2012-11 Lydia's Style Magazine by Style Media & Design, Inc.

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

Style 2012

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

Style 2012

The Voice of Northern Colorado for

28 Years.

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

| 970.226.6400 |

w w w. s t y l e m a g a z i n e c o l o r a d o . c o m w w w. m e d i c a l a n d w e l l n e s s . c o m

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

MAXIMIZING CARE THROUGH ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS Serving patients in northern Colorado for more than 35 years

Publisher Lydia Dody | lydia@stylemedia.com Managing Editor Angeline Grenz angie@stylemedia.com creative director Scott Prosser Senior Designer Lisa Gould digital director Austin Lamb | austin@stylemedia.com Advertising Sales EXECUTIVES Jon Ainslie (970) 219-9226 Lydia Dody (970) 227-6400 David Knight (970) 619-9846 Saundra Skrove (970) 217-9932 Office Manager/About Town Editor Ina Szwec | ina@stylemedia.com Accounting Manager Karla Vigil Circulation manager Trisha Milton Copy editor Corey Radman Contributing Writers Logan Martinez, Kristin Mastre, Corey Radman, Kay Rios, Laura Sebastian, Tracee Sioux, Michelle Venus

Christopher Bee, MD

Cory Dunn, MD

Arlene Libby, MD

Wentzell Hamner, MD

Carrie Pizzi, MD

Michael Walts, MD

Richard Halbert, MD

Thomas Neuhauser, MD

Heath Worcester, MD

Providing unrivaled comprehensive diagnostic services to our community

www.summitpathology.com

PhotographerS Marcus Edwards, Don Hajicek Affiliations Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Loveland Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center Greeley Chamber of Commerce 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 University of Colorado Health 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 236 locations throughout Northern Colorado. For ad rates, subscription information, change of address, or correspondence, contact: Style Media and Design Inc., 211 W. Myrtle St., Suite 200, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. Phone (970) 2266400, ext. 208. Fax (970) 226-6427. E-Mail: ina@StyleMedia.com ©2012 Style Media and Design Inc. All rights reserved. The entire contents of Style Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Style Media and Design Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material. All manuscripts, artwork, and photography must be accompanied by a SASE. The views and opinions of any contributing writers are not necessarily those of Style Media & Design Inc.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2012

thank yous

Dear Lydia, I just had to drop you a note to tell you how much I enjoyed the September issue of Style. I love the fact that you dedicate that issue to celebrating breast cancer survivors. As you know, one out of every seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. It’s a scary statistic but serves as a reminder as to how valuable early detection is. Thank you for showcasing beautiful breast cancer survivors as the models. They all looked beautiful, brave and full of hope. Their stories were so inspirational and as I read each one I was impressed with each woman’s courage and grace. You publish a magazine that is not only beautiful, but informational and inspiring as well. Keep up the good work! Melissa Venable, Executive Director of Hope Lives!

Thank you for the Silver Tsunami article in the October 2012 issue of Medical & Wellness. Traci did a wonderful job of synthesizing a lot of material and making the article readable and salient. Thank you for keeping senior issues on your radar. Peggy McGough Senior Center Expansion

up boutique, but I was not disappointed in that regard. Your artwork and models were beautiful and the article that was written brought many compliments and new clients to my shop. I appreciate the opportunity to work with you over the past year, and look forward to working with you again! Sincerely, Christine Bensko-Wecks, Lillians of Fort Collins

Thank you for putting the Zonta Author Luncheon picture in your last magazine (Style September 2012). We really appreciate the exposure. To be in your magazine will be an asset to our small club. Sincerely, Deanne Mulvihill, Fort Collins I hope this letter finds you both well. I wanted to personally thank you for the advertising you have provided Lillians of Fort Collins over the past year. It was a huge investment for a small start

love the new look

I wanted to tell you that I am enjoying Style Magazine’s new “style” and loved your latest “pink” issue (Style September 2012). Your story about breast cancer and the establishment of the Hope Lives Support Center is a great example of the unique and surprising lessons we can learn from loss. Lara Lee Carter, aka Midlife Crisis Queen

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

we love to hear from readers. send your comments and suggestions to:

angie@stylemedia.com Phone: 970.226.6400, ext.215 Fax: 970.226.6427 www.stylemagazinecolorado.com

Been enjoying reading all the latest Lydiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Style editions. Love the new look and editorial direction! Graciela Sholander, Fort Collins I have received Style Magazine for many years and love the new, fresh look. I use the medical issues as a resource and often save issues for reference as well as sharing with friends. Betty Frye, Fort Collins successful advertising

Over the past years my advertising in Style Magazine has consistently brought customers into my business. Kristynn Jenkins, Furniture Consignments by Kristynn

Style 2012

on the cover Palmer Flowers and Eastham Interiors created a one-of-a-kind holiday table for our cover look. Steal their tips and suggestions for holiday entertaining this season. Cover photo by Don Hajicek.

features

Stadium Question looms large . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

How to Buy Bling . . . . . . . . 56

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery – Ready to Launch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

The Wonderful World of Wedding Cakes . . . . . . . 60

Holiday Cocktails . . . . . . . 34

Holiday Entertaining . . . . . 42

a photo tour of nonprofit events . . . . . . . . 86

Shop Local for Great Holiday Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

BBB 100th Anniversary

business profile

Field to Fork

Looks Medical Aesthetics: Food for Your Psyche . . .18 Restore Health Center: Restoring Health… and More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

about town

lifestyle

Bocce Y Bella Sera

Suitcase Party Dohn Charity Golf Tournament United Way Loyal Contributor Historic Home Tour McKee Masters Golf Tournament Cemetery Stroll

Holiday Fun Events Guide . . . . . . . . . . .

Cattle Barons Ball 2012

Family focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Helping Children Enjoy Science

The Lauren Project Silent Auction Soiree of the Sphinx Meow-loween Brainiac Bowl

Concussion Awareness

School District News Feasting Fort Collins: Delicious Discoveries . . . . 82

wedding section Style’s Annual Wedding Section . . . . . . . .

52 72

holiday 2012 :: STYLE

51 Wedding Story . . . . . . . . . . 52

Bridal Gown Trends for 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Celebrate Life in the Pink

community innovators

Erin Mounsey: Surviving and Inspiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

departments

From our readers . . . . . . . 10 publisher’s letter . . . . . . .14 Style Files: What Style is raving about this month . .16

www.stylemagazinecolorado.com Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

With Gratitude The holiday season and close of another year is the perfect time to reflect on my many blessings of health, family, friends, employees, clients and community. Even though I wake every morning saying a prayer of gratitude, the end of the year is a good time to appreciate all the wonderful things that have transpired. I often use a family photo in the holiday letter and this year it includes just my youngest daughter,

Ali. Sadly, Meredith was not able to take time away from her medical school demands to visit. She and her husband, Josh, have had a very challenging year, working in clinics every five weeks in a several state region. Juggling travel, lodging, work and the care of their two Shih Tzus has kept them busy and anxious to get a residency identified next year. This photo was taken at the 12th annual Hope Lives! Celebration of Life Gala held October 20. The gala is the highlight of my year and celebrates Northern Colorado breast cancer survivors while raising funds to continue providing services for women diagnosed with breast cancer. This year more than 560 guests joined in support of its mission. Thank you to emcees Bill West and Jep Enck, Executive Director Melissa Venable and all the volunteers for their hard work to make this event fun and successful – because of their collective efforts Hope does live in Northern Colorado! Speaking of gratitude, this issue marks our 28th anniversary of publishing Style magazines for the Colorado Front Range. We consider it a privilege to work in such a great region with such fine people. And it is a blessing to have such a talented creative team at Style – a deep heartfelt thanks to each of them for their important contributions. They are truly committed to bringing you interesting, informative and visually exciting magazines. I have long been in awe of Angela and Spiro Palmer, owners of Palmer Flowers, and how they

continually offer our region the most creative home decorating design and floral arrangements. Who better to ask about holiday entertaining and decorating for our “Holiday Entertaining” article and cover? We were delighted when Spiro suggested we also include his soon-to-open tenants: Clay Eastham, owner, and Bill Kissock, designer, of Eastham Interiors. They helped the Palmers create an extraordinary holiday table setting. Enjoy their creation and pick up some pointers in this issue. Holidays are the perfect time to go out and celebrate with friends. Read “Holiday Cocktails” to meet some very popular area bartenders and learn about their favorite holiday libation. If you can’t stop in to meet them, enjoy the recipes with family at home. During the holidays many families plan upcoming weddings in the year ahead. In our Wedding Section, pick up tips on how to select a diamond or explore the creative options in cakes today. Be sure to enjoy our beautiful featured wedding in Estes Park at the magical and extraordinary Della Terra Mountain Chateau. We hope you enjoy our festive holiday issue, and deeply thank you for your support these past 28 years. May your holidays be blessed. With gratitude, lydia@stylemedia.com

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Files

O u t s i d e th e Box Symphony S eri es

Experience the Fort Collins Symphony in a whole new way with their Outside the Box series. Unique locations and pairings make the Symphony meaningful to a whole new audience during their 2012-2013 season. If you missed their earlier events – such as Bach and Beer, a pairing of the sounds of Bach with Joel Bacon paired harmoniously with beers from New Belgium Brewery, or the 4 Funny Films at Everyday Joe’s Coffee House, where silent films were paired with the sounds of Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra – you still have time to a catch a few events from the series. We suggest: French Fortnight – A series of three exclusive Symphony-inspired culinary events. Choose from a Champagne Brunch on Jan. 13, a French Wine & Cheese Tasting on Jan. 18 or intimate French dinner on January 26. Or choose all three and have the complete French experience. Beat Beethoven – This is a 5K fun run with a twist. Participants will take off with the beginning notes of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and must attempt to complete the 3.2-mile course before the music ends in approximately 31 minutes. The fun run is scheduled for April 2013.

Ho l i d a y Artisan Market I n s p i r e s Handm ade Gi f ti ng Hints of cinnamon and spruce fill the air in a winter wonderland of artisan trinkets and handmade gifts. It is that time of year again – shopping for the perfect gifts for all the unique people in your life. This holiday season add a trip to the Holiday Artisan Market in Fort Collins to shop and find your loved ones gifts in a local and artful way while taking a break from the Black Friday sales. The Holiday Artisan Market, Nov. 23 and 24, will offer a vast array of unique artisans and crafters and all of their homemade creations. The market will be hosted at the Fort Collins Senior Center at 1200 Raintree Dr., and is one of the largest craft fairs in the Northern Colorado area. “All 40,000 feet of the Senior Center is populated with beautiful, interesting and unique items for the holiday season,” says Pat Moore, recreation coordinator for the Fort Collins Senior Center. “It is a holiday tradition for people to spend hours looking for all those special gifts. There will be hand knitted and crocheted items,

custom dog collars and aprons. There will be chili and desserts made by the Senior Center Council.” As a Fort Collins tradition for the past 17 years, the market’s proceeds benefit the Senior Center’s activities. “Senior Center supporters wanted to fundraise for Senior Center items and activities that were not covered by the City’s allocation,” Moore says of its inception. From jewelry makers and fiber artists to woodworkers and local food producers, the market features an array for all to enjoy. “It is two days of non-stop shopping with and for family and friends, visiting with people you haven’t seen in a long time, eating lunch and dessert. But most of all it is finding that unique gift and contributing to the livelihood of local craftsmen and women,” Moore says. The market cost is $1 to explore the artisan booths and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.

experience Roof Top Soiree – This May 2013 event will celebrate two Fort Collins treasures, the Symphony and the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Held on the museum’s rooftop observation deck, soaring music and views will create one beautiful experience. Fiddler on the River – In June, the Symphony will head to the Poudre Canyon. Arrive on bike, kayak or four wheels to listen to a fiddler play at the Mishawaka Inn. “The Outside the Box programming is truly innovative,” says Executive Director Carrie Newman. “Few American orchestras are providing this range or diversity of offerings to their communities... The greater diversity of Symphony events we provide, the more interest we expect to draw, thus increasing Fort Collins’ reputation as a community that has a thriving arts and culture base as well as furthering its goal of being a state and national destination location.” Don’t miss out on the Outside the Box series, giving new and old listeners a unique way to experience the Fort Collins Symphony. Visit www. fcsymphony.org for more information on these events or to purchase tickets where necessary.

signature event

Photo courtesy of Jack Hicks Photography.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

on the

web now Nicole Hurt, 23, of Charleston, South Carolina, moved to Fort Collins two years ago with her husband to attend CSU. She was spotted at Jay’s Bistro in this darling get-up. Her white Fun & Flirt blouse is adorable paired with her black Paige jeans and must-have tan Michael Kors wedges. Pairing black with white is beautifully simple and classic. With this color arrangement, accessories can really steer your overall look. Adding the right shoes and jewelry is crucial. Nicole’s fabulous wedges add pizazz to her feet (and thus her overall look). Her long, dangling necklace is fun and adds texture while staying somewhat subtle. She’s also wearing pearl earrings, a Michael Kors watch and a couple of lovely rings. All jewelry pieces work really well together. Her outfit is accented by her beautiful black Longchamp tote. Great look, Nicole! My name is Emily Warren. I decided to start NoCo Street Style because I’ve always had an intrinsic passion for fashion. This column will offer a way to recognize superior fashion sense along the Front Range and act as a mode to celebrate it. Women and men of Northern Colorado, put on your best (dressed) behavior. You may be the next feature on NoCo Street Style.

Be sure to visit our website to read these exciting additional features. Check out the full story via our webpage, www.stylemagazinecolorado.com.

Community Gives Lyric Cinema a Lifeline By Angeline Grenz The Fort Collins community decided to band together to save one of its own this summer. The Lyric Cinema Café, faced with $150,000 in necessary upgrades, may have had to shutter their doors without a successful Kickstarter campaign. Now the intimate, little theater looks toward the big, bright future.

don’t miss Few things are as satisfying as this blissful combination: a stout cup of chicory coffee, a delectable buttermilk biscuit and made-from-scratch strawberryrhubarb jam. Lucile’s in Downtown Fort Collins is the perfect start to any day.

