Town Thursdays” Concert Series July 6 First Friday featuring Gallery Walk July 6, 13, 20, 27 Ben & Jerry’s Concert Series July 7 Old Town Book Fair July 12-14 Sidewalk Sales Downtown July 12-14 A Fort Collins Jazz Experience August 2 “Old Town Thursdays” Concert Series August 3 First Friday featuring Gallery Walk August 3, 17 Ben & Jerry’s Concert Series August 10-12 Bohemian Nights at NewWestFestSeries Downtown events happen all year round, but a few big festivals coming up this year are: Colorado Brewers’ Festival – a beer tasting festival
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, over 90 Colorado bands, 250 vendors and 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 W E L L N E S S &
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Delicious Discoveries W IT H
F E AST ING
F ORT
C OLLINS
Food Truck Trend
By Kristin Mastre 60
I lived in Oregon for a number of years, working right in the center of Downtown Portland. Some of my favorite memories were the times that I went running through Washington Park on my lunch breaks and stopping by one of the various food carts afterward for a quick meal. Portland is one of the most food truck-friendly cities in the nation. It’s a celebrated way of eating in the Pacific Northwest. There are websites dedicated as food cart guides, and there are organized yearly food cart festivals, complete with awards. Most of the food carts aren’t even mobile at this point. They have sections of parking lots dedicated to carts that never leave. In Los Angeles, they have food trucks that line the streets as far as the eye can see. A sea of food trucks, if you will. During one of our family vacations, we left the La Brea Tar Pits and enjoyed gourmet hot dogs across the street. These were hot dogs filled with slices of avocado, arugula, basil aioli, tomatoes, fried onions and vinaigrette. Long gone are the days of “roach coaches” serving mystery foods with poor health inspection ratings. Food trucks are a mobile way to bring inexpensive gourmet food to the masses. Food trucks have been in the media for quite some time, but now they are creating a stir within our Northern Colorado community. Food trucks have been hoping to start businesses here in Fort Collins, but have been met with restrictive limitations, stifling their growth and prosperity. Some have tried their best during summer seasons and ultimately decided to leave for other food truck-friendly cities like Austin, Texas. Not only are we missing out on delicious and easy dining options, but we are also missing out on business growth. The good news is that may change. Fort Collins City Council released a public survey to get an idea of where our community stands on the issue. They are taking the feedback into careful consideration. We hope the end result will be easier access to great food and wonderful businesses. Fort Collins may have the chance to taste what other food-forward cities have been enjoying for years. Even though it hasn’t been easy for food trucks in Fort Collins, there are a few who have an admirable sense of perseverance, doing what they can with the limits they are given. These mobile vendors have made the best out of the situation, and some of them are going as far as trying to make it better by advocating for change. Here is a list of my favorite food trucks and carts that you can find around the city while you are out and about enjoying the fresh air in Fort Collins.
The Cupcake Cruiser
Owners Kati Anderson and Matt Kenfield are the perfect example of how to use social media for food trucks, often updating Facebook, Twitter and their website with schedules and announcements on where their cruiser will be. They also give the heads up on what flavors they are offering that week – which are often very creative, and frequently rotate.
Tacos on the Street
Tacos on the Street is the food cart on the northeast corner of College and Oak near the Aggie Theater. They’ve been serving some of the most simple – and yet, super tasty – street tacos in Fort Collins since the fall of 2010. They serve grilled rib-eye steak three ways – in tacos, tostadas and quesadillas. Whatever form you choose to eat it in, it’s made with homemade corn or flour tortillas, topped with onions, cilantro, fresh homemade salsa and guacamole.
Schmickel’s Food Cart
For the last 12 years, owner Gary Block has been making sure that the Schmickels food cart (or more popularly known as the Home Depot Dog) grills up some savory rewards for those contractors and weekend warriors tackling home improvement projects. Some people stop by just for the food and forget about the Home Depot! He has hot dog carts at both Home Depot locations (East Harmony and East Mulberry). The wild game brats and kosher hot dogs are processed close by in Denver and from Gary’s very own recipes. The big bonus? They’re out there year round, braving the winter months to make sure the people of Fort Collins have something to fuel up on before getting to work with their hands.
The Waffle Lab
Bill Almquist, Holly LeMasurier and Nick Chase teamed up to bring sweet and savory waffles to Fort Collins just a few months ago. With the Waffle Lab being the most recent addition to the food truck scene, they park in the Pateros Creek Brewing Co.’s parking lot. They serve their gourmet liege waffle creations along with beer brats made with Pateros Creek Brewing Co.’s own beer and coffee from Crankenstein across the street. 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
NOCO MS DINNER OF CHAMPIONS March 22 :: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center :: Loveland Nearly 400 people came for an evening of celebration as the 2012 Hope and MS Champion Awards were presented. The Hope Award was presented to Dave Nichols and Steve Nichols for their support of the National MS Society and philanthropic efforts in Northern Colorado. The Champion Award was presented to Phil Yastrow for his courage and commitment in the fight of MS. Phil Yastrow has raised over $125,000 since being diagnosed 7 years ago. More than $110,000 was raised to benefit MS research and local programs for people in Colorado and Wyoming living with MS. Photos courtesy of zebrajellyfish.com.
Dave Nichols, Susan Barstad, Steve Nichols Dave Nichols & Steve Nichols are 2012 MS Hope Award recipients
Judi & Bob Terzotis
Terry McNeal, Don Hopkins, Pat Kendall
Phil Yastrow, Carrie Nolan Phil Yastrow is the 2012 MS Champion Award recipient
V O YA G E T O J A PA N March 24 :: Hilton :: Fort Collins More than 350 friends and supporters of the Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity (FCHH) attended the 9th annual Hard Hat Gala. Guests learned about and dined on authentic Japanese cuisine, were surrounded by beautiful Japanese décor and bid at both silent and live auctions. The exciting evening netted more than $28,000 for FCHH to help build a home in Fort Collins and build a home in partnership with an international tithe. Photos courtesy of Heidi Muller Photography.
Joe & Deb Markwith
Rich & Angelica Allison
Don Davis, Jeanette Meyer
Teneal & Ryan Behm
Josh & Kelsy Russell
ART FOR ARC March 30 :: Truman’s Coffee House/Raintree Athletic Club :: Fort Collins A silent art auction was the highlight at this inaugural Art for Arc event. Guests bid on featured artwork created by local professional artists and artists with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities while enjoying live music, spirited beverages and scrumptious appetizers. Proceeds from the evening benefit The Arc of Larimer County. The Arc is the nation’s leading and largest organization for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.
Cindy & Tim O’Neill, Jessica Grady Style 2012
Walt Grady, Randy Fischer, State Representative
Tim & Jackie O’Hara
Cassidy Dellemonache, Lisa Cerino, Rich Rumney, Kelsey Rumney
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WELD FOOD BANK STONE SOUP April 7 :: UNC Ballroom :: Greeley A sold out crowd of more than 320 community members enjoyed a prime rib dinner, silent and live auctions, and music from the Archie Funker Band at the 10th annual Stone Soup event. This event raised nearly $130,000 for the Weld Food Bank, celebrating 30 years in 2012, and their hunger relief programs throughout Weld County such as the Backpack Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program and Emergency Food Boxes. Photos courtesy of Doug Rudnick.
Lisa & Mark Tucker
Cindy & Kurt Dallow
Tim & Sheila Croissant
Tony & Hope Kern
Rex & Shelley Paddoch
FOOTHILLS WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE April 12 :: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center :: Loveland A first class evening awaited 850 guests at the 7th annual Foothills Service League event. Guests enjoyed the finest wine and beer, paired with delectable samplings of appetizers, entrees and desserts from Northern Colorado’s restaurants and beverage distributors. More than $25,000 was raised to benefit Foothills Gateway and their programs to serve the developmentally disabled in Larimer County and the Namaqua Center whose programs serve abused and neglected children in Colorado.