Holiday Stress By Laura Sebastian Some call it the Holiday Season, others think it’s less ho-ho-ho than ho-ho-horribly stressful. But you can soften your anxiety and relieve the pressure by following a few simple guidelines to a soothing, enjoyable time of year.

Style 2012

Business Profile

Food for

Looks Medical Aesthetics provides clients with aesthetic procedures performed in a clinical setting.

Your Psyche The staff at Looks Medical Aesthetics has not yet discovered the elusive Fountain of Youth, but they do perform some pretty innovative beauty alchemy that can make people look more youthful, rejuvenated, energetic and fit.

By Tracee Sioux

Looks Medical Aesthetics is a medical office that focuses on the aesthetics and self esteem of its patients. An extension of Mallory Family Wellness in Loveland, Looks Medical Aesthetics approaches the outward body as a source of well-being and psychological health. Dr. Patrick Mallory added the medical aesthetics division to the family practice in 2006. The family practice focuses on a whole body approach to health and wellness of the inner body. The practice has divided to establish a more defined boundary between what is purely cosmetic and what is clinical in nature. This helps people understand which procedures are covered by insurance and which will be an out-of-pocket elective procedure. Additionally, dividing the practices allows them to expand the aesthetic offerings of the practice, an area of the practice that has been growing, including hiring aestheticians and support staff.

While the practices are operating as two separate entities and have two different areas of focus, the medical staff remains the same. The approach is very fluid, with patients being treated “on their insides” on the family practice side, and “on their outsides” on the Looks side. “If people don’t feel good about themselves their psyche suffers,” says Robin Mildrum, practice administrator for both practices. “What we do is food for the psyche.” On the Looks “menu” are typical spa offerings performed by aestheticians so good that Mildrum calls them artists. However, two experienced physicians’ assistants and Dr. Mallory perform the more in-depth medical cosmetic procedures. “There’s a spa on every corner,” Mildrum admits, but Looks didn’t open to go head-tohead with spas. Rather they offer a clinically driven approach to aesthetics. People who have a medical background and a clinical understanding of physiology best perform many aesthetic procedures, says Mildrum. “Our goal is to bring access to affordable and innovative aesthetic solutions to Northern Colorado. And to offer it with access to actual medical providers who will be providing upper level treatment options,” notes Mildrum. “It’s about total well-being.” Along with personally-designed facials, nutrient-heavy potions and injections, Looks offers many state-of-the-art procedures involving body contouring machines, high tech lasers and phototherapy treatments to fix everything from unwanted hair, cellulite, wrinkles, skin discoloration and crows feet to obesity. Some of their beauty alchemy, like the platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP), might sound like it’s right out of a Hunger Games makeover scene set in the fashion-forward Capitol – in a good way. What some call the Vampire Face Lift, but which Looks markets as YNGLOOKS, is the process of injecting a preparation made from the patient’s own blood into his or her face to rejuvenate and revitalize trouble areas, such as tiny lines around the lips. Blood is withdrawn from the patient and spun down to prepare a solution of platelets concentrated to more than 1 million per milliliter, which, when injected into the skin, releases a host of growth factors. The simple synchronicity of this is that it’s hypoallergenic and it stimulates the patient’s cell growth using his or her own blood. And who hasn’t wished she could take the fat from her tush and put it in her chest? Who wouldn’t love to fill-in the parenthesis around his or her mouth? Wish no more. The practice intends to extend their offerings into natural fat transfers over the next year. “We don’t do plastic surgery; we do right up to the line,” Mildrum says. “We do moderate procedures primarily focusing on the face.” Mildrum stresses that one of the values of the practice is to give people realistic expectations. For instance, body contouring can’t eliminate loose skin, so often Looks will send a patient to see a plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck or a Mommy Makeover before they perform body-contouring procedures. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Patrick Mallory, D.O., Looks Medical Aesthetics and Mallory Family Wellness

“Our goal is not to structurally change people dramatically, it’s to enhance their natural beauty and to help them feel good about who they are,” says Mildrum. “We want to give you realistic expectations for yourself.” It’s true what they say: youth is wasted on the young. “Nothing is permanent, the clock ticks away and we continue to age,” Mildrum admits. This is true even of the procedures Looks offers. Still, the idea of buying a gravity rewind is irresistible. Who says aging gracefully means that you let age, time, stress and gravity have its wanton way with you, only to become your body’s master? Perhaps aging gracefully means you hang on to all the youth you can, using your outer appearance as an expression of how young and vital you feel. Time will inevitably win, but with Looks’ help, it doesn’t have to be today. Looks Medical Aesthetics Patrick Mallory, D.O., owner 1542 North Boise Avenue Loveland, CO 80538 www.docmallory.com (970) 669-1055 Tracee Sioux is a Northern Colorado writer and author of Love Distortion: Belle, Battered Codependent and Other Love Stories, she blogs at TheGirlRevolution.com Contact her at traceesioux@gmail.com. Style 2012

Business Profile

Andrea Howton discusses with her patient the CoolSculpting procedure to eliminate fat cells in targeted areas of the body by freezing them.

Restoring Health...

A N D M ORE

By Michelle Venus

Aerobic exercise is known to burn the fat from your body. In fact, 1980s fitness guru Jane Fonda implored those who worked out to her best selling videos to “feel the burn.” Nutrition and exercise clearly play significant roles in losing unwanted body fat. But sometimes, stubborn pockets of fat just won’t go away. It doesn’t matter how many miles you log on an elliptical machine at the gym, how many kickboxing classes you take or how many hills you climb on your road bike. It hangs onto your butt, thighs or arms – just pick a body part, any part. You get the picture. And it’s not a pretty one. Maybe burning fat isn’t the only answer. A new procedure, CoolSculpting, is said to freeze fat cells, destroying them and eliminating them forever. Good-bye, muffin top. So long pooch. Hasta la vista back fat. So how does CoolSculpting work? Is it safe? How long lasting are the results? Dr. James Howton, of Restore Health Center (RHC), explains the procedure. “Fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than skin or other body tissue,” he says in his Loveland office. “When you apply cold temperatures and literally freeze them, they are destroyed. Other cells, called macrophages, then come along and eat them, almost like tiny little PacMen. The body

metabolizes the frozen cells and they are gone for good.” Patients start seeing results in six weeks. Full results are visible 12 to 15 weeks after treatment. Particularly troublesome areas may require additional treatments. CoolSculpting is not for weight loss. It works best for people who are generally healthy, engage in a regular exercise regime, and maintain good nutritional habits. It targets problem areas and makes them go away and shouldn’t be considered a solution for overall weight loss. That’s why Dr. Howton and his wife and business partner, Andrea, insist on a nutritional and lifestyle consult before most CoolSculpt sessions. Their practice is focused on discovering and treating the underlying causes of their patients’ health issues and concerns. They believe that asking why a condition exists and treating the cause can restore the body to a state of wellness without having to be on medication. “I can write prescriptions all day,” says Dr. Howton. “But once a patient stops taking meds, their symptoms return and once again, they don’t

feel well. Let’s look, instead, at the reasons behind the illness and address how to successfully treat them. It’s a different way of looking at medicine.” Prior to opening RHC, Dr. Howton was an allopathic physician in Estes Park. But since moving into the functional medicine realm, he’s seeing better and healthier results for his patients. Functional medicine views the body as an integrated biological system, where all the individual organs work together collectively and holistically. When a patient comes to RHC for the first time, he or she should be prepared for a comprehensive initial consult that will focus on lifestyle and nutrition. “We spend a lot of time talking to our patients,” Andrea says. “We don’t spend 10 minutes with a patient and then move onto the next and then the next. When we spend an hour or more talking and asking question after question, we often discover things other physicians might overlook.” Take, for example, the young girl who came to RHC for help with resistant acne. After discussing diet and lifestyle, she was tested for nutritional deficiencies. It turned out she was deficient in selenium and zinc. Taking these supplements, along with probiotics, cleared up her skin in a matter of a few weeks, whereas more traditional routes like Retin-A were ineffective. She was taken down a traditional path of medicine that just wasn’t the right path for her. RHC has three branches of service. One branch focuses on aesthetics. CoolSculpting, along with different types of laser treatments, botox and dermal fillers are some of the services offered. The second branch focuses on functional medicine, including nutritional counseling and weight loss. “Nutrition is an important part of our practice,” states Dr. Howton. “It’s hard to think of a condition or medical issue that doesn’t have a nutritional component associated with it.” The third branch shines a light on less common treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Andrea explains, “We sometimes utilize biophotonic therapy, where the blood is exposed to different wavelengths which ozonates the blood and improves the immune system. We also have a hyperbaric oxygen chamber that we’ve found works well with autoimmune issues, as well as autism and stroke victims. It provides oxygen to cells that are in a ‘stunned mode’ because of oxygen deprivation. We’ve even found that it speeds up recovery time after a laser treatment. “It’s looking at the body as a holistic entity,” she goes on to say, “and treating it that way, so all the systems are unified and in sync.” Restore Health Center James Howton, D.O., and Andrea Howton, owners 3553 Clydesdale Parkway, Suite 210, Loveland www.restorehealthcenter.net (970) 278-0900

Michelle Venus is a writer living in Fort Collins. She is currently working on an art book called And Tomorrow Comes Again, which features the art and writing of people who have lost a loved one to suicide and are using the creative process to help healing. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Stadium Question Looms Large By Kay Rios

After 10 months of internal discussion, public forums, creation of an advisory committee, studies and reports, Colorado State University (CSU) President Tony Frank gave his split-the-baby decision on October 1 with a nod to pursue an on-campus stadium.

His decision came with two major requirements. First, raise half of the required $256 million from private donors. The other half could then potentially be financed from revenues generated by the new stadium. Second, he set a two-year fundraising window based on the deferred $30 million maintenance needs at Hughes Stadium. If a viable financing plan for the new stadium isn’t created within two years, those fundraising efforts will be suspended so CSU can make necessary improvements at Hughes. The idea for the on-campus stadium originated from Jack Graham shortly after he was hired as CSU’s athletic director in December 2011. As he pursued his dream, a 15-member Stadium Advisory Committee was created in January to examine issues involved with building an on-campus stadium. A

feasibility study was delivered in August. The report identified a potential site, highlighted funding options, examined parking, noise and neighborhood impacts, and reported on public response. Graham, in the cover letter for the report, stated that the research indicated a new stadium would allow CSU to increase its connection with the community. It states: “We interviewed a number of organizations such as Oklahoma State University, the University of Utah, Kansas State University, Boise State University, University of Wyoming, University of Minnesota and the Denver Broncos. These organizations host a wide range of events in their stadiums each year, some hosting events in their facilities over 250 days a year. Potential events include wedding receptions, proms, auctions, concerts, classes, conferences, board meetings,

lunches and state high school football championships, just to name a few. In hosting these events, the stadiums are able to bring in between $50,000 and $500,000 per year of extra revenue. In each case, the stadium became a new asset for broad use within the community.” The feasibility report from ICON Venue Group, an owner’s representative firm in the sports and entertainment industry, identified an optimal site, locating the stadium along the south edge of the campus between Lake and Pitkin Streets. ICON described the stadium as having a north/south orientation with a traditional horse shoe configuration. It would be centered on Meridian with the open end facing north. The report recommended the inclusion of an Alumni Welcome Center and the construction of a parking garage to replace

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

the 1,500 commuter student spaces displaced by the stadium footprint. This plan would also require relocating the existing Plant Environmental Research Center (PERC). The current stadium plan proposes 22 suites of varying sizes and capacities, 40 loge boxes, 896 club seats and 8,000 priority seats with a total capacity at 44,380, including a plaza at the north end for 4,400 standing room fans. The target opening of the recommendation is August 2015. Frank’s email to the campus community in October stated that he supports moving forward in the attempt to build the stadium and listed several bullet points as reasons for that support. “It would become an iconic multi-purpose centerpiece for the campus, hosting football games, athletic events, graduations, convocations, concerts and other large events. It would help build a deeper connection between the university and students. It would foster stronger ties with alumni who would return to campus to attend football games and other events; and it would be a useful tool in helping market the university to a broader audience.” The stadium has drawn strong support as well as adamant opposition. The supporters focus on the potential of what the stadium could draw and many of those opposed feel it detracts from a land grant institution’s mission as stated on its college seal: “Education – Research – Service – Extension.” While Graham has claimed that a new stadium will bring large numbers of out-of-state students paying high tuition, a counter report in the Journal of Sports Economics indicates that, even with a top 20 team, the approximate net gain would be perhaps $2 million. The numbers on both sides are certainly up in the air and the debate continues. Connie Hanrahan, local business owner and member of the Stadium Advisory Committee says, “I was honored when I was asked by President Frank to sit on the Stadium Committee. I’ve been a long supporter of CSU Athletics as well as our community and I see this as a win-win for both. A stadium on campus will help to create the energy we want on game days and will provide another venue for community events. It was never the thought that the stadium would be built for only football games. Getting our alumni and keeping our current students on campus for game days will create a connection that has been missing at CSU.” John Hintzman, a local commercial insurance producer, was slow to be won over. “When this first came about I wasn’t all in favor. I love Hughes and we have a tailgate group that goes out there regularly. But as time went on and I listened to the reasons, it’s really about positioning the university to go to a larger conference. When you compare CSU against any other land grant institution west of the Mississippi, we’re at the top from the education standpoint and then factor in the quality of where we live.” But something is missing, he says. “The schools in the Big 12 Conference earn $17 million while CSU is receiving $3 million because we are in a smaller conference,” he says. He also feels that “A successful athletic program has a lot to do with successful marketing of the university. It is the face of the university. Having a beautiful stadium on the campus will help market CSU to prospective students and will attract out of state students meaning more out of state tuition.” Style 2012

Steve Conway, self-employed Fort Collins native says, “Hughes is 40 something years old. It’s an old stadium and not an exciting place to go watch games.” Conway attended school at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) and found the on-campus stadium to be a plus. “It was really nice to have it there. People walked. Many had parties at their place and then walked to an event. It was always filled. I think putting a stadium on campus at CSU is a good idea and I don’t think the parking is going to be as big a deal as people think.” Audrey Faulkner, who lives adjacent to CSU and has posted a Save Our Stadium Hughes (SOS Hughes) yard sign, says, “I feel this is a terrible time to be spending money on a stadium when CSU has just sweated blood and tears to get the money raised for their academic challenges. And we’ve also spent a lot of money on Hughes that was donated and this would be turning our backs on those donations. We have a lovely stadium and right now we have a less than top drawer team.” She also registered concerns as a neighbor. “This is a lovely neighborhood and I’m worried that we’re going to be overrun by traffic on game days. It will make life harder for neighbors around the stadium. It just seems like folly. Many of us feel like the way to solve CSU’s financial problems is to raise money for academics.” Nancy York, Fort Collins native who lives in the Old Town area, is a member of SOS Hughes. “I oppose it because it’s redundant and, therefore, a waste of money and resources. The current one we have is in a beautiful location with ample parking. I’m concerned about the neighbors if they build the on-campus one and, finally, I favor academics over football.” Chester McQueary, retired, attended CSU in the 1960s and remained in Fort Collins because he likes the community feel. He opposes the on-campus stadium. “You already have a crowded campus that is in need of space for academic buildings.” McQuery says he’s weighed the arguments but feels like the figures touted for the costs don’t add up. “In the days of the Internet, you can research anything and I’ve looked at reports on stadiums that have been built on and off campuses and what they cost. It doesn’t make any logical sense. It feels like Harold Hill in the Music Man selling hype.” For proponents and opponents alike, it’s now a waiting game to see what happens next. Only time, and money raised, will tell. Editor’s Note: This article is the first in a series that will follow the progression of the proposed on-campus stadium. Style will bring the community additional coverage in coming months. Please note: at the time of printing, Jack Graham and Tony Frank were unavailable for interviews. Kay Rios, Ph.D. is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins.