Mark Ehrlick, Patty Ehrlick, Debra Trujillo, John Trujillo, Daniel Carey
Diane & Tim Nugent
Amanda White, Chuck Layman, Elaine Layman, Alicia Lewis, Josh Lewis, Erica Northrop-Pauly
BLACK TIE BINGO April 14 :: Rio Grande’s Agave Room :: Fort Collins More than 200 elegantly dressed guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres, an array of cocktails, live and silent auctions, musical entertainment and six dynamic games of bingo with chances to win great prizes. More than $38,000 was raised to benefit the individual missions and local and global projects for the Rotary After Work Club, Idea Wild and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County. Photos courtesy of Donh Photography.
Neil Reinhardt, Alicia Reinhardt, Marji Trinen
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Grant & Jennifer Jennings
Jill Holly
Don Hajicek, Cheri Corrado
Sonia Cooper
Jeff Oldham, Damaris Pachini Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
T H E TA S T E April 19 :: Hilton :: Fort Collins Delicious food and great entertainment were the cornerstones of this very popular event with more than 600 guests in attendance. Creative foods, libations and live jazz were plentiful over the course of the evening. Spirited bidding on one-of-a-kind Palette of Plates, Nests for Neighbors and the multitude of silent auction items added to the evening. This 19th annual event raised $100,000 that will be split between the Food Bank for Larimer County and Neighbor to Neighbor and their missions to help end hunger and homelessness in Larimer County.
Suzanne Franklin, Mike & Sara Duffert, Bruce Newman, Adam Franklin, Rick Arneson
Erica Brooks, Paul Benigni
Jennifer & Michael Guerriero, Randy Browne, Kay Edwards
Rex Smithgall, Kathe Mehlbach, Suzanne & Larry Pullen
T H E R E A L I T I E S F O R C H I L D R E N A P P R E C I AT I O N D I N N E R April 20 :: Hilton :: Fort Collins The 15th Annual Appreciation Dinner, sponsored by the Business Members of Realities for Children (RFC), united the entire child protection community together and recognized the network of RFC business members, caseworkers, youth agencies, volunteers, foster families and law enforcement that fight against child abuse in Larimer County. The evening included the presentation of multiple awards, including the Beyond Business Award, Volunteer of the Year Award, Foster Parent of the Year Award and more. The Keeping Dreams Alive Award was also given to Mayor Karen Weitkunat, Cathy Jones, Cindy Kroeger, Kurt Sorensen, Doug Robinson, Levi Moe, Deanna Estes, Jim Vogl, six abuse survivor children in the form of granted Kate Terrio, Kurt Terrio, Sean Dougherty – Recipients of the Beyond Business Award for support of Realities for Children over 10 years. dreams. Photos courtesy of Christina Gressianu.
bbb T O R C H AWA R D S April 24 :: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center :: Loveland The BBB serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming honored seven diverse businesses at the 14th annual BBB Torch Awards for Business Ethics. The honorees demonstrated exemplary management practices, upheld high standards in relationships with customers, suppliers and shareholders, showed honesty and integrity in marketing and advertising, and gave back to their communities. Photos courtesy of Superior Imaging.
Stu MacMillan, Howard Wiggert, Mary McCambridge, Calie & Mike Pierce Style 2012
Betti Seay, Brian Schiller, Bob & Sandy Brown, Linda Sorensen
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LEGACY NIGHT 2012 April 25 :: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center :: Loveland Legacy Land Trust celebrated 19 years and 41,000 acres of land conservation in Northern Colorado at their 5th annual Legacy Night. The full evening included honoring the recipients of the 2012 Legacy Conservation Awards, a video, live auction and the highlight of the evening, a presentation by renowned landscape and adventure photographer Chris Noble. The evening raised more than $20,000 for Legacy Land Trust and their mission to conserve and protect key natural, scenic and agricultural lands in Northern Colorado. Photos courtesy of Zebra Jellyfish Photography.
Rob Stern, Mary Audette, Doug Hahn
Nancy & Randy Morgan
Tom Keith
Steve & Jody Barbour
Ryan Boggs
K-Lynn Cameron, Susan Jessup, Dave Armstong
3 3 rd A N N U A L K I T C H E N K A P E R April 27 :: Five Area Homes :: Fort Collins & Loveland This self-guided tour presented more than 300 attendees a chance to view inside beautiful and unique local homes. Sponsored by the Fort Collins Service League, this year’s tour included a handicap accessible home, a home full of fine antiques and glassware, and three Energy Star Homes. The event raised more than $25,000 and will benefit Foothills Gateway and their mission to empower and support citizens with cognitive disabilities and their families.