Visit our website to view more stadium renderings and zoom in for more detail!

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Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Ready to Launch By Corey Radman

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is ready for takeoff. After years of effort and a little luck, the region’s new museum is about to wow. This new entity will enrich our culture, educational opportunities and economy.

The Backstory In 2008, two struggling, independent museums decided to join forces. They, and others in the arts and culture community, thought that Fort Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center were better off together. So the science center packed up and moved from the old Barton Elementary building on Prospect Road to the even older history museum in Library Park. It took grit and persistence to create a new vision because the model was unproven and the future was unforeseeable. (The author of this article worked for Discovery Science Center before the merge.) The decision to build a brand-new facility was a no brainer. The tiny Carnegie Library building that housed the Fort Collins Museum was built in 1903 and just wasn’t large enough for even the former history museum’s needs, not to mention space

needs after teaming up with the science center. The team realized that in addition to building a museum, there was an opportunity to fill a community need for public space with room for meetings, educational programs and event rentals. So, the new entity, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery (FCMoD) combined existing capital funds from the Fort Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center and set off to build support, raise money and make a new home. The gamble worked. Ultimately the new team’s capital campaign raised $26.7 million. Co-Executive Directors, Annette Geiselman and Cheryl Donaldson, worked along side a devoted board of directors, staff and volunteers. The City of Fort Collins funded 60 percent of the building, including $6 million from the voter-approved Building on Basics initiative, donated land, $3 million from

fort collins discovery

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Downtown Development Authority, and $1 million from the city’s Natural Areas department. The other 40 percent of the building is funded through private donations from foundations, corporations and individuals. Though the heavy lifting to fund museum exhibits is complete, FCMoD is still fundraising to build future exhibits. Construction for the new facility broke ground on Sept. 11, 2010. Ever since, the public has been watching the facade take shape on Mason Street, within view of Martinez Farm and the Poudre River, and anticipating the day when the doors would open. Donaldson is grateful for the community’s support. “This museum could not have happened without all of Fort Collins.” She says repeatedly that the

discovery museum

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citizens who supported the renewed tax, individuals who stepped up to assist and donate, and so many people who helped in many other ways were really the ones who created this new museum. “This is a case where one plus one became more than the sum of its parts,” says Susan Herlihy, spokesperson for the museum. Herlihy continues, “As a community grows, its needs and expectations tend to mature. Just as both museums were outgrowing their buildings because of capacity demands, the community was ready for this newer, higher level experience that the new Fort Collins Museum of Discovery will provide. This perfect storm of timing and opportunity paved the way for the integration of two treasured Fort Collins landmarks

that will now put us on the map nationally and provide an incredible experience for our community.” Exhibits that Convey Context The museum staff and their exhibit design firm, Gyroscope from Oakland, Calif., began the enticing process of deciding what to build for this new museum by extensively surveying the community. “We wanted to see what the people of Northern Colorado really wanted in their new museum. We got back a list that held page after page of ideas,” says Donaldson, “but when we started categorizing, four core focus areas emerged: science, history, water and music.” Those four developed into exhibit areas called: Music & Sound; Wildlands & Wildlife; People on the Move; Food, Forage & Fun; First Peoples, and a Discovery Zone. As they planned the exhibits, FCMoD engineered an entirely new museum experience. Through a holistic, interactive approach, they

have melded culture, history and science with artifact displays and hands-on interactives. These exhibits sit adjacent to one another and embrace all ages at their own level of understanding. “It’s possible to start at the music zone and move all the way to the beer exhibit and not even realize how you got there,” says Jason Wolvington, associate director. Surveying the best of the best museums in the world, FCMoD imported the most durable and engaging exhibit ideas, then tweaked them to fit their own unique mission. The result is a finished museum unlike any other. “You can’t find this anywhere in the world,” says Geiselman. Museum staff reports that they have received inquiry calls from museums all over the country, including the Smithsonian, wanting to hear more about their new variety of visitor engagement. Compared to dioramas at natural history museums or the thing-a-majiggy approach at science centers (which often target kids), FCMoD ignites visitors’ curiosity and yanks them into

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1. The Listening Lounge features Sonic Chairs equipped for music exploration in the Music & Sound Lab, supported through the generosity of Bohemian Foundation. 2. The Wind Wall in the Schatz Family Exploration Zone. 3. The Funky Forest in the Schatz Family Exploration Zone. 4. The Color Wall (with stripes) and Color Mixing (with colored circles) exhibit, located in the Schatz Family Exploration Zone. 5. The 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair Curly Maple Grand Piano in the Griffin Piano Café. 6. An OscylinderScope (an upside down guitar) in the Music & Sound Lab. 7. Explore sound waves by watching how the sound vibrates the styrene pellets inside the tube.

activity that has meaning beyond the walls of the museum. They convey context. For example a 12,000-year-old Bison antiquus specimen is not only humongous (a wow factor for young and older visitors), but is paired with Folsom point artifacts that remind us who hunted them. The discovery of Paleolithic American Indian weapons embedded in Bison antiquus at Lindenmeier (today’s Soapstone Prairie) changed archeology’s understanding of just how long the first people of North America had lived here. And it happened just down the road. “I think of every thing in the museum in layers,” explains Geiselman. “You could easily think of the early childhood area as being just for little kids, but we consider the adults in there too. So we have signage that is aimed at adults with information and gentle tips about development. Plus artifacts like toys from the 1900s,” she says. HP touchscreen interactives invite visitors to explore stories and information at their level

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of interest and even leave their own ideas and feedback behind. “We are telling global stories through the local lens of Fort Collins. So everything you see here is local to the region, but informs that bigger picture,” says Wolvington. He says the museum strives to encourage stewardship. “Stewardship of self, community and environment,” he says. “But not to the point of advocacy. We want to be that safe place where visitors can think about their role in the world. We want to be a place for discussion, like the living room of the town, where people can come and learn about issues and how they impact us all.” But Wait, There’s More... In addition to 16,000-square-feet of brand-new permanent exhibits and 5,000 more reserved for future traveling exhibits, the museum boasts a Digital Dome, a new and improved history archive, a City Natural Areas sponsored free zone, two classrooms and an observation deck on the building roof. All but the digital dome shows are free to the public. The Digital Dome Theater is an immersive, large format 360-degree theater that transports viewers into the center of an experience. The theater will feature interactive educational and cultural films (like rafting the Grand Canyon), can plug in to NASA’s database to facilitate travel anywhere in the galaxy, can connect to other domes around the world and will feature live planetarium shows. The local history archive offers more than 200,000 photographs, documents and memorabilia that chronicle the people, places and events that have shaped the history of Fort Collins and surrounding areas from the 1860s to

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Cheryl Donaldson and Annette Geiselman share the role of executive director at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.

the present day. It will be staffed with history/ library experts and offers seven seats, two more than before, in a bright, brand-new space. The free Natural Areas Visitors Center is located in the museum lobby by the gift shop. It is equipped with educational exhibits about Fort Collinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; many natural areas and two live black-footed ferrets make their home in a cross-section prairie habitat exhibit. Two classrooms for field trips and public education classes are equipped with fully glassed garage doors and allow for open-air educational experiences just off the Cache la Poudre River. With a separate school entrance, the museum anticipates developing dynamic programming as the school year progresses. The museum expects to draw 100,000 visitors from within a 100-mile radius year round. They plan to make the facility open for private function rentals as well. The building is constructed with ice chillers to cool during the day, solar PV panels on the roof (with room for expansion), and water/electricity conserving facilities, all in the effort to earn LEED Platinum status. It is overwhelming what the right people at the right time can do. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery exists because so many people supported it... and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear that their efforts have created a jewel, of which the entire city can be proud.

Corey Radman is a National Press Women award winner, and regular contributor to Style. She can be reached at her website, www. fortcollinswriter.com. Style 2012

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Style 2012 • 215-8111 Harmony

Tell us a little about yourself. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been bartending for almost two decades, and the thing that ultimately got me into this profession is my love of literature and writing, which I felt bartending would best facilitate. I have two published books, one a longish philosophical novel called More and More unto the Perfect Day. Incidentally, the novelist Stephen Dixon, twice nominated for the National Book Award, worked for many years as a bartender. What do you love about bartending? There are many things to love about bartending: going to bed at 5 a.m.; cleaning up spilled wine and broken glass; reasoning with reprobates. Yet for all the joy these things bring me, what I love most about bartending is the work itself. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a physical job, demanding speed, dexterity, endurance and accuracy. At the same time it also requires an inordinate amount of concentration, memory and focus. A good bartender is part poet, part priest, part performer, part politician, part athlete, part memory machine.

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Tell us a little about yourself. I have been bartending for almost 15 years. I have always enjoyed cooking and unique flavors and flavor combinations. I started bartending in Fort Collins in 1998, but it wasn’t until I joined Elliot’s Martini Bar that I truly got to explore my creativity and execute proper technique behind a bar. I recently joined the team at Café Vino in order to continue expanding in my craft and I couldn’t be more excited for what is to come. What do you love about bartending? I am devoted to the simple pleasures in life, and I believe that is why Fort Collins fits me so well. Ever since I was young I have always enjoyed taking care of people and making them feel happy. I get no better feeling than when I make a drink for someone and I see their eyes light up – that is when I know I am doing my job well.

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Tell us a little about yourself. I’ve been bartending for about 10 years and bar managing for the last seven. I started in Texas, but really cut my teeth when I moved to Aspen. I managed bars and restaurants in Aspen and Glenwood Springs for six years while I received my sommelier training, honed my palate and began to create unique, high-end cocktails. I moved to Fort Collins to finish my college degree, where I managed the bar at Midtown Arts Center. I left Midtown to help open Next Door Food & Drink. What do you love about bartending? I love to learn about wine and spirits, and to pass my knowledge on to my guests. I enjoy talking with people and helping them discover something new. We’ll taste through things and in the end we’ve usually both learned something. My motto has always been, ‘We’re not drinking – we’re learning!’

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Add Some Holiday Cheer to Your Home Bar By Mat Dinsmore Wilbur’s Total Beverage

It is the time of year when our “holiday cheer” needs to be refilled. As many of you know, I thoroughly enjoy my scotch and bourbon; both holiday bar essentials. But there are a few variations of liquor that are often forgotten. All holiday parties must have Grand Marnier, a French orange liquor that goes in countless mixed drinks, drinks on the rocks nicely, and is featured in many holiday recipes. This year Grand Marnier also produced a “Cherry Marnier,” a variation of the traditional orange liquor with a touch of cherry and a much different taste from other cherry/orange liquors. The second holiday mixer that many people aren’t familiar with is St. Germain Elderflower liquor. Describing what an elderflower tastes like is always difficult, but St. Germain mixes quite well in a variety of different vodka-based martinis, goes well over ice and can also be mixed with French vanilla ice cream for a great holiday smoothie. With New Year’s Eve in mind, don’t forget about the raspberry liquor Chambord. It is used in many different dishes throughout the holiday season, and is featured in Ernest Hemmingway’s favorite, a Kir Royal. To create, drop a tablespoon of Chambord into a glass of sparkling wine. It’s a refreshing change to your New Year’s Eve toast! Most importantly, don’t forget the vodka. My new favorite vodka is called Spud. Spud is distilled from Polish potatoes and is one of the smoothest vodkas available. Not only is the regular vodka great, they also have a few different flavor variations such as Red Hot Chili Pepper, Ginger Lemongrass and Tomato Vodka, which goes perfectly in any Bloody Mary. Style 2012

Tell us a little about yourself. I’ve been in the restaurant biz for a decade! I have been lucky enough to spend five of those years in Fort Collins at Jay’s Bistro. If I were to describe myself, I would use words like: high energy, big smile, playful attitude, great memory and hard worker. I am a person who enjoys others’ company, while I cherish my time to myself as well. I love to drink and eat, often joking that it is my homework. Be assured, I’m a diligent student! What do you love about bartending? What I absolutely love about bartending is all the eclectic relationships that come out of it. I really enjoy making a person’s day better, whether it’s through a warm gesture or a great cocktail. I get a thrill being behind a busy bar, slinging martinis and making wisecracks. I revel in being in the moment with wonderful company, vibrant music and, of course, lovely libations.

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HOLIDAY

WINE

TIPS

By Phil Pringle Pringleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Wines & Spirits The fall weather heralds the most active part of wine season. Holiday events are foremost on everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minds, and choosing the best wine for your occasion can be challenging. One of the most overlooked aspects of holiday wines has to do with the service of the wine. Are your guests standing or will they be seated at a table? In a cocktail party setting, food-friendly wine of considerable expense is unnecessary. Rather, it is wise to concentrate on good value wines that are universally pleasing and flexible enough to serve with appetizers and the grazing most often associated with a stand-up event. Choose whites such as a Pinot Gris from Oregon or its counterpart Pinot Grigio from Italy. Some good bets are Rascal, Firesteed and Willamette Valley Vineyards from Oregon, and Liana, Campanile and Ruffino from Italy. All are $9.50 to $14. Most wine stores offer 10 percent off the price on case lots. A few reds to please a discerning crowd would include some good Spanish reds such as Sinfonia Tempranillo, Laya Red and Evodia Garnacha, or a tasty Malbec from Zolo, Santa Julia or Trapiche in Argentina ($10 to $11). The best advice I can share for making these wines even better is to use real wine glasses, even at large cocktail gatherings. It is possible to rent wine glasses; the expense will make the wines taste better and add a touch of class to your event. My favorite part of the holiday wine scene is sharing a long meal with family where relaxed dining is the focus. When a celebration occurs at the table with food, it is the perfect time to break out really good wines. Great food and wine together is better than either consumed separately. This is the opportunity to try those tasty wines you have been aging for the correct occasion. Using proper glassware is an important part of the feast. Start with a dry bubbly like Champagne or Cava, and then move to a nice dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc. Pick another white wine or dry rose and also offer a red wine or two. I like Oregon Pinot Noir and perhaps an aged Bordeaux or good Washington or California Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Never fill the wine glass more than one-third full; it is best to taste slowly. A wine-oriented store can help you pair wines with the feast you are planning. The best stores will have staff trained in wine and food pairings. Now, have a great time and take care to drink lots of water between the wines. Style 2012

Tell us a little about yourself. I have been a certified mixologist for six years. I started working at a restaurant where we had to make our own drinks. I was constantly looking in the bar book behind the bar and got tired of that. I heard a commercial for bartending college and I called. It was one of the best things I have ever done. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t gone. What do you love about bartending? I love bartending, the rush I get from working on a Friday or Saturday night, putting out 150 to 200 martinis in a matter of hours. Having my guest appreciate the love and effort I put into my drinks is a great feeling. I also like meeting new people, hearing their story... just getting to know someone new I might not have met otherwise.

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Style 2012

Holiday

Entertaining

The holiday season revolves around family and family often revolves around food. This simple truth underscores the importance of a beautiful holiday table. Set this year apart with an updated holiday look for your family dinner that is both classic and wonderfully fresh.

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This year, trends span from classic neutrals in silver and whites to styles centered on rustic, woodsy themes. A classic silver-white themed table is an elegant option, with mercury glass and frost, and the theme can carry over to other winter entertaining. The rustic table is a great way to pair different textures: the beautiful greens of the outdoors and some fun, eclectic touches. It is possible to craft your own holiday look if you are the creative type. Or you can turn to local experts, such as the team at Palmer Flowers in Fort Collins. Their design team partnered with Eastham Interiors, a home furniture and accessories store set to open in the same plaza as Palmer in early January 2013, to create a breathtaking holiday table display sure to make any holiday dinner memorable.

Style 2012

The masterpiece of the design was a silk floral centerpiece crafted by Palmer. A glass vase was filled with silk sprays of ice Seville, green mossed pinecones, flock hillcrest, green crabapples, and green finial ornaments. Fresh flowers were added to the arrangement in shades of white and light green – white oriental lilies, green hydrangea and white spray roses – for a fresh element. Hanging finials can be changed from green to copper to enhance the browns found in the place setting. Susan Stockwell, wedding and events supervisor for Palmer Flowers, shares her tips for a beautifully arranged holiday table centerpiece. “For a great holiday look, today’s trends include mixing elements of traditional and natural materials. Deciding on a palette before you shop makes the selection quick and easy. A professionally decorated look is accomplished by sticking to just two or three colors in the overall design.” She continues, “Having the colors blend with your table setting is essential in keeping it appealing to the eye. Choose colors for your table centerpiece based on your tablecloth and place setting. Highlighting the colors within the centerpiece finishes off your table.” Nature continues to be the primary source of inspiration for trendy tables this winter, says Stockwell. “The design reflects this with natural pinecones, flocked branches and pine. Let nature be your guide by cutting your own pines, and gathering pinecones or branches from outside. This way you can create a beautiful look for your table that everyone will delight in.” Add some shine or sparkle. “A clear glass or crystal vase can add sparkle and ambiance to the table, while giving it an uplifting look. Using your own home décor accents such as

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ornaments, glass baubles and dangling crystals can add a unique effect to your arrangement.” Clay Eastham, owner of Eastham Interiors, provided a sumptuous table setting of Spode’s Woodland series china mixed with a few complementing pieces of Aiken dinnerware. He advises trying a non-holiday china or dinnerware pattern in a new way this season. “You don’t have to use the same Christmas tableware every year. If you have other china or dishware that you love, take several colors or contrasting color for those pieces and build your decorations around that new theme… Here the contrasting colors of green and white underline the sharp clarity of the chocolate browns.” Eastham mixed antique Chippendale chairs with a Welsh hutch for the intimate dinner arrangement. To update the chairs, he slipcovered them with a fresh, bold pattern of green stripes. Choosing your own fabrics will create the backbone of your design and mixing complementing patterns adds a sophisticated element. “It really only takes about 12 yards to outfit your table and four chairs,” advises Eastham. “A good rule of thumb is to use four fabrics in a room for a timeless, personal feel.” Don’t forget background. “Sparkle paired with candlelight and great music provides a festive feel for your celebrations,” says Eastham. “If you don’t have a chandelier over your table but want to reflect light from table candles or nearby lamplights, hunt down a large branch, trim it up and use fishing line to hang crystal icicles and other sparkling ornaments.” This year, with these helpful design tips from Palmer and Eastham, let nature be your inspiration and create a holiday table with a mixture of old and new.

Style 2012

Artisan handbag collection from Debbie Brooks. Sold only in jewelry stores with interchangeable magnetic medallions to mirror your mood. From $48. Jewelry Emporium, 124 East Monroe Drive, Fort Collins.

Return to healthy, glowing skin at a cellular level with Laskin Medical Skin System’s starter kit. $40-$85 each. Purchase the entire collection and receive a free Dermal Resurfacing Treatment, a $150 value. Xanadu Med Spa, 1112 Oakridge Drive, #106, Fort Collins.

Handcrafted from the finest natural ingredients in copper kettles. Pure toffee perfection! Package sizes range from $5-$34. Vern’s Toffee House, 444 S. Link Lane, Fort Collins.

Flicker Flame LED electronic candles offer the soft glow of a candle with the ease of a rechargeable battery. $39.99 and up. Cozy Cottage, 2721 Council Tree Avenue, Suite 125, Fort Collins.

Vera Bradley luggage in Suzani pattern. $220-340. Christmas sale Nov. 30th to Dec. 2nd, $40 off at Maximum Boutique, 5865 Sky Pond Drive, G-160, Loveland.

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Transform any room with this vibrant area rug from Sphinx. Their Modena line embraces early 20th century style with a modern twist. All in-stock and special order rugs 20% off at Downtown Ace Hardware, 215 South College Avenue, Fort Collins.

Classic comfort with this knit Free People flower power cardigan. $168. Dress and necklace also available. MkLaren, 2720 Council Tree Avenue, #106, Fort Collins.

Skin Medica products are based on your skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own healing abilities. The musthaves: Essential Serum ($260), Tri-Retinol ($55), Dermal Repair ($120) and Eye Repair ($95). Allura Skin Clinic, 2032 Lowe Street, Suite 103, Fort Collins.

Great gifts for the foodie in your life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rich olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world. Pricing varies. Rocky Mountain Olive Oil Company, 114 North College Avenue, Fort Collins. Golf lovers improve your performance with the newest driver from Titleist: the 913. $399. Golf Shop Fort Collins, 4223 South Mason Street, Fort Collins.

Style 2012

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Say “I Do ”

in Style this Year! Style’s annual Wedding Spectacular showcases trends and tips for planning your special day. From choosing an engagement ring, to wedding gowns and cake options, we’ve got you covered. Weddings in 2013 are romantic and flirty or glittery and neon, depending on your style. Here is a round up of the hottest trends: Brides

• Wedding dresses with dramatic back details • Lace wedding dresses • Chunky, sparkling bracelets and necklaces • Dresses that have two skirts, one for the ceremony and another for the reception • Flower hair accessories • Neon colors incorporated into gowns

Bridesmaids

• One shoulder or strapless dresses • Mix matching dress styles • Ivory colored dresses

Grooms

• Feather boutonnieres • Bow ties • Grey suits

Groomsmen

• Vests without jackets • Suspenders • TOMS shoes, check out their bridal collection, www.toms.com

Décor

• Rustic outdoor decor • Paper lanterns • Chalkboard name cards

Invitations

• Laser cut • Watercolor illustrations • Silhouetted illustrations

Style 2012

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

Mountain Chateau Matt & Amanda July 21, 2012 Estes Park

Della Terra Mountain Chateau Matt and Amanda had an office romance that blossomed into true love. When Matt placed the engagement ring on Amanda’s finger, the Texas native knew exactly what she wanted. “I knew I would have a lot of out-of-town guests, so I wanted a place that really showcased the beauty of Colorado.” She came across photos of Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, not far from Matt’s hometown of Loveland. “I fell in love, and when I saw it in person, it was one of those things that you just can’t get out of your mind.” Amanda wanted a wedding with a romantic feel in soft pinks, champagne and ivory. She incorporated touches of pink and lace in sumptuous details: flowers, tablecloths, chair ruffles and cardholders, with rose petals everywhere. But what stood out was the overall attention to detail that the staff at Della Terra paid when putting the special day together. “I didn’t realize how much goes into a wedding. At Della Terra, they went through every minute of the day so that I felt like on the day of everything was executed perfectly,” recalls Amanda. “They did a great job.” “Matt and Amanda’s day was so full of love and beauty. They thought through all of their details before their special day, so on the day of the wedding they were able to concentrate on each other and the joy of the moment they were in. It was an honor to share in those moments with them,” says Pam Amelang, wedding manager at Della Terra Mountain Chateau. These wedding vendors helped complete the special day: Catering, Greens Point Catering, Longmont Photography, This Modern Life Photographers Planning, Seize the Day Event Planners, Boulder Venue, Della Terra Mountain Chateau, Estes Park Makeup, Sugar Mill Productions, Loveland Cake, Intricate Icings Cake Design, Erie Music, Tip Top DJ Florist, Painted Primrose, Boulder Photos courtesy of This Modern Life Photography

Wedding Gowns Romance abounds this wedding season. If you are planning a wedding, check out the latest collections from these top designers, available locally.

Allure Bridals, Style 9000 This gown is soft and romantic with classic lines. The slim, fitted gown features delicate lace throughout. The scooped neckline features an off-the-shoulder cap sleeve with a v-shaped back. The gown is available in White, Ivory, Ivory/CafĂŠ. Available at Blushing Bride, 424 Main Street, Windsor, www.blushingbridecolorado.com

Allure Bridals, Style 9024 This fit and flare mermaid gown is made of rich satin. The fitted bodice has a strapless, sweetheart neckline with crystal accents. Ruching continues asymmetrically throughout the bodice. The gown is available in White/Silver or Ivory/Silver. Available at Blushing Bride, 424 Main Street, Windsor, www.blushingbridecolorado.com

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

Tony Bowl, Style 212274 This breathtaking strapless organza and satin mermaid gown with sweetheart neckline is a stunner. The directionally pleated bodice dips softly in back and is adorned with a detachable self-tie satin ribbon belt, an asymmetrically dropped waistline, dramatic rolled rosettes and a chapel length train. Detachable spaghetti and halter straps are included. Available at The White Orchid Bridal, 513 Big Thompson Ave., Lower Stanley Village, Estes Park, www.whiteorchidinestes.com

Style 2012

Sophia Tollia, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ruthâ&#x20AC;? Glossy satin is displayed in all of its glory in this slim A-line signature Sophia Tolli gown. Distinctive couture-inspired asymmetric draping accentuates the illusion empire line. Guipure lace lightly dusted with crystals highlights the exceptional neckline that spills into cap sleeves. Ruth also features a functional corset back and chapel length train. Available at The White Orchid Bridal, 513 Big Thompson Ave., Lower Stanley Village, Estes Park, www.whiteorchidinestes.com

B L I N G H OW

T O

B U Y

By Laura Sebastian

“I don’t exercise. If God had wanted me to bend over, he would have put diamonds on the floor.” - Joan Rivers

They form more than 100 miles below the surface of the earth and can be anywhere from 50 million to more than 2 billion years old. The ancient Greeks and Romans thought they were tears from the gods and splinters from falling stars. The Hindus believed they were created when bolts of lightning struck rocks. What are they? Diamonds. But before you buy one of these brilliant bits of bling, you need to know more than just the basic “4 Cs.” The world of diamonds is vast and varied and the 4 Cs (color, clarity, cut and carat) are just the tip of the sparkly iceberg. It’s almost impossible for a layperson to gain the expertise needed to avoid being taken advantage of. You need help. “The most important thing to do is to find a jeweler you trust who will take the time to educate you,” says Julie Sather-Browne, Graduate Gemologist and Certified Gemologist of Fort Collins’ 102-year-old Sather’s Leading Jewelers. (Hint: a diamond is not an item you want to buy over the Internet.) “Don’t buy a diamond sight unseen,” she says. “You want to be able to take your time and make sure the diamond says what you want it to say. It should represent the emotion

you have towards the person you’re giving it to. And though you should know your budget [be it big or small], it’s less about price and more about how the diamond makes you feel and how beautiful it is.” To find this special gem, chose a jeweler who’s been around for a long time, and will still be around should there be a problem with your diamond. Ask where they get their diamonds, if their diamonds come with a grading report, and if so, from which lab? Grading reports are not imperative to have but they can provide you with detailed information about a diamond’s 4 Cs. Many labs, some more honest and accurate than others, provide these reports. Two of the most trusted are the Gemological Institute of Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Wedding