Front: Maxine Brandt, Liz Roberts, Barrie Harms Back: Kim Brandt, Rocky Roberts, Steve Harms with Clara Belle
Anda Craven, Marcia Petrun
Sally Forman, Jan Rushneck, Kathy Batterton, Jan Gianola, Babette Frazier
MARCH OF DIMES MARCH FOR BABIES April 28 :: Edora Park :: Fort Collins A stellar sunny day greeted nearly 600 walkers and volunteers as 124 teams got underway for the March of Babies five-mile walk. This family event included many participants that had personal stories of challenged babies, now healthy due to March of Dimes programs. Nearly $120,000 was raised to fund programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to improve the health of babies and give every baby the chance for a healthy start. Since its inception in 1970, this well-known walk has raised an incredible $1.8 billion to help babies.
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Team Bohdy’s Beauties (The Russ Family) was recognized as “2012 Ambassador Family” for raising nearly $7,400
Team Alli our Miracle The Ward Family: Barb, Katy, Joshua, Allison, Ryan, John Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
N AT I O N A L D AY O F P R AY E R May 3 :: Hilton :: Fort Collins In observance of a resolution signed by President Truman in 1952 declaring a National Day of Prayer, more than 100 local leaders and community members attended the 11th Fort Collins National Day of Prayer Breakfast and the 61st Observance of the National Day of Prayer. A cross-section of leaders present at the breakfast morning listened to keynote speaker and former Congresswoman Marilyn MusGrave and were led into a concert of prayers by many well-known community members.
Karla Vigil, Lydia Dody, Cathy Gentry
Former Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, Betsy Hoff
Karen Lauer-Anderson, Steve Musgrave, Dottie Topol, Brett Reese, Mel Hilgenberg, Kelsey Reese
Farid Babazadeh, Shaun Shahmardian
C E L E B R AT I O N O F P H I L A N T H R O P Y May 9 :: Hilton :: Fort Collins Recognizing the generosity of Northern Colorado community members, this event hosted by the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado celebrated numerous local nonprofit organizations, donors and projects. More than 500 business leaders, community members and elected officials attended the sold out event, which also honored Sister Mary Alice Murphy for her philanthropic leadership and included guest speaker Salim Ismail. Photos courtesy of Photography by Rick Ney.
John Roberts
Wendy & Doug Ishii
Mary Carraher, Sister Mary Alice Murphy, Erin Mounsey
Rich & Peggy Shannon
Muriel & Bruce Hach
Janene & Mike Dellenbach
H O P E L I V E S ! P I N K B O A 5 K R U N / WA L K May 19 :: Front Range Village :: Fort Collins Crisp drizzly weather did not deter nearly 600 runners, walkers and volunteers from sporting their pink boas to honor those touched with breast cancer. The family event celebrated life and survivorship and included a marketplace, educational booths, the Prettiest Pup in Pink award contest and prizes for top winners. Proceeds benefit Hope Lives! The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center and their programs of complementary care for women battling breast cancer in Larimer County.