Style 2012

America (GIA) and the American Gemological Society (AGS). In addition, your chosen jeweler should have a large selection of diamonds so you can compare colors and cuts. You’ll also want to see the diamonds under magnification (a jeweler’s loupe is best, using at least 10x magnification). It’s also a good idea to ask what their policies are. For instance, what about “trading up”? Will you take a loss if you trade your diamond in down the road or will they give you the full value you paid? Once you’ve decided on your jeweler you can get down to those 4 Cs. Color: Though diamonds come in a rainbow of bright colors (called “fancy diamonds”), the most popular is the classic “white” diamond, which is rarely actually colorless and instead has a range of subtle shades rated from D (colorless, the highest quality) to Z (yellowish or brownish, the poorest quality). Clarity: Diamonds are rated in a range from “flawless” to those which have flaws visible to the naked eye. While diamonds are almost never perfect (their imperfections are natural and make them unique), avoid those with imperfections or “inclusions” that you can see with the naked eye. Other things to avoid are fracture-filled diamonds (where fractures have been filled with sealants), those that have been color-enhanced and those that have had their imperfections laser-drilled out or bleached (which can leave a tunnel). Cut: The cut is often confused with the style of the shape of the diamond, such as Round, Princess, Oval, Asscher, Radiant, Marquise, Emerald and Pear. But the true and important meaning of the cut refers to how the diamond’s facets are cut and how it is polished. This is what creates the diamond’s light performance, which is how brilliantly the light reflects within the gem. The cut is 65 percent of the diamond’s value, so if you’re looking to save money on some aspect of the 4 Cs, go down a few grades on color or clarity, but insist on an excellent cut, such as the Ideal cut. “Style-wise, the Round cut accounts for the majority of what’s sold across the U.S.,” says Sather-Browne. “Oval cut is also strong, especially with the younger generation, and is very romantic and voluptuous.” Carat: Carats range in price based on the jeweler and the diamond itself, and bigger is not always better, so when it comes to carats, chose quality over size. At Sather’s, a one-carat diamond (unset) can range anywhere from $2,900 to $16,000, with their most popular brand being the spectacularly-cut “Hearts on Fire.” “The bottom line, after you’ve taken all the technical information into account,” says SatherBrowne, “is the diamond must be spectacular. It must be one you’re proud to give and one that the person you’re giving it to is proud to wear.” Laura Sebastian is a freelance writer living in Fort Collins.

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

T H E

Wonderful World of W E D D I N G C A K E S

By Laura Sebastian

In 1998, a wealthy San Francisco entrepreneur had the winning bid of $29,900 at a Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s auction for a small item nestled in a waterstained, white silkcovered cardboard box. Inside was a sliver of wedding cake that was no longer terribly moist. It was then 61 years old â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a treasured remnant from the 1937 wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Style 2012

While a slice of your wedding cake might not cause a bidding war, it will nonetheless leave a lasting impression as the magical centerpiece of your wedding reception. With countless options for design, size, flavor, even frosting color, it’s best to begin your search by asking yourself a few questions, such as: •

What is your budget? (Cakes can range from under a hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.)

•

How many guests will you have? (This helps determine your cake’s size.)

•

How much advance notice does your chosen bakery need? (Some require a year’s notice, some only weeks.)

•

Will you have an outdoor or indoor wedding?

•

What are your wedding colors? (The color of your cake should mix well with these.)

•

Do you want a fanciful theme cake or are you the more elegant, traditional type? Photo courtesy of Butter Cream Cupcakery

Photo courtesy of Schmidt’s Bakery and Delicatessen

To help you navigate the world of wedding cakes, we gathered tips and trends from three of Northern Colorado’s busiest bakeries. “We offer 70 flavors, but I’d say red velvet is what we get the most requests for right now, then chocolate and vanilla, then the specialty flavors,” says Robin Pavel, owner of Fort Collins’ Butter Cream Cupcakery. “Our most popular specialty flavor is an almond-raspberry-poppyseed cake with raspberry filling and almond buttercream icing. We also do a lot of cupcake-cakes, which are great for a more casual wedding because they allow guests to help themselves and you to offer different flavors and include options like gluten-free or sugar-free cupcakes.” Another benefit to cupcake-cakes is no cakecutting fee, which many venues and caterers charge to slice, plate and serve each piece. It’s a cost to keep in mind, as fees can range anywhere from $1 to $4 per slice or more (though you can sometimes negotiate to have the fee waived). But before you slice that cake, you have to choose one, and Pamela Mack, owner of The Mixing Bowl in Fort Collins, sees couples choose whimsical, themed cakes as well as traditional options. “We’ve done fun, casual cakes like a mountain-bike cake, a cowboy cake and a HarleyDavidson cake,” Mack says, “but it seems to me that wedding cakes are going back to the traditional, back to tiered cakes with flowers, either real or made of icing. Also trendy is doing a small cake for the bride and groom and then a treat table with desserts like pies, cheesecakes and lemon bars.”

Deb Hilker, owner of Schmidt’s Bakery and Delicatessen in Loveland, says a current seasonal favorite is pumpkin cake. “We make it with caramel filling and cream cheese icing,” Hilker says. “Cream cheese icing accounts for 75 percent of what’s chosen here. Fondant is going out of style big time because it tastes bad and is chewy. Specialty-cake-wise, our Italian Cream Cake, which is a white cake with pecans and a pineapple-apricot-rum filling with cream cheese icing, is very popular. Handpainted cakes are also popular. For these the icing is actually painted and made to look like such colorful things as stained-glass windows or peacock feathers. “Different bakeries charge differently, but we charge $4.50 per serving. So a cake for 100 guests would be $450, regardless of how elaborate or plain the decoration is. You can save money by doing a basic sheet cake for under $100 that would feed about 88 people. Then, for display, you could do a small, un-tiered wedding cake for under $50 dollars.” “If you can’t decide on a flavor for your cake, another option is to choose a different flavor for each tier,” Hilker says. “But before you go for your cake tasting, try to decide what style of cake you want, or at least have an idea. And bring in swatches of your wedding colors and magazine photos of cakes you like.” (For ideas, check out the wonderfully varied wedding cake photo gallery at Perfect-wedding-day.com.) So, what marvelous morsel did the Duke and Duchess of Windsor choose that brought that sky-high bid? It was called a “Gateau Breton” and

wedding cake trends

Photo courtesy of Schmidt’s Bakery and Delicatessen

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Photo courtesy of Butter Cream Cupcakery

Photo courtesy of Schmidtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bakery and Delicatessen

was a six-tiered, 3-foot-high traditional butter cake of the French Breton region with an intense, nutty flavor of buckwheat. Yes, buckwheat. Butter Cream Cupcakery (970) 225-1040 3663 S. College Ave., Fort Collins & (970) 482-2505 172 N. College Ave., Fort Collins buttercreamcupcakery.com The Mixing Bowl (970) 490-2253 1606 South Lemay Ave., Fort Collins themixingbowlco.com Schmidtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bakery & Delicatessen (970) 667-9811 808 14th Street S.W., Loveland schmidtsbakery.com

Laura Sebastian lives in Fort Collins and has been a freelance writer since 1999. Style 2012

D HOLI AY

FUN NTS GUIDE E V E 2012

The holidays are upon us and it is time for those favorite annual events that make the season so memorable. Here are some of Style’s picks from our Northern Colorado community:

N OV E MB ER 23 – Catch the Glow, Downtown Estes Park. As

decorations and baked goods. Business and private people donate other items. The bazaar sells out quickly so go early. $1 at door. www.estesparkcvb.com/calendar

dusk falls, the magic happens. Bands come down the street playing favorite Christmas songs with tiny white twinkly lights reflecting in the bright polished brash. Dancers sway to music. Floats loom from the night, huge and ethereal, with more and more lights that add to the mysteries and magic of Christmas legends and solstice dreams. Free. www.estesparkcvb.com/calendar

24 – Estes Park Fireworks Show, 8:30 p.m., Lake Estes, Estes Park. Watch one of Colorado’s most brilliant fireworks displays in the sky above Lake Estes. Free. www.estesparkcvb.com

23 – 2012 Festival of Trees, 9 a.m., Monfort

24 – Aspen Rain Holiday Gift Show, 10 a.m.,

Concert Hall, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley. Every year the Festival of Trees presents a forest of beautifully decorated trees, whimsical to elaborate, each with its own unique theme. At the end of the Festival, the coveted “People’s Choice” award is presented to the business, individual or organization whose tree is voted overall favorite. $2/adults, $1/children and seniors. www.ucstars.com

23 – Skate Your Turkey Off, all day, Greeley

Ice Haus, Greeley, skate off those Thanksgiving carbs. $3 at door, skate rental free with 2 nonperishable food donations, or $2 skate rental. www.greeleyicehaus.com

23 & 24 – Holiday Artisan Market, 10 a.m., Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive, Fort Collins. All 40,000 feet of the Senior Center is populated

with beautiful, interesting and unique items for the holiday season. It is a holiday tradition for people to spend hours looking for all those special gifts. $1 at the door. www.fcgov.com/events

23 & 24 – The Nutcracker, 7 p.m., Rialto Theater

Center, Loveland. Canyon Concert Ballet returns to the Rialto Theater Center stage to perform this beloved holiday classic. Guest choreographer Stephanie Kitty Bloch will take audiences on a rollercoaster ride of ballet this year with new twists and turns in every scene. $22/adults, $18/senior or student. www.cityofloveland.org

24 – Holiday House Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Estes Park Conference Center, Estes Park. The Estes Park Medical Center’s annual fundraising event offers handmade gifts, knitted wear,

Embassy Suites, Loveland. The event benefits the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. www.facebook.com/ AspenRainEvents

24 – Christmas with the King, 7:30 p.m., Monfort

Concert Hall, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley. Event includes George Gray and his 16-member Elvis Experience Band, gospel singers and a new twist for this Christmas season! Don’t miss this classic Elvis show. Tickets $16-$45. www.ucstars.com

25 – Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5 to 7

p.m., Loveland Museum/Gallery, Loveland. Kick off the holiday season with the tree lighting at the Museum. Free. www.cityofloveland.org

27 – Holiday Sip & Shop, 6 to 9 p.m., Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley. Enjoy the beautiful lobbies decorated for Festival of Trees; purchase clothing

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(models will be strolling throughout the evening), accessories and holiday items. Take part in the fun of the Holiday High Heel Hunt, door prizes, a raffle, grab bags and great photo opportunities. Two free drink coupons and cash bar. $15/person, must be 21 years or older. www.ucstars.com

28 – Silver Bells Social, 1 to 3 p.m., Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley. An annual event for those 55 years and older. Holiday treats, tea and coffee, music, dance and prizes – all set amidst the beautiful Festival of Trees. $5/ticket. www.ucstars.com

29 – Miracle on 34th Street, 7 p.m., Monfort

Concert Hall, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley. Rediscover the magic of believing that wishes can come true and miracles still happen in Meredith Willson’s musical production of one of the best loved of all holiday classic tales. $33-$42. www.ucstars.com

30 & Dec. 1 – Christmas Presence, 7 p.m.,

Lincoln Center Performance Hall, Fort Collins. A ballet performed by students of The Studio in Fort Collins. $25-$27. www.fcgov.com/lctix

30 & Dec. 1 – Gifts from the Garden, 5 p.m.

to 8 p.m., Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins. Shop the annual holiday plant and gift sale. Select from handmade items crafted by local artisans, and plants grown and nurtured in our greenhouse. www.fcgov.com/gardens

30 - Dec. 31 – Garden of Lights, 5 p.m. to 9

p.m., Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins. A festive holiday light show throughout the month of December with tens of thousands of LED lights lighting The Gardens and its whimsical residents. The glowing flowerbeds created from LED lights will also delight visitors. www.fcgov.com/gardens

D E CEMB ER 1 – 2012 Jingle Bell Run/Walk Northern Colo-

rado, 8 a.m., Colorado State University Campus on Oval Drive, Fort Collins. The run/walk benefits the Arthritis Foundation. www.jinglebellrunnortherncolorado.kintera.org

1 – Teddy Bear Bash, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Union

Colony Civic Center, Greeley. Take the kids to make a holiday craft, enjoy treats and cider, call Santa with your wish list, go fishing at the North Pole, sing Christmas carols and have a great time with your loved ones. Bears and other stuffed animals encouraged. $5/ticket. www.ucstars.com

1 – Windsor Wonderland, Main Street, Windsor. Enjoy hot chocolate, horse drawn carriages and visiting with Santa. For more details visit www.widsorgov.com.

1 – Poinsettia Pops, 7:30 p.m., Monfort Concert

Hall, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley. This concert is an annual tradition at the UCCC. Come early and view the Festival of Trees in the lobbies. $38/ adult, $5/children and students. www.ucstars.com Style 2012

2 – Silver Jubilee Christmas Concert, 2 p.m. to

4 p.m., Rialto Theater Center, Loveland. The Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers introduce the Christmas season this year with carols old and new and spirituals to keep your toes tappin’ in their 25th anniversary concert season of the finest a cappella music. $15/adult, $7/student. www.cityofloveland.org

6, 7, 8 & 9 – Canyon Concert Ballet: The

Nutcracker, 7 p.m. or 2 p.m. on Dec. 8, Lincoln Center Performance Hall, Fort Collins. Canyon Concert Ballet will present five performances of The Nutcracker for the 31st year in Northern Colorado. This holiday tradition will be directed by guest choreographer, Stefanie Kitty Bloch, who will take audiences on a rollercoaster ride, with new twists and turns in every scene. $20 or $24 senior/student/child, $25 or $30 adult. www.fcgov.com/lctix

7 – Fort Collins Through the Eyes of Those Who Have No Home, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Center for Fine Art Photography, Fort Collins. As a way to generate support and awareness to the issue of homelessness in our community, Homeward 2020 & the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness gave 10 cameras to homeless residents in Fort Collins asked them to take pictures and write about their experiences living in this community. Support and proceeds of event will go toward the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. www. downtownfortcollins.com

7 – Olde English Christmas Feast, 6 p.m., YMCA

of the Rockies, Estes Park. Now in their ninth year of presenting “The Olde English Christmas Feast,” the Estes Valley Chamber Singers are expecting another sellout event. The twohour program includes a seven-course meal and musical numbers from singers, fiddlers and bell ringers. $50/person. www.estesparkcvb.com

7 – 21st Annual Carolfest, 6:30 p.m., Opera Galleria, Fort Collins. The 21st annual Carolfest brings together people of all ages and singing abilities in song and celebration. The public is welcome to come sing to their hearts content while being lead by professional singers. Free. www.downtownfortcollins.com

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7 – Ring in the Season, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Rialto Theater Center, Loveland. Bells of the Rockies are an auditioned handbell ensemble with ringers from Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming under the direction of Michael Kastner. Join them for a joyous prelude to the holiday season. $15/adult, $10/senior or student, free/ children under 6 years. www.cityofloveland.org

7, 8 & 9 – The Nutcracker, Dec. 7 and 8 at

7:30 p.m., Dec. 9 at 3 p.m., Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley. Colorado Dance Theater presents its annual holiday favorite. $22/adults, $18/seniors, $13/children and students. www. ucstars.com

7 & 9 – A Christmas Carol, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

or Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m., Northridge High School Auditorium, Greeley. Based on the classic tale by Charles Dickens. $13/adults, $10/children. www.ucstars.com

8 – A Rocky Mountain Christmas, 5:30 to 10 p.m., Estes Park Resort, Estes Park, Longs Peak Rotary Foundation 2012 Charity Ball. Enjoy Kings of Swing and a silent auction, benefitting Academics, Athletics & Arts for the youth of Estes Park. $75/person. www.estesparkcvb.com 8 – Interstate Cowboy Christmas Ball, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Rialto Theater Center, Loveland. Ring in the Christmas season of holiday fun for the whole family with Interstate Cowboy and Friends, presenting an evening of music, humor and stories with all the Christmas trimmings including Santa Claus. Twenty percent of ticket sales will be donated directly to Loveland’s House of Neighborly Service. Sponsored by Citizen Printing. $20/adult, $15/senior or student. www. cityofloveland.org

9 – ‘Tis the Season Community Sing-a-Long, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Rialto Theater, Loveland. Enjoy this traditional holiday treat for the Loveland community. Sing the songs and share the spirit of the season in this audience participation event led by Loveland’s own Sharon Sheets. Enjoy a hot drink, a sweet treat and a break from the hectic pace of the holidays. Free. www. cityofloveland.org Style 2012

ACTIVE SENIORS • HEALTH • ACTIVITIES • RECREATION • WELLNESS • SERVICES

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

ACTIVE SENIORS • HEALTH • ACTIVITIES • RECREATION • WELLNESS • SERVICES

Style 2012

11 – Christmas with the Celts, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln

Center Performance Hall, Fort Collins. Described as “Ancient Meets Modern,” you will hear haunting, heart-stirring, Celtic Christmas carols that date back as far as the 12th century, combined with modern drum loops and synth work. The program also includes popular holiday carols that are performed along with Celtic instrumentation. $32/ticket. www.fcgov.com/lctix

14 – Craig Morgan & Phil Vassar: Acoustic

Christmas Tour, 7:30 p.m., Monfort Concert Hall, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley. Celebrate a down-home country Christmas with Craig Morgan and Phil Vassar. The two country superstars will perform all of their hits and holiday favorites. $28-$75. http://www.ucstars.com

14 & 15 – Clara and the Nutcracker, Dec. 14 at

7 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m., Lincoln Center Performance Hall, Fort Collins. Contemporary Dance Academy will delight audiences young and old with its full-scale production of The Nutcracker. Clara and The Nutcracker has all the magic, joy and sweetness audiences have come to love. $15/children and seniors 60+, $19/ adults. www.fcgov.com/lctix

14 & 15 – Gift of the Magi, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. or Dec. 15 at 2 p.m., UCA Griffin Concert Hall, Fort Collins. Contemporary composer David Conte has given the characters a broad, romantic musical palette evocative of Puccini. The Gift of the Magi will become part of Opera Fort Collins’ rotating schedule of holiday operas for families. $40/adult, $20/student, $10/children 12 & under. www.fcgov.com/lctix 15 – Sounds of Christmas, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Rialto Theater Center, Loveland. Enjoy the glorious sounds of the spirited LCS voices with the sumptuous music of the Christmas Symphony Orchestra in a festive program to add sparkle and delight to the season. $16/person, www.ci.loveland.co.us

15 – Rocky Mountain Brassworks Concert, 7:30

p.m. A brass Christmas celebration. $12/advance adult tickets, $6/ advance children tickets, $14/ adult tickets at door, $8/ child tickets at door. www.estespark.cvb.com

21 – The Fort Collins Foodie Walk, 5 to 8 p.m.,

Downtown, Fort Collins. Downtown Fort Collins offers a culinary adventure in a beautiful historic pedestrian area of the city. The Fort Collins Foodie Walk is a self-guided walk that occurs each month and will feature new presentations, tasting opportunities and themes each month. www.downtownfortcollins.com

20 - 23 – A Christmas Carol, 2 p.m. and 7:30

p.m., Rialto Theater Center, Loveland. A Christmas Carol is a spectacular musical extravaganza telling Charles Dickens’ tale of mister Ebeneezer Scrooge. $15/adults, $12/seniors/students, $8/ children under 12. www.cityofloveland.org

Style 2012

All photos courtesy of the Little Shop of Physics.

family f o cu s

T h e L i ttl e S h o p

of Physics

The Chronophones show students how sound travels through the tubes from the funnel on each ear. Photo taken at Harris Elementary.

By Logan Martinez

Looking across a room filled with new wonders, the children smile with joy, knowing the classroom is not for lectures or note taking today – it is for exploring and learning through experiencing science firsthand. The Little Shop of Physics is a hands-on science outreach program at Colorado State University. It focuses on how to teach students in K-12 creative ways of learning and connecting with science. Experiments they use include lessons about pressure, gravity, freezing, energy and global warming. Founder, Brian Jones, Physics Coordinator at CSU, decided to make the Little Shop of Physics an interactive experience for students after seeing how an eighth grade class reacted to one of his lectures. “The Little Shop of Physics had its birth in a very bad experience in an eighth-grade classroom,” Jones says. “They [students] were falling asleep,

passing notes and it was a humiliating and awful experience. But they liked being able to come up afterwards and work with all of the stuff that I had… They got to touch, they got to do, and that was what they wanted and what they needed.” The Little Shop of Physics has been showing children in K-12 how to perform science since 1991, when the Little Shop travelled around in a Volkswagen Bus with 25 experiments. It has since grown to travel to schools throughout Colorado, South Dakota, New Mexico, Wyoming and Nebraska in a 12-passenger van with the seats removed to accommodate over 100 experiments. “The big message of The Little Shop of Physics is that science is accessible,” Jones says. “The stuff we do is exciting, fun, engaging, and we hope people come here with that message. It is also effective. We have some great data that the lessons we present teach them things. We can show that an hour spent working hands-on with our experiments lets kids develop improved

The Little Shop of Physics visited Harris Elementary School. These rainbow glasses show the colors in any light source.

CONTINUED ON PG 80

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kids • play • fun • health • activities

For inFormation & to register call LoveLand:

2755 North Garfield, Loveland, CO 80538 • 970-663-0754

Fort CoLLins:

1100 Rocky Mtn. Way, Fort Collins, CO 80526 • 970-223-5437 3506 Lochwood Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525 • 970-223-3888 4703 McMurry Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80525 • 970-377-0407 4755 Royal Vista Circle, Fort Collins, CO 80528 (Windsor exit) • 970-223-0056

Style 2012

family f o cu s can lead to a concussion or traumatic brain injury that can be life-threatening,” Quick says. “Independent of skill level or experience, children (and adults) of all ages should wear helmets while riding bicycles or motorcycles, skating, skiing, while riding a sled or inner tube down a snowy slope, playing hockey or football or participating in any sport or activity where the child is at risk for sustaining an injury or blow to the head.” The CDC also makes these recommendations for concussion prevention:

C o n c u ss i o n

Awareness

•

Check with your league or school about their concussion policies.

•

Create a concussion action plan before the athletic season starts, if one is not already included in the concussion policy.

•

Educate athletes and other parents, even coaches, about the dangers of concussions. Insist safety comes first and make sure young athletes know it is dangerous to play with a concussion. Teach them safe playing techniques and encourage them to display good sportsmanship at all times.

•

Make sure athletes wear the proper safety gear that fits properly, is well maintained and worn correctly.

•

Monitor your athlete’s health. Some schools can conduct a preseason baseline test to assess brain function. These tests can be given again during the season if a child has a concussion to help identify the effects of an injury or head trauma.

•

After a concussion, always make sure an experienced healthcare professional releases your child to play before they return to the game. Concussions take time to heal and repeat concussions can slow recovery or cause long-term problems.

•

Keep track of concussions; make sure coaches and school officials know of past injuries.

By Angeline Grenz

Earlier this year, the Today show featured a report about a rise in the number of young female soccer players experiencing concussions. The medical experts’ conclusion: girls’ necks are much weaker than boys, which make them more prone to concussions. These finding follow news reports that point to an overall rise in sport-related concussions among young athletes. In fact, in 2011 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released findings that approximately 135,000 children every year, ages 5 to 18, are treated for sports or recreation related concussions. On Jan. 1, 2012, the Jake Snakenberg Youth Concussion Act went into effect in Colorado, which prevents young athletes who are believed to have suffered a concussion from returning to a game until they have received medical clearance. But determining a concussion can be a difficult thing, especially for parents whose children are anxious to keep playing even after a collision. Nancy Quick, PT, Ph.D., owner of Berkana Rehabilitation Institute, recommends parents take precautions not only during organized sports, but during recreational time. “There are different helmets for different types of outdoor activities so that the helmet can maximize the protection of the brain,” she

says. “Kids should wear the appropriate helmet for the activity that they are participating in. Furthermore, parents should select helmets that meet the design standards outlined by the regulating body/organization for that particular sport, such as the Bicycle Helmet and Safety Institute or the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. Properly designed helmets are a child’s best protection against a concussion or head injury.” As important as it is to have a helmet, it is equally important to make sure the headgear fits your child appropriately. Quick suggests, “It is important to ensure that the child’s helmet fits them correctly and is not too big or too small. Children should not wear a hat under their helmet. The helmet should be worn level so that it covers the forehead. Helmets should be examined on a regular basis to ensure the integrity of the helmet has not been compromised. Helmets that have been dented or damaged in some way should be replaced. Chinstraps must be worn to ensure that the helmet works properly. If it becomes torn, damaged or broken, the strap should be replaced.” Mouth guards can be used in addition to helmets to help prevent concussions, she adds. The severity of impact is not as easy to determine as many parents may think. “It’s important to remember that even minor accidents

Berkana Rehabilitation is one of the only clinics in Northern Colorado to offer the preconcussion screening recommended by the CDC, says Quick. At Berkana, they use ImPACT, a computerized neurocognitive assessment tool that can help determine an athlete’s ability to return to play after suffering a concussion. It is necessary to do a pre-season assessment to determine a baseline for each athlete. Visit www.berkanarehab.com for more information about ImPACT. For a complete list of recommendations and physical and emotional symptoms of a concussion from the CDC, visit www.cdc.gov/concussion/sports/ prevention.html for more information. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

kids • play • fun • health • activities

Style 2012

family focus

LawyersWest Wills, Trusts, Asset Protection, Litigation Guardianships/Conservatorships, Business Law

Poudre

School District

Rocky Mountain High School 17th Annual Adopt-a-Family Program

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Rocky Mountain High School has been giving back to families in Larimer County for the past 17 years through the AdoptA-Family Program. Homeroom classes and student organizations “adopt” a family that has been referred for the program as a family most in need of assistance. Last year, RMHS aided 80 families and raised over $10,000 plus an additional $40,000 worth of food, clothing, school supplies, books, personal care items, bedding and household items. Each student organization and homeroom class will begin raising funds and donating items for the families, which will be given to them on December 15. Families and businesses are free to contact Pam Kilness at Rocky Mountain High School if they are interested in donating toward the cause at (970) 488-7029 or email her at pkilness@psdschools.org. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Weld County

School District 6

Monfort Elementary, Socks ‘n’ Crocs Drive Monfort Elementary has a great mission to teach its students about high achievement and community service. This holiday season, Monfort is planning the Socks ‘n’ Crocs drive to gather up socks, hats, gloves and shoes for the Guadalupe Center for the Homeless. In the past, students put together over 100 hygiene kits for the Guadalupe Center. “I want students to learn that it is not beyond themselves to give back to our community and learn that not everyone has simple items like socks or shoes for winter,” says Sue Highland, principal of Monfort Elementary. The drive will begin just after Thanksgiving and everything they gather up will be taken to The Guadalupe Center in mid-December, prior to Winter Break.