Kara Englert, Lexie White Style 2012
Lydia Dody, Melissa Venable
Jeanne Graber, Erika Graber, Chuck Graber
Helene Stout, Angela King
Lois Ascough, Christy Herbert, Taylor Owings
Lauren Gregory, Bill West-Lauren was overall winner
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Les Kaplan Shaping Northern Colorado By Angeline Grenz
L
es Kaplan’s stamp can be seen across Northern Colorado and even into Denver. It is characterized by carefully thought out, attractive and logical land planning, from apartment complexes to mix use developments. Oh, and his unerring WWU (pronounced “woo,” says Kaplan) principle. WWU stands for well located, well constructed and ugly. It is Kaplan’s sweet spot for redevelopment, and one of his true passions, though his more recent endeavors are largely apartment complexes in Fort Collins and Denver. Long-timers in Fort Collins recognize Kaplan’s name as the city’s first director of planning in 1975. “I was hired after the city decided to make planning a department – when they began their commitment to planning.” During that time “it was a very active period of development. This was the time when the city was really shaping its character.” The first intergovernmental agreement with Larimer County was enacted, the development review process revamped and the city’s commitment to trails and open space initiated. Kaplan, who hails from New Jersey, obtained his master’s in city and regional planning from Rutgers University. While his city career spanned only five years, Kaplan’s investment in the community has been ongoing. After leaving the city he became a land-planning consultant in Fort Collins, a needed service for developers who were attempting to build projects under Fort Collins’ first Land Development Guidance System. His first development project in Fort Collins was Stone Ridge Village, completed in 1992. He also developed the River West neighborhood in
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Windsor and Prana Apartments in Denver, both with partners. Kaplan either develops property or purchases, performs land planning then resells for others to develop. The land where the Harmony Village Shopping Center is located (with its popular Cinemark theater) was purchased and planned by Kaplan, then sold with a stipulation that it be entertainment-oriented with a movie theater and no big box stores. Today Kaplan has several developments underway. His 85-acre Presidio Fort Collins project on Harmony Road is a 10-property assemblage patiently purchased by Kaplan over a nine year period. Presidio is mixed use, including retail, offices, industrial and residential. Currently in development at Presidio is the 240-unit Terra Vita apartment community. This signature Kaplan development is the “only market-rate, non-student apartment community under construction in Fort Collins.” It is Phase One of approximately 480 apartments. “What I enjoy most is site design,” says Kaplan. “Frequently, if I am going to position a piece of property for development, when I sell it I put requirements on it.” Kaplan also enjoys mentoring the next generation of developers who will be leaders in Northern Colorado. He offers up four pieces of advice garnered from decades of successful development and the occasional mistake. 1.
Never borrow money unless you have identified a guaranteed method to repay.
2.
Never expect any real estate to go up in value unless you do something to it to increase the value. “Do not assume anything will go up in value through the passage of time or effort of others.”
3.
Learn how to invest with tax-deferred dollars. “If you can defer taxes, you can do 35 percent more investing.”
4.
Try to work with knowledgeable buyers and sellers. “Educating others and being educated results in the most productive and problem-free transactions.”
Kaplan enjoys renovating properties for new uses and this is where he primarily employs his WWU principle. He owns several Downtown Fort Collins properties, including the old City Drug buildings, the Briggs building (next to Jay’s Bistro), the Maytag building and more. His renovation of the old Kelly-Moore Building (next to Whole Foods) into Full Cycle won a 2010 City Design Award. Kaplan most recently purchased the Chuck E. Cheese property on College and Prospect. He anticipates a health foods grocery store or restaurant – “something with a vibe” – as part of the revitalization of Midtown. In fact, Kaplan is eyeing Midtown with great interest. He predicts this area is positioned for “a significant renaissance,” with or without the assistance of the Mason Street Corridor. Of course, it isn’t all work and no play with Kaplan; he manages a few other interests. He is married to Lee Kaplan. They have two children, an 8-year-old son and 12 year-old-daughter. Kaplan’s son is teaching him to fish and he enjoys horseback riding with his daughter and cooking in his spare time. Lee is the owner of Debut Theatre Company, a 21-year-old theatre academy for young people with over 140 students. Kaplan is committed to the local community. He has kept a keen eye on Fort Collins politics for the past three decades and would like to see the city put more emphasis on stimulating primary job development and less time “sprinkling sustainability fairy dust” around – referring to the city’s ongoing efforts to mandate green building practices. Possibly, when his kids are a little older, Kaplan may make his views known by running for a Fort Collins political office, but that is something the rest of us will just have to wait for. In the meantime, we can keep an eye on how he will continue to create landmark developments in Fort Collins and beyond.
Angeline Grenz is editor for Style Magazine.
in•no•vate – v. 1. to introduce something new; make changes in anything established, 2. to alter. Style invites you to nominate your Community Innovator. Send suggestions to angie@stylemedia. com for consideration. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
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