Thompson

School District

Conrad Ball Middle School, Holiday Coat Drive Conrad Ball Middle School is having two donation drives in November and December. The first will be a coat drive in November for students in need within their own school and in the community. All of the coats and other clothes that are left over will be donated to House of Neighborly Services. “This time of year is hard for donations because so many of our families need donations themselves,” Assistant Principal Tiffany Miller says. Coats will be donated weekly throughout November. The second will be a food drive beginning on Dec. 1. The food will be donated to shelters on Dec. 21, in time for the Christmas holiday.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2012

CONTINUED FROM PG 72

At Harris Elementary, a hairdryer moves a PingPong ball without dropping it from the air flow. understanding of many different concepts.” The Little Shop of Physics now has a show called “Everyday Science” on Poudre School District Channel 10, Rocky Mountain PBS and at the Little Shop’s podcast page. The show depicts Jones teaming up with PSD students to “not only entertain, but it is tied to science standards for grades K-12,” according the Rocky Mountain PBS website. The program also gives undergraduate students at CSU experience interacting with problemsolving and teaching. “They get a chance to solve real, interesting technical problems. Every one of our hands-on experiments is built with everyday objects. They get a chance to learn to explain complex concepts to a varied audience,” Jones says. The teamwork undergraduate students experience also enhances the opportunity. “They get a chance to see themselves differently,” Jones explains. “We are a team, and our interns are crucial to what we do. We – and the kids we work with – are counting on the interns to do what they do. Little Shop isn’t just a job; it’s more than that. And the K-12 students we visit really look up to the college kids. So they see themselves as important members of a team worthy of the respect and admiration of younger students.” Throughout one academic year, the Little Shop of Physics sees over 20,000 students, not including the 6,000 children who participate in their open house at CSU in the spring. “Kids are great scientists; they naturally ask, ‘what would happen if…’ and then try it,” Jones says. “Of course, kids learn about science concepts as well – more than they do in a lecture classroom setting. You wouldn’t want Little Shop every class period every day, but it’s a great complement to the other instruction they get.” The Little Shop of Physics www.littleshop.physics.colostate.edu

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

FESTIVE PARTIES | HOLIDAY LUNCH | DINNER CELEBRATIONS | FESTIVE PARTIES | HOLIDAY LUNCH

Style 2012

Delicious Discoveries W IT H

F E AST ING

F ORT

C OLLINS

Local Foodie Gift Ideas The holidays are such a magical time in Northern Colorado and the season is ripe with traditional flavors for winter celebrations. We sip on eggnog and hot chocolate, nibble on peppermint and pumpkin, and, for some reason, they all taste better when it’s delicately snowing upon the Front Range. This time of year also tends to be quite busy with shopping hustle and bustle as we rush to find the perfect gifts for our friends and family. If there’s anything I know about the folks in Fort Collins, it’s that we have a passionate love for food in our community. So why not gift the magnificent flavors of the holidays to tantalize the taste buds of our favorite foodies? No matter what celebrations we cherish or traditions we hold dear to our hearts, food always plays a big part in those holiday moments. These really are the gifts that keep on giving while honoring our diversity and friendship. Here is a list of some tasty Fort Collins’ businesses that have some deliciously decadent items that will be sure to impress the most discerning palates in the Choice City.

Old Town Spice Shop

Rocky Mountain Olive Oil

Mary’s Mountain Cookies

Vern’s Toffee House Handcrafted butter almond toffee made the old-fashioned way is a luxurious gift that will keep you on your friends’ nice list all year long. Vern’s Toffee is such a favorite treat within the Fort Collins community that people ship boxes to their friends and business partners all over the world. Stop in for a tour, taste a sample and see the large map of where this local gourmet toffee is being tasted around the globe. www.vernstoffee.com

Vintages Handcrafted Wines

There is a lot of thought and consideration that goes into holiday giving. We really want to show our loved ones how much we care. Wine is often an appreciated holiday dinner gift. Why not go the extra mile and add some personalization? At Vintages, you can blend your own handcrafted wines and design your own labels. The customization makes a simple bottle of wine something a little more intriguing. www.vintageswine.com

Kilwin’s Step into this little shop of sweets and you will find a large selection of confections that will make the Sugar Plum Fairy jealous. They have truffles, candy apples, chocolate covered strawberries and more, but you cannot pass up their freshly made fudge. Hand-paddled to perfection, this is a rich indulgence that most save for special occasions. What’s a better gift than a little chocolate splurge? www.kilwins.com/fortcollins

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.

The best food gifts are those that introduce your favorite people to flavors they may not have tasted before. Rocky Mountain Olive Oil is the perfect spot for this. Using uniquely flavored extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars, you can mix and match to create some incredible salad dressings and marinades at home. My favorite is the Ripe Peach Balsamic Vinegar mixed with Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It’s a delightful flavor combination that I want to drench all of my food into. www.rockymountainoliveoil.com

By Kristin Mastre 82

Most kitchen pantries are full of standard items like sugar, flour and salt. You can think outside the box and snazz it up for your loved ones by surprising them with something unique, like flavored salts. Visit the Old Town Spice Shop and you’ll find an amazing selection of mouthwatering flavored salts – from smoked Apple Wood to Vanilla Bean. This is a brilliant way to add some creativity to your plates. These are perfect stocking stuffers! www.oldtownspiceshop.com

MouCo Cheese Company

You won’t find ordinary cheese at MouCo Cheese Company. Quite the contrary! My personal favorite is the Truffello – a soft, creamy cheese that is packed with nutty truffle bits. This puts all other cheese and cracker combinations to shame because of its fabulous richness. It pairs well with beer, making it the ultimate savory snack in Fort Collins. www.mouco.com High altitude baking can be a little tricky, and maybe you just don’t have the time to bake for all of your friends. Cookies are such a central part of holiday food-gift giving – what’s a glass of milk without a plate a chocolate crinkles to go with? Mary’s Mountain Cookies are the best cookies in the entire city – gigantic, soft and amazingly delicious. They make some fabulous flavors during the holidays; flavors that you aren’t going to find any other time of the year. www.facebook.com/cookiedomination

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2012

DowntownFortCollins.com Downtown Fort Collins is a vibrant historic area of Fort Collins is the city’s central business district and cultural center 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 eighty event days a year, has sold over one million dollars in Downtown Fort Collins gift cards and advocates for downtown and its member businesses. Downtown has 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

November 16 Fort Collins Foodie Walk November 17 – Winter Market November 17 – Santa Claus Arrives November 17-24 Santa’s Workshop is open! December 1 – Winter Market December 7 - Carolfest December 7 First Friday featuring Gallery Walk December 7 Fine and Funky Arts Show December 15 - TUBAChristmas December 1 – Winter Market December 21 Fort Collins Foodie Walk December 22 – Winter Market December 31 - First Night Fort Collins

Proud Supporters Of Your Downtown Businesses

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

DowntownFortCollins.com Gift Cards are perfect for the holidays!

Over 125 downtown businesses accept Downtown Gift Cards! Tasty restaurants, unique boutique shopping, live entertainment, art galleries, all in a historic setting! These gift cards available at the Downtown Visitors Center and Cache Bank and Trust or by calling 970-484-6500.

New Year’s Eve- December 31st, 2012 - Come join in the fun downtown for the 17th annual First Night Fort Collins! Enjoy the wonderful and diverse entertainment presented at this nonalcoholic New Year’s Eve celebration. First Night Fort Collins 2013 promises new performing acts, storytelling, history, interactive craft projects, old favorites, street performers, international dancing and much more. This year’s lineup brings Fort Collins, Front Range and national performers together to create an unique experience filled with a wide variety of performance styles. (Event is all indoors except the Kids’ Countdown! Event will happen rain or shine.)

The Fort Collins Foodie Walk is a self-guided walk that occurs each month and will feature new presentations, tasting opportunities, and themes each month. Who is a foodie? Foodies are people who simply love food for consumption, study, preparation, and recreation. Foodies wish to learn everything about food, the best and the ordinary, and take in the science, industry, history, and characters surrounding food. Culinary shops in Downtown Fort Collins focus on unique quality ingredients, locally sourced and organic produce in their shops. The Fort Collins Foodie Walk offers a way for people to explore and enjoy the world of food and spices!

More info at

DowntownFortCollins.com

Proud Supporters Of Your Downtown Businesses

Style 2012

B B B C E N T E N N I A L C E L E B R AT I O N August 17 :: The Drake Centre :: Fort Collins The Better Business Bureau serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming celebrated the 100th anniversary of the BBB by sharing the spotlight with 16 Colorado and Wyoming companies and organizations that have been in existence 100 years or more – both BBB accredited and those that are not. Sponsored by the BBB Foundation, the luncheon was attended by 250 guests and included keynote speaker Stephen M. R. Covey, who spoke to the ever-growing importance of marketplace trust. Photos courtesy of Superior Imaging.

Christine Chin, Cody Fullmer, Tom Goding

Mike Pierce, Isaac Essay

Linda Sorensen, Betti Seay, Mary McCambridge

2ND ANNUAL FIELD TO FORK August 18 :: Grant Family Farms :: Fort Collins This outdoor family event showcased the talents of chefs from 11 local restaurants. Chefs, using food items donated by local and Colorado-based purveyors, created delicious dishes for the nearly 250 guests in attendance. Live music, a silent and live auction, and tours of the farm added enjoyment for all. The $13,000 raised will benefit Legacy Land Trust and their mission to protect key natural, scenic and agricultural lands of Northern Colorado. Photos courtesy of Zebra Jellyfish Photography.

Jerry Kopp, Bob Richmond, Ryan Boggs

Nancy West, Geoff Feiss, Hannah Wilbur

Paige Flannary, Lew Grant, Dee Ann Westfall

1 0 th A N N U A L B occe Y B ella S era August 18 :: Larimer County Child Advocacy Center :: Fort Collins Skill, strategy and luck were part of the winning formula at the Bocce Y Bella event. Players on 50+ teams rolled or threw bocce and pallino balls for points in this ancient Italian game of lawn bowling, modified for American conditions. Festivities included an afternoon of food, drinks and a silent auction. More than $60,000 was raised to benefit the Larimer County Children’s Advocacy Center, whose mission is to reduce trauma to children during child abuse investigations.

1st Place Winners: Scott Butters, Diane & Jay Klassen, Susan & Tracy Walker, Susan Butters, Bullhide 4 X 4 Team

Jaclyn Shaklee, Daniel Lipscomb, Kit Harden

2nd Place Winners: Troy Jennings, Jon Ainslie, Bobby Khan, Grant Jennings, Affordable Roofing Team Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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DOHN CONSTRUCTION CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT August 24 :: Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club :: Windsor Dohn Construction hosted their 5th annual Charity Golf Tournament with more than 140 golfers giving it their best during the afternoon of friendly competition. Golfers vied for eagles, birdies and par with the day of play concluding in an awards barbeque. More than $19,000 was raised from the tournament to benefit Partners Mentoring Youth and their mission to create and support mentoring relationships between positive adult role models and youth facing challenges in their lives. In the fast five years, Dohn Construction has raised $100,700 for various youth nonprofits in the community through this event.

Riley Nelson, Ryan Bach, Martin Lind, Stacy Kleve Water Valley Team

Damien Wilson, Terri Hanna, Clint Hanna, Brett Kemp Partners Board Team

6 T H A N N U A L N O C O A C T I V E 2 0 / 3 0 S U I T C A S E PA R T Y 2 0 1 2 August 24 :: Fort Collins/Loveland Airport :: Loveland The beautiful Colorado evening sky was the perfect backdrop for this red carpet event. More than 1,200 guests mingled, sampled delicious cuisine from five local restaurants and sipped libations while live auction bidding kept anticipation high until the finale of the evening, the live raffle for the surprise getaway. This jetsetting evening provided three winning couples a chance to be whisked away that evening to spend a luxury-filled long weekend on Catalina Island in California. The event raised more than $170,000 to help support at-risk youth nonprofit organizations in Northern Colorado. Photos courtesy of Aldabella Photography.

Mary Rose Paulis, Bryan Dale, Amber Wall, Cory Gill, Tiffany Helton

Matt Cooper, Regina Franco

U N I T E D WAY L O YA L C O N T R I B U T O R & L E A D E R S H I P C E L E B R AT I O N August 30 :: Fort Collins Museum of Discovery :: Fort Collins More than 200 guests enjoyed drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a special sneak peek tour of what’s to come at Fort Collins’ newest museum at the United Way of Larimer County Loyal Contributor and Leadership Celebration. This event honored and recognized those that have supported the United Way of Larimer County over the years. Loyal Contributors are donors that have given to any United Way for more than 10 years, and Leadership Donors donate $500 or more annually. Photos courtesy of Zebra Jellyfish Photography.

Karen & Carl Spina

Doug Woods, Michelle & Rob Stumbaugh

Janene & Mike Dellenbach

Darin Atteberry, Joe Zimlich Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Bobby Salazar, Gregg Holcomb, Brenton Meintzer Dohn Construction Team

Lauren Roesner, Timiry Krieger, Jennifer Kurth, Victoria Mikysa

Emily Weaver, Shirley Weaver, Brandon Weaver Style 2012

E V E N I N G AT T H E PA R K / H I S T O R I C H O M E T O U R September 7 & 8 :: Nine Area Homes :: Fort Collins With City Park celebrating its 100th birthday, the 28th Historic Home Tour took place “All Around the Park” this year. Friday evening kicked off the weekend event with a twilight tour of three homes overlooking City Park, a buffet, dessert bar, live music and a silent auction. Saturday’s tour included six homes, some renovated and some in their original form, alldiffering in architectural styles, with a special treat this year – the Airstream Travel Trailer Exhibit. More than $23,000 was raised to benefit the Poudre Landmarks Foundation, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and their mission to preserve, restore, protect and interpret the architectural and cultural heritage of Fort Collins.

Karol & Tom Harding, Jennifer Beccard

Mary & Larry Atchison

Teresa & Chris McElroy, Ginny Banks

Nicole Armbrust, Bryanne Brescher

Laurie Evans, Richard Evans, Cathy Hollen

Tom & Bridget Tisthammer

Christine Nofsinger, Brian Kelly

MCKEE MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT September 14 :: Marianna Butte Golf Course :: Loveland A stellar day greeted 94 golfers for a morning flight, 18-hole scramble at the 14th annual McKee Masters. Participants had plenty of friendly competition and fun, as golf teams vied for hole prizes and gave it their best. A luncheon banquet followed play and awards were presented for longest drive, longest putt and best-dressed team, to name a few. Sponsored by McKee Medical Center Foundation, the event raised more than $28,000 for The Stepping Stones Adult Day Program.

Dennis Hogerty, Lee Grant, John Heinrich, Hal Johnson Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies Team

Dave Janssen, Josh Miller, Christian Bordewick, Cody Fullmer Bank of Colorado Team – Winners of McKee Masters Golf Tournament

Jeff Harrell, Michelle Harrell, Kevin Foley, Robert Ramirez BMG Specialists Team

Scott McPherson, Gene Haffner, Lynn Longner, Dan Dennie North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) Team Lynn Longner took the longest drive for the women. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

C E M E T E R Y S tr o l l September 15 :: Grandview Cemetery :: Fort Collins Nearly 600 community members attended Fort Collins oldest and largest living history event at the Cemetery Stroll: Law & Disorder. Some of Fort Collinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; most colorful historic characters from both sides of the law came to life as actors did graveside portrayals of outlaws, lawmen and others at seven vignette sites throughout Grandview Cemetery. Proceeds from the event benefit programs at Fort Collins Senior Center. Photos courtesy of Marjorie Morningstar.

Greg Daley as Frank Potts

Jan Manning as Robert Miller

J. Alan Beatty as Captain Josiah McIntyre

Joan Day as Luella M. Mason

Gena Zerlan as Madame Maple Lafitte

Clint Black as Abner Loomis

Style 2012

rhinestones , ropers & R ubies - C AT T L E B A R O N S B A L L 2 0 1 2 September 22 :: Spicer Arena :: Eaton Perfect weather, a beautiful sunset and a magically transformed Spicer Arena greeted 840 guests at the American Cancer Society Cattle Barons Ball. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the premier Northern Colorado event provided guests with a red carpet evening of western elegance including a delicious dinner, nine exciting live auction items, nearly 200 silent auction items, several raffles, guest photography and the highlight: a live performance from country star LeAnn Rimes. Her performance provided an electrifying end to a highly memorable evening. The evening netted a record $378,000 and will benefit American Cancer Society research, education, advocacy and patient services.

Mike Faulkner, LeAnn Rimes, Lea Faulkner

Caitlin Stoller, Jack Stoller, LeAnn Rimes, Rose Stoller, Brandi Stoller

Photos courtesy Flair of Art.

Senator Scott & Pamela Renfroe

Jennifer & Nick Jamison

Andrew Guttersen, Penny Guttersen, Ashley Mawson

Angela & Royal Lovell

Julie Johnson Haffner, Gene Haffner

Kristy & Pete LeClair

Sandy & Jerry Helgeson, Congressman Cory Gardner, Lora & Fred Liske

Beth & Mark Brase

Seated-Sandra Pilkington, Melissa Venable, Mary Rutledge, Marci Guay, Ina Szwec, Mary Golbuff . Standing-David Guay, Lydia Dody, Dave Venable, John Garnand

Kristi & Bruce Bennigsdorf

Nicki & Jim Elsberry, Crystal Day, Glenn Droegmuelle Lydiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STYLE Magazine

THE LAUREN PROJECT September 22 :: Pelican Lakes Golf Course & Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homestead Bar & Grill :: Windsor An evening of delicious food, including great desserts, live music and a silent auction were part of the 3rd annual The Lauren Project Silent Auction. More than $19,000 was raised to support carbon monoxide (CO) education and awareness projects, and provide grants to young people ages 21 to 35, to do international volunteer service. The Lauren Project honors the memory and passion of Lauren Moilien Johnson who was killed by CO in 2009 while pursuing her Masters degree in International Human Rights. Photos courtesy of Robert Campagna.

Paul Richards (Panama), Jess Burge (Nicaragua), Emily Kernen (Ghana), Maria Sanchez (Peru) Recipients of the Lauren Moilien Johnson Human Rights Award and the countries they served.

Alicia Kaempfe, Don Johnson Alicia was the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award

Karen Trusler, Adam Johnson

Ryan Troyer, Kirk Bauer, Mike Matzke Windsor/Severance Fire Department was the recipient of the Lauren Moilien Johnson Community Partnership Award Style 2012

S O I R E E O F T H E S P H I N X - T O P C AT & TA I L S G A L A October 12 :: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center :: Loveland Nearly 425 animal lovers came to celebrate the 14th annual Top Cat event this year, themed “Soiree of the Sphinx,” and were treated to a wonderful night worthy of the pharaohs. A social hour with appetizers, live music and an extensive silent auction greeted attendees followed by a delicious dinner, Paw Studded Adoptable Pet Parade featuring 10 cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and a rabbit, and a spirited live auction. The event helped to raise a record amount of more than $120,000 for the Larimer Humane Society (LHS) and their programs to help promote and provide responsible care and treatment to the nearly 12,000 lost, abandoned, injured, abused, ill and orphaned wild and domestic animals LHS cares for every year.

Barb Albers holds Cairo

Mark Pedersen, Ken Sloan, Jason Jarvis

Sarah Kyle, Madeline Novey

Kathy Lanning, Sondy Skrove

Mike Croce, John Warren

Martie Faulk, Carole Eggers

Lance & Shirley Perryman

Sheri Austin holds Isis, Mary Carrol

Karen Morris, Karen Horak

Susan Humphries, Judy Scherpelz

Michelle Martens with Ultimate Pet Winner, Neferfifi

Jane Sullivan, Linda Fisher

MEOW-LOWEEN October 19 :: Avogadro’s Number :: Fort Collins Nearly 100 costumed guests came to celebrate the Halloween season and enjoy a bewitching evening at this 3rd annual event. Costume contests, refreshments, dancing to a DJ and prize drawings added fun and merriment for all and helped to raise funds to benefit the Fort Collins Cat Rescue & Spay/Neuter Clinic and their programs to prevent pet overpopulation, sheltering and adoption of cats, and their low-cost sterilization services. Costume winner photos courtesy of Frank Goss.

Sara Muzquiz won Best Cat Costume as The Pink Panther

Lenonard Mahoney won Joe Allen & Hilary Foshee – Best Best Non-Cat costume as Couple Costume as Mary Poppins Jersey Girl & Bert the Chimney Sweep

Michael Taylor

Karen Morris, Karen Horak

Jackie Prodan

Jan Jones, Jay Murrell

Brian Kughman, Sarah Swanty Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2012

8TH ANNUAL BRAINIAC BOWL October 20 :: Marriott :: Fort Collins More than 275 scientists, historians and trivia buffs eager to display their knowledge and talent competed for the coveted “Brainiac Bowl Glowing Brain Trophy” at this lively, one-of-a-kind event. The highly competitive trivia challenge tested 31 teams on questions in science, technology and more, and included a costume contest, fun prize packages and a chance to meet Channel 7’s magnetic meteorologist, Mike Nelson, who emceed the evening. The spirited event helped to raise more than $20,000 to support the new Fort Collins Museum of Discovery and their mission to create meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to learn, reflect and have fun through hands-on and collections based experiences in science and culture. Team photos courtesy of Dave Dahms.

First Place Winners – Clay’s Ace Hardware Aces team Kneeling is Hannah Buderus, Mike Nelson, Mary Edwards Standing is Rand Parker, Jim Norrgard, Tony Buderus, Mike Buderus, Larry Edwards

Costume Team Winners – Advanced Energy Knights of the Periodic Table team Seated is Mike Nelson (Scottish 7 News Weatherman) Standing is Jamie Dengerud (Coconut clacking Patsy II), Steve Hansen (Sir Bedevere), Anessa Shively (The Witch), Craig Linn (Black Knight), Ray Arent (Sir Lancelot), Megan Arent (Guinevere), Frank Heine (Sir Galahad), Mary Heine (Zoot), Alicia Vitale (Dingo, Zoot’s mischievous twin), Bill Shively (Coconut clacking Patsy I)

Cindy & Mike Nelson

Cheryl Donaldson, Jason Wolvington, Annette Geiselman

Second Place Winners – HP Nerd Herd team Kneeling is Min Fan, Mike Nelson, Eileen Heath Standing is Scot Heath, Jeannie Pearson, Ben Ward, Heather Volesky, Roger Pearson, Kathy Babb, Joe Volesky, Sam Babb Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

1 2 T H A N N U A L C E L E B R AT E L I F E I N T H E P I N K - H O P E L I V E S ! G A L A October 20 :: Marriott :: Fort Collins Nearly 575 guests enjoyed a magical evening at the signature Hope Lives! Gala. Exquisite butterflies graced the ballroom and complemented the elegantly decorated tables, setting the theme for the night. The full evening included a gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, and the inspirational fashion show of breast cancer â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;thriversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; escorted by their husbands, families or friends. Champions of Hope awards were presented to four individuals for their unrelenting commitment and outstanding professional service to women diagnosed with breast cancer and their support of Hope Lives! The event raised $125,000 for Hope Lives! The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center and their mission to support, strengthen and empower those touched by breast cancer in Northern Colorado by providing free complementary care, guidance and education. Photos courtesy of Sugar Mill Productions and Craig Vollmer Photography.

Standing: Lynn Strong, Susan Ballew, Lorrie Pentico, Valerie & Craig Miller. Seated: RaQuelle & Travis Willey, Kim Lee-Squires, Carla Styles

Julie Sather-Browne & Duncan Browne

Chet & Laryssa Reistad

Lydia Dody, Samuel Shelanski, M.D., Champion of Hope 2012 Medical Honoree . Style 2012

Lydia Dody, Dennis Sinnett, Jennifer & John Sinnett, Rosalie Sinnett, Randy & Jennifer DeMario

Standing: Catherine Doering, Sharon Herdman, Deborah Leigh Stewart, Kaye Monfort, Gayle Keen Seated: Rose Stoller, Viki Lind

Dave & Melissa Venable

Wes & Trudy Sargent

Kathleen Henry, Spiro Palmer

Chuck & Terry McNeal, Bill West

Lisa Helme, Mary Rutledge, Jenny Wilcock

Jaio Osborne, Ann Everitt

Standing: Lisa Wenske, Gina Brown, Alex Mason, Ellie Scott Seated: Tricia Heller, Miho Scott

Kris & Kris Nylander

Jennifer Ackerfield with twins Jordan & Connor

Brooke & Pete Weeks

Lydia Dody, Troy Jennings of Affordable Roofing, Melissa Venable

Erin Mounsey

Surviving and Inspiring By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer

freak accident changed Erin Mounsey’s life forever, but despite its twists and turns, this story has a happy ending. While living the dream in Durango, Colorado, a spark ignited lacquer fumes and the resulting explosion left 28-yearold Mounsey with burns over 86 percent of his body. After three months in a medically induced coma, Mounsey awoke to a reality that no one could have prepared him for, but his burns weren’t the end of this unbelievable tale. Today, Mounsey sits in his office and recounts his story with a bit of sadness mixed with humor. As executive director of the Northern Colorado American Red Cross, Mounsey is uniquely qualified to serve those in need. After all, he’s been to hell and back and has become stronger in the process. The spark that set this plot in motion was only the beginning. Both Mounsey and his girlfriend had received severe burns in the fire, and during rehab in Albuquerque they became engaged. Mounsey was moved to a rehab center in Salt Lake City better equipped to deal with his extensive burns, but as he continued to recover, his relationship began to fade. Once released from rehab, nurses still regularly visited the apartment he shared with his mother in Salt Lake City. A few months later he moved back to Durango. “It was an odd period of time because I was

still very much dependent. I couldn’t even feed myself,” says Mounsey. Time passed, and when Mounsey finally faced the facts that he would not be marrying his longtime girlfriend, things got much, much worse. He made threats and then broke into the home he had owned with his ex and stole business documents. “A lot of what caused trouble during my recovery is the expectation that everything was going to work out, but things didn’t,” he says. In addition to the break in, Mounsey’s exfiancé had filed a restraining order against him and the combination resulted in the court handing down a four year prison sentence. Mounsey was still healing from his burn wounds when he was incarcerated. Mounsey describes prison as a “blessed experienced.” It gave him the “time out” he desperately needed. He stopped self-medicating and was forced to fend for himself, and soon discovered that he could. “In prison I learned to grieve, I learned to forgive and to love myself again,” says Mounsey. While there, Mounsey discovered the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Once released, he became active in the society, and found his future wife through his involvement with the group. “For the longest time I thought the worst thing that had ever happened to anybody had happened to me,” says Mounsey. Through his affiliation with the Phoenix Society, he discovered he was mistaken. Mounsey started as a volunteer with the American Red Cross in Denver, but was soon hired as a full-time employee. He rose in the ranks and in 2007, became the director of the Northern Colorado American Red Cross, an organization that was going through a rough patch, both internally and publically. Improving the reputation of the Northern Colorado Red Cross wasn’t an easy task, but Mounsey attacked it like everything else in life: head first. Through hard work, transparency and

establishing community relationships, the boat slowly turned around. “The key part of how we’ve turned this chapter around is through relationships. Getting to know people and not trying to do it all on our own,” says Mounsey. The volunteer leadership culture in Northern Colorado is all about partnerships, and the Red Cross has become adept at working with various organizations when a disaster occurs. This was never more evident than during the Colorado wildfire season of 2012. Dozens of organizations stepped forward to help, and the Red Cross welcomed and efficiently utilized this assistance. In fact, the Colorado wildfires are now the gold standard for how the Red Cross handles disasters on a large scale. Mounsey’s office covers 12 counties and with only three paid staff members, must rely heavily on their 300 trained volunteers. Well trained volunteers are the most crucial part of the Red Cross, and without them the organization cannot fulfill its mission. Currently, the Red Cross is focused on community preparedness. Mounsey encourages the public to check out ReadyRating.com and RedCross.org, where they will find downloadable first aid and disaster apps. “A home fire, or some other disaster can be a life changing event, and helping someone get back on their feet matters to me,” says Mounsey. His journey isn’t over. Mounsey is inspired each and every day to continue doing this work because he thrives on being able to give a person hope after something terrible has happened in his or her life. Mounsey’s own story makes him exceptionally qualified for his job, and his level of empathy is unparalleled. Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a freelance writer and journalist. She is also the Mayor of HeidiTown. com, a blog about events, festivals & destination in Colorado.

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